MANY AG TEACHERS and future ag teachers at the Illinois State FFA Convention were contemplative about the uncertainty of state education funding. .................3
AN IOWA VETERINARIAN has seen no solid evidence that links the use of antibiotics in livestock to antibiotic resistance in humans. ............................................9
Monday, June 14, 2010
IT COULD TAKE residents of Central and Nor ther n Illinois months to clean up what recently was destroyed by tornadoes in a matter of seconds. ........................11
Two sections Volume 38, No. 24
Flooded fields still a problem in some parts of state BY DANIEL GRANT FarmWeek
The planting pace and crop development as of the first of last week remained ahead of schedule in the state. Soybean planting last week was 82 percent complete compared to 55 percent last year and the five-year average of 81 percent.
FarmWeekNow.com Wet weather has meant lots of replanting across Illinois. Check CropWatchers reports by going to FarmWeekNow.com.
Periodicals: Time Valued
Meanwhile, 97 percent of the corn crop last week had emerged compared to just 70 percent at the same time last year, the National Agricultural Statistics Service Illinois field office reported. However, while the planting season in general went smoother this year compared to last year, some farmers in Illinois last week still were waiting for fields to dry out so they could complete planting. Dan Meinhart, a FarmWeek Cropwatcher from Jasper County, told FarmWeek he was able to plant only four days in April and was out of the fields most of May due to saturated soils and field ponding.
The situation was similar in parts of Western Illinois, particularly near the Iowa border. “We were ready to go to the field April 18 and we got three to four inches of rain here” and as much as six inches in the area, Meinhart said. “That got us about a week to 10 days behind everybody else.” Unfortunately, the rain continued to fall in parts of Southeastern Illinois, particularly in parts of Clark, Clay Crawford, Cumberland, Effingham, Jasper, Lawrence, Marion, and Richland counties, Meinhart reported. “We only had four days to plant in April and we were rained out for four to five weeks after that,” said Meinhart, who said he finally got back in the field three days before Memorial Day weekend. Last week, Meinhart finished replanting corn, one field for the third time this season. The weather has been a challenge again this spring but it could be worse, he admitted. “Most people are going to get all their corn planted,”
he said. “Last year half the corn didn’t get planted and thousands of acres didn’t get planted at all.”
Meinhart last week was sidedressing nitrogen and spraying corn before he switched to planting beans.
But he’s still ahead of last year’s pace — he finished planting soybeans on July 5 last year.
Dan Meinhart, a farmer from Jasper County, stands near part of a cornfield he replanted on May 26. The corn in the background at right was planted April 18 and survived flooding. Meinhart last week finished planting corn after being rained out for nearly five weeks. He recently planted one field for the third time this season. (Photo by Ken Kashian)
Effort to override EPA greenhouse rules fails BY MARTIN ROSS FarmWeek
A Senate attempt to override Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulation of greenhouse gases (GHG) failed last week after the White House came out against the measure. Sen. Lisa Murkowski’s (R-Alaska) longawaited EPA “disapproval” resolution, failed 47-53 along party lines. That disappointed groups including Illinois Farm Bureau and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), the latter of whose legislative director, Colin Woodall, sees EPA GHG rules posing a “fairly significant hit” for livestock producers. Operating under a U.S. Supreme Court decision affirming its authority to regulate GHGs under the Clean Air Act, EPA recently drafted new rules for vehicular “mobile sources.” That’s seen as a first step toward new controls on so-called “stationary” sources including livestock and poultry operations.
“Our members are deeply concerned But legislative confusion and misinforabout climate change policies that would mation also muddied the debate, he short energy markets, drive up agricultural reported, noting some opponents production costs, and leave American attempted to tie EPA greenhouse authorifarmers unable to maximize agricultural ty to the Gulf oil spill while others argued production to feed a growing world popu- it was “against the science.” lation,” IFB President Philip Nelson said. “What it actually was doing was asking A few Democrats to go back and look at all the scisupported Murkowsence, instead of just a handful of FarmWeekNow.com ki’s amendment, To l i s t e n t o C o l i n Wo o d a l l ’s science,” Woodall stressed. including Senate Ag “If you really boil it down, it comments on the Senate vote on Chairman Blanche the Murkowski resolution, go to wasn’t a matter of having to Lincoln (D-Ark.) and FarmWeekNow.com. choose whether you’re supportSens. Mark Pryor (Dive of climate theory or not. It Ark.), Mary Landrieu was really about saying, ‘Wait a (D-La.), Ben Nelson (D-Neb.), Jay Rocke- minute — let’s make sure we’re looking at feller (D-W.Va.), and Evan Bayh (D-Ind.). all the science and making informed deciWoodall told FarmWeek NCBA had sions.’” been close to wooing a few more DemocEfforts to block EPA greenhouse rules rats over, “but they disappointed us in the reportedly will continue on a bipartisan end.” basis in the House. Rep. Rick Boucher (DHe suggested President Obama’s Va.), co-sponsor of a bill that would preannouncement opposing the measure may vent EPA from regulating stationary have dissuaded some party fence-straddlers from backing Murkowski. See Greenhouse, page 5
FarmWeek on the web: FarmWeekNow.com
Illinois Farm Bureau®on the web: www.ilfb.org
FarmWeek Page 2 Monday, June 14, 2010
AROUND ILLINOIS
Quick Takes CAMPAIGN FOR AMERICA’S FARMERS’ MARKET — The polls are open to elect America’s favorite farmers’ market, an online project sponsored by the American Farmland Trust. Vo t i n g i s b e i n g d o n e o n l i n e a t { w w w. farmland.org/vote} and Internet users may enter their community, zip code, or farmers’ market name to select their favorites. Voting will continue through Aug. 31. Internet users may vote for as many participating markets as they choose, but may only vote for each market once. A winner will be selected in each of four categories: small, medium, large, and boutique. Each winning market will receive a shipment of tote bags and other prizes. Farmers’ market managers may register to participate by going online to {www.farmland.org/marketmanager}. INSURERS TAKE $6 BILLION HIT — USDA last Thursday released a final draft of its new crop insurance standard reinsurance agreement (SRA), announcing a $6 billion cut in payments to insurers who offer federal policies. Two thirds of SRA savings will go toward paying down the deficit, with much of a remaining $2 billion directed to federal conservation programs. By “containing program costs,” these changes “will also ensure the sustainability of the crop insurance program for America’s farmers and ranchers for years to come,” USDA maintained. “From the beginning of this process, we have stressed the importance of putting the farmer first, and, unfortunately, a $6 billion hole in the farm safety net could harm farmers, harm rural economies, and cost jobs,” the Crop Insurance Professionals Association countered Friday. “Whether or not crop insurance companies will accept the latest proposal is unclear, but what is clear is that agents remain focused on protecting farmers in this process. We continue to believe that the focus of the SRA should be on making policies more accessible while expanding coverage,” the association said. ETHANOL EXPORTS UP — Ethanol exports for the first four months of 2010 have exceeded 2009’s entire output, according to the Renewable Fuels Association. April exports were estimated at 40.8 million gallons, down from 48.3 million gallons in March, according to the RFA. For the first four months of the year, however, exports totaled 124.3 million gallons, compared with 113.3 million gallons for all of 2009. U.S. ethanol export destinations included the European Union, India, Jamaica, Australia, and Canada, with Brazil importing ethanol in March (due largely to high sugar prices), but not in April. RFA maintains U.S. exports underline “saturated” domestic ethanol markets which “force” producers to look for overseas markets.
(ISSN0197-6680) Vol. 38 No. 24
June 14, 2010
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.
Address subscription and advertising questions to FarmWeek, P.O. Box 2901, Bloomington, IL 61702-2901. Periodicals postage paid at Bloomington, Illinois, and at an additional mailing office. POSTMASTER: Send change of address notices on Form 3579 to FarmWeek, P.O. Box 2901, Bloomington, IL 61702-2901. Farm Bureau members should send change of addresses to their local county Farm Bureau. © 2010 Illinois Agricultural Association
USDA extends CSP enrollment deadline USDA recently extended enrollment for the 2010 Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) to June 25. USDA also released details of new rules for CSP in The Federal Register. The main purpose of the program remains unchanged, but several helpful rule changes were made, according to Bill Gradle, Illinois’ State Conservationist for the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Interested farmers are encouraged to visit their local USDA Service Center.
Originally, June 11 was the enrollment deadline. For information about the program and the type of information and documentation needed, visit your local NRCS staff or go online to {www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/new_csp/csp.h tml}. “If you use conservation solutions and make good management choices that stop erosion and improve water quality, then CSP is your kind of program,” Gradle said.
GRITs applicants being accepted from members Farm Bureau members interested in policy issues related to Illinois agriculture have until Aug. 16 to apply for the Illinois Farm Bureau GrassRoots Issue Teams (GRITs) program. The GRITs program provides members opportunities to address emerging policy
issues as well as identify new educational programs. The goal is to increase farm income for members. The eight teams are conservation and natural resources; crop production and trade; equine; livestock and dairy; renewable resources and energy; risk management and farm programs; rural life; and specialty crops and labor. GRITs teams meet twice a year. The first meeting is scheduled for Dec. 17 in Bloomington with the second
meeting scheduled next March as determined by the committee. Additional meetings, either in person or by conference call, may be considered as needed. IFB reimburses appropriate expenses including mileage for the two scheduled meetings. Interested members should contact their county Farm Bureau or visit the IFB website at {www.ilfb.org} to obtain an application. GRITs members will be announced in October.
Farm Talk meetings slated around state Illinois Farm Bureau President Philip Nelson and IFB Vice President Rich Guebert Jr. will conduct five regional Farm Talk meetings later this year throughout the state. The dates, times, and locations are: • Wednesday, Aug. 18,
5:30 p.m., Sangamon County, Sangamon County Farm Bureau, 2631 Beechler Court, Springfield. • Monday, Aug. 30, 11 a.m., Effingham County, Joe Thoele farm, 13550 N. 2100 St., Teutopolis; 5:30 p.m., Williamson County, John A.
Logan College, 700 Logan College Rd., Carterville. • Wednesday, Sept. 1, 11 a.m., Warren County, American Legion Post 136, 1110 N. 11th St., Monmouth; 5:30 p.m., LaSalle County, Pitstick Pavilion, 3401 N. State Rt. 23, Ottawa.
YOUNG LEADERS REACHING OUT
STAFF Editor Dave McClelland (dmcclelland@ilfb.org) Legislative Affairs Editor Kay Shipman (kayship@ilfb.org) Agricultural Affairs Editor Martin Ross (mross@ilfb.org) Senior Commodities Editor Daniel Grant (dgrant@ilfb.org) Editorial Assistant Linda Goltz (Lgoltz@ilfb.org) Business Production Manager Bob Standard Advertising Sales Manager
Richard Verdery Classified sales coordinator
Nan Fannin Director of News and Communications
Dennis Vercler Advertising Sales Representatives
Hurst and Associates, Inc. P.O. Box 6011, Vernon Hills, IL 60061 1-800-397-8908 (advertising inquiries only) Gary White - Northern Illinois Doug McDaniel - Southern Illinois Editorial phone number: 309-557-2239 Classified advertising: 309-557-3155 Display advertising: 1-800-676-2353
Zach Klingler, left, a member of the Charleston FFA Chapter, chats with members of the Illinois Farm Bureau Young Leader Committee last week during the State FFA Convention in Springfield. Young Leaders answering questions and passing out prizes were, from left, Alan Chesnut of Ridge Farm, Bryan Stevens of West Point, and Tom Flack of Shannon. (Photo by Kay Shipman)
FarmWeek Page 3 Monday, June 14, 2010
STATE
FFA, ag education feeling state’s money problems BY KAY SHIPMAN FarmWeek
Enthusiastic FFA members buzzed around the Illinois State FFA Convention last week, but many ag educators were thoughtful, especially about the uncertainty of state education funding. “There’re a lot of people holding their breath,” said Jim Craft, Illinois FFA executive secretary. “It (funding problems) affects young teachers. We’ve motivated them, and they’re getting the legs cut out from under them due to circumstances beyond their control.” New ag teachers aren’t the only ones impacted by state and local district funding problems. Several ag teachers have had their district contracts reduced by a month or two, while others who are certified to teach other subjects have been transferred to other teaching duties. But the budget fallout varies among districts. “At our school, no one has been laid off. Our superintendent has been fiscally minded. We’ve been able to survive the budget crisis at Hartsburg-
Emden,” said Betsy Pech, agriculture teacher and FFA adviser in the Logan County school district. Likewise, the budget impact has varied among fledgling ag teachers who just received their college degrees. Sara Conner will be heading to the classroom as a graduate student instead of teaching high school students this fall. Conner, who recently graduated from Southern Illinois University (SIU) with a degree in ag education and communications, wants to be a high school ag teacher. “It’s really hard to find ag
education jobs, especially for first-year teachers. It’s a difficult situation,” Conner said while working at the SIU booth. Of seven SIU ag ed graduates this year, three have teaching jobs, she noted. Conner plans to earn a master’s degree in education and serve as the SIU collegiate FFA adviser, but she remains hopeful about teaching one day. “It (graduate school) will take about two years, and I’ll see if anything has improved (after that),” she said. Rob Rhykerd, head of the Illinois State University agriculture department, agreed
the current job outlook is tough in Illinois for new ag teachers, but not for other agrelated careers. “If they (ag ed graduates) don’t want to teach, there are opportunities,” Rhykerd said. He added that agribusinesses, especially seed and agrichemical companies, are hiring. Andrew Baker, ag ed professor at Western Illinois University, was pleased that half of his 2010 graduates found teaching jobs and anticipated most of the rest may be able to join them, possibly by working in other states.
