Winona County SWCD discusses cover-crop priorities, grant timing and well-sealing program; approves 2024 audit

The Winona County Soil & Water Conservation District Joint Powers Board discussed limited cover‑crop funding, a unique 10‑year adoption timeline for an Elgin BMP list, and next steps on a Whitewater well‑sealing grant during a meeting; the board also approved its 2024 audit and routine agenda items by voice vote.

Board members and staff focused much of the discussion on how to allocate constrained cover‑crop funds. Sheila Harms, watershed coordinator, told the board that Department of Agriculture programs can provide up to $5,000 per person per year for cover crops—roughly equivalent to about 125 acres—while county staff and board members said demand exceeds available funding.

"The board has a position right now where we want to encourage first‑time applicants only," a board member said, describing a priority scheme that places returning participants lower on the priority list until all first‑time applicants have been served. Board members described pressure from cash‑crop producers operating below their cost of production and seeking assistance to pay for cover crops.

The meeting included updates on local and regional grant programs. Participants noted a separate, county‑level push for legislative support on soil‑health initiatives (a referenced $9 million request) and that state programs administered through the Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) will not reopen certain competitive grant applications until 2026, with funding likely available in 2027.

Elgin’s DWSMA (drinking‑water supply management area) drew attention because its BMP (best management practices) list—once published—will give producers up to 10 years to adopt the practices due to a longer time‑of‑travel calculation written into the rule. A staff member said that in most other DWSMAs producers are afforded three growing seasons to adopt published BMPs, but Elgin’s longer timeframe is unique in the state.

Members also discussed ongoing and planned outreach: Ross Graydon, representing the Southern Water District, announced a Soil Health and Technology Day scheduled for Monday, Sept. 8 at Ken Burgler’s farm and said he had been asked to speak. Staff described plans for small on‑farm demonstration walks, university trial plots near Elgin and field days to share results and recruit producer participation.

On the Whitewater well‑sealing grant, staff said two wells have been sealed to date and that one contracted Olmsted County well remained to be completed. Because some well‑sealing requests must be acted on more quickly than the district’s quarterly meeting schedule allows, staff recommended an amendment to extend the grant to Dec. 31, 2026, and the board agreed to advance that amendment for formal approval at its November meeting.

Financial and audit items were handled as routine business. Harms reviewed the district’s short‑term cash position for the three months ending in May and reported a one‑time accounting timing issue related to a final payment on the Whitewater drinking‑water protection grant: $16,921.75 was received for a grant that closed in 2024 but was paid after the district’s reporting period. The board discussed internal control observations made by the auditor—primarily that one staff member prepares checks and records transactions—and noted the district currently requires two signatures on checks despite being required to have only one.

The board acknowledged and formally accepted the 2024 audit, which staff said was completed and submitted to the state auditor. The board also agreed to solicit a cost estimate from the current auditor, Katie Jacobson, for the 2025 calendar year and to consider that quote at the November meeting.

Crop‑health issues and producer challenges also featured in the discussion. Several participants described widespread scouting for southern rust in corn and said timely fungicide application and variety selection are critical to reducing yield risk. Board members and staff discussed increased interest from farmers in microbial and enzyme products designed to improve nutrient availability and reduce purchased fertilizer needs.

What happens next: the board will consider a formal amendment to extend the Whitewater well‑sealing grant at its November meeting; staff will continue outreach on cover‑crop and BMP programs and coordinate with BWSR and the Minnesota Department of Agriculture on grant timelines and technical support.

Votes at a glance - Approved minutes for the May 27 meeting (motion carried by voice vote). Mover: Davis; second: Ross Graydon; outcome: approved. - Approved the meeting agenda (motion carried by voice vote); outcome: approved. - Approved consent items (motion by Ross Graydon, second by Lynn Zavo; voice vote; outcome: approved). - Approved the 2024 audit report (motion by David, second by Lynn Zavo; voice vote; outcome: approved).