The economics of grain production has created a greater interest among growers to consider installing more drain tile on agricultural lands. While the practice of installing drain tile has come far since installation by hand of hardened clay tile sections, the science of tiling continues to evolve today. University of Wisconsin-Extension will host a seminar that covers a wide spectrum of drainage subjects from installation principles to understanding drain tile water outflow and strategies for improving drain tile water quality. Topics and presenters include:

• Engineering principles of sub-surface drainage systems; John Panuska – UW Biological Systems Engineer
• Permitting and approval process for field drainage and wetland projects; Anthony Jernigan, US Army Corps of Engineers; Kathy Kramasz, DNR; Mike Patin, NRCS, and Mike Mrochinske, Sheboygan County Planning and Resources Department
• Research results on drain tile water quality; Eric Cooley – UW Discovery Farms
• An introduction to bioreactors; Eric Fehlhaber, Sheboygan County Conservation Department
• A discussion panel of local installers; Jim Kaul (Grafton), Scott Liermann (Waldo) and Kevin Madson (Manitowoc)
• Drainage Industry Update; Gary Derber of Wisconsin Tubing Inc., Omro
• BMPs that help protect the quality of drain tile water quality; Kevin Erb, UW Environmental Resources Center

The seminar will be held Jan. 19, at the Millhome Supper Club, 16524 Lax Chapel Road, Kiel, WI 53042 from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. The cost is $20 pre-paid which includes lunch. Late registration after Jan. 13 is $25. Three (3.0) Soil and Water Continuing Education Units have been approved for this meeting. Registration materials may be found on-line at http://sheboygan.uwex.edu. Or contact the Sheboygan County UW-Extension Office by calling 920-459-5904 or by emailing Michael.Ballweg@ces.uwex.edu. 12.30.2011