News
Depreciation Bonus Begins Phase-Out
Contractors who correctly apply the concept of bonus depreciation have the advantage of maximizing their tax benefits while the rate is still relatively high. In 2023, the fed began a gradual phase-out of this tax provision, which allows businesses to deduct a significant portion of the cost of eligible assets in the year these assets are placed into service.
Department of Labor Encouraged by Decline in Worker Death Investigations
Fewer workers are dying from hazards where the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration has focused its enforcement resources. Preliminary agency data show a decrease in fatalities the agency is mandated to investigate, including significant reductions in fatal injuries from trench collapses and falls, two of the leading causes of death among construction industry workers.
Federal Judge Invalidates DOL’s Rule to Expand Overtime Pay
Great news for employers! A Federal Judge has struck down the U.S. Department of Labor’s overtime rule that increased the salary threshold for classifying employees as “exempt” from overtime pay requirements under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
USDA Seeks Public Input on Climate Benefits of Conservation Practice Standards
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is seeking public input by December 23, 2024, on how to improve conservation practice standards to maximize climate change mitigation and adaptation benefits, as supported by peer-reviewed scientific literature.
Please Sign Our Petition: We Want Clean Water, and Healthy Soil
Illinois’ 97 Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCD) experienced a substantial funding shortfall in the FY 2025 state budget. SWCD operations funding was reduced by $4 million from $8.5 million in FY 24 to $4.5 million in FY 25. The shortfall will lead to the loss of trained and qualified Soil and Water Conservation District employees which will take years of training to replace. Without sufficient funding, employees, much like unprotected soil, will erode away.
An Overview of the Effectiveness of Agricultural Conservation Practices for Water Quality Improvement
This article introduces a Special Collection of literature reviews documenting the performance and cost-effectiveness of six agricultural conservation practices (ACPs): conservation crop rotation, cover crop, filter strip, nutrient management, denitrifying bioreactor, and constructed wetland.
Effectiveness Overview of Agricultural Conservation Practices for Water Quality Improvement Part II
Although significant governmental investment has been provided to implement agricultural conservation practices (ACPs) for water quality improvement, eutrophication and hypoxia persist in coastal and fresh waters. A better understanding of the comparative effectiveness of ACPs is needed to improve environmental outcomes with the funding available.
Understanding Subirrigation: A Game Changer for Agriculture
When it comes to innovative farming techniques, few methods have sparked as much conversation as subirrigation. It’s been a game-changer, especially for farmers grappling with the challenges of poorly drained soils. We had the opportunity to sit down with Charlie Schafer, CEO of Agri Drain, to learn why this technique is making waves in the industry.
ADS Hosts Grand Opening Ceremony for Engineering & Technology Center in Hilliard, OH
Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc. (NYSE: WMS) (“ADS” or the “Company”), a leading provider of innovative water management solutions in the stormwater and onsite septic wastewater industries, today celebrated the opening of the $65 million ADS Engineering and Technology Center.
7 Year End Tax Saving Tips
It’s time to consider tax planning moves that will help lower your 2024 taxes, as well as set you up for tax savings in future years. Here are seven year-end tax planning ideas to consider.
busybusy Earns Spot Among Top Construction Tech Firms
At busybusy, we’re excited to announce that we’ve been named one of the Top Construction Technology Firms for 2024 by Construction Executive. This recognition is a testament to our commitment to revolutionizing the construction industry with innovative, easy-to-use tools that empower contractors to improve productivity, efficiency, and project management.
New Resource: Illinois Sustainable Ag Partnership Launches Financial Incentives Database (FIND) Tool
The Illinois Sustainable Ag Partnership recently released a new resource to connect Illinois farmers with programs offering financial incentives for conservation practices. The Financial INcentives Database, or FIND Tool, includes information for over 60 financial incentive programs available to Illinois farmers who want to implement conservation practices.
Refresher For Employers On Required Accommodations To Allow Employees Time Off Work To Vote
As the 2024 election approaches, on Tuesday, November 5th, Wessels Sherman offices in Illinois, Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin have been fielding questions about employee voting rights. Because this is governed by state law and each state’s laws differ it can be confusing, particularly for employers with employees in more than one state. This refresher will provide employers with a quick summary of their obligations to allow employees time off work to vote.
