FarmWeek September 12 2011

Forty-three cyclists took to the road last week for the 16th annual Agriculture in the Classroom bike ride. Twenty-seven schools were visited along the way. ..............2

the personAl and economic ramifications of a farm accident can be monumental. National Farm Safety Week is a good time to reflect on being safe. ......................4

WhIle southern Illinois floodwaters have subsided, the flood of 2011 has left many reminders that it is not to be easily forgotten. ......................................12

Monday, September 12, 2011

Two sections Volume 39, No. 37

Illinois grower at rollout for $450B ‘Jobs Act’

BY MARTIN ROSS FarmWeek

Being personally in the presence of the president is at best a once-in-a-lifetime experience for most Americans.

Henry County farmer Rock Katschnig beat the odds last week as President Obama took the podium to tout job creation/tax relief proposals.

Katschnig was one of 12 “job creators” invited by U.S. House Chief Deputy Whip Peter Roskam, a Wheaton Republican, to attend Obama’s Thursday address before a joint session of Congress. The group represented congressional Republicans’ focus on employers hampered by excessive regulation.

Obama took his “American Jobs Act” directly to Congress, proposing to significantly cut or temporarily suspend payroll taxes and extend 100 percent business expensing into 2012 to stimulate jobs growth.

Springfield Democrat U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin deemed selective business tax relief crucial “if we want to get this economy moving,” arguing a resulting increase in worker disposable income would boost overall consumer spending.

Obama’s $450-billion plan, reportedly funded through his

long-term deficit reduction plan, aims to modernize 35,000-plus rural and urban schools while expanding high-speed Internet access and funding Internetready classrooms. He proposes “immediate investments” in transportation through a bipartisan National Infrastructure Bank.

And his plan proposes “reforms and regulatory reductions to help entrepreneurs and small businesses access capital.”

Katschnig captured headlines during Obama’s recent Illinois stop in Atkinson, asking the president not to “challenge us with more rules and regulations from Washington, D.C., that hinder us.”

“Sometimes, the best approach is common sense,” the corn/soybean grower said.

Katschnig is featured on House Majority Leader Eric Cantor’s (R-Va.) “Top 10 JobDestroying Regulations” (visit {majorityleader.gov/blog/2011 /08/memo-on-upcoming-jobsagenda.html}). The farmer is especially concerned about potential new federal dust and water quality regulations.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is expected to issue revised standards for airborne particulate matter (PM).

Tougher “coarse” particulate (dust) standards “will significantly impact economic growth and jobs for businesses and people throughout rural America that create dust, like the farmer in

Atkinson, Illinois,” Cantor warns.

The congressman expects the House to approve a proposed one-year prohibition against any revision of coarse PM standards, “limiting federal regulation of dust where it is already regulated under state and local laws.”

Sen. Pat Roberts (R-Kan.), meanwhile, continues to push Senate passage of regulatory relief legislation that would head off new EPA pesticide permits set to kick in this fall.

Infrastructure improvement also is a key goal for a growing

group of lawmakers, though differing House and Senate priorities may spark heated debate. Durbin called a House plan that proposes to cut nearly a third from the last five years’ federal highway spending commitment “really awful.”

“This would be the first time in more than 50 years that we’ve moved backward instead of forward in funding,” he told FarmWeek. “China (is) making massive investments in infrastructure so (the Chinese will) have the economy of the 21st century. They want to replace America. If we follow the House

Republican plan, it’s going to make that easier for them.”

Obama is slated to drop the other shoe this week with his blueprint for overall spending cuts and revenue generation (i.e., tax increases).

House Republicans have held firm to keeping tax hikes off the table as lawmakers seek to cut $2.5 trillion in long-term spending. American Farm Bureau Federation policy analyst Pat Wolff thus suggested “Congress is inclined to do nothing” to advance either the president’s spending or tax agendas.

GETTING STARTED

Robert Lucas, left, of rural Tremont in Tazewell County, and his son, Chad, of Morton last week were just beginning this year’s corn harvest. They said the field was averaging 180 bushels per acre at 22 percent moisture. The Lucases farm 600 acres of corn and soybeans. (Photo by Ken Kashian)

Periodicals: Time Valued

IDOA employees among those targeted for layoffs

BY KAY SHIPMAN FarmWeek

Gov. Pat Quinn last week outlined plans to close seven state facilities and lay off 1,900 state employees, including workers at the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA). Quinn blamed the state budget, which he said wasn’t large enough to fund state government.

The governor challenged legislators to approve the reallocation of $316 million when they return for the fall veto session.

“It’s time for a rendezvous with reality,” Quinn said during a Chicago news conference.

The fiscal year 2012 budget approved

for IDOA payroll and operations will not sustain the department for the entire year, according to IDOA. To cope with a $1.7 million shortfall, a total of 23 positions across IDOA divisions will be Gov. Pat Quinn eliminated.

The types of positions include electricians, painters, security officers, investigators of animals and animal products, plant and pesticide specialists, seed analysts, product and standards inspectors, and warehouse examiners. An exact number

FarmWeek on the web: FarmWeekNow.com

of the positions to be eliminated within each category was not available.

The state facilities targeted for closure are the Logan Correctional Center, Lincoln; Illinois Youth Center, Murphysboro; Chester Mental Health Center, Randolph County; Mabley Developmental Center, Dixon; Tinley Park Mental Health Center, Tinley Park; and Singer Mental Health Center, Rockford.

Unless the General Assembly takes action, the governor anticipated some of the layoffs will take effect in early November.

The union representing employees who may lose their jobs is expected to sue to block Quinn’s plan.

Illinois Farm Bureau®on the web: www.ilfb.org

FarmWeek Page 2 Monday, September 12, 2011

Quick Takes LUNCH IS SERVED — Farm Credit Services of Illinois will serve farmers in its service area hot lunches in the fields during National Farm Safety and Health Week, Sept.

18-24. Each of Farm Credit’s branch offices will select at least one farm family to provide a lunch each weekday and will serve the food wherever the farmers are working that day.

All Illinois farm families who live in the state’s southern 60 counties are eligible by registering with a Farm Credit Ser vices of Illinois branch office or online at {http://fcsillinois.com/registration.html}.

In addition to the food, each selected family will be provided a farm first aid kit compliments of Farm Credit Services of Illinois.

AG SPENDING BILL — The Senate Appropriations Committee last week approved ag spending legislation that barely brushed farm bill issues but offers a boost over similar House proposals.

The Senate plan includes $19.8 billion in discretionary spending for fiscal 2012 — $2.7 billion more than has been approved in the House. Discretionar y funds cover research, conservation, energy, food safety, rural development, trade, and aid programs — most areas of ag spending outside commodity programs and “food stamps.”

A quartet of amendments withheld from committee consideration may be headed for Senate floor debate.

Those would block U.S. Food and Drug Administration funding to approve genetically engineered salmon, override a USDA ruling limiting use of potatoes and peas in school lunch programs, strengthen a current ban on equine slaughter, and tap $15 million in Natural Resource Conservation Service operations funding for watershed rehabilitation. “(The latter is) the only one that somewhat ties in to the farm bill,” American Farm Bureau Federation policy specialist R.J. Karney told FarmWeek.

STATE

IEPA denies a water certification; lawyer says work on dairy continues

BY KAY SHIPMAN FarmWeek

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) last week “formally denied” the state certification portion of a federal permit for a Jo Daviess County dairy. Even so, the dairy’s attorney said work on the facility continues.

IEPA denied a water quality certification sought by Tradition Dairy as part of its section 404 permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, said Maggie Carson, IEPA spokesman. A.J. Bos, Bakersfield, Calif., owns the dairy, located near Stockton.

“They can resubmit, but it is formally denied,” Carson said of Bos’ certification.

Don Manning, a Rockford attorney representing Bos, told FarmWeek he did not think “this so-called denial will stop construction of this dairy. We are analyzing what steps we can do to proceed.”

Manning explained a 404 permit was sought from the Corps — as required under the Clean Water Act — to fill in a “drainage tile ditch” outside the embankment of one of the dairy’s ponds. Bos received the federal permit, but also needed state certification that the work

PEDAL POWER

BANKS’ MERGER OK’D — The Farm Credit System’s CoBank and U.S. AgBank — which together represent much of the U.S. West — announced last week their voting stockholders had approved a proposed merger plan.

Stockholders of both organizations approved the merger by substantial majorities.

“Stockholder voting is a critical step in merger approval process,” said John Eisenhut, U.S. AgBank chairman. “We look forward to receiving final regulatory approval and closing the merger at the beginning of the year.”

U.S. AgBank and CoBank (which also represents several New England states) executed a letter of intent to merge in December. The merged bank will continue to do business under the CoBank name and be headquartered in Colorado but will maintain U.S. AgBank’s existing presence and operations in Wichita, Kan., and Sacramento, Calif.

Illinois Farm Credit associations operate under AgriBank FCB, the largest of the five banks within the national Farm Credit System.

(ISSN0197-6680) Vol. 39 No. 37 September 12 2011 Dedicated to improving the profitability of farming, and a higher quality of life for Illinois farmers.

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would not cause water degradation, Manning continued. Bos applied for state certification in 2008.

