It's different everywhere....the old "here" thing.

State mows between interstate lanes, that's about it here. They're broke.

Co. mows main highways (busy ones) annually.

99.9999% of farmers here mow their road ditches religiously. Some w/a lawnmower, some w/a Bush Hog type mower. Just as SteveMI demanded a ROI on corn head row guidance, it's hard to put a ROI on road ditch mowing here. However, it's usually noted who does & who doesn't, unofficially. But, I'm very-very certain that if road ditches were left unattended on rented farms (cash or c-s), you'd have a short tenancy.....here. Just as the manicuring of show animals draws judges attention in the ring, manicuring of farms draws appropriate attentions in NE IL. Most just mow their road ditches for the same reason they mow their lawns....pride & satisfaction. Is there really any ROI for mowing your lawn, or cleaning one's house?