A column by Minnesota Department of Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen

As the saying goes, “If you don’t like Minnesota’s weather, wait five minutes. It’ll change.”

The same could be said for farming. Science and technology have revolutionized agriculture over the past decade with high-powered drones, advanced genetics, mapping solutions, and more. Changes will likely continue at an even quicker pace. This isn’t a bad thing. And while we may wait around for better weather, we need to utilize the latest tools we have now to shape our farming operations and improve our state’s natural resources for decades to come.

For instance, we’ve seen positive outcomes when it comes to reducing nitrate loss and improving nutrient management, which is particularly important with the geology of southeast Minnesota and other parts of the state. Those outcomes are thanks in part to the Minnesota Ag Water Quality Certification Program, Root River Field to Stream Partnership, Nutrient Management Initiative, and other Minnesota Department of Agriculture programs. Active participation by farmers is critical to the success of these programs. When the ag community is involved in problem-solving at the local level through these initiatives, we can all work together to see benefits on Minnesota cropland.

Cooperation and partnerships are also key to taking the latest in agriculture and shaping our future. As an example, Minnesota’s Soil & Water Conservation Districts are important partners in delivering technical and financial assistance for conservation practices. Their staff can easily connect you with valuable resources that benefit our soil and water. Farmers are also banding together to purchase soil health equipment through programs like our Soil Health Financial Assistance Program. The soil health grants help fund new or retrofit existing equipment. A group of farmers working together through the program can ease costs and bring a regenerative ag approach to several farms at once. By reaching across the fence rows, we can come up with new ideas and opportunities that improve our natural resources and the bottom line.

Finally, we can take the latest technology and utilize outstanding programs and partnerships to make improvements right now that will have positive benefits for years to come, but it doesn’t do much good if we aren’t sharing what we do. Tell your neighbor about your success with a new conservation practice or how effective a recently implemented best management practice has decreased your inputs. Better yet, tell your non-farming friend how you’ve utilized the latest in science to improve water quality or better equip your soil to deal with heavier rains. We’re our own best advocates.

Speaking of rains, two years of drought followed by this year’s constant storms shows us how much our weather patterns can fluctuate. That’s why we need to make adjustments on the farm now to help us deal with these extremes in future. There’s too much at stake to wait for Mother Nature to change.

To learn more about the MDA’s initiatives, visit mda.state.mn.us and follow the department on X at @MNagriculture.