Carson said Bos submitted additional information and supporting documents for the certification in December 2009, August 2010, and May 2011.

Manning claimed last week’s decision is politically motivated as his client has prevailed repeatedly in lawsuits to stop construction of the dairy.

“It is my view and my client’s view this (IEPA denial) letter bears no relationship to the actual facts and circumstance related to the certification,” Manning said.

In January 2010, “IEPA professional staff said there should be no problem with the certification,” Manning said.

IEPA’s Carson said she wasn’t aware of any January 2010 information and said “it would be very unusual for a technical person to comment” in advance of a decision.

Carson refuted that politics influenced IEPA’s decision: “The decision was made on technical merit. I can say that with confidence.”

“At this point in time, work is happening on this dairy,” Manning said.

A b o v e , P O R TA C e n t r a l S c h o o l fourth graders Kameron Martin, left, and Addison McMahan debate their response to questions about agriculture during a presentation by riders in the Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom bike ride last week.

The Petersburg school in Menard County was one of 27 visited by riders. To view additional photos online, go to {www.ilfb.org} and l o o k f o r K e n K a s h i a n ’s p h o t o gallery located under the electronic media and publications tab. (Photo

by Ken Kashian) Right, shown are some of the 43 bicyclists who par ticipated in last week’s Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom bike ride. It was the 16th annual fundraiser for the IAA Foundation. (Photo by Cyndi Cook)

Page 3 Monday, September 12, 2011 FarmWeek

STATE

Despite rising costs

College students flock to Illinois ag programs

BY KAY SHIPMAN FarmWeek

A bumper crop of college students is filling agriculture classrooms across Illinois despite rising tuition costs at the four state universities with ag programs.

The University of Illinois (U of I), Illinois State University (ISU), Southern Illinois University (SIU), and Western Illinois University (WIU) all reported increases in ag students — WIU reported a record — based on preliminary numbers released last week.

This fall, new undergraduate students are paying higher tuition at all four universities with increases ranging from 4.6 percent to 9.2 percent.

Agriculture, unlike the other industry sectors, offers a strong job market for grads with ag degrees.

“The job market is great in agriculture,” said Todd Winters, interim dean of SIU’s College of Agricultural Sciences. “The word is getting out, and we’re recruiting pretty hard.”

The hot job market for ag grads shows no sign of cooling. For example, the U of I College of Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences (ACES) had to relocate its October career fair to accommodate the more than 80 companies coming to the Urbana campus. “We keep outgrowing the space,” said Laurie Kramer, associate dean for academic programs.

‘The job market is great in agriculture. The word is getting out, and we’re recruiting pretty hard.’

— Todd Winters Southern Illinois University College of Agricultural Sciences interim dean

In Macomb, the WIU School of Agriculture set a new record of 348 undergraduates, 5 percent more than the previous record, said Bill Bailey, the ag school’s director.

Another development was a balance between the number of freshmen and the number of students with community college credits transferring to WIU. Previously, transfer students outnumbered freshmen.

Bailey reported growth in the ag business, ag science, ag education, and urban forestry programs. Many employers “already are lining up to attend” WIU’s ag career fair on Oct. 12, he said.

The ISU agriculture department is marking its centennial year with 352 undergraduates, an increase of 30 students, and a stable enrollment of 19 grad students, said Rob Rhykerd, ag department chairman.

The renewable energy program,

U of I, 4-H raising bar with science-tech focus A small-scale frame building and two model wind turbines recently caught the attention and imaginations of two teenage visitors at the University of Illinois’ exhibit during the Farm Progress Show.

William “Bill” Million, an Extension specialist in 4-H youth development, encouraged Nat Martin, 14, of Beecher City and Brandan Black, also 14, of Herrick to consider careers in science and technology.

“If you have a degree in technology, you’ll be well set for the future,” Million told the boys.

This fall, the U of I and the national 4-H organization are promoting a nationwide youth science experiment day, dubbed Wired for Wind.

Information is available from local U of I Extension offices and online at {www.4-h.org}.

The focus on technology dovetails with Illinois’ aim to integrate applied science and technology into schools’ curricula and to inform students

about careers in the state’s renewable energy sector.

“Our goal is to interest students and their parents in careers in science and technology,” Million told FarmWeek.

Wired for Wind encourages young people to explore wind-generated power as a renewable energy source. As part of the program, teens — 4-H membership is not required to participate — will design, build, and test two different wind turbine models.

Participants are to examine three different blade pitch angles and determine the effect on rotor speed. They also are to apply the information they gain to ideas about how their communities might use wind energy.

The National 4-H Council with funding from Toyota will present $10,000 in innovation awards to top state and local 4H programs for creative, community Wired for Wind events that occur between July 1 and Oct. 31, 2011. Caterpillar is helping sponsor the program in Illinois. — Kay Shipman

which includes ag-related classes, is full with 80 students; some from as far away as New York and Florida.

The program is housed in ISU’s department of technology.

Rhykerd noted the largest student increases are in the animal sciences and pre-veterinary programs. “Those have been growing like gang busters,” he said. ISU’s ag career day will be Sept. 27.

In Urbana, a large increase of transfer students, up 56 students compared to last year, swelled the ACES’ undergrad enrollment to 2,354 students. ACES also reported 679 graduate students.

Some of the strongest growth was seen in crop sciences with 128 undergraduates and 146 grad students, according to Kramer. “It’s important because we’re all concerned about having employees in the future,” Kramer said of the growth in crop science students.

She noted the department of natural resources and environmental sciences also experienced growth with 235 undergrads and 143 graduate students, including a number of students enrolled in the online degree program.

“We’re happy,” Kramer said of ACES’ overall enrollment despite a university cap on freshmen enrollment. “We are working with community colleges to develop pathways for transfer students.”

For the first time in many years, more than 900 undergraduates are enrolled in the SIU College of Agricultural Sciences. The 917 students are a 9.1 percent increase compared to last year, Winters said.

Several departments reported double-digit increases in student enrollment. Those include an 18.5 percent in ag economics and business, 11.3 percent increase in plant sciences, 10.6 percent increase in food science, and more than a 10 percent increase in graduate students.

Winters attributed strong recruiting and a strong job market to the increase in students. Students will be able to talk with prospective employers Sept. 22 at the ag career day.

Among the new students, the percentage of transfer students continues to outnumber freshmen, according to Winters. A greater number of those students is from urban areas near St. Louis and Chicago, he added.

LST TOUR

Visitors depart the LST (Landing Ship Tank) 325 in Peoria where the World War II amphibious vessel was docked for tours last week. The LST-325 — the largest ship ever designed to place tanks, troops, and cargo on hostile beaches — was launched Oct. 27, 1942. On Sept. 13, 1943, it was part of the Northern Attack Force during an invasion of Salerno, Italy, and on June 6, 1944, it was part of a backup force for troops going ashore at Omaha Beach in Normandy. The vessel currently serves as a World War II memorial and museum at a permanent dock in Evansville, Ind. Last week the LST-325 made stops at Henry, Peoria, and Meredosia. The tour stops were cosponsored by the Illinois Soybean Association and GROWMARK FS as the vessel is powered by soybean-based biodiesel. (Photo

by Daniel Grant)

FarmWeek Page 4 Monday, September 12, 2011

Farm saFety

The ‘eConoMiCs’ oF saFeTy Farm accidents carry a heavy personal, community toll

BY MARTIN ROSS

FarmWeek Sometimes, the cost of safety can be measured in seconds — a moment of forethought or advanced planning.

Sometimes, safety may cost a few bucks, or a few hundred.

The cost of failing to safeguard operations is far higher: farm downtime, possible equipment damage, medical bills, fines for worker endangerment, lost income, and worst of all — loss of life.

There’s also the pain for the victims’ family and community.

The Sterling area felt that pain in July, following the electrocution deaths of two 14-year-old detasslers.

The rural toll is rising: From July 1, 2010, through June 2011, 39 farmrelated deaths were reported in Illinois — nearly double the 2009-10 fatality rate and the highest number of deaths in a year’s time since 2001.

That’s a heavy toll for the community, in economic and emotional terms.

The Illinois-based Grain Handling Safety Coalition estimates producers can invest less than $500 to maximize grain bin safety, while one bin-related accident can generate $1 million-plus in individual and public costs.

Community costs include rescue personnel efforts, at roughly $500 per hour; $10,000 in average local grain rescue equipment purchases; risks of rescuer injury or death; and intangibles such as loss of the victim’s com-

munity involvement and “knowledge to the agricultural industry.”

The National Education Center for Agricultural Safety thus has emphasized “Safety Counts: Your Community Depends On It” as the theme for National Farm Safety and Health Week, Sept. 18-24. That’s a major theme as well for the Illinois-based grain safety coalition, which aims to foster community-based education, accident prevention, and response efforts.

Henry equipment dealer and volunteer firefighter Bob Read notes, “We

rely on the Marshall-Putnam Farm Bureau, Country Financial, local equipment and grain dealers, and farmers to provide grants and donate rescue equipment.” Community support is especially vital amid doubts about nearterm federal spending and incentives.

