The AgBMP Loan Program provides needed funding for local implementation of clean water practices at an extremely low cost, is unique in its structure and is not duplicated by any other source of funding.The AgBMP loan program provides 3% loans through local lenders to farmers, rural landowners, and agriculture supply businesses.
To enhance the creative arts exhibit areas in the open class and 4-H buildings. Improved lighting will better showcase locally created works in a variety of categories, including but not limited to: painting, quilting, sewing, woodworking.
Funds will also be used to create an agriculture in Minnesota program for children and host a polka band.
To restore several Dakota City building exteriors on the fairgrounds, in collaboration with Dakota City Heritage Village. These local structures that portray a 1900 era rural village include the 1867 Vermillion Presbyterian Church, the belfry of the District 96 one room school, and the 1861 frame structure that was originally built as a school and most recently used as the millinery and dressmaker’s shop.
The MDA partnered with the USDA National Agricultural Statistic Service (NASS) and University of Minnesota researchers to collect information about fertilizer use and farm management. Surveys were conducted over the phone. NASS staff are highly skilled at obtaining critical information over the phone with minimal time and burden on the producer.In 2011, the survey focused on the southeast region of Minnesota. The survey was designed to gather information about nitrogen fertilizer rates, timing of nitrogen application and use of nitrogen inhibitors.
To provide programming that tells the story of Dakota County's 160 years of settlement, Minnesota history and cultural traditions, through an entertaining tent show that combines story telling and original music. The show will be reminiscent of the 1900s era Chautauqua programs. It will be performed daily in the tent at Dakota City Heritage Village.
To upgrade and replace display cases for 4-H. The Dakota County Agricultural Society has enhanced the display capability for the 4-H program to improve viewing and safety.
The Discovery Farms program is a farmer-led effort to gather information on soil and nutrient loss on farms in different settings across Minnesota. The mission of Discovery Farms Minnesota is to gather water quality information under real-world conditions.
To enhance art activities and experiences at the Chisago County Fair. Projects will include constructing secure display cases to showcase the work of local artists, featuring bluegrass musicians, a caricature artist, and creating a hands-on mural exhibit.
Funding supports an Irrigation Specialist to develop guidance and provide education on irrigation and nitrogen best management practices (BMPs). In this position, Dr. Vasu Sharma provides direct support to irrigators on issues of irrigation scheduling and soil water monitoring. She is collaborating on the development of new irrigation scheduling tools that help irrigators manage water and nitrogen resources more precisely. These tools help reduce nitrogen leaching losses in irrigated cropping systems.
To enhance access to artistic, cultural and educational programming by building a shelter for shows and demonstrations. Programming will include cultural music, presentation on the Sioux Uprising, the Tracy Tornado, and a Lyon County Centennial Farm recognition program.
To offer a Minnesota history experience through exhibitions by the Timberworks Lumberjacks. Fairgoers will have an opportunity to learn more about logging history in Minnesota and watch demonstrations of crosscutting, log rolling, chopping, tree climbing, etc.
To add and enhance arts programming in Martin County. Funds will be used to hire art instructors to lead hands-on pottery, painting, and weaving workshops. Supplies will be provided for child and adult participants. Funds will also be used to enhance stage lighting.
To provide an environmentally educational performance to fairgoers. The Martin County Fair will welcome the band “Vocal Trash” to their stage. Vocal Trash is a band that performs using instruments constructed of recycled materials and plays songs emphasizing the importance of recycling, reusing, and upcycling through song and dance.
The Minnesota Ag Water Quality Certification Program (MAWQCP) is a voluntary opportunity for farmers and agricultural landowners to take the lead on implementing conservation practices that protect water quality. Those who implement and maintain approved conservation practices will be certified and in turn obtain regulatory certainty for a period of ten years. This program will help address concerns about changing regulatory requirements from multiple state and federal agencies.
Native to the western United States and Canada, mountain pine beetle is considered the most devastating forest insect in North America. Trees usually die as a result of infestation and an unprecedented outbreak in the west is currently decimating pine forests there. While mountain pine beetle is not presently believed to reside in Minnesota, there are risks posed by an expanding species range resulting from warming climate and the potential for accidental introduction via lumber imports from infested areas.
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has designed a Township Testing Program to determine current nitrate-nitrogen concentrations in private wells on a township scale. The MDA has identified townships throughout the state that are vulnerable to groundwater contamination (because of local geology or shallow groundwater) and have significant row crop production. These are the counties that will be prioritized for Township Testing.
