Guest Columns

Fair Wages in Drilling: Balancing Profit, Safety, and Skilled Trade Retention in Construction

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -0400

How can we ensure drillers are being compensated to the best of the company’s ability while companies still make a profit? Rachel Bourne breaks it down.

Congress Begins Repeal of Clean Energy Tax Credits With ‘Sledgehammer Approach’

Wed, 14 May 2025 14:00:00 -0400

It’s only the first step toward erasing Biden’s key climate policy, but the politics are difficult amid the push for Trump’s tax cuts. The potential climate consequences are profound.

Fostering a Safer and More Inclusive Environment in the Drilling Industry During Women in Construction Week

Mon, 03 Mar 2025 15:00:00 -0500

It's crucial to address workplace harassment in the drilling industry, foster open conversations, and create a culture where everyone feels safe, respected, and valued.

Like Father, Like Son: Tucker Johnson's Blueprint for the Future of Drilling

Tue, 13 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Tucker Johnson, a 13-year-old future driller, is already making his mark in the well drilling industry, embodying the leadership, work ethic, and innovation needed to carry on his family’s legacy at Johnson Well Drilling.

Climate Change Takes Center Stage at the Paris 2024 Olympics

Tue, 06 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0400

The Paris 2024 Olympics have highlighted the severe impacts of climate change on major sporting events, from polluted water in the Seine River to extreme weather conditions, raising critical concerns for both athletes and outdoor workers like drillers.

Bridging the Knowledge Gap in Drilling: Training and Professional Development

Tue, 25 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Ontario's first geotech and environmental drilling training day bridged the knowledge gap through industry collaboration and professional development.

Adapting to Industry Changes: Leadership in the Face of New Regulations

Mon, 20 May 2024 00:00:00 -0400

This informative article from Chad Decker of Devco delves into the evolving challenges and strategies within the drilling industry, focusing on navigating new regulations, embracing technological advancements, and maintaining operational efficiency through effective leadership and strategic planning.

The Enemy of my Enemy is my Friend: Drillers, Geologists, and Engineers Face Off

Thu, 09 May 2024 02:00:00 -0400

Discover how Nancy Pasillas seeks to connect drillers and geologists with engineers against one common enemy: project challenges.

'What’s the Beef?': Strengthening Relationships Across the Drilling Field

Thu, 02 May 2024 04:00:00 -0400

From mud-slinging to team-building, it’s time we turn drill site drama into the collaborative comedy it’s meant to be.

Hire Gen Z!

questions@askbrock.com (Brock Yordy) — Wed, 24 Apr 2024 06:00:00 -0400

"The reason why 50% of Generation Z believes they can go out and learn a trade versus attending college is that they have always had the resource technology-driven knowledge available."

'This is Not a Drill': Aligning Employer Strategies With Gen Z Expectations in the Drilling Industry

Wed, 24 Apr 2024 05:00:00 -0400

Discover new methods to engage and retain the Gen Z workforce now entering the drilling industry and looking for companies that share their values of mutual respect and growth.

‘Uncharted Waters’: Navigating the Impending Global Water Crisis

Fri, 22 Mar 2024 12:00:00 -0400

This comprehensive exposé unveils the critical challenges and opportunities facing the global water crisis, emphasizing the pivotal role of the drilling industry, government action, and technological innovation in securing a sustainable water future.

Unearthing the Future: The Quest for Lithium in Western Canada

Wed, 06 Mar 2024 08:00:00 -0500

Discover the pioneering research of Brendan Bishop on the quest for untapped lithium reserves in Western Canada, a game-changer for the low-carbon energy sector and electric vehicle market.

Employee Investment Drives Engagement and Retention

Wed, 06 Mar 2024 05:00:00 -0500

Investing in your team can mean many things. So, how do we show appreciation to the staff without breaking the bank or losing interest?

Built by Association: The Case for Joining Industry Groups

Wed, 10 Jan 2024 09:00:00 -0500

Columnist Rachel Bourne touts the networking, events and learning tied to membership in professional groups.

A Case for the Driller to Manager Pipeline

Tue, 21 Nov 2023 09:00:00 -0500

Field decision-making, knowledge of equipment (and how to succeed with it) make drillers ideal for leadership.

Trading University for Trades: A Gen Z Driller Perspective

Tue, 14 Nov 2023 09:00:00 -0500

Guest columnist Rachel Bourne talks about her path to choosing a hands-on — and cheaper — education.

Submersible Well Pumps: Tips for Servicing, Troubleshooting

Wed, 21 Jun 2023 09:00:00 -0400

Learn how to diagnose common issues with submersible groundwater pumps to help optimize pump longevity.

Using Shallow Well Drills, Even for Confined Aquifers

Fri, 19 May 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Aquifer close to the surface? Often small drills can get the job done, even in tougher geologies.

Tips for Selecting a Quality Water Well Drill

Sat, 26 Mar 2022 00:00:00 -0400

In the market for a portable drill rig? Look at the engines, pump and construction to get a quality water drill.

Data Collection Tips for Foolproof Soil Sampling

Mon, 21 Feb 2022 09:00:00 -0500

Geotechnical contractors can keep samples accurate using proper equipment, systems, photos and lots of notes.

Routine Maintenance for Portable Water Well Drills

Wed, 20 Oct 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Small drills can have a full service life with a little attention to routine greasing, cleaning and tightening.

How Can VFDs Boost Business, Save Customers Money?

Wed, 22 Sep 2021 09:00:00 -0400

Constant pressure systems can prove more efficient, reliable while cutting the need for pricey wiring, tanks.

Key Priorities for Building a Successful Drilling Operation

Fri, 19 Mar 2021 09:00:00 -0400

Get to know typical site conditions, and choose the right rig for those conditions.

Getting Started Drilling Water Wells

Mon, 31 Aug 2020 09:00:00 -0400

From pilot hole to development, some projects call for back-to-basics approach.

Troubleshoot Flexible Drive Shaft Issues in Mechanical Augers

mikeh@littlebeaver.com (Mike Hale) — Fri, 19 Jun 2020 09:00:00 -0400

How to diagnose an auger, fix it and get back to work.

Recruiting Younger Generations into Skilled Labor Jobs

Fri, 12 Jun 2020 10:00:00 -0400

Many millennials, Gen Zs lack knowledge of trade career options.

Help! My Best Driller Just Got a Job Offer

Fri, 29 May 2020 08:30:00 -0400

Money is nice. Crews also like challenges and promotions.

Retain Drilling Crews with Well-Equipped Managers

Fri, 01 May 2020 09:00:00 -0400

If we're serious about retaining our best employees, we need to provide managers and supervisors with the tools and training they need.

How to Ensure a New Water Well is Safe

Fri, 24 Apr 2020 09:00:00 -0400

You've hit water and your well is complete … almost. As with any project, it's important to see through the finishing touches and guarantee safety to those who will use the well.