Illinois Fire Safety Institute (IFSI) Ag Safety Program Manager Dave Newcomb cites a few significant resources for rural firefighters, notably the Federal Emergency Management Agency Aid to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program, which helps departments underwrite “the big-dollar replacement items.”

Meanwhile, Newcomb’s University of Illinois-operated institute offers some 60 different training classes for Illinois departments, with Illinois State Fire Marshal funding to cover the $1,000-$1,500 cost of each “school.”

AFG alone “probably has made the biggest difference” in building firefighting/rescue capabilities over the past decade, Newcomb told FarmWeek.

But the program increasingly is dependent on year-to-year funding.

“Enter the Farm Bureau,” he said.

“It’s been a huge ally. Some Farm Bureaus have bought or done

fundraisers to buy (grain) rescue tubes (see accompanying story).

“I’ve done a number of classes this year where the Farm Bureau folks were FarmWeekNow.com there.

Even if Check out Country Financial’s it was Farm Safety website at FarmWeekNow.com. just to feed people lunch or put names and faces together, it’s had a huge impact.

“We’re talking community involvement. If we can get farmers, Farm Bureau folks, firefighters, and elevator employees in the same room at the same time and they can work together, our goal is that when the big red truck shows up, you have an expectation of what’s going to happen.”

Country provided $3,500 to county Farm Bureaus in 2010 to help train firefighters and emergency medical technicians. Farm Bureaus in a number of counties have helped raise funds to assist volunteer departments in acquiring ag rescue equipment or with training.

Through Country grants, Monroe and Randolph County Farm Bureaus were able to offer farm rescue/safety training for 100-plus firefighters from 15 departments last year.

Community gives back to save farm lives Wayne County’s volunteer responders give back to their community on a regular basis.

Their community recently gave back to them — and, potentially, to themselves.

Thanks to a five-month effort spearheaded by Wayne County Farm Bureau, five local rural fire departments recently received RES-Q Tubes produced by Assumption-based Grain Systems Inc. (GSI).

The tube is a key tool in extracting trapped farmers or

workers from potentially deadly engulfment in stored grain, but volunteer departments are hard-pressed to invest in costly specialized equipment.

To help fund the tubes, Wayne County residents and businesses generated more than $35,000 for Cisne, Geff, Fairfield Rural, Orchardville, and Wayne City volunteers.

Wayne County Farm Bureau Manager Doug Anderson attributed that outpouring in part to the death of a local

Wayne City Fire Department member Joe Coy is engulfed in grain as part of recent Wayne County Farm Bureau-sponsored RES-Q Tube training for fire department volunteers. The tube can be used if part of a trapped victim remains above the grain and the grain surrounding the victim is higher than that exposed portion. According to the national Safety and Technical Rescue Association, a 165-pound person engulfed in grain to his waist experiences some 325 pounds of downward pressure on his body. That same person submerged to his head is subject to 800 pounds of pressure, making it physically impossible to extract him without use of cofferdams such as a rescue tube. The RES-Q Tube is placed around the victim and driven into the grain, a vacuum system is used to remove grain, and the victim is hoisted out. (Photo courtesy of Wayne County Farm Bureau)

farmer a few years ago and to basic rural networking.

County Farm Bureau board members canvassed neighbors and area agribusinesses, raising $10,500 in cash donations, and GSI and a local GSI dealer contributed added cooperative dollars.

Top donors included area farm families, seed and grain companies, and banks, as well as FS’ Wabash Valley Service Co., Wayne County Corn Growers, and local businesses including Walmart and Zurliene Enterprise, a Fairfield farm and garden equipment company. Anderson called the campaign “the greatest undertaking for the Wayne County Farm Bureau Foundation since its inception in 2004.”

“Our (volunteer) departments do what they can with the resources they have available,” he told FarmWeek.

“Sometimes, there are training opportunities and equipment they have to forego because of limited funds. We thought this could be an area where we could step up and help our fire departments.

“Wayne County is a very large county geographically, if not population-wise. We have a good representation by various agribusinesses in and around Wayne County — the agribusiness community really stepped up and

helped with that project.”

That generosity may be felt well beyond the county line: Regional fire departments share resources through mutual aid agreements.

Anderson notes farm safety education is a continued community affair. Wayne County Farm Bureau conducted a fourth grade “safety day” Sept. 2, training some 200 students and teachers about “common hazards” in the home and on the farm.

Rural youths are becoming

“further and further removed from the farm,” but they nonetheless can be exposed to farm hazards through family ties or friends, Anderson said.

“Our safety stations this year included electrical safety and chemical safety, large animal safety, poison lookalikes, and safety in the sun,” he added.

“A lot of these just apply to life in general, no matter where you’re at. They’re just good common safety lessons to know and to learn.” — Martin Ross

Cost and effect: Safety and savings “Safety can cost less than $500,” the Grain Handling Safety Coalition informed producers at Decatur’s recent Farm Progress Show.

That includes $100 for a lock out kit that can automatically turn off a grain auger or other device that could endanger individuals inspecting or cleaning a grain bin.

At roughly $355, a body harness with an anchored lifeline and a 100-foot rope can prevent grain engulfment and suffocation.

And a $15-per-hour investment in an experienced farm observer to stand watch outside the bin can assure help — or emergency rescuers — arrive quickly if needed.

Insurers now may be able to offset part of that investment, according to Country Financial manager of farm underwriting Craig Conroy. Conroy informed FarmWeek of recent stateapproved changes available for selected property policies which would allow potential premium discounts for “certain features” that reduce on-farm risk factors.

New “individual risk premium modification” provisions available within Country’s Farm and AgriPlus policy enable underwriters to offer policy credits based on a number of criteria, one being safety features associated with farm management.

“Obviously, we’re in the business of insuring risk,” he stressed. “If (policyholders) are able to reduce that risk by way of installing these types of safety harnesses in bins, that is something we certainly can take into account when reviewing a policy and looking for opportunities to provide a discount or a credit for those measures,” said Conroy. — Martin Ross

Page 5 Monday, September 12, 2011 FarmWeek

ag labor

Child labor proposals raise educational concerns

BY MARTIN ROSS FarmWeek

New U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) ag “child labor” proposals raise concerns about possible new restrictions on farm family members and regulations that could limit educational opportunities for tomorrow’s producers.

In the wake of recent incidents, including the Illinois electrocution deaths of two teen corn detasslers, DOL is soliciting comments on proposals aimed at bolstering safety requirements for young workers in farming and related fields.

Ag hazardous occupations (HO) orders under the U.S. Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), which bar young workers from certain tasks, have not been updated since 1970, DOL noted.

Proposed new rules, up for comment through Nov. 1, would not apply to children working on farms owned by their parents.

But American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) policy specialist Paul Schlegel sees potentially more stringent enforcement of labor standards for extended family members.

Guest worker proposals reviving political issues?

A Farm Bureau policy analyst argues mandatory worker verification must go hand-in-hand with ag guest worker program reform, but sees challenges to that marriage on both ends of the political spectrum.

House Judiciary Committee Chairman Lamar Smith (R-Texas) remains firm in his commitment to require employers to use “EVerify,” an Internet-based federal program that compares information from a worker’s Employment Eligibility Verification Form I-9 with government records.

Ag groups are concerned about the bureaucratic demands and legal risks that mandatory E-Verify could place on ag employers.

Employers can’t fire workers while an information mismatch is being addressed, but they can face later sanctions for “illegal” hiring.

Also of concern is a lack of rural broadband resources many farms need to electronically validate workers.

Smith thus has agreed to support separate H-2A ag visa reforms ostensibly “so we’re not left in the lurch when E-Verify kicks in,” American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) policy specialist Paul Schlegel told FarmWeek.

Smith’s measure purportedly would grant a half-million foreign laborers access to work in the U.S. for a year, and he would give most ag employers three years to comply with E-Verify, vs. a twoyear deadline for general employers.

Three years is not satisfactory to AFBF without significant guest worker reform, Schlegel said, arguing H-2A “still is a disaster” 25 years after Congress’ last program “fix.”

Ag worker provisions must be tied directly to E-Verify requirements to ensure “(mandatory) E-Verify doesn’t go into effect while the ag worker bill gets lost by the wayside,” he said. “(Smith’s) not been willing to do that so far,” Schlegel said.

“Smith wants to pass E-Verify — he’s been clear about that for a year. But he knows he has a political problem with agriculture.

People generally recognize that we need foreign labor to pick a lot of our crops. He has to deal with that.

“There are some (House) members who feel agriculture doesn’t need a guest worker program and some who don’t like guest worker programs in general. They’ll probably vote no on anything.

“There are some in our camp, including (Republicans) Dennis Ross of Florida and Tom Marino from Pennsylvania. Whether or not that receptivity extends to voting against the chairman and for what we want remains uncertain.”

Complicating matters, H-2A critics have revived charges of worker abuse and inadequate pay under the program, proposing instead to “legalize” and offer a citizenship path for undocumented workers currently in the U.S. “We need more (worker) protections, not more exemptions for growers,” Farmworker Justice President Bruce Goldstein told FarmWeek in a teleconference with the United Farm Workers (UFW).

