First in their class: Meet the MAWQCP pioneers
First in their class: Meet the MAWQCP pioneers
When the Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program (MAWQCP) launched as a pilot program in 2014, an intrepid, conservation-minded farming operation had to be the first to enroll.
Jared and Jerry Nordick’s family farm in Wilkin County in the Red River Valley checked every box: passionate about soil health and water quality, flexible in adopting new techniques, including buffer strips, and eager to engage with stakeholders.
“I want to be open and transparent as a farmer to what I’m doing on my farm,” Jared Nordick said. “I would rather try to be proactive than reactive.”
The Nordicks’ passion for conservation led to their operation being the first to enroll in the MAWQCP, a one-of-a-kind program that has grown into the national model for how to run a voluntary, farmer-focused soil health initiative that rewards farmers for implementing conservation practices. The Nordicks’ county Soil & Water Conservation District specifically sought out their family operation to enroll.
“They saw what we were doing, and said, ‘I think you guys would just be slam dunk, be able to take this and run with it right away.’” Jared recalled. “But it’s not about being the first – it’s about pride in what we do in agriculture.”
Jared, who now sits on the Wilkin County Soil & Conservation District board, credits his father for instilling a commitment to soil health and water quality.
“My dad is a conservationist and was doing buffer strips before they were even talked about,” Jared said. “Not every ditch needs a buffer strip, but they’re a great site-specific, source-specific tool.”
Nordick said he hopes his early promotion of MAWQCP alleviated initial reluctance farmers may have had about participating in a voluntary program that’s protecting Minnesota’s water resources.
Jared Nordick, pictured here with his sons Brody (left) and Levi (right), is
teaching the next generation the benefits of protecting soil health.
“I think so many people thought that you were opening up a can of worms to your farm to show them what you were doing, and if there was something wrong, you were going to get chastised for it, or you were going to get a penalty,” Nordick said. “But farmers still need to learn, and we need to be open-minded and we’re thinking into the future for my kids or my grandkids. It’s not about today nor tomorrow, it’s the future of the American farm families also.”
Since the program became available statewide in 2015, Minnesota farmers continue to follow in the Nordicks’ footsteps. As of early 2026, 1,739 farms totaling over 1.24 million acres have been certified across Minnesota. Farms have added nearly 7,900 new conservation practices. Those new practices are reducing greenhouse gas emissions by nearly 55,000 metric tons each year and have kept more than 57,000 tons of sediment out of Minnesota rivers while saving 170,000 tons of soil and 73,000 pounds of phosphorous on farms each year. The conservation practices have also reduced nitrogen loss by up to 49%.
Studies also continue to show that MAWQCP-enrolled farmers report higher profitability.
“As a farmer, we need economics and stewardship together,” Nordick said, “and we’re doing stewardship and still learning and still trying and using all the resource tools available to improve the economic side. We’re all trying to stay in business for the next year.”
MAWQCP, which is supported by the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association, connects farmers with local conservation district experts to identify and mitigate any risks their farm poses to water quality on a field-by-field basis. Once certified, each farm is considered in compliance with new water quality laws and regulations for 10 years.
In fall 2025, Nordick was among the first group to reapply for certification.
“Being in regulatory compliance is like buying an insurance policy, so if something does change, we can start working with those folks,” Nordick said. “Reenrolling was short and sweet, to the point. … It’s kind of like an ongoing research project.”
Certified farmers also receive a MAWQCP sign, along with other benefits including financial assistance programs.
“The agriculture organizations and MDA have believed in this program by working together to secure the funding that comes out of the Legislature to support agriculture,” said Nordick, who’s testified on behalf of MAWQCP at the Capitol. “Getting involved is the biggest thing.”
Farmers and landowners interested in becoming water quality certified can contact their local Soil & Water Conservation District or visit MyLandMyLegacy.com to enroll.
