Rice, Minn. – Representative Isaac Schultz, led a successful Water Quality Legislative Tour earlier this month on the 19th. The tour brought together farmers, legislators, and conservation experts from across Minnesota to explore the future of sustainable farming and water management while emphasizing the importance of preserving Minnesota's agricultural heritage. "I grew up picking rocks and baling hay on my family's farm, just like many others in this community," said Rep. Schultz following the visit to Prairie Farms outside of Rice. "Every generation that has lived here has been involved in agriculture. We owe it to them — and to the future — to ensure that our farms can continue to thrive and be passed down for generations to come."  The tour began at Prairie Farms, where Anna Bregier, Vice President of the Irrigators Association of Minnesota, shared insights into sustainable water use practices and soil health preservation. Bregier’s farming operation underscored the need for balance between productivity and conservation, particularly in response to the Little Rock Creek conservation efforts and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Commissioner’s Order which have caused regulatory uncertainty for local farmers. Jocelyn Schlicting also spoke at Prairie Farms, providing a compelling overview of the farm’s data and analytics, demonstrating how Prairie Farms delivers an astounding 43 million meals every year through its sustainable practices. Her presentation highlighted the far-reaching positive impact of responsible farming, showing how such practices can help meet both local and global food needs. The tour continued with a visit to Little Rock Creek, where participants saw firsthand the water conservation efforts taking place. After a quick lunch at the CLC Ag and Energy Center, the group traveled to see the important work being done in soil and water management. During the bus ride to Park Rapids, Keith Olander provided an overview of farm economics, offering a broader perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing today’s farmers. The day concluded with a visit to R.D. Offutt Farms, where participants learned about regenerative agriculture and sustainable water management practices. Rep. Schultz highlighted the importance of such practices in ensuring the longevity of Minnesota’s farming communities. "When we talk about sustainability, we’re not just talking about the environment, we’re talking about the sustainability of our family farms, our rural economy, and the communities who have thrived with agriculture as the backbone of their local economy.”  Throughout the tour, Rep. Schultz, along with a bipartisan group of legislators, engaged in meaningful dialogue with local farmers about how to maintain the strength of Minnesota's agricultural economy while continuing to preserve our water resources for generations to come. "Every farm in this community has a story of hard work, sacrifice, and family," Schultz said. "As an auctioneer and someone who grew up on a farm, I’ve seen the dedication it takes to keep these operations going. We must do everything we can to support our farmers and ensure that the family farm remains the backbone of rural Minnesota." The event was made possible by the efforts of the Hubbard County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) and the Legislative Subcommittee on Minnesota Water Policy. |