Farmworker Justice believes guest worker programs “by their very definition are abusive,” while the UFW sees straight legalization as a path to worker unionization, Schlegel said. Smith has opposed guest worker provisions that provide for H-2A entry by undocumented workers, while many Democrats and worker groups see such provisions “shunting (workers) into a program that exploits them,” he related.

“This is going to be a very difficult fight,” Schlegel advised. — Martin Ross

DOL’s proposal would strengthen child labor regulations prohibiting work with animals and pesticides, timber operations, manure pits, and storage bins. It would prohibit farmworkers under age 16 from using communications or other electronic devices while operating power-driven equipment.

The department proposes a new HO order that would prevent employment of children under 18 in the “storing, marketing, and transporting of farm product raw materials.”

The order would cover grain elevators, grain bins, silos, feedlots, stockyards, and livestock exchanges and auctions.

DOL is pondering a proposal to prohibit those under 16 from operating nearly all power-driven equipment. A limited exemption would permit some “student learners” to operate certain implements and tractors “under specified conditions.”

AFBF policy supports

enforcement of child labor laws but defends provisions that “provide opportunities for young people at a proper age to perform certain agricultural jobs.” Schlegel cited concerns that the new rules could

FarmWeekNow.com We have the full text of the Labor Department’s proposed child labor regulations online at FarmWeekNow.com.

prevent teens from participating in high school “work experience” programs.

“We don’t want kids to be working at jobs that are inappropriate for their age or their risk ability, but we don’t want to see kids losing an opportunity to do jobs where they have a chance to learn skills,” Schlegel told FarmWeek.

“We have to figure out what we can accept as a reasonable interpretation of a ‘hazardous occupation’ and where (proposed rules) may go overboard.”

DOL’s 211-page proposal suggests expanding an existing prohibition on children under 16 climbing a farm ladder or scaffold more than 20 feet in height to cover work on roofs, silos, grain bins, windmills, and farm machinery. It proposes reducing the maximum height limit to a mere 6 feet.

DOL also is eyeing possible new guidelines to limit young farmworker exposure to “extreme temperatures or arduous conditions.” DOL notes children “can work for unlimited hours over the summer months, which in most parts of the country are the hottest of the year,” but Schlegel sees proposed new restrictions as “pretty vague and general.”

“The more comments and the more input we can get to the department, the better the chances are of getting something we can live with,” he said.

For details on DOL proposals, visit the department’s website at {www.dol.gov}.

FarmWeek Page 6 Monday, September 12, 2011

CROPWATCHERS Bernie Walsh, Durand, Winnebago County: We had more rain — 1.3 inches last Saturday, (Sept. 3) — which brought cooler temperatures for the rest of the week. There is definitely a hint of fall in the air with these cooler days and low humidity. It makes us think that harvest is getting closer. The corn is slowly starting to turn color, but there aren’t any fields that have black-layered yet. There are some leaf diseases showing up, and there are some scattered fields that have been identified as having Goss’s Wilt. That has set in late in the season, so hopefully it won’t affect final yield too much. The soybeans also are slowly starting to turn color but have a long way to go before being ready for harvest. Have a good week.

Leroy Getz, Savanna, Carroll County: September started with 2.1 inches of rain on Saturday, Sept. 3. Hay field pastures and lawns are very green, and 107-day corn planted May 3 in sod fields is starting to mature and dry down. It has black-layered. Silage choppers are still going in damaged fields. Sweet corn, which is a second crop after peas, was being picked last week. Soybeans still look green, except where sudden death syndrome is present.

Larry Hummel, Dixon, Lee County: When my wife and I left for vacation a week ago, all the crops were still green, with maybe a few husks starting to dry up. Flash forward one week and it’s looking like harvest is just around the corner.

Soybeans are starting to drop their leaves, and a few cornfields have more brown in them than green. It was very revealing flying south out of O’Hare. For quite a distance, large, lime-green areas dotted the fields. I’m assuming that was nitrogen loss in saturated soils. Seed corn is being harvested at a fast pace, and a few fields are being chopped for silage, but the rest of the crop needs some time yet.

Joe Zumwalt, Warsaw, Hancock County: Dry conditions persist, and corn harvest is in full swing in my neck of Western Illinois. Yields have been all over the board, ranging from average to far below average. Most of what I have harvested is making around 100 to 130 bushels per acre dry yield, but I have heard of several field averages in the 150 range. Moistures are ranging from 12 percent (yes, 12 percent) to 22 percent. Tillage, for the most part, is waiting for some rain. I believe the cracks in the ground are the biggest story this week: I almost lost a pipe wrench in one!

Ken Reinhardt, Seaton, Mercer County: Rainfall varied over the holiday weekend, from a few tenths to close to 2 inches. High wind and hail swept through the Route 34 corridor to the south. Corn harvest has begun, with lodged fields getting the most attention. Most producers will be starting this week in corn. Scattered soybean fields will ready to cut soon.

Ron Moore, Roseville, Warren County: On Sept. 3, a severe wind storm hit this area.

Thousands of acres of corn were blown down in Warren County. There also was some golf ball-sized hail near Monmouth. It seems a fitting end to a very strange growing season. We’ve put the corn head reel on and will start harvesting our downed corn this week. Some early-planted corn has been harvested, with early reports confirming lower yields due to hot, dry weather in July and August. Bean leaves are starting to turn yellow now. The pastures are just about dried up, as well, with creeks running very low. We have moved all our cattle home because of the lack of grass and water. Please think safety this fall.

Jacob Streitmatter, Princeville, Peoria County: It has gone from hot to cold overnight.

Some areas got storms; others did not get anything. I received about 0.7 of an inch of rain.

Some corn has been harvested in the area, but it is far from dry except for the corn on the sand.

I have not heard many yield estimates yet. Most soybeans are still green, but they have that dead look to them. Thank you to Wendell and Linda Vissering for giving me driving directions last Friday while I was on the hunt for a used tractor.

Brian Schaumburg, Chenoa, McLean County: Harvest reports are few and far between in this area. Cooler weather has slowed crop progress. Most corn will hit black-layer this week, and farmers who are itching to harvest can start. Most yields are about as predicted, and moistures are in the mid- to upper 20s. Soybeans benefited from another 0.5 to 0.75 of an inch of rain last week and more on Friday. Crop share leases may be coming back into vogue as uncertainty about 2012 crop prospects abound. Corn, $7.27; $7.17 harvest; soybeans, $13.98; $13.83 harvest; wheat, $6.48.

Tim Green, Wyoming, Stark County: Fall is here — a very pleasant week, cooler than we’ve been accustomed to. It slowed crop maturity, which probably helped a little bit. We’ve seen a little bit of harvest activity but no really good yield data. Corn seems to be wetter than everybody thought: the lowest I have heard is 28-29 percent moisture, with a lot over 30 percent. That is slowing people some. A little sun and a little breeze will help. Poor stalk quality has been reported — probably need to keep that in mind. Beans are starting to turn. I have noticed a a few fields that are pretty much all yellow. Harvest will start fairly hard this week, I think. Have a safe fall.

Wilfred Dittmer, Quincy, Adams County: Greetings to all from our little corner of the state where, yes, it is still dry despite a few early Friday morning sprinkles that barely wet the sidewalks. For the week, our gauge picked up about 0.1 of an inch last Saturday (Sept. 3), while a few were lucky enough to get up to an inch. A few combines are rolling in the area, and corn yields I have heard are good, with moisture levels in the upper teens to lower 20s. Most soybeans are still green, but some fields have some areas just beginning to turn. Getting bins and machinery ready is still on the menu for many. Have a safe week.

Mark Kerber, Chatsworth, Livingston County: Most of Livingston County received 0.4 to more than 1 inch of rain a week ago, but the southeast portion of the county missed it completely. Windy, dry weather is drying these crops down, but hardly any field activity has begun yet. Some soybeans are actually dying from the lack of moisture, especially on the hills. We have been to seed plot meetings, combine clinics, and farm shows, and now it’s getting close to becoming busy with harvest. Let’s all be careful this fall, as sometimes, those few extra minutes we try to save can prove dangerous. Elevators should be able to handle this short crop, as many bins were emptied this summer. We shouldn’t see any ground piles this fall. Markets are holding steady, waiting to see what’s actually out there. Has demand slowed?

Ron Haase, Gilman, Iroquois County: The light rain we received on Sept. 8 and 9 amounted to 0.25 to 0.5 of an inch. The last real rain was on Aug. 23. For the month of August, our farms received a range of 1.6 to 3 inches. Most of the variation was due to rainfall on Aug. 8. Local corn development is anywhere from entering the R-5 or dent stage up to the beginning of harvest. From what I have heard, moisture has ranged from 19 percent to 24 percent on the little corn that has been harvested so far. Most soybean fields range from the R-6 or full-seed growth stage up to the R-7 or beginning maturity growth stage. There are a few fields at R-8 or full maturity. The local closing bids for Sept. 8: nearby corn, $7.21; new-crop corn, $7.17; fall 2012 corn, $6.14; nearby soybeans, $13.91; new-crop soybeans, $13.86; fall 2012 soybeans, $13.37.

Steve Ayers, Champaign, Champaign County: A clear, odorless liquid has been falling from the sky over the past 15 hours, but not sure what it is.

