The River Friendly Farmer Program

Giving public recognition to farmers who are doing their part to protect and enhance the rivers in Minnesota.

Program Goals

How it Works

To accomplish these goals, the Minnesota Alliance for Crop Residue Management and contributing organizations have developed a farmer recognition program. Any farmer in Minnesota who satisfies the 10 criteria listed on the opposite page may be designated as River-Friendly Farmer. This designation will be accomplished by public recognition through a variety of methods, such as the issuing of a certificate at a public ceremony, the placement of a sign on the farmer's property, and other publicity yet to be determined.

How to Participate

Obtain an application form from Extension, NRCS, SWCD, or other sponsors; complete and return to them by February 1 each year.

Program Criteria

Farmers who satisfy all of the following criteria applicable to their operations may be designated River-Friendly Farmers:

  1. All crop land has 30 percent surface residue coverage after planting, as a rotation average. (Alternatively, equivalent sediment control can be provided from measures such as field windbreaks, contour farming, buffer strips, terraces, strip cropping, filter strips, and including hay in the crop rotation).
  2. Soil loss on highly erodible land (HEL) is at or below the tolerable soil loss level.
  3. Fertilizer application rates are based on soil testing, manure testing, realistic yield goals, and credits from previous legume crops and manure applications.
  4. Statewide and applicable regional best management practices for nitrogen, as recommended by the University of Minnesota, are observed.
  5. Phosphorus is banded below the surface or incorporated right after surface application.
  6. All feedlots in use are permitted by the MPCA, or in the process of being permitted, with manure storage adequate for current needs..
  7. Liquid manure is injected, or incorporated within 48 hours of surface application.
  8. Within 300 feet of surface waters, drainage ditches, tile intakes, and other areas needing special protection, manure is applied in a manner that minimizes contamination according to MPCA guidelines.
  9. Pesticides are used together with cultural pest-control practices, at no higher than labeled rates, observing guidelines for water quality protection (atrazine setback distances, for example). Containers are stored, handled, and disposed of in accordance with State and Federal law.
  10. Overall, the farm is profitable/productive as compared to surrounding farms in the region.

How to Get Involved

The River-Friendly Farmer program needs your help as a farmer, member of an organization, or as a concerned private citizen. You can help by nominating a farmer, getting a local organization involved, sponsoring activities such as tours and recognition ceremonies, or preparing publicity materials such as brochures, posters, and signs. To find out more details, contact the Minnesota Extension Service or Natural Resources Conservation Service. Locally, contact your county extension educator or district conservationist. At the state level, contact:

Tim Wagar
University of Minnesota
University Center Rochester
SE District Office
863 30th Ave SE
Rochester MN 55904
Phone (507) 280-2866
Fax (507) 280-2872

Michael Price
Natural Resources Conservation Service
375 Jackson St., Suite 600
St. Paul MN 55101
Phone (612) 290-3677
Fax (612) 290-3375

The River-Friendly Farmer Program: Sponsoring Organizations

Lead Organization:

Contributing Organizations

*The Minnesota Alliance for Crop Residue Management is a coalition of government agencies, agricultural organizations and private firms whose purpose is to promote crop resource management practices that protect soil and water while maintaining the profitability of farming.