Quinn signs higher ed borrowing bills Gov. Pat Quinn last week signed bills allowing state universities to obtain loans and increasing the amount that community colleges may borrow. Both pieces of legislation take effect immediately and cover state funding owed, but not yet paid, for the fiscal year. For the first time, public universities have the authority to obtain loans to cover up to three-fourths of the funding owed by the state. Currently, the state owes the universities hundreds of millions of dollars. The legislation capped the interest rate a
university can pay at 9 percent, and the loans must be repaid within a year. In addition, the state comptroller must approve all university loans. For the next three years, the community colleges may issue double the amount of bonds previously permitted. The new legislation also permits community college districts to establish a line of credit. Under the new law, a community college’s board of trustees must pass a resolution to allow the borrowing. — Kay Shipman
“They’re (Iowa schools) desperate for ag teachers,” Baker said. He attributed that demand to baby boomer teacher retirements and the fact that only Iowa State University offers ag education degrees in Iowa, compared to four universities offering such degrees in Illinois. Optimism for opportunity in ag education was the brightest among those who have more years ahead before entering the job market. “We hear a lot in school that there are (ag teaching) jobs out there,” said Sarah Carson, who will be a junior next fall at the University of Illinois. “I’m also getting a science (teaching) endorsement. You’re always going to need teachers.” The FFA’s Craft noted the current economy hasn’t dampened the enthusiasm of potential ag teachers. “The students are looking four, five, six years down the road. We have to continue proving that we (ag education) are accountable for the money we get and let people know about the value of ag education.”
State legislators address several ag-related issues Although the state’s budget situation remains murky, agriculture will be assessing the spring legislative session Wednesday at the summer Agricultural Legislative Roundtable. Here are some of the issues: The House and Senate passed HB 4652, which addressed higher blends of ethanol being considered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the state sales tax incentive. Sponsored by Sen. Michael Frerichs (DChampaign) and Rep. John Bradley (D-Marion), the legislation provides a system to simplify the process for allowing a higher fuel blend rate to be implemented and qualify for the state sales tax incentive, according to Paul Cope, Illinois Farm Bureau assistant director of state legislation. IFB supports the legislation. It has been forwarded to the governor. Under the current Illinois state sales tax structure, a 20 percent sales tax incentive is granted to fuel blenders who blend a 10 percent ethanol-90 percent gasoline product. The
sales tax incentive is based on the gallons of fuel sold, so increasing the blend rate of ethanol would not change the fiscal impact to the state. Creation of a state fresh food fund and a task force were recommended by Senate Joint Resolution 72, sponsored by Sen. Jacqueline Collins (D-Chicago) and Rep. William Davis (DHomewood). A task force will be formed to study the need for grocery stores and the availability of nutritious food in low-income neighborhoods. These areas primarily are in the Chicago area, but the task force will look at any underserved area in Illinois, Cope said. The task force is to include two senators appointed by the Senate president and minority leader, two representatives appointed by the speaker and minority leader, and a representative from the governor’s office. One objective is to study ways to create a grant and loan program for supermarket development in low- to moderate-income neighborhoods. Sales tax payments on out-
of-state purchases were the subject of SB 459, sponsored by Sen. Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) and Rep. Don Moffitt (RGilson). The bill passed in the Senate and the House and was sent to the governor. Current law requires every Illinoisan to pay sales tax on a purchase regardless if it is bought at the local farm supply store, from a catalog, or over the Internet. If the sales tax is not collected, the buyer is expected to file a form and pay the sales tax either annually or monthly, depending on the dollar value of the purchase. The legislation would simplify the process and allow Illinoisans to pay the sales taxes on purchases of less than $600 when they file their state income taxes. If the purchases are $600 or more, the process would remain the same. The bill also allows individuals to pay overdue sales taxes on items purchased without a penalty. Other legislation of note: • Senate Joint Resolution 87 would encourage Congress and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to fund a comprehensive plan for flood control in the upper Mississippi River Basin. It passed in the Senate and the House. • SB 2959 exempts state health department regulation
of honey that is in the comb or simply removed from the comb and not altered. Beekeepers who market fewer than 500 gallons of Illinoisproduced honey annually are exempt from state health department regulations and operation inspections. The legislation passed both chambers and was sent to the governor. • HB 5193 would allow the
sale of 4-H license plates and create a special 4-H fund in the state treasury. The legislation stipulates that a portion of the registration fee and the renewal fee would be deposited into the 4-H fund with the money paid as grants to the Illinois 4-H Foundation. The bill passed in the House and the Senate and will be sent to the governor. — Kay Shipman
DATEBOOK June 16 Illinois Agricultural Legislative Roundtable, Illinois State Fairgrounds, Springfield. June 24 Western Illinois University agriculture herbicide plot tour, 1 p.m., WIU Agronomy Field Laboratory, Macomb. For information, call 309-298-1569. June 25 Illinois Wheat Association and University of Illinois small grains program, 5:30 p.m., University of Illinois Northern Illinois Agronomy Research Center, Shabbona. July 6 University of Illinois Orr Agronomy Center field day, 4 p.m., Perry. For information, call 217-236-4911. July 7 University of Illinois Northwest Research Center field day, 8 a.m., Monmouth. For information, call 309-743-7459. July 9-13 International Herb Conference, DoubleTree Hotel, Collinsville.
FarmWeek Page 4 Monday, June 14, 2010
GOVERNMENT Environment right for compromise?
Lugar offers alternative to ‘punitive approach’ BY MARTIN ROSS FarmWeek
Congressional leaders’ dual desire to address climate concerns and the Gulf oil spill, election-year concerns about “cap-and-trade,” and an administration endorsement could bode well for new compromise climate/energy legislation. Last week, Sen. Richard Lugar (R-Ind.) unveiled a “practical” energy/climate bill aimed at reducing foreign oil imports by “diversifying energy choices,” better using fossil fuel resources, ensuring “industrial competitiveness,” and “saving people money on their energy bills.” Lugar received a shot in the arm from Energy Secretary Steven Chu, who applauded the Republican’s push to reduce petroleum dependency, “which has taken on greater urgency as a result of the BP oil spill.”
Chu hailed Lugar’s focus on energy efficiency — in the secretary’s view, “the fastest, cheapest route to our energy and climate Sen. Richard Lugar change goals.” The Lugar bill is an alternative to stringent greenhouse reductions proposals by Sens. Robert Kerry (D-Mass.) and Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.). Some critics charge the KerryLieberman plan would spur a 30 percent hike in Illinois electricity rates while boosting overall ag energy and input costs. The American Farm Bureau Federation plans soon to release an analysis of specific Kerry-Lieberman impacts. AFBF senior economist Bob Young noted Lugar’s plan
The Lugar plan:
Better energy, climate control Sen. Richard Lugar’s (R-Ind.) Practical Energy and Climate Plan reportedly would reduce U.S. demand for foreign oil by more than 40 percent, or 1.3 billion barrels annually, by 2030. Through new energy efficiency measures and renewable fuels and cleaner fossil energy use, the plan aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions by more than 20 percent over the next 20 years. Here’s how it would work: Vehicle efficiency standards for passenger vehicles. The bill proposes an annual 4 percent target for “cost effective” federal Corporate Average Fuel Economy mileage improvements. Progressive efficiency standards for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles would go into effect in 2017. Flex-fuel vehicle requirements. Fifty percent of model years 2013-2014 vehicles would be capable of running on 85 percent ethanol (E85) and 90 percent of model year 2015 and beyond vehicles would be flex-fuel capable. National building energy performance/efficiency codes. Incentives would be offered for state adoption of standards for newly constructed homes and businesses. Homeowners and businesses that cannot afford upfront costs of retrofitting existing buildings could use federal financing options, and the USDA Rural Utilities Service would offer rural consumers lowinterest loans for energy efficiency retrofits. A diverse energy standard. The new standard would establish a long-term, “flexible” framework for states and utilities to invest in a variety of domestic electric generation resources and energy-saving programs. Retirement of most costly polluting coal plants. Recognizing Midwest reliance on coal power and advances in “clean coal” technology and carbon sequestration, the Lugar bill seeks a phaseout of “the oldest and dirtiest” coal fired plants. In exchange for allowing those outdated plants to avoid added investments in environmental compliance technology that could cost utility ratepayers billions, they would agree to cease operations by the end of 2018. Expanded loan guarantees for nuclear power. Current federal loan guarantees would be boosted to enable financing for the new nuclear plants. Transparent review. Federal agencies and the Government Accountability Office would be required to monitor and report on gains from new energy programs, with findings available to U.S. consumers and foreign countries.
focuses on energy production shifts through incentives and regulatory reforms, rather than Kerry-Lieberman’s “punitive approach.” Sen. Kit Bond (R-Mo.) rejects the idea that KerryLieberman is a major departure from 2009 “cap-andtrade” measures that proposed to limit utility/manufacturing emissions. Recent visits to India leave Bond unconvinced costly U.S. regulations would significantly impact global climate change. “They’re trying to say Kerry-Lieberman is not cap-andtrade, but it walks like a duck; it quacks like a duck,” he told FarmWeek last week in St. Louis. “It is a tax on carbon which would be disastrous to the Midwest. “Even EPA admits that if we had these draconian taxes and India and China continued to develop as they’ve assured me they will, it will have no appreciable impact on the environment by 2030.
“We need to use more renewable fuels. We need to use more nuclear technology, clean coal. We don’t need a tax on carbon.” AFBF’s Rick Krause sees Lugar’s plan as a more effective base to “build upon” in reining in greenhouse gases. Cap-and-trade is seen as penalizing states such as Illinois that are reliant on coal power. Krause views the Lugar bill as more geographically neutral, incentivizing wideranging energy sources that suit individual regions. Chu also supports energy diversification, citing the need for policies that support “building the next generation of nuclear power plants, deploying technologies to burn coal more cleanly, significantly expanding renewable power generation, and a host of other clean energy technologies.” Krause said Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nevada) and influential Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) are “serious
about trying to pass something” on climate, but said there are “enough people who really don’t want to see capand-trade.” Schumer suggests Kerry-Lieberman provisions could be tacked on to an energy bill sponsored by Sen. Jeff Bingaman (D-N.M.), a move opposed by those who prefer a stronger climate component. Bingaman supports requiring 15 percent of electricity to be generated via alternative sources by 2021, but does not push coal and nuclear development. However, Lugar enjoys strong respect from both parties, and Krause said Bingaman may be “looking for ideas” that will help secure Senate votes. “I think they really want to do something legislatively with regards to the oil spill,” he said. “The cap-and-trade stuff kind of confuses all that. (Lugar) would do something without having to deal with the whole cap-and-trade thing.”
Lugar flex-fuel target impetus for globally greener production? Indiana Sen. Richard Lugar’s energy plan would significantly ramp up domestic biofuels consumption and contribute to globalization of green auto technology, according to a spokesman with a major ethanol industry coalition. Lugar’s measure proposes an increase in “flex-fuel” vehicles sold in the U.S., with a targeted goal of 90 percent new model production by 2015. Flex-fuel cars and trucks can run on an up to 85 percent ethanol gasoline blend (E85). In order to reduce dependence on foreign oil and “really get ethanol off the ground,” Stephanie Dreyer with the biofuels group Growth Energy argues the industry must overcome key barriers — chiefly, a lack of E85 infrastructure. A combination of accelerated flex-fuel vehicle production and proliferation of “blender pumps” that dispense various blend levels between E10 and E85 would drive consumer market penetration, she said. Despite recent auto industry challenges, Dreyer sees a flex-fuel mandate as a feasible goal. She noted the U.S.’ “Big Three” automak-
ers have reiterated their pledge to offer flex-fuel capability in 50 percent of new models over the next two years. “It’s the foreign automakers who are a little bit behind,” Dreyer told FarmWeek. “I definitely think that at least the American automakers will be able to meet this requirement. If the foreign automakers can’t, it’s a matter of supply and demand. They’ll definitely pick things up as they see consumers buying them.” Today, nearly eight million flex-fuel vehicles are on U.S. highways, out of 246 million-plus total vehicles, despite the relatively minor added cost of manufacturing flex-fuel cars. In addition to the Lugar bill, E85 supporters hailed Underwriters Laboratory (UL) certification of a liquid fuel dispenser hose for use with mid- to- high-level ethanol blends — the last E85 pump component requiring certification. In 2006, UL rescinded certification and revised standards for E85 dispensing equipment, resulting in a temporary slowdown in retailer adoption of flex-fuel infrastructure. “This makes things easier,” Dreyer said. — Martin Ross
Small grains program June 25 in Shabbona A small grains program will be held Thursday, June 25, at the University of Illinois Northern Illinois Agronomy Research Center near Shabbona. The event, which is sponsored by the Illinois Wheat Association (IWA) and the University of Illinois, will begin at 5:30 p.m. and will focus on wheat management and wheat and oat variety selection. Fred Kolb, U of I oat and wheat breeder, will discuss varieties available in Northern Illinois; Emerson Nafziger, U of I Extension crops specialist, will discuss best management practices and current techniques for small grain management; and Carl Bradley, U of I
Extension plant pathologist, will discuss the management of diseases in small grains production. Program participants will have an opportunity to compare varieties in the variety trial. There also will be a grilled pork chop meal available at the event for $5. Registration is available prior to the event and is encouraged to help with the meal count. To register, contact the IWA at 309-557-3662 or the U of I Research Center at 815-824-2029. The U of I Northern Illinois Agronomy Research Center in DeKalb County is one mile east of Shabbona on Route 30, then 5.5 miles north on University Road.