Any ideas? I have 0.82 of an inch of it in my rain gauge, and it seems there are reports up to 1.1 inches. Many farmers are beginning harvest, and {agweb.com} reported 132 bushels per acre on 60 acres in Champaign County and 133 bushels per acre on 80 acres in neighboring Piatt County. USDA estimates our crop reporting district has 14 percent mature corn and 4 percent soybeans dropping leaves. This compares to the state overall with corn 33 percent mature and 3 percent harvested and soybeans 4 percent shedding leaves. We also are 35 percent very short and 41 percent short of topsoil moisture, but that may change this week. Let’s be careful out there!

Carrie Winkelmann, Tallula, Menard County: We are officially in a severe drought here in Menard County (see map on page 10). But as I write this (Friday), it is sprinkling and has been since late last evening. The corn still isn’t dry enough for my family to start harvesting, although I think if my father-in-law does any more handharvesting, we might qualify as having started!

The soybeans are yellowing in spots because they are dying, not because they are turning naturally. On a good note, I got to spend time with a wonderful bunch of bicycle riders on the Ag in the Classroom bike ride, as it came through Menard and Sangamon counties last week. I would like to thank that group for its dedication to ag education and for raising money for such a great cause.

Tom Ritter, Blue Mound, Macon County: Harvest is progressing, but not at a rapid rate.

Many have started and stopped as they ran out of drier fields. Very little corn was planted in April in this area. There have been reports of some very low yields, especially corn back on corn. For the most part, the early-planted corn is seeing yields that are approaching average. That will not hold as we get into the May-planted corn. It’s just a matter of how much the yields will decline. Moisture in what we have been picking has been running 18 to 23 percent. I have heard reports of some corn below 15, but there is a lot of corn out there at 28 percent or higher. We started to see a turn in soybeans just last week. Harvest on the majority of those beans probably will not begin for another two and a half to three weeks.

Todd Easton, Charleston, Coles County: Harvest season picked up momentum last week as more and more combines were moved out of the shed and into the cornfields. April-planted corn is all but history, with the last that came in very close to 15 percent moisture. Yield reports were all over the place. It seems that will also be the case for May corn, but with a lower range. The variability in fields this year will cause a lot of head-scratching. Producers are getting a fair start into the later-planted corn and finding moistures to be in the low to mid20s. Soybeans are ripening a little more every day but are still a few weeks off.

Jimmy Ayers, Rochester, Sangamon County: We had a teaser rain come through last Sunday (Sept. 4). As I wrote this report on Friday, we were getting a sprinkle from remnants of Hurricane Lee. Some corn has been shelled, but not everybody is running really hard. Some beans are turning.

Sangamon County Farm Bureau put out a yield report, and the overall average yield for the county is estimated at 178.3 bushels per acre. The lowest sample was 113.1 bushels, and the highest was 248.8. As far as township overall averages, Rochester is at 140 and Talkington is at 201. So there are both good and bad crops in Sangamon County.

Page 7 Monday, September 12, 2011 FarmWeek

CROPWATCHERS David Schaal, St. Peter, Fayette County: On Thursday, Fayette County had its 29th crop survey. Participants included bank officials, Farm Bureau members, local news media, and agribusiness representatives. The corn numbers came in at 149.69 bushels per acre, with samples ranging from 72 to 200 bushels per acre. Last year’s crop survey showed yields for corn at 158.7 bushels per acre. Soybean yield survey ranged from 19 to 55 bushels per acre, with a 32.48-bushel average — about 9 bushels less than in 2010. Some corn harvest has begun in the county.

Ted Kuebrich, Jerseyville, Jersey County: Farmers have started shelling corn in parts of Jersey County. April’s early-planted corn is being harvested. Moisture is running between 14 percent and a little above 20 percent. Most of the corn delivered to Jersey County Grain in Hardin is running about 16 percent moisture. The lower-moisture corn is due to plants dying in late summer. The early yields are coming in between 100 bushels and a little more than 210 bushels. Cornfields that have been under the most stress are yielding about 40 bushels below last year’s crop. Test weight is running between 55 and 57. Prices at Jersey County Grain, Hardin: cash corn, $ 7.25; fall corn, $7.13; January 2012 corn, $7.34; cash beans, $13.50; fall beans, $13.65; January 2012 beans, $14.02.

Rick Corners, Centralia, Jefferson County: Holy cow, Harry! The sidewalk is wet. But, it still doesn’t register in the rain gauge. I’ve heard of a little corn picking going on, but haven’t heard any fibs yet. We had a plot tour Thursday night and the conclusion was, we better get the axles greased on the old flarebed.

Dave Hankammer, Millstadt, St. Clair County: Last week, we saw a substantial change in the temperature, with a cold front moving through the area on Sept. 3, dropping temperatures from a high 101 degrees to a low in the upper 50s. A daytime high in the upper 70s was the trend for the week.

Scattered showers moved through, leaving 0.1 to 0.5 of an inch of rain, providing relief to the soybean and milo fields. The heat and low humidity of the previous week have accelerated dry-down of cornfields in the area.

Some farmers have started to harvest early-planted fields, with reports of moisture in the low- to mid-20 percent range. I did a moisture check on some of our corn, with a result of 24 percent. As usual, there are plenty of rumored yields, but no firm reports as of yet.

The soybean crop is still progressing, relying on the moisture in the soil. I recently observed early-planted fields starting to display yellowing as this crop continues to mature. Local grain bids: corn, $6.92; soybeans, $13.47; wheat, $6.22. Have a saffe week.

Dean Shields, Murphysboro, Jackson County: This past week was dry. No rain in the gauges. We are getting very, very dry here in Jackson County. We also started harvesting corn, and some of it actually is dry. Some is because of early-maturing corn and some because of the dry weather. But, so far, in talking to most of the farmers, the yields have been disappointing, and we hope that improves.

Beans are coming along and there should be some beans ready to be harvested in a few weeks. The potential looks pretty good for the beans, except it’s been dry and we are afraid they are not going to fill out very well. Jackson County is needing rain really badly and we hope we get it this coming week to help out these late beans. Take care with harvest.

Reports received Friday morning. Expanded crop and weather information available at {www.farmweeknow.com}.

Kevin Raber, Browns, Wabash County: Wabash County Farm Bureau conducted its yield tour on Wednesday. The average was 151.5 bushels an acre, which is 8 bushel less than last year’s estimate. Yields seem to be highly variable. It just depends on what part of the field you sampled. Almost all of the late corn has green snap in it, which really hurt its yield potential. Soybeans look good, though we could use a good rain for them to reach their full yield potential.

Randy Anderson, Galatia, Saline County: Harvest is making slow progress. Some producers are just getting started into some of the April corn and some are finishing up with some of their early corn. I had a chance to get going on my April corn and nose into some of the May planting. May planting is looking like it’s running 20 bushel off of what the April corn is producing. I imagine the June corn is going to be a whole lot worse than that. We went from the oven to the cool crisper. Had only 0.2 of an inch of rain for the past week and it was kind of misty and overcast here Friday morning.

Soybeans are still suffering from no significant rainfall. I feel we are going to be looking at a lot of soybeans with a 2 or 3 in front of the yield. Be careful and watch out for others.

Ken Taake, Ullin, Pulaski County: It was cooler this past week with highs in the low 70s and lows in the 50s. It’s really been a nice break from the heat we had earlier in the summer, but we are still lacking on rain. We had no rain last week. A few area farmers have started with some corn harvest. I’ve not heard anything about yields. We expect to start corn this next week. Maybe by my next report, I will have an idea of what kind of yields — or early yields at least — we are going to have.

Please remember to take time and be careful as we get into this busy season.

Challenging season could mean new claims experience

BY MARTIN ROSS FarmWeek

Pre-harvest communication is crucial for Illinois growers new or unaccustomed to filing crop losses, according to Steve Worthington, Country Financial crop claims supervisor.

Illinois Farm Bureau risk management specialist Doug Yoder suggests that given this year’s production challenges statewide, “numerous farmers who don’t typically have crop insurance claims could be in line for claims this year.”

Worthington advises producers who suspect they will have losses to consult with a claims adjuster prior to harvest to review harvest plans, potentially acceptable production evidence, and on-farm means of separating production.

Auction Calendar Wed., Sept. 14. 151.27 Ac. Menard Co. Soy Capital Ag Services. www.soycapitalag.com Thurs., Sept. 15. 274 Ac. Kankakee Co. Soy Capital Ag Services. www.soycapitalag.com Sat., Sept. 17. 9:30 a.m. Farm machinery. Bill and Emaline Rood, SHABBONA, IL. Chris Wegener and Mike Espe, Auctioneers. www.espeauctions.com Sat., Sept. 17. 11:30 a.m. CST Edgar Co. Land. Estate of Wayne Wanamaker, PARIS, IL. Sellafarm.com Sat., Sept. 17. 11:30 a.m. Edgar Co. Land Auction. Wayne Wanamaker Estate. Parrott Real Estate & Auction Co., LLC. www.sellafarm.com Sat., Sept. 17. 10 a.m. LaSalle Co. Farmland Auction. Martha Lucille Carey Trust, LELAND, IL. Dick

Separation can include use of individual bins for grain harvested from each insured crop unit or scale tickets for individual lots. Precision farming data also is considered acceptable production evidence for the 2011 crop year.

