INDIANAPOLIS – Indiana Farm Bureau (INFB) has set a date of Aug. 26 for its latest Drainage School, an event designed to provide an understanding of the laws and regulations impacting drainage decisions in Indiana, according to an official with the organization.

The workshop may be attended in-person ($50 for INFB members and $100 for non-members; includes lunch) or viewed virtually ($25 per individual). The school is 9 a.m.-3 p.m. ET.

“We hope attendees leave with a better understanding of the laws and regulations that control the drainage of land in Indiana, so they can be more informed to make important decisions on their own farms,” Mark Thornburg, INFB executive director of legal affairs, told Farm World.

The seminar is open to farmers, public officials, agency personnel, attorneys and the public, he said. The workshop will feature a variety of topics and speakers, Thornburg noted.

“The topics and speakers in this year’s Drainage School highlight drainage in relation to government takings, common law, general licenses and permit exemptions, and handbook updates,” he explained.

“Additionally, speakers – who represent a variety of industries including agriculture, local and state government and law – will share relevant case studies and actionable steps for landowners and those working with landowners.”

Specific topics include a Legislative Update; Mutual Drains, Private Drains and the Common Law; Updates on the Drainage Handbook; and Low-Head Dam Safety and Regulation.

Thornburg said water supply continues to be a major topic for Hoosier farmers, as “we focus on quality and quantity of water and navigate water policy to protect agriculture and rural communities.

“The focus now on water supply makes it imperative that we view water on the landscape through a holistic lens,” he pointed out. “We have specifically added topics addressing this as well as including updates on Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS), and drainage common law. We have also added a session on dam safety.”

INFB has offered Drainage School for 24 years, Thornburg said.

Registration is required – the deadline to register for in-person attendance is Aug. 19, and Aug. 22 for those attending virtually. The in-person workshop will be at INFB headquarters, 225 S. East St., Indianapolis, 46202. INFB said continuing education credits for attorneys and surveyors were being sought. For more information and to register, visit www.infb.org/events.