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Are Nutrient Management Plans Working? Here’s What the Latest Water Quality Data Shows
As a sixth-generation farmer, Jeff O’Connor has seen his family farm change through the generations. The one common thread is a love of taking care of the land.
Trench Rescue & What to Expect from Your Local Fire Department
It is important to understand that for your local fire department or rescue squad, trench rescue is a low frequency/high risk event. Fire departments across the country can have rescuers trained to an awareness level, operations level, or technician level.
Legacy Phosphorus Sources Dominate P Losses from Tile Drains
Tile drainage is an important pathway for agricultural P losses in Ohio and Indiana, but little is known about the relative importance of newly applied P fertilizers and old soil P (aka legacy P) to tile drainage losses. Understanding these sources could help direct efforts to reduce P loss, for instance 4R fertilizer management practices will primarily reduce new P losses, while old P losses may require edge-of-field practices and/or drawdown of soil P.
Seriously, Call Before You Dig
National Safe Digging Month serves as a reminder that digging without locating utility lines results in injuries, loss of life and property damage every year.
Secretary Rollins Names NRCS Chief
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced the appointment of Audrey Bettencourt to lead the department’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Bettencourt is a third-generation California farmer and most recently served as the Global Director of Government Relations and External Affairs at Netafim, an international company specializing in irrigation technology.
7 Data Sources That Cut Project Costs and Time
Every project, no matter how big or small, is a race against time. The longer it takes, the less profitable it is. And while shortcuts can save time, they can also lead to accidents. Striking the right balance between efficiency, productivity, profitability and ensuring worker safety is always the goal but recent data shows construction projects are exceeding budgets.
OSHA's Focus Four Training Program
The four most common causes of worker fatalitiesin the construction industry are falls, being caught in or between machinery or equipment, being struck by objects, and electrocution. That is why we created a set of training resources to teach workers how to stay safe from these hazards.
Truck Driver Pinned, Crushed Between Backing Dozer and Truck
He was standing near the back of the truck when the dozer was being backed up. The dozer operator did not see the truck or driver. The truck driver was crushed between the dozer and the truck and pronounced dead at the scene, according to the patrol.
Are Nutrient Management Plans Working? Here’s What the Latest Water Quality Data Shows
Bringing science to actionable and practical insights to reduce nutrient runoff has been the task of a multi-state effort, developed in response to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) 2008 Gulf Hypoxia Action Plan.
Personal Reflections for World Water Day
Water shapes lives, communities, and the world we share. For World Water Day, hear directly from our team members about what water means to them and why protecting it matters. Watch the video to see their perspectives and let their words remind us that water management is essential, today and every day.
Constructed Wetlands for Water Quality: Insights and farmer perspectives
In agriculture, wetlands can be a powerful tool used to intercept tile drainage, reducing nutrient loss for water quality improvement. An edge-of-field practice included in the Illinois Nutrient Loss Strategy (NLRS) suite of agricultural conservation practices. Wetlands, constructed or restored, have benefits for water quality and wildlife.
Describing Drainage Intensity and Drainage Coefficient
Learn about Drainage Intensity and Drainage Coefficient with a simple example. Learn how the main pipe should be sized for best drainage performance.
Transformingdrainage.org Conservation Drainage Tools
The TRANSFORMINGDRAINAGE.org project has developed a suite of tools aimed at improving water management in agricultural landscapes.
NACD Report Highlights Impacts of Funding Cuts
The National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) has released a report about the impacts of recent Executive Orders and funding freezes on America’s locally led conservation delivery system, including conservation districts and the producers and communities they serve. The report was informed by a survey the association distributed to conservation districts last month, which received over 350 responses from across 45 states and territories.
Data Shows 70% Decline in Trench-Related Worker Fatalities
Common Ground Alliance (CGA) applauded the recent decline in trench-related fatalities highlighted by OSHA's preliminary data. This steep 70% decrease since 2022 shows the effectiveness of focused safety partnerships, including CGA's participation in OSHA's Safe Trenching and Excavation Operations Alliance, which emphasizes outreach, education and training.
Administration Initiates WOTUS Definition Reform
The seemingly never ending battle to bring reasonable rules to the definition of “Waters of the United States” (WOTUS) took a positive turn when EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announced that the agency had worked with the Army Corps of Engineers on new guidance clarifying the WOTUS definition to comport with the U.S. Supreme Court’s Sackett decision.