An Assessment of Farmers' Knowledge, Attitudes, & Intentions Towards Water Quality & Pollution Risk Mitigation Actions
Farmers face increasing pressure to adjust practices to reduce the risk of deterioration of water quality. This paper examines the potential of a voluntary, confidential, bespoke farm advisory initiative to support water quality improvement efforts.
Cat, Trimble Extend Deal to Offer Machine Grade Control
“The renewed agreement will increase industry reach and provide customers broader availability of interoperable grade control solutions via a flexible platform for use by Caterpillar, Trimble and other technology providers and equipment manufacturers,” the companies say.
Research: Impact of Nitrogen on Tile Drained Fields
Midwestern soils are among the most productive in the world, thanks in part to extensive tile drainage systems that remove excess water from crop fields. But water isn’t the only thing flowing through tile drains.
New Law Course Now Available Online
JULIE has created 10 new law modules covering some of the key areas changing in the Illinois Underground Utility Facilities Damage Prevention Act (the JULIE Law) starting January 1, 2025. These modules are part of the on-going educational efforts about the new law and are offered at no cost. Each is approximately 10 minutes in length covering areas such as pre-marking, notification timelines, positive response and more.
USDA Invests $1.5 Billion in 92 Partnership Projects, including in Illinois
RCPP is a partner-driven approach to conservation that funds solutions to natural resource challenges on agricultural land. Partners will provide $968 million in contributions to increase the impact of the federal investment.
Illinois will get $18,960,000 in funding. Selected RCPP projects, including those in Illinois, will "help farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners adopt and expand voluntary, locally led conservation strategies to enhance natural resources while tackling the climate crisis."
3 Sustainable Construction Equipment Trends for 2025
As sustainability increasingly becomes a core principle in construction, companies are looking for solutions to reduce their carbon footprint while maintaining efficiency. Construction equipment is at the forefront of this transformation. Several trends will help reshape the industry as we move into 2025.
Mechanisms Underlying Episodic Nitrate & Phosphorus Leaching from Poorly Drained Agricultural Soils
Poorly drained depressions within tile-drained croplands can have disproportionate environmental and agronomic impacts, but mechanisms controlling nutrient leaching remain poorly understood. We monitored nitrate and soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP) leaching using zero-tension soil lysimeters across a depression to upland gradient over 2 years in a corn–soybean (Zea mays L.–Glycine max [L.] Merr.) field in Iowa.
Top Tips for Avoiding Work Zone Safety Missteps
Safety in construction work zones is essential to keep everyone safe—workers, motorists, and the public. Unfortunately, safety violations happen all too often, leading to injuries, fatalities, project delays and extra spending. The good news? You can prevent these incidents and safeguard your bottom line by putting a strong traffic control plan in place.
Drought and Drainage
As you get busy with the harvest season, year 2024 is likely to go down in your books as one of the most challenging growing seasons. The 2024 planting season started off with some wet weather early April, followed by warm weather for about two weeks before some rain interruptions in first week of May.
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Cultivating Connections on Ag Day at the Illinois State Fair
More than 60 agriculture and conservation professionals, gathered on Ag Day at the Illinois State Fair to connect, collaborate, and learn from one another and leave with new tools to carry out continued work in support of sustainability throughout Illinois agriculture.
Congress Fails to Extend Farm Bill.. Now What?
With no new farm bill in place after the 2018 farm bill deadline, there are already impacts on U.S. farmers and ranchers. Sam Kieffer, vice president of public policy for the American Farm Bureau Federation, outlined some of the programs that went away.
Illinois Employers – Start Getting Ready for More Laws
After the flurry of new laws and ordinances that bombarded Illinois employers in 2024, our clients had hoped for a respite to get their feet back under them. Unfortunately, 2025 is gearing up to continue changing the rules further. This article will highlight briefly some upcoming changes in the law that employers need to prepare themselves to address.
