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The MAWQCP is a voluntary program through the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) designed to accelerate adoption of on-farm conservation practices that protect Minnesota’s lakes and rivers. Farm owners and operators who receive certification are assured that their operation meets the state’s water quality goals and standards for a period of 10 years.
In addition to farming, Russ is an Agronomy instructor at Ridgewater College in Willmar. He plans to incorporate the concepts of MAWQCP into his courses at Ridgewater and has made inquiry to have Grant Pearson, West Central MAWQCP Certification Specialist, make presentations to Peterson’s students.
Grant Pearson said Peterson understands that MAWQCP is recognizes crop production BMPs and the integration of water quality and soil health practices. “Russell is an ambassador for the efforts of SWCDs and MAWQCP with the next generation of farmers.”
The Winton Nelson farm was the first farm in Meeker County to receive Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification. Nelson was presented his certificate in late 2015 by Grant Pearson, Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program (MAWQCP) certification specialist, and Robert Schiefelbein, Meeker County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) Chairman.