The upcoming 2016 Drainage Design and Water Management Workshops have been scheduled for two locations, one in Minnesota and one in North Dakota.

On Jan. 26-27, the first workshop will be held at the North Dakota State College of Science in Wahpeton, N.D.

And on Feb. 17-18, the second one will be at the Southwest State University campus in Marshall.

Both are a cooperative effort of University of Minnesota Extension and North Dakota State University Extension.

The workshops are intended for those interested in a more complete understanding of the planning and design principles and practices for drainage, sub-irrigation and water table management systems.

Field drainage workshops offered to Minnesota, Dakota farmers

Participants in the past included agricultural producers, landowners, consultants, drainage contractors, government agency staff and water resource managers.

Each two-day workshop starts at 8 a.m. and ends at 5 p.m.

Course content is taught in modules with emphasis on hands-on learning and ample time for discussions. Topics will include drainage, soils and agronomic considerations; conservation and environmental considerations; drainage design fundamentals; online drainage tools; turn-key hands-on drainage design project; team drainage project; managed drainage and subsurface irrigation design; drainage law and legal updates; trench safety; farmer perspectives/panel; drainage software demonstration.

Each workshop is limited to 55 participants. Due to seating limitations, pre-registration is required. On-site registration will not be available on the day of the event.

The early registration fee is $250. To register for either of the workshops, go to https://www.regonline.com/2016Drainage

For more information, contact Tom Scherer, NDSU, at (701) 231-7239 or [email protected]; Hans Kandel, NDSU at (701) 231-8135 or [email protected]; Gary Sands, U-M, 612-625-4756 or [email protected]; Brad Carlson, U-M, 507-389-6745 or [email protected].

And in central Minnesota, the annual meetings of the East Central Irrigation Association and Benton/Sherburne Corn Growers will be held on Thursday, January 21, at Jack and Jim's Entertainment Center in Duelm.

Registration, coffee, and exhibits open at 8:30 a.m.

After the annual business meeting, an informational program will be offered, featuring presentations by Josh Stamper, U-M Extension irrigation specialist, Soil Water Monitoring Technology; Kevin Hidde, Benton/Sherburne FSA director, Farm Program Updates; Anne Struffert, U-M nitrogen management educator, How New Nitrogen Management Plan Might Affect You; Jim Newbuerger, MN House Representative, Legislative Update; Warren Formo, Minnesota Ag Water Resource Center, Buffers, Water, and Nitrogen and Nutrient Issues Update.

The Benton/Sherburne Corn Growers Association will hold their annual meeting at 2 p.m.

Registration is free for those who have memberships paid for 2016. Other interested in attending can pay $20 per person at the door. Calling ahead is appreciated for effective meal planning.

For more information, please contact Tony Eilers, president, East Central Irrigators (320) 290-5030 or Jon Hansmeier, president, Benton/Sherburne Corn Growers (320) 420-5604.

And add one more date to your calendar: The Irrigation Association of Minnesota will hold its annual state meeting on Thursday, February 18, at the Freeport Community Center.