Southern Indiana Business Report
INDIANAPOLIS — Registration is now open for Indiana Farm Bureau’s annual drainage school. The workshop will be presented both virtually and in person at INFB headquarters in Indianapolis. Farmers, public officials, agency personnel, attorneys and the general public are invited to attend. The seminar will take place Wednesday, Sept. 1, from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
In-person attendance, which includes lunch, is $50 per INFB member and $100 per non-member. Virtual attendance costs $25 per individual.
The event is designed to provide attendees with a greater understanding of dispute resolution as well as laws and regulations that control the drainage of land in Indiana. Speakers also will share relevant case studies and actionable steps for landowners and those working with landowners.
“At INFB, we are committed to providing education and resources to our members, as well as anyone else who is interested in expanding their knowledge of agriculture,” said INFB President Randy Kron. “The goal of drainage school is for attendees to walk away more informed about the laws impacting drainage and better equipped to make decisions on their farms.” Kron noted that this year’s hybrid event gives participants the flexibility to choose the seminar format that works best for them, whether that’s attending in person or virtually.
Speakers represent a variety of industries including agriculture, local and state government and law.
- Welcome — Jeff Cummins, associate director of policy engagement, Indiana Farm Bureau
- Utility easements, road rights of way and drainage — Tony Crowell, attorney, Gordon & Associates; Josh Trenary, executive director, Indiana Pork Producers Association; Jarrod Hahn, surveyor, Wells County; and Mark Bailey, director of hydraulics, Indiana Department of Transportation
- Indiana Department of Environmental Management and Illinois Department of Natural Resources Joint Permitting Authority update — Heather Parsons, technical environmental specialist, Indiana Department of Environmental Management
- Construction in a floodway permitting update — Bryan Denman, special project manager, Indiana Department of Natural Resources; Jennifer Ware, environmental manager, Indiana Department of Natural Resources; Jarrod Hahn, surveyor, Wells County; and Susan Bodkin, surveyor, Hancock County
- Joint drainage board creation and operation — Steve Holt, attorney, Hamilton County; Kent Ward, surveyor, Hamilton County; and Kendell Culp, vice president, Indiana Farm Bureau
- Climate resilience and drainage — Jeff Dukes, director, Purdue Climate Change Resource Center
- Navigating changes to isolated wetlands and waters of the U.S. — Amy Romig, attorney, Plews Shadley Racher & Braun
Registration for the event is required. Attendees may register at www.infb.org/drainage through Aug. 25 for in-person attendance and Aug. 27 for virtual attendance. No refunds will be provided after Aug. 25 for those who register for the in-person event. Continuing education credits for attorneys and surveyors are being sought.
The workshop is sponsored by INFB, Indiana Agricultural Law Foundation, Indiana Pork Producers Association, Association of Indiana Counties, Indiana Association of County Commissioners, County Surveyors Association of Indiana, Indiana Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts, Indiana Local Technical Assistance Program and Indiana Agriculture Nutrient Alliance.
For more information on the workshop, visit www.infb.org/drainage or contact Maria Spellman at [email protected].