Feather Prairie Farm: Conservation for Wildlife & Ag Resilience
Previously, ISAP offered a training on how conservation drainage practices –saturated buffers, bioreactors, controlled drainage, and constructed wetlands– can reduce pollution. We reached out to some of those trainees to learn how this training has been a benefit to them. One student was Wes Lehman, a conservation specialist and sales representative for Springfield Plastics, Inc. Wes his wife, Andie, also operate Feather Prairie Farm near Dwight, IL.
Springfield Plastics Welcomes Agri-Tile Inc. into Trusted Tiling Partner Program
Awarded to companies celebrating their business anniversary, this program highlights the quality and dedication to the work done in the agricultural tiling industry.
“We have been working with Agri-Tile since 2010 and are excited to make this company a member of our Trusted Tiling Partner program,” said Jennifer Furkin, Vice President of Springfield Plastics. “Springfield Plastics’ success is thanks in part to our customers and the pride that they take in delivering the best tile drainage systems in the country. We are excited to recognize Agri-Tile and Joel Sandeno and appreciate our strong, long-term business relationship.”
How Dashcams Are Enhancing Safety and Protecting Fleets From Fraud
Let's face it — we live in a world where everything is prone to going viral. A recent epidemic that has taken the Internet and social media platforms by storm is auto insurance fraud attempts, thanks to the rapid adoption of dashcams. Dashcams have become essential for businesses reliant on vehicles and heavy equipment. They offer protection against a nefarious trend—staged accidents that exploit commercial fleets for financial gain.
Legacy Phosphorus: The Enduring Hidden Driver of Tile Drainage Loss
Lake Erie continues to have algal blooms in the summer because of excess phosphorus. There are various sources of phosphorus (P) entering Lake Erie, but agriculture is a dominant source. Recent research highlights the dominant role of legacy phosphorus (P) and the need for innovative solutions to protect water quality.
Get Educated on 4 Key OSHA Updates
Staying updated on the latest OSHA guidelines is crucial for maintaining safety on your job sites.
Recent developments have introduced new standards and proposals aimed at enhancing worker protection. Here’s an overview of four key updates and their implications:
Spring is Coming. How Do Controlled Drainage Systems Stack Up?
With springtime coming, that means things will likely be wet – whether that’s from snow melting, some April showers or both. As such, Vinayak Shedekar, assistant professor in agricultural water management at The Ohio State University – and an educator whose work in the field of controlled drainage has helped influence understanding and adoption – has created references on how to manage controlled drainage systems in the fall and spring.
Henry County Farmer Installs Woodchip Bioreactors to Maximize Conservation
“Conservation has always been a part of what my family’s done, so that’s kind of always been part of my DNA,” shares Brian Corkill who grows corn and soybeans on 1,000 acres near Galva, Illinois.
Brian’s family moved away from the moldboard plow in the late 1970s and began no-tilling in the early eighties. “So now I’m trying to take it to the next level as I take over the farm and am the primary decision maker for the farming operation.”
NACD Applauds Confirmation of Brooke Rollins as Secretary of Agriculture
The National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) applauds Brooke Rollins’ confirmation to serve as Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Secretary Rollins will lead USDA’s broad mandate to support American producers, communities, food safety and security, working lands conservation, and more.
Last month, NACD joined hundreds of agriculture and conservation organizations in sending a letter to the leaders of the Senate Agriculture Committee supporting Brooke Rollins’ nomination. The Committee advanced her nomination by a unanimous vote and the full Senate approved her confirmation by vote of 72-28.
This Illinois High School Won’t Give Up on its Heavy-Equipment Education
“One part of me was so happy to see so much of the equipment that was there when I was there,” he says. “And another part of me was so sad and heartbroken that that same equipment was still there.”
That sent Schmid on a mission, which has resulted in capturing hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of equipment and helped breathe new life into a program that now has a waiting list of students.
A Practitioner's Guide to Advancing Conservation Drainage Practices
Join the Illinois Sustainable Ag Partnership (ISAP) and a cadre of experienced drainage engineers and technical service providers for A Practitioner's Guide to Advancing Conservation Drainage Practices.