“In the past, we’ve run into situations where farmers feel it’s a waste of fuel to go in and weigh a short load when they could have filled it up with another unit,” Worthington said. “In the long run, that may cost them money on the claim side, because then that grain is commingled.”

Country adjusters are expected to make contact within 24 hours of a grower’s “notice of loss.” Worthington said availability of a producer’s cell phone number “makes a McConville and Jim Elliott, auctioneers. www.mcconvillerealty.com or www.elliottauctions.net Sun., Sept. 18. 11 a.m. Auction. Estate of Robert Schoenbeck, HEBRON, IL. Gordon Stade, Auctioneer.

Sun., Sept. 18. 9 a.m. Public Auction.

Aaron Ahrens and The Estate of Shirley Ahrens, STAUNTON, IL. Ahrens & Niemeier. www.a-nauctions.com Mon., Sept. 19. 10 a.m. Farm Machinery Auction. Richard and Juanita Schuleman, COMPTON, IL. Dick McConville and Marty McConville, Auctioneers. www.mcconvillerealty.com or auctions@mcconvillerealty.com Mon., Sept. 19. 10 a.m. Champaign Co. farmland. Hild-Gray Land Trust, THOMASBORO, IL. Gordon Hannagan Auction Co. www.gordyvilleusa.com or www.auctionzip.com

Risky business • Sept. 30 is sales closing date for 2012 crop insurance coverage on Illinois winter wheat.

Growers who do not buy, change, or cancel winter wheat federally insured coverage by that date will receive the same policy and coverage level they had for the 2011 crop.

Wheat growers can eye options with the 2012 Crop Insurance Decision Tool, available for download at the Farm Analysis Solution Tools section of the University of Illinois farmdoc website {www.farmdoc.illinois.edu/fasttools}. big difference” in assuring rapid response. Adjusters also are to leave a contact number to maintain communications and answer producer questions throughout the harvest and claims period.

Once harvest is completed, adjusters can, with proper production evidence and separation, expedite loss payments, Worthington said. Growers who have selected straight Revenue Protection coverage will have to wait until the harvest price is announced in November before their claim can be finalized.

Producers for tax purposes also may opt to receive crop payments in 2012 Worthington added.

Quality losses also are of potential concern this fall: Yoder noted crops have been

The program offers premium quotes for yield or revenues policies as well as Group Risk Plan (GRP) and Group Risk Income Plan (GRIP) products.

• If farmers have corn remaining in farm bins from last year’s crop, they need to have that bin marked indicating the level of old-crop corn prior to putting new-crop grain on top.

“If they don’t, they would be commingling the grain and it could jeopardize a potential claim this year,” warns Doug Yoder, Illinois Farm Bureau risk management specialist.

exposed to “the exact conditions — hot and dry” — that can foster corn aflatoxin problems in postharvest storage.

Corn ear molds that can produce fungal toxins have been detected at the University of Illinois’ Northwestern Research and Education Center in Monmouth.

Quality-related losses are covered under both yield and revenue policies. But growers who suspect mold damage must contact their crop insurer prior to harvest — once corn is harvested and in storage, “coverage stops,” Yoder stressed.

“With those substances that are dangerous to human and animal health, we have to be able to pull samples prior to corn being placed in storage,” Worthington related. “The exception to that is vomitoxin

— we can pull samples out of a bin for vomitoxin now.

“Even if a grower suspects he may have a loss, he should report a claim. At that point in time, he should talk to a crop claims adjuster. And, honestly, before harvest is the best time to talk to them (an adjuster), when they can talk about any potential issues with aflatoxin.”

If harvest has begun and an initial delivery is rejected by the elevator due to aflatoxin damage, the producer should immediately contact his insurer for field sampling and submission of samples for testing by an approved laboratory.

While elevator samples are considered valid for other quality factors such as test weight or diplodia, they are not acceptable proof in an aflatoxin or related mycotoxin claim.

FarmWeek Page 8 Monday, September 12, 2011

FB IN ACTION

Farm Bureau sows understanding through lawmaker ‘adoptions’

BY KAY SHIPMAN FarmWeek

Illinois Farm Bureau’s program to help Chicago-area legislators better understand ag issues has spread that knowledge among students, community officials, and many of the lawmakers’ constituents.

“In recent years, some of our county Farm Bureaus have hosted constituent exchanges, bus trips to farms, adopted classrooms, and hosted booths at community fairs, said Christina Nourie, IFB northeast legislative coordinator, who coordinates the Adopt-aLegislator program.

“Now, not only are we educating the legislators about Illinois agriculture, we’re delivering our message to a greater audience of urban residents.”

The principal of the Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences (CHSAS) offers a prime example of an outgrowth of the seven-year relationship between Sen. Edward Maloney (D-Chicago) and the

Stephenson County Farm Bureau.

CHSAS is in Maloney’s district and some of its students and faculty had toured Stephenson County farms with other Maloney constituents.

Today, Stephenson County Farm Bureau and its manager, Bruce Johnson, have become valuable resources for the high school, according to CHSAS Principal William “Bill” Hook.

When Hook had a question about dairy cows, he turned to Johnson for an answer.

The farm visits have provided his urban constituents an educational experience, Maloney said. “They’re all City of Chicago people, and they walked away with a new respect for the agriculture community,” the senator added.

Constituents of Rep. Thaddeus Jones (D-Calumet City) also gained a new appreciation for farmers and food production after they toured the McLean County 4-H Fair.

Jones, who was “adopted” this year by the McLean County Farm Bureau, admitted he thought someone was joking when an adoption was first suggested. He has changed his mind.

“I think this (program) is a huge benefit. Not only for my constituents, but for the state,” Jones said. “Nothing but positive can come from this. It’s nice to be able to relate and sit down and break bread with each other and see the challenges we face and how we can work together.”

Another newly “adopted” legislator, Rep. Michelle Mussman (D-Schaumburg), said listening to the questions and concerns Clay County residents present to their legislators gave her insights into their issues.

This summer, the Clay County Farm Bureau hosted Mussman and her family. The representative said the visit was a great experience for her children, and she appreciated the opportunity for family time.

Menard County Farm Bureau President Terry Entwistle chats with his county’s “adopted” legislator, state Rep. Camille Lilly (D-Chicago), during her visit to his Petersburg farm last fall. Urban lawmakers and farmers both benefit from tours and exchanges on issues. (FarmWeek file photo)

Urban residents aren’t the only ones who benefit from the exchanges with lawmakers and their constituents.

McLean County President Scott Hoeft focused on similar challenges shared by McLean County and Jones’ district: “They have a need for jobs, and we have a need for jobs.”

But Jones’ constituents also face issues of poverty and crime. “It really gives you a different perspective on life to see some of the challenges they face,” Hoeft said.

Stephenson County farmers also have benefitted by touring Maloney’s district, according to Johnson. “It’s opened the eyes of our people

to the world we live in,” he said.

This year 73 Chicago-area state legislators are matched with county Farm Bureaus.

Thirteen, including Jones and Mussman, were “adopted” for the first time. Frequently, the adopted county Farm Bureaus partner with the legislators’ home county Farm Bureaus on activities, Nourie said.

“The program also has helped local county Farm Bureaus build stronger relationships with their elected legislators,” she added.

For more information about the Adopt-a-Legislator program, contact Nourie at 708-579-6060.

Sustainable and Organic Farmers Network plans farm tour and meal The Sustainable and Organic Farmers Network will have a farm tour and potluck meal Sept. 26 in Leland.

Andy Anderson operates a five-acre sustainable farm in LaSalle County and raises lettuce, potatoes, turnips, rutabagas, sweet corn, peppers, pumpkins, melons, and strawberries.

Participants are asked to bring a dish to share for the meal, which will start at 5 p.m. The tour will start at 6 p.m.

There is no fee, but advance registration is recommended.

Discussion topics will cover how to start plants and trees in greenhouses, create cultivated raised beds, market through roadside stands and farmers’ markets, and create compost tea and bug banks to encourage beneficial insects.

To register online, go to web.extension.illinois.edu/units/event.cfm?EventID=55196&UnitID=463}.

The event is co-sponsored by the University of Illinois Extension and the Sustainable and Organic Growers Network, an organization that promotes networking among farmers and producers in Northern Illinois.

The farm is located at 2190 N. 45th Road, Leland. For more information, contact the U of I Extension Local Foods and Small Farms Extension educator Ellen Phillips at 815732-2191 or e-mail her at ephillps@illinois.edu.

