FarmWeek Jan. 14, 2013

IllInoIs FArm BureAu joined McDonald’s recently in cohosting several Midwest Far m Bureaus for a discussion of agrelated issues. .................................3

IllInoIs DepArtment of Transportation officials said they are hopeful the Mississippi River can remain open to navigation through January. .....................5

IllInoIs’ lIvestoCk sector continues to grow and invest millions into the state’s economy, the Illinois Agricultural Legislative Roundtable was told. .......................8

Monday, January 14, 2013

Two sections Volume 41, No. 2

Financial woes remain as General Assembly ends, begins

BY KAY SHIPMAN FarmWeek

Periodicals: Time Valued

Members of the 98th General Assembly who took the oath of office last Wednesday face many of the same daunting challenges of their predecessors.

New faces and huge challenges are the operative words.

The House of Representatives contains 33 new members, while the Senate includes 18 newcomers, Kevin Semlow, Illinois Farm Bureau director of state legislation, reported to the Illinois Agricultural Legislative Roundtable last week.

“There are a lot of new legislators, and they will have to get up to speed on the major issues quickly. A lot of history and experience of former lawmakers will be lost,” Semlow said.

There also will be new political dynamics with Democrats controlling the House and the Senate by super majorities. The Senate has 40 Democrats among its 59 members, and House Democrats comprise 71 of the 118 members.

Immediately after oaths of office were administered, the House re-elected Rep. Michael

Madigan (D-Chicago) speaker of the house and Rep. Tom Cross (R-Oswego) Republican leader. Across the Rotunda, the Senate re-elected Sen. John Cullerton (D-Chicago) president and Sen. Christine Radogno (R-Lemont) Republican leader.

A major issue continues to be the unfunded liability of the state’s pension system, now at an estimated $100 billion. This year, the state’s pension payment is estimated to be $1 billion higher than last year’s payment, Semlow reported.

Despite initial optimism, no pension reform action occurred during the lame duck session that ended Tuesday.

“Governor Quinn did about everything he possibly could to get a vote on the pension reform proposal,” Illinois Agriculture Director Bob Flider told roundtable members.

“The governor reached out to us (IFB) numerous times” on pension reform, said President Philip Nelson, who received the governor’s calls.

“We (IFB) believe the pension (system) needs to be reformed. He appreciated our willingness to be part of the solution.”

The state “will continue to face budget challenges as long as we face the pension issue,” Flider said.

An estimated one-third of the state’s General Revenue

Fund will be needed to make the pension payment “if something isn’t done in the near future,” Semlow said.

Adding to the fiscal drama will be the scheduled end of the temporary income tax increase on Dec. 31, 2014.

Semlow noted the current state budget includes the additional revenue generated from the temporary income tax.

One of the major legislative initiatives expected to be taken up by lawmakers relates

to farmland. The Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) proposes to adjust the state’s farmland assessment law.

IFB supports the changes, Semlow reported.

IDOR’s proposal would change how certified values of farmland are determined. It would limit changes in soils’ certified values to 10 percent of the state’s median cropland soil instead of the 10 percent limit now imposed across all soil productivity indices.

ALL ABUZZ

House Ag Committee freshman sees hope for farm bill accord

BY MARTIN ROSS FarmWeek

Freshman U.S. House Ag Committee member Rodney Davis is frustrated by Congress’ “artificial deadlines and ‘cliffs,’” noting “we always get taken to the brink.”

The Taylorville Republican thus saw the 11th-hour, nine-month extension of 2008 farm bill provisions over approval of a new comprehensive, long-term measure “a failure of Republicans and Democrats.”

That failure was particularly disappointing in the wake of “one of the most historic droughts of our generation,” Davis told FarmWeek.

Illinois has retained three Ag Committee seats despite the retirement of Urbana RepubliRep. Rodney can Tim Johnson, Colona Republican Bobby Davis Schilling’s election defeat, and Winfield Republican Randy Hultgren’s committee reassignment.

Davis suggests farm bill discussions may resume once ag subcommittee assignments are made. He said he is buoyed by prospects of working with Democrat committee initiates Cheri Bustos of East Moline, who succeeded Schilling; and Bill Enyart, a Belleville Democrat who follows retired Belleville Democrat Rep. Jerry Costello.

Davis recognizes Ag Committee Chairman Frank Lucas (ROkla.) “has a tough job ahead of him,” and is concerned about actions that committee ranking Democrat Collin Peterson’s (DMinn.) may take. Peterson supports proposed dairy program reforms and voted against the fiscal cliff/farm bill extension deal.

Joyce and Paul Curtis of Curtis Orchard in Champaign look over bees in a display provided by Koppert Biological Systems, Howell, Mich., at the Illinois Specialty Crops, Agritourism, and Organic Conference last week in Springfield. (Photo by Cyndi Cook)

See Freshman, page 3 FarmWeek on the web: FarmWeekNow.com

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

FarmWeek Page 2 Monday, January 14, 2013

Quick Takes SURE SHOT FOR FORAGE — Past risk management may further benefit livestock/forage producers who’ve suffered past crop losses, USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) Compliance Chief Program Specialist Doug Bailey stressed last week.

Signup for the 2011 crop year under the 2008 farm bill Supplemental Revenue (SURE) standing disaster program ends June 7. While SURE expired in the fall of 2011, assistance is still available for eligible hay losses through Sept. 30, 2011, as long as enrolled producers either had purchased crop insurance or enrolled in the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) that year.

NAP is a federally funded program that helps producers of many fruit and vegetable and other noninsurable crops who face risks of low yields, loss of inventory, or disaster-related prevented plantings. Bailey reminded drought-impacted livestock producers that forage crops — raised either for hay or grazing — are eligible for NAP. EXTENSION AND EXPENDITURES — Illinois USDA agency representatives reported plans to carry on through the current nine-year extension of 2008 farm bill provisions. The recent extension provided no new ag program funding, and a continuing federal budget resolution expires March 27, leaving future funding in question.

“We have funding for EQIP (the Environmental Quality Incentives Program), and WRP and GRP (wetlands and grasslands reserve program details) are going to be announced soon,” Illinois Natural Resources Conservation Service spokesman Jody Christiansen told FarmWeek. “We’re progressing as though the current farm bill will go through September. We have signups set up.”

Meanwhile, a spokesman with the USDA Rural Development state office reported availability of “rollover” funds not used in 2012 for some programs in 2013, along with some continuing resolution funds.

“Most of our programs should go forward as normal, but it may not be at the same funding levels as in past years,” the agency spokesman said.

APPLE CIDER CONTEST RESULTS — The tradition of the Illinois apple cider contest continued last week at the Illinois Specialty Crops, Agritourism, and Organic Conference in Springfield.

Curran’s Orchard, Rockford, won first place. Grissom Lost Creek Orchard, Greenup, took second, and Schwartz Orchard, Centralia, took third.

The Illinois cider contest has been held every year since 1990, according to Chris Doll, retired University of Illinois Extension specialist and consultant from Edwardsville. The goal of the contest is to improve the quality and marketing of cider statewide.

(ISSN0197-6680) Vol. 41 No. 2

January 14, 2013

Dedicated to improving the profitability of farming, and a higher quality of life for Illinois farmers.

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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 Margie Fraley (mfraley@ilfb.org) Business Production Manager Bob Standard (bstandard@ilfb.org) Advertising Sales Manager Richard Verdery (rverdery@ilfb.org) Classified sales coordinator Nan Fannin (nfannin@ilfb.org) Director of News and Communications Michael L. Orso 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

GOVERNMENT In Illinois

FDA allows continued blending of aflatoxin-contaminated corn

BY KAY SHIPMAN FarmWeek

Illinois grain companies may continue blending aflatoxin-contaminated corn through June 30, Illinois Agriculture Director Bob Flider reported to the Illinois Agricultural Legislative Roundtable last week.

Bob Flider On Sept.

24, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved blending of aflatoxin-contaminated corn through Dec. 31 in Illinois.

“We received an extension on blending through June to

make sure we have markets for our corn,” Flider told ag leaders last week.

Blending is not permitted without FDA approval. The federal agency determines rules and sets guidelines for allowable levels of aflatoxin in livestock feed.

The Illinois Department Jim Larkin of Agriculture’s (IDOA) Jim Larkin told FarmWeek the state’s grain industry had requested the blending extension. Only 20 percent of the state’s corn has “found a home” to date, and grain companies needed the

ability to continue blending, Larkin said.

Illinois’ blending requirements remained the same.

One requirement is that corn with aflatoxin levels above 500 parts per billion cannot be blended.

Originally, 11 Illinois companies with 53 sites sought permission to blend, according to Larkin. After the extension was received, an additional nine facilities sought approval to blend, he added.

In Larkin’s view, the blending process has been working, and corn is moving into the market.

“To date, we have received no complaints from livestock producers about their feed,” he said.

New IFB website, video highlight Adopt-A-Legislator connections When state Rep. Rita Mayfield from suburban Chicago stepped onto her first hog farm, the experience was one she didn’t expect.

“It was not what I expected at all. It wasn’t anything like what you expect from a pig farm. It was so well run. It was very clean,” Mayfield said.

“It was a very great experiRep. Rita Mayfield ence for me.”

In the fall of 2011, Mayfield, a newly appointed legislator from Waukegan, participated in the Illinois Farm Bureau Adopt-A-Legislator program and visited her “adopted” farmers in Macoupin County.

During that visit and a subsequent visit the next year, Mayfield rode in a combine during corn harvest, toured the rural countryside, visited a beef

operation, and talked with farmers. “As a representative, you represent everyone in the state,” she said.

In 2012, several Macoupin County farmers drove to Mayfield’s district in Lake County, the first time most of them had visited that diverse suburban district. Mayfield took them to a federal health care facility.

The farmers talked about local issues with local government officials.

Those relationships between farmers and urban legislators are at the heart of the AdoptA-Legislator program. A new website, found at {aal.ilfb.org/} and a promotional video will help legislators and their staffs and Farm Bureau members learn more about the program.

“The Adopt-A-Legislator website and video were developed to provide an easy overview of this unique program, show the benefits that come from these relationships between urban legislators and

Food integrity leader to speak at U of I, ISU Complex challenges facing agriculture will be the focus of Thursday, Jan. 24, discussions at the University of Illinois and Illinois State University (ISU).

Charlie Arnot, chief executive officer of the Center for Food Integrity, will speak at 2 p.m. to a U of I food systems class in the Monsanto Room of the College of Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences Library, Urbana.

Arnot will discuss the

need to use technology and innovation to feed a growing global population.

He will speak at 7 p.m. in ISU’s Bone Student Center Prairie Room, Normal.

As the head of the Food Integrity Center, Arnot works to separate fact from fiction about food and agriculture production.

The center is a nonprofit organization that conducts research and builds consumer trust in today’s food system.

farmers, and explain why it is so important for our members to participate,” said Christina Nourie, IFB northeast legislative coordinator.

Website information includes summaries and photos of events and a list of participating legislators.

The newly produced video features footage from recent legislator and farmer tours and interviews with the participants who give insights on their experiences and the value of the program and the relationships that develop between urban legislators and “downstate” farmers.

