News

Get Ahead of Taxable Benefits

As year end approaches, businesses have plenty of tax and payroll tasks competing for attention. One easy-to-overlook area is employee and owner benefits. Identifying taxable benefits before the final payroll runs of 2026 can help prevent reporting errors, payroll tax problems and unexpected Form W-2 adjustments.

Red-Dye Diesel Approved for Road Use, but Farmers Face Tax Confusion

President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Oct. 5 allowing for highway use of tax-free dyed diesel. This order defers the federal diesel tax, but it doesn’t eliminate the tax entirely without further legislative action.

Trump Order Allows Tax-Exempt Diesel Use on Highways

“US President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Monday to expand access to tax-exempt diesel that he unveiled from a rally stage in Nebraska.“

Financial Incentives Database (FIND) Tool

The Financial Incentives Database (FIND) tool was developed by ISAP to share financial payment opportunities that are available for adopting conservation practices such as cover crops, saturated buffers, and constructed wetlands. By listing program information side-by-side, the FIND tool allows farmers to compare programs and select the option that is best for their operation.

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USDA Increases Investment in Regenerative Pilot Program to Lower Farmer Production Costs & Advance MAHA Agenda

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced increased financial assistance for the Regenerative Pilot Program from $700 million to $1 billion in fiscal year 2027, providing more producers with the opportunity to adopt conservation systems that improve soil health, water quality, and long-term farm resilience. Producers can now apply for assistance with regenerative practices.

Cap on H-2B Visas for First Half of 2027 Full – Coalition Seeks Increase

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that the congressionally mandated H-2B visa cap for the first half of fiscal year (FY) 2027 has been reached as of the September 4, 2026 deadline. This date covers applicants seeking to start work before April 1, 2027.

Farm Bill Vote Unlikely Before Midterms

While the Senate is expected to remain in session at least through the end of this week, a full vote on the farm bill is unlikely before the upcoming recess. Although the Senate Agriculture Committee advanced the Agricultural Act of 2026 on September 16, 2026, Chairman John Boozman (R-AR) and other lawmakers like Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) stated that there is not enough time on the calendar to put the package on the floor before breaking for the November midterm elections.

Legislation Extending Drinking and Clean Water SRF Programs Moves Forward

On September 16, 2026, the House overwhelmingly passed the Water Resources Development Act of 2026 (WRDA) by a bipartisan vote of 415–9. In the Senate, the Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee unanimously approved its version of the bill on July 15, 2026 and is currently awaiting full floor consideration.

US DOT Finalizes DBE Program Rules

On September 25, 2026 the U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) issued a rule finalizing revisions to its Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program. The program has been operating for the past year under the terms of an “interim final rule” put in place October 2025.

"Hetskid" — the James Hetfield Inspired CASE Skid Steer, Auctioned for a Cause

100% of the final sale price — hammer price plus buyer's premium — goes directly to Metallica's Foundation, All Within My Hands, funding workforce and trades education, fighting food insecurity, and providing disaster relief in communities worldwide.

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USDA to Invest $5 M to Help Partners & Producers Restore & Protect Wetlands & Floodplains on Agricultural Lands

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced an investment of $5 million in partnerships to help agricultural producers and private landowners restore and steward wetlands and floodplains through conservation easements. These projects, funded by USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), deliver Farmers First, direct-to-producer benefits while improving water quality, reducing flooding risks and providing habitat for wildlife.

EPA, US Army Seek Comments on Definition of Water Bodies for WOTUS

A recent joint proposal by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Army could mean the U.S. federal government is closer to a definition of Waters of the United States (WOTUS) under the country’s Clean Water Act.

US Dept of Labor Releases New Workplace Guidance to Prepare Employers, Workers for Opioid Emergencies

Opioid emergencies can happen anywhere, including at work, and being prepared can help save a life. OSHA's new guidance, "Opioid Overdose Rescue with Reversal Medications," is part of the Great American Recovery Initiative, a government-wide effort by the Trump Administration prioritizing addiction treatment and recovery.

Our Illinois LICA family is in the spotlight!

Drainage Contractor’s new Lessons from the Field 2026 e‑book, written by Bree Rody, features Executive Director Ryan Arch along with multiple Illinois LICA contractors including Eric Layden, LaVerne Weber, and Tyler Seals who shares lessons, challenges, and field‑tested wisdom from real jobsites.

We’re proud of the work our members do every day, and even prouder to see it recognized nationally.

Mapping What's Possible for Conservation

Across Iowa, farmers, conservation professionals, watershed groups and other partners are working together to put conservation into practice. New digital tools combined with more and better data have created a window of opportunity for us to accelerate the adoption of a wider range of practices across the landscape while making each new investment as useful as possible.

EPA/Corps Seeks Further Comment on WOTUS Rule

EPA and the Army Corps of Engineers are seeking additional comment on their proposed "waters of the U.S." (WOTUS) rule by suggesting new definitions for critical terminology. The agencies proposed the new WOTUS rule in November and received more than 22,000 comments, most seeking further clarification.

Court Stops USDA Reorganization

A federal judge has paused USDA's reorganization and most associated employee relocations until Oct. 2 as part of a lawsuit brought by federal employee unions and allied parties.

H-2B Coalition Asks Congress to Address Administrative Delays in Approving Visas

The H-2B Coalition, which LICA has joined as a participating member, continues to work for an increase in the annual H-2B cap for the number of workers eligible for temporary work status under the program. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), which administers the program, announced it has already received enough petitions to fill the congressionally established H-2B cap for the first half of fiscal year (FY) 2027.

Tile Drainage Can Get You Through Wet Times

At $1,500 per acre, installing tile drainage isn’t an easy decision. But after the spring of 2026, with rain and more rain, some Saskatchewan farmers may be wondering if the investment is worth the money.

4 Tax-Smart Investment Moves Before Year End

As the end of 2026 approaches, look beyond investment performance and consider how taxes may affect your overall returns. Although tax considerations generally shouldn’t drive investment decisions, a year-end portfolio review may identify opportunities to reduce your taxes. Here are four to consider.