Douglas County among 20 counties in five-year conservation program to help farmers “Irrigation is critical for many of our farmers, and this money will allow us to work with producers and our partners to enhance conservation measures on the land that will ultimately benefit our water resources,” said Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen. 12:22 pm, May 3, 2021 Douglas County is part of 20 counties in Minnesota that will receive money to help farmers undertake conservation measures on irrigated lands. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service is awarding the funds through the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. A total of $3.5 million is being awarded through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program and will fund a five-year project that's focused on the 20 counties in the state.