Skip to main content (Press Enter)
  • Accessibility
  • Contact Us
  • Maps & Directions
Official logo of Olmsted County, Minnesota government, featuring stylized text and emblematic design representing the county's identity.

Engage with Olmsted County

  • Residents
    • Services for Individuals & Families
    • Elections and voting
    • Garbage & recycling
    • Land & Property
    • Licensing, Permits, & Records
    • Parks & Recreation
    • Public Safety & Law Enforcement
    • Roads & Transportation
    • Soil & Water Resources
    • Image consent form
  • Business
    • Become a County Vendor
    • Building and Planning
    • Business Licensing & Permits
    • Commercial Garbage & Recycling
    • Surveying
  • Government
    • About Olmsted County
    • Jobs & Internships
    • Boards & Commissions
    • County Departments
    • Ordinances & Codes
    • Volunteer Opportunities
    • County News & Events
  • I Want To
    • Apply
    • Pay
    • Obtain
    • Report
    • Subscribe
    • Visit
  • Maps & Directions
  • Contact Us
  • Accessibility & Translation

Groundwater protection and soil health cost-share program now open for enrollment

  • News
  • Mar 26, 2025

The Olmsted Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) has opened enrollment for the third year of its Groundwater Protection and Soil Health Program. The SWCD encourages Olmsted County farm operators to apply for this innovative cost-share program which allows farm operators to:  

  • Integrate small grains or alternative crops into their traditional cropping systems. 
  • Expand haying and grazing acres and improve existing pasture conditions. 
  • Plant cover crops. 

“By empowering farmers to be environmental stewards, we are actively working to reduce nitrate leaching, increase nitrogen retention, limit soil erosion, and safeguard Olmsted County's precious water resources,” said SWCD Manager Skip Langer. 

The program encourages growing of beneficial crops like small grains, forages, alternative crops, and grazing lands, while also supporting the integration of cover crops into conventional farming systems. By promoting diverse crop rotations and the use of cover crops, the program aims to reduce nutrient runoff into groundwater and minimize soil erosion. These practices not only improve soil health but also enhance farm sustainability and increase profitability for operators. 

“Our soil health program is an important component of Olmsted County’s commitment to environmental sustainability,” Langer said. “By participating, our local farmers can help preserve and protect our natural resources for future generations.” 

Applications will be accepted until November 26, 2025. Farm operators can apply on the soil health program webpage. 

To learn more about these programs and upcoming informational meetings, contact SWCD at 507-328-7070. 

This item appears in

  • County News

Share this page

Recent News

May 21, 2025
Olmsted County announces cannabis retailer registration lottery process
May 14, 2025
Olmsted County focus group on cannabis retail regulations – Sat., May 17, 2025
May 14, 2025
Olmsted County hosts first Mental Health Resource Fair
All news
  • Residents
  • Business
  • Government
  • I Want To
    • Apply
    • Pay
    • Obtain
    • Report
    • Subscribe
    • Visit
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIN
  • YouTube
  • nextdoor
  • Maps & Directions
  • Contact Us
  • Accessibility & Translation
  • Salary Compliance
  • Privacy Policy and Disclaimer
  • Comprehensive Civil Rights Plan
  • HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices
  • Greater Minnesota Transportation Sales and Use Tax
  • Local Option Sales and Use Tax
  • Posting on website policy

Copyright © 2025 Olmsted County, Minnesota