In addition, each county Farm Bureau will receive a copy of the video. — Kay Shipman Christina Nourie, IFB northeast legislative coordinator, contributed to this article.

Tuesday: • AgriVisor analyst • Roger McEowne, professor of ag law, Iowa State University • Rita Frazer live from the American Farm Bureau Federation meeting, Nashville, Tenn.

Wednesday: • Jennifer Tirey, Illinois Department of Agriculture • Jim Bower, Bower Trading • Rick Morgan, financial security consultant Thursday: • Tim Maiers, Illinois Pork Producers Association • Charlie Arnot, Center for Food Integrity • Monica Nyman, St. Louis dairy educator Friday: • Sara Wyant, Agri-Pulse publisher • IFB President Philip Nelson To find a radio station near you that carries the RFD Radio Network, go to FarmWeeknow.com, click on “Radio,” then click on “Affiliates.”

Page 3 Monday, January 14, 2013 FarmWeek

government

IFB seeks quick ‘start-over’ for farm bill debate

BY MARTIN ROSS FarmWeek

The time to re-engage in farm bill debate is now, U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin told Illinois ag leaders last week.

The Springfield Democrat met at the Peoria County Farm Bureau with Illinois Farm Bureau President Philip Nelson and representatives of crop and livestock groups, the Illinois Grain and Feed Association, and USDA’s Farm Service Agency.

IFB seeks summer passage of a new farm bill. Durbin maintained House and Senate Ag Committee chairmen should re-engage in ag policy discussion well before Congress’ Easter recess and, ideally, ahead of debt ceiling and what Nelson dubbed “March Madness,” the forthcoming fiscal/spending debate.

At last week’s Illinois Ag

Legislative Roundtable, Illinois Corn Growers Association board member Jeff Jarboe warned “in coming years, the budget crunch is going to hit even harder,” posing a threat of far deeper ag spending cuts without a new farm bill.

“I asked the senator when the best time was for us to get back engaged in the (farm bill) debate,” Nelson related.

“His comment was, ‘Sooner rather than later,’ not necessarily waiting for the debt ceiling’s fate to get the wheels moving.

“He was extremely frustrated that the House didn’t act on a new farm bill after the Senate did its part.

We’re back to start-over time — we’re going to have to set our priorities and, hopefully, not have to go back to the drawing board

and start from square one.”

Nelson and others stressed the importance of a strong crop insurance program as a

Nelson commended Durbin for supporting a New Year’s tax package that provided permanent estate tax relief

ter assistance. Ag groups briefed Durbin on grain and land prices and input costs — according to Nelson, a policy-

‘ We’re back to start-over time — we’re going to have to set our priorities and, hopefully, not have to go back to the drawing board.’

— Philip Nelson President, Illinois Farm Bureau

prime farm bill component.

“We have to make sure there’s funding for the Risk Management Agency to be able to implement the program and operate in an efficient manner,” Illinois Soybean Association Marketing Committee Chairman Ron Kindred told FarmWeek at the Legislative Roundtable.

and preserved Section 179 expensing/bonus depreciation provisions. Durbin pledged support for current biofuels requirements under the federal Renewable Fuel Standard.

Livestock interests at the Peoria meeting expressed disappointment in the 112th Congress for failure to approve drought-related disas-

prep “refresher on what’s going on in production ag today.”

“We reminded him this is a highly capital-intensive business,” Nelson said. “I noted the crop insurance policies that help us manage risk today that we didn’t have back in 1988, when we had the last big drought.”

Can new freshman class ring in positive change?

Looking back from the fiscal “cliff,” U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis hopes his freshman “class” can provide a textbook example of bipartisan cooperation and progress.

The Taylorville Republican is joined on both the House Agriculture and Transportation and Infrastructure Committees by East Moline Democrat freshman Cheri Bustos and on the Ag Committee by Belleville Democrat Bill Enyart.

He already has repeatedly consulted with Bustos (“We were texting each other on an issue just last night”), and conferred with Enyart on an Illinois return flight following their D.C. swearing-in.

“We’re all in this together,” Davis told FarmWeek.

“What I’ve seen as our failure is the partisanship of the last four years — it seems as though major pieces of legislation have only been viewed on a partisan basis.

“Legislation like the Affordable Care Act, which is going to cost our country trillions, was passed on a partisan roll call. The day before I was sworn in, the last Congress took a vote that added $4 trillion to our national debt. That’s unsustainable.”

Noting the $16 trillion national debt, Davis argued any increase in the debt ceiling must be “leveraged against spending cuts.” He fears the possibility of the U.S. facing an economic downturn unprecedented since the Depression “if we can’t pay our debtors without printing more money.”

Illinois Wheat Forum set for Feb. 11 The Illinois Wheat Association (IWA) will host its annual Winter Wheat Forum Feb. 11 at Krieger’s/Holiday Inn Convention Center in Mt. Vernon.

The forum is designed to help Illinois wheat producers increase productivity and profitability.

Industry experts at the event will discuss wheat yield research results, managing risk in a volatile environment, Southern Illinois weather trends, and fertilizer manufacturing and expansion in the Midwest.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will provide information about the movement of grain and fertilizer on the Mississippi River.

The Wheat Forum also will feature an exhibitors’ area, and participants will have a chance to attend IWA’s annual meeting.

Registration for the event will begin at 8 a.m. The cost is $15 for IWA members and $30 for non-members. The educational sessions, including a lunch break, will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For information, visit the IWA website {illinoiswheat.org} or call Diane Handley, IWA executive secretary, at 309-557-3662.

He acknowledged existing farm bill proposals that would trim $23 billion to $33 billion from the ag budget, but argued lawmakers must take a broad bipartisan look at “opportunities to really put America on a debt repayment plan.”

Davis cited the joint work of President Bill Clinton and a Republican Congress to draft the 1997 balanced budget agreement as “the potential” for progress in the 113th Congress.

“It seems as though we categorize these discussions based upon the issue of the day, be it the ‘fiscal cliff,’ be it the debt ceiling increase,” he said. “We need to be looking at the big picture. How are we addressing our exponentially growing national debt?” — Martin Ross

Freshman

Continued from page 1 In addition, Sen. Thad Cochran’s (R-Miss.) appointment as new Senate Ag Committee ranking Republican could mean expanded farm bill provisions for southern growers.

The current Senate farm bill plan would replace direct and countercyclical payments with a new revenue safety net program, while the House has eyed a two-tiered safety net preserving price-based supports favored in the South.

Achieving a 2013 farm bill will require “give-and-take by all sectors of our agricultural economy,” Davis advised.

“Our farmers have said, ‘We don’t want direct payments as long as we can strengthen crop insurance and have better risk management tools, so we can have certainty,’” he said.

“Look at my district, right here in Central Illinois. I have some of the best, most fertile farmland in the world, and the best prices. That’s where we mainly grow corn and soybeans. Then you go down to the southwestern portion of my district, where we have a number of specialty crops.

“We have to find that compromise within my own district, and temper it with livestock and other issues that will continue to arise. I do believe we can find that same compromise nationwide, when we talk about the southern agricultural sector, which favors targeted pricing criteria, vs. what we’re looking at — more a focus on risk management tools.”

Farm Bureau, McDonald’s meet to discuss ag issues Illinois Farm Bureau joined McDonald’s recently in co-hosting several Midwest Farm Bureaus at McDonald’s corporate headquarters in Oak Brook for a discussion of ag-related issues.

Farm Bureau presidents, board members and/or staff from Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, and Wisconsin were present.

The day was spent discussing an array of topics and emerging issues. The conversation was candid and respectful, said IFB President Philip Nelson.

McDonald’s briefed the group on its corporate structure, U.S. and global supply chain, stakeholder engagement, sustainability, and animal welfare efforts, including the path it took to reach a decision on gestation stalls.

McDonald’s announced last May that it will work with its pork suppliers to phase out the use of gestation stalls over 10 years.

The group also discussed some emerging issues that McDonald’s and Farm Bureau members may face together in the future, and McDonald’s said it recognizes that Farm Bureau members can be a vital informational and educational source for them.

FarmWeek Page 4 Monday, January 14, 2013

SPECiALTy CROPS

Weinzierl: Opportunities exist in specialty crop market

BY DANIEL GRANT FarmWeek

The rise in demand for local food has created opportunities and challenges for specialty crop growers.

Rick Weinzierl, University of Illinois Extension entomologist who served as chairman of the Illinois Specialty Crops, Agritourism, and Organic Conference last week in Springfield, said demand for local food currently is outpacing production statewide.

“One of the big opportunities is there is a lot of demand for local food,” said Weinzierl, who also was a keynote speaker at the event. “But one of the challenges is we don’t have as many growers as we need to meet that demand.”

The U of I this year will increase the number of local food systems and small farm educators to 14 statewide,

Weinzierl noted. USDA also offers a Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program.

A common goal is to increase the number of new farmers who produce fruits and vegetables, Weinzierl said.

“The demand for local food says there are opportunities for beginning farmers,” he said.

And the investment for a beginning farmer, on average, would be much less to produce specialty crops compared to row crops, which could open the door for more new farmers, he noted.

“It wouldn’t be unrealistic to say if you want to make the majority of your income from row crop (corn and soybean) production, you’d need at least 500 acres, which would have a buy-in cost of around $5 million (based on average land values of $10,000 per

acre),” Weinzierl said.

“On the other hand, if you talk about making the majority of your income on fruits and vegetables on 10 acres, the buy-in cost is ‘only’ $100,000,” he noted.

Specialty crop growers also must adapt to consumer preferences and stricter food safety regulations, however, to take advantage of the local food movement.

“Growers have to adapt to more sophisticated marketing (that goes beyond selling crops at a roadside stand or farmers’ market),” he said.

He encouraged specialty crop growers to make farm safety plans and take training for good ag practices.

“If we want local food systems to be something that gains a greater share of the consumer dollar, we also need to figure we’ll be held more account-

Law specialists advise:

Minimize risk for farms, agritourism businesses

BY KAY SHIPMAN FarmWeek

Insurance coverage plays a critical role for any farm business that accepts visitors or customers, two University of Illinois agricultural law specialists advised participants at the Illinois Specialty Crops, Agritourism, and Organic Conference last week in Springfield.

Bryan Endres and Rachel Armstrong recommended farmers examine their liability insurance coverage and pay special attention to the types of activities that are excluded and how the policy defines a “farm.”

“Farm liability policies generally exclude (coverage of) injuries related to non-farm activities,” Armstrong said. “If you have school farm tours and charge the school, then you may not be covered under your farm liability policy.”

Asked about requiring visitors to sign waivers, Endres answered that can be a difficult issue when

it applies to minors. “A waiver may help, but it may not be enough,” he added.

Endres suggested a farmer who provides tours for schools, churches, or youth groups ask the sponsoring entity to name the farm as an additional insurer under the entity’s liability policy.

Other questions related to liability coverage for injuries to visitors who work. That includes people who don’t receive wages but do receive a share of the produce or some in-kind reimbursement.

Armstrong and Endres recommended farmers seek advice from a lawyer or insurance agent to determine if the farm meets the special exemption requirements for workers compensation.