FarmWeek Page 5 Monday, June 14, 2010
GOVERNMENT
EPA seeking greater reach in permitting programs? BY MARTIN ROSS FarmWeek
While the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has not yet targeted crop chemicals for ‘point source’ permitting requirements, a Farm Bureau analyst warns proposed new pesticide regulations pose definite farm and rural risks. Further, EPA is nailing down the principles of stringent new nutrient restrictions on the East Coast, and public input on EPA’s currently limited pesticide permit proposal could hasten costly ag regulations, according to American Farm Bureau Federation regulatory specialist Don Parrish. Parrish reported EPA is “making a lot of noise and regulatory pronouncements”
regarding nutrient/fertilizer standards within the midAtlantic’s Chesapeake Bay region. The agency is eyeing expanded regulation of “even medium and small livestock (feeding) operations.” “EPA has made no bones about it: It wants to focus its attention on those smaller operations, by designating them as point sources and requiring them to get permits,” Parrish said in an RFD RadioFarmWeek interview. “We had people from EPA tell farmers (Monday) in Virginia that once pasture-based operations start bringing hay to cattle, they change from a pasture-based operation to a feeding operation. That’s just totally ludicrous.” While proposed pesticide permits would cover only
Illinoisan nominee for EPA advisory group Ann Sorensen of the American Farmland Trust (AFT) last week was nominated to serve on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Farm, Ranch, and Rural Communities Federal Advisory Committee. Sorensen, a certified entomologist, currently oversees AFT’s research and directs its Center for Agriculture in the Environment at Northern Illinois University, DeKalb. Before joining AFT, Sorensen was the assistant director of the American Farm Bureau Federation’s natural and environmental resources division. As a committee member, Sorensen will provide insight to the agency on several issues, such as water and air quality, environmental markets, renewable energy and climate change, and how environmental policy issues affect farms, ranches, and rural communities. “We initiated this committee at EPA to help bring the collective wisdom, information, and advice of agriculture and environmental specialists to the policymaking process at EPA,” said AFT President Jon Scholl. Scholl previously served as the agricultural adviser to the EPA administrator.
Lincoln captures primary, plans farm bill hearings While a fall battle lies ahead, Senate Ag Chairman Blanche Lincoln (D-Ark.) can launch hearings into the 2012 farm bill confident she still has a shot at being around for next year’s final vote. Lincoln last week defeated Lt. Gov. Bill Halter for the Democratic Senate nomination in Arkansas. Many political analysts expected Lincoln to lose because of voters’ anti-incumbent mood and Halter’s $10 million in campaign contributions from labor unions. “If she’d lost her run-off, we’d have a new (Senate) ag chairman next year,” American Farm Bureau Federation legislative analyst Rick Krause told FarmWeek. Lincoln recently followed House Ag Chairman Collin Peterson’s lead by announcing several farm bill hearings beginning this month. The first hearing, scheduled for June 30, will focus on maintaining a sound U.S. farm policy to protect the nation’s food supply. Other hearings will focus on revitalizing the rural economy through rural development, promoting conservation practices that preserve natural resources and wildlife habitat, and ensuring ag is part of the nation’s energy future. Lincoln faces another tough battle in the fall against U.S. Rep. John Boozman, the Republican nominee. Boozman has represented northwest Arkansas in Congress since 2001 and currently is leading in the polls.
mosquito, aquatic, and forest canopy chemicals, with no new rules for crop products, EPA’s plan is still “a really, really big deal,” Parrish said.
fer through restrictions on mosquito control products. Point source identification provides EPA greater authority over chemical use, Parrish
‘(EPA) wants to focus its attention on those smaller operations, by designating them as point sources.’ — Don Parrish American Farm Bureau Federation
The action followed an April 2009 federal court decision ruling that spray nozzle and other pesticide discharges constitute point-source pollutants under the federal Clean Air Act. Even the classes of pesticides currently targeted have important ramifications for fish farmers and community health, and with diseases such as insect-borne West Nile virus on the rise, equine and livestock producers could suf-
said. EPA is conducting a 45day comment period on the pesticide permit proposal; he
suggests more time may be needed to define “how this is going to be sorted out in the lives of farmers and ranchers.” Parrish urged producers to make concerns known to EPA (visit {cfpub.epa.gov/npdes} to review proposals). “This clearly is going to tee up additional litigation in the future — it’s probably going to expose some farmers to litigation in ways we don’t even see yet,” he warned. “Clearly, it’s going to have a huge impact on how we’re going to control pests — weeds and insects — not only for crops, but for (control of) vectors for disease.”
Greenhouse Continued from page 1 GHG sources for two years, argued that with Senate failure, “We will then be the preferred option, so we’ll be working very hard to bring our measure forward.” Woodall was less optimistic, questioning whether House proposals (one backed by Minnesota Democrat House Ag Chairman Collin Peterson) could even reach the House floor. “There just doesn’t seem to be the drive over there,” he said.
FarmWeek Page 6 Monday, June 14, 2010
CROPWATCHERS Bernie Walsh, Durand, Winnebago County: On and off rain for the last seven days has us in very good shape for fastgrowing corn and soybeans. We had a total of 1.6 inches for the week here at our farm, and about 1 inch in the western part of the county. We escaped the flooding type of rains that other parts of the state received, and we are glad for that. It has been a challenge keeping up with the spraying because the corn and the weeds have been growing so fast. The wheat is beginning to turn but is still two to three weeks from being ready. Pete Tekampe, Grayslake, Lake County: Another wet week in Lake County. The ponds came back twice last week with about 2 inches of rain for the week. We had sprinkles Friday morning, but then the sun came out. Rain is forecast for five of the next seven days. Corn is looking good, but showing compaction damage. Beans are almost all planted and looking good. The wheat is turning and spring grains are heading out. Not much hay has been baled. I hope the weathermen are wrong. Leroy Getz, Savanna, Carroll County: Rain for the week totaled 1.4 inches. Hard rains on Saturday (June 5) and then some rain again on Tuesday. Crops look good. Sprayers are getting in the last passes on the corn and trying to clean up the soybeans. No insect problems at this time. June is Dairy Month, so thank a dairy farmer for all the work he does to provide those delicious products. Ron Frieders, Waterman, DeKalb County: So far, rain has kept the wet spots wet. The low ground we carefully planted a couple of weeks ago refilled the next day and has not been dry since. I have never seen such a difference in corn planted in soybean stubble vs. corn on corn. The corn following beans has looked considerably better all spring and now is almost waist high, at least 6 inches taller than our corn-on-corn ground. This time last year, corn was only 4 or 5 inches tall and soybean planting was only 90 percent complete. This year, some of the beans are 5 inches tall. Getting the crops sprayed has been a challenge with frequent rains and lots of windy conditions. A friend of mine usually puts in 20 acres of pumpkins and gourds, but because of wet conditions, he hasn’t been able to plant. He said he needs to plant very soon or the kids won’t have pumpkins for Halloween. Joe Zumwalt, Warsaw, Hancock County: 2010 continues to be an extremely challenging year in Western Illinois. I now believe that there is no such thing as a normal year. There is just an average of all of the chaotic years. Corn varies from emerging to V9 with widely variable populations and areas of replant everywhere you look. The area is around 60 percent planted on soybeans and the beans planted are, for the most part, as variable as the corn. Sprayers have been busy trying to keep up, but I think we are going to have to live with some very weedy fields this fall unless we can get busy with the sprayers. It has been difficult to get hay baled between rainy periods. The next few days looks to be on the wet side as well. I guess we will make the best of it. We always do. Ken Reinhardt, Seaton, Mercer County: Monday (June 7) and Thursday saw some fieldwork before rains moved in. Amounts varied widely. There still are corn and beans to be planted — both first time and replant. Corn on corn is starting to look better but it is not hard to tell the difference from first-year corn, which is looking really good, if it’s not washed out or drowned out. There will be more acres of prevented planting over the bluff than last year. Water is coming up from the ground and the Mississippi River is not even high.
Larry Hummel, Dixon, Lee County: The rains have continued their schedule of one event a week with a total of 0.4 of an inch for last week. Corn has not rooted down very well. After each storm front moves through, the corn leans a different direction. In general though, the crops look good. Jacob Streitmatter, Princeville, Peoria County: Another week has passed. Some corn is starting to look better, but the rest has a long way to go. This past week we were lucky and received less than 1 inch of rain out of the last storms. I cannot wait for the corn to get tall enough that I cannot see all the bad spots (wet spots). The past few days have let guys try to finish up soybeans and get a lot of spraying done. Tim Green, Wyoming, Stark County: It was a relatively decent week. We are still recovering from rains two weeks ago. Fields are soggy, especially in the northern part of the county. It seems as though everytime it rains up there, we get 1 inch to 1.5 inches. Corn spraying is wrapping up. There are still some fields that need sprayed, but Mother Nature and the water are hampering us. Some bean spraying is getting done. Things look decent. A lot of the corn on corn still doesn’t look very good. Some of it is just waterlogged. Ron Haase, Gilman, Iroquois County: We had showers on three different days. On June 5, we had 0.1 to 0.2 of an inch of rain. On June 9, we received 0.1 to 0.6 of an inch and Friday morning, I had 0.1 to 0.3 of an inch in my gauge. Field activity has been limited due to the showers. Some farmers with dry fields have been able to spray herbicides in their corn or soybean fields. Corn in the local area is anywhere from the V5 to the V9 growth stage. Most corn is in the V7 to V8 growth stage. Area soybean fields are anywhere V1 to the V5 growth stage. The local closing prices for June 10 were $3.23 for nearby corn, $3.29 for new-crop corn, $3.61 for fall 2011 corn, $9.35 for nearby soybeans, and $8.56 for new-crop soybeans. Brian Schaumburg, Chenoa, McLean County: Sunny, warm days plus timely rainfall equals rapid crop development. With few exceptions, this crop looks great. With 810 growing degree units accumulated since April 12, corn will be determining the number of rows and ear size soon. Corn, $3.22, fall, $3.21; soybeans, $9.15, fall, $8.52; wheat, $3.58. Steve Ayers, Champaign, Champaign County: Rain makes grain, that’s this week’s refrain. But for some, 3-plus inches can really be a pain! Hot, humid, and sticky weather allows for rapid growth for both corn and soybeans. We were back in the field early last week after 1.25 inches of rain June 8. Rain chances are in the forecast for four of the next seven days. Some bean fields are starting to look a little woolly with butterweed, marestail, and volunteer corn. Farmers are busy spraying, mowing, and crop scouting. Let’s be careful out there! Tom Ritter, Blue Mound, Macon County: We had a good week of growing conditions with warm temperatures and adequate moisture. Rainfall in the last week has varied, depending on location, but most areas received 0.5 of an inch to 1.5 inches of rain. Corn continues to grow with excellent color. Most corn is waist high; some a little taller. Soybeans also are continuing to grow with good color. We have excellent stands in both corn and soybeans. Overall, crop conditions are very good. There has been some spraying of soybeans going on in some fields. Downed corn and high winds last year, as well as the late harvest, left a lot of volunteer corn. For the most part, that will not be a major concern because the crop protectants will solve the problem.
