The Water Table

Why is there an urgent need to address soil loss and explore solutions like saturated buffers, bioreactors, and advanced wetlands? Ruth McCabe, Conservation Expert, shares her optimism about reaching a tipping point in water quality and soil retention thanks to batch and build and edge-of-field practices. Hear why farmers are experiencing the positive impact firsthand, and why a new wave of passionate individuals is poised to transform agricultural landscapes for cleaner water and richer soil.Chapters:00:00 Intro00:35 Welcome00:43 Getting excited about water quality01:30 The tipping point02:20 Unsustainable soil loss03:40 Developing infrastructure05:20 Give us another ten years…06:20 Is it making a difference?07:00 Getting the farmers excited07:26 Small impact to production acres08:20 Batch and build09:20 Spreading the model beyond Iowa10:27 Thanks for joining us!Related content:#128 | Bridging the Divide: Tenant Owners, Landowners & Conservation Decisions#127 | Cover Crops and No-Till: A Conservationist's PerspectiveAg Drainage Management CoalitionHeartland Co-opFind us on social media!Facebook Twitter InstagramListen on these podcast platformsApple Podcasts Spotify YouTube MusicYouTubeVisit our website to explore more episodes & water management education.

Episode DescriptionWho makes the decisions when it comes to implementing conservation practices on rented farmland? Ruth McCabe, Heartland Co-op Conservation Manager, discusses the pivotal role of non-operating landowners in conservation decisions on rented farmland. Listen in as Jamie and Ruth discuss the spectrum of landowner engagement and how to encourage land stewardship across the board.Chapters:00:00Welcome to The Water Table01:01Working with tenant farmers01:25The perspective of landowners02:30Letting landowners off the hook?03:30Generations removed from farming04:45Preventing soil loss, and cleaning water05:38In-field conservation vs. edge-of-field conservation 08:18What trips their trigger?09:04Erosion and incentivizing conservation practicesRelated content:#127 | Cover Crops and No-Till: A Conservationist's Perspective#56 | A More Efficient Approach to Water Quality: Batch and Build#52 | An Ag Economist Tells All: Critical Topics Impacting the Future of AgricultureHeartland Co-op Find us on social media!Facebook Twitter InstagramListen on these podcast platforms:Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube MusicYouTubeVisit our website to explore more episodes & water management education.

Cover crops and no-till… How will they impact your bottom line? We're joined by fan-favorite and Conservation Manager, Ruth McCabe, to dig into the benefits and drawbacks of these increasingly popular conservation practices. We're tackling the tough questions: Do cover crops boost yields? How do they affect soil health? Why are these practices being adopted from Iowa to Minnesota and beyond? This is the first of several insightful conversations with Ruth you won't want to miss!Chapters:00:00 Welcome Ruth McCabe01:00 What is going on at Heartland Co-op and Beyond?04:41 Cover Crops05:51 Ruth's Experience and a Balanced View of Cover Crops 08:33 Regional Differences in Cover Crop Adoption 11:29 Benefits and Considerations for Cover Crop Use 14:00 The Leaky Root16:26 Warming up the Soil18:52 No-till + Cover Crops = So Many Bonuses20:43 The Learning Curve and Potential Yield Impact of New Practices22:00 Short-Term Yield Hits, Long-Term Benefits23:52 Guidance is KeyRelated content:Episode 82: Getting #%@$ Done in Iowa With Batch and Build…On the RoadEpisode 104: Worldwide Conservation, Water Quality and Woody HarrelsonSubsurface Drainage and Soil TempsHeartland Co-OpFind us on social media!Facebook Twitter InstagramListen on these podcast platformsApple Podcasts Spotify YouTube MusicYouTubeVisit our website to explore more episodes & water management education.

What does it mean to build a legacy that honors both family and the land? Mother-son duo Pattie and Tim Krengel of Krengel Brothers Tiling came from humble beginnings in Mapleton, Minnesota. Their story is one of breaking barriers, serving the community, and teaching the next generation to be good stewards of the land. Uncover the deep roots of their family business in rural America in this episode. Chapters:00:00 Intro01:38 Starting Krengel Brothers Tiling04:30 Pattie's role07:08 Samson the dog10:18 Expanding the business14:13 Tim's Early Involvement16:10 Pattie's morning routine19:26 Pattie's Place24:53 Tim joins the business30:46 Remembering Harold34:39 A love for the outdoors41:04 Pattie's achievements44:44 LICA trips & friendships50:09 What drives Pattie52:16 Importance of community1:00:46 Advice from Pattie1:02:37 Growing up in Mapleton1:04:45 Pattie and Harold1:06:01 Appreciation1:13:31 Closing remarksRelated Content:#118 | Accidental Advocate for the Drainage Industry#22 | The Evolution of Drainage: A Journalist's Perspective#13 | Advocacy & Water Management Practices#9 | Behind the LICA Creed: “All Wealth is Generated By the Land” Find us on social media!Facebook Twitter InstagramListen on these podcast platformsApple Podcasts Spotify YouTube MusicYouTubeVisit our website to explore more episodes & water management education.

What happens when decades of conservation experience meets cutting-edge technology? Kent Bohnhoff, retired Illinois grain farmer and former NRCS district conservationist, recently received a grant from One Good Idea to implement automated drainage water management systems on his land. Hear Kent's unique perspective gained from over 30 years in agricultural conservation, and why he believes the system will benefit both crop yields and water quality.Chapters:00:00 Introduction 00:36 A Long History in Farming and Conservation01:59 Connecting Farming Passion with a Career at the NRCS05:03 Satisfaction from Helping Farmers Implement Conservation08:15 Technological Advancements in Agriculture and Drainage Over 30 Years11:19 Family Farming Legacy and Future Involvement12:36One Good Idea Grant13:51 Initial Observations and Benefits of the Automated System15:53 The Importance of Water Storage and Slowing Down Runoff16:46 Landscape Changes and the Role of Conservation Practices17:47 Looking to the Future and Benefits for the Next Generation18:42 Staying in Touch and the Impact of Drought19:38 Closing RemarksRelated content:Best Practices: Drainage Water Recycling#120 | One Good Idea: An Educational Clearinghouse for Farmers#113 | Drainage Water Recycling: Creating Resiliency Amidst Dwindling Resources#71 | Is Drainage Infrastructure More Valuable Than Underground Transit?Find us on social media!Facebook Twitter InstagramListen on these podcast platformsApple Podcasts Spotify YouTube MusicYouTubeVisit our website to explore more episodes & water management education.

What do tariffs mean for relations between the U.S. and Canada? Toban Dyck, an Ag Journalist and fifth-generation grain farmer from Winkler, Manitoba, joins us for a conversation about the ripple effect of tariffs on agriculture. Toban breaks down the importance of strong relationships, communication amidst uncertainty, and how Canadian producers and U.S. importers may be impacted. Chapters:00:00  Introduction: Toban Dyck & Tariffs03:04  Understanding Tariffs: A Basic Explanation04:36  The Devastating Effects on Canadian Markets07:46  Potash and Manufacturing: Key Trade Factors11:10  Seeking New Markets: Canada's Response14:04  The Great Plains: A Borderless Agricultural Region16:24  Maintaining Strong Relationships17:35  Government Changes and Responses19:58  Finding the Silver Lining: Wake-Up Call for Markets21:44  Toban's Family History: Fifth-Generation Farmer24:12  Farm Evolution: From Livestock to Grain26:13  Returning to the Family Farm27:24  Family and Farm Life28:53  The Uncertainty of Tariffs: How Long Will They Last?30:35  Hopeful Connections and DC Lobbying31:27  Seeking Resolution: Value of U.S. and Canadian Relations32:19  Closing RemarksRelated Content:#122 | Drainage in Ontario: Balancing Agriculture & the Environment#34 | The Birth of an Industry, Eh?#54 | Building Wealth Through Tiling; Insights from Canada's Original Installer#8 | Cause & Effect: Plastic Resin SupplyBurr Forest GroupFind us on social media!Facebook Twitter InstagramListen on these podcast platformsApple Podcasts Spotify YouTube MusicYouTubeVisit our website to explore more episodes & water management education.

Jamie and Karl are in the hot seat on this live episode of The Water Table Podcast. From questions about the future of water management and drainage water recycling to what they would ask President Trump about agriculture, Jamie and Karl tackle it all in front of an audience of drainage contractors. Live, unedited, and unpredictable... What's on the minds of folks in our industry?Chapters:00:00 Intro04:56 Welcome!05:20Prinsco Drainage School06:45How to explain the environmental impact of drainage?08:45The point of The Water Table10:10A rural economic engine12:26How are companies handling uncertainty amidst policy change?14:10Tariffs on Canadian Imports15:58The future of drainage water recycling18:50Drainage water recycling in Canada - 23 years ago!20:25Tree roots in pipe22:15Locking bell and gasket for dual wall?23:30Share your ideas!24:00The evolution of drainage over 50 years26:00Pattern tiling moving around the country29:50What do the next 10 years look like?31:15Ask President Trump34:15It's all about relationships!Find us on social media!Facebook Twitter InstagramListen on these podcast platformsApple Podcasts Spotify YouTube MusicYouTubeVisit our website to explore more episodes & water management education.

