Illinois Farmers Unite for Joint Tile Drain Project

By Andi Anderson

Improving farm drainage systems in Illinois can be difficult, especially when farmland is owned by absentee landowners who may not fully understand drainage problems.

In many cases, aging tile systems fail, and without a proper outlet to remove excess water, farms experience poor crop performance. A reliable outlet is essential for any successful drainage project.

Kevin Brooks, a University of Illinois Extension Educator in Havana, Illinois, conducted the case study. This case study highlights how several neighboring landowners worked together to build a new tile main that improved water flow for their farms. The subject farm had an outdated and undersized tile main that carried water from nearby farms.

The system ran under a major railroad line and frequently experienced blowouts due to heavy water pressure. Repairs were costly and frequent, and during wet years, crop yields were very low.

Although neighboring landowners initially requested cooperation to upgrade the system, the subject farm owner was not interested. Relationships became strained as drainage problems continued.

Over time, falling yields encouraged the subject farm owner to reconsider. Plans were developed to replace the failing system with a new 1.1-mile tile main.

Two neighboring farms agreed to participate. One farm had already invested in pattern tiling but lacked an efficient outlet.

Another new landowner understood the benefits of improved drainage and joined the effort. A third neighbor declined due to past disagreements, which increased financial responsibility for the remaining participants.

The total project cost exceeded $225,000. Expenses were shared based on the amount of water each farm contributed and the distance to the drainage ditch. The system was designed to handle future drainage expansion.

By rerouting the tile to avoid crossing the railroad, contractors saved more than $100,000, though legal approval was required and successfully obtained.

To avoid continued maintenance of the failing system, the subject farm owner chose to cover the non-participating farm’s share. This decision increased project size and cost but ensured long-term efficiency.

The final cost was less than $250 per acre for poorly drained land, and improved yields allowed farmers to recover their investment within two years. The group also agreed to share future repair expenses, proving that cooperation can lead to financial and agricultural success.

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