IF THE LA NINA lingers, it could set up a possible repeat of last year’s cold and blustery winter and a wet start to spring, a meteorologist says. ......................................2
THIS STRANGE-LOOKING apparatus is a weather station at one of three schools in Illinois using a new pilot wind energ y curriculum. ..................................3
CHINESE DEmAND for corn is expected to outpace the country’s production, so it should continue to be a buyer on the world market. ..................................4
Monday, October 10, 2011
Two sections Volume 39, No. 41
At long last, House vote on FTAs appears imminent
Vote in Senate expected soon BY DAVE MCCLELLAND FarmWeek
Three free trade agreements (FTAs), which have been awaiting congressional action for years, last week appeared headed for decisive action. Agreements with Colombia, Panama, and South Korea were sent to Capitol Hill by the Obama administration early last week and quickly moved through the House Ways and Means Committee to the floor of the House where a vote is expected this week. A Senate vote is expected to follow soon. “What we have been hop-
ing for months and years finally took place,” said Illinois Farm Bureau President Philip Nelson, who was in Washington for an American Farm Bureau Federation board meeting when the administration sent the pacts to the House. “I saw firsthand when I was in Colombia and Panama earlier this year how important passage of the free trade agreements are for creating U.S. jobs and increasing markets for farm commodities,” he said. Passage of the FTAs is critical, said Nelson. “We want to urge all our members to take time out of their busy schedules to climb off the combine or pick up their cell phones and call their congressmen as well as the
Call to action! South Korea, Colombia, and Panama FTAs NOW is the time to make YOUR calls for FREE TRADE!
By Oct. 13, call both U.S. senators and your congressman Urge them to vote YES this week on each of the three pending free trade agreements (FTAs) Colombia FTA (H.R. 3078) – Panama FTA (H.R. 3079) – South Korea FTA (H.R. 3080)
Call U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin at 202-224-2152 Call U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk at 202-224-2854 Call your congressman And please report your contacts to Farm Bureau!
two senators stressing the importance of the passage of these three FTAs.” Government and private industry estimates speculate the agreements will result in $2.5 billion to $3 billion in increased U.S. export sales and lead to perhaps 20,000 new jobs. The three countries already have nearly duty-free status
for most of the goods they sell to the U.S., and the agreements would eliminate or greatly reduce tariffs on most U.S. agriculture and manufactured goods. A stumbling block to action on the three FTAs — which actually were signed during the Bush administration — has been concern over workers who might lose their jobs
as a result of the agreements. The Obama administration had held up sending the agreements to Congress until it was assured benefits for workers displaced by foreign competition would be approved. The Senate last week approved the Trade Adjustment Assistance program (the worker aid bill), which addresses that concern, and the House is expected to take action on the legislation in conjunction with the trade pacts. It has been speculated that the administration wants at least the House passage of the agreements in place when South Korean President Lee Myung-bak visits the U.S. this Thursday. Virtually all commodity organizations were calling for swift approval of the FTAs.
Downed corn presents harvest challenges; yields variable BY DANIEL GRANT FarmWeek
Periodicals: Time Valued
Downed corn has been a challenge to harvest for some farmers around Illinois, but so far much of it has been salvaged. Yields, however, are all over the board depending in part on what stage of the growing season the corn went down and the severity of the damage. Steve Giertz, a farmer from
Biggsville in Henderson County, recently spent about 2.5 weeks harvesting 425 acres of corn, about one-third of his crop, that was severely goosenecked after it was hit with 60 to 70 mph winds on Labor Day weekend. “I feel like we could have combined 1,000 acres faster and easier” than it took to harvest the 425 acres of downed corn, Giertz told FarmWeek. “We just had to have perfect conditions. There was a lot of material out there.” Giertz, who farms with his brother, Greg, and part-time worker, Matt Daly, installed a reel on his corn head that he had used three years ago when 100 mph winds hit the same farm during the growing season. “We already had a reel from 2008,” Giertz said. “We were lucky (this year). The corn was already made (prior to the windstorm) and we didn’t get a lot of rain after it happened.” Giertz estimated they were able to pick up about 95 percent of the downed corn and lost only about 10 bushels per acre from what otherwise
Steve Giertz maneuvers a combine through severely lodged corn in one of his fields between Monmouth and Biggsville in Henderson County. He estimated the corn head with the reel attachment was able to pick up about 95 percent of the damaged corn. Giertz said he was amazed at the yield of the corn, which was blown over by a Labor Day weekend windstorm. (Photo by Cyndi Cook)
might have been 200-bushel corn. “We were amazed how well it yielded,” he said. Brian Duncan, a farmer from Polo and president of the Ogle County Farm Bureau, also has 200-plus bushel cornfields in his area. But some fields, which were pummeled by a windstorm in July and hail in August, have
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yielded less than 100 bushels per acre. “We had pretty severe wind and hail damage,” said Duncan, who noted the epicenter of the August storm dropped baseball-sized hail on some fields. “Some of it (corn in the most severely damaged fields) is under 100 bushels,” Duncan said. “But crops that managed
to avoid the high wind and hail are producing a lot of 200-plus bushel yields.” Duncan also is using a reel on his corn head to harvest the downed corn. He noted one field the corn was lodged so badly he could combine it only in one direction. “Unfortunately, the vast See Downed corn, page 4
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FarmWeek Page 2 Monday, October 10, 2011
Quick Takes ETHANOL TRAIN DERAILS, BURNS — A train with more than 60 cars transporting ethanol derailed and caught fire early Friday, causing officials to evacuate Tiskilwa in Bureau County, The Associated Press reported. The 131-car train, operated by the Iowa Interstate Railroad, was transporting ethanol for Archers Daniel Midland Co., according to a fire department spokesman. Witnesses reported hearing explosions and seeing huge flames. At FarmWeek presstime there was no word on any injuries or possible causes of the accident. STUDY: CELLULOSIC BIOFUELS WON’T SATISFY RFS — The biofuel industry will not be able to meet the cellulosic production requirements of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) without significant advancements in technology or investment, according to a new study. The National Academy of Sciences last week completed a study for Congress that outlined the challenges. The RFS requires the production of 15 billion gallons of corn-based ethanol, 1 billion gallons of biodiesel, and 16 billion gallons of cellulosic fuels be produced annually by 2022. The ethanol and biodiesel requirements can be achieved, but the cellulosic goals probably cannot be, according to the report. The U.S. currently has about 200 ethanol plants producing more than 14 billion gallons of the corn-based fuel. But there currently are no commercially viable biorefineries for cellulosic ethanol, the report noted. STATE AG GROUPS DONATE PORK — The Illinois Pork Producers Association, Illinois Corn Marketing Board, and Illinois Soybean Association recently distributed more than 34,000 pounds of ground pork to eight regional food banks associated with Feeding Illinois. The effort was part of the “Pork Power: Partnering to Fight Hunger in Illinois” campaign. The donations, which were made during September Hunger Action Month, will provide more than 136,000 meals to families in Illinois. Regional food banks that received pork donations are located in Chicago, Rockford, Peoria, Moline, Springfield, Urbana, St. Louis, and Evansville, Ind. ASSIGNING VALUE TO CONSERVATION — Efforts to put an economic value on conservation work is focusing attention on a variety of costs and benefits from conservation. The National Association of Conservation Districts has commissioned a report “Conservation Benefits: Putting Value Where It Belongs.” Measurements and verification are essential for systems that attach economic values to conser vation ser vices, according to the report. Currently, USDA is working on tools to do those tasks. Another key factor is allowing stacked landowner payments for a variety of conservation services, such as water quality protection and enhanced wildlife habitat. That reduces the winners-vs.-losers effect of public benefits coming at a cost to landowners. The full report is available online at {www.nacdnet.org/resources/reports/}.
(ISSN0197-6680) Vol. 39 No. 41
October 10, 2011
Dedicated to improving the profitability of farming, and a higher quality of life for Illinois farmers. FarmWeek is produced by the Illinois Farm Bureau. FarmWeek is published each week, except the Mondays following Thanksgiving and Christmas, by the Illinois Agricultural Association, 1701 Towanda Avenue, P.O. Box 2901, Bloomington, IL 61701. Illinois Agricultural Association assumes no responsibility for statements by advertisers or for products or services advertised in FarmWeek. FarmWeek is published by the Illinois Agricultural Association for farm operator members. $3 from the individual membership fee of each of those members go toward the production of FarmWeek.
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EMERGING ISSUES
Illinois requiring medical cards with some CDLs BY KAY SHIPMAN FarmWeek
Illinois drivers with commercial drivers licenses (CDLs) last week received mailed notices from the Illinois secretary of state about a new program aimed at enforcing the medical card requirement. This is the first time the medical card will be linked to the CDL, according to Kevin Rund, Illinois Farm Bureau senior director of local government. Within a two-year period that starts Jan. 30, 2012, all CDL holders will have to visit a CDL driver’s licensing facility in person to declare whether the medical card requirement applies to them, Rund said. “Not just any driver’s licensing facility will do,” he advised. “There are only 47
offices in Illinois that accommodate CDL drivers.” If a farmer’s CDL expires within that two-year period, he or she may make the required visit at the time the license is renewed. However if the CDL will expire after Jan. 30, 2014, that driver must make a special trip before that expiration date.. “Virtually any farmer who operates a combination vehi-
cle, such as semis or a pickup and gooseneck trailer, must have the medical card,” Rund said. “That’s because the farmer exemption from the medical card applies only when driving single-unit vehicles, not combinations.” When farmers with CDLs visit driver’s licensing facilities, they will have to declare whether they operate as an “interstate” driver or as “intrastate,” Rund added. They also need to declare whether they are eligible for the exemption from the medical card requirement that is found in federal regulation 49 CFR 391.45, he said. For more on the CDL and medical card program, go online to the secretary of state’s website at {www.sos.state.il.us/departments/drivers/cdl/home.html}.