Under Illinois law, agricultural businesses are exempt from buying workers comp – if they employ fewer than 400 working days of agricultural labor in any given quarter in the previous year.

However, if a worker works one hour a day, the law considers

that to be a day of ag labor, according to Armstrong. For example, if 40 workers each worked one hour on one day, the farm would have employed 40 days of ag labor.

A farmer may want to determine if buying workers compensation would be viable to minimize liability risk, Armstrong said. If workers comp is available, no tort lawsuit can be filed against the farmer, she noted.

“Workers comp could be a good deal because it’s based on payroll. It can be money well spent and not be too expensive,” she said.

Regardless of their operation or the types of visitors and customers who come to the farm, farmers should keep their insurance agent up to date with any changes or additions to on-farm activities and be sure their agent is familiar with their operation so he or she can offer advice on how to cover risk, Armstrong and Endres recommended.

PLANT PURCHASE

able (for food quality and safety issues),” Weinzierl said.

Another challenge specialty crop producers will face in the future is climate change.

“I think we have to acknowledge it’s a reality, and we’ll have to deal with things like drought and heat,” Weinzierl said. “But we can do all sorts of things to adapt to change.”

Weinzierl said farmers can adapt by improving their irrigation systems, choosing different crop varieties, and buying crop insurance.

The use of cover crops also can help because cover crops scavenge excess nitrogen, sequester carbon, increase organic matter in the soil, and provide deeper root channels for primary crops, he added.

For more information, visit the website {specialtygrowers.org}.

DATEBOOK Jan. 19 Herb Day, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Holiday Inn Hotel and Conference Center, Urbana. Call 217-2441693.

Jan. 28 Illinois Farm Bureau Crop Insurance and Truck Regulations seminars, 8 a.m., Elgin Community College Seigle Auditorium, Elgin, and 1 p.m., Highland Community College Newell Hall, Freeport.

Call 309-557-3207 or email jharrison@ilfb.org to register at least three business days prior.

Jan. 29 Meet the Buyers event, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Kankakee Community College, Kankakee. Registration deadline Jan. 25. Call 815-932-7471.

Jan. 29-30 Illinois Cover Crop Strategies, Decatur Hotel and Conference Center. Early registration due by Jan. 21. For information, go to {swcs.org/covercrops}.

Jan. 31 Illinois regional tillage seminar, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Wise Guys, Princeton. Registration deadline Jan. 25. Call 309-738-7227.

Feb. 4 IFB Crop Insurance and Trucking Regulations seminars, 8 a.m., Festivities Unlimited, Ottawa, and 1 p.m., Kankakee Community College’s Main Auditorium, Kankakee. Call 309-557-3207 or email jharrison@ilfb.org to register at least three business days prior.

Feb. 6 IFB Crop Insurance and Trucking Regulations seminar, 1 p.m., Quincy Mall Community Room, Quincy. Call 309-557-3207 or email jharrison@ilfb.org to register at least three business days prior.

Ted Biernacki of Ted’s Greenhouse, Tinley Park, presents one of his plants to Codi Reed of Galva while her friend, Sara Hahn, also of Galva, looks on. Biernacki had a booth at last week’s Illinois Specialty Crops, Agritourism, and Organic Conference in Springfield. (Photo by Cyndi Cook)

Feb. 14-15 Rural first responders security training, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Workforce Development Center, Normal.

Registration deadline Jan. 31. Contact Keith Gehrand at 309-268-8454 or keith.gehrand@heartland.edu.

Page 5 Monday, January 14, 2013 FarmWeek

the rivers Melt may help Mississippi

River projections looking positive through January

BY MARTIN ROSS FarmWeek

Members of last week’s Illinois Agricultural Legislative Roundtable were buoyed by the latest projections of winter navigation capabilities on the Upper Mississippi.

In an email to commercial river stakeholders statewide, the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) said it was hopeful the river could remain open to navigation at least through January.

IDOT reported navigation was continuing on the Mississippi from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. daily at Thebes south of St. Louis, where crews are removing high rock “pinnacles” that could impede barge traffic.

IDOT reported the Corps has been “aggressively working all lines of operation,” from dredging and reservoir management to rock removal.

Last week’s river forecast

indicated a 10-foot-deep navigation channel depth and corresponding 9-foot vessel draft “will persist to the end of the month,” IDOT stated.

Department officials suggested a warming trend coupled with anticipated precipitation would result in snow melt and rainfall entering the middle Mississippi system.

That’s “excellent news for the fertilizer industry,” said Illinois Fertilizer and Chemical Association Executive Director Jean Payne. January access is crucial to that sector as it works to shore up spring supplies, Payne said.

“It looks like the river closure has been pushed back and potentially won’t happen until the end of January, and maybe not then,” GROWMARK director of plant food Joe Dillier told FarmWeek at the roundtable.

“The supply availability picture for the spring season

is much improved. We’re pretty optimistic. Fall movement of fertilizer and fall consumption of fertilizer were strong. We got a good amount of fertilizer work done this fall; a good amount’s already on.”

The river is critical to northbound shipments of ammonia and urea, said Dillier, who warned movement from barge to rail shipment would pose a “significant” cost for GROWMARK. The only potential hitch in meeting spring fertilizer needs would be a February shutdown on the river, he said. However, Dillier was encouraged by the pace of rock removal at Thebes — added work likely will begin soon in the nearby Grand Tower area — and predicted “we’ll still be shipping.”

“Depth-restricting” pinnacles reportedly were to be removed by Friday, providing

roughly two feet in additional depth. Removal of pinnacles along river bends outside the authorized Thebes channel is expected by month’s end, and additional dredging of the channel is planned Jan. 19-21.

“The fact we can see some (snow) melt is going to help,”

Payne told FarmWeek. “In late January or February, the river’s always kind of questionable from a freezing standpoint. The number of additional days that we can assure navigation (during the winter) sure helps take the pressure off for the spring,” she said.

Watershed-level planning needed to avert future woes?

The Kaskaskia River often is perceived as a ensure the power plant meets air quality redheaded stepchild, regularly facing proposed requirements. operational budget cuts despite the relatively Plans for a major new grain terminal at low but crucial volume of goods that moves Fayetteville, also in St. Clair County, make it through the Kaskaskia Lock. even more “critical we have good flows and This winter, however, the Kaskaskia has maintain a 9-foot channel,” Weilbacher said. proven key in helping keep navigation possi“Any time we try to attract businesses on ble on the Upper Mississippi River. the river, they need an amount of certainty Kaskaskia Regional Port District General that the river is going to be at a 9-foot depth,” Manager Ed Weilbacher said he hopes Conhe told FarmWeek. gress will note the Kaskaskia’s “In order to get through this contributions as it eyes future crisis right now, we have to shift river funding. (federal) funds from the Fayet‘Any time we try teville The district board recomlocation to the lock and t o a t t ra c t bu s i - dam. However, next year, when mends Congress consider a comprehensive Mississippi n e s s e s o n t h e we have that terminal up and watershed plan that ensures river, they need running, we have to bring those adequate infrastructure fundmonies back.” an amount of ing and better coordinates Illinois Corn Growers Assocertainty that the ciation Export Committee the needs of Missouri and Mississippi River stakeholdriver is going to Chairman Jeff Jarboe argues ers. need to fund dredging “in a b e a t a 9 - f o o t the Each winter, the U.S. Army more consistent way” throughdepth.’

Corps of Engineers restricts out the Mississippi Basin chanflows from Missouri River nel. He sees prospective 2013 reservoirs for Mississippi waterways legislation as a — Ed Weilbacher potential vehicle to balance navigation based on its guidKaskaskia Regional ing Missouri River Master diverse needs across the sysPort District tem.

Manual.

Freshman U.S. Rep. Rodney The Corps approved releasDavis, a Taylorville Republican es from the Carlyle Lake reseron the House Transportation voir on the Kaskaskia to boland Infrastructure Committee, said he was ster the Mississippi water volume, though hopeful the 113th Congress might consider Weilbacher noted “we can’t do that forever.”

Water Resources Development Act reauthoAt the same time, emergency dredging has rization. Davis formerly served as Collinsville been necessary to maintain the channel at the Kaskaskia Lock, where the river feeds into the Republican Rep. John Shimkus’ liaison with the Corps.

Mississippi.

“We also may need to open the (Missouri The Kaskaskia is critical because St. Clair River) water control plan, to find out if that County’s Prairie State Energy Campus antiquated document needs updating,” he told requires two barges of sulfur “scrubber FarmWeek. — Martin Ross stone” a day from Sainte Genevieve, Mo., to

Above: Freshman U.S. Rep. Bill Enyart, a Belleville Democrat, discusses ongoing developments on the Upper Mississippi River during his tour of rock pinnacle removal work near Thebes south of St. Louis. Enyart joined Springfield Democrat Sen. Dick Durbin (seen behind Enyart) and Illinois Farm Bureau Vice President Rich Guebert Jr. on the tour. “From my observations, the Corps has done a great job in moving these contracts very, very quickly; in getting these contractors on the job; in getting the blasting and the removal of the rock outcroppings done effectively and efficiently, and as quickly as possible, so we can keep that 9-foot channel open,” Enyart told FarmWeek following a Friday meeting with Farm Bureau representatives. He cited projections that the channel would remain open through Jan. 31, after which, he said, the river “should start coming back up naturally.” (Photo courtesy of Rep. Bill Enyart staff) Below: A barge hauls rock from the central channel of the Thebes reach.

IFB Vice President Rich Guebert Jr., who viewed pinnacles via sonar from a U.S. Coast Guard vessel, noted rock removal will effectively deepen the channel by two feet. Continued rainfall over the next few weeks is key to ensuring Mississippi River flow from tributaries north of Thebes and a second rock removal site at Grand Tower. (Photo by Rich Guebert Jr.)

FarmWeek Page 6 Monday, January 14, 2013

productioN

Crop estimates friendly for corn, neutral for beans

BY DANIEL GRANT FarmWeek

USDA on Friday raised its final production estimates for corn and soybeans by 1 percent compared to its November forecast.

FarmWeekNow.com For more details on USDA’s crop production and supplydemand reports, go to FarmWeekNow.com.

The U.S. corn crop in 2012 totaled 10.8 billion bushels, down 13 percent from last year, USDA reported. Farmers harvested 3.01 billion bushels of beans, down 3 percent from a year ago.

The national average yields were projected at 123.4 bushels per acre for corn (up 1.1 bushel from the November forecast but down 23.8 bushels from last year) and 39.6 bushels per acre for beans (up 0.3 of a bushel from November but down 2.3 bushels from a year ago).

But the increase in corn yields was offset by a 300-million-bushel boost in consumption of corn for feed and residual use. Feed and residual use of wheat also was raised by 35 million bushels.

Ending stocks subsequently were lowered by 44 million bushels for corn, to a total of 602 million bushels, and by 38 million bushels for wheat to 716 million bushels. Soy stocks were raised 5 million bushels but remained tight at 135 million bushels.

Increased corn feeding and lower stocks numbers were the bullish catalyst of the report, Mike Krueger, market analyst with The Money Farm, said during a teleconference hosted by the Minneapolis Grain Exchange.

Prices for corn and wheat rallied significantly on Friday while soybean prices leveled off.