Refresher For Employers On Required Accommodations To Allow Employees Time Off Work To Vote
As the 2024 election approaches, on Tuesday, November 5th, Wessels Sherman offices in Illinois, Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin have been fielding questions about employee voting rights. Because this is governed by state law and each state’s laws differ it can be confusing, particularly for employers with employees in more than one state.
Today's Security Tech Helps Contractors Combat Jobsite Theft
Construction theft is not new, but criminals are getting bolder in their efforts to make a buck on anything they can grab quickly at a job site, from the rig itself to the fuel and parts inside it.
The pain of dealing with the theft is obvious, but other issues come into play, including damaged equipment leading to missed deadlines, increased insurance premiums and profits lost on a project.
One Oregon excavation contractor felt the burn this summer over two days of theft and destruction.
Strict Safety Rules on Jobsites Reduce Liability Risks
The construction industry is predicted to continue to face exponential growth while also experiencing a severe labor shortage of more than half a million workers, leading to the highest rate of open positions ever recorded. Those who are filling these open construction positions are often new entrants into the construction industry with no experience or safety training. This inflates risk and increases loss prevention challenges.
50 Years of Protecting Workers from Retaliation
Five decades ago, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration was not only granted authority to protect employees when workplaces don’t follow its regulations. But the agency also helps employees recoup losses after their employers turn against them in retaliation for exercising their rights under various laws.
When is Employer-Paid Life Insurance Taxable?
If the fringe benefits of your job include employer-paid group term life insurance, a portion of the premiums for the coverage may be taxable. And that could result in undesirable income tax consequences for you.
McKee Accepts Entrepreneurial Spirit Award on Behalf of Purple Wave Auction
Aaron McKee accepted the Entrepreneurial Spirit award on behalf of Purple Wave Auction, recognized for its innovative approach to online equipment auctions. Purple Wave was lauded by the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce for its community impact and commitment to providing a reliable platform for buyers and sellers.
Water Quality Research is 'Team Sport': Partnerships with Private Sector Help Get Ideas on the Ground
Water quality researchers usually get the credit for their ideas and the grants they secure to study the ideas’ potential. Less likely to be acknowledged are those who help take the ideas from paper to practice. “So much of our research depends on working closely not only with state and federal agencies, but also with private sector engineers and contractors to help get ideas on the ground,” says Bill Crumpton, professor of ecology, evolution and organismal biology at Iowa State University, a well-known scientist who studies wetlands and water quality.
Stay Safe & Organized with BusyBusy's Safety Observation Feature
We’re back with an essential new feature designed to help protect your employees and keep projects running smoothly. At busybusy, we know that employee observations are one of the most effective ways to address job site hazards—if handled properly. Without a well-organized system, critical safety issues can go unreported, potentially leading to accidents and increased liability.
Tile Drainage Data Recording System Helps Reveal Excess Water Removal
When Jim Pallister, a farmer near Portage la Prairie, MB, shared his crop update in late July on X-Twitter, he mentioned, “Corn is tasseling, wheat keeps filling, and beans are flowering. Tile drainage finally paid off and made a big difference.”
Tile Drainage Demonstration Aims to Set Record Straight on Manitoba's Misunderstood Clay Soils
Can tile drainage unlock the potential of Manitoba’s clay soils? Dig Day puts the theory to the test.
If rumours are to be believed, what Precision Land Solutions (PLS) did on August 7 was a fool’s errand. On that day – a day they called Dig Day – they brought their heavy equipment, their staff, and gallons of fresh coffee and pastries to a field on the west side of Highway 75, where they ploughed tile-drainage pipe into heavy clay soil for free.
The 2024 Drain for the Cure is Here
Springfield Plastics is kicking off its annual Drain for the Cure fundraiser. The fundraiser supports cancer research, prevention, and treatment at Simmons Cancer Institute at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine in Springfield, Illinois, and John Stoddard Cancer Center at UnityPoint Health in Des Moines, Iowa.
The Legacy of Corn Nitrogen Fertilizer: Study Shows Lengthy Impact In Tile Drained Systems
Midwestern soils are among the most productive in the world, thanks in part to extensive tile drainage systems that remove excess water from crop fields. But water isn’t the only thing flowing through tile drains.