Attorney general seeks to make meth pilot permanent
Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan and several state legislators said they want lawmakers to make permanent a pilot program that allows pharmacies to block illegal sales of a key methamphetamine ingredient. Last week Madigan visited Cahokia, Danville, and Quincy, which are among the communities hardest hit by illegal meth production and use. The attorney general said she will work with state Sen. William Haine (D-Alton) and Rep. Jerry Costello II (D-Smithton) during the upcoming veto session to extend the program. Since 2006, a state program has restricted individuals from buying more than two pack-
ages of pseudoephedrine at one time. Customers also have to show photo identification and sign a purchasing log maintained by pharmacies. A pilot system in operation since June 2010 has allowed pharmacies to track pseudoephedrine sales and to block any sales that would exceed the legal limit. Without an extension, the pilot program is set to end in January. Law enforcement and others point to the success of the pilot program that they maintain has resulted in stopping the sale of more than 70,000 boxes of pseudoephedrine since June 2010.
Will La Nina bring cold, snowy winter? BY DANIEL GRANT FarmWeek
The return of La Nina, cooler-than-average Pacific Ocean temperatures that influence global weather patterns, is not expected to create any additional harvest challenges. Bryce Anderson, DTN ag meteorologist, predicted normal to below-normal precipitation across much of the Midwest this fall. “The general harvest pattern should be pretty favorable,” Anderson said. But if La Nina lingers, it could set up a possible repeat of last year’s cold and active winter followed by a stormy first-half of spring, according to the meteorologist. Illinois’ last climatological winter (December through February) averaged 24.9 degrees, 3.3 degrees below normal, while snowfall ranged from 15 inches in Southern Illinois to 45-plus inches in Northern Illinois, reported Jim Angel, climatologist with the Illinois State Water Survey.
Peoria last December through February recorded its snowiest winter on record with snowfall accumulation of 52.5 inches. “The first part of winter we are looking for a cold start and then for it to get stormier as we go into spring,” Anderson
FarmWeekNow.com Check out the latest winter outlook from the Illinois State Water Survey at FarmWeekNow.com.
said. If La Nina and this past year’s weather repeats itself in the months ahead, farmers may encounter another wet spring and subsequent planting delays in 2012. La Nina winters often are wetter than normal in the Pacific Northwest and Ohio Valley. “There is a chance next spring that a pretty stormy situation could redevelop” in the Midwest if La Nina persists, Anderson said. Elsewhere, La Nina could threaten to keep the South
entrenched in severe drought conditions as La Nina winters often bring drier-than-normal conditions to the southern tier of the U.S. “This means drought is likely to continue in the drought-stricken states of Texas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico,” said Mike Halpert, deputy director of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Climate Prediction Center. In Illinois, September rainfall averaged 3.53 inches, which was 0.34 of an inch above normal. However, parts of Northern and Southern Illinois last month received 46 inches of rain while areas in Central Illinois received just 12 inches. “Rainfall was stubbornly sparse in areas hardest hit by the drought,” Angel said. The statewide average temperature for the month, 63.2 degrees, was 3 degrees below normal. That made it the 13thcoolest September on record, Angel reported.
Page 3 Monday, October 10, 2011 FarmWeek
ENErgy EducatioN
New program channeling wind energy into classrooms Material also will encompass STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematic) goals, Students at three rural Illinois schools are according to Alvey. using the weather to apply principles of physics, Wind for Schools also fits with the state’s educhemistry, biology, and math through a pilot pro- cation goal to develop career-based learning about gram known as Wind for Schools. industry sectors. The goal is for schools to imple“This (program) is a great opportunity,” said ment curriculum that builds upon concepts introSuperintendent Roger Alvey, whose Elmwood duced in early grades all the way through college School District is pilot testing Wind for Schools. degree programs. “I am so impressed at how it encompasses An introduction of energy concepts to biology, physics, chemistry, and so many fields. It young students is ideal for college programs, has relevance to everyday life and it’s hands on,” such as ISU’s renewable energy undergraduate said Alvey, a former science teacher. program, according to David Loomis, director Wind for Schools is being developed and the ISU Center for Renewable Energy. High administered by the Illinois Instischool students who understand tute for Rural Affairs (IIRA) at those concepts will be prepared FarmWeekNow.com Western Illinois University and for more advanced college-level Learn more about the Wind for classes, he noted. the Center for Renewable EnerSchools program in Illinois at gy and College of Education at “Students need to underFarmWeekNow.com. Illinois State University (ISU). stand plain, old energy conThe Department of Commerce cepts. Then you marry it (Wind and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is funding for Schools) with wind concepts and all the the program with a two-year grant. wind and weather data,” Loomis said. In addition to the Elmwood district, the other Wind for Schools’ materials are based on participating schools are Fulton County School curriculum from the National Energy EducaDistrict, Cuba, and Ridgeview School District, tion Development Project, which has a website Colfax. Recently, a weather station was installed at {www.need.org}. The model turbine kits are on a school building in each district and curricufrom the Kid Wind Project, which has a weblum workshops were provided for teachers. site at {www.kidwind.org). “The whole point is for Illinois site-specific After the pilot program is assessed, a formal data to be integrated into the curriculum,” said application for districts will be finalized for the Jolene Willis, IIRA wind energy program coor2012-13 school year. “We estimate conservadinator. “We’re excited about this initiative to tively three to five schools will be selected to integrate wind energy into science curriculum. participate,” Willis said. Wind energy is a growing part of Illinois’ econHowever, the long-term future of Wind for omy.” Schools hinges on funding for the program Through the program, students are collecting after the two-year grant ends. “We’re continureal wind and weather data and then incorporat- ously looking for sustainable funding,” Willis ing that information into classroom lessons, added. experiments, and projects. The curriculum has More information about Wind for Schools been designed to fulfill relevant state learning is available by contacting IIRA’s Fred Iutzi or goals. Loomis at the Renewable Energy Center. BY KAY SHIPMAN FarmWeek
Rob Martin, left, a renewable energy student at Illinois State University (ISU), and Matt Aldeman, senior energy analyst at the ISU Center for Renewable Energy, install a weather station on the roof of the Cuba Middle-Senior High School, Cuba. The Fulton County school is one of three in Illinois using a new pilot wind energy curriculum that integrates site-specific weather data. (Photo by Jolene Willis, Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs, Western Illinois University)
Rural Development awards community and economic funding Three Illinois communities and two Illinois energy providers will benefit from funding announced by USDA Rural Development. “Improving public facilities in rural communities is necessary to ensure our towns and small cities continue to be great places to live, raise a family, and run a business,” said Colleen Callahan, director of Rural Development in Illinois. The Savanna Public Library in Carroll County will receive a $50,000 grant to replace windows with energy-efficient ones. In April, the library also received a Rural Development grant to replace the first eight of 24 windows. Middle Fork Township in Vermilion County will use a
$178,000 low-cost loan to build a new maintenance building in Potomac, replacing two buildings that are more than 70 years old. Rural Development will guarantee the $1 million loan the Benton Civic Center Authority has with Southern Illinois Bank, Johnston City. The money will be used to
renovate the theater in the existing civic center. Energy providers Jo-Carroll Energy and Coles-Moultrie Electric Cooperative will receive funding to help create jobs. “This funding requires recipients to use collaborative efforts and regional approaches to address local needs,”
Callahan said. Jo-Carroll Energy will receive a $50,000 grant through the Rural Business Opportunity Grants program. Jo-Carroll Energy, an electricity and natural gas provider, will use the money to establish a sustainable small business support center in Mt. Carroll. The center will provide
Three Illinois energy firms receive biofuel payments Three Illinois-based energy producers were among 160 recipients nationwide to receive payments to support production of biofuels, USDA announced last week. “These payments can have a widespread economic benefit to our rural communities,” said Colleen Callahan, Rural Development state director. “The biofuel producers hire local workers, buy from the region’s farmers, and distribute their fuels to use on trucks and barges rather than ocean vessels.” The Illinois-based recipients received pay-
ment for biofuel production in fiscal year 2010. Archer Daniels Midland received $2.571 million for producing biodiesel from canola oil at its plant in Velva, N.D. Incobrasa Industries Ltd., based in Gilman, received $1.771 million for producing biodiesel from soybean oil. Midwest Biodiesel Product LLC received $54,984 for biodiesel produced from animal fats, waste vegetable oil, and soybean oil at its South Roxana facility.
training, consulting, tools, and resources to help small businesses in Northwestern Illinois improve their management resources. Coles-Moultrie Electric Cooperative was selected to receive a $740,000 loan through the Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant program. The co-op will re-lend its 0percent-interest loan to the Mattoon Hotel and Convention Center to build a 35,000square-foot Hilton Garden Inn facility in Mattoon. Earlier this year, ColesMoultrie was awarded another loan and grant through the same program to support the renovation and modernization of Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center in Mattoon.