Wilfred Dittmer, Quincy, Adams County: Another cloudy Friday but no rain yet and no fieldwork since last week’s report. Our gauge picked up 1.5 inches for the week and 2.1 inches for the month so far while others received much more and there was some strong wind damage in the area. Most corn is looking better, but some fields with no nitrogen are looking a little anemic. Soybeans that were in the ground before June are looking pretty good. Those that went in the first of June are struggling to emerge. Have a good week. Todd Easton, Charleston, Coles County: Same weather, different week in Coles County as spotty precipitation seems to come around at regular intervals. In spite of the weather, progress is being made in spraying and sidedressing with most all the work for the corn crop completed and attention being focused on soybean spraying. Corn and soybean crops both had a good development week once again with corn maturities ranging from the V8 to V11 stages and beans in a wide range from VE to V5. Hay balers have finally had a good enough stretch in spite of the precipitation to get a lot of cutting and some baling done. Jimmy Ayers, Rochester, Sangamon County: We had a little bit of rain this past week. Corn is responding well to the warm temperatures and the water. Beans are looking good, too. There is some concern over the drowned-out areas of cornfields and some replanting was done. Not much replanting on the beans as of yet. People really don’t know what to do. Some hay got put up in different areas. The Sangamon County Fair opens this week. Doug Uphoff, Shelbyville, Shelby County: Corn has reached the V5 stage (5 collars visible) for the most part. In the southern part of the county and just west of my house there is corn still at V2 to V3. Most, if not all, of the V5 corn has been post sprayed with Roundup. Beans are still small with an abundance of volunteer corn in early-planted fields. Some of it has been sprayed where it was dry enough. We tried to spray beans but had to drive around ponded areas. We received 0.8 of an inch of rain last week. Dad has been mowing waterways and roadsides. We are way ahead of where we were last year. Hay is growing again and will be ready to bale again in a couple weeks. Some waterways and roadsides were mowed and baled last week before and after rains. Isaac and I built an electric fence last week and mowed farm and bin sites. We also have been trying to finish up returns on the seed business. Farm diesel, $2.40; soy diesel, $2.40; truck diesel, $2.93; truck soy diesel, $2.86; cash corn, $3.22; fall corn, $3.30; January corn, $3.46; Decatur (Decatur bids no trucking has been taken off) cash corn, $3.42; Decatur fall corn, $3.45; Decatur January corn, $3.62; cash beans, $9.40; fall beans, $8.61; January beans, $8.77; Decatur (Decatur bids no trucking has been taken off) cash beans, $9.66; Decatur fall beans, $8.83; Decatur January beans, $9.05. David Schaal, St. Peter, Fayette County: Planters were sticking soybeans in the ground on Monday (June 7) and Tuesday even though rain was threatening. Rains did come across on Tuesday night, resulting in about 0.5 of an inch. That was enough precipitation because it was not too dry before that rain. A few farmers in the area are done with soybean planting while others have barely started. There are bean fields to be replanted and/or spotted in due to too much rainfall on Memorial Day. For the most part, the corn is looking good to excellent. The low spots in the fields that were yellow are beginning to regain a little green color. Producers are thinking of winding down for this 2010 planting season. Some are beginning to mow roadsides and waterways and cleaning old grain out of grain bins. We hoped to finish up planting Friday. Stay safe.
Page 7 Monday, June 14, 2010 FarmWeek
CROPWATCHERS Dan Meinhart, Montrose, Jasper County: Planting and replanting of both corn and beans resumed last week where ground conditions permitted. Other activities included sidedressing corn and spraying post chemicals and burndown chemicals. Showers moved through the area Thursday evening leaving from just a little rain up to 1 inch. Hopefully, corn planting will wrap up this week if the weather cooperates. Drier weather is forecast for this week. Bob Biehl, Belleville, St. Clair County: We received 0.4 of an inch of rain this past week, which hopefully was enough to get up some of the beans that were lying in dry ground. Bean stands look really good. Corn spraying and anhydrous sidedressing were completed this past week. The replanted corn and spotted-in corn came up well and looks like it has the potential to make some corn in those original drowned out spots. First-planted corn is from waist high to chest high. We will start spraying beans this week with an initial Roundup application with some residual herbicide included. Wheat harvest will be here soon. I saw one person in the eastern part of the county that initially tried it. He went about 150 feet and backed out. Reports received Friday morning. Expanded crop information available at FarmWeekNow.com
Rick Corners, Centralia, Jefferson County: Well, we finally got to plant some beans between the showers this past week. Corn is waist-high and stretching toward the sky. Looks like the four or five fields of wheat in Southern Illinois might be ready to cut this coming week. Dean Shields, Murphysboro, Jackson County: We were able to get in the fields on Monday (June 7) and Tuesday and do some planting and then Wednesday brought 1 to 2 inches of heavy rain that came real fast. So now we are wondering if we have to replant some more. In my river bottom land, the river locks were still down on the Mississippi and we still have internal flooding. We are pumping the water now with the small pumping system that we have. The corn is growing. It is shoulder high now for the most part, but there are some people who are replanting corn for the third time. We are still planting beans and replanting beans. That has been the game here in Jackson County — plant and replant. I’ve seen some milo fields that look pretty good and some not so good. The wheat is ready for harvest or real close to it. I understand when it dries up and conditions are right the next day or two, they will be starting to harvest some wheat. Maybe this week I’ll know how the yield is on wheat. In Jackson County, some crops look good and some not so good. It’s a mixed bag of everything — corn, beans, and milo.
Kevin Raber, Browns, Wabash County: The corn is beginning to get a better green color. I sprayed my corn and I can see a lot of holes in my field in areas too small to replant. Those will hurt my yields come harvest. Soy beans got off to a better start than corn and most fields look good. Wheat is maturing rapidly, but I don’t know when harvest will start. Ken Taake, Ullin, Pulaski County: We managed to finish our planting on Monday (June 7). It’s nice to finally have at least that part behind us. We also finished sidedressing our corn. Corn has good color until you look at it closely and realize the big size difference between the earlyplanted corn and the replant, it looks good from a distance. I think post-spraying will become our main activity in the near future — probably this week. There are a lot of sprayers running in our area. With all the moisture and good growing conditions, weeds are really growing rapidly. We don’t have any wheat on our farm this year, but from talking to people who do have some, it appears that wheat harvest is getting very close. Please remember to be careful during this busy time.
Taylor: Shift to La Nina could present challenges BY DANIEL GRANT FarmWeek
The most recent National We a t h e r S e r v i c e ( N W S ) summer forecast appears to be quite favorable for crop development. NWS is predicting coolerthan-normal conditions similar to last year. “With nor mal weather, we get about three bushels above trend line (on cor n y i e l d s ) ,” E l w y n n Ta y l o r, Iowa State University climat o l o g i s t , t o l d Fa r m We e k during the World Pork Expo in Des Moines. “So the forecast for this
summer to be cooler than usual would say we can expect to get as good of yields as last year.” The trend line yield in the U.S. is about 160 bushels per acre. But Illinois corn growers last year har vested an average of 174 bushels per acre, which was the fourthbest corn yield on record. However, the climatologist stressed this corn crop is far from made despite the favorable forecast. A wildcard that recently entered the weather mix is a possible La Nina, coolerthan-normal water tempera-
tures in the Pacific Ocean. “We’re in an impor tant two weeks now to see if we do come into a La Nina,” Tay l o r s a i d . “ W h e n we
FarmWeekNow.com Visit FarmWeekNow.com to view an Elwynn Taylor video on La Nina prospects this summer.
switch to a La Nina in the growing season, 70 percent of the time we have belowtrend-line yields.” Ta y l o r a l s o i s w o r r i e d about the possible impact on the crops if the weather sud-
denly turns dry. “We remember 1983 was wet and some people planted when it was too wet and we didn’t get deep (corn) roots,” he said. “Then in July it went hot a nd dr y and the c rop (which averaged just above 80 bushels per acre) was a disaster. “The potential is there for another 1983,” he continued, although corn yields likely wouldn’t dip as low due to genetic improvements that allow corn plants to better withstand adverse weather conditions. I f L a N i n a i s n’t e s t a b -
lished in coming weeks, the next cr ucial timeframe for crop development will be mid-July when corn is silking. “It (corn pollination) gets earlier ever y year,” added Ta y l o r, w h o q u i p p e d t h e standard measure for corn now is “belly-high by the Fourth of July” as opposed to the old adage “knee-high by the Fourth of July.” The average height of the corn crop in Illinois the first of last week was 17 inches compared to 7 inches last year and the five-year average of 12 inches.
Recognizing rapid growth syndrome in corn BY BARRY NASH
The last three weeks of May were quite challenging for most Illinois growers. The month started out with several days of cool, cloudy w e a t h e r, p r o v i d i n g minimal heat units and leading to slow and inconsistent corn growth. Ironically, by the third week of May, a Barry Nash rapid increase in temperature and sunlight occurred for several days, increasing the heat units needed for plant growth. History and experience show that when corn plants are exposed to prolonged cool-weather stress followed by a rapid, consistent war m-up, corn
growth and development can increase almost exponentially. In other words, the corn plant actually may be growing too fast. In fact, several locations throughout Central and Southern Illinois were reporting new corn leaf stages occurring about every two days by the third week of May. When corn plants undergo such a rapid change in growing conditions, they tend to want to grow too fast. Oftentimes, this can lead to new leaves wrapping or twisting inside the whorls, not emerging as they should. This phenomenon often is referred to as rapid growth syndrome. The key identifying feature of rapid growth syndrome is the wrapping and twisting of the whorl leaves. In many cases the whorls of corn plants
between the V5 and V7 stage emerge tightly wrapped and almost appear as a long rattail. Oftentimes, the wrapped whorl will b e n d o ve r a n d a l m o s t t o u c h t h e ground. While the exact culprit for this phenomenon is not completely understood, it is believed by most universities that during the rapid g rowth phase, the newer, smaller, leaves developing in the whorl are rushing to reach sunlight. However, since the older leaves are still transitioning into rapid growth, these newer leaves are forced to wait for emergence. As these newer leaves continue to tr y to push their way through the whorl, they become almost entangled. This can be seen if you slowly unfurl
the whorl. There will be multiple leaves wrapped together. It is important to recognize that despite the appearance of affected plants, complete recover y usually occurs quickly with little to no effect on yield. Generally, the only remaining sign may be the occurrence of a few bright “yellow tops” that stand out in your field when you are driving down the road. These yellow tops are simply the leaves that were tied up in the whorl — void of sunlight. A few days of sunshine and these will disappear almost overnight. Barry Nash is GROWMARK’s weed science technical manager. His e-mail address is bnash@growmark.com.
FarmWeek Page 8 Monday, June 14, 2010
BIOTECHNOLOGY China biotech breakout?
European GMO pressures persist across Africa BY MARTIN ROSS FarmWeek
During last week’s International Association for Plant Biotechnology Congress in St. Louis, myriad voices — African and Indian as well as U.S. — rose in support of and concern for future ag biotech advances. Robert Paarlberg, author of Starved for Science: How Biotechnology is Being Kept out of Africa, lamented government policies and European social, aid, and trade pressures applied to “the part of the world in the most need of a technological upgrade in its agricultural sectors.” The upgrades are eminently available, but policy lags technology. Despite success with Bt cotton, India has rejected production of a GMO eggplant that could reduce pesticide use and subsequent consumer exposure, Paarlberg noted. German biochemist Peter Beyer, inventor of “golden
rice,” argued the beta carotene-enhanced product, in limbo since 2000, is crucial to “nations plagued by crippling vitamin A deficiency.” A Nigerian scientist has developed iron-fortified cassava at St. Louis’ Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, but South Africa, Egypt, and Burkina Faso remain the only African nations where GMO crops are planted. Paarlberg cites a variety of factors that have limited biotech progress across Africa, including use of scare tactics by outside activists and the influence of European culture on the “postcolonial elites” who run governments in many impoverished nations. Norway and the Netherlands have exerted negative
pressure on Zambia and Kenya, respectively, and Swiss “experts” convinced officials in Mali effectively to “put GMOs on trial,” Paarlberg related. But he sees hope for the conti-
key channel for anti-GMO messages: African governments depend heavily on aid, and Europe provides African nations three times the aid offered by the U.S. Trade pressures also persist: The
sphere green revolution.” Ironically, China could prove the major 21st Century biotech breakout. Chinese researchers have explored biotech developments in corn, beans, wheat, rice, cotton, hogs, cattle, and sheep, and Chinese officials have ‘It’s all the more important for African approved a $3.8 billion biotech scientists to become involved.’ research-development budget for — Robert Paarlberg 2009-2020. Economist, author Last year, China approved Bt rice and phytase corn nent, noting South European Union buys five designed to reduce phosphoAfrican approvals for Bt cottimes more ag commodities rus levels in livestock wastes. ton and corn were heavily from Africa than does the Concerns about GMO rice influenced by the scientific U.S. have emerged not only in community. The U.S. Canada, Brazil, Europe but also in the U.S., “Scientists have to Argentina, China, and India and it remains to be seen how become involved,” Paarlaccount for about 95 percent China will handle potential berg told researchers from of GMO crops planted export market resistance, across the planet. “It’s all around the globe. The U.S., Paarlberg said. the more important for Brazil, and Argentina domi“The hope is that as China African scientists to nate in terms of GMO moves forward, India will say, become involved.” acreages: “To a certain extent, ‘We can’t afford to fall He noted foreign aid is a this has been a Western Hemi- behind,’” he said.