We're catching up with our Northern neighbor in this episode, where we discuss the complex intersection of agriculture, drainage, and the environment in Canada and the United States. Guest host Trey Allis chats with Mel Luymes, Executive Director of the Land Improvement Contractors of Ontario (LICO) about the evolution of pipe standards in Canada, the rigorous certification process for both operators and equipment, and Mel's insights from her Midwest drainage tour. Chapters:00:00 Intro and Mel's Background04:25 The History of Drainage in Ontario06:48 Ontario Operator and Equipment Licensing08:59 Drainage Legislation and Regulation in Ontario11:30 ON-CA Drainage Guide (Publication 29)12:35 Evolving Pipe Standards and Certification17:58 Mel's Midwest Drainage Tour20:45 Impressions from the Midwest: Bioreactors, Wetlands, and Treatment Trains24:39 Applying Midwest Innovations in Canada25:53 Drainage Research and Innovation27:36 Contour Drainage and Subsurface Irrigation31:05 Precision Drainage and Soil Analysis34:55 The Intersection of Agriculture and the Environment37:32 The Future of Drainage Related Content: Loren Benz Wetland RestorationLand Improvement Contractors of Ontario#119: Revolutionizing Drainage: Improving Infrastructure with Technology#54: Building Wealth Through Tiling: Insights from Canada's Original Installer #34: The Birth of an Industry. Eh?Find us on social media! Facebook Twitter InstagramListen on these Podcast Platforms:Apple Podcasts Spotify Visit our website to explore more episodes & water management education.

From extreme weather and its impact on crop yields to the importance of timely drainage installations, Karl Guetter, farmer and Prinsco Ag Segment Lead, discusses the results of 2024 and offers valuable insights for navigating the challenges and opportunities of today's agricultural landscape. Learn what's ahead for commodity prices, how timely installations could mean leaning on drainage contractors, and the potential influence of the new administration on the industry.Chapters:00:00 Intro - 2024 Ag Review & 2025 Preview00:45 2024's Wild Ride: Weather Extremes01:25 Wet Spring, Dry Summer: Farmer Challenges03:45 The Drainage Difference in 202404:45 Karl's Farming Perspective: 2024 Struggles07:45 When to DIY Drainage & When to Hire11:30 Weighing the Costs14:00 Commodity Market Update16:30 Resin & Pipe Pricing: What to Expect in 202520:35 Weather & the Ag Economy: Regional Differences22:15 The New Administration23:00 Predictions & Priorities for 202525:30 Final Thoughts: Adapting to ChangeRelated Content: #115: How Will the 2024 Election Results Impact Ag?#111: Drainage Contractors – Water Management MVPs#53: 4 Factors Driving the Continued Demand for TileFind us on social media! Facebook Twitter InstagramListen on these Podcast Platforms:Apple Podcasts Spotify Visit our website to explore more episodes & water management education.

What began as a collaboration between several land-grant universities in the Mississippi River Basin has now grown to include farmers, non-profit organizations and businesses in the ag industry. Jenny Seifert, Watershed Outreach Specialist, joins us on this episode of The Water Table podcast to explain why One Good Idea is so important, and how farmer-to-farmer learning is crucial to agricultural water management.Related Content: One Good Idea WebsiteEpisode #112: A Five Generation Farm: One Woman's Journey HomeEpisode #65: Outsmarting Mother Nature with Drainage RecyclingFind us on social media! Facebook Twitter InstagramListen on these Podcast Platforms:Apple Podcasts Spotify Visit our website to explore more episodes & water management education.

From televising underground drainage systems to using LIDAR drones and hydraulic modeling, one engineering and design firm in the Twin Cities is using cutting-edge tech to transform watersheds and drainage systems in the upper Midwest. Guest host Trey Allis sits down with ISG Vice President and National Drainage Expert Chuck Brandel to learn how this technology is providing solutions for drainage contractors and professionals and the water management industry.Chapter & Episode Topics: 00:00   Today on the Water Table Podcast00:23   On the road at ISG01:15   How do you look at 100-year old pipe02:45   Catastrophic failures03:20   No meetings during harvest…04:30   Serving its purpose05:40   Making sure it's cost-effective06:17   After installation…is it up to standards?07:30   Courtesy run08:06   The advantage of avoidance10:00   Making sure it's done right12:20   Building relationships with contractors13:20   Any other tools?14:00   The cost effectiveness of LIDAR15:50   Thank God for GPS17:25   Hydraulic modeling19:25   Giving farmers the confidenceRelated Content: ISGEpisode 107: Drainage Summit and Crumbling Infrastructure: Why Collaboration is KeyEpisode 21: Ellingson Companies: A Passion For Ag Water ManagementEpisode 13: Advocacy and Water Management PracticesFind us on social media! Facebook Twitter InstagramListen on these Podcast Platforms:Apple Podcasts Spotify Visit our website to explore more episodes & water management education.

From introducing GPS for grid tiling in New York to sharing best practices in agricultural water management, Chad Klotzbach of Alleghany Services has become an advocate for the drainage industry. Learn why he feels education is so important and how applying research from the Midwest is benefitting his East Coast business. Chapters & Episode Topics:00:00   Today on the Water Table Podcast00:26   Welcome Chad Klotzbach01:00   All the way from New York01:30   Farm drainage up and down the East Coast02:07   Second generation and GPS03:10   More opportunity = More challenges04:35   Average project is 35 acres, Boston, Maryland, Delaware… it's diverse!05:55   The benefits of education07:20   Bringing the Midwest research to the Northeast08:24   Non-traditional drainage states09:46   Selling snake-oil or advocate?11:25   Shameless drainage promotion12:40   The first bioreactor in Massachusetts14:14   Controlled drainage15:00   Precision agriculture – including drainage.16:30   Three feet of rain in the spring17:15   Learning from the conferences18:53   Still a lot of work to do19:20   Personal achievements20:50   Big thanks to our guest!Related Content: Alleghany ServicesADMCEpisode #62: A Water Management Industry Insider Shares How Management Practices are Improving and How You Can BenefitEpisode #116: A Unified Voice and Vision for Agricultural Water ManagementFind us on social media! Facebook Twitter InstagramListen on these Podcast Platforms:Apple Podcasts Spotify Visit our website to explore more episodes & water management education.

We're looking back on our top episodes of 2024! From the life lessons of seasoned drainage contractors to how the next generation is shaking up the ag industry, our conversations on The Water Table podcast explored a wide range of topics. What ties them all together? They highlight the unsung heroes of our industry and the crucial role water management plays in agriculture and our world.Chapters & Episode Topics: 00:00   Welcome to our year-end wrap up!01:00   It Takes Passion & A Willingness to Improve01:03   Bob Lepper and Jacob Handsaker03:56   Legacy Improvements– Creating Resiliency04:38   Matt Helmers, Kellie Blair and Jacob Handsaker07:07   Batch & Build Explained07:31   Ruth McCabe10:02   When Drainage, Farming & Water Quality Come Together10:22   Guest host Trey Allis and Chuck Brandel12:15   Educating Farmers; It's hard to care about what you can't see!12:34   Alex Buseman14:54   The Crux of the Argument– Behind the Lawsuit Against the USDA Over the Swampbuster Statute15:20   Loren Seehase17:09   Is Tile Drainage Decreasing, or Do Numbers Sometimes Lie?17:27   Dr. Ehsan Ghane19:02   9,000+ Miles of Building Relationships and Hands-On Learning19:25   Harris Duininck and Griffin Duininck22:52   Rapping About Drainage – A Water Table First!23:10   Dr. John McMaine25:09   Impact of Drainage in Rural Communities25:29   Ross Wetherell27:39   The Possibilities to Create Change in Ag Are Endless27:57   Dr. Amy KaleitaTop Episodes of 2024: Episode 97Episode 100Episode 104Episode 107Episode 95Episode 106Episode 105Episode 96Episode 103Episode 109Episode 99Find us on social media! Facebook Twitter InstagramListen on these Podcast Platforms:Apple Podcasts Spotify Visit our website to explore more episodes & water management education.