IFF offering answers to consumers’ questions The Illinois Farm Families (IFF) is a coalition of commodity groups for beef, corn, soybeans, pork, and the Illinois Farm Bureau. It is accepting consumers’ questions and post-
ing answers to those questions on its website {www.watchusgrow.org}. FarmWeek is publishing the questions and answers to share information. Q: Why do you treat animals with antibiotics?
IFF: Just like you take a sick child to the doctor, the same holds true when one of our animals gets sick. We work with our veterinarian to diagnose the animal’s illness, treat it, and nurse that animal back to health. Q: Do you feel wind tur-
bines can affect farm animals and even cause them to die? Scott Jensen, Tiskilwa: Our farm has had wind turbines on all sides of us (within 1,500 feet) for seven years. We have and continue to finish out feeder cattle in our feedlot, finish out pigs, and
have horses, dogs, and cats. We have experienced no ill effects on any of these animals. We have lived on this farm for 25 years. There has been no change in the health of our livestock or companion animals since the construction of the wind farm.
FarmWeek Page 4 Monday, October 10, 2011
EMERgINg ISSUES
USMEF: Proposed traceability rule a ‘step in the right direction’ BY DANIEL GRANT FarmWeek
The U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) believes a proposed rule to improve the traceability of U.S. livestock is a “step in the right direction” to help minimize animal disease outbreaks and maintain the flow of meat exports. USDA in August issued a proposed rule that would require livestock, unless specifically exempted, to be identified when moved interstate. Identification to satisfy the rule include an interstate certificate of veterinary inspection or other documentation, such as owner-shipper statements or brand certificates. The proposed rule encourages the use of low-cost technology, such as metal ear tags for cattle, to identify livestock. “Our proposal strives to meet the diverse needs of the animal agriculture
industry while also helping us all reach our goal of increased animal disease traceability,” said John Clifford, USDA chief veterinary officer. An efficient animal disease traceability system would help reduce the number of animals involved in an investigation, reduce the time needed to respond, and decrease the costs to producers and the government, according to USDA. USMEF recently released a study, conducted by researchers at Colorado State, Kansas State, and Montana State universities, which suggested the lack of an efficient traceability system in the U.S. could be costly for producers. The study noted the U.S. and India are the only two major beef exporters that do not have mandatory traceability systems. Meanwhile, other countries, such as Japan and South Korea (two of the highest-value markets for U.S. red meat
exports), have adopted mandatory traceability programs which eventually could lead to similar requirements for imports. “If a disease outbreak occurs, or trading partners implement import standards in line with their domestic requirements, the U.S. could be at a significant disadvantage,” said Erin Daley, USMEF economist. “As we derive more value from the international markets (about 16 percent of U.S. beef and 29 percent of pork are exported), implementing traceability standards can help minimize this risk.” The USMEF report concluded animal health management and food safety are the primary drivers behind most countries’ animal identification and traceability systems. However, some countries also are using the traceability systems as marketing tools to enhance sales.
“Countries with well-developed mandatory animal identification and traceability programs enjoy comparative advantages in red meat exports relative to countries without such systems,” the researchers said. The U.S. already has experienced what the loss of export markets can do to the livestock sector. USMEF estimated lost beef exports, from 2004 to 2011, due to the discovery of BSE totaled about $14 billion. Daley noted a traceability system would not have prevented all that loss, but it likely would have reduced it by allowing markets to reopen sooner and without restrictions. USDA will accept comments on its proposed rule concerning interstate movements of livestock until Nov. 9. Comments can be submitted and more information is available at the website {www.aphis.usda.gov/traceability}.
USGC: Record Chinese corn crop won’t satisfy demand The U.S. Grains Council (USGC) last week projected Chinese far mers this year will har vest a recordlarge cor n crop. China, however, still is expected to be a buyer of cor n on the world market as USGC projected Chinese demand will outpace its cor n production. USGC made that projection last week at the conclusion of its 15th annual China cor n har vest tour. “China will produce a bumper crop this year,” Kevin Rempp, USGC advisor y team member, said
last week during a teleconference. USGC estimated Chinese corn production will total 6.6 billion bushels. Harvested acres were projected at 76.35 million, with an average yield of 86 bushels per acre. China typically maintains enough corn stocks to satisfy 25 percent of its domestic demand, but its stocks currently have dipped to about 16 percent of demand as domestic corn use has exceeded production in six of the last seven years. “That’s why China has emerged as a buyer of corn and why the world has strug-
gled to get its arms around what the long-term demand will be,” said Tom Dorr, USGC president and CEO. USGC estimated China from Oct. 1 through December 2012 may have to import 200 million to 400 million bushels of corn. Domestic corn prices in China last week reportedly hovered around $10 per bushel due to a tight supply and strong demand. “With 1.2 billion people and changing income levels, you can see higher demand for quality protein,” said Don Hutchens, executive director of the Nebraska
Corn Board, who was on the China corn tour. “(Chinese) demand (for corn) will outpace production.” Chinese corn production has increased about 34 percent in the past six years. But it is unlikely China will be able to produce its way out of the situation, according to USGC members. Chinese farmers use older single-cross hybrids, plant about 23,000 plants per acre
(compared to much larger plant populations in the U.S.), and harvest anywhere from 60 to 80 percent of the crop by hand. “Yields don’t seem to be going up (in China) like you’d expect,” said Mike Callahan, USGC senior director of international operations. “You don’t see many technological or agronomic advancements (there).” — Daniel Grant
PUMPKIN PICKERS
Matt Daly, left, and Steve Giertz adjust a reel on the corn head of Giertz’s combine as they prepared last week to harvest downed corn in Henderson County. (Photo by Cyndi Cook)
Downed corn
Farm workers use a loader to harvest a pumpkin field near Morton owned by Jonathan Zehr. An estimated 9,000 acres of commercial pumpkins are being harvested this year near Morton, which is known as the pumpkin capital of the world. About 85 percent of canned pumpkins sold nationwide are produced at the Nestle/Libby’s facility in Morton. (Photo by Cyndi Cook)
Continued from page 1 majority of my acres were hit and hit pretty hard,” he said. Duncan noted many farmers in Northern Illinois have just started harvesting. His corn moisture last week was between 18 and 27 percent while soybean yield reports so far have been impressive. Elsewhere, harvest last week was progressing rapidly in many parts of Central and Southern Illinois. “I’d say corn (harvest) is pretty well wrapped up,” Garry Niemeyer, a farmer from Auburn in Sangamon County, said last week. “And, in another week, there probably won’t be many soybeans around.” Statewide, corn harvest the first of last week was 32 percent complete, 4 percent behind the five-year average pace, while 12 percent of soybeans were harvested, 15 percent behind the average pace.
Page 5 Monday, October 10, 2011 FarmWeek
RuRAl IssuEs
Farm family bounces back from devastating tornado BY DANIEL GRANT FarmWeek
Mark Prose, a farmer from Girard in Macoupin County, poses near his soon-to-be new farm house as construction workers frame a portion of the home. Just five months ago, an F-3 tornado with wind speeds estimated at 150 mph destroyed the Proses’ farmstead at the same location. Below, volunteer workers cleaned up the debris from the destroyed home the day after the tornado. Prose hopes to move his family into the new home in January. (Photos by Ken Kashian)
TAKING A BREAK
To encourage farmers, their employees, and the general public to slow down to avoid accidents each planting and harvest season, the Schuyler County Farm Bureau conducts a “Take a Break” safety promotion. Farmers are given a snack and a drink and offered a slow-moving-vehicle sign. Their names also are entered into a drawing for fire extinguishers. This harvest, winners of the fire extinguishers were Tim Phillips, Jason Grafton, and Leroy McClelland. Here, Derrick Anderson and his wife, Kim, center, take a break while receiving a snack from Schuyler County Farm Bureau manager Kelly Westlake. While Derrick combined, Kim caught him on the go with the tractor and wagon to unload. (Photo by Schuyler Ag Literacy Coordinator Jean Barron)
Mark Prose, a farmer from Macoupin County, could look at this year’s crop as a disappointment because yields about a third of the way through harvest on his farm are 30 to 40 percent below trend. But at this point, Prose is just thankful he has a crop and that he’s able to harvest it. Prose and his family (wife, Lisa, and son, Michael) in April survived a direct hit on their farm by an F-3 tornado, which produced wind speeds estimated at 150 mph. The twister destroyed the family’s 6-year-old home (the Proses were in the basement at the time), the machine shed, and three grain bins, and damaged much of their farm equipment. “We could hear it (the house) coming apart above,” Prose told FarmWeek about the storm shortly after it hit. “Then, in probably l5 seconds, it was over.” The Proses have been picking up the pieces of their shattered farmstead and rebuilding ever since.
As of late September, contractors had closed up the Proses’ new house and were preparing for inside work. A brick contractor also was scheduled to begin work soon. A new machine shed was nearing completion on the
‘We’ve gotten a tremendous amount of supp o r t . I t ’s b e e n unbelievable’ — Mark Prose Macoupin County farmer
same site that just five months ago was covered with damaged implements and debris. “It’s coming together,” Prose said of the farmstead. “Our goal is to be in the house by January.” Prose fortunately was well insured through Country Financial and said he’s been happy so far with adjusters’ decisions.