“If corn and wheat can trend higher the next few weeks, it may be enough to give soybeans a lift over time,” Dale Durchholz, AgriVisor senior market analyst, told FarmWeek.

“Corn stocks and, to a lesser extent, wheat stocks, and (lower-than-expected) winter wheat plantings were the key numbers (in USDA’s Friday reports),” he continued.

“There’s a potential for positive repercussions in the marketplace the next number of weeks.”

USDA on Friday projected yield averages in Illinois of 105 bushels per acre for corn and

ered its corn export forecast by 200 million bushels to just 950 million bushels.

‘There’s a potential for positive repercussions in the marketplace the next number of weeks.’

— Dale Durchholz AgriVisor senior market analyst

43 bushels per acre for beans.

The corn yield is the lowest in the state since 1988 (73 bushels per acre) while the bean yield is the lowest statewide since 2003 (37 bushels per acre).

Krueger projected nearterm prices could approach or surpass $7.50 per bushel for corn and $14.50 for beans.

“However, the new-crop (prices) will be reluctant to follow due to expectations of big acreages (this spring),” he said.

Large crops in South America also are expected to compete with U.S. crops on the world market and possibly pressure prices.

USDA projected total South American soy production this

Not all signs point to less corn-on-corn plantings in the U.S. this growing season A common assumption for the upcoming growing season is farmers in Illinois will plant less corn following corn.

University of Illinois test trials in stressful conditions last year produced as much as a 90bushel yield drag in continuous corn compared to corn-after-soybeans at the University’s Monmouth farm.

Farmers typically can expect about a 10 percent yield drag in corn-on-corn, even in a non-drought year, according to Emerson Nafziger, University of Illinois Extension agronomist.

But that doesn’t mean all farmers should abandon plans to plant as much or more corn this year.

There are agronomic and economic factors that support the planting of corn-on-corn at some locations, according to U of I experts who addressed a large crowd last week at the U of I Corn and Soybean Classic in Springfield.

“Going into 2013, a poorer corn crop (harvested or abandoned last year) actually is easier for corn to follow (this year) than a really good corn crop,” Nafziger said. “There often is less residue, fewer diseases, and probably nitrogen left over.”

Drought-damaged corn that was chopped early or mowed down last summer also reduced the draw on subsoil moisture, compared to a full-season crop, Nafziger noted.

“We’re probably in a little better shape than we might think we are (in terms of subsoil moisture),” he said.

The U.S. Drought Monitor last week showed the majority of the state has normal

year will total 5.4 billion bushels. The Ag Department on Friday raised bean produc-

moisture conditions or is abnormally dry, with moderate drought still prevalent in Western and Northern Illinois and an area of severe drought along the Illinois-Wisconsin border.

Farmers also may be able to reduce fertilizer rates this year in some cornfields due to residual nitrogen in the soil.

“I think there is a lot of potential to save money (this year) planting corn on a previous cornfield,” said Fabian Fernandez, U of I soil fertility specialist.

“But there are a lot of unknowns,” he continued. “We don’t know how much (nitrogen) will be available until this spring. A lot of that will depend on how much precipitation we get (prior to planting).”

The bottom line is farmers should sample their soils prior to making fertilizer applications, Fernandez stressed. In some cases, farmers may be able to reduce the rates.

Meanwhile, crop prices as of last week favored corn over beans, according to Gary Schnitkey, U of I farm management specialist.

“Recently, corn production has been more profitable than soybean production,” he said.

“Although, the prices have come together more this month.”

In the past decade, there were just two years (2002 and 2009) in which soy returns outpaced corn returns in Illinois, Schnitkey said.

Overall, Nafziger recommended farmers plan as they normally do for this season.

“We have to be careful about overreacting (to the drought),” he added. “We need to manage crops for average to good conditions.” — Daniel Grant

tion in Brazil by 55 million bushels and lowered it in Argentina by 36 million bushels.

USDA left its soybean export forecast unchanged at 1.345 billion bushels and low-

If realized, this year would mark the first time since 1971/72 the U.S. exported fewer than 1 billion bushels of corn, Durchholz noted (see AgriVisor commentary, page 15).

Wheat seedings, stocks estimates lower than analysts expected The balance sheet for wheat tightened up last week.

USDA on Friday projected winter wheat seedings last fall for the 2013 crop totaled 41.8 million acres. The trade expected 43 million acres, according to Mike Krueger, market analyst with The Money Farm.

USDA on Friday also lowered its ending stocks projection for wheat from 754 million to 716 million bushels.

“The smaller wheat acreage number might attract more attention to the fact that the hard red winter wheat rating (prior to dormancy) was the worst ever,” Krueger said during a teleconference hosted by the Minneapolis Grain Exchange.

USDA projected plantings of hard red winter wheat totaled 29.1 million acres, down 2 percent. Analysts previously projected an increase in hard red wheat plantings of 1 million to 1.5 million acres.

“It was just simply too dry to plant hard red winter wheat,” Krueger said. “On the other hand, soft red winter wheat seedings were about half a million acres above expectations.”

Seedings of soft red winter wheat were projected to total 9.42 million acres, up 16 percent from a year ago.

In Illinois, farmers last fall planted 830,000 acres of soft red wheat, up 26 percent from the previous year.

Illinois growers likely were encouraged to plant more wheat due to excellent yields and a quality crop harvested last year. The Illinois wheat yield for 2012 was pegged at 63 bushels per acre, up 2 bushels from 2011.

Meanwhile, USDA raised its projections for feed and residual use of wheat by 35 million bushels.

Krueger believes increased use of wheat, lower stocks, and the possibility of a smaller-than-expected crop this year are bullish for the market.

He projected wheat prices at Chicago could climb back above $8 per bushel. USDA adjusted its 2012/13 season average price down a dime to a range of $7.65 to $8.15 per bushel.

— Daniel Grant

Page 7 Monday, January 14, 2013 FarmWeek

RISK MANAGEMENT

More, cheaper insurance options available in ’13

BY MARTIN ROSS FarmWeek

Given the prospect of reduced insurance rates, an expanded opportunity to rewrite farm “history,” and a new option to separate low- and high-risk acres, crop insurance may appear even more appealing for Illinois farmers.

Growers recovering from last year’s drought have available what Illinois Farm Bureau risk management specialist Doug Yoder deemed a significant new tool: the High Risk-Alternative Coverage Endorsement (HR-ACE).

Under the endorsement, producers can opt for separate reduced-yield coverage on high-risk acres within a county or, in the event general acres are covered under a revenue policy, either revenue protection at a lower coverage level or simply an equal or reduced level of yield coverage.

Yoder called the new endorsement “a biggie, especially as you move south.”

“In Illinois, revenue coverage easily is the most popular (crop insurance) option,” he noted. “Last year, an 85 percent coverage level was the most widely used protection.

“But 85 percent revenue protection on high-risk ground is unaffordable — it’s astronomical. Your only other choices were to exclude those acres completely from coverage or take bare-minimum catastrophic coverage at a 50 percent price and 50 percent coverage. HR-ACE allows you to have additional coverage options on that high-risk ground.”

IFB long has lobbied for HR-ACE-style options. The Illinois Corn Growers Association, meanwhile, was instrumental in USDA Risk Management Agency’s three-tiered adjustment of county insurance rates, which continues this year with further corn and soybean rate reductions in most of the northern two-thirds of the state (see accompanying map).

Further, an expanded Trend-Adjusted-Actual Production History (TA-APH) option offers “huge benefits” for Illinois farmers, Yoder said.

Eligible producers may adjust APH to better reflect more recent county yield

trends (higher APH generally translates into a higher guarantee).

duction potential.

“I think trend adjustment is a great addition to the

program, in terms of producers being able to cover what their true expected

production and projected revenue are in any given crop year.”

The latest phase of USDA Risk Management Agency’s three-year crop insurance re-ratings process means reduced insurance costs for corn and soybean producers across much of the state this spring.

TA-APH, which was available for all Illinois soybean acres and corn acres in selected counties in 2012, is extended to all Illinois counties this season. In addition, the option was opened to wheat growers this fall.

TA-APH consistently results in reduced premium per dollar of coverage. For example, a Macon County farmer who paid $23 per acre in 2012 premiums to protect 151 bushels at an 85 percent coverage level without adjustment might have enjoyed an equal level of protection at a $15 premium with 80 percent coverage, University of Illinois crop insurance specialist Bruce Sherrick said.

“Especially in the Midwest, for corn and soybeans, trend yields have such a major effect on the (crop) guarantee,” U of I ag economist Nick Paulson told FarmWeek.

“For wheat, the trend yield increases over time haven’t been as strong, but in general, you’re basically adjusting coverage to more accurately reflect your pro-

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FarmWeek Page 8 Monday, January 14, 2013

liVeStocK

Animal scientist: ‘We have to do the right thing’

BY KAY SHIPMAN FarmWeek

A University of Illinois animal scientist challenged agriculture’s livestock sector to be proactive on issues of animal well-being and not let activists “drive the bus.”

“It’s our moral obliga-

‘ We h ave t o d o w h a t i s m o ra l l y right.’

— Janeen SalakJohnson University of Illinois animal scientist

tion to do the right thing,” Janeen Salak-Johnson told members of the Illinois Agricultural Legislative Roundtable last week.

“Be willing to accept and adopt change to improve

animals’ well being,” she advised.

Although SalakJohnson doesn’t have a far m background, she said she has developed a passion for the issue of livestock produc-

tion and animals’ well b e i n g.

The scientist presented the roundtable with a crash course on her study of different sow housing systems and scientific evidence of stress and other factors

related to the sows’ health and well being.

Salak-Johnson showed images of injured sows and ag g ressive behavior that occur red in g roup pens.

Group housing works,

State’s livestock industry growing Illinois’ livestock sector continues to grow and invest millions into the state’s economy, according to Nic Anderson of the Illinois Livestock Development Group.

Last year, the Illinois Department of Agriculture received 150 notices from livestock operations that planned to build new facilities or expand existing ones, Anderson reported to the Illinois Agricultural Legislative Roundtable last week.

Anderson did not know how many of the 150 continued to the next step, but said on average 80 percent are constructed, based information from the past 16 years.

Anderson estimated those facilities would have added infrastructure worth $61 million to

the state’s economy in 2012.

Since 1996, the state Livestock Management Facilities Act (LMFA) has regulated construction of new and expanded livestock facilities.

During the last 16 years, 1,500 notices for new or expanded livestock facilities were filed, according to Anderson.

The majority of those facilities have housed between 500 and 1,200 animals and are considered mid-size livestock farms, he said.

Each year, opposition surfaces over three or four proposed facilities, Anderson noted.

“We’re pretty successful building livestock infrastructure,” he said. “We’ve got a system (LMFA) that handles big and small farms.” — Kay Shipman

but does not improve the animals’ well being, she said.

T he livestock industr y “must evaluate, refine, and replace things that d o n’t wo r k ,” s h e s a i d . “ O n e s i z e d o e s n’t f i t a l l .”

Activists are shifting some of the focus from gestation stalls to such management practices as castration and tail docking, according to SalakJo h n s o n .

