Helping You Secure Funding and Build a More Sustainable Operation
Applying for government funding can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate the process alone. Centra Sota’s dedicated environmental team helps identify funding opportunities, manage paperwork, and guide projects from application through implementation.
Today, significant state and federal funding is available to help producers improve livestock facilities, modernize irrigation systems, implement conservation practices, and strengthen long-term profitability.
Patron Success Story
Working directly with Amy Robak, Centra Sota’s lead environmental specialist, local dairy producer, Pat Scapanski of Foley, MN, successfully secured an AGRI Livestock Investment Grant. The funding allowed Pat to upgrade critical infrastructure and secure vital equipment to ensure his dairy operation thrives for years to come.
Environmental Services Built Around Your Operation
Today’s producers face evolving regulations, sustainability initiatives, and funding opportunities. At Centra Sota, we cut through the red tape. We partner with you to align conservation goals with maximum on-farm profitability.
Cost-Share & Grant Writing Services
Don’t leave funding opportunities on the table. We help identify eligible programs, prepare applications, and manage compliance requirements.
- NRCS Programs (EQIP, CSP, RCPP)
- State & Local Funding (MDA and SWCD cost-share opportunities)
- MPCA Permitting & Compliance (NPDES, Interim/SDS, and County Conditional Use permits)
Irrigation Water Management
Optimize water use, improve efficiency, and protect resources.
- Irrigation Moisture Probes: Real-time data to know exactly when to water.
- Advanced Irrigation/Nitrogen Management Probes: Continuously measures conditions and uses AI-powered analysis to reveal what is happening underground so growers can make better decisions above ground.
- Irrigation Well Nitrate Testing: Protecting water quality and managing input credits.
- Irrigation Uniformity Testing: Ensuring your pivot applies water evenly across every acre.
Nutrient & Manure Management
Improve nutrient utilization while maintaining compliance.
- Manure Sampling & Calibration: Knowing the exact nutrient value of your manure.
- Variable-Rate Manure Prescriptions: Placing organic nutrients precisely where the soil needs them most.
- Feedlot Nutrient Management Plans: Utilizing animal manure outputs correctly to meet crop nutrient needs for optimum growth while protecting our water resources.
Conservation Agronomy & Soil Health
Implement practices that support long-term productivity and environmental stewardship.
- Cover Crop Selection: Custom varieties chosen for your specific crop rotation.
- Tillage Management: Expert guidance on transitioning to no-till or strip-till systems.
- Sustainability Programs & Certifications: Enrollment and management in the Minnesota Ag Water Quality Certification Program (MAWQCP), the Central Minnesota Conservation Partnership Program, Co-Ops for Conservation Program, and/or the Enhanced Efficiency Fertilizer Grant Program.
- Soil Health Testing: Make informed decisions for healthier soil and stronger yields.
Eligible Programs & Conservation Practices
Our certified team is trained to design, implement, and secure funding for a wide range of state and federal conservation programs and practices.
Conservation Planning Activities (CPA)
- CPA 102: Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plans
- CPA 116: Soil Health Management Plans
Design & Implementation Activities (DIA)
- DIA 101: CNMP Design & Implementation Activity
- DIA 157: Nutrient Management Design & Implementation
- DIA 161: Pest Management Conservation System Design
- DIA 162: Soil Health Management System Design
- DIA 163: Irrigation Water Management Design
Conservation Evaluation & Monitoring Activities (CEMA)
- CEMA 216: Soil Health Testing
- CEMA 217: Soil & Source Testing for Nutrient Management
Conservation Practices
- 328: Conservation Crop Rotation
- 329: Residue & Tillage Management, No Till
- 340: Cover Crops
- 345: Residue & Tillage Management, Reduce Tillage
- 449: Irrigation Water Management
- 590: Nutrient Management
- 595: Integrated Pest Management
- 823: Organic Management
Trusted Local Partnerships
We proudly collaborate with local Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCD), Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), and regional organizations to bring you the best local support:
- Wright County SWCD Partnership
- The Nature Conservancy
- Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA)
- Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA)
- Central Lakes College/Ag Centric
Ready to Put Available Funding to Work on Your Farm?
Whether you’re pursuing grant funding, improving irrigation efficiency, developing nutrient management plans, or implementing soil health practices, our environmental specialists can help guide the process from start to finish.