NRCS Announces Conservation Funding Opportunities for FY 2025
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is announcing fiscal year 2025 assistance opportunities for agricultural producers and private landowners for key conservation programs, such as the Agricultural Management Assistance (AMA) program, Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), and Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP).
Proposed Revisions to the National Handbook of Conservation Practices for the NRCS
NRCS plans to revise the CPS in the NHCP. This notice provides an overview of the planned changes and gives the public an opportunity to offer comments on the specific CPS and NRCS's proposed changes.
Contractor Fined $72K Penalty After Worker Rescued from Trench Collapse
A contractor faces proposed penalties of $72,400 from the Michigan Occupational Safety & Health Administration after a worker was seriously injured in a trench collapse.
The 37-year-old worker was in a 10-foot-deep trench placing fiber-optic line May 31 in Portage when the cave-in occurred. A five-hour operation by emergency personnel rescued the worker from the collapse, and he had serious injuries.
AGC Finds Contractors Using Multiple Hiring Tools to Grow Workforce Numbers
The construction industry is no stranger to hard work. So, when it comes to workforce shortages, instead of throwing up their hands contractors are rolling up their sleeves. Companies have gotten clever in their strategies to overcome workforce issues. Not wasting time pointing fingers at the federal government's preference for higher education over craft training, the industry instead is opting to develop a culture that invests in workers for the long haul.
Are You Aware of the Business Credits and Other Tax Benefits Available?
Some credits are available “as of right.” That is, if your business meets the specified requirements, you just need to claim the benefit on a timely filed tax return to receive it.
State and federal tax credits and exemptions are designed as incentives for businesses to engage in certain activities or invest in specific economically distressed areas. Here are a few:
Business Succession and Estate Planning Should Be Inseparable
If you’re a business owner, your company is likely your most valuable asset. To ensure it survives after you’re gone, you first need a succession plan that will provide a smooth transition of the business to one or more of your children (assuming you want to keep it in the family). In addition, you need an estate plan that effectively addresses the tax impact of transferring your ownership interests to the next generation.
Chris Schildroth Selected for His Tireless Commitment to Pipeline Safety
Chris Schildroth, Public Awareness Specialist for Ameren Illinois, was chosen as the 2024 recipient of the Gina Meehan-Taylor Damage Prevention Advocacy Award for his dedication as an advocate of damage prevention to natural gas pipelines. Nationwide every six minutes, someone contacts an underground utility because they didn't call 8-1-1 before that first shovel or spike broke the earth.
NRCS Includes Water Management on the Updated Climate Smart Activities List
ADMC and its partners have been working diligently to provide the data needed for NRCS to include water management practices such as Drainage Water Management (Conservation Practice Standard 554), Saturated Buffers (CPS 604), and Denitrifying Bioreactors (CPS 605) on the CSAF list. That diligence is starting to pay off as Drainage Water Management, Saturated Buffer, and Wetland Restoration (CPS 657) are now eligible as CSAF practices.
Fifth Martin Equipment Dealership Earns John Deere Certified Rebuild Center Status
Martin Equipment is proud to announce its Tolono, Illinois dealership has been named a John Deere Certified Rebuild Center. This rigorous dealer certification process ensures the capability, process and execution of large, production-class model machine rebuilds are executed at the absolute highest level of quality.
EPA Identifies Controlled Drainage as Potential Mitigation Measure for Erosion
Mitigation measures identified by the EPA include subsurface tile drains with controlled drainage structures, as well as systems with permanent berms and tailwater return systems.
According to an EPA news release, the strategy “also reduces the level of mitigation needed for applicators who have already implemented measures identified in the strategy to reduce pesticide movement from treated fields into habitats through pesticide spray drift and runoff from a field.
ISAP's New Fund Finding Tool
The Illinois Sustainable Ag Partnership recently released a new resource to connect Illinois farmers with programs offering financial incentives for conservation practices. The Financial INcentives Database, or FIND Tool, includes information for over 60 financial incentive programs available to Illinois farmers who want to implement conservation practices.