The family also has an excavation business and had plenty of help from family and friends since the day of the tornado. “We’ve gotten a tremendous amount of support from family, friends, and neighbors,” Prose said. “It’s been unbelievable. “It pays to have those types of friends (in the excavation business),” he continued. “We had all the equipment we needed (for clean-up and construction work).” Prose’s farm equipment was damaged by the twister, but a local John Deere dealer had everything repaired in time for planting. “I got everything planted in a fairly timely fashion,” Prose said. “And, so far, harvest has gone pretty well.” The Proses currently are living in a rental house nearby in Girard. But, despite the inconveniences, they have a new appreciation for their farmstead-in-progress and can’t wait to return. “We’re thankful everyday that we’re safe,” Prose added.
FarmWeek Page 6 Monday, October 10, 2011
CROPWATCHERS Bernie Walsh, Durand, Winnebago County: Beautiful harvest weather here last week brought out the combines in a big way. The beans have dried down below 13 percent and everyone who has beans is combining them now. Corn also is being harvested at lower moisture levels every day. 22 percent moisture is the lowest I heard last week. Bean yields have been very good. We had some very good weather up here this year, and the yields are showing it. Have a good and safe week. Leroy Getz, Savanna, Carroll County: Frost and freezing with ice on Sunday, Oct. 2. Then, what a turnaround to beautiful, warm, and dry harvesting weather. Corn is testing in the low-20 percent moisture range. Our yields have been surprisingly good on some refuge fields that we’ve harvested — 200 bushels per acre. Soybeans are disappearing from the fields faster than I can write. All combines are the same color — brown. Larry Hummel, Dixon, Lee County: I think I will put my order in now for about another month and a half of weather just like last week. Harvest is now going full bore here in Northern Illinois. It was a great week to harvest soybeans, and yields are about what we expected. Yields are coming in pretty close to last year, which were 14 percent above our fiveyear average. We haven’t harvested any corn yet, but the reports I have heard are that yields are below average, but still decent at about 5 percent lower. Heat and wind were the culprits. Moisture was plentiful all season long. Joe Zumwalt, Warsaw, Hancock County: Harvest continues to progress at a record pace in my neck of Western Illinois. Many producers are finished or finishing corn and the soybeans are leaving the fields just as quickly. I have only about 80 acres of July-planted soybeans left to harvest. Yields have been surprisingly good. While I have heard of record soybean yields, most in the area are around average, which for this year is phenomenal. The dry conditions really made soybean harvest more enjoyable, but it also allowed the beans to dry down so quickly that they were popping, and in some places, significant yield was lost. As I was walking by one field the other day, it sounded almost like popcorn. There has been some tillage done and a lot of dry fertilizer being applied. Enjoy this beautiful harvest weather. Ken Reinhardt, Seaton, Mercer County: A beautiful harvest week. Soybeans will be history in a few days with yields probably the best ever. There have been weigh wagon reports in the 90s. Apparently, healthy beans are more important than rainfall. We weighed 41 varieties in the Mercer County SWCD no-till plot and had an average of 74.5 bushels per acre with a low of 64 and a high of 84.4. Ron Moore, Roseville, Warren County: We did not receive any rain last week and soybean harvest began in earnest. We are about half completed with harvest. Yields are like the corn, better than expected with the lack of rain in July and August — in the upper 50s to low 60s. With the warm and dry weather, the moisture on the beans is below 10 percent, and harvest losses are higher than normal. We should finish bean harvest this week and move back into the rest of the corn. Some more has fallen down due to the high winds we had late last month. Be sure to take a break and work safely. Jacob Streitmatter, Princeville, Peoria County: Corn harvest is under way around the area with moistures now running in the mid- to low-20s. Soybean harvest also has begun. Soybean yields have been a little better than expected. A dry week has allowed a lot of soybeans to get cut. Have a safe harvest.
Mark Kerber, Chatsworth, Livingston County: Harvest started for everyone this past week. Soybean fields are disappearing fast. The week started with beans a little wet and chewy. Two days later, all of the beans went to 10 percent moisture — even the Group III’s. Amazing what warm weather will do and that was with hardly any wind. Hopefully, this has dried the corn down some and we can continue right into it. Have the markets found a bottom? Ron Haase, Gilman, Iroquois County: It was a dry week. Soybean harvest resumed last Friday, Sept. 30. Many area soybean fields have been harvested. There still are soybean fields that are 10 days to two weeks away from harvest. Corn harvest has been minimal due to the moisture still being above the level that farmers would like to start. Most of the corn that is being harvested is 20 to 24 percent moisture. Our 111-day hybrid that we planted on June 3 still has not reached physical maturity or black layer. The milkline is 80 percent of the way down the kernel. We have not started harvesting yet, but were trying to open up a field or two Friday. Our driest corn is at 22 percent. Local closing bids for Oct. 6: nearby corn, $5.93; fall 2012 corn, $5.29; nearby soybeans, $11.32; fall 2012 soybeans, $11.37. Brian Schaumburg, Chenoa, McLean County: We happily finished our corn on Thursday and went directly into soybeans, as this beautiful stretch of weather continues. Moistures have dropped into the high teens and low 20s on corn and early beans got down below 10 percent. Yields are in a range from 130 to 210 on corn and 50s to mid-70s on beans. Markets “crashed” to these levels: corn, $5.98; January corn $6.13; fall 2012 corn, $5.42; soybeans, $11.29; January soybeans, $11.46; fall 2012 soybeans, $11.38; wheat, $5.89. Steve Ayers, Champaign, Champaign County: What a week! Combines are rolling everywhere as we are enjoying temperatures 10 to 15 degrees above normal. We finished corn Friday and changed heads to start beans. We have never done that before, but the Group III beans are now ready. I am hearing beans in the 50-plus yield range. As I felt the flat pods on Labor Day, I felt anything above 20 bpa would be a miracle. USDA has our crop reporting district at 18 percent corn harvested and 10 percent soybeans harvested as of Oct. 3. Wheat was being drilled last week. Let’s be careful out there!
Tom Ritter, Blue Mound, Macon County: Beautiful week of weather for bean cutting. Beans disappearing at a very rapid rate. More than 60 percent of the soybeans have been harvested at this point, and more than 80 percent of the corn. This past week there was almost total concentration on soybeans. Yields are below average, but there are some very good beans. The variable yields depend on soil type as well as low ground vs. high ground. Low ground saw yield reduction due to too much water in June. High ground ran out of moisture in August. Yields are very variable within fields, but overall, soybean yields, considering the year, have been very pleasing. It’s pretty much in the same situation with corn yields. A lot of tillage has been done, and farmers are looking to wrap harvest up within the next couple of weeks. Todd Easton, Charleston, Coles County: By the time this hits mailboxes, bean harvest in Coles County and the surrounding area will be practically finished and combines will return to the last remaining cornfields. Unfortunately, as producers have gotten into their later-planted bean fields, the yields have tapered off a bit as the dry summer had a bigger effect on the late-beans. Still, it could have been worse for the bean crop, so no complaining here. With harvest just beginning to wind down, preparations for the next crop are already beginning. Fertilizer application and tillage operations are picking up pace, and the ground seems to be working very well after the moisture we received a few weeks ago mellowed things up a bit. Hopefully, this ideal fall weather pattern continues for awhile and we once again get the fields in good shape for spring. Jimmy Ayers, Rochester, Sangamon County: Another dry week last week. We have had several combine fires in the area. You might think about carrying a leaf blower with you and blowing off your machine a little more often than in the past. A lot of beans are being cut. Bean yields around our place are running from 48 to 63 so far. I’ve heard as high as 70-plus. There are still a few guys wrapping up the corn. Corn probably is 70-80 percent done at this point. There is quite a bit of tillage going on with those who plan to work the ground this fall. Be careful out there. We actually had an electrical fire one on one of our units. It didn’t get out of hand, so we got lucky, but be careful.
Wilfred Dittmer, Quincy, Adams County: What a colorful fall harvest, from the bright red sunrise to the beautiful sunset and the trees showing all their splendor day after day. I think this year will go down in the record books as being different in many ways, including the yields. Most corn seems to be coming in a little better than expected, whereas soybeans are on the minus side. For the general area, corn is probably 90 to 95 percent complete and soybeans are at a good start. Some fall fertilizer application has begun, but tillage is slow because the soils are just so dry. Mark up another week with zero moisture and very dry conditions.
Doug Uphoff, Shelbyville, Shelby County: I’m sitting here writing this reflecting on the corn harvest that has been completed on our farm. We were done Oct. 6, which was a record for us. Average moisture was around 19, but when we finished it was at 13.7. Average yields were 138 bpa at best. We had 167 bpa for April-planted corn, 155 for corn-following-soybeans, 132 for cornafter-corn, and some timber soils went as low as 86 bpa. We have 15 acres of double-crop beans and another 16 acres of late-planted beans left and bean harvest will be over. As I write this, the sun is rising as I’m about to finish planting wheat and I am already looking forward to next year and a more bountiful harvest. Be smart, be safe, and take a break for your family’s sake.
Carrie Winkelmann, Tallula, Menard County: The good weather has made for a rapid harvest this year. Soybeans seem to be flying out of the fields, and with hot, dry temperatures, are getting very close to too dry. Yields have been the surprising part of the soybean equation. Who would have thought that after a month and a half of no rain that fields would be yielding as well as they are? There isn’t much corn left to harvest on our side of the county. We have some yet to take out and will move back to it when we finish up with beans. We have been spreading lime, and I talked to several farmers who have their wheat planted.