ISAP Partners Install Automated Water Control Structure in Tazewell County
In July 2024, David Spengler and Kent Bohnhoff installed an automated water control structure on S&G Farms in Tazewell County with support from the Illinois Sustainable Ag Partnership, Fishers & Farmers Partnership*, and the One Good Idea Grant.
Drainage Water Management, Woodchip Bioreactor, & Saturated Riparian Buffer as Stacked Conservation Practices
Stacking edge-of-field practices may improve nutrient removal from crops. To examine the effects of stacking edge-of-field conservation practices, a woodchip bioreactor (WBR) and saturated riparian buffer (SRB) were installed in series by intercepting tile flow from a field having a drainage water management system.
ESFI Finds 150 Annual Electrical Deaths in the Workplace
Daniel Majano, ESFI’s program director, said: “Over 74% of the workplace electrical fatalities that occurred between 2011 and 2023 were in nonelectrical occupations that may have not received electrical safety training.”
Updated Guide to Robust Depreciation Write-offs for Your Business
Tax-saving benefits are generally available when your business puts newly acquired qualifying assets into service. Under Section 179 of the tax code, companies can take substantial depreciation deductions, subject to various limits adjusted annually for inflation.
AFT’s Soil Health Training is Creating a Network of Conservation Leaders
American Farmland Trust's Advanced Soil Health Training (ASHT) is empowering and educating farmers and agricultural advisors using practical knowledge and hands-on experience in soil health practices.
The training combines classroom presentations and on-site field visits where participants explore topics such as soil health indicators, intentional land management, advanced cover crop strategies, and effective communication strategies within their networks.
North American Drainage Conference 2025
The North American Drainage Conference is a virtual education conference where drainage contractors hear from top experts in the field, including contractors. Back for our second year on March 4, 2025, discussions will focus on diversifying knowledge of drainage, water management and soils.
LICA Update: Managing Water in Clay Soils
This past August, LICO partnered with Haldimand Soil & Crop Improvement Association to host a Drainage Day for Haldimand County farmers near Fisherville, ON. The event drew more than 100 famers to Aaron McQueen’s AA Crop Company’s shop and they rotated in groups to hear about precision soil mapping from Dan Breckon (Woodrill’s GroundWork) and regulations from LICO’s Sid VanderVeen, get in the soil pit with OMAFA’s Jim Warren and LICO’s Peter Johnson, and see several erosion control berms and swales with host Aaron McQueen and OMAFA’s Kevin McKague.
Springfield Plastics Donates over $1 Million to Illinois & Iowa Cancer Centers since 2014
“Each October our team members, customers, and communities truly come together to support the life-changing work performed at Simmons Cancer Institute and John Stoddard Cancer Center through Drain for the Cure,” said Steve Baker, Springfield Plastics President. “We have this fundraiser every year in honor of our family, friends, employees, and partners who are fighting their own battles with cancer as well as those we have lost to this terrible disease.”
Advanced Drainage Systems Hosts Groundbreaking for $30 Million World-Class Recycling Facility Expansion in Georgia
Advanced Drainage Systems, a leading provider of innovative water management solutions in the stormwater and onsite septic wastewater industries, announced the groundbreaking of a significant expansion to its recycling facility in Cordele, Georgia. This investment will enhance ADS’ ability to provide high quality recycled material to our factories in the Southeast.
Strategies for Preventing Utility Damage
Preventing utility damage can be challenging, especially if you don’t have a comprehensive file showing what you are doing. In today’s utility damage prevention landscape, capturing and documenting best practices is crucial for all stakeholders. Here’s a detailed guide to ensure you have all the necessary documentation to prevent damage and associated claims effectively.
Constructed Wetlands for Water Quality: Perceptions in Today's Society
Wetlands are some of the most vital yet understood ecosystems, often portrayed in films as eerie, dangerous places rather than the biodiverse habitats they are. Why is that? The University of Illinois is working on understanding wetland perceptions, their ecological importance, and efforts to improve public understanding while also providing educational opportunities.
OSHA Revises PPE Standard for Construction Industry
On Dec. 11, 2024, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced that OSHA finalized a revision to the personal protective equipment (PPE) standard for construction. The final rule explicitly requires the PPE to properly fit any construction worker who needs it to improve protection from hazardous conditions.