Activists “are tr ying to claim if we get rid of g e s t a t i o n s t a l l s, t h e n castration and tail docki n g w i l l g o a w a y,” s h e said.

Still she said, the livestock sector should not continue doing business as usual.

“Be willing to accept some systems need to be e l i m i n a t e d o r m o d i f i e d ,” S a l a k - Jo h n s o n s a i d . “ We have to do what is m o r a l l y r i g h t .”

Cultivating Master Farmers program seeking young farmer participants Registration is open for farmers interested in the Cultivating Master Farmers program.

The unique, two-year program is designed to unite different generations of Illinois farmers through the exchange of personal ideas, knowledge, and production experience.

Cultivating Master Farmers joins a class of young farmers with Prairie Farmer Master Farmers for an exchange of knowledge and ideas.

The new class tentatively will meet for orientation on July 9, followed by five other events/tours throughout Illinois the next two years, before graduation on July 7, 2015.

The program is sponsored by 1st Farm Credit Services, Farm Credit Services of Illi-

nois, GROWMARK, Illinois Farm Bureau, Monsanto, and Prairie Farmer.

Applications are available online at {1stfarmcredit.com} and at the IFB Young Leaders website {youngleaders.yolasite.com}. Questions about the program may be directed to Karen Blatter by calling 309-268-0254 or emailing her at kblatte@1stfarmcredit.com.

Young farmers to be eligible for the program must be between the ages of 21 and 35 years, be actively engaged in production ag, and willing to commit to a two-year program. Couples are encouraged to apply.

Master Farmers eligible for the program must have been named a Master Farmer by Prairie Farmer and willing to commit to the two-year program.

Ag ScholArShip DigeSt 1st Farm Credit — Twenty-four scholarships of $1,500 each are available to high school seniors within the association’s 42-county service territory. The application deadline is Feb. 15.

Eligible graduating seniors must be accepted into an agriculture or agriculture-related curriculum at a university, college, or community college and either reside in or have attended high school within 1st Farm Credit Services’ territory.

Qualified students may obtain an application online at {1stfarmcredit.com} or from a local 1st Farm Credit Services office. For the nearest 1st Farm Credit Services office, call 800-444-3276 or visit {1stfarmcredit.com}.

Page 9 Monday, January 14, 2013 FarmWeek

production

New project could unlock stover’s biofuels potential

BY MARTIN ROSS FarmWeek

With federal support, scientists will scour the globe for new, more robust, and cheaper “bugs” for the nextgeneration ethanol industry.

In short, Novozymes biochemist Sarah Teter and her colleagues are seeking an enzyme for all seasons.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has awarded Teter’s company $2.5 million to find new, more efficient microbial enzymes to break down corn stover for conversion into fuel.

The two-year project, dubbed “SynTec,” will use advanced biological technology to rapidly screen natural enzymes that could help improve the cost and effec-

tiveness of conversion.

DOE hopes to foster “affordable, scalable, and sustainable” biomass-based advanced biofuels that can improve greenhouse gas emissions and meet federal renewable fuel requirements.

To date, Novozymes’ technology has helped reduced the cost of biofuels enzyme production by 90 percent.

“It’s all about costs,” Teter told FarmWeek. “It’s all about reducing the amount of enzymes that you need to go from ag wastes such as corn stover to (convertible) sugars.

“This SynTec project is about further advancing the enzymes so that you need even less to break down cel-

Propane farm incentive program announced The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) has announced the Propane Farm Incentive Program, a nationwide research and demonstration initiative in which farmers can receive more than $4,000 toward the purchase of new propane-fueled irrigation engines.

Farmers who participate in the program will receive a $400 incentive per liter of engine displacement, up to 10.3 liters or $4,120, toward the purchase of a new propane-fueled irrigation engine. Qualifying equipment must be new, original propanefueled engines and equipment that have obtained the proper U.S. Environmental Protection Agency certification.

“By offering incentives to farmers in exchange for performance data, we’re establishing a mutually beneficial relationship that will assist in developing new technology to support the industry,” said Mark Leitman, director of business development and marketing at PERC. Currently, nearly 40 percent of farms in the U.S. use propane to run pumps and engines, heat buildings, and dry and process crops.

Nearly 90 percent of U.S. propane supplies are produced in the United States.

Farmers may participate in the program through equipment dealers nationwide or by submitting an online application at {agpropane.com/incentive/}.

For more information about the program or to see a list of eligible equipment, visit {agpropane.com}.

DHS-certified course offered for rural responders The Rural Domestic Preparedness Consortium will provide rural first responders in Normal and surrounding communities a free Department of Homeland Security (DHS)-certified course in February.

The 16-hour classroom-led course will be from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 14 and 15 at the Workforce Development Center, 1508 Vermilion Way, Normal. The registration deadline is Jan. 31.

Participants will learn how to develop strategies and implement security measures for planned events in small communities and rural areas.

The course is designed for those in emergency services, public health, local and state government, emergency management, and other first responders.

Participants are encouraged to have a working knowledge of the Incident Command System/National Incident Management System, which is gained through completion of the Federal Emergency Management Agency IS 700 course or the equivalent.

To register, contact Keith Gehrand at 309-268-8454 or email him at keith.gehrand@heartland.edu.

lulose. That will really help the bottom line for the new cellulosic biorefineries.”

Novozymes and project

enzymes will be tested in combination with Novozymes’ existing highefficiency fungal enzyme

‘It’s all about costs. It’s all about reducing the amount of enzymes that you need to go from ag wastes such as corn stover to (convertible) sugars.’

— Sarah Teter Novozymes

partner MBI (a not-for-profit affiliate of Michigan State University) will screen and “cherry pick” naturally occurring microbes — bacteria, fungi, and the like — from sources such as landfills and composting facilities, Teter said. Candidate

“platform” on pre-treated ag wastes.

SynTech’s objective is to tailor enzymes for use with both the different chemical and mechanical processes used to break down biomass and a wide range of feedstocks. A plant that can

process stover at one point in the production year and wheat straw and/or municipal wastes at another can be assured consistent feedstock and biofuels supplies, Teter stressed.

Corn stover is “a very attractive feedstock” in terms of ease of pretreatment and conversion to fermentable sugars, the biochemist said. From a biorefinery cost standpoint, its appeal depends on residue yields, harvest, and transportation.

“My impression is that on all those fronts, corn stover is a very nice feedstock, as well,” Teter said. “I think that explains why a lot of startups are using corn stover as the first biomass feedstock in cellulosic biorefineries.

Tillage seminar to focus on soil, water health Soil and water health will be the focus of an Illinois regional tillage seminar from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Jan. 31 at Wise Guys, Princeton. The registration deadline is Jan. 25.

The agenda includes a variety of topics, including cover crops, drainage management, nutrient management practices, hydrological data resources, and the impact of herbicideresistant weeds on conservation tillage.

The registration fee is $25 per person and includes lunch and refreshments. Payment is required with preregistration. Checks should be made payable to the Bureau County Soil

and Water Conservation District (SWCD).

For a registration form and details, go to {farmweeknow.com} or send contact information, number of reservations, and payment to: Tillage Seminar, Bureau County SWCD, 312 E. Backbone Road, Princeton, Ill., 61356. The telephone number is 309738-7227.

The seminar is sponsored by the University of Illinois Extension, Illinois Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, and the Association of Illinois SWCD.

Jon Scholl stepping down at American Farmland Trust American Farmland Trust (AFT) President Jon Scholl announced last week he will step down this summer after a five-year term as the head of the nation’s leading farmland conservation organization.

Scholl has accepted a posi-

tion to teach agricultural policy as part of an “experiential learning program” at the University of Illinois’ College of Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences in Urbana-Champaign.

He also plans to resume

his active role as a partner in his family’s farm in McLean County.

The search for a new president will be led by AFT Board Member William DeLauder, working with a Washington executive search firm.

Keeenn K Ken K Kash Ka aash shi sh hiaaann hian h

Ken Kasshi K hiia ian an an Limited Ed L diti dition iti Print Pi t Bishop Hill Blooms, 2012 Illinois Farm Bureau photographer Ken Kashian ha captured the beauty of this historic Henry County community in western Illinois.

Fourth in an annual series, the t matted, signed and for $25 at the numbered prints will be available for IAA Annual Meeting, December 1-4, in Chicago.

Find them at the Foundation Country Store (in the Hospitality/Silent Auction area).

O Other ther prints in the series will also be be available available in limit limited ed quantities. quantities.

Only 50 A Available Av vailable

All proceeds benefit the IAA Foundation.

Questions? Contact Carol at (309) 557-2230 or charms-garman@ilfb.org

FarmWeek Page 10 Monday, January 14, 2013

markets

ISA focuses on improving soy oil, protein content

BY DANIEL GRANT FarmWeek

The volume of U.S. soybean exports increased in recent years as demand skyrocketed in countries such as China.

But the U.S. market share of soy exports the past 20 years actually declined 26 percent, according to the Illinois Soybean Association (ISA).

The trend of decreasing market share has been driven by increased competition from South America. But

address customer needs,” said Rowen Ziegler, a soybean farmer from LaHarpe and chairman of the ISA Production Committee.

“With Brazilian production ramping up every year, we face a real challenge to maintain our global market share and satisfy customers.”

ISA recently published a white paper, “Looking Beyond Soybean Yields,” to help Illinois soybean growers understand how planting varieties with greater protein

‘With Brazilian production ramping up every year, we face a real challenge to maintain our global market share and satisfy customers.’

— Rowen Ziegler chairman, ISA Production Committee

ISA members believe quality issues also could be contributing to the situation.

“Soybean quality has been studied for more than 30 years, but the industry has lacked a unified approach to

and oil levels can protect their profits and market share.

The white paper is available at ISA’s website {ilsoy.org} or growers may obtain a hard copy by con-

tacting ISA at 309-663-7692.

“It (improving oil and protein levels) has become a focus at the association,” said Ross Prough, an ISA board member and farmer from Greenfield. “We need to get plant breeders on board to look at that.”

Processors around the world require beans with at least 35 percent protein and 19 percent oil to avoid discounts.

But a soybean quality survey conducted by the U.S. Soybean Export Council found U.S. soy protein and oil levels have been trending down since the 1980s.

“It is up to us as soybean farmers to deliver the product that best meets our customers’ needs for protein and oil, or someone else will,” said Bill Raben, a farmer from Ridgway and ISA vice chairman.

The white paper includes charts, graphs, and visuals to illustrate why farmers should strive to increase component quality and steps they can take to improve the content of their soybeans.

Processors require soybeans with at least 35 percent protein and 19 percent oil levels to avoid discounts on the world market. A 10-year trend shows oil and protein levels are declining in Illinois soybeans, which could threaten market share.

Regional seminars to address crop insurance, truck regs Farm Bureau is offering several regional seminars that will focus on trucking regulations and crop insurance around the state.

The seminars, sponsored

by Illinois Farm Bureau and local county Farm Bureaus, are free. Advance registration at least three business days before the meeting is required. To register, call 309-557-3207, sign in at {ilfb.org} and go to conferences and events or email jharrison@ilfb.org.

Federal truck regulations affect every farmer in Illinois. Changes in Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulation enforcement occurred last May and additional significant changes may follow this year.