How the Farm Bill Benefits Conservation Today
Most of us think of the Farm Bill—if we think of it at all—as a relic of the Dust Bowl: a 90-year-old bill providing money for farmers and guidelines for soil conservation. But it’s much more than that. It’s the “most important legislation” for conserving, managing and restoring private lands in the United States, says Jenny Conner Nelms, associate director of legislative affairs at The Nature Conservancy.
Drainage May Reduce Flooding Levels
What a year it has been! A snowless winter led to worries about drought— but then the rain came. And came. And came.
For several weeks, streams and rivers across Minnesota were at flood levels. Several stream gauge stations recorded new high flows. Weather watchers in some areas reported several months of normal rain falling in just a few days.
2024 Pipeline Awareness Newsletter Available Now
The 2024 Pipeline Awareness Newsletter has been mailed to approximately 40,000 Public Officials. Members will receive their copy within the next week. A PDF copy can be downloaded here.
USDA Requests Public Input on Implementation of SUSTAINS Act
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is asking for public input on how best to implement the SUSTAINS Act, which authorizes USDA to accept private contributions to channel through several existing USDA conservation programs. The public should submit comments to the Request for Information via the Federal Register by September 16, 2024.
Podcast: Water Management & Collaboration with Keegan Kult
Welcome to our new podcast miniseries, Focus on Drainage. In this four-episode miniseries, we speak to experts from different aspects of the agricultural drainage and water management sector to discuss evolving trends and innovation in the field of water management.
How Grass Waterways and Tile Drainage can Work Together
Grass waterways across the landscape offer promising opportunities to reduce nitrate pollution in tile drainage from agricultural land, according to ongoing research led by the University of Iowa and Iowa State University.
Linear strips of sod planted in drainageways, grass waterways slow surface water runoff to catch and reduce soil erosion. The widespread conservation practice has been popular for decades in many areas of the state and Midwest.
Gulf of Mexico 'Dead Zone' Larger than Average, Scientists Find
NOAA-supported scientists announced today that this year’s Gulf of Mexico “dead zone” — an area of low to no oxygen that can kill fish and marine life — is approximately 6,705 square miles, the 12th largest zone on record in 38 years of measurement. This figure equates to more than 4 million acres of habitat potentially unavailable to fish and bottom species, an area roughly the size of New Jersey.
What are the Benefits of Edge-of-Field Conservation Practices?
Edge-of-field conservation practices are not new. However, they are a highly effective strategy that can be used to improve water quality.
River Valley Pipe Turns 10
Illinois-based River Valley Pipe is celebrating its 10-year anniversary.
Specializing in ag drainage, River Valley has marked key milestones such as expanding its product lines (now manufacturing all standard single-wall diameters and 10 fittings), growth in its market reach and an increase to 50 employees across two locations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Illinois Paid Leave
Over the course of the year, we have received a number of questions from our clients about Illinois’ various new Paid Leave laws. In this article, we are going to present and address some of the most commonly asked questions we have been receiving.
Water Management for Reducing Phosphorus Loss
Of the various sources of phosphorus (P) entering Lake Erie, agriculture is a dominant one. While drainage is critical for crop production, it can transport P to downstream water bodies. In subsurface-drained farms, P is mainly lost from two pathways – surface runoff and drainage discharge. Surface runoff mainly moves particulate P (soil-attached P) and drainage discharge mainly moves soluble P.
Farm Bill Stuck in the Summer Political Heat
There appears to be growing unity that congressional action on reauthorization of the farm bill has little chance this year. The congressional calendar is limited with conventions and a long August recess ahead. Word out of Milwaukee at the RNC was not promising on farm bill action.
Independent Contractors: Classify Carefully
Many businesses use independent contractors to help keep their costs down and provide flexibility for short-term needs. But the question of whether a worker is an employee or an independent contractor is complex. Be careful that your independent contractors are properly classified for federal tax and employment tax purposes, because if the IRS reclassifies them as employees, it can be an expensive mistake.
Cuts to Soil & Water Conservation Districts Budgets Could Limit Assistance to Farmers
Soil and water conservation districts aren't high-profile agencies, but they fill an important niche in supporting Illinois agriculture. Major funding cuts in the new state budget may noticeably hamper those efforts.