David Schaal, St. Peter, Fayette County: Soybean harvest kicked into high gear around here last week. The moisture on the beans is down to 9 percent. Yields are decent. Early-planted beans and areas that happened to catch some later rainfall are yielding 8 to 10 bushels better. A lot of the yields that I’m seeing and hearing are in the upper 30s to low 50s. Crops are really disappearing across the county. Haven’t shelled any corn in a week, but moisture levels are coming down on it also from what I’ve been hearing. Wheat producers are sowing and saying it’s going in the ground in good condition. Keep harvesting and be safe.
Page 7 Monday, October 10, 2011 FarmWeek
CROPWATCHERS Ted Kuebrich, Jerseyville, Jersey County: These last two weeks the weather has been perfect for harvest. My brother finished shelling our corn last week. The yields were 185 to 190 bushels per acre. The grain quality could have been a little better, but with all the hot, dry weather we had this summer, the crop turned out well. Bean harvest is under way and some of the yields on lighter soils are coming out at 35 to 45 bushels per acre. On the better soils the yields are 50 to 60 bushels per acre. Prices at Jersey County Grain, Hardin: cash corn, $5.93; January 2012 corn, $6.01; cash beans, $11.16; January 2012 beans, $11.60. Dan Meinhart, Montrose, Jasper County: We had a mostly clear, sunny, and mild week. A lot of corn and beans came out of the field. Reports of yields are all over the board. The moisture in the later-planted corn is running in the 20s. This week is expected to be mostly clear and in the 80s with slight chances of rain in the latter part of the week. Hopefully, it will be another good week for harvest. Reports received Friday morning. Expanded crop and weather information available at {www.farmweeknow.com}.
Dave Hankammer, Millstadt, St. Clair County: This past week was a busy one, with ideal fall weather allowing harvest and field activities in the area. Most of the corn planted up to mid-May has been harvested. However, corn planted late May and early June still has moisture levels in the mid-20percent range. Farmers with these fields are opting to allow them to stand and dry down while they harvest dry soybeans. Soybean harvest quickly got under way, as early-planted first-crop beans matured. Several fields in the area have been combined with reports of moisture levels as low as 9 percent and yields in the mid-30s. Fertilizer is being applied and disked in preparing those fields for winter wheat plantings. Like the corn crop, bean harvest will be subject to the planting delays of last spring allowing farmers to perform other field activities in between. Local grain bids: corn, $5.85; soybeans, $11.18; wheat, $5.66. Have a safe harvest. Kevin Raber, Browns, Wabash County: A very busy week. The nice weather has allowed harvest, wheat sowing, and tillage to progress rapidly. My corn yields have been a little disappointing, but my bean yields have been good so far. Wheat sowing is going well. With the warm temperatures and good soil moisture, it should germinate quickly.
Dean Shields, Murphysboro, Jackson County: A great week in the weather department. Lots of sunshine and a lot of fieldwork done. Corn harvest is continuing and coming along pretty well. Farmers are still complaining about the low yields. The bean harvest is in full gear also. There again, they are complaining about the yields being down this year with the dry and hot weather. It was a busy week getting a lot of fieldwork done. Several farmers are getting the ground ready and are sowing wheat this year. There seems to be more acres of wheat being planted this year. Harvest is coming along as fast as can be expected. Take care of the harvest and be careful. Ken Taake, Ullin, Pulaski County: It was a beautiful week for harvest weather-wise here in deep Southern Illinois, but it’s getting awfully dry. We could really use a shower. I didn’t know that I thought I would be saying that. Harvest is progressing at a rapid pace. Our soybean yields continue to be below average. Our yields are probably averaging in the 40bushel area. A few people in the area have started planting wheat. Please have a safe week.
NCGA president: Technology helped avert crop disaster BY DANIEL GRANT FarmWeek
Garry Niemeyer, a Sangamon County farmer who recently was elected president of the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA), believes there will be enough corn to meet demand this year despite numerous production challenges. USDA recently increased its estimate of total carryout this year by 200 million bushels. Carryout, combined with an estimated crop of 12.497 billion bushels, would provide a total supply this year of about 13.6 billion bushels of corn, according to NCGA.
“We will be able to produce big crops and continue to meet the demand of all (corn) users,” Niemeyer told FarmWeek. The new NCGA president pointed to improved farming practices and technological advances in crop hybrids Garry Niemeyer as keys to growing enough corn to meet booming demand, particularly in the ethanol sector. The corn crop in Illinois currently is projected to average 161 bushels per acre
despite the fact much of the southern two-thirds of the state has been abnormally dry or in a drought since July 1. “We fought a wet spring and a hot, dry summer, and we’re still coming up with the third-largest crop in (U.S.) history,” Niemeyer said. “If we had (planted) 1980s-style hybrids (this year), it would have been a disaster.” The average state corn yield in the historicaldrought year of 1988, for example, was just 72 bushels per acre, which is less than half of the projected national average yield (148.1 bushels) this year.
Looking ahead, Niemeyer believes corn growers need to develop more markets as yields continue to grow. Implementation of free trade agreements with Colombia, Panama, and South Korea “would be a huge boost to American farmers,” he said. Elsewhere, he pinpointed crop insurance/revenue protection as top priorities in current farm bill discussions. Niemeyer, past president of the Illinois Corn Growers Association, also called on Congress and the Obama administration to move forward with upgrades to five locks and dams on the Mis-
sissippi River and two on the Illinois River. “We need to be a reliable supplier” of corn to export destinations, the NCGA president said. “We need to get to the point we can move forward on the locks and dams. They were built to last 50 years and they’re almost 80 years old.” Other priorities for Niemeyer d=uring his oneyear presidential term, which concludes Oct. 1, 2012, include addressing what he feels are “excessive regulations” by the federal government and trying to resolve the aflatoxin issue that has capped corn yields in some parts of the country.
Farmers encouraged to register for certified livestock training University of Illinois Extension will offer several Livestock Manager Certification workshops, and producers are encouraged to preregister to ensure a seat for the session that fits their schedule. Advance registration also is encouraged to allow participants to receive a manual in advance, which is important for those planning to take a written Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) test to get their manure management certification. The state Livestock Management Facilities Act (LMFA) requires producers with operations designed for more than 300 animal units to have manure management certification and to renew that certification every three years. Producers with more than
300 animal units must attend an approved training session or pass a written IDOA test. Producers with more than 1,000 animal units must attend an approved training session and pass a test. U of I Extension also offers a series of five quizzes on the Internet. Passing all five quizzes will meet the state requirement of attending a certified livestock workshop. Upcoming workshops will cover new information, including winter spreading of manure and planning for extreme conditions, solutions to problems of feed storage runoff, foaming manure storage, manure application in no-till systems, and manure management tools. The training manual is the national Livestock and Poultry Environmental Stewardship (LPES) Curriculum. Par-
ticipants do not need a new manual if they have a 2003 or newer one. Workshops that are designated as beef/dairy or swine emphasis will concentrate on those production facilities. Workshops that begin at 8:30 a.m. will end at 12:30 p.m. with the IDOA exam being administered afterward. The 9:30 a.m. workshops will end at 2 p.m., followed by the IDOA exam. Participants who arrive 20 minutes late cannot be certified as having attended the workshop. The first workshop will be Dec. 7 at 8:30 a.m. in the McLean County Farm Bureau building, Bloomington. The January workshops, dates, and locations are: Jan. 11, 8:30 a.m., Dixon Springs Agriculture Center, Simpson; Jan. 18, 8:30 a.m., (swine
emphasis) Sunrise Community Center Jasper County Extension office, Newton; Jan. 19, 8:30 a.m., (swine) St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, Nashville; Jan. 25, 8:30 a.m., (swine) Knox County Extension office, Galesburg; and Jan. 26, 8:30 a.m., Adams County Extension office, Quincy. The February workshop dates and locations are: Feb. 8, 9:30 a.m., (beef/dairy emphasis) Clinton County Extension office, Breese; Feb. 9, 9:30 a.m., (beef/dairy) Effingham County Extension office, Effingham; Feb. 20, 8:30 a.m., DeKalb County Farm Bureau building, Sycamore; Feb. 21, 8:30 a.m., (swine) Carroll County Farm Bureau building, Mt. Carroll; and Feb. 22, 9:30 a.m., (beef dairy) Stephenson County Farm Bureau build-
ing, Freeport. The final workshop will be March 7, 8:30 a.m., in the IDOA building, Illinois State Fairgrounds, Springfield. To register for a workshop or buy a training manual or CD with a credit card, call the College of Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Science marketing and distribution division at 800-345-6087. Early registration fee is $30 per person and $20 for each additional registrant from the same farm. The walk-in registration fee is $45 per person. Manual and CD prices, including shipping, are $62.50 for a manual, $32.50 for a CD, and $87.50 for a manual and CD. For more information, contact Dale Baird, U of I Extension coordinator, at 815-978-2844 or e-mail dlbaird@illinois.edu.