Seminar participants will learn how to sort fact from hearsay and gain a better understanding about which rules apply to them and why, said Kevin Rund, IFB transportation expert, who will cover a range of topics and answer audience questions.

Doug Yoder, IFB risk management specialist, will cover new crop insurance features for 2013, including the newest phase of rated adjustments that will be implemented in 2013.

Crop insurance results from 2012 will be provided and analyzed along with information needed to make the best crop insurance selection possible this year.

The crop insurance also will include details of the nine-month extension of the 2008 farm bill and what the extension means to farmers, their risk management needs, and possible crop insurance ramifications.

Morning and afternoon sessions will be held on each meeting date. Morning sessions will be from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. with afternoon sessions from 1 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

A Jan. 28 seminar will start at 8 a.m. in the Elgin Community College Seigle Auditorium, Elgin, and at 1 p.m. in the Highland Community College Newell Hall, Freeport.

February dates, times, and locations are: Feb. 4, 8 a.m., Festivities Unlimited, Ottawa, and 1 p.m., Kankakee Community College’s Main Auditorium, Kankakee; Feb. 6, 1 p.m., Quincy Mall Community Room, Quincy (site of the morning session has yet to be determined); Feb. 15, 8 a.m., Danville Area Community College, Danville, and 1 p.m., Evergreen FS, Bloomington; Feb. 25, 8 a.m. Lincoln Land Community College’s Trutter Center, Springfield, and Madison County Farm Bureau, 1 p.m., Edwardsville; Feb. 26, 8 a.m., John A. Logan Community College’s H 127 and 128, Carterville, and 1 p.m. First Christian Church, Salem; and Feb. 27, 8 a.m., The Holiday Hotel, Olney, and 1 p.m., Lake Land Community College’s West Building, Mattoon.

March 4, 8 a.m., Southeastern Illinois College, Harrisburg (site of the afternoon session has yet to be determined).

Additional meeting dates and locations may be added in the future.

Page 11 Monday, January 14, 2013 FarmWeek

rural development

Energy efficiency can help lower farm costs NRCS offering Farm energy-saving tips initiatives Doug Overhults, University of Kentucky

BY KAY SHIPMAN FarmWeek

Farmers wanting to cut expenses should consider reducing energy uses and improving energy efficiency on the farm.

Energy conservation is the focus of a special initiative being offered by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).

An on-farm energy initiative is part of the 2013 Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) in Illinois.

Extension agricultural engineer, offered the following energy-saving recommendations: • Check for adequate insulation in building ceilings.

“Insulating the ceiling is one of the first places to make an impact and it (insulation) is relatively easy to add,” Overhults said. “One good thing about adding ceiling insulation is it works all the time” and no management time or additional expense is required, he said.

Eligible practices include farmstead energy improvements and an energy management plan, which is an energy audit to discover possible

Rural Development offers funding for farm energy-related projects USDA Rural Development offers farmers two programs for energy-related projects, according to Molly Hammond, assistant to state Rural Development Director Colleen Callahan.

Grants and loan guarantees are available through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). Program funding and guarantees may be used to buy, install, and build renewable energy systems; make energy efficiency improvements to non-residential buildings and facilities; and use renewable technologies that reduce energy consumption.

Eligible renewable energy projects include those that produce energy from wind, solar, geothermal, and biomass, including anaerobic digesters.

Energy efficiency improve-

ments must reduce energy use and result in savings, such as retrofitting lighting or insulation, or buying or replacing equipment with more energy-efficient ones.

For information about REAP, contact Mary Warren at 217-403-6218 or go online to {rurdev.usda.gov/energy.html}.

The Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) program also may be used for new anaerobic digester projects.

Grants may be used for planning and working capital expenses. Eligible planning expenses include feasibility studies, business plans, and legal costs related to permits.

Eligible working capital expenses include interconnection fees, monthly fees to utility or engineering firms for communication lines for monitoring purposes, utility costs to operate the system, and legal costs for interconnection and/or power purchase agreements.

For VAPG information, contact Matt Harris at 217403-6211 or go to {rurdev.usda.gov/BCP_VAPG .html}.

‘Hunting the land’ info meeting Jan. 30

Crowne Plaza Springfield, IL

Will they hear your voice above the crowd?

Plan to attend the Illinois Farm Bureau Governmental Affairs Leadership Conference! Discuss the issues impacting you and learn easy steps you can take to cut through all the noise and unlock a brighter future for farming!

For More Information...

Contact your county Farm Bureau or visit www.ilfb.org

The Menard County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) will host an informational meeting, “Hunting the Land,” at 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Jan. 30, at the New Salem Park Auditorium.

Speakers will include Mark Beck, co-founder of Hunting Pro Properties; Kevin Bettis, Illinois Department of Conservation conservation officer; and Dave Howell and Jerry Johnson of Illinois Quail Unlimited.

Admission is free, and more infor mation is available from Marilyn Kelton at the Menard SWCD at 217632-7590, or via email at Marilyn.Kelton@il.nacdnet.net.

• Use more efficient lights.

• Seal building leaks. Sealing leaks will make ventilation and other systems work more efficiently, he noted.

• Inspect condition of ventilation fans and do needed maintenance. Replace any damaged blades, pulleys, or motors.

Overhults and his colleagues found most farm ventilation fans operated 10 to 15 percent less efficiently than expected. — Kay Shipman

energy savings.

Energy reduction probably isn’t high on the list of costcutting measures for most farmers, but it’s one they should consider, according to experts. “The cost of electricity and gas has become more significant,” said Doug Overhults, University of Kentucky Extension agricultural engineer.

Jim Kaitschuk, executive director of the Illinois Pork Producers Association, agreed an energy audit or other energy-saving practices that reduce farm expenses are positive.

“Anything to maximize dollars,” he added.

In addition to an energy audit, the EQIP on-farm energy initiative offers irrigation water management and practices related to pumps.

Illinois NRCS is offering more than $11 million to implement EQIP conservation practices. The application cutoff dates are Jan. 18, March 15, and May 17.

Special EQIP initiatives available statewide include one for seasonal high tunnels and another for organic production.

Farmers in 39 counties also may apply for a special EQIP air-quality initiative. Those counties were selected because of a need to meet federal airquality standards.

They are: Boone, Bond, Bureau, Calhoun, Clinton, Cook, DeKalb, DuPage, Greene, Grundy, Henry, Jackson, Jersey, Kane, Kankakee, Kendall, Lake, LaSalle, Lee, Livingston, Macon, Macoupin, Madison, Marshall, McHenry, Mercer, Monroe, Montgomery, Moultrie, Perry, Piatt, Putnam, Randolph, Rock Island, St. Clair, Washington, Whiteside, Will, and Woodford.

Eligible practices include conservation crop rotation and conservation cover crops, the planting and establishment of windbreaks and shelter belts, and the use of amendments and additives to control odor of agricultural waste.

Contact the local NRCS office for an application or more information about EQIP or other NRCS programs.

FarmWeek Page 12 Monday, January 14, 2013

iFb iN actioN

IFB announces SWAT members for 2013 Farm Bureau members recently were named to the first Strength With Advisory Teams (SWAT) for 2013. Other members were selected for ad hoc advisory groups.

Each of the three teams will identify issues and provide input to the Illinois Farm Bureau Board of Directors on issues relating to farmers, production practices, rural life, and other agriculture-related issues.

Team members and the county Farm Bureaus they represent are as follows: Conservation and natural resources: Doug Scheider, Stephenson; Lon Lovellette, Grundy; Randy Poskin, FordIroquois, IFB District 6 director; Dennis Haab, Livingston; Jim Williams, McLean; Dean Doughty, Peoria; Sam Zumwalt, Hancock; David Wessel, Cass-Morgan; Darrel Parish, Macon; Kara Kinney, Douglas County Farm Bureau manager; Barb Gard, Clark; Brad Hester, Marion; Randy Darr, Macoupin; and Tom Fox, Jackson.

Farming production and marketing: Harry Alten, McHenry; Dale Jackson, Stark; Brad Temple, LaSalle, IFB District 4 director; Randy Faber, Lee; Glenn Ginder, Will; Krista Swanson, Knox; Bianca Miller, Schuyler; Sara Brockman, Hancock County Farm Bureau manager; Andy Bolsen, Moultrie; Pat Titus, Douglas; Karl Spencer, Jasper; Edward Marburger, Macoupin; Dean Campbell, Randolph; and Don Ahrens, Gallatin.

Local and state government: Mark Tuttle, DeKalb; Merri Berlage, Jo Daviess; Mike Zecher, Mercer; Ken Beck, LaSalle; Jim Frueh, Bureau County Farm Bureau manager; Keith Mussman, Kankakee; Fred Meyer, Tazewell; David Serven, Knox, IFB District 8 director; Andy Sellars, Scott; Mary Liz Wright, Edgar; Norbert Soltwedel, Effingham; Mike Painter, Greene; George Obernagel, Monroe; and David White, Wayne.

The teams will meet for times each year with the first meeting set for Jan. 31.

In addition to the enhanced team structure, a new compo-

FarmWeekNow.com To learn more about the Strength With Advisory Teams, go to FarmWeekNow.com.

nent this year are the ad hoc advisory groups. The following members were selected to serve in an advisory capacity on specific issues of interest and will provide input as requested by the teams and the organization throughout the year.

Ad hoc members and the counties they represent are: Northern Illinois: John Bartman, Gene Boppart, and Chris Dahm, all of McHenry; Berk Boehne, DeKalb; and Mike Kenyon, Kane.

Also: Bruce Johnson, Stephenson County Farm Bureau manager; and Larry Larson and Gary Shedd, both of Winnebago-Boone.

Also: Dwayne Anderson,

Deve Detloff, and Steve Weber, all of Henry.

Also: Danelle Burrs, Lee County Farm Bureau manager; Melvin Matter and Monty Whipple, both of LaSalle; Charles Meisenheimer, Bureau; and Eleanor Zimmerlein, Lee. Also: Edie Raices, Cook, and Anu Verma, DuPage.

Central Illinois: Jason Bunting, Ray Dieter, Jerry Quick, all of Livingston; and David Haase, Ford-Iroquois.

Also: Matt Hughes and Darrel Miller, McLean; John Knight, Tazewell; and D.J. Wyss, Woodford.

Also: Richard Carroll, Peoria; Curt Eisenmayer, WarrenHenderson; David Headley, Fulton; and Mike Hennenfent, Rob Link, and Linda Wikoff, all of Knox.

Also: Mary Barnes and Brenda Middendorf, both of Pike; Kent Prather, Schuyler; and Blake Roderick, Pike County Farm Bureau manager.

Also: Luellen Betzelberger, Mason; Allen Entwistle and Andy Goleman, both of Sang-

amon; and Len Krusemark, Logan.

Also: Terry Ferguson, DeWitt; Jonathon Manuel, Fred Perry, and Stan Sipp, all of Piatt; and Emmett Sefton and Greg Webb, both of Macon.

Also: Joanie Burke, Emily Morehouse, and J.C. Reitmeier, all of Champaign; and Steve Fourez and Kevin Green, both of Vermilion.

Southern Illinois: Michael Evans and Rich Ochs, both of Jasper; and Tony Trimble, Jasper County Farm Bureau manager.