Better science for lawmakers, communication by scientists
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Whether the issue is global climate, food safety, pesticide regulation, or biotechnology, science is playing an increasingly integral role in congressional ag policy debate. That concerns both U.S. Sen. Kit Bond (R-Mo.), an advocate of ag biotechnology who helped establish Missouri’s biotech research-development corridor, and scientist Roger Beachy, head of St. Louis’ pioneering Donald Danforth Plant Science Center and president of the International Association for Plant Biotechnology (IAPB). Beachy last week urged global scientists gathered in St. Louis to hone their public communications skills and “become more useful earlier in their careers.” Amid challenges to new crop technologies and expanding ag regulation, he emphasized the need for experts to be “more vocal in working with national programs.” Twenty years ago, plant scientists could have predicted the environmental benefits Bt crops would provide for farmers globally, “but we didn’t,” Beachy said. He argued scientists “don’t like to enter the area of political discussions until we become older and don’t have to worry about getting (academic) tenure or becoming ‘famous.’” As the “next generation” of biotech advances emerge, Beachy said younger researchers will be instrumental in communicating “the outcome of our science.” Bond, described by Beachy as a Missouri “agro-forester” instrumental in securing federal crop gene-mapping and National Science Foundation funding, noted biotechnology has increased U.S. yields while reducing pesticide use and “brings hope to the developing world.” However, he fears future advances could be impeded by “a handful of professional anti-technology activists continuing to look for the first stomachache from biotechnology.” “One of the problems we face in the U.S. Congress today is that, too often, we have let hysteria and fear-mongering guide policy,” Bond told FarmWeek. “Fear-mongering has effectively banned biotechnology in many areas of the world, much to the detriment of those people. “I’ve long fought to say, ‘We need sound science,’ whether it’s trade policy, whether it’s in regulation, whether it’s in government policy. Sound science is overlooked in the trade barriers that too many of our allies put up to block the food we can provide,” he said. — Martin Ross
FarmWeek Page 9 Monday, June 14, 2010
PORK EXPO
Vet: No link between human, livestock antibiotic use BY DANIEL GRANT FarmWeek
Howard Hill, a veterinarian and chief operating officer of Iowa Select Farms, has seen no solid evidence that links the use of antibiotics in livestock to antibiotic resistance in humans. He, therefore, sees no reason for proposed legislation (the Preservation of Antibi-
otics for Medical Treatment Act) that could severely limit producers’ ability to treat their animals. “There is no definitive science linking antibiotic use in livestock to antibiotic resistance in humans,” Hill said last week at the World Pork Expo in Des Moines. “So if it hasn’t been demonstrated, why are we try-
ing to change it?” The proposed legislation would require U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to re-review under new criteria seven classes of antibiotics that are used in veterinary and human care. The bill reportedly aims to restrict subtherapeutic or preventive use of antibiotics in farm animals.
But Hill, who also serves on the National Pork Producers Council board, argued preventive care reduces sickness in livestock herds, which ultimately increases output and reduces consumer costs. “Most antibiotics are used for a short period of time and then there is a withdrawal time, so no antibiotics are in their (hogs’) system at the time
NPPC seeks increase in funding for animal identification FMD response test conducted during Pork Expo The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) last week at the World Pork Expo in Des Moines urged the federal government to increase funding for a national animal identification program. Federal funding for animal identification this year totaled just $5 million, down $10 million from previous years, according to Bob Dykhuis, an NPPC board member and a pork producer from Holland, Mich.
“The policy was to let the states carry more of the burden,” Dykhuis said. “But $5 million in funding kind of starves the system. There’s nothing to move forward on.” Getting a boost in funding for animal identification systems could be a challenge. USDA earlier this year abandoned the National Animal Identification System (NAIS) and now is promoting a flexible framework for animal disease traceability in the U.S. “We struggled with system support from other species’ groups,” Dykhuis said. “We feel a national ID system is important for
pork producers.” About 90 percent of pork producers in the U.S. registered their premises under NAIS, according to Dykhuis. However, about two-thirds of U.S. cattle producers opted not to register their premises due to concerns about NAIS such as costs and confidentiality. NPPC will continue to promote a national animal identification program despite the lack of support for NAIS. “Anything we can do to prepare ourselves to fight disease is a good thing,” Dykhuis said. The Pork Checkoff at the World Pork Expo conducted a life-like drill to help public officials and farmers test their
Illinois pork producer to serve on NPPC task force Gary Asay, a pork producer from Osco, last week was selected to serve on the National Pork Producers Council’s newly formed farm bill task force. Producers at the World Pork Expo in Des Moines last week expressed concern about the possibility of new regulations hindering the industry’s ability to rebound and expand after large losses dating back to 2008. “The last three years were some of the worst years for the (pork) industry,” said Sam Carney, president of NPPC and a pork producer from Adair, Iowa. “We want to make sure the new farm bill enables growth in the industry.” The average farrow-to-finish operation in the U.S. last year lost $24 on each animal it marketed, according to Don Butler, immediate past president of NPPC. Pork producers also want to make sure they have access to contracts and other risk management tools to help deal with wild price swings in the hog market and for inputs such as feed and fuel. “We’re looking at many different areas including environmental regulations and new areas of risk management,” Asay, an NPPC board member, said last week during the expo.
Gary Asay, right, a pork producer from Osco who serves on the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) board, talks to fellow NPPC board member Bill Luckey, a producer from Nebraska, last week during the World Pork Expo in Des Moines. Asay, during an NPPC board meeting prior to the expo, was selected to serve on NPPC’s farm bill task force. (Photo by Daniel Grant)
The current (2008) farm bill expires in 2012. Asay said pork producers also are concerned about Environmental Protection Agency proposals to increase reporting requirements for producers and expand sources of dust that could be considered pollutants, which could include any dust blown from the ventilation fan of a hog facility. “We do not want producers
to be tied down,” Carney said. “We do not need more regulations or legislation.” Overall, producers at this year’s World Pork Expo generally were more optimistic than the previous two years, Asay said. And the numbers showed it as organizers estimated 15,000 people from as many as 27 different countries attended the three-day event. — Daniel Grant
response to a simulated outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). The U.S. has not had an FMD case since 1929, but recent outbreaks in Japan and South Korea have brought renewed attention to the need to be vigilant, according to Patrick Webb, a veterinarian and director of swine health programs for the checkoff. More than 80 attendees of the World Pork Expo participated in the table-top exercise based on a simulated FMD outbreak. — Daniel Grant
of slaughter,” he said. “And most (antibiotics) are used in the early phases of production (the nursery).” Hill said most livestock producers work with veterinarians to decide treatment options for animals. But he believes it’s impossible to have a vet on every farm everytime an antibiotic is used simply because there are not enough veterinarians. “There’s no question veterinarians have to continue to play a larger role working with producers to make sure antibiotics are used properly, although I don’t think there’s a lot of rogue use of antibiotics,” he said. “But if you’re going to ask that every antibiotic used in the field be supervised by a veterinarian — we don’t have enough veterinarians to do that.” NPPC, therefore, will continue to support existing FDA regulations which Hill said “provide adequate safeguards for antibiotic resistance.”
FarmWeek Page 10 Monday, June 14, 2010
EDUCATION
U of I library digitizes early IFB publication BY KAY SHIPMAN FarmWeek
An early publication of the Illinois Farm Bureau is online, thanks to a project by the University of Illinois Library. Recently, the U of I digitized volumes of the “IAA Record” along with 535 other items as a project for the Open Content Alliance, a consortium of research libraries, said Mary Stuart, U of I history, philosophy, and newspaper librarian. Digital copies of “IAA Record” cover the years 1923 to 1949, volumes 1 through 27. The “Record” was the predecessor of FarmWeek. To read the publication, go online to {www.archive.org} and then search for “Illinois Agricultural Association Record.” The publication may be read online or downloaded; however, it was scanned in multiples and the process works slowly. This fall, Stuart plans to add the “IAA Record” to the university’s “Farm Field and Fireside Collection” of digitized farm newspapers, she said. A dozen farm newspapers may be viewed online at {www.library.illinois.edu/dnc}. That collection is searchable and may be printed, downloaded, or e-mailed. When the “Record” is added, information from all issues will become easier to search by keyword, Stuart noted. In it’s current format, an Internet user may search one issue of the “Record” at a time.
Orr Center plans field day tour, program on July 6 The 2010 Orr Center Agronomy Field Day will start at 4 p.m. July 6 at the center in Perry. Speakers from the University of Illinois will lead discussions on topics of current interest to producers, consultants, and landowners. Afterward, a free meal will be served to those who take part in the tours. Speakers will include Carl Bradley, U of I plant pathologist, who will discuss the current crop disease situation and management of soybean seedling diseases. Vince Davis, soybean specialist, will talk about soybean issues, including seeding rates and other inputs for high yields. Mike Gray will discuss the current insect situation and will cover changes in corn traits and refuge requirements. Bioenergy crops, including the switchgrass planting now at Orr Center, will be
covered by D.K. Lee, U of I biofuel crops agronomist. Emerson Nafziger will talk about the state of the corn crop in the area and various corn “additives,“ such as hormones, micronutrients, and inoculants that are now
on the market. The first tour will leave at 4 p.m. followed by another about 4:20 and a third at 4:40. The tours will last about 90 minutes. For more information, call the center at 217-236-4911.
Monmouth research center plans a July 7 field day The University of Illinois Northwest Research Center (NWRC), Monmouth, will have its 2010 Field Day July 7. U of I faculty and Extension educators will discuss the latest research in key areas related to crop production. Field day tours will begin at 8 a.m. with each tour taking about two hours. Tours will depart every half hour with the last tour leaving at 9 a.m. Tour speakers and their topics will include: • Emerson Nafziger, professor of crop sciences, on currently used products applied to corn to enhance production; • Carl Bradley, assistant professor of crop sciences, on the past, present, and future of white mold on soybeans;
• Ken Olson, professor of natural resources and environmental sciences, on the reasons that Muscatune soils are rated most productive; • Mike Roegge, U of I Extension educator, on technology to reduce spray drift in challenging conditions; and • Vince Davis, assistant professor of crop sciences, on agronomic decisions that can influence the productivity of soybeans. The NWRC is located about 1 mile north and 4 miles west of the intersection of highways 34 and 67 on the north side of Monmouth. For more information, call the NWRC at 309-734-7459 or send an e-mail to Eric Adee at adee@uiuc.edu.
Two Illinois recipients awarded FFA scholarships Come Stick Your Neck Out at Your Young Leader Discussion Meet. Show your art of discussion for hot agricultural topics - and compete for great prizes, including a chance to represent Illinois in the National Discussion Meet. District & State Discussion Topics:
State Winner
• Farm Bureau is the leading voice for agriculture but not the only voice. How do we encourage other agricultural groups to work together for the common good of our industry? • Has technology become essential for American farmers? Should Farm Bureau influence and encourage all generations of farmers, ranchers and agriculturalists to embrace technological opportunities?
June 1 - Aug. 1, 2011 (2 mo. use) or 100 hrs. use maximum (whichever comes first) on a Massey-Ferguson MF8650 4WD tractor, 200 PTO hp. CVT transmission (additional terms apply) (courtesy of AGCO) $ 1,000 Cash (courtesy of IFB) Trip to 2011 AFBF® Annual Meeting, January 9-12, Atlanta, GA
Additional State Topics: • Government has always been involved in agriculture. Is the current level of government involvement a net hindrance or a net benefit to agriculture? • How will food movements such as “foodie” and “locavore,” which are focused primarily in urban centers, influence national agricultural production and federal programs? • Given recent challenges, such as volatile food prices and limited world food supplies, do American consumers adequately appreciate the importance of US-produced food? Will American consumers consider American agriculture important to our security in the future?
Entry Deadline August 3 (to Illinois Farm Bureau)
Trip to 2011 IFB® Young Leader Conference, January 28-30
Illini team takes first in design contest
Trip to 2011 GROWMARK Annual Meeting
The University of Illinois Illini Pullers made it two in a row in taking top honors at the 13th annual American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) International 1/4-Scale Tractor Student Design Competition held recently in Peoria. The win comes on the heels the Illini’s first-ever championship in 2009. The team earned its firstplace finish by performing consistently well in all judging categories: oral presentation, written design report, static design judging, maneuverability and performance (tractor pull). “The level of student participation in this event, from presentations to finished tractors, shows the value of the competition,” said Willie Vogt, editorial director of Farm Progress Companies, who served as a
First Runner-Up $600 Cash (courtesy of 1st Farm Credit Services & Farm Credit Services of Illinois)
Four State Finalists
Contact your county Farm Bureau® for eligibility and contest information.
$ 200 Cash (courtesy of COUNTRY® Financial)
IAA District 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 & 12 13 & 17 14 15 & 16 18
1 yr. membership to Illinois Soybean Association (courtesy of IL Soybean Association)
Date August 25 August 30 August 12 August 23 August 24 August 23 August 23 August 25 August 24 August 26 August 26 August 26 August 31 August 24 August 23
Starting Time 7:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 8:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m.
Location DeKalb County FB, Sycamore Carroll County FB, Mount Carroll Henry County FB, Cambridge Quality Inn & Suites, Dixon Grundy County FB, Morris Livingston County FB, Pontiac Woodford County FB, Eureka Knox Agri-Center, Galesburg Hancock County FB, Carthage Menard County FB, Petersburg Macon County FB, Decatur Edwards County FB, Albion Effingham County FB, Effingham St. Clair County FB, Belleville Williamson County FB, Marion
Two Illinois students were among 50 recipients of $1,000 scholarships awarded by the National FFA Organization in conjunction with the American Farm Bureau Federation and Ram Trucks, a division of Chrysler Group LLC. All recipients were members of Farm Bureau families. The Illinois winners are Brian Buss, son of Mark Buss and Celia Buss of Bowen in Hancock County; and Rosemary Chapple, daughter of Richard and Carey Chapple of Fults in Monroe County. Winners were selected based on their academic records, FFA and other school and community activities, supervised agricultural experience in an agricultural education program, and future goals. A total of 8,305 students applied.
