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Illinois Land Improvement Contractors Association, Inc.
News
Controlled Drainage Isn't Just for Flat Fields Anymore
Controlled drainage has long been recommended for relatively flat fields, but new research from Michigan State University is challenging that recommendation. A recent paired-field study evaluated controlled drainage on a field where only 6.6% of the field was under water management and found a surprising 48% reduction in nitrate load.
FY 2026 Federal Funding Deadline Approaches – No Deal In Sight
Congress returned from its August recess last week and took no action on putting together a plan to avoid a Federal government shutdown. There are now 22 days until the end of the federal fiscal year when the government runs out of funding authority.
Post Pandemic Construction Boom Cools - Inflation, Tariffs, Worker Shortage Impact Industry
Injections of federal funding, coupled with pent-up demand from the pandemic shutdowns, created a robust construction market in 2022 and 2023. In 2024, signs of market softening began and continues into 2025.
Visas Blocked for Foreign Truck Drivers
Effective immediately, the Trump administration is blocking foreign drivers from obtaining visas to drive commercial trucks on U.S. roads. “We are pausing all issuance of worker visas for commercial truck drivers,” Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced via X on Aug. 21. “The increasing number of foreign drivers operating large tractor-trailer trucks on U.S. roads is endangering American lives and undercutting the livelihoods of American truckers.”
US DOT Seeks Input on Highway Reauthorization Legislation
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) recently issued a Request for Information (RFI) seeking public input on issues that should be addressed when Congress takes up reauthorization of the surface transportation legislation over the next year. The information will help DOT prepare its proposal for the reauthorization effort.
Agriculture Reorganization Plan Gets Pushback
Union locals representing USDA employees are calling on the Trump administration to release a cost-benefit analysis behind the department’s reorganization plan. The plan calls for USDA to relocate thousands of staff from Washington, D.C., to five regional hubs: Raleigh, Kansas City, Indianapolis, Fort Collins, and Salt Lake City.
The Need for Farm Drainage and the Current Problem
Farm drain tiles are vitally crucial to the success of Illinois crop production. These underground drainage systems help provide good soil-based crop growing conditions by removing excess water from the soil. A balanced mixture of air, water, and soil is crucial for plant health, as excessive moisture can impede growth.
Role of Employers in Preventing Suicides
Suicide is a critical public health issue in the United States and a leading cause of death among working age adults. Creating a workplace culture of health and safety includes mental health.
Another Feather in Bioreactors' Caps
Tile drainage is a common practice used in agricultural fields to remove excess water, but it also transports harmful nutrients into water bodies, contributing to algal blooms that deprive aquatic life of oxygen. Woodchip bioreactors are an efficient way to reduce nitrogen pollution by treating the water as it exits the field.
Weather, Water Quality and Farmer-Led Solutions
Iowa State University's Mike Castellano discusses the factors driving nitrate levels in 2025 and how farmers are collaborating to improve outcomes.
2025 Pipeline Awareness Newsletter Released
The 2025 Pipeline Awareness Newsletter has been mailed to approximately 40,000 Public Officials. Download your pdf copy today!
Did You Know? NACD Staff are Available to Support Your Work
Did you know that every NACD region is staffed by an NACD Region Representative who can connect you to NACD resources, help provide learning and networking opportunities, and ensure your state or territory’s priorities are heard and represented in NACD’s advocacy efforts?
While all of NACD’s staff members are available to answer questions at any time, our seven NACD Region Representatives are a great first contact point in our organization.
Extending the Lifespan of Edge-of-Field Practices
Edge-of-field (EOF) practices are becoming increasingly common in Iowa's agricultural landscapes. Installed for a variety of conservation benefits, including improved water quality, habitat enhancement and flood mitigation, these practices play a critical role in sustainable land management.
Senate Ag Committee Examines USDA Reorganization Proposal
The Senate Agriculture Committee held a quickly scheduled hearing last week to examine the Trump Administration’s proposal to reorganize the Department of Agriculture (USDA). The plan calls for USDA to relocate thousands of staff from Washington, D.C., to five regional hubs: Raleigh, Kansas City, Indianapolis, Fort Collins, and Salt Lake City.
Agriculture & Transportation FY 2026 Funding Bills Move Forward - Government Shutdown Possible
Congress will return from its summer recess and attempt to complete action on the FY 2026 federal budget having thus far taken limited action on the 12 annual appropriations bills. Although some appropriations bills have advanced earlier than in recent years significant differences in funding levels threatens the possibility of a government shutdown.
Improved Water Quality & Crop Yields Through Managed Tile Drainage Systems
Find the practice that matches your goals.
Gulf of America 'Dead Zone' Below Average, Scientists Find
NOAA-supported scientists announced today that this year’s Gulf of America “dead zone” — an area of low to no oxygen that can kill fish and marine life — is approximately 4,402 square miles, 21% smaller than estimates from early June and the 15th smallest measurement on record. This equates to roughly 2.8 million acres of habitat potentially unavailable to fish and bottom-dwelling species, a reduction of 30% from the previous year.
Fratco’s Focus Remains Strong Amidst Proposed NRCS Cutbacks
A recent budget proposal from the White House has sparked uncertainty throughout the ag community, especially around the future of USDA field offices and conservation programs. The plan includes potential staffing reductions and restructuring at key agencies like the Farm Service Agency (FSA) and Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).
Paired-Field Evaluation of a Saturated Buffer Reveals Significant Water-Quality Benefits
Past studies evaluating the conservation drainage practice of saturated buffers (SB) have used the water flowing over the upstream weir as a control, assuming that upstream weir management does not reduce flow and nitrate load. The objectives are to (1) investigate whether the upstream weir functions as controlled drainage (CD) to provide water-quality benefits beyond those from the buffer flow (BF, defined as water diverted into the buffer), and (2) evaluate the performance of the SB system under high (shallow) and low (deep) weir management levels.
Enforcing Accountability: Defending Utility Damage Claims When the Excavator Is Not at Fault
In today’s excavation landscape, defending against utility damage claims hinges not just on good intentions or common practices, but on enforceable documentation—collected before any damage occurs. Without a comprehensive, well-documented file demonstrating the excavator acted responsibly and adhered to best practices, claims defense becomes an uphill battle.