The Agriculture Drainage Management Coalition (ADMC) is giving a voice to folks in the industry. From farmers to drainage contractors and researchers to engineers, the ADMC's success in offering solutions and implementing best practices like batch & build is making a difference for those shaping the future of water management. Trey Allis steps into the host seat to talk with Keegan Kult, Executive Director of the ADMC, on this episode of The Water Table podcast. Chapters & Episode Topics: 00:00   Today on the Water Table Podcast00:18   Welcome to Keegan Kult01:00   What is the ADMC?03:32   Current ADMC Projects04:40   Batch and Build06:20   It's all about efficiency08:00   Taking the pressure off the landowner09:30   Batch and Build hotspots in Iowa10:05   A few hundred sites in Cedar Rapids11:30   Walking to running12:50   Applying batch and build to drainage water management14:20   It's not 50 years ago…15:20   The more control the better16:08   ADMC Contractor Survey17:55   A Website redesign20:00   Trey volunteers for a job…21:00   Climate Smart Funding26:00   Saturated buffers and the funding28:25   Educational opportunities29:15   NACADERelated Content: Episode #56: A More Efficient Approach to Water Quality: Batch and BuildEpisode #82: Getting #%@$ Done in Iowa with Batch and BuildNorth American Conservation and Drainage Expo (NACADE) 2025Agricultural Drainage Management CoalitionFind us on social media! Facebook Twitter InstagramListen on these Podcast Platforms:Apple Podcasts Spotify Visit our website to explore more episodes & water management education.

Now that the votes are counted, what do the 2024 election results mean for the future of agriculture? In this timely episode of The Water Table podcast, Jamie sits down with former Congressman Collin Peterson for a conversation about how the next four years may impact farmers, drainage contractors, and other folks in the industry. Chapters & Episode Topics:00:00   Today on The Water Table podcast01:20   Votes are in– now what?02:10   Will there be a farm bill?03:00   Hurricanes, disaster relief and more04:00   It will be an extension…05:30   The old farm bill covers it.06:20   Why is CRP closed?08:00   What about the turnover on the Senate Ag Committee?10:22   New Secretary of Agriculture11:18   A mandate12:00   What about RFK Jr.?12:45   The DOGE Committee13:15   The farm vote14:00   Who will chair Ag in the house?15:05   It's all speculation16:15   The election didn't surprise…17:30   The script has flipped in rural America18:46   Are taxes the bigger issue?20:10   Get ahold of the deficit22:00   Making a difference22:30   Changes are coming on the Ag committee23:29   Next governor of Minnesota?25:00   The politics of it all26:50   Hoping for changes in water rules…Related Content: Episode #28: The Midwest Council On Agriculture Episode #42: How the War in Ukraine Could Impact Agriculture Find us on social media! Facebook Twitter InstagramListen on these Podcast Platforms:Apple Podcasts Spotify Visit our website to explore more episodes & water management education.

Trey Allis takes over hosting duties to talk with Iowa State PhD student researcher, Eric Henning about the work he's doing to assess Iowa's opportunities as the state replaces its outdated water mains. From reducing ponding, increasing yields and addressing water quality issues, the benefits could be significant to agriculture in the Midwest.Chapters & Episode Topics:00:00   Today on the Water Table Podcast00:25   Welcome Eric Henning01:00   Drainage District improvements in Iowa03:00   Crop production impact04:00   Thinking differently05:29   Keeping yields private…06:00   Utilizing satellite images07:30   Comparing sister districts09:00   Upgrading the main10:30   Isolating the corn and soybean fields13:10   Seeing the damage firsthand14:19   ET – evaporation and transpiration16:30   How do you measure that?18:30   Drainage water recycling20:30   Digging the storage ponds23:30   A lot of moving parts25:00   Where'd you matriculate from?26:45   Nebraska to ISU27:40   What's next?Related Content: Best Practice: Drainage Water RecyclingEpisode 71: Is Drainage Infrastructure More Valuable Than Underground Transit?Episode 107: Drainage Summit and a Crumbling Infrastructure; Why Collaboration is KeyEpisode 110: Bridging the Gap Between Water Management Research and ApplicationEpisode 113: Drainage Water Recycling: Creating Resiliency Amidst Dwindling ResourcesFind us on social media! Facebook Twitter InstagramListen on these Podcast Platforms:Apple Podcasts Spotify Visit our website to explore more episodes & water management education.

As water resources are being stretched and pulled away from the ag sector, learn why creating resiliency in agricultural water management is more critical than ever. Guest host & Prinsco Application Engineer, Trey Allis, sits down with water management expert, Dr. Chris Hay, to get the details on his research into drainage water recycling. Can it boost yields? Yes. Is it worth the cost? This episode explores how drainage water recycling could be a solution.Chapters & Episode Topics: 00:00   00:18   Welcome to the Water Table!00:40   Welcome Dr. Chris Hay01:20   Go Rams!01:50   On to Nebraska…02:10   Becoming tri-lingual in engineering, statistics and hydrology03:00   Interaction between ground water and surface water04:44   Recharge!06:00   Into the world of drainage07:49   Onward to Iowa08:45   Transforming Drainage11:07   Hanging his own shingle…11:50   Drainage Water Recycling13:15   Seeing the benefits – doubling corn production13:44   Looking at the economics14:40   Irrigation vs. non-irrigation17:10   Closing the loop on nutrient loss18:00   The environmental benefit looks promising19:45   What are the size requirements?21:33   Who's paying for what?23:00   More engineers and dirt workers24:20   The opportunities with replacing infrastructure26:00   Irrigated acres vs. drained acres29:00   Opportunities for crop diversity32:20   The hydro illogic cycle33:20   Wrapping it upRelated Content: Episode 68: A Rain Barrel on Steroids; How Drainage Water Recycling Can Maximize ProductivityEpisode 77: How 5 Million Dollars, 39 Test Sites & 29 Bright Minds are Transforming DrainageEpisode 80: The Real Price of Drainage: Do the Benefits Outweigh the Cost?Find us on social media! Facebook Twitter InstagramListen on these Podcast Platforms:Apple Podcasts Spotify Visit our website to explore more episodes & water management education.

One woman has taken over the family farm her great-great grandfather started in 1883 with $500 and a team of horses... What led her to leave the city life behind and return to work the land in her rural community? Host Jamie Duininck sits down with Rachel Arneson, a fifth generation farmer from the Red River Valley in Minnesota. Learn how succession planning can be helpful and why getting involved in producer organizations can contribute to little changes that have a big impact.It's an episode of the Water Table podcast you don't want to miss!Chapters & Episode Topics:00:00   Today on the Water Table Podcast00:50   Welcome Rachel Arneson01:11   Where in the world is Halstad, MN?01:47   All the crops: Sugar beets, wheat, corn, soybeans…02:30   Sugarbeets carry the farm04:00   The best wheat crop05:00   Sugarbeet reports06:00   Sole proprietor and how it all started07:30   The importance of education08:30   Getting back to the farm10:03   Succession planning11:40   Working in the dirt14:09   Appreciating life on the farm14:45   The long process of succession planning16:06   The trickle-down effect19:40   Taking smaller bites21:44   On the board23:54   What have you learned from the exposure?26:40   The importance of mentors28:00   The challenges of finding employees31:13   They're not making any more land32:00   What is your impact?About the Guest: Rachel Arneson is a fifth generation farmer from Halstad, Minnesota. She earned a Master's degree in Liberal Studies from the University of Minnesota before returning to the family farm in 2012. Rachel is currently raising a two-year-old daughter, as well as growing corn, soybeans, wheat, and sugarbeets.Related Content: Episode 46: How the Next Generation is Using Technology to Take Agriculture to the Next LevelEpisode 102: Grand Farm: Regional Solutions; Global ImpactAmerican Sugarbeet Growers AssociationFind us on social media! Facebook Twitter InstagramListen on these Podcast Platforms:Apple Podcasts Spotify Visit our website to explore more episodes & water management education.

Host Jamie Duininck shares his thought on the past year, our changing weather patterns, and answers the question, “When is the best time to install a drainage system and water management practices on your land?” He also explains why using a drainage contractor for solutions is always a good bet. Chapters & Episode Topics: 00:00   Today on the Water Table Podcast00:23   Deep thoughts with Jamie01:00   What's changed?01:26   A unique way to get wet02:30   What can I afford to do?04:00   What is the best timing?05:00   A moving target06:00   When theories are wrong06:32   We do need to focus on drainage07:57   Think about the long-term08:46   The evolution of contractors09:12   Continue to pursue learning10:46   Adding to the portfolio11:20   Here to make your life easier11:40   In conclusion…About the Host: Jamie Duininck has spent over twenty years working in the water management industry and building relationships with business owners, industry professionals and thought leaders. “I grew up in the water management industry, which gives me a deep sense of appreciation for its rich history, the hard-working people who make it happen every day, and the important role we play in our communities and world. I am proud to be the CEO of Prinsco, a third-generation family business, as well as a husband, father and avid outdoorsman.This podcast gives me the opportunity to have some great, thought-provoking conversations with smart, passionate people in the water management industry and beyond. Thanks for joining me– I hope you enjoy listening to these episodes as much as I've enjoyed making them.”Related Content: Episode #35: The Best of 2021Episode #45: The Spring Waiting GameEpisode #94: On the Road and In The Studio– Highlights From our Most Popular Podcast EpisodesFind us on social media! Facebook Twitter InstagramListen on these Podcast Platforms:Apple Podcasts Spotify Visit our website to explore more episodes & water management education.

