2023 Minnesota Irrigator Program
4100 220th Street W #101
Farmington, MN 55024
The Minnesota Irrigator Program is a 3-day program on the first three Wednesdays in March (March 1st, 8th, and 15th).
- Are you an irrigator concerned about matching your irrigation with crop water use?
- Are you wondering how to improve water use efficiency and reduce water costs?
The Minnesota Irrigator Program (MIP), is a great opportunity to learn more about irrigation scheduling for your soil and crops, how to incorporate nutrient management and irrigation best management practices (BMPs), how to select the right sprinkler packages for you, and special topics like drip irrigation and remote sensing. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources will talk about the well permitting process and the Soil and Water Conservation District and Natural Resource Conservation Services will talk about available funding opportunities. This is a great opportunity to learn about the available tools for irrigators.
MIP is one of the requirements to attain the Irrigation Endorsement to the Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program. If you are interested in being recognized for the great stewardship you do on your farm, this is a great program.
10.5 CEUs will also be offered, so this is a great program for crop advisors and conservation staff as well.
Breakfast and lunch are provided. Cost for the 3-day program is $75.
The following map indicates the types of waste pesticide collected for each county under waste pesticide collection agreem
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) and partner organizations are proposing to treat spongy moth (Lymantria dispar) infestations this summer at four sites in the northeastern part of the state.
Spongy moths are ranked among America’s most destructive tree pests. The insect has caused millions of dollars in damage to forests as it has spread from New England westward in recent decades. Spongy moth caterpillars can defoliate large sections of forest. This pest is found in most of Wisconsin and is now establishing itself in northeastern Minnesota.
“The spongy moth is a serious threat to our timber, nursery, and tourism industries, and the insect can be a public nuisance during major outbreaks,” said Kimberly Thielen Cremers, manager of the Plant Pest Regulatory and Mitigation Section. “We need to slow the insect’s spread into Minnesota to protect our natural resources.”
The MDA monitors for spongy moth each year, surveying for start-up infestations. When an infestation is found, the department conducts aerial treatments and targets the infestation before it can spread.
There are four proposed treatment areas covering approximately 27,000 acres in St. Louis and Carlton counties. Two areas cover parts of the cities of Duluth, Hermantown, and Proctor; these areas total approximately 9,700 acres. A third area covers Midway Township and is roughly 3,000 acres. The fourth area is in Carlton County near Holyoke and is approximately 14,000. Residents can view an interactive map on the MDA website to determine if they’re located within one of the proposed blocks.
The treatments will be conducted in mid-July, depending on insect development and weather.
Residents in proposed treatment areas are invited to two virtual informational meetings on Thursday, March 9 at 10 a.m. or 6:30 p.m. to learn more about the insect and the treatment methods. To register, go to www.mda.state.mn.us/smtreatments.
There will also be an opportunity to attend an in-person open house meeting hosted by the MDA:
Tuesday, March 7
6-8 p.m.
Duluth City Hall, Room 330
411 W 1st Street, Duluth, MN
Residents in each of the four proposed treatment areas will also be receiving a postcard with more information. Citizens can also find info on spongy moth treatments, sign-up for text or email notifications, and proposed treatment area maps at www.mda.state.mn.us/smtreatments.
Comments on any of the proposed treatments are being accepted through March 30, 2023. Comments should be submitted in writing via mail or email to:
Kimberly Thielen Cremers
Minnesota Department of Agriculture
625 Robert Street North
St. Paul, MN 55155
Kimberly.TCremers@state.mn.us
The MDA has successfully treated dozens of spongy moth infestations across eastern Minnesota from Grand Portage to the Twin Cities to Houston County. These successful treatments help postpone the full-scale invasion of spongy moth. They also save local communities and homeowners money and protect the health of the state’s urban and natural forests.
###
Media Contact
Allen Sommerfeld, MDA Communications
651-201-6185
Allen.Sommerfeld@state.mn.us