The districts work with farmers to provide supplemental funding for expensive projects like erosion prevention, dam and reservoir maintenance and flood control.
National LICA Government Relations Committee Meets in Pittsburgh
Bruce Barnhart, contractor from Iowa and chairman of National LICA’s Government Relations Committee convened the Committee recently in Pittsburgh in conjunction with National LICA’s Summer Meeting. Bruce shared his May trip to Washington to meet with other construction and agriculture groups as part of AEM’s Ag Days on the Mall. In addition, Bruce went to Capitol Hill to meet with his congresswoman and discuss issues pending before Congress.
Popular Conservation Practices Highlight the NRCS Video Series
To assist land managers in achieving their goals and objectives, NRCS’s Conservation at Work video series introduces conservation practices featuring the farmers and landowners using them.
Farmers & Ag Professionals Cultivate Conversations on Edge-of-Field Practices
On June 25th, Illinois farmers, landowners, and agriculture professionals gathered at the Knox County Farm Bureau building in Galesburg for “Cultivating Conversations: How and Why Farmers Implement Edge-of-Field Practices.” The event was co-hosted by the Illinois Sustainable Ag Partnership (ISAP) and Illinois Extension, featuring a presentation from Catherine DeLong of Iowa State University Extension.
Five Tips for Working in Excavations, Trenches
While trenching work is necessary in laying the foundation for utilities, pipelines and other projects, they also pose significant safety risks if not managed properly.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has established guidelines and standards (OSHA 1926 Subpart P) to ensure the safety of workers involved in excavation activities. Here are five essential tips for working around excavation and trenches safely.
First Heat Protection Standards for Workers Proposed by Biden Administration
President Joe Biden’s administration unveiled its long-awaited proposal to protect workers from extreme heat at what might appear to be an appropriate time—amid a record-hot summer with millions of Americans sweltering under heat advisories.
Check it Out: LICA Water Management Forum
On June 13-14, the Land Improvement Contractors of America (LICA) hosted its first-ever Water Management Forum.
Held in collaboration with the Agricultural Drainage Management Coalition (ADMC), the Forum served as a platform to bring together contractors, farmers, government officials, the education community and other industry leaders in water management solutions. The Forum showcased equipment and solutions, with education sessions on drainage research to enhance water management practice.
The Pipe is Filling
Although not foreign to the audience of Drainage Contractor, there is a crucial yet overlooked component to production and sustainability: drainage systems.
These systems are essential for managing water levels and optimizing soil conditions. They get recognized for increasing yields and profitability but misunderstood about their potential to improve nitrogen fertilizer management, reduce N2O emissions, pesticide transport, and surface runoff.
The Pros & Cons of Full Depth Reclamation
Full-Depth Reclamation (FDR) is a sustainable and cost-effective method for rehabilitating worn-out asphalt pavements. As construction contractors face increasing demands for efficiency, environmental stewardship and budget management, understanding the advantages and limitations of FDR becomes crucial.
Is Farm Tile a Flood Factor?
Questions have been raised recently regarding the role of tile drainage in flooding. On one side of the issue, tile drainage is viewed as a major cause of flooding because the tiles accelerate subsurface water delivery to rivers. But at the same time, tile drainage is considered by some in the agricultural community as a conservation practice to reduce flooding because tiles dry out the soils and make them more receptive to rainfall infiltration.
Mark Your Calendar for NACADE 2025 in Indianapolis Next January
NACADE is where equipment and materials manufacturers, drainage contractors, farm managers, conservation experts, industry leaders, and decision makers can meet and discuss the issues and technology that matter to you and your organization's success.
Maximizing Midwest Drought Resilience Through Sustainable Solutions
Fortunately, despite warmer temperatures compared to previous years, adequate rainfall has spared Indiana and Illinois from drought conditions so far. However, the upcoming weather in July and August will determine if sufficient water is available for crops. Should conditions mimic the severe drought of 2012, having effective tools readily available to manage dry periods throughout the growing season becomes crucial.
As Illinois session Ends, Lawmakers’ Attempt to Reinstate Wetland Protections Fails
Among the bills that did not pass is a piece of legislation that sought to restore protections for wetlands stripped last year in a United States Supreme Court decision. In May 2023, federal protections for wetlands were gutted, weakening Clean Water Act protections for millions of acres of wetlands across the U.S.