Jamie sits down with Prinsco Application Engineer and frequent Water Table guest host, Trey Allis to talk how the Water Table website and podcast are helping to bridge the gap between research in water management and actually putting that research into practice. From sub-surface irrigation to saturated buffers and bioreactors, drainage water recycling, and terrace tiling, TWT website is a go-to for education.Chapters & Episode Topics:00:00   Welcome to the Water Table Podcast00:30   Welcome to Trey Allis02:00   Out of the office and into the field04:10   The puzzle pieces are falling into place04:50   Creating opportunities05:30   Batch and build06:20   Early adopters07:00   Coming full-circle at scale08:05   The playbook is written09:20   TWT Website10:30   A resource for education12:15   Combing through the research13:30   Bridging the communication gapGuest Info: Trey graduated from North Dakota State University with a degree in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering. He joined the Prinsco team as an Application Engineer in 2017 and primarily focuses on Agricultural engineering. Growing up on a farm and in the Ag community, Allis has spent a lot of his career focusing on the Flexible Dual Wall product and the value it adds to the industry. He is also passionate about education and bridging the gap between research and application.Find us on social media! Facebook Twitter InstagramListen on these Podcast Platforms:Apple Podcasts Spotify Visit our website to explore more episodes & water management education.

We're on the road at a contractor round-table for this episode of The Water Table podcast. Jamie sits down with Ross Wetherell, a drainage contractor from Northwest Iowa, who came to the family business in a round-about way. From horse training in North Carolina and Ohio and doing horse shows in Las Vegas and Arizona, learn why Ross Wetherell thinks Northwest Iowa is the place to be; and how he's using technology to help farmers increase yields, causing a ripple effect in the overall economy in rural America.Chapters & Episode Topics: 00:00   Intro00:12   Welcome Ross Wetherell00:56   The history of business01:44   Horse training03:35   The hotbed of horses04:54   The passion of family business05:31   Drainage is cool06:59   The ripple effect07:43   The business plan08:35   Rural Iowa is awesome10:29   What's exciting?10:48   All the technology12:05   I need pipe right away!12:30   Education in the industry14:00   Iowa is leading the packGuest Info: Ross Wetherell is a 3rd generation drainage contractor in Peterson, Iowa. He owns Wetherell Sand and Gravel, a family business specializing in GPS farm drainage.Find us on social media! Facebook Twitter InstagramListen on these Podcast Platforms:Apple Podcasts Spotify Visit our website to explore more episodes & water management education.

Jamie sits down with water quality expert and agricultural real estate guru, Chuck Wingert in this episode of the Water Table Podcast. Their wide-ranging conversation covers system tiling, drainage coefficients, optimum spacings, a holistic approach to watersheds and more. Chuck's vast knowledge of the ag industry and land sales in the Midwest gives him a unique perspective to speak on a wide range of topics. Listen in and enjoy!Chapters & Episode Topics:00:00   Welcome to the Water Table Podcast00:23   Welcome to Chuck Wingert01:00   The right guest02:00   An expert in the water quality arena03:40   7 million feet of drainage04:40   Mankato has to have drainage05:30   All about the soils06:30   Pancake flat07:30   Optimum spacings09:58   System tiling and the sponge effect13:10   Hungry Dobermans13:40   Knowledge is king15:00   Minnesota River17:00   Drainage, explained – it's a positive18:30   An opportunity to make it better20:30   Making a difference with knowledge22:20   The Fargo Diversion24:50   Educating landowners and agencies25:30   It takes compensation28:00   A holistic approach to watersheds30:45   A lot of progress since swampbusters33:00   Where will we be in 100 years?36:30   Land values and drainage39:00   A PHD Thesis on drainage41:00   Look at both sides and don't feed the predators44:00   Thank you for the advocacy45:30   How many kids grew up on the farm?Guest Info: Chuck Wingert is with Wingert Land Services, Inc.; a full-service agricultural real estate firm specializing in the brokerage, appraisal, and management of farmland in southern Minnesota. Starting in 1976, Wingert Land Services has assisted more than 18,000 landowners in Minnesota and Northern Iowa with the evaluation of soils, layout, and engineering of agricultural drainage systems and erosion control practices, restoration of wetlands and use of governmental programs to retire marginal land. Since 1985, they have represented sales and purchases including farmland, hobby farms, livestock facilities, recreational land, and rural developments.Related Content: Wingert Land Services, Inc.Episode #51: Why Farmland Values Have Never Been HigherFind us on social media! Facebook Twitter InstagramListen on these Podcast Platforms:Apple Podcasts Spotify Visit our website to explore more episodes & water management education.

Guest host Trey Allis sits down with National Drainage Expert, Chuck Brandel, to talk about an upcoming drainage summit happening in Minnesota at the end of August. The summit is bringing together land owners, private industry, the University of Minnesota and state agencies to talk about drainage infrastructure, water quality and see edge-of-field practices in action at a farm in Rothsay, Minnesota. Chuck and Trey also touch on public infrastructure that needs to be replaced, and how collaboration is key in an opportunity to improve water quality for everyone.Chapters & Episode Topics:00:00   Today on the Water Table.00:32   Welcome to Chuck Brandel01:00   Why are you in Myrtle Beach?02:33   We all need to work together.03:52   Collaboration04:50   Recap of I-90 Corridor Field Day06:00   World's largest bioreactor?08:00   Always a salesman…09:15   Drainage summit12:19   Getting the landowners' perspective13:45   Who is the summit for?15:00   Why are field days so important?18:00   ISG – What do they do?20:00   A different design20:48   How is the infrastructure failing?22:30   100 years old28:00   Planning for the future29:50   How to work with ALL the groups…33:00   Last word.Related Content: ISGEpisode #07: Engineering Water Quality Find us on social media! Facebook Twitter InstagramListen on these Podcast Platforms:Apple Podcasts Spotify Visit our website to explore more episodes & water management education.

An Iowa landowner is suing the U.S. Department of Agriculture claiming the federal government's “swampbuster law,” which requires farmers to either leave wetlands untouched or forfeit certain federal benefits, is unconstitutional. Jamie sits down with James Conlan and his attorney, Loren Seehase, to hash it all out. Is it government overreach or not? And what would it mean for farmers if the statute was overturned?The “swampbuster” statute was introduced in the 1985 Farm Bill as part of the Wetland Conservation Compliance Provisions. Learn more here. Chapters & Episode Topics:00:00   00:30  Welcome Loren Seehase and James Conlan01:08   Swampbuster01:30   The lawsuit explained02:20   Where in Iowa?03:00  The back story05:00  The 5 claims08:30   Woody vegetation10:00   Just compensation11:00   A really big stick13:00   Sodbusters14:40   Small farm support?16:20   What if you're successful?17:30   Why Swampbusters in the first place?18:30   New policy19:30   The last word.Related Content: Swampbusters Case PageFarm Journal ArticleFind us on social media! Facebook Twitter InstagramListen on these Podcast Platforms:Apple Podcasts Spotify Visit our website to explore more episodes & water management education.