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ALTeRnATive cROpS
Boone County farmer experiments with canola in crop rotation BY DANIEL GRANT FarmWeek
Larry Anderson, a Boone County Far m Bureau member, this year decided to experiment with a crop new to his rotation. And it’s already drawing attention as neighbors have questioned Anderson about what’s growing in his field located off Business Route 20 near Belvidere, just east of Rockford. Anderson, who grows corn and soybeans, along with 30 acres of pennycress that is converted into biodiesel, last month planted 26 acres of canola. The crop last week was about 5 inches tall. “It’s an alternative I’m trying,” Anderson told Far mWeek. “I’ve been questioned quite a bit (about the canola field) already.” Canola, which is a type of rapeseed and is related to the mustard plant, most-
ly is grown for oil, although its meal can be used as livestock feed. Anderson has business contacts who will crush the canola grown on his far m and then sell the oil to restaurants in the nearby Chicago market. “I’ve been told you can get about 100 gallons of oil per acre and it sells for $8 per gallon,” Anderson said. The canola seeds are small, similar to alfalfa, so Anderson planted his crop on Sept. 1 with a regular grass seed drill. He expects har vest to begin by June. “It comes out around June 1, as opposed to wheat which we har vest around July 1, so I get an extra month to doublecrop beans,” Anderson said. Canola is a major field crop in Asia, Canada, and Europe but it is relatively new to Illinois.
Researchers at Southern Illinois University and Western Illinois University have studied canola as an alternative crop in the state. “A variety of people experimented (with canola) in the ’90s, but it was not adaptable,” Fred Iutzi, WIU ag professor, told the Macomb Eagle in 2007. “Now, thanks to plant breeders, it can equal soybeans in yield.” Canola, however, requires nitrogen fertilization so it may not match the profitability of soybeans. Another problem with the crop was its susceptibility to winterkill. Anderson located a quality niche market for his crop, but marketing opportunities for canola still are fairly limited in the state. He believes canola eventually could be used as a biodiesel feedstock in Illinois.
TOUR TALKS
State Rep. Tom Morrison (R-Palatine), third from right, chats with Williamson County Farm Bureau manager Garry Jenkins, far left, and Williamson County Farm Bureau leaders during a recent driving tour of his suburban legislative district. The county Farm Bureau “adopted” Morrison this year. The legislator hosted the Williamson and Cook County Farm Bureaus for a tour of the Arlington National Racecourse backstretch and quarters for staff and jockeys. Morrison plans to bring his family to Williamson County Oct. 17 for farm tours and a combine ride with his son. He commented that the Adopt-a-Legislator program has opened his eyes to agriculture’s importance in Illinois and farmers’ concerns and challenges. (Photo by Christina Nourie, Illinois Farm Bureau northeast legislative coordinator)
Farmer to show experiment for growing sweet cherries Why are sweet cherries not grown commercially in Southern Illinois? Answer: They have a tendency to split from too much moisture just as they are ready to pick, rendering the crop unfit for sale, and rainfall in Southern Illinois is unpredictable. An experiment by Jerry Mills at Mills Apple Farm, Marine, available for viewing by the public next month, seeks to address that problem. Mills reasoned that if he could control the amount of moisture available to the cherry trees, the fruit would not burst. His solution was to put the trees in high-tunnel greenhouses, which will isolate them from the effects of unwanted rainfall. Thanks to a grant from USDA through the Illinois Department of Agriculture, Mills was able to obtain two high tunnels that are large enough for small cherry trees. Those interested in seeing this new enterprise may visit Mills Apple Farm in Madison County on Nov. 5. There will be a short program at 11 a.m. followed by lunch hosted by the Mills family. There are no charges for the program or the lunch. Directions to the farm may be found at {millsapplefarm.com} or get them by calling the farm at 618-887-4732.
State surveying walnut trees for fatal disease The Illinois Cooperative Agriculture Pest Survey staff along with the Illinois Department of Agriculture are surveying walnut wood samples for an infectious disease known as thousand cankers disease (TCD). Landowners and tree farmers are asked to report any black walnut trees that appear weak or dying without an obvious cause. TCD originated in western states and is killing black walnut trees in infected states. There is no known cure. Several contiguous states, including Indiana and Missouri, have taken action to prevent importation of walnut nursery stock and raw wood that may be infected with TCS or the walnut twig beetle. For more information or to report suspected trees, contact Kelly Estes, state survey coordinator, Illinois Cooperative Agriculture Pest Survey, Illinois Natural History Survey, I-Building, Room 221, 1816 S. Oak St., Champaign, Ill., 61820. Her telephone number is 217-333-1005 and her e-mail address is kcook8@illinois.edu.
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UMBERLAND — Farm Bureau will sponsor a stroke detection plus screening from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 19, at the Toledo Christian Church. The fourscreening profile is $100 for Farm Bureau members. Call 877-732-8258 for an appoint-
ment. Call the Farm Bureau office at 217-849-3031 for more information. • The Women’s Committee will sponsor a pumpkin decorating contest during October. Pumpkins must be approximately 9 inches in height and must not be carved or punc-
EXPLAINING PULLING TRACTOR
tured. Age divisions are from 3 to 15 years and older. Winners will be announced Friday, Nov. 4. Bring decorated pumpkins to the Farm Bureau office by Oct. 31. Call the Farm Bureau office at 217-849-3031 for more information. RUNDY — A land lease issues workshop will be from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesday at the University of Illinois Extension office, Morris. Gary Schnitkey, U of I Extension farm management specialist, will be the speaker. Cost is $10. Call the Extension office at 815-942-2725 for reservations or more information. ASALLE — Boat storage is available at the LaSalle County 4-H Fairgrounds. Cost is $10 per foot. Call the Farm Bureau office at 815-4330371 to reserve a space or to obtain more information. • LaSalle County plat books are available at the Farm Bureau office. Cost is $20 for members and $30 for non-members. Call the Farm Bureau office for more information. EE — Farm Bureau’s annual custom candle orders and payment are due by Friday. Orders may be picked up Friday, Nov. 21, at the Farm Bureau office. Order forms are available on the website {www.leecfb.org}, by calling the
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Steven Nolte, right, University of Illinois agricultural engineering undergraduate, was at the Calhoun County Fair with this year’s Illini Pullers quarter-scale pulling tractor. Nolte, a Calhoun County native and a member of the Calhoun County Farm Bureau, explains the mechanisms of the machine to county Farm Bureau President Robert Reed. The Illini Pullers each year build a new quarter-scale pulling tractor. (Photo courtesy of Calhoun County Farm Bureau)
Auction Calendar Tues., Oct. 11. 7 p.m. Land Auction Menard Co. Stephen Tice Jacobs, MILWAUKEE, WI. Sanert Auction Service. www.sanertauctions.com or auctionzip.com auction id#2473 Wed. Eve., Oct. 12. 7 p.m. Champaign Co. Land Auction. Wandell’s Nursery, Gladys B. Lindstrom, ST. JOSEPH, IL. Jim Clingan Auction & Realty Inc. www.jimclingan.com Sat., Oct. 15. 11 a.m. Lee Co. Land Auction. Sammoura Gehant, WEST BROOKLYN, IL. Espe Auctioneering. www.espeauctions.com Mon., Oct. 17. 11:30 a.m. Champaign Co. Farmland Auction. Stella J. Walker Estate, RANTOUL, IL. Gordon Hannagan Auction Co. www.gordyvilleusa.com Mon., Oct. 17. 10 a.m. Champaign Co. Farmland. Hamm Farms, B&B Farms, RANTOUL, IL . Gordon Hannagan Auction Co. www.gordyvilleusa.com Wed., Oct. 19. 5 p.m. Absolute Farmland Auction. Narmont Family Estate.
www.aumannauctions.com Wed., Oct. 19. 7 p.m. Logan Co. Farmland Auc. LINCOLN, IL. Illini BioEnergy, LLC. Sat., Oct. 22. 10 a.m. Real Estate and Personal Property. Donna E. Steineman Estate, STEWARDSON, IL. Gordon Price Auction Service. www.priceauction.com Tues., Oct. 25. 7 p.m. Morgan Co. Land Auction. Dr. Donald E. Kolmer Estate, JACKSONVILLE, IL. Middendorf Bros. middendorfs.com Wed., Oct. 26. 10 a.m. 85 Ac. Lee Co. AMBOY, IL. Martin Goodrich & Waddell Inc. www.mgw.us.com Wed., Oct. 26. 6 p.m. Lawrence Co. Land Auction. John Land and Michelle Land. Gregg Parrott, Auctioneer. www.sellafarm.com Thurs., Oct. 27. 6 p.m. White Co. Land Auction. Bankston Creek Land Trust, NORRIS CITY, IL. Gregg Parrott, Auctioneer. www.sellafarm.com Thurs., Oct. 27. 10 a.m. LaSalle Co. Farmland Auction. Estate of Doris E. Chalus, UTICA, IL. Dick McConville and Jim Elliott, Auctioneers.