Page 9 Monday, September 12, 2011 FarmWeek

fROm ThE COUNTIES ‘ADOPTED’ DISTRICT DISCUSSION

State Rep. LaShawn Ford, second from left, (D-Chicago) talks about his legislative district with Knox County Farm Bureau leaders who recently visited his district office. The county Farm Bureau “adopted” Ford and presented him a basket of Knox County items, including fresh vegetables. Ford talked about the opportunities for farmers’ markets in his district and the need to solve the problem of food deserts with few available grocery stores. He asked the farmers about the day-to-day challenges facing Illinois agriculture. Ford toured Knox County last summer and said he hopes to take his young daughter back to the farm this fall. (Photo by Christina Nourie, Illinois Farm Bureau northeast legislative coordinator)

DISTRICT WALKING TOUR

State Rep. Ann Williams, right, (D-Chicago) chats with a group of Edgar County Farm Bureau leaders during a walking tour of her legislative district on the north side of Chicago. Williams recently was “adopted” by the county Farm Bureau and also took the group on the elevated “L” train as part of the tour. Cook County Farm Bureau leaders participated in the tour, which included Lincoln Park’s Anixter Center, an organization that provides services to individuals with developmental disabilities. The group discussed several agricultural issues. Edgar County Farm Bureau hopes to host Williams on a harvest tour this fall. (Photo by Christina Nourie, Illinois Farm Bureau northeast legislative coordinator)

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LINTON — Farm Bureau will conduct a yield survey beginning at 9 a.m. Wednesday at the Farm Bureau office where participants will divide into teams.

Call the Farm Bureau office if you would like to be on a team. The survey report will be given at 7 p.m. with a pork chop dinner at the KC Hall, Breese. Kevin Rund, Illinois Farm Bureau, and Tom Wise and Craig Taylor, Illinois Department of Transportation, will give updates on truck regulations. Tickets for the dinner are $5 and are available at the Farm Bureau office.

OOK — Farm Bureau will sponsor a farmland lease seminar from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 27, at the Farm Bureau office.

Kevin Brooks, farm management consultant, will present the program. Call Peggy at 708-354-3276 for reservations or more information.

DGAR — Farm Bureau will sponsor a cooking class at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 20, at the Farm Bureau office. Lunch will be served. Barbara Dick will

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teach how to cook for one or two people. Cost is $5, which includes lunch. Call the Farm Bureau office at 217-465-8511 for reservations or more information.

• Farm Bureau will sponsor a bus trip to New England Oct. 3-10. Included on the tour will be Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream, LL Bean, the Flight 93 crash site, Yankee Candle, and more. Call the Farm Bureau office at 217-465-8511 for reservations. Details are on the website {www.edgarcountyfarmbureau.org}.

EE — The Young Leaders will meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 20, at the Farm Bureau office. Dick Vivian, Country Financial advanced planning consultant, will present the program on estate planning.

OCK ISLAND — Farm Bureau is accepting nominations for its first Hall of Fame award, which will be presented to individuals who have made an impact on Rock Island County farming and agriculture. The winner will be announced at the Harvest Gala at 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12, at the iWireless Cen-

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ter, Moline. Nomination forms are available at the Farm Bureau office. Deadline to return nominations is Thursday.

T. CLAIR — The Young Farmers Committee will sponsor a “shred day” from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday at the Farm Bureau parking lot.

There will be no advanced drop-offs. Call the Farm Bureau office for more information.

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“From the counties” items are submitted by county Farm Bureau managers. If you have an event or activity open to all members, contact your county Farm Bureau manager.

FarmWeek Page 10 Monday, September 12, 2011

profitability

Invest in safety now for your ‘golden years’

BY DOUG DEFILIPPO

Farming and related agricultural businesses are rewarding and enjoyable occupations.

But there are heath risks people working in those fields can be exposed to on an almost daiDoug DeFilippo ly basis.

We think about protecting our eyesight with chemical goggles when working with anhy-

drous ammonia, and with safety glasses and face shields when cutting, grinding, and drilling in our shops. However, some of our other senses and body parts may not be affected in the short term, but health effects may show up later in life.

Working out in the sunshine can be more enjoyable than sitting behind a desk, but long-term sun exposure can lead to skin cancer if we don’t take precautions now. Think about wearing a wide brim hat and long sleeve shirts and applying sun screen when

No surprise

going out in the sun.

Much of the equipment we use is noisy and can exceed decibel levels that can cause us to suffer hearing loss over time if we don’t protect our hearing. Wearing ear protection such as ear plugs or specialized ear muffs will protect you from chronic, long-term exposure and hearing loss.

Keep in mind, you may not realize today or tomorrow that your hearing is being affected, but once you lose a level of hearing, you can’t get it back. Hearing is irreplace-

able. Hearing aids don’t restore hearing loss, they only amplify what hearing you may have left.

When working around grain, exposure to dust and mold can affect our respiratory systems. A good N97-type particulate respirator with an exhalation valve is one of the more comfortable dust respirators to wear and will protect you from breathing in dust.

Your local FS cooperative can provide you with personal protective equipment, for both the short-term exposure

and the long-term protection of your health.

These tips are not just for work — remember these health precautions on vacation and around the home, and educate your family. We don’t want you fighting skin cancer, wearing hearing aids, or pulling an oxygen tank behind you when you should be enjoying your “golden years.”

Doug DeFilippo is GROWMARK’s safety services manager.

His e-mail address is ddefilippo@growmark.com.

Drought declared in parts of Illinois

BY DAVE MCCLELLAND FarmWeek

The dreaded “D” word was applied to Illinois for the first time last week, but it merely formalized what many farmers had known for some time — drought has arrived in Illinois.

Moderate to severe drought

struck the state last month, and sporadic rainfall Friday was not sufficient to cure the ailment.

The statewide average precipitation was 2.06 inches, 1.6 inches below average and just 56 percent of average, said Jim Angel, state climatologist

‘This was the 13th driest August on record since 1895, based on preliminary data.’

— Jim Angel state climatologist

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 $16.00-$47.36 $28.52 $31.00-$36.50 $34.33 n/a n/a This Week Last Week 28,336 22,298 *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 $78.71 $82.56 $58.25 $61.09

Change -3.85 -2.85

USDA five-state area slaughter cattle price Steers Heifers

This week 117.00 n/a

(Thursday’s price) Prev. week Change 112.00 5.00

CME feeder cattle index — 600-800 Lbs. This is a composite price of feeder cattle transactions in 27 states.

(Prices $ per hundredweight) Prev. week Change 131.12 0.98

This week 132.10

Lamb prices Slaughter Prices - Negotiated, Live, wooled and shorn 120-185 lbs. for 170-205 $/cwt. (wtd. ave. 184.27); dressed, no sales reported.

Export inspections (Million bushels) Week ending Soybeans Wheat Corn 9-01-11 9.1 21.2 24.2 8-25-11 8.4 23.9 30.1 Last year 14.9 23.9 40.1 Season total 1.3 297.7 4.4 Previous season total 3.3 264.1 16.8 USDA projected total 1540 1295 1900 Crop marketing year began June 1 for wheat and Sept. 1 for corn and soybeans.

with the Illinois State Water Survey.

This was the 13th driest August on record since 1895, based on preliminary data, said Angel.

The driest area was south of and parallel to Interstate 74 (see map). Rainfall amounts in that region generally were an inch or less for the month.

Lovington in Moultrie County was one of the driest spots with only 0.03 of an inch of rain for the entire month.

Decatur recorded 0.15 of an inch, and Springfield and Quincy recorded only 0.25 of an inch, said the climatologist.

Only Northern Illinois received average to above average rainfall during August.

Morris in Grundy County received 7.02 inches, followed closely by Earlville in LaSalle County with 7.01 inches.

August temperatures were above normal for much of the state, with highs in the 90s and even low 100s common.

Cairo and Bentley each recorded highs of 103 during the month, and Quincy and Grand Chain Dam were close behind with 102-degree recordings.

The statewide mean temperature (the average of both the high and low temperatures) was 74.9 degrees, 1.2 degrees above average.

The hot weather brought

on rapid corn maturity in many areas. As of last week, corn harvest was 3 percent completed.

Corn condition was rated 5 percent excellent, 35 percent good, 36 percent fair, 16 percent poor, and 8 percent very poor.

For soybeans, 7 percent was rated excellent, 41 percent good, 35 percent fair, 12 percent poor, and 5 percent very poor.

While the long-term out-

look does not hold much hope for constant rain, rain at this point likely would do the crops very little good, according to Emerson Nafziger, University of Illinois Extension agronomist.

“If there is no green color left on either corn or soybeans at this point, then there is little or no chance to add yield,” he said. “No green leaf area means no more photosynthesis; the ‘factory’ is closed for this crop.”

Illinois student named collegiate ag ambassador An Illinois student was among 20 selected recently to serve as a national collegiate agricultural ambassador for 2011-2012 by the Collegiate FFA, a program of the National FFA organization.

Grace Weinzierl is studying agricultural education at Illinois State University, Normal.

Her career goal is to teach agriculture.

The focus of the program is to develop and implement a

sustainable agricultural awareness plan among teachers and students on the local level and share the importance of agriculture.

The students, who currently are enrolled in colleges and universities across the nation, will give presentations to elementary, junior high and high school classes, community organizations, and other groups interested in learning about agriculture.

Their presentations will focus on food safety and security, current agricultural topics, sound science, and sustainable agriculture. The students will participate in a four-day training seminar in August.

The National Collegiate Agricultural Ambassadors program is sponsored by BASF, Syngenta, Elanco Animal Health, and the National Pork Board as a special project of the National FFA Foundation.

