Our Work
Cannon River Agricultural Collaborative
The Cannon River Agricultural Collaborative (CRAC) is a collaborative network of government agencies, nonprofit organizations, businesses, and other groups working together to enhance soil and water health throughout the Cannon River watershed.
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We envision prosperous farms, healthy soils, clean water, a thriving agricultural system, and vibrant communities in the Cannon River watershed.
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Using each member organization’s strengths and abilities, the Collaborative will support farmers in implementing farming practices that improve farm profitability, regenerate the soil, and improve water quality. We will attract new farmers to increase stewardship efforts on their land by demonstrating the economic benefits of soil and water conservation practices. We will also recognize and celebrate farmers that already exemplify stewardship success and help them build community around their sustainability efforts.
IMPACTS
This collaboration helps establish relationships between regional partners, focusing on promoting conservation practices.
The goal is to increase the number of growers certified by MAWQCP, as well as the total acreage that is certified.
OUTCOMES
The Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification has identified 74 farmers in three sub-watersheds as priorities for certification.
Over 45 farmers joined us for 5 engaging webinars focused on conservation cost share.
In 2023, a field day was held in Northfield, which 70 people attended.
A self-guided tour of 9 farms focused on soil health has been completed.
WHAT’S NEXT
We plan to organize additional webinars that will specifically focus on conservation cost sharing.
We are launching an event that is based on a self-guided soil health farm tour.
Partners
Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Central Farm Supply
University of Minnesota - Extension
Funders
Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources
Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Minnesota Soil Health Coalition
Audience
Farmers, Agrobusiness, the Public
Timeline
2019 - Present
Contact
Alan Kraus, Conservation Program Manager