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Farm Bureau office at 857-3531, or by e-mailing leecfb@comcast.net. • Farm Bureau has slowmoving-vehicle emblems available at the Farm Bureau office. Cost is $5. EORIA — A flu, tetanus, and pneumonia clinic will be Wednesday, Oct. 26. Flu and tetanus shots for members are $20. Pneumonia shots for members are $40. Call the Farm Bureau office at 686-7070 for reservations or more information. • A stroke detection plus health screening will be Thursday, Oct. 27, in the Farm Bureau auditorium. Members will save $35 for all four screenings. Call 877-732-8258 for an appointment or more information. TARK — The annual Antique Road Show will be at 9 a.m. Friday, Oct. 21, at the Farm Bureau office. Bring one or two of your possessions and Jim Folger, Folger Auction Service, will discuss each item and offer appraisals. Breakfast will be served. Call the Farm Bureau office at 286-7481 for reservations or more information. TEPHENSON — A stroke detection plus screening will be from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, Oct. 31-Nov. 1, at the Farm
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Bureau office. Members will receive a discount on the full package of tests. Call 877-7328258 for an appointment. • Flu shots will be given from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 26, at the Farm Bureau office. Cost is $20 for members and $25 for non-members with Medicare Part B accepted. • Deadline for ordering Terri Lynn holiday nuts and candy is Friday, Oct. 28. Delivery will be the week of Nov. 21. Order forms are available at the Farm Bureau office or online at {www.stephensoncfb.org}. Call the Farm Bureau office at 815232-3186 for more information. • A defensive driving course will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, Nov. 9-10, at the Farm Bureau office. Doug Sommer will present the program. Call the Farm Bureau office at 815-232-3186 for reservations or more information. • The family portrait program will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 12-13 at the Farm Bureau office. Call the Farm Bureau office at 815-232-3186 for an appointment or more information. “From the counties” items are submitted by county Farm Bureau managers. If you have an event or activity open to all members, contact your county Farm Bureau manager.
FarmWeek Page 10 Monday, October 10, 2011
profitability
Managing for optimum soil fertility still best bet BY SID PARKS
A timely shower or two, coupled with some extraordinary market opportunities, have positioned 2011 as potentially the best year ever for some producers. Yet for many others, this has been a very challenging Sid Parks year. I have visited with several farmers in those tougher areas, and one positive comment I’ve heard is yields were better than they feared they would be. What caused the variance from what they expected? It is likely just fundamentals. The first factor contributing to grain yield is weather, a desired balance of moisture, temperature, and solar energy. Setting the weather aside, the next most important category is proper plant nutrition, followed by seed selection and placement, and pest control, including weeds, disease, and insects. Optimum plant nutrition starts with a current soil test (within three years) as the basis for making a proper recommendation. Realistic yield goals or actual yield monitor data also are requirements for properly identifying crop fertility needs. Corn yields, on average, have increased roughly 1.5
bushels per year over the past 30 years due to improved genetics and production practices. However, when you look at actual nutrient applications, total fertilizer volume applied actually is trending down. While this doesn’t appear to have had a negative impact on production, it is not a sustainable trend. Every bushel of grain removed from the field also removes nutrients from the soil. If not replaced, the consequence is lower soil test values as evidenced in the 2010 study published by the International Plant Nutrition Institute, The Fertility of North American Soils. This report analyzed data from 4.4 million soil samples
Invasive weed is host for soybean rust BY KAY SHIPMAN FarmWeek
Kudzu, an invasive weed, now grows as far north as Cook and Rock Island counties, prompting state natural resource officials to ask farmers and landowners to report suspected infestations. “We’d like to get to Ground Zero (with kudzu populations),” said Jody Shimp with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). “This is a state noxious weed.”
Feeder pig prices reported to USDA* Weight 10 lbs. 40 lbs. 50 lbs. Receipts
Range Per Head Weighted Ave. Price $22.00-$48.65 $37.95 n/a n/a n/a n/a This Week Last Week 16,613 13,497 *Eastern Corn Belt prices picked up at seller’s farm
Eastern Corn Belt direct hogs (plant delivered) (Prices $ per hundredweight) This week Prev. week $90.90 $84.10 $67.27 $62.23
Change 6.80 5.03
USDA five-state area slaughter cattle price Steers Heifers
(Thursday’s price) Prev. week This week 118.80 117.00 n/a n/a
very close to critical levels for expected crop response. When you couple reduced soil test levels and an environment short on moisture or other plant stresses as was experienced by some in 2011, inadequate plant nutrition has
Shimp, who is leading state efforts to control kudzu, and George Czapar with the Illinois State Water Survey recently published a new “Kudzu Identification Guide.” The guide is available online at {http://dnr.state.il.us/orc/Inv asive_Species/pdf/Kudzu_ID _Guide.pdf}. Kudzu spreads rapidly and smothers native vegetation, said Ben Dolbeare, IDNR invasive species project manager. The thick, heavy vines also can make it impossible for infested areas to be used for hunting or other purposes, Dolbeare said. Kudzu is a threat to agriculture because it is an alternative host for Asian soybean rust. Shimp and Dolbeare advised farmers and landowners to watch for and report potential kudzu populations by calling Shimp at 618-4358138, extension 127, or Dol-
beare at 217-785-8688. Dolbeare said a Pike County landowner contacted him last week about a possible five-acre kudzu site. Kudzu may be confused with other rapidly growing vines, such as wild grape, poison ivy, or the Virginia creeper. However, kudzu has trifoliate leaves that help distinguish it from other vine species. When individuals call with suspected sightings, Shimp said he asks a series of questions to determine if the plants are kudzu. It is possible to control the weed, but control requires persistent monitoring and repeated treatment. It is difficult because of the plant’s extensive, starchy roots. To date, Shimp has helped treat 148 to 158 kudzu populations around the state. “If they need help with eradication, we have offered
Sid Parks is GROWMARK’s manager of precision farming. His e-mail address is sparks@growmark.com.
Farmers urged to watch for, report kudzu
M A R K E T FA C T S
Carcass Live
submitted by 70 major North American soil testing laboratories. These data were compared to those collected in 2005 and reveal a roughly 19 percent reduction in median phosphorus levels. The reduction in potassium also is
a direct negative effect on yields. In my experience, those producers whose fields did better than they feared generally managed for optimum fertility and plant roots had an easier time finding needed nutrients. Your FS crop specialist has many tools they can use to help make sound agronomic recommendations. Good, representative soil testing and variable rate nutrient management are two important methods for maximizing grower profitability while reducing risks.
Change 1.80 n/a
CME feeder cattle index — 600-800 Lbs. This is a composite price of feeder cattle transactions in 27 states. (Prices $ per hundredweight) Prev. week Change 133.42 1.81
This week 135.23
Lamb prices Slaughter Prices - Negotiated, Live, wooled and shorn 120-185 lbs. for 170.50-205 $/cwt. (wtd. ave. 181.97); dressed, no sales reported.
Export inspections (Million bushels) Week ending Soybeans Wheat Corn 9-29-11 10.6 22.1 28.4 9-22-11 7.7 21.7 34.8 Last year 26.6 31.2 38.0 Season total 42.9 394.1 110.9 Previous season total 69.3 386.1 171.0 USDA projected total 1540 1295 1900 Crop marketing year began June 1 for wheat and Sept. 1 for corn and soybeans.
that in the past as the funds are available,” Shimp said. “There are effective treatments ... It takes a five-year commitment.”
Analyst: Corn market could rebound from recent drop BY DANIEL GRANT FarmWeek
The near-term outlook for commodity markets is bearish but the longer-term view appears more favorable, according to Darin Newsom, Telvent DTN senior analyst. Corn prices last week tumbled to a 9.5month low and soybean and wheat prices followed the downtrend as concern about the sluggish U.S. economy, European debt, and rising value of the dollar helped take the wind out of the market’s sails. Corn stocks earlier this month were projected at 1.13 billion bushels, more than 200 million bushels above trade expectations. “My general outlook for the market is bearish,” said Newsom, who last week was the featured speaker during a fourth-quarter commodities outlook webinar. “Commodities in general could see a lot of pressure October through December.” Newsom said crop prices may have peaked for the calendar year. Corn futures topped out at $7.99 per bushel before the recent slide. “I think it will be difficult for the market to rally (to that level again) by the end of 2011,”
Newsom told FarmWeek. End-users who need to rebuild grain supplies should take advantage of lower prices this fall. Newsom projected the crop markets, particularly corn, could rally again later this year or early in 2012. “Looking at the May-July (corn) futures spread, there’s not much carry,” Newsom said. “That tells me the commercial traders still are concerned about whether there are enough supplies to meet demand.” Newsom predicted corn prices in early 2012 could rally back to $7-plus. “Those (projections) saying the corn market is finished are very premature,” Newsom said. “We’ve seen a sell off. Yes. But we haven’t really solved the fundamental supply-demand situation. That ultimately should provide support.” Old-crop corn stocks, as of Sept. 1, were above trade expectations but also were down 34 percent compared to the same time a year ago. Newsom predicted an acreage battle also is possible this spring, which could provide price support early in 2012.