More an Art than a Science
Terraced drainage (terraces) has long been recognized as an effective way to reduce runoff and soil erosion. Terraces block the downward flow at key intervals, which reduces surface water velocity and, thus, erosion. In its purest form, it has been used in Asia for as long as 2,300 years.
Illinois EQIP 2025 Application Deadline Established
Illinois agricultural and forestry producers who want to address or improve natural resources are encouraged to sign up for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program or EQIP. Tammy Willis, Illinois Natural Resources Conservation Service State Conservationist, announces that Feb. 28, 2025, will be the EQIP application deadline.
What's A Bioreactor? New Video Reveals Underground Flow of Water
The Iowa Ag Water Alliance and several partners are releasing a new animated video that shows how bioreactors and saturated buffers clean tile drainage. It will be a critical tool in helping agronomists and water quality professionals promote these practices on farms.
Research: How Effective are Riparian Buffers in Cold Climate Conditions?
Subsurface farm drainage has been under scrutiny for its role in the transport of phosphorus (P) into freshwater bodies, causing water quality issues in bodies such as Lake Erie and the Gulf of Mexico. One of the common edge-of-field practices which often accompany subsurface or surface drainage is the use of riparian zones between agricultural land and waterways, which are designed to trap and treat pollutants before they enter waterways using a unique quality of local topography and quasi-natural vegetation.
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.
Illinois EQIP Funding with “Act Now”
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service Illinois State Conservationist, Tammy Willis, announces a funding opportunity for Environmental Quality Incentives Program Landscape Conservation Initiatives and Urban Ag using “Act Now” authority.
Caterpillar Kicks Off its Next 100 Years of Innovation & Industry Leadership
Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE: CAT) today marked its 100th anniversary with celebrations throughout the U.S. that commemorate a monumental moment in the company’s history. The iconic manufacturing company officially turns 100 on April 15, marking a century of customer-centric innovation and industry-leading transformation.
Identifying a Proposed Excavation Site: White Lining Versus Requesting an Onsite Meeting
Clear communication and planning are integral to any excavation. Efficiently and effectively identifying and communicating the location of the proposed excavation site is one segment of the larger excavation process. Two common methods for identifying the worksite location are white lining and requesting an onsite excavation meeting. Both methods aim to enhance project safety and efficiency.
LICA's View: Giving Back to this Beautiful Business
This morning (Sept. 26), Michelle and I left sunny Indiana to drive into the path of Helena. We’ve had plans for some time to meet with two of our sons and their respective families at a cabin in the Smoky Mountains. We were right in the path of heavy rain and wins.
Land Values Signal Seller's Market; Drainage can Effect Buyer Interest
According to the latest report by Farmers National Company (FNC), a Nebraska-based management and professional solutions provider for U.S. farms, despite various pressures on farms – lower net farm income, declining commodity markets, higher interest rates and increased input costs – land values have remained stable across the Midewest.
The New 2025 Law is Now Effective
The new 2025 Illinois Underground Utility Facilities Damage Prevention Act (JULIE law) is now in effect. Significant changes to the law impact when you should submit a locate request, required pre-marking of the job site and more.
As you begin excavation in the new year, we have resources available to assist you in adhering to the new regulations.
What You Need to Know for the Year Ahead
OSHA has been busy this last year issuing several significant updates and new rules regarding workplace safety. Employers must stay ahead of these changes to ensure compliance and foster a safer, healthier work environment for their employees. Here’s a rundown of the key updates for 2024 and beyond!
FleetWatcher Tames 'Data Overload' to Better Manage Construction Equipment
An overabundance of data from construction site equipment can hurt rather than help companies, but FleetWatcher's advanced telematics platform allows users to manage multiple apps with a single platform.
Schlatter's, Inc 2025 GPS School Registration is Open
Once again Schlatter’s Inc. will host our annual GPS School for Water Management. This event will cover nearly everything to do with PTx Trimble GPS, Technology, and Water Management. This is a 2 day event that will be offered on 2 different dates in February of 2025. Registration is at 7:30 am EST and Seminar will begin at 8:30 am EST, Meals and Snacks will be provided as well as Training Materials. Special Discounts are available to customers who have purchased GPS systems from Schlatter’s Inc.
Registration will close 7 days prior to the individual session.