Purple Wave Auction Announces New Territory Sales Manager
Purple Wave Auction is pleased to announce that Greg Ditch has joined the company as a territory sales manager.
Wind Erosion and Soils
A new Illinois NRCS factsheet has been created, Wind Erosion and Soils, that covers the factors and safety measures for wind erosion.
Living on the Edge
With growing concerns about climate change and water quality, edge-of-field practices are coming into sharper focus since they’re designed to slow, filter, and process both surface and subsurface runoff from farm fields.
“Leading at the Edge,” a report published in collaboration with The Nature Conservancy, the Meridian Institute and the Soil and Water Conservation Society, outlines some of the benefits of edge-of-field practices.
Become a Remote Ticket Entry User
Remote Ticket Entry (RTE) is a convenient way to submit your own notice of proposed excavation created specifically for professional excavators. RTE is fast and easy to use allowing you to submit your information using the same maps and tools as our call center agents. Simply complete a FREE one-hour online training to get started. Register now!
New Law Changes Coming in 2025
HB5546 was approved by the Illinois General Assembly this spring and presented to the Governor’s Office for final action. The bill includes amendatory language to the Illinois Underground Utility Facilities Damage Prevention Act to enhance public safety, minimize risks to excavators, prevent disruptions and aid in the expansion of vital public services. The new law takes effect on January 1, 2025.
Progress in Freshwater Conservation: ADS Foundation's Impactful Partnership with The Nature Conservancy
At Advanced Drainage Systems (ADS), we are passionate about safeguarding the world's most precious resource: water. In 2023, the ADS Foundation announced a three-year gift of $500,000 to The Nature Conservancy (TNC) to support critical freshwater conservation projects across the United States.
Corn in the USA
Bioreactors are seen as an increasingly important tool in agricultural water management. A new Iowa-based research project hopes to provide landowners with more options, flexibility and resources to implement those bioreactors.
As subsurface drainage – in particular, nutrient transport from subsurface drainage – is subject to increasing scrutiny for its role in downstream water quality issues, farmers have been in a tough spot. For all its potential links to adverse water quality, subsurface drainage also has an undeniably positive relationship with crop yield and quality.
New Report Shares Latest Research on Potential for Ag Drainage Water Recycling
What if Iowa farmers could collect field drainage and rainfall to supply the right amount of water at the right time for crop production – and improve water quality in the process? That dream is coming closer to reality, thanks to the emerging technology of drainage water recycling (DWR) already in practice on several Iowa farms.
Mitigating Agricultural Nitrate Losses
Reducing nitrogen losses from cropland is often a conversation filled with blame, demands and broader agendas. But if we stick to the basics, don’t we all agree that it is a good idea? For farmers, it may be solely an economic goal, striving to save money on fertilizer. Others may be concerned about drinking water or the seasonal hypoxic area in the Gulf of Mexico.
Proposing A Path Forward Despite State Cuts to SWCD Funding
Illinois’ 103rd General Assembly has finalized the FY25 budget. While many are celebrating, we on the frontlines of soil and water conservation are yet again disillusioned by a frontal attack that has landed at our doorsteps.
Neighboring Landowner BMPs
All contractors have been there: you’re working for a landowner or tenant on a project that is “land locked” between neighboring properties. It could be standing crop, limited equipment loading/unloading access, or inadequate bridge crossings. Or maybe you have access to your project site, but your project area includes work at or near the property line of a neighbor’s.
ADMC Checks the Pulse
ADMC is seeking to learn about the needs of contractors in order to enhance its own offerings as a coalition, learn where to focus and serve as a true representative body for thew water management industry and its contractors.
Department of Labor Announces Final Rule Updating the Hazard Communication Standard
The Department of Labor today announced a final rule from its Occupational Safety and Health Administration that will update the current Hazard Communication Standard to better protect workers by improving the amount and quality of information on labels and safety data sheets and allow workers and first responders to react more quickly in an emergency. The updates take effect on July 19, 2024.