Page 11 Monday, October 10, 2011 FarmWeek
PROFITABILITY Corn Strategy
C AS H ST RAT E GI S T
Wheat remains key to corn prices Since mid-winter, especially since spring, wheat has had an increasingly important influence on corn prices. Wheat prices have been trending lower since their February peak, steadily moving toward the price of corn. Wheat had a short-term rally, but it quickly faded when a large world crop looked secure. The spread between wheat and corn prices steadily declined for both cash prices and nearby futures, hitting a low as harvest got under way. At the closest point, nearby wheat futures were 66 cents under corn. In May it appeared wheat was starting to make its way into feed rations. One ethanol producer was using a 10 percent wheat blend this summer. Even though the recent Sept, 1 wheat stocks number cast doubt on high levels of feeding in the U.S., we’d be reluctant to believe it isn’t larger than last year until supply and imports are more accurately known. But, the impact low wheat prices is having on corn this year lies not in the U.S. but in the world. Ending wheat stocks outside of the U.S. and China are set to grow about 4 million metric tons (mmt), about 147
million bushels, this year. And even though USDA increased its wheat feeding estimate 5 mmt. in these foreign lands since May, there’s reason to think they could grow even more as long as wheat prices remain competitive to corn. At some locations, notably the Ukraine and Russia, milling wheat prices are below corn prices, with feed quality wheat even lower yet. And their corn price is below ours. It’s in those countries, as well as others around the world, that wheat will displace corn in feed rations. Because of that, the potential negative repercussion for corn prices lies in our export trade. Historically, though, wheat and corn prices rarely remain this close for much more than a year. And, we’ve been at levels at which wheat competes with corn for five to six months. The shift in the wheat/corn spreads in the last month suggest we might finally have found a low point. The pattern count on the spread between nearby futures, as well as next July’s, suggest that. But it may take some time for the fundamentals of each to change enough to force the spreads wider again, reducing the competition between the two in the feed bunk. Until then, it’s important for all producers to follow the wheat market. As long as wheat struggles to rally, corn will have little upside potential.
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Cents per bu.
ü2011 crop: December’s close above $6 was a sign the six- to seven-week low may have been seen. A better sign would be a close above $6.09. Wait for December to rebound to $6.60 to make catch-up sales. We may use a rally to that level to add to sales. Low prices should stimulate demand, but the odds of seeing corn prices getting back above $7 again are remote. Due to the modest futures carry, hedge-to-arrive (HTA) sales for late winter/spring delivery still work for farmstored grain. ü2012 crop: Use rallies to $5.95 on December 2012 futures for catch-up sales. We may add to sales at that level, or slightly higher. vFundamentals: The Sept. 1 stocks were a bit of a shock to the trade, but still were big enough to push the market close to a level that would have negative repercussions. The October 12 USDA report will further clarify the supply situation, shifting more of the attention to demand. We expect the passing of that report to stimulate end user buying, as they push coverage at least into mid-winter.
Soybean Strategy
ü2011 crop: The soybean market shifted into a shortterm, choppy sideways trend last week. Demand should become more robust with the passing of the Oct. 12 USDA report. Wait for a rally to $12.70 on November futures to make catch-up sales. We may add to sales at that level. A HTA for winter/spring delivery may pay if you can store soybeans on the farm. If you have basis open on harvest or post-harvest delivery, set it now. ü2012 crop: Wait for a rally to $12.50 on November 2012 futures for catch-up sales. We may add another sale if the price approaches $13. vFundamentals: Fundamentals have been taking a back seat to financial/economic influences the last few weeks. But fundamentals mostly have been a little more negative than positive. Prices have reached levels that
should stimulate demand. Chinese workers return from holiday this week. And crush margins have started to improve, which should bolster processor demand.
Wheat Strategy
ü2011 crop: The market is showing signs of bottoming. Chicago December futures need to close above $6.32 to offer the first good sign the minor trend has turned up. Hold off making catch-up sales with the market positioned to put in a short-term low. We may recommend another 20 percent sale depending on the extent of the rebound. Check
the Hotline daily. The carry in futures still pays for commercial storage, making a HTA contract for winter or spring delivery the best sales tool. vFundamentals: It appears the short-term outlook for Europe’s debt may have turned a little more upbeat. This allowed the outside markets to provide some support. But the Southern Plains is expected to pick up much needed rain. That should accelerate the planting pace. And, the Ukraine finally eliminated export duties, paving the way for its merchants to sell grain more aggressively.
FarmWeek Page 12 Monday, October 10, 2011
pERSpEcTIvES
Social butterflies of the human and the insect worlds
If you have a bigger amygdala than other people, you might just be the kind of person known as a social butterfly. At least that is what research from Northeastern University in TOM TURPIN Boston has suggested. I’ll admit it. I didn’t even know I had an amygdala! Oh, I might have learned about it in some
human anatomy class years ago, but if I did, I have forgotten. At any rate, I certainly didn’t have any notion of whether my amygdala is any bigger than that of anyone else. So what is the amygdala? It is one of two very small almond-shaped and pea-sized groups of nuclei hidden deep within the folded hemispheres of the brain cortex. And what does it do? It appears that the amygdala is associated with aggressive behavior and what has become known as the “fight or flight”
response associated with fear. And that is why there is a connection between the amygdala and the behavior of people who are sometimes called social butterflies. Social butterfly is a term often used to describe folks who are extroverted and comfortable in social situations. The Northeastern University research showed that such individuals possess a large amygdala. Larger, at least, than the same structure in people who clearly are not as social — the wall flowers among us.
Exactly how the concept of frequently the case with women who were called social social butterfly came about is butterflies as well. However, not clear. However, the descriptive terms social butter- when the term first came into fly and flapper appear to share use, it applied to both men and women. similar origins. The human social butterfly Historically, the word flapis an analogy of a real butterper has been used to describe fly flitting from flower to the wing action of fledgling flower. So how accurate is the birds learning to fly. analogy? The word flapper gained Butterflies do flit from widespread usage in the Unitflower to flower as they seek ed States in the 1920s, beginnectar for their food. This ning with the movie “The behavior is obvious to anyone Flapper.” Flappers were brash young who has watched butterflies in a bed of flowwomen who ers or in a field flaunted their of clover blosdisdain for ‘The human soms. acceptable On the other behavior by social butterfly hand, calling a the way they is an analogy butterfly a dressed and creature acted. of a real butter- issocial an error. At the same fly flitting from There are some time the term social butterfly flower to types of insects that are social surfaced in flower.’ — some bees, reference to a some wasps, person, norand all ants and mally a termites — but not butterflies. woman, who gained success So if it is the size of the and popularity by being in the amygdala that determines right place at the right time. social butterfly behavior of Why was the concept of a humans, how can some insects social butterfly applied to be social when they don’t even women more than to men? It probably reflected the attitude possess an amygdala? That’s something for you of the times relative to the social butterflies to ponder. role of women in society. The term flapper was used Tom Turpin is a professor of entoexclusively in reference to mology at Purdue University, West women who obviously were Lafayette, Ind. His e-mail address is bending the gender restricturpin@purdue.edu. tions of the times. This was
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR USDA becoming U.S. Dept. of Food Stamps?
Editor: The USDA is becoming the USDFS (U.S. Department of Food Stamps). It is fair to question direct commodity payments when corn is more than $4 a bushel. It also is fair to question crop insurance when that program mostly benefits those with poor soil, land in flood areas or in a dry plains state, and, of course, insurance companies. What is not being questioned is our government increasing the welfare state while cutting commodity and crop insurance programs. Nutrition programs (food stamps, the Women, Infants, and Children program, etc.) are budgeted for $111.9 billion in 2012 up from $94.2 billion in 2010 — an 18.7 percent increase in two years. Those payments make the commodity payments and crop insurance — which continue
to be on the budget chopping block — almost insignificant in comparison. Indeed, the total number of those on food stamps has increased from 17.3 million in 2001 to 44.3 million in 2011. No matter the economic conditions, these numbers continue to grow and those programs increasingly become the main role of the USDA. Politicians, the media, and agricultural organizations all seem to ignore this reality. FRANK W. GOUDY, Cuba
Prefers organic vegetables to the GMO varieties
Editor: In a recent FarmWeek article, Consuelo Madere (Monsanto vice president of global vegetable seeds) is smiling adoringly at a head of Monsanto’s Seminis Easy Harvest broccoli while ignoring a head of “conventional” broccoli. I much prefer the appearance of
the conventional broccoli, but Monsanto’s new broccoli makes mechanical harvest easier — and not a word about nutrition, taste, and texture! Monsanto hopes to incorporate “backyard garden taste” into the commercial tomato varieties available year round. This after big agribusiness bred these varieties of uniform size, shape, and most importantly, shipability. The result is tomatoes with little of the texture, flavor, aroma, and eye appeal of backyard garden tomatoes. And nutrition? Thirty percent less vitamin C, 30 percent less thiamin, 19 percent less niacin, and 62 percent less calcium, but 14 times as much sodium (Tomatoland: How Modern Industrial Agriculture Destroyed our Most Alluring Fruit by Barry Estabrook). We already have thousands of tomato varieties — gifts from about 470 million years of land plant evolution by nat-
ural selection and thousands of years by artificial selection by a huge number of farmers. For me, this enormous diversity of sizes, shapes, colors, tastes, textures, and aromas — along with their high nutritional value — is highly preferable to Monsanto’s efforts. Madere also touts Monsanto’s Crisphead Romaine Cross Lettuce. But as with tomatoes, for the same historical reasons, we have hundreds of nutritional lettuce varieties, with their unique shapes, textures, colors, and tastes. Finally, Monsanto has a new GMO triple-stack sweet corn. Ms. Madere praises its advantage of not having to be sprayed with insecticides. But the cells of the GMO sweet corn are synthesizing insecticides. Therefore, sweet corn from industrial farms has external or internal insecticides! I have eaten much sweet corn without either class of
insecticides, yet it was almost free of insect damage. Grown organically, it also has great taste, texture, and aroma. HERMAN BROCKMAN, Congerville
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