On this episode of The Water Table podcast, Jamie sits down with Dr. Ehsan Ghane of Michigan State University to talk about the recent US Census which is reporting a decrease in acreage with tile drainage across the Midwest. Are the numbers accurate, or is there more at play? And while we're on the subject of numbers, learn why long term is better for agricultural research. Chapters & Episode Topics: 00:00   Today on TWT00:14   Welcome Dr. Ehsan Ghane01:07   Pipe perforations, an update02:40   When will we see results?03:30   Census numbers – are they crazy?05:12   Data gathering06:00   Very surprising numbers07:20   An educated guess08:20   Huge uncertainty in the data09:15   A drop in responses11:00   Conservation drainage and phosphorus12:20   It's so variable13:40   Saturated buffers14:40   Lowering blooms in Lake Erie15:15   Long-term is key16:17   Seven years and counting16:45   What has changed?18:00   To the extremes19:15   The last word – tools for specific farmsAbout the Guest: Dr. Ehsan Ghane teaches Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering at Michigan State University, along with performing extensive research into drainage pipe pattern and style, and how those things play into increased water quality and crop yield. He holds a Ph.D. from Ohio State University and spent time at the University of Minnesota in the department of Soil, Water and Climate.Related Content: 2022 Ag Census Reveals Surprising Trend in Acreage of Tile Drainage in the MidwestMichigan State University Biosystems & Agricultural Engineering - DrainageEpisode #78: Put A Sock On It?Find us on social media! Facebook Twitter InstagramListen on these Podcast Platforms:Apple Podcasts Spotify Visit our website to explore more episodes & water management education

From batch and build to cover crops, a certain Woody Harrelson movie, and conservation farming around the world, this episode covers it all. Jamie sits down with one of our favorite guests– Ruth McCabe from Heartland Co-Op in Iowa. Learn what gets our guest up every morning and what boils her blood when it comes to conservation and water quality practices.Chapters & Episode Topics:00:00   Today on the Water Table Podcast00:20   Welcome to Ruth McCabe01:40   Dead cats and great guests02:45   What is Heartland Co-op04:25   Partnering with everyone05:20   It's a growing field (pun intended)05:50   Batch and Build, cover crops and wetlands07:20   Who pays the bills?08:00   Jamie didn't read the manuscript08:15   Cover crops, yes or no?12:12   Saturated buffers and bioreactors – of course!13:30   What about Minnesota?14:50   Winter camelina – what the heck is it?16:40   Kiss the Ground – Have you seen it?18:30   The problem with movies…19:30   She was an urban girl20:30   Talk to farmers21:30   Be on both sides of the aisle22:20   No till – should it be revisited?24:24   60% tenant-farmed26:00   Saturated buffers and bioreactors explained27:45   Batch and build explained31:24   You need the customer service32:55   Angry bloggers & divisive rhetoric34:30   Boil down the passion35:00   Conservation farming around the world36:00   The scaffolding is built, now let us paint the house37:34   The naysayers are ramping up39:30   A mix of countries and one really big surprise42:20   A financial no-brainer43:30   Ruth's harvest– meat and veggies44:15   Saturated buffers and pheasant huntingRelated Content: Heartland Co-opEpisode #82: Getting #%@$ Done in Iowa with Batch & Build… On the RoadFind us on social media! Facebook Twitter InstagramListen on these Podcast Platforms:Apple Podcasts Spotify Visit our website to explore more episodes & water management education

Jamie sits down with Dr. John McMaine with South Dakota State University Extension to talk about the importance of listening when solving problems in water management. Learn how both urban and rural water management issues are intertwined, why it really is all about relationships, and don't miss the Water Table's first rap about agricultural water management. This episode has it all!Chapters & Episode Topics:00:00   Today on the Water Table Podcast00:24   Welcome Dr. John McMaine01:12   All about the journey01:50   Applying knowledge through extension03:30   Back to Kentucky04:20   Urban practices to an agricultural setting05:41   Wood chip bioreactor vs. bioretention cell07:00   It's all about community08:50   The takeaways10:35   The perceived issue vs. the actual issue12:00   Another podcast – Streamlines16:00   Kentucky basketball17:30   Let's collaborate19:00   Maladaptive vs. adaptive20:30   Opportunities for solutions21:40   Fun fact: Dr. McMaine rapsRelated Content: Episode #77: Transforming Drainage with Dr. Jane FrankenbergerSDSU ExtensionStreamlines PodcastTransforming Drainage ProjectConservation Drainage NetworkFind us on social media! Facebook Twitter InstagramListen on these Podcast Platforms:Apple Podcasts Spotify Visit our website to explore more episodes & water management education

Jamie sits down with Grand Farm Executive Director, Dr. William Aderholdt, to talk about a problem-solving venture in North Dakota's Red River Valley. Learn how Grand Farm started, how they were able to purchase nearly 600 acres of farmland, and why startups, corporations, researchers, government agencies, universities and growers are working together to solve challenges in agriculture through technology and innovation.Chapters & Episode Topics:00:00   Today on the Water Table Podcast00:23   Welcome to Dr. William Aderholdt01:15   The progress at Grand Farm01:39   How it all began02:15   Major progress in 5 years03:00   Engaging the ecosystem of agriculture04:00   What is Grand Farm?05:45   We need more land06:45   Location, location, location08:30   Regional solutions = Worldwide impact10:15   What drives the passion?13:10   Education is so important15:00   Succession – where does it all go?16:10   Show me the money…and the partners.19:00   Innovation Shop, land purchases, new hires and more20:00   590 acres and counting20:45   Come to Grand Farm June 10!22:20   How to get from here to there23:30   3 biggest challenges26:00   It's all about the attitude…Related Content: Grand FarmFind us on social media! Facebook Twitter InstagramListen on these Podcast Platforms:Apple Podcasts Spotify Visit our website to explore more episodes & water management education

What does this spring look like from an agricultural perspective? Wet? Dry? A little bit of both? Jamie sits down with a USDA Climatologist based in Ames, Iowa to talk weather. Are we in a drought or not? You might be surprised at the answer. Listen in and find out what kind of weather might be coming your way.Chapters & Episode Topics: 00:00   Welcome to the Water Table Podcast00:29   Welcome to Dr. Todey01:20   An unusual winter02:00   Pluses and minuses for ag…02:53   A chicken and egg situation03:15   A rainy Christmas04:26   We got warm again04:43   WHY??? (Hint: It's El Niño)05:33   Climate changes06:35   What's your definition of Fall?07:20   Lengthening the frost-free season08:00   In-and-out ice on the lake09:30   Big swings11:00   Way out of whack12:20   Are we still in a drought?13:30   Groundwater deficits14:38   Early field work16:00   Why is precipitation the way it is?17:10   How many weeks of drought?!?18:40   La Niña + summer = Not good20:25   Flip-flopping22:15   The last wordRelated Content: USDA Midwest Climate HubEpisode #55: How Changing Weather Patterns Impact the Stability of Your FarmFind us on social media! Facebook Twitter InstagramListen on these Podcast Platforms:Apple Podcasts Spotify Visit our website to explore more episodes & water management education

It's a milestone episode for the Water Table Podcast! Episode 100!! We are on the road at Iowa State University with a panel of expert guests to talk past, present and future of agricultural water management. Jamie is joined by a professor, a farmer and a drainage contractor to talk shop. Learn why they believe the future of ag water management is so exciting and what new technologies are on the horizon. It's a special episode you won't want to miss!Chapters: 00:00   Welcome to the Water Table Podcast00:31   Meet our guests02:06   The future of water quality03:55   Drainage water recycling06:00   City cousins – what technology?07:00   How to explain it all…08:45   The biggest hurdles09:30   3 ½ years for approval10:45   Frustrations…11:45   Leaps in technologies12:45   It's a young industry14:00   A right to manage your water16:30   What's new?17:00   Micro wetlands19:53   Resiliency in water management22:00   Seeing results24:43   Slowing down the water26:00   Progression from introduction to implementation27:00   ACPF28:20   We're not plugging the tile lines…30:28   A huge network34:00   Adding to existing systems…(Jacob's soapbox)37:20   Audience questions…39:00   Not a cookie-cutter process41:12   Batch and build43:30   Efficiencies46:20   The next decade???48:00   A long time to get dry…50:56   Capturing the opportunities52:10   The last word.Related Content: Hands-On Tiling & ExcavatingBlair Farm, LLCAgricultural Conservation Planning FrameworkFind us on social media! Facebook Twitter InstagramListen on these Podcast Platforms :Apple Podcasts Spotify Visit our website to explore more episodes & water management education

What kind of students are seeking out careers in ag? It isn't just kids on the farm anymore... Jamie catches up with Dr. Amy Kaleita, Department Chair of the Ag and Biosystems Engineering at Iowa State University. They discuss how education is furthering the world of agriculture, why students are choosing career paths in ag, and how the opportunities to create change in the industry are endless. Chapters: 00:00   Welcome to the Water Table Podcast00:10   Dr. Amy Kaleita00:45   NOT from Iowa01:10   NOT from a farm01:30   Engineers make cars?02:30   Really important problems03:40   Making a difference through Ag04:40   I don't know enough06:00   Talk to a lot of people07:00   Water quality education08:00   Science vs. social science09:00   Today's student11:00   The world is their oyster12:30   The importance of a good question13:30   Hope for the future15:00   The second half16:30   Sharing the expertise18:00   A non-traditional education19:40   Not an ag background21:25   A national trend22:40   A passion for connectionRelated Content: Dr. Amy Kaleita's Selected Works & PublicationsIowa State University Department of Agricultural Biosystems and EngineeringFind us on social media! Facebook Twitter InstagramListen on these Podcast Platforms :Apple Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts Visit our website to explore more episodes & water management education