1 free registration to IL Commodity Conference (courtesy of IL Soybean Association)
District Winners COUNTRY® prize $50 Fast Stop gift card for fuel or merchandise (courtesy of GROWMARK, Inc.) Trip to 2010 IAA Annual Meeting in St. Louis with specific expenses to be paid
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judge, announcer, and emcee. “While Illinois won the pulls, that would not have been enough to give the team first place. Their strong presentation, solid design review, and written reports pushed them to that top spot,“ said Vogt. The teams had to build a tractor from the ground up, documenting their market research, testing, and development; presenting their design to a mock corporate management team; and demonstrating performance in a live tractor pull. Each team was supplied a 16 horsepower Briggs & Stratton engine and a set of Titan tires; they were responsible for acquiring all other components of their machines. All tractors ran on a 10 percent ethanol fuel blend.
FarmWeek Page 11 Monday, June 14, 2010
WEATHER Counties declared disaster
Cleanup from 15 tornadoes could take months
BY DANIEL GRANT FarmWeek
It could take residents of Central and Northern Illinois months to clean up what recently was destroyed in a matter of seconds. Fifteen tornadoes touched down in the state on June 5 and damaged homes, buildings, trees, power lines/poles, outbuildings, and crops from as far west as Abingdon (Knox County) to as far south as Beason (Logan County) to as far to the northeast as St. Anne (Kankakee County) near the Indiana border. Communities that sustained the most damage from F-2 twisters, with wind speeds estimated at 120 to 130 mph, were Elmwood (Peoria County), Streator (LaSalle County), and Dwight (Livingston County). Gov. Pat Quinn last week declared Kankakee, LaSalle, Livingston, Peoria, and Putnam counties disaster areas.
“We’ve been cleaning up since Monday (June 7),” said Dale Broadfield, a farmer from Yates City in Knox County, who lost a 100-year-old barn, a machine shed built in 1961 by his father and grandfather, a number of other outbuildings, and one cow that was killed by flying debris. “We still have a massive cleanup (to complete). It could take months.” The storm injured dozens of people in the state, but no fatalities were reported. The same line of storms left seven people dead in Ohio. In Streator, 35 buildings were reportedly to have heavy damage, 37 structures had modest damage, and 30 buildings had minor damage. “This is definitely the worst storm damage I’ve seen,” said Joe Starkey, who has worked with Country Financial in Streator for 14 years and has been assessing damage for claims from the
A toolshed on a farm near Blackstone in Livingston County farmed by John Duffy collapsed on equipment in one of 15 tornadoes that tore through Central and Northern Illinois earlier this month. The farm also lost all of its grain bins. Damage from the storms was estimated to be in the hundreds of thousands of dollars, but there were no human injuries. (Photo by Christy Lauritzen)
most recent storms. Country Financial last week reported it had received 228 property claims from Elmwood to St. Anne, 53 crop claims from hail, eight from tornado damage, and four due to debris in fields. Country mobilized 32 claims representatives to assist its response, according to Chris Anderson,
Country Financial media relations coordinator. Broadfield said he was fortunate to receive assistance with the cleanup from volunteers from Days of Grace Fellowship in Morton and RockChurch of Peoria. “It’s amazing how people will show up and volunteer to help,” said Broadfield, who
also was relieved the tornado that struck his farm didn’t damage his house. Once damaged structures are cleaned up, Broadfield said the focus will turn to debris that’s scattered across fields. “There is all kinds of debris out in fields,” he said. “There’s so much still out there it’s unbelievable.”
State seeks FEMA assessment, adds Kankakee County to list A worker on a tractor-loader begins the process of cleaning up and removing remnants of a farm shed that was destroyed on the farm of Ann Flanigan just west of Streator in LaSalle County. The damage was caused by one of 15 tornadoes that swept through the area recently and wreaked havoc in Central and Northern Illinois. (Photo courtesy of Joe Starkey, Country Financial)
Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) officials last week asked the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to assess storm damage in five Illinois counties that were declared state disaster areas. Gov. Pat Quinn last week added Kankakee County to the list of disaster areas that include LaSalle, Livingston, Peoria, and Putnam counties. The FEMA damage assessment is expected to begin early this week. “As I said when I toured tornado damage in
Dwight earlier this week, we’re looking for every possible avenue to help the people who lost their homes or have homes that need major repairs,” Quinn said. IEMA continues to coordinate state assistance to communities dealing with cleanup. This includes crews and equipment from the Illinois Department of Transportation and work crews from the Illinois Department of Corrections. More information about the state’s storm response is available at {www.Ready.Illinois.gov}.
Rural Development may provide help for tornado-damaged areas USDA Rural Development provides affordable financing that may help towns and individuals who suffered damage from the recent tornadoes. Rural Development’s grants and loans may not be the first funding source, but the agency’s assistance could be part of a community’s longterm rebuilding process, said Illinois State Director for USDA Rural Development Colleen Callahan. “With so many needs to be met, all at the same time, it is impossible to do everything all at once,” Callahan said. “So when it’s our turn to help provide assistance, USDA Rural Development will offer our support because we are committed to the future of rural communities.” Grants and loans are avail-
able to help communities repair damage to schools, libraries, childcare centers, hospitals, medical clinics, assistedliving facilities, fire and rescue stations, police stations, community centers, and public buildings needed to ensure residents’ health and safety. Rural Business Enterprise Grants are available for nonprofit corporations and governments to help small businesses recover from the tornado’s impact. The funding may be used for clean up and the rebuilding and repairing of industrial parks and other commercial areas, including downtown business districts. Money also is available to non-profits and governments to establish or recapitalize revolving loan programs that re-lend money to individual
businesses at favorable rates. Additional assistance is available to homeowners in counties declared federal disaster areas and deemed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency to be eligible for Individual Assistance through Rural Development’s singlefamily housing loan and grant programs. Low-cost funds are available
for housing purchases and repairs. Individuals needing help with payments for existing USDA Rural Development single-family loans are encouraged to contact the Centralized Servicing Center at 800-414-1226. Rural Development field staff can help determine the potential resources that may be available. For Peoria County ques-
tions, call the Galesburg office at 309-342-5138, extension 4. For Putnam County, call the Princeton office at 815-8758732, extension 4. For LaSalle and Kankakee counties, call the Ottawa office at 815-433-0551, extension 4. For Livingston County, call the Pontiac office at 815-8446127, extension 4.
Farm and history trivia A musket fires by striking a hammer against a flint, which throws a spark onto the gunpowder, igniting it, and firing the bullet out the barrel. Where the spark reaches the powder is called the “pan.” If the powder is not properly packed, it will ignite, but will not cause the bullet to be fired. In such a case, all you
get is a “flash in the pan.” (Source: Old Farmer’s Almanac) *** A musket is made out of three main parts: the lock, which is trigger and firing assembly; the stock, which is the wooden shoulder-rest; and the barrel. So when a frontiersman made the investment of
purchasing a musket, he would buy it lock, stock, and barrel. (Source: Old Farmer’s Almanac) *** Turkeys are so unintelligent that when it rains, they look to see what is hitting them, and they can actually drown from rain inhalation. (Source: The Turkey Stock Exchange)
FarmWeek Page 12 Monday, June 14, 2010
PRODUCTION
USDA lowers ending stocks, raises wheat forecast BY DANIEL GRANT FarmWeek
USDA last week in its World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report lowered ending stocks for corn and soybeans despite prospects for a big crop this year. Ending stocks of corn for 2009/10 were lowered 135 million bushels to 1.6 billion bushels and ending stocks for 2010/11 were reduced 245 million bushels to 1.57 billion bushels. Meanwhile, ending stocks of soybeans were reduced by 5 million bushels to 185 million bushels for 2009/10 and 360 million bushels for 2010/11. “The biggest surprise of the report is corn and less carry-in stocks,� said Joe Victor, market analyst with McHenrybased Allendale Inc., during a teleconference hosted by the Minneapolis Grain Exchange. A rise in demand was a key to the reduction in crop stocks, according to Victor. USDA subsequently boosted its corn price forecast by a dime per bushel.
USDA raised its projected use of corn by the ethanol industry by 150 million bushels. Exports last week also continued to exceed expectations. “Export sales for corn and beans have been very good,� Victor said. “Higher crude oil prices and a lower dollar are beneficial.� Victor believes China could remain an importer of U.S. corn and could become one of the top destinations for U.S. distillers grains as growing conditions this season for corn in China have been too wet in the north and too dry in the south. In the U.S., the weather may not be as much of a threat this year to the corn crop. “We had such a good planting pace (much of the corn crop) is not going to pollinate during the heat of the summer,� the analyst said. “So I don’t see weather as a major threat for corn. “But private forecasters are telling me by the end of July or early August (Mother Nature) could shut the water off,� he continued. “That’s not good for soybeans.�
Victor predicted USDA in its upcoming June 30 acreage report will raise corn acres and lower soybean acres. USDA last week increased its forecast for winter wheat production by 2 percent to 1.48 billion bushels. If real-
ized, winter wheat production this year would be down 3 percent compared to last year. In Illinois, the wheat yield this year was projected to average 59 bushels per acre compared to the previous forecast of 60 bushels per acre. The
wheat crop in Illinois last year averaged 56 bushels per acre. Price prospects for wheat were reduced, though, due to recent declines in futures prices and lower-than-expected protein levels in hard red winter wheat, USDA reported.
Five Illinois agricultural producers awarded USDA value-added grants Five Illinois agricultural operations recently received grants to provide for business development assistance and to allow them to pursue marketing opportunities for agricultural commodities. USDA Rural Development funds the Value-Added Producer Grant program, which was authorized in the 2008 farm bill. The five Illinois grants totaled $493,230. The Prairie Fruits Farm & Creamery LLC of Champaign will receive a $10,320 grant to complete a feasibility study, market assessment, and business plan for an on-farm, goat-milk-to-gelato (a variant
of ice cream) operation. The firm is diversifying into such operations as perennial fruit trees, berry production, goat pastures, hayfields, and prairie. Marcoot Jersey Farm Inc., near Greenville in Bond County, will use a $12,330 grant to complete a business plan and feasibility study for the production and marketing of onfarm cheese from its Jersey cattle. The Marcoot Jersey Farm has been producing milk for seven generations and is expanding to produce artisan cheese and ice cream. Kilgus Farmstead Inc., near Fairbury in Livingston County, will receive a $143,710 grant for working capital to produce and market on-farm bottled milk from its all-Jersey cattle herd. The family produces non-homogenized milk and opened a state-of-the-art farmstead creamery a year ago. The milk is sold throughout Central Illinois. Willow Bend Alpaca Farms LLC, near Forreston in Ogle County, will receive a $299,950
grant for working capital to create and market a clothing line made from alpaca fiber. Currently the farm raises, breeds, and sells alpaca, but intends to create a line of clothing and distribute it through retail outlets in Northern Illinois. Mid-West Dairymen’s Co., headquartered in Rockford in Winnebago County, will receive a $26,920 grant for a feasibility study, business plan, and market analysis for the production and marketing of specialty cheeses. The cheeses will be produced from the milk of the cattle herds of the 163-member dairy cooperative. Rural Development provides value-added planning grants of up to $100,000 for business plans, feasibility studies, and marketing plans. Working capital grants up to $300,000 are available for such expenses as labor, inventory, office equipment, and fees for marketing and consulting. Recipients must match the grants dollar for dollar.
WIU Ag School plans June 24 ag herbicide plot tour
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Western Illinois University (WIU) School of Agriculture will have its annual herbicide field plot tour starting at 1 p.m. Thursday, June 24, at the WIU Agronomy Field Laboratory. The laboratory is located immediately north of WIU’s Harry Mussatto Golf Course, Macomb. Tour presenters and topics will include: • Daren Bohannen of Bayer Crop Sciences will discuss the current status of weed resistance in the Midwest; • Earl Allen, University of Illinois Extension Fulton County director, has been involved in a statewide project and will present data on corn responses to sulfur applications; • Terry Niblack, U of I Extension plant pathologist, will discuss corn nematode survey results and information about current seed treatment nematicides; • Jim Nelson of Seed Solutions will talk about the objectives of the Illinois Soybean Association yield challenge and nonGMO markets; • Shawn Jones, an agronomist with Pioneer, will talk about current restrictions on “refuge in the bagâ€? for Bt corn; • Lance Taylor, with Dairyland Seed Co., will talk about hybrid alfalfa and characteristics of the ideal alfalfa variety; and • Mike Roegge, a U of I Extension educator in Adams and Brown counties, will talk about spray drift and technology to reduce it. The plot tour will feature more than 20 weed-control experiments established in no-till and mulch-till. New herbicides and new GMOs will be discussed, as well. For more information, contact Gordon Roskamp, WIU agriculture professor, at 309-298-1569 or by e-mail at GKRoskamp@wiu.edu.
