Farm Horizons Farm Horizons 2/16 | Page 13

Farm Horizons • Feb. 8, 2016 “We can get in trouble if we are placing tile in a known wetland area without proper permits, and set-backs, too,” he noted. Mathews begins his projects by doing a survey of the area, which includes the level of moisture, distance from visible wetlands, and slope of the area. He determines how deep the tile would need to be placed, the size of the tile needed to produce maximum results, and if the farmer needs to file for any kind of • Page 13 special permit or variance. “Then, I send the farmer to file for permits, and find out if the area is protected at all,” Mathews stated. He usually begins the surveying process in March, and the tiling projects in April, he said. Generally, agricultural drainage tile installation costs about $400 per acre, but varies depending on the depth and size of tile. “Most farmers will decide a price limit, then we tile Stock photo Spring and fall are the busiest times for contractors who install agricultural drainage tile, because farmers don’t want tiling projects to interfere with crop planting or harvest. Urgent C A R E health care. . . when you need it. Urgent Care Hours: Mon.-Thurs. 8 a.m.-7 p.m.; Fri. 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; & Sat. 9 a.m.-Noon 3 Century Ave. | Hutchinson, MN | 320-234-3290 | 800-944-2690 www.HutchHealth.com Equal Opportunity Employer