Jamie sits down with Tim Radatz for a conversation about Discovery Farms, a public-private partnership that is advancing research into water quality and agricultural drainage practices. Learn why getting real-time data from private farms across Minnesota is providing farmers with the information they need to implement the best practices for their area to not only increase yields, but improve water quality on their land.Chapters:00:00   Intro00:21   Welcome Tim Radatz00:40   The story of Discovery Farms01:00   Private farms01:19   Water quantity02:41   Water quality04:31   Drainage water management05:40   Putting it into practice06:30   Let's use the data07:15   Discovery Farms funding09:00   Who gets to participate11:10   Project lifespan13:02   Cover crops14:00   Establishment issues17:00   A dry pocket18:20   Continuous improvement19:45   It's going to get wet21:46   20 years from now…24:00   Managing drainage is essential25:00   Politics25:45   Long-suffering Vikings fanDiscovery Farms: https://discoveryfarmsmn.orgFind us on social media! Facebook Twitter InstagramListen on these Podcast Platforms :Apple Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts Visit our website to explore more episodes & water management education

Jamie sits down for a conversation with Jacob Handsaker and Bob Lepper on this episode of the Water Table Podcast. Learn how a used excavator launched Jacob's career, and how Bob's expertise has been integral in passing on knowledge to the next generation – in excavating, show business and beyond. It's a story about constant curiosity you won't want to miss.Chapters:00:00   Welcome to the Water Table Podcast00:30   Jacob Handsaker and Bob Lepper00:40   Skipping school and still learning01:41   Before Jacob02:15   1981– Bob's in business03:10   Off to Branson03:40   Back to dirt work04:40   Just add a plow05:45   Growing the 1st business07:11   From Iowa to Idaho and lumberyards09:49   Best employee ever10:30   The hog boom11:40   Into showbiz13:50   Life lessons for the kids16:00   After Jacob17:40   A big “thank you” to Bob19:26   You have to have passion19:50   Long days, short nights21:30   Continuous Improvement23:00   Stay curiousWatch the full Resiliency Road Trip series here.Find us on social media! Facebook Twitter InstagramListen on these Podcast Platforms :Apple Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts Visit our website to explore more episodes & water management education

Jamie catches up with some special guests on this episode of The Water Table Podcast. College students Harris and Griffin Duininck sit down to talk about their summer road trip and video series about the water management industry that now has nearly 4 million impressions on social media.  The guys traveled across the US and learned some valuable lessons about why their generation should care about plastic pipe. Find out how the trip has impacted them and why it might mean a job for one of the guys in the very near future. Chapters & Episode Topics:00:00    Welcome to the Water Table Podcast00:26    Road Trip Update01:30    All the stats – nearly 4 million and counting!02:45    A surprising impact04:30    What about your friends?05:51    Exceeding expectations07:00    Relationships and the off-camera stuff09:15    The A-Ha moment12:25    Doing better15:00    A valuable resourceWatch the full Resiliency Road Trip series here.Find us on social media! Facebook Twitter InstagramListen on these Podcast Platforms :Apple Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts Visit our website to explore more episodes & water management education

In this episode of the Water Table Podcast, Jamie sits down with Alex Buseman, a graduate assistant at Iowa State University who is currently working on three research projects dealing with water quality in agriculture. Does the type of wood in a bioreactor matter? How does the only dual-chamber bioreactor in the world function?  What is the Forest to Farm program? How long do bioreactors last? Listen and learn how the next generation is carrying the research torch to ensure farmers can implement cutting-edge water management practices.Chapters & Episode Topics:00:00   Today on the Water Table Podcast00:20   Welcome Alex Buseman01:00   Why water quality?03:15   What does the next generation think?04:00   The only dual-chamber bioreactor in the world…07:25   Forest to Farm12:30   Decades old bioreactors – do they last?14:30   Doing all of the testing16:15   Site 1 – Story County, Iowa18:57   Site 2 – Dyersville, Iowa23:15   Site 3 – Washington, Iowa25:20   Encouraging landowners going forward30:20   Carrying the torchRelated Content: Forest to Farm: Using Woodchips from Crowded Forests in Sustainable Water Quality Practices Dual-Chamber Bioreactor: Evaluation of Nitrate Removal Dynamics and Unintended ByproductsFind us on social media! Facebook Twitter InstagramListen on these Podcast Platforms :Apple Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts Visit our website to explore more episodes & water management education

And that's a wrap on 2023! It was a great year on The Water Table podcast. We took our mobile studio on the road and caught up with people all over the Midwest, including Iowa LICA Field Days to Minnesota Farm Fest. We also had some great guests in the studio, including a few who kicked Jamie out of the host chair to do their own interviews. Listen in to hear the highlights from some fan-favorite episodes, from the International Drainage Hall of Fame to the Transforming Drainage Project to Married to Drainage, and a lot of topics in between.Find all the highlighted episodes: #70: The International Drainage Hall of Fame– It's a Thing!#71: Is Drainage Infrastructure More Valuable Than Underground Transit?#73: How Much is Your Water Worth? More Than You Think…#77: How 5 Million Dollars, 39 Test Sites & 29 Bright Minds are Transforming Drainage#81: Married to Drainage with Kitty Rodelius and Kristine Fladeboe Duininck#82: Getting #%@$ done in Iowa with Batch and Build... On the Road#88: A Road Trip to Resiliency– What's Buried Beneath? with Harris & Griffin Duininck Find us on social media! Facebook Twitter InstagramListen on these Podcast Platforms :Apple Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts Visit our website to explore more episodes & water management education

Jamie sits down with Prinsco Ag Application Engineer, Trey Allis, for a conversation about a recent study on pipe perforation and sock fabric. They talk through how small-scale studies might contribute to misconceptions in agricultural water management, and why talking to a contractor in your area is the best bet for farmers who have questions about which drainage products will serve your farm best."Talk to a drainage contractor. To the people you trust in your area... They have decades of experience, and they're not going to steer you wrong." - Jamie DuininckChapters & Topics: 00:00   On this episode…00:15   Welcome to Trey Allis01:25   How was harvest?02:15   The technical side of ag02:40   Socks or no socks?03:30   Michigan State Study05:00   Standard perf, narrow perf, sock…06:15   Accurate or not?07:33   Take it with a grain of sand08:27   What do I do now?10:00   Contractors know11:32   Soil type matters13:15   Narrow slot – all the rage14:15   Use some scrutiny16:30   Do it right the first time17:30   Laterals and spacing19:30   Don't spend the money22:00   What about old pipe?Related Content:FAQs From the Field: Applications, Materials & MoreSaturated Buffers: Stepping Up to the Plate… On the RoadContractor Conversations at Farmfest: Part 1 with Mike Litzau, Drainage Contractor (he knows what he's talking about!)Find us on social media! Facebook Twitter InstagramListen on these Podcast Platforms :Apple Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts Visit our website to explore more episodes & water management education

From preparing for an early harvest to waiting out the rain… how did harvest actually go in Minnesota? In the rest of the Midwest? In the Dakotas? Jamie sits with Karl Guetter to get a harvest update and touch on a wide range of other topics, including land values, how interest rates might affect agriculture and whether more tile will get buried after Thanksgiving this year.Chapters:00:00   Today on the Water Table00:33   Welcome to Karl Guetter01:30   A wide-ranging career02:20   What a crazy fall!04:00   It's going to be early…or late…05:00   Such a variable crop07:30   So, what about the Dakotas?09:50   Sugar beet lifting11:20   Hustle and bustle12:40   Moving on to tile14:00   The busy season16:30   I think we'll get warm again…17:30   On the horizon – 202420:00   Land valuesRelated Content:4 Factors Driving the Continued Demand for TileHarvest Check-in 2022 with Karl GuetterFind us on social media! Facebook Twitter InstagramListen on these Podcast Platforms :Apple Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts Visit our website to explore more episodes & water management education

It's East meets West in this episode of The Water Table Podcast... On the Road. Eastern and Western Minnesota Prinsco Sales reps, Justin Sander and Tim Erickson reflect on Farmfest– what they've learned, conversations they've had, and why it pays to be a lifelong learner, especially in the world of agriculture and water management. Hear their perspectives on technology, tiling, and why visiting the Prinsco booth at Farmfest is all about relationships, not a sales pitch.Chapters & Topics:00:00   Today on The Water Table…00:09   Intro00:39   Live from Farmfest00:44   East vs. West – Justin Sander and Tim Erickson01:34   All the different roles01:46   The fun at Farmfest02:20   Back to basics03:12   Farming is innovative03:27   Drones and technology…everywhere!!04:11   But why? It's dry…04:40   I wish I would have done it sooner…05:30   Farmers collaborating – lifelong learners06:33   New farm? But first, tile.07:33   The turnkey farm07:50   It's all tiled, right?08:54   Relationships and education – zero pressure09:20   The number one question10:00   3-inch or 4-inch?11:05   Helping customers get there11:37   Listen on all our platforms!More episodes of The Water Table On the Road.Related Content:Contractor Conversations at Farmfest: Part 1 w/ Mike LitzauContractor Conversations at Farmfest: Part 2 w/ Andy StevensPrinsco Sales– find a sales rep!Find us on social media! Facebook Twitter InstagramListen on these Podcast Platforms :Apple Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts Visit our website to explore more episodes & water management education

