25th Annual Tri-State Drainage Research Forum Set for October 1, 2026

By Gary Sands, University of Minnesota Extension

For a quarter-century, the Tri-State Drainage Research Forum has served as an essential venue for connecting agricultural producers, drainage contractors, agency personnel, consultants, and researchers across Minnesota, Iowa, and South Dakota. This year marks a major milestone as we host the 25th Annual Tri-State Drainage Research Forum on October 1, 2026. The event is brought to you by South Dakota State University, Iowa State University, and the University of Minnesota, in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture.

25 Years of Drainage Innovation

Agricultural drainage has evolved from basic field water removal to sophisticated, precision water management designed to optimize crop yields while safeguarding soil health and downstream water quality. Gary Sands (University of Minnesota) will kick off the forum with a presentation reflecting on 25 years of research updates, policy shifts, and technology adoption that have shaped Midwest drainage practices.

Highlighting Regional Science and Emerging Tools

This year’s program features an outstanding lineup of researchers and experts addressing critical agricultural water issues:

• New SWITCHES Drainage Projects: Ryan Lefers (South Dakota State University) and Lindsay Pease (University of Minnesota) will present updates on groundbreaking regional drainage research.
• Multi-Purpose Grassed Waterways: Keith Schilling (University of Iowa, Iowa Geological Survey) will examine how grassed waterways can be optimized for both erosion control and hydrological benefits.
• Estimating Nitrogen Reduction: Chris Hay (Hay Water Solutions) will explore moving "beyond a flat percentage" to evaluate nitrogen reduction efficiency from wetlands and bioreactors accurately.
• Drainage Water Recycling: Chuck Brandel (ISG) will highlight strategies and designs for capturing, storing, and reusing drainage water to boost crop resiliency.
• Automated Systems & Riparian Management: Sushant Mehan, Tulsi Ram Pokhrel, and Tiansong Qi (South Dakota State University) will discuss seasonal riparian area management and automated drainage controls.
• NFACT Calculator: Mike Castellano or Sotirios Archontoulis (Iowa State University) will present NFACT, Iowa’s new Nitrogen Application Rate Calculator for precision nutrient management.

In addition, an interactive panel discussion on "Drainage Research and Education Needs" will feature insights from industry leaders Dean Lemke, Trey Allis (Prinsco), and Keegan Kult (Agricultural Drainage Management Coalition).

Register here

Date & time

• October 1st, 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Location

• Bass Pro Shops 3900 Cabella Dr. NW, Owatonna MN 55060

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