FarmWeek Page 13 Monday, June 14, 2010
FROM THE COUNTIES
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OONE — The annual Farm Bureau dairy breakfast will be from 6:30 to 11 a.m. Saturday at the WardView Farm, 1171 Rockton Road, Caledonia. Cost for the all-you-can-eat pancake and sausage breakfast is $5 for adults, $3 for children ages 610, and free for children 5 and under. Tickets are available at the Farm Bureau office or at the event. Activities include a craft show, horse-drawn wagon rides, antique-tractor wagon rides, children’s games, a petting zoo, and cow pie bingo. All proceeds will benefit the Boone County Farm Bureau Foundation. Call the Farm Bureau office at 815547-7500 for more information. OOK — The Member Relations Team will sponsor a trip to the Thunderbolt’s baseball game at 7:05 p.m. Saturday. Cost is $14, which will include a lower-level box seat, coupon for a hotdog, chips, soda, and ice cream. Call the Farm Bureau office at 708354-3276 for reservations or more information. • The Commodities and Marketing Team will sponsor a family field trip Thursday, June 24, to the Fair Oaks Dairy Farm in Indiana. Cost is $35 for adults and $25 for children. Non-member cost is $40. Call the Farm Bureau office at 708354-3276 for reservations or more information. • The Member Relations Team and the University of Illinois Extension will sponsor a workshop on “Preparing Wills and Trusts and NonTitled Property” from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, June 29, at the Farm Bureau office. Call the Farm Bureau office at 708-3543276 for reservations or more information. FFINGHAM — The second annual National Trail “Old Capital Ride” poker run will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday in Edwardsville and Marshall and noon in Vandalia. This is a fundraiser for ag literacy to support Bond, Clark, Cumberland, Effingham, Fayette, Jasper, Madison, and St. Clair counties. Register online at {www.aglit.org} or at any of the Farm Bureau offices in the counties listed above. Cost is $15. ULTON — The Women’s Committee will sponsor a defensive driving class from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday at the Farm Bureau office. Attendance is required both days to receive certification. A light lunch will be served. Cost is $10 for members and $15 for non-members. Call the Farm Bureau office at 547-3011 for reservations or more information. ANCOCK — The District 9 counties
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(Adams, Brown, Hancock, McDonough, Pike, and Schuyler) are sponsoring a Young Leader event to the Quincy Gems game at 6:30 p.m. Friday, June 25. Those members 35 and under who would like tickets may contact the Farm Bureau office at 217-3573141 or e-mail hcfb@frontier.com. ENRY — Steve Johnson, Iowa State University Extension farm and ag business management specialist, will be the speaker at a marketing seminar at 6:15 p.m. Thursday at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Orion. Dinner will be served. Cost is $18. Call the Farm Bureau office at 309-9372411 or the Rock Island County Extension office at 309-7579978 for reservations or more information. • Henry County Farm Bureau members may purchase discounted admission tickets to the Henry County Fair June 22-27. Call the Farm Bureau office at 309-937-2411 for more information. • Young Leaders will sponsor the 4-H Ag Olympics at 4 p.m. Friday, June 25, at the Henry Country Fair. The pedal tractor pull will be at 12:30 p.m. Saturday, June 26, in the Midway tent. ASALLE — A special LaSalle County Ag in the Classroom (AITC) donation flyer was inserted in the June 7 FarmWeek. Golfers are asked to participate in the fundraising event for the LaSalle County AITC program. Those who can’t attend are asked to consider a tax deductible donation. Checks may be made to the LaSalle County Farm Bureau Foundation and mailed to the Farm Bureau office at 4201 N. Columbus St., Ottawa, Ill. 61350. All donations above $50 will earn the donor a free 10th annual golf outing T-shirt. EE — The Young Farmers Committee will sponsor its annual cookout at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, June 26, at Brad and Erin Shippert’s farm. Contact the Farm Bureau office for directions. The committee is open to all Farm Bureau members between the ages of 18-35. Pork chops, hotdogs, baked beans, and drinks will be provided. Bring a dish to pass and lawn chairs. Call the Farm Bureau office at 815-857-3531 or e-mail leecfb@comcast.net for more information. • Farm Bureau will sponsor a legislative breakfast at 8 a.m. Monday, June 28, at the Red Apple, Dixon. Legislative updates from state Sen. Tim Bivins (R-Dixon), state Rep. Jerry Mitchell (R-Sterling), and U.S. Rep. Bill Foster’s (DGeneva) office will be given. Call the Farm Bureau office at 857-3531 or e-mail leecfb@comcast.net by Friday for reservations or more
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information. • Lee and Bureau County Farm Bureaus will sponsor their first annual golf outing Friday, July 9, at the Shady Oaks Country Club, Amboy. It will be a 9 a.m. shotgun start. Proceeds will benefit the Bureau and Lee County Agriculture in the Classroom programs. Call the Farm Bureau office at 815-857-3531 or email leecfb@comcast.net for more information. CDONOUGH — Steve Johnson, Iowa State University Extension farm and ag business management specialist, will be the speaker at a marketing seminar at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Vineyard church, Macomb. The meeting is free for members, and $10 for non-members. Call the Farm Bureau office at 309837-3350 for reservations or more information. IATT — The Women’s Committee will sponsor a milk mustache contest from 3 to 5 p.m. Thursday at the Monticello Farmers’ Market. The contest is for children 12 and under. Pictures will be taken and voting will take place through the end of June at the Farm Bureau office. The winner will receive a $50
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savings bond from the Women’s Committee. • Farm Bureau will sponsor a “Farming Around the U.S. and the World” seminar at 8 a.m. Tuesday, June 22, at the Farm Bureau office. Farming in Florida, Oklahoma, Cuba, and Costa Rica will be discussed. Call the Farm Bureau office at 762-2128 for reservations or more information. • The Piatt County Farm Bureau Foundation’s annual golf outing will be at noon Monday, June 28, at the Monticello Golf Club. Cost is $65, which includes lunch, golf, and cart. Proceeds will benefit Piatt County agriculture scholarships. Registration forms are available at the Farm Bureau office. TARK — Prime Timers will meet at the Farm Bureau office at 9 a.m. Friday, June 25, for an informational meeting on a trip to St. Louis on Aug. 19 when the group will take a river cruise. Cost for the trip is $130. Deadline for reservations is July 9. Call the Farm Bureau office for more information. TEPHENSON — Entries for the “Stephenson Scenes” photo contest are due Friday. Details are available
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at the website {www.stephensoncfb.org} or by calling the Farm Bureau office at 815-232-3186. • The annual Stephenson County Ag Breakfast is from 6 to 10 a.m. Saturday, June 26, at the Freeport fairgrounds. Max Armstrong will speak at 7:30 and 9 a.m. Activities will include the Stephenson County Foundation silent auction, voting for the photo contest, and a blood drive from 6:30 to 11 a.m. Firsttime donors will receive a free season pass to the fair. A pedal tractor pull will be at 9 a.m. • The Prime Timers picnic for members 55 years and older will be at 5 p.m. Tuesday, June 22, at Freeport’s Krape Park in the Koenig Shelter. Plans for future events will be discussed. Call the Farm Bureau office at 232-3186 by Friday for reservations or more information. OODFORD — A cardiopulmonary resuscitation class will be from 6 to 10 p.m. Tuesday, June 29, at the Farm Bureau Park, Eureka. Class size is limited to 20. Call the Farm Bureau office at 4672347 for reservations or more information.
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Ogle County Farm Bureau hosts Chicago classes for adopted lawmaker BY RON KERN
Recently, fourth and fifth grade students from Walter Reed School, Chicago, took to the road and were treated to a learning experience found only in the state’s rural areas. The Ogle County Farm Bureau hosted the students’ tour of a dairy and a hog farm. Students petted a calf, learned about dairy cow feed rations, saw a milking parlor, and learned where their milk
really comes from before they buy it at the grocery store. Otto Heisner and his son, Pat, led the students through their dairy farm’s milk house and free-stall barn explaining how cows are cared for from birth to maturity. The Heisners milk 84 cows in a free-stall barn where cows are allowed to roam freely. He and his son also farm more than 700 acres of corn, soybeans, and hay on their farm in Esmond. The tour also took in the hog farm of Don Luxton in Kings. Students were able to see pigs from birth, learned about modern pork production techniques, and saw first hand the care that goes into
A student from Chicago’s Walter Reed School pets a month-old calf at the farm of Otto and Nancy Heisner. The students’ trip was arranged through Sen. Mattie Hunter and the Ogle County Farm Bureau. (Photo courtesy of Ogle County Farm Bureau)
raising livestock. The tour was made possible through the cooperation of Sen. Mattie Hunter (DChicago) and the Ogle County Farm Bureau. For the past four years, Senator Hunter has participated in Farm Bureau’s Adopt-aLegislator program and visited farms in Ogle County. Ron Kern, Ogle County Farm Bureau manager said, “We really appreciate all of
Senator Hunter’s efforts in cooperating with us to bring these students out to the farm. “Senator Hunter has always expressed her passion for education in our conversations, and we thank her for her persistence in making this tour happen.” Ron Kern is manager of Ogle County Farm Bureau. He can be reached at 815-732-2231.
FarmWeek Page 14 Monday, June 14, 2010
PROFITABILITY
Spring season one for the record books BY ROD WELLS
What first looked to be another long-delayed planting season over much of Illinois ended as anything but. With the exception of a few localized areas, April allowed planting progress to be fast and furious. Rod Wells About 70 percent of the corn crop was planted between April 11-26. Prior to the corn going in the ground, an unprecedented run on crop nutrients took place as well. Many producers
shattered longstanding shipment records for major crop nutrients. Movement of potash by one producer was reported at five times last year’s lethargic volumes. In April, GROWMARK broke a monthly ammonia volume record that had stood since the mid-1990s. Some terminals could not keep up with the intense demand and alternate supply methods were hastily arranged as growers took advantage of good field conditions to plant more corn. Many dealers have ordered their “last load” of spring fertilizer many times over as the
season continued on. For much of the state, finding days suitable for fieldwork in May was challenging at best. This delay allowed many ammonia and liquid nitrogen terminals to build a small inventory to meet the final seasonal N demand. This phenomenal product movement means one thing: Inventory stocks must be rebuilt quickly to meet anticipated summer fill and fall usage requirements. North American producers’ April month-end potash inventories were 18 percent below the five-year average, and within 250,000 metric tons of 2008 lows.
Diammonium phosphate U.S. producer inventories were 32 percent below the five-year average and closing in on 2009’s lows. When these facts are combined with extremely low (most likely zero in many cases) dealer inventories, one can see that hundreds of thousands of metric tons must find their way into the pipeline in a constrained time frame. This scenario is a bit different than the past couple years when many dealers had abundant inventories and production was shut down for lack of movement. Ammonia inventories are in the same shape as dealers,
rightfully, attempt to end the season as empty as possible, and producers have not come close to catching up with resupply after a record spring season. All of this makes planning even more important for the entire supply chain from producer to the field. Please stay close to your local FS crop specialist throughout the summer. Now is not too early to begin conversations regarding your fall plant food needs. Rod Wells is GROWMARK’s director of agronomy sales and operations. His e-mail address is rwells@growmark.com
Demand for dairy products ‘whey’ better than year ago BY DANIEL GRANT FarmWeek
Demand for dairy products is up significantly compared to last year’s depressed market. But prices for dairy products likely will remain volatile in coming months due in part to a shift in buying patterns, according to Rick Kment, Telvent DTN dairy analyst. “With the volatility in the market (milk prices went from a high of about $22 per hundredweight in 2008 to a low of just $9 per hundredweight last year), we’ve seen a significant
change in the buying patterns,” Kment told FarmWeek. “Rather than buy now and hold inventory, many (wholesalers and retailers) are going
to hand-to-mouth levels.” Wholesalers and retailers in the past typically bought dairy
M A R K E T FA C T S
Feeder pig prices reported to USDA*
Weight 10 lbs. 40 lbs. 50 lbs. Receipts
Range Per Head Weighted Ave. Price $35.10-$40.00 $37.30 $55.82-$60.00 $56.35 n/a n/a This Week Last Week 11,964 26,258 *Eastern Corn Belt prices picked up at seller’s farm
Eastern Corn Belt direct hogs (plant delivered) Carcass Live
(Prices $ per hundredweight) This week Prev. week $68.06 $72.74 $50.36 $53.83
Change -4.68 -3.46
USDA five-state area slaughter cattle price Steers Heifers
This week $92.34 $92.33
(Thursday’s price) Prv. week Change $95.13 -2.79 $95.13 -2.80
CME feeder cattle index — 600-800 Lbs. This is a composite price of feeder cattle transactions in 27 states. (Prices $ per hundredweight) This week Prev. week Change 109.63 108.01 1.62
Lamb prices Confirmed lamb and sheep sales This week 779 Last week 639 Last year 577 Wooled Slaughter Lambs: Choice and prime 2-3: 90-110 lb., $112-$119. Good and choice 1-2: 60-90 lbs., $130. Slaughter Ewes: Utility and good 1-3: $43-$45. Cull and utility 1-2: $38.50-$43.