Also: Jarod Hitchings and Earl Sorrells, both of Montgomery; and Kevin Miller, Effingham.

Also: Steve Koeller, Madison; and Hugh Moore, Jersey.

Also: Larry Johnson, Clinton; Gale Koelling and Steve Launius, both of Washington; and Steve Stallman, Randolph.

IFB and the teams are discussing issues that are important to members. To share your thoughts and vision for the future of agriculture, go

IFB’s Governmental Affairs Leadership Conference offers sessions, workshops The Illinois Farm Bureau Governmental Affairs Leadership Conference will offer two days of issue-oriented general sessions and workshops Feb. 20-21 at the Crowne Plaza, Springfield.

Participants may select from two dozen workshop topics.

Issues covered will include transportation, legislation, local government, and natural resources.

Farm Bureau leaders will have an opportunity to talk with lawmakers during a statewide legislative reception on Wednesday evening.

Registration is being offered for either or both days. The cost is $50 for Wednesday only, $30 for Thursday only, or $70 for both days.

Online registration will be available after Tuesday. Hotel reservations are due directly to the hotel by Jan. 25. The conference pre-registration deadline is Feb. 11.

To register for the conference or to receive more information, contact your county Farm Bureau office or go online to {ilfb.org}.

Workshop to focus on medicinal herbs

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A two-day workshop will be conducted at the Jane Addams Hull-House Museum in Chicago Feb. 1 and 2 for Midwestern growers interested in diversifying their businesses with specialty crops.

Sponsors are the Eco-Vision Sustainable Learning Center at Lake Geneva, Wis.; FamilyFarmed.org; Growing Power; The Land Connection; and Inner Ecology.

The workshop will introduce growers to the basic strategies of producing domestic East Asian medicinal herbs.

Topics include: selecting zone-appropriate crops, applying propagation strategies, assessing and managing risks, developing production plans, calculating production costs, implementing quality controls, marketing, and understanding legal and regulatory issues.

Herb farming experts Jean Giblette of High Falls Gardens, N.Y., and Peg Schafer of Chinese Medicinal Herb Farm in northern California will facilitate the workshop.

“This training is a great way for farmers to learn how to grow and sell into this market,” said Jim Slama, president of FamilyFarmed.org.

For more information or to register for the workshop, visit {innerecology.com/PEM}.

Page 13 Monday, January 14, 2013 FarmWeek

from the counties

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ASS-MORGAN — Farm Bureau Marketing Committee will sponsor a winter market outlook program at 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 24, at the Morgan County Extension office in Jacksonville. Dale Durchholz, AgriVisor, will be the speaker.

Call the Farm Bureau office at 245-6833 for reservations or more information.

HAMPAIGN — Farm Bureau Equine Committee will sponsor an equine garage sale from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the Farm Bureau office.

• The annual meeting will be at 6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 21, at the Holiday Inn and Convention Center, Urbana. Cost is $14. Illinois Farm Bureau President Philip Nelson will be the speaker.

OLES — Farm Bureau will sponsor a landowner meeting at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 7, in the 4-H Building at the Coles County Fairground. Laura Harmon, of the Illinois Farm Bureau general counsel’s office, and Rae Payne, IFB senior director of business and regulatory affairs, will be discussing Ameren’s Illinois Rivers project and the rights of landowners. Call the Farm Bureau office at 345-3276 to register or for more information.

OOK — Farm Bureau Commodities/Marketing Team will sponsor up to five $300 Cookfresh grants for garden supplies. Contact the Farm Bureau office at 354-3276 for applications or for more information. Application deadline is Feb. 28.

• Farm Bureau scholarships are available. Contact the Farm Bureau office at 3543276 or {cookcfb.org/cookcfb-foundation/scholarships} for an application or more information. Applications are due by Feb. 20.

• Farm Bureau and the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland and northwest Indiana will celebrate Food Check-Out Day Feb. 21. Non-perishable food items may be dropped off at the Farm Bureau office. Call the Farm Bureau office at 354-3276 for more information.

UMBERLAND — The annual meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 22, at the Neoga Middle School. A free meal from Saathoff ’s Custom Catering will be served to those who contribute a non-perishable food item. Kevin Orpurt, meteorologist with WTHITV Channel 10, will be the speaker. Call the Farm Bureau office at 849-3031 for reser-

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vations or more information.

FFINGHAM — Farm Bureau and the First National Bank of Dieterich are sponsoring a trip from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 14, to the National Farm Machinery Show in Louisville, Ky. Cost is $35 for Farm Bureau members and bank customers and $45 for non-members and includes transportation and dinner.

Call the Farm Bureau office at 342-2103 or Larry Ring, First National Bank of Dieterich, at 925-5225 for reservations or more information. Deadline for registration and payment is Wednesday, Feb. 6.

REENE — Farm Bureau Foundation scholarship applications are available at the Greene County Farm Bureau office and through high school agriculture departments and guidance counselors. Call the Farm Bureau office at 9426958 for more information.

ERSEY — Farm Bureau Foundation scholarship applications are available at the Farm Bureau office and through high school agriculture teachers and guidance counselors. Call the Farm Bureau office at 498-9576 for more information.

ANKAKEE — Farm Bureau and Illinois Farm Bureau are among sponsors of a Meet the Buyers event from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 29, at the Kankakee Community College. The event will give local and regional produce growers the opportunity to meet produce buyers. Call the Farm Bureau office at 932-7471 to register or for more information.

• Farm Bureau will cosponsor a congressional candidates forum for the open seat in the 2nd Congressional District at 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 7, at the Kankakee Public Library. The forum is open to the public.

Call the Farm Bureau office at 932-7471 for more information.

EE — Farm Bureau Foundation scholarships for high school seniors and undergraduate students who are studying agriculturerelated fields of study are available at {leecfb.org}, the Farm Bureau office at 8573531, or via email at leecfb@comcast.net. Applications must be received at the Farm Bureau office by Feb. 1.

• Farm Bureau will sponsor a Commercial Driver’s License screening from 8 a.m. to noon Friday, Feb. 22, at the Farm Bureau office. NowCare will offer a discount to Farm Bureau members for a medical card examination or drug

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screening. Call the Farm Bureau office at 857-3531, email leecfb@comcast.net, or visit {leecfb.org} to schedule an appointment or for more information.

• Farm Bureau Foundation will sponsor a Books by the Bushel Program for organizations in Lee County. Call the Farm Bureau office at 8573531 or email leecfb@comcast.net for an application or more information. The application deadline is Feb. 1.

IVINGSTON — John Lee, Illinois Feed and Grain Association safety specialist, and Kevin Runkle of the Illinois Fertilizer and Chemical Association will give presentations at a farm safety breakfast sponsored by the Livingston and McLean County Farm Bureaus and Prairie Central Co-Op at 7:30 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 30, at the Asmark Agricenter in Bloomington. A simulated grain drowning rescue will be provided, and emergency medical services personnel will discuss first-on-the-scene procedures. Funding also is provided through a farm safety grant from Illinois Farm Bureau and Country Financial. Call Livingston County Farm Bureau at 815-842-1103, McLean County Farm Bureau at 309-663-6497, or Prairie Central Co-Op at 815-9457866 or email livcfbmgr@yahoo.com by Wednesday, Jan. 23, for reservations.

ERCER — The annual meeting will be at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 24, at the VFW Hall in Aledo.

Cost is $3. The speaker will be Tyson Schulte, Illinois FFA state treasurer and a graduate of Sherrard High School.

Reservations are due by Friday, Jan. 18. Call the Farm Bureau office at 582-5116 for reservations or more information.

• Farm Bureau Marketing Committee will sponsor a winter market outlook meeting at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 17, in the Farm Bureau basement. Dale Durchholz, AgriVisor, will be the speaker.

Call the Farm Bureau office at 582-5116 for more information.

EORIA — Farm Bureau’s Corn/Soy Promoters annual meeting will be at 5:45 p.m. Tuesday at Gil’s Restaurant, Hanna City.

• Farm Bureau and Barnyard Discoveries each will sponsor an exhibit at the Family Fest from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday at the Peoria Civic Center.

ICHLAND — Farm Bureau; Ron Gray, Country Financial crop insur-

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ance specialist; and the Illinois Corn Marketing Board will sponsor a crop insurance meeting at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 24, at the Holiday in Olney. Dinner will be served at 5:30 p.m. with an informational session on total weather insurance following at 6:30 p.m. Attendees may attend one or both. Call the Farm Bureau office to make reservations or for more information.

OCK ISLAND — Farm Bureau will sponsor a booth Sunday, Jan. 20, to Tuesday, Jan. 22, at the Quad Cities Farm Show, QCCA Expo Center. Stop by the booth for a free sandwich ticket and discount coupon toward a 2012 plat book.

• Farm Bureau is requesting photos or mementos for the organization’s 100th celebration. Bring them to the Farm Bureau booth at the Quad Cities Farm Show and receive a coupon worth $5 toward a 2012 plat book.

ERMILION — Farm Bureau will sponsor an outlook seminar at 9:30 a.m.

Monday, Jan. 21, in the Farm Bureau Auditorium. Jason Risley, JBS United in Rossville and Royal, and Suzi Etchison, Stewart Grain in Bismark, will speak on grain handling and marketing from the perspective of local elevators. Dale Durchholz, AgriVisor, and Wayne Nelson, L & M Commodities, will speak on market analysis.

• Farm Bureau is co-hosting a cover crop workshop from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, Jan. 28, in the Farm Bureau Auditorium. Call the Vermilion County Soil and Water Conservation District office at 442-8511, ext. 3, for reservations or more information.

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AYNE — Farm Bureau will sponsor a chartered bus trip on Wednesday, Feb. 13, to the National Farm Machinery Show, Louisville, Ky. Cost is $20 for members and $40 for nonmembers and will include dinner at the Logg Inn in Haubstadt, Ind. Seating is limited.

Call the Farm Bureau office at 842-3342 to register or for more information.

• The Wayne, Edwards, Wabash, and White County Farm Bureaus are sponsoring an AgriVVisor market update program at 6 p.m.

Wednesday, Jan. 30, at the Edwards County Farm Bureau office in Albion.

Dinner will be included.

Dale Durchholz, AgriVisor, will be the speaker. Call the Farm Bureau office at 8423342 to register or more information. Registration deadline is Jan. 23.

OODFORD — The Young Leader Committee will meet at 6:30 p.m.

Thursday in the Farm Bureau Auditorium. Members under the age of 35 who have an interest in agriculture may attend.

• Farm Bureau will sponsor a market outlook meeting at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 24, in the Farm Bureau Auditorium.

Cory Winstead, AgriVisor, and Joe Kilgus, GROWMARK, will be the speakers.

Call the Farm Bureau office at 467-2347 or email wcfb@mtco.com for reservations or 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.

Travel with other Farmers!