In this episode of The Water Table on the Road, we're at Minnesota Farmfest. Guest host, Justin Sander, caught up with a couple of drainage contractors to find out where they think the industry is headed and what keeps them going. This conversation is with Andy Stevens, a farmer and tiling contractor from Vernon Center, Minnesota. Get his take on the outlook for farming and drainage for the next few years, and find out why consistency is so important.Chapters & Episode Topics: 00:00   Intro00:39   Live from Farmfest00:50   Welcome Andy Stevens02:00   What's new?03:00   Business outlook04:00   Any rewards?04:48   It's the consistency06:00   All the misconceptions07:00   Feed the world07:45   What's new at Farmfest?More episodes of The Water Table On the Road.Related Content:Stevens Bobcat and BackhoeIowa LICA FarmFind us on social media! Facebook Twitter InstagramListen on these Podcast Platforms :Apple Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts Visit our website to explore more episodes & water management education

In this episode of The Water Table on the road, we're at Minnesota Farmfest. Guest host, Justin Sander, caught up with a couple of drainage contractors to find out where they think the industry is headed, the challenges they think lie ahead, and what keeps them going.This conversation is with Mike Litzau of Litzau Farm Drainage in Atwater, Minnesota. He's been working in the industry since he was 10 years old, so he knows what he's talking about!Chapters & Episode Topics: 00:00   Intro00:39   Live from Farmfest00:50   Litzau Farm Drainage01:57   What's new in equipment02:28   It's a challenge…03:33   A crystal ball04:50   Watersheds05:43   Be proactive06:50   It's so rewarding10:20   Education, education, education11:42   Permits and easements…oh my13:30   I can't tile…or can I?15:37   Justin on the spotMore episodes of The Water Table On the Road.Related Content:Litzau Farm Drainage and Directional BoringIowa LICA FarmFind us on social media! Facebook Twitter InstagramListen on these Podcast Platforms :Apple Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts Visit our website to explore more episodes & water management education

It's a conversation with a legend in this episode of The Water Table Podcast. Jamie is joined by Merv Hilpipre, who reminisces about his long career in auctioneering, his sled-dog racing days, why he always wore a tux to an auction, and more. You don't want to miss this episode of The Water Table... On the Road at the Iowa LICA Farm.Chapters & Topics:00:00   Intro00:32   On the road at the Iowa LICA Farm00:51   Welcome Merv Hilpipre01:50   110 years of family auctioneering02:18   A career at five years old03:50   Lazy French people04:50   German prisoners of war05:30   All in the family06:30   50th time's a charm07:15   The biggest auctions08:32   Selling on horseback09:00   Nothing runs like a Deere…09:45   A sharp-dressed man10:15   A thousand caterpillars, the queen's car and more11:30   St. Jude12:40   And then there were sled dogs14:30   Hall of Famer and World Record Holder15:45   All the MemoriesMore episodes of The Water Table On the Road.Related Content:Hilpipre Auction CompanyIowa LICA FarmFind us on social media! Facebook Twitter InstagramListen on these Podcast Platforms :Apple Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts Visit our website to explore more episodes & water management education

Jamie has some special guests joining him on this episode of The Water Table Podcast. College students Harris and Griffin Duininck sit down to talk about their summer job – a road trip to find out about resiliency in the water management industry. The guys were all over the map and learned some valuable lessons about why their generation should care about plastic pipe and what it might mean for the future – in agriculture and beyond.Chapters:00:00   Intro00:32   Coming up today01:15   Road Trip to Resiliency01:45   A bunch of driving and one flight02:39   There IS good plastic…04:00   A second life05:40   A new appreciation for the “why”07:00   All of the applications09:00   What is proform?10:28   Dealing with septic11:15   Resiliency?12:30   Joining systems13:40   What about ag?15:50   Growing a better crop16:50   Water can be destructive, but it feeds the world18:00   All the way to Kansas City22:00   Name dropping23:40   Why should young people care?26:00   All the new stuffFollow the boys' journey!YouTube PlaylistFacebook Twitter InstagramListen on these Podcast Platforms :Apple Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts Visit our website to explore more episodes & water management education

The Water Table Podcast is on the road at the Iowa LICA Farm, chatting with two people who work for the National LICA organization. What exactly does LICA do and why is it important for contractors to be members? We cover all the benefits (there are a lot…) and talk about how LICA is key for the future of land improvement in this episode with Allison Hack, Director of Communications at the LICA National Office, and Caroline Krug, Assistant to the CEO and Editor of LICA Contractor Magazine.Chapters & Episode Topics: 00:00   Intro00:32   Coming up today…00:52   On the road at the Iowa LICA Farm01:00   Assistant CEO or Assistant to the CEO? Meet Allison and Caroline04:00   LICA – What the heck is it?04:45   Working with legislators05:45   A cross section of contractors06:42   Why be a member?07:25   Benefits…09:00   Helping the little guys…and the big guys09:23   The LICA Contractor magazine11:15   How do you boost for the next generation?12:50   Get a new machine!13:30   Get some training!15:00   Give us the pitch…18:00   Networking!19:00   Discounts!20:00   Travel!21:30   Everybody loves what they do22:00   The last word…On the Road with The Water Table Podcast: https://www.watertable.ag/ontheroad/ Other Episodes recorded LIVE from Iowa LICA: https://youtu.be/JuylKhcHWz0https://youtu.be/L4YGTLekd9ghttps://youtu.be/k8P7F0cTMOEhttps://youtu.be/fjbh3JtTKPghttps://youtu.be/KtRup7_qNkoLICA National: https://www.licanational.com/Iowa LICA:https://www.ialica.com/----Follow us on social media! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PrinscoInc/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/prinscoinc Find us on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1538507698 Subscribe to our Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/001MKyL5nMw6jUpuuz9aGd Listen on Google Podcasts:https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5idXp6c3Byb3V0LmNvbS8xMzg5OTEwLnJzcw== Visit our website to explore more episodes & water management education:https://www.watertable.ag/the-podcast/

We're On the Road at the Iowa LICA Farm Field Days. In this episode, Jamie sits down with safety expert, Josh Snyder, to get the dirt on digging in the dirt, and why safety is such serious business. What should you do in a trench collapse? What are best practices for working in confined spaces? It's an episode that could save your life.Episode Topics: 00:00   Intro00:32   Welcome to the Iowa LICA Farm00:52   Meet Josh Snyder, Safety Expert01:27   Contractor Solutions02:30   What is shoring?04:20   Avoiding a tragedy06:15   Dirt is heavy, man!07:30   Regulations for a reason08:40   Trench box10:35   Confined spaces – how to handle11:30   Walking through a ladder12:30   Getting schooled15:40   A punch in the gut16:30   What should you do in a collapse?17:20   Don't move the hard hat17:40   What happens when something bad happens?19:00   What if you're in the trench?20:00   All of the Midwest…More episodes recorded LIVE from Iowa LICA: #85: On the Road... Setting the Next Generation Up for Success: One Man's Quest to Train Equipment Operators#84: On the Road... Moving Earth– Getting All the Dirt at the Iowa LICA Farm!#83: On the Road... Saturated Buffers– Stepping up to the Plate#82: On the Road... Getting #%@$ done in Iowa with Batch and BuildRelated Content: Contractor SolutionsIowa LICAFind us on social media! Facebook Twitter InstagramListen on these Podcast Platforms :Apple Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts Visit our website to explore more episodes & water management education

This episode of The Water Table Podcast is On the Road  at the Iowa LICA Farm Field Days where we caught up with Roger Solberg, who's using a heavy equipment simulator to train the next generation of operators. It's a stimulating conversation about simulation… learn why it's key to the agricultural water management industry and related fields.Chapters & Episode Topics:00:00   Intro00:32   Welcome to Iowa LICA Field Days00:52   Hello to Roger Solberg01:00   It's just simulating02:20   Appreciate the equipment03:00   Working with students04:00   Preparation is key05:00   It all costs money05:40   The why behind the guy07:45   How do we get kids on board08:42   You'll use it and never lose it09:48   A happy medium11:00   Living with uncertainty12:30   What it's all about14:20   Who will fill our shoes?Related Content: Equipment Operator Training, LLCOn the Road with The Water Table PodcastIowa LICAMore episodes recorded LIVE from Iowa LICA: #84: On the Road... Moving Earth– Getting All the Dirt at the Iowa LICA Farm!#83: Saturated Buffers– Stepping up to the Plate#82: Getting #%@$ done in Iowa with Batch and BuildFind us on social media! Facebook Twitter InstagramListen on these Podcast Platforms :Apple Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts Visit our website to explore more episodes & water management education