Export inspections (Million bushels)
Week ending Soybeans Wheat Corn 06-03-10 4.3 14.4 31.7 05-27-10 5.8 12.2 49.0 Last year 9.3 19.0 26.5 Season total 1335.8 6.0 1365.4 Previous season total 1088.9 11.4 1279.1 USDA projected total 1445 900 2000 Crop marketing year began June 1 for wheat and Sept. 1 for corn and soybeans.
products at a steady pace throughout the year to build inventory for busy sales seasons in the summer and near the end of the year around the holidays. But since the milk price spike in 2008, wholesalers and retailers seem less willing to build inventories and more willing to play the market. And that could lead to more price swings and spikes at the retail level. “It’s kind of an evolving situation that’s created more uncertainty for demand,” Kment said. Fortunately, demand for dairy products has increased this year compared to last year with improvements in the economy.
But that doesn’t guarantee profits for dairy producers. Kment predicted milk prices in coming months will bounce
‘We’ve seen an increase in demand and exports.’ — Rick Kment DTN dairy analyst
around in the $12.50- to $15.50-per-hundredweight range. “We’ve seen an increase in (domestic) demand and exports from last year,” the analyst said. “But we’re still on pace to set a production
record even with lower milk cow numbers” as many producers last year culled their least-productive cows. Sales of dairy products that grew in 2008 included skim milk (0.5 of a percent), low-fat milk (5 percent), and yogurt (3.6 percent), according to Mike Hutjens, University of Illinois Extension dairy specialist. “These trends indicate changes in dairy products reflecting consumers’ desire for lower-caloric products,” Hutjens said. The 2005 dietary guidelines for Americans encourages children and adults to consume three daily servings of low-fat or fat-free dairy foods to help improve their overall diets.
Rabobank survey: Farm income projected to improve in 2010 Farm income in 2010 is projected to increase from 2009 levels, according to the annual Rabobank U.S. Farm and Ranch Survey released this month. U.S. farmers this spring reported a 24 percent improvement in income compared to last fall. “What’s happening on U.S. farms and ranches mirrors the global economy. We’re beginning to see improvement,” said John Ryan, president and CEO of Rabo AgriFinance. “That improvement translates into some encouraging, albeit patchy, signs of recovery.” However, profits may lag this year despite the optimistic perspectives on increasing income. The survey found 43 percent of producers reported a decline in profitability and about 20 percent reported higher input costs or higher “costs of doing business.” Meanwhile, the majority of producers are concerned about the ag economy. Thirty-four percent is “extremely” concerned, 30 percent is “very” concerned, and 32 percent is “somewhat” concerned.
But those concerns apparently won’t stop some farmers from expanding or adding new equipment. The number of producers planning to purchase, rent, or lease new land in the coming year is 2.5 times higher than in previous years, Rabobank reported. About one-third of producers indicated in the survey they are planning to purchase new equipment in the coming year. Large producers ($1 million to $3 millionplus annual gross farm income) are the most active group on land purchases. Twenty percent of those producers plan to buy land as opposed to 11 percent who plan to sell. And larger producers plan to employ slightly more workers in the coming year compared to smaller producers who indicated they plan to shed labor in the coming year. “As with any business, there are benefits and challenges at any size and industry — agriculture is no different,” Ryan said. “Every farmer or rancher has unique needs and business considerations. The key is finding the right balance for each operation.”
FarmWeek Page 15 Monday, June 14, 2010
PROFITABILITY Corn Strategy
C A S H S T R AT E G I S T
Higher price plateau intact As much as we occasionally hear and read of sharply lower price projections by some analysts and fear of lower prices from producers, the evidence is not there to support those arguments or fears. USDA appears to be adhering to price models that have shifted upward, starting with the push to sharply higher prices in 2007. We have no reason to disagree and, in fact, were one of the early proponents that grain prices were making an adjustment as they did in the
Basis charts
1970s. Markets are completing their third year at these new relationships between season average prices and ending stocks, with the upward price adjustment still intact. The picture for wheat (not shown) looks similar to that for corn and soybeans. You can see the initial USDA price forecasts for the 2010/2011 crop year closely follow the higher curvilinear trend. Wheat’s projected average price is not as close to the new trend as it is for corn and soybeans, but the wheat market faces a more burdensome world fundamental structure. Just like the middle 1970s, when analysts had to learn what the new relationships were, we are still doing that today. Many times, price relationships offer insights that actual prices do not. At present, wheat, corn, and soybeans are “record cheap” relative to gold. But gold is acting as a currency in this environment, not a commodity. Still, all three are at average levels vs. the most important commodity, crude oil. Given that, we don’t see grain prices having huge downside price risk and we don’t see prices returning to levels dictated by the pre-2007 price models. AgriVisor endorses crop insurance by
AgriVisor LLC 1701 N. Towanda Avenue PO Box 2500 Bloomington IL 61702-2901 309-557-3147 AgriVisor LLC is not liable for any damages which anyone may sustain by reason of inaccuracy or inadequacy of information provided herein, any error of judgment involving any projections, recommendations, or advice or any other act of omission.
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Cents per bu.
2009 crop: The USDA supply/demand report may have been enough to turn the short-term trend higher again. Prices remain in the window for the 40-week low, hinting downside risk should be limited. Use strength to wrap up old-crop sales. 2010 crop: The market’s ability to close above $3.61 on the December contract was the first sign the trend might be turning up. If December closes above $3.70, it could move well into May’s $3.72$3.99 trading range. Hold off catch-up or additional sales. Fundamentals: The 150-million-bushel upward revision in demand for ethanol in old crop, and another 100 million in the new-crop year was a huge surprise. The 1.537-billionbushel ending stocks projection for the 2010/2011 crop year is more manageable. Crop condition ratings remain high, but signs of potential compaction problems and denitrification could erode the ratings quickly if moderately stressful weather occurs.
Soybean Strategy 2009 crop: News of Chinese soybean export cancellations effectively blunted the positives of the tight cash market. This past week’s performance suggests upside potential unless there’s a crop problem this summer. Use rallies to get old-crop sales wrapped up. 2010 crop: A possible shift in the outside market influences could help support prices at current levels. At the same time, there are enough scattered crop issues that a stretch of warm, dry weather would carry prices higher. Hold off on catch-up sales, unless November futures rebound to $9.35. Fundamentals: The June 30 USDA reports could have significant implications, especially the planting report. There are a mix of ideas on acreage, but we are still inclined to think they will decline slightly from the March
forecast. Forecasters continue to see a La Nina developing in the Pacific. That raises the risk of heat and dryness in late summer.
Wheat Strategy 2009 crop: Chicago July futures rallied back above the key $4.29 price level. This opens the door for prices to potentially test $4.47. Possible bottoming signs are important with the 40-week cycle and seasonal lows due at any time. 2010 crop: New-crop sales are 40 percent complete. If you price wheat at harvest, you should be 60 percent
complete. Hold off additional sales to see if prices might bottom. It may even pay to store wheat short term, but that has not yet been confirmed. Fundamentals: In the short term, if wheat prices are to gain any upside momentum, they’ll need direction from other commodity markets because of large supplies and escalating harvest. World supplies are expected to remain large, too, although not as large as projected last month because of scattered production problems, mostly in Europe.
FarmWeek Page 16 Monday, June 14, 2010
PERSPECTIVES
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR ‘Experts’ credentials brought into question
on
SUCCESS Extension still changing lives through education Nobody can top the University of Illinois Extension at its best — teaching, helping people improve their lives, and bringing university research to folks of all ages and walks of life. That’s what Extension is doing with Rockford families who lived in public housing and never expected to live in a home of their own. Times may be tough in Rockford, but because of an Extension program, these families are living the American dream. Now Extension faces tough challenges, major funding cuts, and KAY reorganization. Some people may SHIPMAN not realize the ramifications because Extension is involved in a subtle way in many programs and partnerships. Some individuals have questioned if Extension is outdated or any longer relevant. Ann Higgins of the Rockford Housing Authority (RHA) has a different view. An Extension course for potential homebuyers is “one of the best things that ever happened,” Higgins said. “It gave residents an opportunity to learn they can move up and out of public housing.” Evelyn “Evie” Prasse, a consumer and family economics educator in the Rockford Extension Center, offers a six-week course of two-hour classes to potential homebuyers who live in public housing. Most are between 30 and 40 years old. Many are single mothers who head their households. Of the 96 people who completed the course and bought their first houses, only two are known to have lost their homes to foreclosure. Quite an achievement in a city that just reported 16 percent unemployment — the highest rate in Illinois. “We are moving people from public housing into their own homes,” Prasse said. “If you could just see the smiles on their faces ... it’s worth everything.” Prasse’s program illustrates Extension’s application of research-based knowledge, creation of community partnerships, and collaboration. In 1996, the Housing Authority asked Prasse to start a program because of her work in the community and Extension’s reputation. “Not a lot of agencies do the research-based education programs that we do,” she noted. Prasse works with local bankers, real estate
agents, and other professionals who volunteer to help teach classes. One of those volunteers even learned an important lesson. The volunteer, a banker, planned to speak on a night when “it was raining cats and dogs,” the RHA’s Higgins remembered. The students had to travel quite a distance to reach the Extension building where the class was held. After the banker arrived, he pulled Higgins aside: “‘I thought no one was going to make the effort to come out here. I only brought three copies (of handouts). I should have brought 20.’ He’s still with us,” Higgins said with pride. Prasse gives her students a crash course in consumer economics. They prepare family budgets to include mortgage payments. They discuss property taxes, home maintenance costs, and unexpected expenses. They learn about homeowner’s insurance and programs available through the city for first-time home buyers. “A Realtor told me she wishes every potential home buyer would take a class like this,” Prasse said. “We talk about what you are getting yourself into. We talk about getting your credit ready. Some (students) have had problems with credit,” she added. “Every once in awhile I’ll have someone in class say, ‘I don’t want to do this (buy a house),’” Prasse commented. “That’s good. I don’t want people to get into trouble.” After they complete the course, the students receive a certificate and qualify for many homebuying programs offered by local lenders. They also become role models for other public housing residents and, most importantly, their children. Some graduates return, bringing photo albums with pictures of their homes and proudly pass them among students who are following in their footsteps. “They say, ‘I was where you are’,” Higgins said. “They have such self-esteem.” Prasse has asked her students why they want to buy a home. “Many say they are doing this for their children,” she answered. “It’s hard to put a dollar amount on how valuable these programs are to these people.” I couldn’t agree more. Kay Shipman is the legislative affairs editor for FarmWeek. Her e-mail address is kayship@ilfb.org.
Editor: I look forward to receiving FarmWeek. I enjoy the crop reports and news about Illinois agriculture. Over the last year, though, FarmWeek has featured a parade of lobbyists denying the settled science of climate change. Their “arguments” inevitably are as follows: 1. There is no climate change. 2. There may be climate change, but it’s not our fault. 3. It may be our fault, but there is nothing we can do. Now we have Fred Singer with the most bizarre denial yet. 4. We could do something, but shouldn’t, because CO2 is “plant food.” Singer is representative of the “experts” you present. While you describe him as a “Princeton-trained physicist,” you fail to mention the fringe issues he has championed. Over the years he has questioned the link between second-hand smoke and cancer, CFC’s (chlorofluorocarbons) and ozone depletion, and sun exposure and melanoma. He is well known for his brief flirtation with the idea that Mars’ moon Phobos is actually a Martian-made satellite. He has served as a paid consultant for giants in both the oil and tobacco industries. Five minutes of research on the Internet brings Dr. Singer’s objectivity, if not his credibility, into focus. The truth is this. No reputable climate research organization has refuted the existence of global warming or its link to human activity. All major scientific bodies in the United States whose work pertains to climate science have concluded that global warming exists and that human activities are a cause. These include NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration), the National Academy of Science, the American Meteorological Society, the American Geophysical Union, and the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Climate change deniers often get disproportionate coverage, but they are few in number and, as a rule, funded by industries with economic conflicts of interest. DUSTIN JOY, Illinois City
‘Experts’ should not be taken seriously Editor: Two articles in the May 24 FarmWeek present Farm Bureau’s usual mix of negative comments about the work of the large majority of climate scientists, who are seldom quoted in FarmWeek. The word limit permits me to address only a couple of issues raised in the second article. Martin Ross writes that “S. Fred Singer sees one important thing policymakers can do to address climate change: ‘Don’t do anything.’ ” There have to be some things that almost everyone would agree on. I suggest, for example, a much greater effort on energy conservation, which also would be good for people’s pocketbooks and the environment. Mr. Ross also writes that “He (Singer) sees attempts to regulate atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) as ‘almost criminal,’ given the importance of CO2 as ‘plant food’,” and that Mike Jungbauer said that CO2 “is not an environmental toxin.” I remind both men of a cardinal principle of toxicology: dose makes the poison. Mr. Jungbauer also is quoted as saying, “We need a certain amount of carbon dioxide.” This is a statement of the obvious — why bother? I am certain that no one has ever suggested the ridiculous idea of eliminating CO2. Mr. Singer is then quoted: “Without CO2, there wouldn’t be any agriculture, there wouldn’t be any animals, and there wouldn’t be any humans.” This is another statement of the obvious, and again I am certain that no one has suggested we would want, or could create, a world without CO2. These two men each set up a straw man (a sham argument set up to be defeated). If that is the best they have to offer, they shouldn’t be taken seriously. HERMAN BROCKMAN, Congerville