Sibley Soil and Water Conservation District

Sibley Soil and Water Conservation District The Sibley Soil and Water Conservation District exists to promote soil and water conservation There are approximately 1,200 farms in the Sibley District.

The Sibley Soil and Water Conservation District was chartered on February 11, 1952 and includes all of Sibley County. The total acreage is approximately 384,058 acres with 307,600 acres of cropland. Average farm size is 352 acres. The Sibley Soil and Water Conservation District is located in one of the richest agricultural regions in Minnesota. Today, Federal, State and local transportation routes

and the Minnesota Valley Rail Authority serve the county. Five hundred sixty miles of public ditches and thousands of miles of private drainage tile have been installed to make the land suitable for profitable crop production. Corn and soybeans are the principal cash crops. Sweet corn, green peas and sugar beets are other important crops. Dairying, hogs, beef and poultry are presently important animal products of Sibley County. Soil erosion, water quality, drainage, and soil management are the primary conservation objectives of the District. The past conversion of woodlands, prairie and wetlands to agricultural uses, and the shift from livestock based agriculture to intensive row crop production, has changed the landscape dramatically. This change has occurred in less than 150 years. With wise use and management, these resources could become sustainable indefinitely. The District began its 57th year of conservation planning and implementation in 2009. In the first half of our history, the design of drainage systems to reclaim "wet-lands" was a primary function of the District, in addition to the more traditional practices, such as terraces and waterways. A tree program was initiated in 1973, providing woody plant materials and windbreak plans for the farmstead and wildlife habitat. Over the years, animal waste management systems became popular. With the advent of land retirement programs, restoration of threatened ecosystems, such as prairies and wetlands were added to the list. New easement options are in the works to address biodiversity and bio-fuels. In recent years, more attention has been given to water quality. However, the District favors a return to its traditional emphasis on land treatment practices, both cultural and constructed. These proven practices have always had a positive effect on water quality. Crop residue and nutrient management systems are being promoted to improve both soil and water quality. From the start, Sibley Soil and Water Conservation District has been committed to the wise use of our soil and water resources. With the help of willing cooperators, we hope to continue this legacy.

It might not seem like it, but spring is right around the corner! This time of year is a great time to stop in or call o...
03/02/2023

It might not seem like it, but spring is right around the corner! This time of year is a great time to stop in or call our office to discuss potential projects or erosion concerns on your property.

Congrats Ellyn! 💪🌱🌽🚜
02/15/2023

Congrats Ellyn! 💪🌱🌽🚜

Ellyn Oelfke grows corn and soybeans with her husband, Jacob, and her in-laws on their family farm in Glencoe.

Our friends at Renville SWCD and the Hawk Creek Watershed Project are hosting a great meeting on the business of soil he...
02/09/2023

Our friends at Renville SWCD and the Hawk Creek Watershed Project are hosting a great meeting on the business of soil health! Check out the details below! 🌱🌎🚜

It's ! Wetlands provide many benefits, including water quality, flood prevention and wildlife habitat.
02/02/2023

It's !

Wetlands provide many benefits, including water quality, flood prevention and wildlife habitat.

01/17/2023

Applications are now open for the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s (MDA) new Soil Health Financial Assistance Pilot Program soil health equipment grants. Learn more at: https://www.mda.state.mn.us/soil-health-grant

01/09/2023
01/09/2023

Banquet hosted by: Sibley County (MN) - Sat, Feb 11, 2023 - Arlington, MN - online ticket sales

Check out the Sibley SWCD winter newsletter! 😎
01/05/2023

Check out the Sibley SWCD winter newsletter! 😎

Congratulations to the Friends of High Island - Sibley SWCD's nomination for the 2022 Outstanding Conservationist of the...
12/27/2022

Congratulations to the Friends of High Island - Sibley SWCD's nomination for the 2022 Outstanding Conservationist of the Year at the 2022 MASWCD Annual Convention!

Please help us decide the winner for our cookie decorating contest! Place your vote for your favorite cookie number in ...
12/21/2022

Please help us decide the winner for our cookie decorating contest! Place your vote for your favorite cookie number in the messages below! Happy Holidays from Sibley SWCD and USDA!

12/21/2022

DEADLINE REMINDER: Jan. 18 is the deadline for Minnesotans to apply for a Lawns to Legumes grant, which will reimburse up to $350 in costs related to establishing new pollinator habitat in their yards. The program aims to increase habitat for at-risk pollinators in residential settings. News release: https://bwsr.state.mn.us/node/9131
Blue Thumb - Planting for Clean Water Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program

Goldfish and koi are regulated invasive species in Minnesota, which means it is legal to possess, sell, buy, and transpo...
12/19/2022

Goldfish and koi are regulated invasive species in Minnesota, which means it is legal to possess, sell, buy, and transport, but it is illegal to release them into the environment. You may not use goldfish as fishing bait in Minnesota.

How well do you really know your pet goldfish? Its relatives? Its biology? Its ability to survive in the wild? Its hopes and dreams?

While we can't answer that last question, we do have some need-to-know goldfish info on our latest episode of "Fish of the Week! (yes we have a !): https://www.fws.gov/fish-of-the-week-podcast. It's time to learn about a fish so common that many of us don't give it much thought.

A goldfish caught in Canada. 📷 Courtesy Christine Boston/Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada

Address

112 5th Street
Ga***rd, MN
55334

Opening Hours

Monday 7am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 7am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 7am - 4:30pm
Thursday 7am - 4:30pm
Friday 7am - 3:30pm

Telephone

+15077027077

Website

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