Assistant Secretary for Occupational Safety and Health Doug Parker issues statement on 2023 Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries
Today’s report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics is more positive news for worker safety and health. In November, the bureau reported a 20-year low in the rate of non-fatal worker injuries and illnesses in 2023, and we are further encouraged by the news that the number and rate of fatal worker injuries also dropped in 2023.
“Buried Alive”: Worker’s Lawsuit Describes Horror of Trench Collapse
Trevor Kilgore was in a 12-foot-deep trench June 12, 2023, installing water, sewer and stormwater lines for a new home in Bondurant, Iowa, when suddenly the trench collapsed, burying him alive under a wall of clay-like dirt.
OSHA-NIOSH Small Business Checklist App
The OSHA-NIOSH Small Business Checklist App can improve safety and health in the workplace. The app is a free tool that features checklists and other workplace safety and health resources for small businesses. The app was developed by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and NIOSH and is based on the OSHA-NIOSH Small Business Safety and Health Handbook.
Eliot Clay Named New Executive Director of the Association of Illinois Soil & Water Conservation Districts
The Association of Illinois Soil & Water Conservation Districts (AISWCD) is pleased to announce the selection of Eliot Clay as its new Executive Director. Clay, a seasoned policy leader with deep expertise in agriculture, conservation and environmental issues, brings a wealth of experience to the organization.
Agriculture Runoff Damages Our Water & Kills Wildlife. Could a Simple Drainage Stopper be the Solution?
The sight of the first snow on the horizon of Bill Wiley’s 500-acre farm in Shelby County, Ohio, is a welcome relief. The 2024 growing season has been incredibly dry.
“We are about eight inches behind regular precipitation for the year,” he said.
But Wiley, who farms corn, soybeans, wheat, pumpkins and gords, has installed two inline water control structures that control the flow of drainage water from two of his fields.
Construction Worker Buried in Bondurant Trench Collapse Sues Employer for Safety Lapses
Though he was pulled alive from a trench that collapsed, burying him, Trevor Kilgore has been haunted by the memory of those terrifying moments and troubled by nightmares and insomnia because, as his medical providers note, "all he sees is dirt."
Florida Contractors Face Six-Figure OSHA Fines in Trenching Violations
Two Florida contractors face six-figure Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) fines for willfully exposing workers at sites in Jacksonville and Daytona Beach to trench and excavation collapses and cave-ins, the agency announced December 5.
OSHA Final Rule on
Personal Protective Equipment in Construction
OSHA is finalizing a revision to its personal protective equipment standard for construction to explicitly require that the equipment must fit properly.
CEAP Reports Tracking U.S. Conservation Trends Now Available Online
The multi-agency Conservation Effects Assessment Project (CEAP) uses natural resource and farmer survey data and physical process modeling to estimate the environmental effects of conservation practices on cultivated cropland. USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service conducted the first set of farmer surveys in 2003–06 (CEAP I) and the second set in 2013–16 (CEAP II).
Unlocking Tax Savings: The Benefits of a Cost Segregation Study
A cost segregation study allows a business property owner to accelerate depreciation deductions. That, in turn, enables the owner to reduce current taxable income and increase cash flow.
The U.S. Election Outcome Likely to Have Major Impact on Taxes
Having won control of the White House, the Senate and the House of Representatives, Republicans will have the opportunity to move forward their vision for federal taxes. What might this mean?
Feeling Charitable? Be Sure You Can Substantiate Your Gifts
As the end of the year approaches, many people give more thought to supporting charities they favor. To avoid losing valuable charitable deductions if you itemize, you’ll need specific documentation, depending on the type and size of your gift. Here’s a breakdown of the rules:
USDA Invests $7 Million in Eight Wetland Mitigation Banking Projects
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $7 million in eight projects to support the development of wetland mitigation banks for agricultural producers through the Wetland Mitigation Banking Program (WMBP). Through wetland mitigation banks, wetlands are restored, created or enhanced, generating credits that can be purchased by producers looking to compensate for unavoidable impacts to wetlands at another location.
Farm Bill, Funding Extension Loom
Congress returns this week facing a Dec. 20 deadline to approve a new funding resolution to keep the government operating, as well as potentially pass a disaster package and a farm-bill extension before wrapping up the year.
