October 31, 2023
I hope this message finds you in good health and high spirits. As we navigate these dynamic times in the agricultural industry, I am pleased to present the President’s Report for ADMC.
In the climate of increasing environmental concerns and shifting policies, ADMC has continued to play a pivotal role in promoting sustainable and responsible drainage practices. With a membership base that is both engaged and growing, we have made significant strides in advocating for innovative solutions that balance the needs of agriculture with broader environmental stewardship.
ADMC continues to maintain and grow its membership base by collecting its highest amount of membership dues in 2023. This growth underscores the importance of our mission and the increasing recognition of ADMC as a leading authority in agricultural drainage management.
ADMC remains at the forefront of advocating for programs that support sustainable drainage practices. We have engaged with agencies and decision makers at the local, state, and federal levels to ensure that our industry’s voice is heard. Keegan was even able to go to capitol hill and educate both senate and house ag committee staff members on the importance of water management and the barriers within the Farm Bill Conservation Title to implement them.
This visit occurred prior to the Conservation Drainage Network’s Annual Meeting. ADMC has strengthened its collaboration with CDN. This strategic partnership has allowed us to leverage expertise to increase communication and coordination among drainage stakeholders.
ADMC continues to build partnerships to help achieve its mission. ADMC has a board member position with the Illinois Sustainable Ag Partnership. Is a partner with the Soil and Water Conservation Society through both contract work in Iowa and a collaborative effort with the CDN growth committee on a successful webinar series which included participants from across North America. These relationships have led to a regional grant in which ADMC is a co-principal investigator along with Iowa State University, the Illinois Sustainable Ag Partnership, and SWCS. This grant will provide funding for ADMC to educate and strengthen other Midwest states’ abilities to replicate successful practice delivery models such as the Minnesota Turn-key Approach and the Iowa Batch and Build. This grant is funded by the Foundation for Food and Agricultural Research, The Walton Family Foundation, and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. All of which have tremendous resources and influence in the conservation world.
The Drain Tile Safety Coalition and Northern Natural Gas continue to provide valuable resources that ADMC proudly presents to promote the safety of our contractors. ADMC appreciates these partnerships and looks forward to continuing to grow them.
ADMC remains in stable financial position but is seeing the need to grow revenue from membership dues. Looking ahead, ADMC is poised for even greater impacts in the agricultural landscape. We look forward to:
- Increasing the adoption level of conservation drainage practices
- Being an even stronger voice for the industry
- Advocating to shape successful programs that will increase conservation drainage adoption.
- And finally, coordinating the efforts of all agricultural drainage stakeholders
In conclusion, I would like to express my gratitude to each member of the board for your unwavering support and dedication to the mission of ADMC. Together we will continue to lead the way in promoting responsible and sustainable drainage practices in agriculture.
I look forward to your valuable insights and feedback in the upcoming board meeting.