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Charles Mix County Irrigation Project

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Charles Mix County Irrigation Project

Conservation Implementation Strategy (CIS) Charles Mix Irrigation Project will soon be underway in Charles Mix County, SD, serving the community and improving land quality.

NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE (NRCS), Huron, South Dakota (SD), December 6, 2022 – Conservation Implementation Strategy (CIS) Charles Mix Irrigation Project will soon be underway in Charles Mix County, SD, serving the community and improving land quality. This 5-year project is one of 14 selected in Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 and federally-funded through the NRCS conservation programs in the 2018 Farm Bill. The purpose of this project is to convert existing flood irrigation along the Missouri River to a more efficient system, such as sprinkler or micro-irrigation systems.

Additionally, producers can apply to make improvements to existing irrigation, such as adding drop nozzles to a pivot. The project will be implemented by the USDA NRCS in collaboration with farmers, ranchers, and landowners. Producers within the project area (within 5 miles of the Missouri River) are eligible to apply for financial assistance. The final day to apply for consideration for this FY is January 6, 2023.

The NRCS conservation specialists and partners are coordinating these projects throughout the state. Through collectively focusing expertise and resources on the highest priority resource concerns in the highest priority areas, CIS projects can yield impressive returns.

“Flood irrigation is often inefficient as it requires more water to be applied than is used by the crop. The additional water can create runoff which moves sediment, pesticides, and nutrients into waterways or groundwater and contributes to poor water quality.” says Chelsey Beringer, NRCS District Conservationist in Charles Mix County, SD.

To apply to be a part of this project, please contact your local NRCS Service Center at www.nrcs.usda.gov/contact/find-a-service-center, or contact the Lake Andes NRCS Field Office at (605) 487-7501, Ext. 3. For more information on the CIS in SD, or if you have ideas for a project, visit www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs-initiatives/eqip-environmental-quality-incentives/south-dakota/south-dakota-conservation, or contact Jeff Vander Wilt, Assistant State Conservationist for Programs, at jeffrey.vanderwilt@usda.gov or (605) 352-1226.

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