Biden Admin to Finalize 45Z Credit
The Biden administration is set to finalize guidance on the 45Z Clean Fuel Production tax credit before President Joe Biden leaves office come Jan. 20, 2025, a spokesperson for the U.S. Treasury Department told DTN on Tuesday.
Reducing Waste, Protecting Water: Honoring America Recycles Day and National Stormwater Day
November 15th marks the celebration of two holidays that resonate deeply with our mission and purpose: America Recycles Day and National Stormwater Day.
America Recycles Day encourages recycling as a fundamental step towards reducing waste, conserving energy, and protecting valuable natural resources. Meanwhile, National Stormwater Day shines a light on the critical importance of effective stormwater management to keep our communities safe from flooding and keep water clean.
ADS Foundation Donates to Two Government Organizations to Aid in the Recovery of Hurricanes Helene and Milton
Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc. , a leading provider of innovative water management solutions in the stormwater and onsite septic wastewater industries and one of the largest plastic recyclers in North America, today announced the donation of $30,000 to help in the Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton relief efforts through the ADS Foundation.
Scientists Tackle Farm Nutrient Pollution with Sustainable, Affordable Designer Biochar Pellets
What if farmers could not only prevent excess phosphorus from polluting downstream waterways, but also recycle that nutrient as a slow-release fertilizer, all without spending a lot of money? In a first-of-its-kind field study, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign researchers show it’s possible and economical.
North American Drainage Conference returns for 2025
The North American Drainage Conference, a half-day, virtual conference focused on providing innovation and insights for drainage contractors to keep them current and competitive, will return on March 4, 2025.
Discussions will focus on diversifying knowledge of drainage, water management and soils. Speakers include in-demand researchers such as Jane Frankenberger (Purdue) and Chad Penn (USDA, Purdue), seasoned contractors and entrepreneurs such as NextGen Drainage’s Mylen Dunbar and Grade Solutions’ LaVerne Weber and more.
Top 3 Construction Technology Trends to Watch in 2025
The construction industry is on the brink of a technological transformation, with innovations promising to increase efficiency, safety and sustainability. As we look ahead to 2025, here are three of the most exciting construction technology trends that will reshape the industry and bring new opportunities for construction professionals.
Tips From the Trench: November 2024
New OSHA regions. Recently, the agency adjusted its regional structure and boundaries to reflect changes in demographics and industry. Regions are also now named by geography rather than numbers.
Tips to Keep Your Team Busy This Winter Season
As the leaves fall and temperatures drop, many utility construction companies face the challenge of keeping their teams busy during the quieter winter months.
This period often brings a slowdown in new projects, but that doesn’t mean your business has to suffer. With the right strategies, you can ensure that your company remains productive, your employees stay engaged and your bottom line remains strong.
ADMC President Kent Rodelius Retires
Kent Rodelius, Ag Market Relationship Manager Prinsco, announced at the 2024 Agricultural Drainage Management Coalition (ADMC) Annual Meeting that he will be retiring from his position as ADMC Board President. Rodelius had been serving as President since accepting the nomination to the position at the 2019 meeting.
Trump Picks Next USDA Chief
President-elect Donald Trump on Saturday named Brooke L. Rollins as the country's next Secretary of Agriculture.
A native of Texas, Rollins, 52, is the founder and CEO of the America First Policy Institute (AFPI) and America First Works (AFW), a pair of organizations that have championed Trump's agenda.
Conservation Stewardship Program - Inflation Reduction Act Funding for Climate-Smart Agriculture in IL
IRA funding provided an additional $3.25 billion nationwide over five years for climate smart agriculture through CSP. Through the additional CSP-IRA funding, Illinois received $29.8 million in FY 2025 to provide direct climate mitigation benefits to Illinois producers.
6 Reasons Why the Military Encourages Veterans to Work in Construction
The military’s encouragement of veterans pursuing construction careers is part of a broader effort to provide meaningful, stable employment that leverages veterans’ skills while meeting a critical labor need in the U.S. economy.
What Can Contractors Expect Under a Trump Administration?
Now that the dust has settled from the presidential election, what can contractors expect going forward for the construction economy under the Trump administration?
Investing in Your Foreman
In the construction industry, the success or failure of a project can depend heavily on the knowledge and proficiency of front line supervisors. These individuals are the backbone of the industry, managing teams and ensuring safety and efficiency. However, many construction foremen never receive any formal training for this vital position.
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.