West Polk SWCD

West Polk SWCD Polk County was created in 1858. Polk County consists of 1,226,560 acres, divided into 56 townships and 19 cities and villages.

West Polk County consists of approximately 793,800 acres located in the heart of the "Red River Valley of the North", in Northwestern Minnesota with Crookston as the county seat. The West Polk SWCD includes all the land in West Polk County, both rural and urban. The District has 38 townships, 10 cities and villages. (The remaining townships, cities, and villages within Polk County comprise the are

a known as East Polk.) The District is governed by a board of five elected supervisors who serve 4-year terms, with elections held in conjunction with the State's general elections. It has no power of taxation or eminent domain. Polk County, at the discretion of the County Board of Commissioners, allocates funding to assist the District with operational expenses. West Polk County has about 685,500 tillable acres with about 1150 farm operating units. Agriculture and Ag-related businesses are the main industries. The main agricultural crops are small grains, sugar beets, edible beans, soybeans, and sunflowers. For over 50 years, Conservation Districts have worked with landowners and agencies with the conservation of our natural resources in order to protect, improve and better manage our environment. In 1957, the West Polk Soil and Water Conservation District, in developing its work plan, stated the following: "The purpose of the district is to conserve, maintain and improve the soil and water resources on all farms within the district." Today, the District’s goals primarily are the same; however, we recognize that changes in agriculture, rural development, local economics and assistance to municipalities have expanded these responsibilities.

05/31/2026
Our office will be closed on Monday, May 25th in the observation of Memorial Day.
05/22/2026

Our office will be closed on Monday, May 25th in the observation of Memorial Day.

Cover Crops = Nitrogen Savings!
05/22/2026

Cover Crops = Nitrogen Savings!

05/21/2026

The 1930's are known as the "Dust Bowl". The Red River Valley was significantly drier than normal, but most years at least a sparse crop was managed. Annual precipitation (only have Fargo data) for 1930-1939 ranged from 14" - 19", "normal" being about 24".

Except 1936 where the total precipitation for the year was 8.87".

July 1936 was the month that doomed all hope. Drought and searing heat caused a total failure of almost all crops. Swarms of grasshoppers ate what little survived.

The Farmer's Voice, of Bagley, penned an editorial that described the disaster so prevalent across the Midwest. Farms were lost, unable to make land payments or financial obligations.

Call our office at 218:281-6070 to assist you with your soil health.
05/21/2026

Call our office at 218:281-6070 to assist you with your soil health.

Farmers - tired of soil blowing all spring? Tired of dust in your eyes?
Get started using cover crops to prevent it. Plus, scavenge Nitrogen, get healthier soil, get nitrogen credits, create wildlife habitat, suppress weeds, build organic matter and more!

As of mid-May 2026, the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued multiple Blowing Dust Warnings and Advisories for the Crookston, MN area due to strong winds, high-profile vehicle hazards, and significantly reduced visibility. These events, driven by 30–50 mph gusts and dry soil, create dangerous, near-zero visibility conditions similar to ground blizzards

https://www.mnsoilhealth.org/

05/20/2026
05/20/2026
Congratulations Waubun High School from MASWCD Area 1 for placing second place!!
05/19/2026

Congratulations Waubun High School from MASWCD Area 1 for placing second place!!

Key Benefits of Cover Crops:Erosion Control: Protects soil from being carried away by wind or water.Improved Soil Health...
05/14/2026

Key Benefits of Cover Crops:

Erosion Control: Protects soil from being carried away by wind or water.
Improved Soil Health: Increases organic matter and promotes beneficial microbial activity.
Nutrient Management: Scavenges unused nutrients (like nitrogen) to prevent leaching, with legumes (e.g., clover) fixing nitrogen back into the soil.
W**d & Pest Control: Suppresses weeds by outcompeting them and disrupts pest/disease cycles.
Biodiversity & Pollinators: Provides habitat for beneficial insects and wildlife. (USDA.gov)

Pictures taken 05/14/2026

Address

528 Strander Avenue
Crookston, MN
56716

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8am - 4:30pm
Friday 8am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+12182816070

Website

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