The money will fund a five-year conservation project focused on 20 counties across the state of Minnesota. Written By: Brainerd Dispatch | × Central Lakes College entrance. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service awarded the Minnesota Department of Agriculture and project partners, including Central Lakes College, $3.5 million to implement conservation measures on irrigated lands. The money will be awarded through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program and will fund a five-year project focused on 20 counties across the state of Minnesota. “This precision irrigation project will have a major impact on our regions in two ways: First, we will offer training and exploration sessions on this new technology including demonstrations of the technology where producers will be able to experience it,” said Keith Olander, executive director of AgCentric and Agricultural Partnerships with Minnesota State and Central Lakes College, in a news release. “Second, this grant will allow producers to access moisture sensory equipment and precision irrigation systems at a reduced rate through an application system to gain access to funds. The new precision systems will conserve water and energy. Our project leadership team is excited to launch this major project in our region!”