2017 Fall Farm Outlook

Page 18 Oct. 25, 2017 2017 Logan County Fall Farm Outlook Magazine LINCOLN DAILY NEWS Resource Conservationist with the Logan County Soil and Water Conservation District Steve Bracey agrees that you have to have the right set of circumstances for it to work properly. He says, “Most systems are for smaller acreages that can be confined to only the producer’s land. Generally, you need pretty flat land and a small drainage area of 20-40 acres that is confined on your property. Clarifying, he adds, “You need to be sure that the tile line does not extend on to a neighbor’s property or you may be adversely affecting their drainage.” Bracey says that any local contractor that does tiling work would be able to install a controlled drainage system using boxes or stacks. The agency also has an engineer that could aid in a plan. Currently, there are funding opportunities through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) with NRCS. Interested producers may apply through our office, Bracey says. The Conservation Stewardship Program also has a couple of options for producers who have a valid resource concern, he added. According to the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) controlled tile drainage research performed in several states has been shown to decreased nitrate losses by approximately 45 percent and the amount of water drained from fields by about 40 percent. If you have drainage in place or are considering adding drain tiles, it might be worth adding this overlooked, simple and low cost control. Local resources: Bedolli Excavating & Tiling Andy/Brittney Bedolli bedolliexcavating@ymail.com 217-638-2026 12506 Lynn Rd. Buffalo, IL 62515 Every year farmers attend Field Day at PrairiErth Farm to see University of Illinois research plots and to learn new strategies from experts for improving their farms, and farming for a profit. Continued ►►