Tiling to Cope with Extreme Wet Weather
Introduced to agriculture in the United States in 1838, the practice of tiling fields has become increasingly important as heavy rain events have occurred more frequently.
The frequency of extreme, single-day precipitation events remained mostly steady between 1910 and the 1980s but has risen substantially since then, with climate change as a major contributor, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
ADMC to Meet with NRCS Leadership to Provide Key Feedback on Practice Scenarios & Payment Schedules
ADMC has been granted meeting with National NRCS leadership on June 17th to provide key feedback to continue to improve conservation drainage related practice scenarios and payment schedules and to seek clarification about previous requests.
What is an End of Day Report, and Why Does it Matter?
As a manager, staying on top of your team’s daily activities, challenges, and achievements is key to making informed decisions about projects and processes. One powerful tool that can help you maintain clarity and control is the End of Day (EOD) report.
Land Manager Adds Second Woodchip Bioreactor
With an excavator, plastic and a carbon source, a section of land can be transformed into a practice that helps improve water quality and reduce nitrate loss.
On May 9, Lyle Hughart stood close by as a crew of workers dug out a 16-by-70-foot pit. The crew was preparing for the installation of a woodchip bioreactor on Hughart’s rented land in Heyworth.
Farmers Share Real-Life Experiences of Using Edge-of-Field Conservation Practices
When it comes to farming, experience is often the best teacher. This June, producers can get answers to their questions about installing edge-of-field conservation practices by connecting with farmers who have first-hand knowledge at the “Cultivating Conversations: How and Why Illinois Farmers Implement Edge-of-Field Practices” panel discussion for west-central Illinois.
Celebrating Wetlands: Nature’s Conservation Superhero
May is a wonderful time of year, full of many things to celebrate: spring finally arriving across the country, crops growing in the fields, and future Natural Resources Conservation Service employees graduating from college and high school. It’s also American Wetlands Month, a time to recognize wetlands’ conservation “superpowers” and thank our customers who have enrolled more than 2.9 million acres in NRCS wetland easement programs.
USDA Announces 28 Host Organizations to Train Future Conservation and Climate Leaders
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has selected 28 organizations to host members of USDA’s Working Lands Climate Corps (WLCC), an effort that will train the next generation of conservation and climate leaders, providing technical training and career pathway opportunities for young people and helping them deliver climate-smart agriculture solutions for farmers and ranchers.
Midwest Farmers Adapt to Increase in Climate Change - Induced Spring Rainfall
Waiting on the weather is an old story in agriculture, but as climate change drives an increase in spring rains across the Midwest, the usual anxiety around the ritual of spring planting is expected to rise along with it. In Ohio, for example, farmers have lost about five days of field work in the month of April since 1995, according to Aaron Wilson, the state’s climatologist.
How LiDAR is Evolving & Changing the Drainage Industry
Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technology is a valuable tool in the planning and design of tile drainage projects.
Contractors can use LiDAR to generate topography maps to give them an idea about the shape of the land to plan a drainage system without physically driving to a field to collect data, explains Nate Cook, Cook’s AGPS LLC. This allows them to create an estimate of the drainage layout and its cost.
USDA Seeks Members for Federal Advisory Committee for Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is seeking nominations for four positions on the Federal Advisory Committee for Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production. USDA will accept nominations from May 7, 2024, to July 7, 2024. The 12-member Committee, which first convened in March 2022, is part of USDA’s efforts to increase support for urban agriculture and innovative production.
SDSU Researchers Explore Automated Controlled Drainage Systems
Wet springs, dry summers. That's been the trend in eastern South Dakota, and farmers aren't particularly thrilled. But what if early rains could be saved, and utilized, as relief for a later dry spell?
It may no longer be just wishful thinking. Researchers in South Dakota State University's Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering are investigating if an emerging technology — automated controlled drainage systems — could hold the answer.
New Report Shares Latest Research on Potential for Ag Drainage Water Recycling
What if Iowa farmers could collect field drainage and rainfall to supply the right amount of water at the right time for crop production – and improve water quality in the process? That dream is coming closer to reality, thanks to the emerging technology of drainage water recycling (DWR) already in practice on several Iowa farms.
