The Chippewa SWCD contact information has changed. Please take note of the following:

Chippewa SWCD Main Line: 320-269-2696

Desirae Jarett, Office & Financial Coordinator

Direct Line: 320-269-2692

Ext: 2692

Email: [email protected]

Tom Sletta, District Technician

Direct Line: 320-269-2693

Ext: 2693

Email: [email protected]

Tom Warner, District Manager

Direct Line: 320-269-2694

Ext: 2694

Email: [email protected]

Zach Bothun, Technical Manager

Direct Line: 320-269-2695

Ext: 2695

Email: [email protected]

To order seed or to be added to the spring 2023 seeding schedule please contact Zach.

SWCD Offers Seed Sales & Seeding

The Chippewa County Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD) is now offering Landowners the opportunity to buy native grass seed and other cool and warm season mixes. Landowners also have the option to have seed planted by the SWCD.

Chippewa SWCD can plant warm and cool season grass plantings as well as certain wildlife food plot mixtures ranging from small seed mixes on up to large seed mixes.

Drill service includes 1 operator, tractor and drill.  The price for seeding is charged by the amount of acres planted plus mobilization fees:

• • $125 flat mobilization fee within Chippewa County (add $1.00 per mile for out of County Projects)
  • $25/acre planting fee ($100 minimum planting fee for 4 acres and less)
• If a landowner chooses to purchase seed through the SWCD, the prices will vary on seed type and quantity.

Seeding Dates:

Warm season grasses require soil temperatures of at least 50 degrees before they will germinate. This is 8 to 10 degrees warmer than the requirement for cool season grasses. Therefore, the optimal seeding time for planting warm season grasses, either alone or in combination with cool season grasses, usually occurs between mid-spring and early summer when moisture and temperature are most favorable.  May 15^th to June 30^th is the typical window for planting warm season grasses in this area.

Note: Late April through June is a busy time for the district.  The tree program is usually in full swing at the same time CRP and other grass plantings need to be planted.  Contacting the district early on to get on the list for planting is crucial.  Unfortunately there will be a limit to how many acres can be planted each spring by the district.

Seedbed Condition:

Note: It is the landowners’ responsibility to prepare a decent seedbed before planting.

A firm seedbed is very important when seeding native grasses.  The districts Truax seed drill needs a firm seedbed in order to turn the double disc openers properly which is crucial for seed planting depth.  A firm seedbed also helps conserve moisture and ensure good seed to soil contact which is critical for adequate germination and an overall successful planting.  IMPORTANT: Recently tilled ground should be packed with a coil or roller packer, or something equivalent prior to planting. The seedbed is considered firm enough when an adult’s footprint penetrates no more than 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep.  For example: untilled bean stubble works great for seeding with the Truax drill.

To order seed or get on the seeding list, please contact Zach or Tom S. at 320-269-2696.

If you are interested in ordering trees for 2022, please contact Tom Warner. Availability is based on the nursery stock.

Below is the link to the tree and shrub order form. If there is a variety not listed that you are interested in, please contact us. Please note, all bareroot trees are 18-24″ unless otherwise specified. Larger sized bareroot prices depend on nursery pricing and availability as well as quantity order. Contact staff for special orders. Special orders are sold by the bundle.

Tree & Shrub Order Form

Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program

The Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program (MAWQCP) is a voluntary opportunity for farmers and agricultural landowners to take the lead in implementing conservation practices that protect our water. Those who implement and maintain approved farm management practices will be certified and in turn obtain regulatory certainty for a period of ten years.

Through this program, certified producers receive:

• Regulatory certainty: certified producers are deemed to be in compliance with any new water quality rules or laws during the period of certification
• Recognition: certified producers may use their status to promote their business as protective of water quality
• Priority for technical assistance: producers seeking certification can obtain specially designated technical and financial assistance to implement practices that promote water quality

Through this program, the public receives:

• Assurance that certified producers are using conservation  practices to protect Minnesota’s lakes, rivers and streams

For a video about MAWQCP please click the link below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AENd95KuVyg

For more information about MAWQCP please contact Tom Warner at 320-269-2696 or email [email protected]

*Information from http://www.mda.state.mn.us/awqcprogram.aspx