Page 11 Monday, September 12, 2011 FarmWeek

PROFITABILITY Corn Strategy

C AS H ST RAT E GI S T

Economics/demand loom large With today’s USDA report, the trade should have relatively good insight into the crop yields this year. Acreage could yet change with the October report, but we are hesitant to think it will change enough to have a significant impact on the final output.

But given the economic struggle in many countries, there’s increasing uncertainty about how strong demand might be this year. And because commodity prices, grain included, are high priced, investors don’t perceive the risk/reward ratio for commodities making them an attractive sector to invest money.

Over the last decade, commodity prices have gotten high priced relative to stocks. That’s not to say they cannot get higher priced yet, but the investment attraction has diminished considerably.

For corn and soybeans in particular, the risk/reward has become high with prices near their 2008 peaks. That’s far different than a year ago when corn was trading near $5 and soybeans near $10. Wheat prices already had been elevated by the Russian/Ukrainian drought. They still moved up, but not with the energy of the other two, and peaked slightly

higher in mid-winter.

And just like in 2008, investors have reason to worry about economic developments, maybe not to the extent they did in 2008, but major problems are not inconceivable. Notably, the economic/fiscal problems may be most troublesome in Europe, but we have issues in the U.S. as well.

The European debt issues have been a part of the economic landscape since spring. If anything they may be getting slightly worse, with events of the past week further muddling the picture.

Regional elections in Germany weakened the hold the ruling coalition has on its government. If new elections are forced, the group that has been willing to help finance the debt problems of other European Union countries could lose power, increasing the difficulty of resolving the debt problems.

And at week’s end, a director of the European Central Bank surprisingly resigned in protest of its support of the weaker countries. The euro fell 1.5 percent Friday to its lowest level since February. Copper had its biggest weekly loss in a month, while crude oil dropped 3-4 percent at week’s end.

So while fundamentals still may be somewhat supportive to grains, the economic/fiscal uncertainties and high-risk/reward ratios may serve to keep investors away this year, limiting upside potential and possibly increasing short-term downside risk.

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Cents per bu.

ü2011 crop: Use rallies above $7.75 on December futures for catch-up sales. If you are harvesting now, you might add sales if spot bids are still carrying a premium.

There’s reason to think a “short crop, long tail” pattern may prevail this year, and if it does, prices could peak early.

Plan to wrap up pricing shortly after harvest. Because of the modest futures carry, hedgeto-arrive (HTA) sales for late winter or spring delivery still work for farm-stored grain. ü2012 crop: Use rallies to make a 10 percent sale. Plan to add additional quantities by year’s end. vFundamentals: Today’s USDA report will dominate the near-term market. However, lower yields already have been partially factored into current prices. Understanding USDA methodology leads us to believe this yield estimate will be close to the final one.

But it’s important to also recognize demand is being curtailed by current prices. ûFail-safe: If December falls through $7.20, make sure 2011 and 2012 sales are at recommended levels.

Soybean Strategy

ü2011 crop: Use a rally above $14.70 on November futures for catch-up sales. We think this market will unfold in a classic “short crop, long tail” scenario, with the season’s highs coming during, or shortly after, harvest. Plan to increase sales over the next month, potentially completing them shortly after harvest is over. ü2012 crop: Get 10 percent of your potential crop priced now. Plan to add sales by year’s end. vFundamentals: Today’s USDA reports will dominate the market focus in the short term.

Demand forecasts are as important as supply with the current structure at a precarious balance.

Still, these late rains, especially in the eastern Corn Belt could stabilize yield potential, putting more focus on demand from this point forward. And in that regard, traders will start to watch planting conditions and crop expectations more closely. ûFail-safe: Make sure sales

are at recommended levels if November drops below $13.90.

Wheat Strategy

ü2011 crop: The short-term trend in wheat has weakened, with prices slipping below minor supports. However, downside risk should be limited as long as the Southern Plains remains dry.

Use rallies for catch up sales. We may recommend another 20 percent sale if December moves up near $8. Check the Hotline daily.

The carry in futures more than pays for commercial storage. We still prefer HTA contracts for

winter or spring delivery for sales. vFundamentals: In the near-term, the wheat market is going to take its direction from corn. Wheat lacks fundamental support, as global wheat supplies are large, limiting demand for U.S. wheat. The majority of the wheat being purchased in the world continues to be sourced from the Black Sea region. And last week, India finally announced it was going to allow 2 million metric tons (73.5 million bushels) to be exported to relieve what has become a burdensome supply.

FarmWeek Page 12 Monday, September 12, 2011

perspectives

FLOODWATER GONE, BUT NOT FORGOTTEN

Southern Illinois farmers still fighting flood impact At left, Mississippi River floodwaters overtopped the levees in Alexander County and caused four breaks in the Len Small Levee. Farmers are still dealing with the destruction of fields and structures caused by floodwaters. (Photos by Tammie Obermark, Pulaski-Alexander Farm Bureau manager)

T

he 2011 historic flood in Southern Illinois relentlessly continues to challenge local farmers, landowners, and homeowners with numerous unanswered questions about what to do next.

With the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) declaring homes condemned, homeowners and some businesses are faced with finding new locations KENTON THOMAS JAMES TAFLINGER for their families and livelihoods.

Local farmers guest columnists also are deeply affected by the 2011 flood and will continue to be until the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers begins and completes repairs on the portion of the Len Small Levee located in Alexander County. The Len Small Levee District

protects 33,280 acres, according to the corps.

The Pulaski-Alexander Farm Service Agency (FSA) has reported about 20,771 acres of prevented planting acres in Alexander County, which also includes East Cape Girardeau and the Clear Creek Drainage District.

In Pulaski County, about 3,759 acres were not planted due to the spring 2011 flood.

The 2010 Illinois annual bulletin showed Alexander County with 48,900 acres of corn, soybeans, and hay cropped. With those numbers, the prevented planted acres reported would represent 43 percent of Alexander County’s acreage not planted for 2011.

Damaged acreage also reported to the FSA Alexander County office

During the 2011 spring flood of the Mississippi River, these tractors ran for 90 days pumping water from one side of the Len Small Levee to the other. The river eventually won.

A field in Alexander County is buried beneath four feet of sand — the aftermath of historic flooding and a break in the Len Small Levee. The field is one half to three quarters of a mile from the break.

were: 59 percent loss of corn, 49 percent loss of soybeans, and 47 percent loss of wheat.

These losses are not only devastating for the local farmers, but also to the local economy.

Southern Illinois University at Carbondale reported about 64 farm structures, 215 residential structures, and 15 commercial structures were affected by the 2011 flood. The average water depth in most of those structures was 2 to 3 feet.

The Len Small Levee District desperately needs assistance in getting the levee repaired. Currently, there are four breaches in the levee, which is under the jurisdiction of the Army Corps of Engineers’ St. Louis District. The Corps continues to survey damages to

the levee, but has yet to begin repairs.

The levee district is required to pay for 20 percent of the total cost of repairs. You can see from the photos that the damage was substantial.

The Pulaski-Alexander Farm Bureau and local farmers want to make our federal government officials aware of the importance of getting the Len Small Levee repaired.

Without any forward movement, the 2012 crop year is looking grim for our Alexander County farmers. Please help spread the word about the breaches in the levee and the damage that remains from a historic flood.

Kenton Thomas is president of Pulaski-Alexander Farm Bureau, and James Taflinger is a commissioner of the Len Small Levee and Drainage District.

Uncertainty of farming evident in fields and economy this fall The “dog days of summer” are almost behind us. Harvest is picking up steam as we go into the fall.

We already know that, as a nation, our total production is going to be JOHN disappointing.

BLOCK We won’t be adding to our reserves this year. Corn, soybeans, cotton, and wheat — they all compete for acres and they are all coming up short.

What does all this mean?

We have already witnessed record prices and wild price volatility. That’s going to be with us until we raise a big crop. The next chance for a big crop isn’t until next year.

The public is voicing concern about the rising price of food. Never mind the fact that they were spoiled for 30 years when the price of corn stayed in the $2- to $2.50-per-bushel price range. Not anymore. The future norm may not be $7, but it won’t be $2, either.

Rising food prices will continue to fire up the debate of

food vs. fuel.

The ethanol subsidies that expire this year are not likely to be extended. Cattle prices and hog prices have been strong, but I don’t expect those industries to expand.

The cost of feed will put the brakes on.

The broiler companies have not enjoyed profitable prices because we have too many chickens. On the positive side, most of the livestock industry has adjusted to the higher-priced feed.

As you can see, these historic grain and soybean

prices, although exciting if you are a farmer with a good crop, generate a whole host of other concerns.

When it’s all said and done, there are some major pluses.

First, if you raise a good crop or have the hogs or cattle to sell, you’re going to make some money to pay down the mortgage.

Second, we already know that if we just let the market work, farmers will respond and produce more.

We always have. And then these historic prices will fall

back — at least to some degree.

Third, the short crop this fall all but guarantees a reasonably good price for next year’s crop.

This is a wild and uncertain business to be in, but is there anything more important than food? Maybe water.

Have a safe harvest.

John Block, a Gilson native and former U.S. agriculture secretary, is a senior policy adviser with the Washington, D.C., firm of Olsson, Frank, Weeda, and Terman. His email address is jblock@ofwlaw.com.