The farm crisis literally moved the earth for one Iowa man. We're getting all the dirt, literally, on this episode recorded live from the Iowa LICA Farm for Farm Field Days. Hear the farm's backstory, contractor Bruce Kleven's connection to LICA, and why we're at the beginning of the bell curve for changing conservation practices in agricultural water management.Episode Topics:00:00   Intro00:32   On the road at the Iowa LICA Field Days00:51   Welcome to Bruce Barnhart01:29   Why Bruce moves the earth03:46   Diversified with a passion05:00   A family affair06:30   Iowa LICA – Why?07:20   Delegate and elevate08:30   How it all started10:00   That's quite a list11:45   Current and future12:50   For the greater good13:30   The beginning of the bell curve15:00   What's next?17:20   From 2003 to today20:30   Our city cousins22:05   Water quality: a hot topic24:00   Climate change and technologyOn the Road with The Water Table Podcast– learn more: https://www.watertable.ag/ontheroad/ Other Episodes recorded LIVE from Iowa LICA: #83: Saturated Buffers– Stepping up to the Plate#82: Getting #%@$ done in Iowa with Batch and BuildIowa LICA:https://www.ialica.com/----Follow us on social media! Facebook Twitter Find us on Apple Podcasts Subscribe to our Spotify Listen on Google Podcasts Visit our website to explore more episodes & water management education:https://www.watertable.ag/the-podcast/ 

Saturated buffers– do they really work!? How are researchers working with the boots on the ground to figure things out? Or is it all just a big guessing game? Guest host Trey Allis catches up with Dr. Matt Helmers and Charlie Schafer to answer these questions and more in this episode of the The Water Table Podcast on the road at the Iowa LICA Farm. Episode Topics: 00:00   Intro00:32   Coming up on The Water Table…00:52   Welcome Matt and Charlie04:00   Saturated buffers – what the heck are they?06:00   What led to the invention…07:30   It's about economics and weather08:30   Partnerships; they're the jam.10:15   Maybe it works, maybe it doesn't11:30   Rural economic development14:20   Going down the drain15:00   Growing interest from contractors15:40   Saturated buffers explained16:50   Show me the money17:50   Let's get ‘er done19:00   Don't be stupid; make a plan!22:00   But is it effective?23:30   Transforming drainage26:30   What's next30:00   We're here to help31:00   The last wordRelated content: Iowa Learning FarmsConservation Drainage NetworkIndustry Best Practice: Saturated BufferHow 5 Million Dollars, 39 Test Sites and 29 Bright Minds are Transforming DrainageMore episodes with Charlie Schafer & Dr. Matt Helmers: #1: A Case for Water Management#13: Advocacy and Water Management PracticesAbout the guests: Charlie Schafer is the president and owner of Agri Drain Corporation, which he founded with his brothers in 1976. He has served on multiple boards associated with water management and is currently the Vice Chair for the National Land Improvement Contractors of America (LICA) Board and the Chairman of the Board for the Agriculture Drainage Management Coalition (ADMC). Charlie is also the founder and CEO of Ecosystem Services Exchange (ESE). He was inducted into the International Drainage Hall of Fame in 2022.Dr. Matt Helmers is the Director of the Iowa Nutrient Research Center, the Dean's Professor in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, and a Professor in the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering at Iowa State University, where he has been on the faculty since 2003. Dr. Helmers' research areas include studies on the impact of nutrient management, cropping practices, drainage design and management, and strategic placement of buffer systems on nutrient export from agricultural landscapes.Follow us on social media: Facebook Twitter Find us on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts Explore more episodes & water management education here. 

We are on the road in this episode of The Water Table Podcast. We stopped in at the Iowa LICA Farm Field Days to catch up on all the latest and greatest in water management. Iowa leads the country in production of corn, eggs, pork, ethanol and red meat. Find out why they also lead in building saturated buffers and bioreactors. It's all about partnerships and their push for Batch and Build projects.00:00   Intro00:32   Welcome to the LICA Farm00:51   On location…01:35   Batch and Build02:40   Voluntary Nutrient Reduction Strategy03:45   Why does Iowa lead?05:50   Who says Iowa is flat?06:15   A tale of two rivers09:27   Batch and Build 2.012:40   There are really cool people in conservation14:17   What is a saturated buffer?16:20   What is a bioreactor?17:40   Plastic-yes or no?20:00   Show me the results.23:30   Spiders, raccoons and snakes, oh my!24:30   Let's get the word out and partner!26:00   Getting #%@$ done.28:00   Anyone can lead a batch31:40   Partner, partner, partner32:44   Everybody needs to do something.37:40   There's a different flavor for everyone.38:30   The last wordRelated content: Episode #56: A More Efficient Approach to Water Quality– Batch & BuildAbout Iowa LICAExplore more episodes & water management educationFollow us on social media: Facebook Twitter Find us on Apple Podcasts Subscribe to our Spotify Listen on Google Podcasts 

It's a Water Table takeover on this week's episode of The Water Table Podcast. Kristine Fladeboe Duininck kicked her husband, Jamie, out of the host's chair and invited Kitty Rodelius to join her. Kitty just happens to be married to Kent Rodelius, a water management expert who has worked for Prinsco for more than 40 years. Find out what it's been like for these ladies to be married to people who are passionate about drainage…let's just say it has made for some interesting vacations.About the Guests: Kristine Fladeboe Duininck is a world-class auctioneer and farmland specialist. With 20+ years of broker experience, Kristine is owner of Fladeboe Land. Fladeboe Land is a second-generation family owned business specializing in farmland. She is married to The Water Table Podcast Host, Jamie Duininck.Kitty Rodelius has been the Chief Operating Officer for the Rodelius household for 46 years. She taught high school before staying home to raise her two daughters and has been an active volunteer in both her church and her community. Kitty is married to Kent Rodelius, Prinsco's Ag Market Relationship Manager.Chapters & Episode Topics: 00:00   Intro01:00   Welcome to Kristine and Kitty02:15   Deep in the water03:00   Off the top04:20   Driving Mr. Duininck05:45   From customers to friends08:37   A rhubarb cake to save the day09:45   Married to drainage14:27   “Dad's on the phone” song16:20   Three blind mice17:51   Driving Mr. Rodelius21:00   Kitty's theatrical career24:00   Closing down the store26:30   It's the friendship28:50   Why so much passion?30:25   Family businesses – generations and generations32:45   The ripple effect35:40   Tile in the ground to water management37:45   Advice from Kitty to KristineFollow us on social media! Facebook Twitter Find us on Apple Podcasts Subscribe to our Spotify Listen on Google Podcasts Visit our website to explore more episodes & water management education:https://www.watertable.ag/the-podcast/ 

In this episode of The Water Table, Jamie and Tom Christensen discuss the importance of public and private partnerships in agricultural water management and the importance of investing in drainage management practices. From cost-sharing to education to removing barriers, it's a wealth of information that every crop producer should hear!About the Guest: Tom Christensen is the chair of the Conservation Drainage Network's Growth Committee. He also works with Ecosystem Services Exchange and spent 40 years with the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) before retiring from the USDA in 2020. Tom spent 24 years in Washington, DC in a variety of positions in policy, program development and implementation, agency and mission area operations and partnership building. He also served as NRCS's Regional Conservationist for the Central U.S. and prior to that was the NRCS State Conservationist for the state of Illinois.Suggested Links: USDA NRCSConservation Drainage NetworkIowa Department of Agriculture & Land StewardshipChapters & Episode Topics:00:00   Intro00:32   Coming up on today's episode…01:00   Welcome to Tom Christensen02:00   What is conservation drainage?03:00   CDN – how it all works04:00   A public-private partnership that really works05:30   A Growth Committee??06:30   Adoption barriers08:30   Cost sharing – yes or no?10:30   Why is it so cumbersome?11:30   Out of sight, out of mind12:15   Oh, the innovation of automation13:40   The role of the government14:30   The Turnkey Project16:00   Future opportunities18:30   We need education and awareness21:30   Proper drainage – the benefits are significant22:50   The last word…Follow us on social media! Facebook Twitter Find us on Apple Podcasts Subscribe to our Spotify Listen on Google Podcasts Visit our website to explore more episodes & water management education:https://www.watertable.ag/the-podcast/