Alaska Cruise Plus...West Coast Train Tour & San Francisco

13 Days from $1998*

Depart July 19 & Sept. 6, 2013

Seven night Alaska cruise on the NCL Jewel through the scenic Inside Passage. Visit Ketchikan, “The Salmon Capital of the World” and home to the world’s largest collection of Native American totem poles; Juneau, the capital of Alaska; and Sawyer Glacier, that calves constantly, shedding huge chunks of ice with incredible colors. Stop in Skagway, where the Gold Rush began and onshore enjoy a stroll on the weathered boardwalks; and Victoria, BC, Canada’s Garden City on Vancouver Island.

Sightseeing tours in Seattle including Pike’s Place Market & San Francisco with opportunities to see the Golden Gate Bridge and Fisherman’s Wharf.

Plus Napa where you will visit two of the area’s premier wineries.

Scenic Amtrak Coast Starlight train trip from Seattle to San Francisco.

Relax in your Amtrak sleeper-roomette at night (includes VIP lounge). *Add $300 for July 19 departure. *Price per person, based on double occupancy.

Airfare is extra.

For reservations & details call 7 days a week:

1-800-736-7300

FarmWeek Page 14 Monday, January 14, 2013

profitability

Fuel quality management a must for modern diesel engines

BY KEN REICHERT

Regardless of the high-quality condition of No. 2 diesel fuel when it is delivered, any fuel that sits in storage can become contaminated over time.

Typical contaminants found in storage tanks include moisture from condensation, dirt and dust from the environment, r ust from tank interiors and metal parts exposed Ken Reichert to moisture, microorganisms which may have developed in the presence of water in the bottom of a tank, and oxidized hydrocarbons which naturally occur over time.

Since about 2002, original equipment manufacturers have been developing engine injection system technologies that use increasingly higher injection pressures, more sophisticated electronic controls, on board diagnostic sensors, and extremely tight tolerances.

These new “high-pressure common rail” fuel injection systems, found in both on-road and offroad engines, operate at 25,000 to 30,000 pounds per square inch and use tolerances in the injector plungers, needle, and housings of only one to three microns!

As a result of these tight tolerances, today’s diesel engines are unable to tolerate any fuel contaminants.

How small is three microns?

For perspective, consider that a human hair is about 75 to 150 microns. The naked eye can only see about 40 microns or larger.

A red blood cell is about eight microns, and a vir us is about two microns.

A diesel engine owner’s manual from the 1930s stressed the need to keep diesel fuel “clean and dry.”

It was tr ue then and even more tr ue today. Considerations for maintaining stored diesel fuel quality and ensuring clean fuel in your equipment include: Filtration on all storage tanks and transfer tanks — Modern filters use synthetic media over paper elements for better filtration at the stated micron size.

Match the storage tank filtration micron size more closely to the equipment’s fuel filter micron size.

Match filtration capacity to pump flow-rate capacity and recognize that storage tank filters will need to be changed more often than the simple paper filters of years ago.

Manage water bottoms — check regularly for free water that has settled to the bottom of the tank and remove it when found.

Make sure that tanks slope downward and away from the pump’s draw pipe/tube. Budget for tank upgrades if storage is decades old.

Ken Reichert is GROWMARK’s refined and renewable fuels sales manager. His email address is kreichert@growmark.com.

Herbicide carryover could be an issue this season

BY DANIEL GRANT FarmWeek

The 2012 drought, which burned many crops, could induce more crop injuries this season.

The lack of rainfall last year increased the chances of herbicide carryover issues this spring, Aaron Hager, University of Illinois Extension weed specialist, said last week at the U of I Corn and Soybean Classic in Springfield.

Dry soils slow the rate of herbicide degradation.

“The potential for a crop response from herbicide car-

ryover in 2013 is as great as it’s been in recent history (since 1988-89),” Hager said.

“You need moisture to get these things (residual herbicides) broken down,” he continued. “Microbial activity slows down in dry soils.”

The potential for herbicide carryover is higher in finely textured soils, he said. Fields that received late-season herbicide applications last year also have greater potential for carryover issues this spring.

“Every residual herbicide has the same Achilles’ heel.

They all need water to work,”

M A R K E T FA C T S Feeder pig prices reported to USDA* Weight 10 lbs.

40 lbs.

Range Per Head $32.25-$62.82 n/a

said Hager, who noted an inch of rain within seven days of application usually is ideal. “The performance of a lot of residuals last year was compromised (by the drought).”

Farmers, though, likely will increase the use of residual herbicides for weed control as a strategy to deal with weeds, such as waterhemp and Palmer amaranth, that developed resistance to other modes of action, including glyphosate, said Hager.

So what can farmers do to reduce the chances of crop injury from herbicide carryover this year?

Shallow tillage can help distribute herbicide more evenly across a field and

This Week Last Week 84,888 92,156 *Eastern Corn Belt prices picked up at seller’s farm

— Aaron Hager University of Illinois Extension weed specialist

Hager also advised farmers to delay planting a rotational crop that is sensitive to the

USDA

Farm Service Agency

Eastern Corn Belt direct hogs (plant delivered) (Prices $ per hundredweight) This week Prev. week $79.05 $80.64 $58.50 $59.67

Change -1.59 -1.18

USDA five-state area slaughter cattle price Steers Heifers

‘The potential for a crop response from herbicide carryover in 2013 is as great as it’s been in recent history (since 1988-89).’

herbicide that was applied to that field the previous season.

“Really early planting, even if conditions are conducive, may not be best if there is concern for carryover,” Hager said.

Farmers could effectively eliminate the potential for crop injury from herbicide carryover simply by planting the same crop this spring in fields of concern.

Late-season rains last year reduced the potential for herbicide carryover issues this spring.

More precipitation this winter and spring (many parts of the state last week received 1 inch or more of rain) also will reduce the chance of carryover issues this season.

Weighted Ave. Price $44.61 n/a

Receipts

Carcass Live

enhance herbicide degradation, he said.

(Thursday’s price) (Thursday’s price) Prev. week Change This week 126.00 n/a n/a 126.00 n/a n/a

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

(Prices $ per hundredweight) Prev. week Change This week 150.82 149.58 1.24

Lamb prices Slaughter Prices - Negotiated, Live, wooled and shorn 130-160 lbs. for 94.13-120 $/cwt. (wtd. ave. 106.69)

Export inspections (Million bushels) Week ending Soybeans Wheat Corn 1/03/2013 39.7 13.4 7.2 12/27/2012 35.9 7.8 8.0 Last year 32.7 11.2 34.1 Season total 814.0 528.7 262.9 Previous season total 599.1 607.6 582.2 USDA projected total 1345 1050 1150 Crop marketing year began June 1 for wheat and Sept. 1 for corn and soybeans.

USDA eAuthentication is the system used by USDA agencies to enable customers to obtain accounts that will allow them to access USDA web applications and ser vices via the Internet.

This includes submitting for ms electronically, completing sur veys online, and checking the status of USDA accounts.

An eAuthentication account is a way for far mers to interact with USDA websites online.

It gives far mers the ability to identify themselves to the USDA via a user identification and password.

It also gives far mers access to a wide range of USDA applications across

the many USDA agencies.

An eAuthentication account offers the convenience of transacting business with USDA online at any time and from any computer with Internet access.

An eAuthentication account consists of a user ID, a password, and a customer profile that contains infor mation about the far mer that will per mit USDA applications to identify if that person has permission to view a given website.

Currently, USDA offers accounts with level 1 access and accounts with level 2 access for the general public and USDA customers.

Far mers must have valid

email addresses to register for all types of eAuthentication accounts.

If a far mer does not have an email account already, there are several online email providers, such as Yahoo.com, Gmail.com or Hotmail.com, that offer free email ser vices.

USDA will accept eAuthentication accounts only from individuals.

Cur rently, USDA eAuthentication does not have the mechanism to issue accounts to businesses, corporations, or other entities.

To apply for a USDA eAuthentication account, go to the Illinois FSA website at {fsa.usda.gov/il}.

Page 15 Monday, January 14, 2013 FarmWeek

PROFITABILITY Corn Strategy

CASH STRATEGIST Grain report surprises traders USDA on Friday delivered even more surprises to the grain trade with its January reports. Primarily, the shocks came from the Dec. 1 grain stocks and the winter wheat planting estimates. Soybean numbers were a little higher than anticipated, but were close enough to expectations that they didn’t have much impact.

In the wake of the USDA reports, the focus is going to be on the feed consumption implications. Both the corn and wheat Dec. 1 stocks numbers were less than expected, indicating the amount being fed was higher than USDA and the trade had been thinking.

By our calculations, this year’s first quarter feed/residual disappearance for corn was 300 million bushels larger than it was last year. Wheat feed disappearance was 10 million bushels more than last year, and 60 million more than two years ago.

USDA increased its corn feed/residual consumption estimate by 300 million bushels for the marketing year.

The wheat feed/residual forecast for the year was increased 35 million bushels to 350 million bushels.

There will be some in the trade who will argue the corn stocks number implies the marketing year feed number should be higher yet. But we caution you in following this assessment given the volatile nature of grain stocks over the last two to three years.

Nevertheless, until the trade gets the next measure of

inventories at the end of March, the projected 606-million-bushel corn ending stocks forecast will fuel talk that livestock feeders and ethanol processors may have trouble sourcing corn this summer.

The first forecast of winter wheat plantings fit with the historical precedent. USDA’s estimate has a long history of coming in below trade expectations. Over the last 25 years, that difference has averaged close to 1.7 million acres.

This year’s plantings came in only 800,000 acres less than expected, with the shortfall primarily in hard red winter wheat states, although acreage slipped in white winter wheat states, too. Soft red plantings were half a million acres higher than expected.

Given the historically high crop insurance guarantees, we were a little surprised hard red plantings didn’t match last year. The state breakdown indicated plantings in Texas, Oklahoma, and Nebraska were higher than last year, but they were lower in Kansas and Colorado.

Nevertheless, the planting number has a tendency to increase on the March report and again on the June acreage report.

Soybeans had the least significant set of data on these reports. Neither the production number nor the Dec. 1 stocks number, was significantly different from trade expectations.

The 135-million-bushel soybean ending stocks projection is tight, and should be generally supportive to prices. But going forward, soybean prices are going to be fighting the emotional drag of an increasingly certain large South American crop.

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Cents per bu.

ü2012 crop: The USDA crop production and supply/demand reports altered the fundamental situation in the market enough to lift prices through important minor resistance. Even though the situation is still far from suggesting prices might return to last summer’s peaks, moderately higher levels should come. Target a move to $7.40-$7.50 on March futures for catch-up sales. We might add to sales if prices reach there; check the Hotline. ü2013 crop: The positives of the old-crop numbers should help carry new-crop futures higher. Still, December corn should stall as it approaches $6. Use a rally into the $5.90s for catch-up sales.

We might even add a sale at that level; check the Hotline. vFundamentals: The feed demand implied by the Dec. 1 corn stocks was a lot higher than the trade expected.

But as we have come to learn, these quarterly stocks numbers have become highly erratic.

USDA lowered the export forecast to 950 million bushels, the lowest since 1971/72.

Soybean Strategy

ü2012 crop: The numbers on the January USDA reports were close to expectations. If prices are going to rally, they may need help from the other grains. Use rallies to $14 on March futures to make catchup sales. Target a rally to $14.35 to add a sale; check the Hotline. ü2013 crop: Use a rebound to $13 on November 2013 futures for catch-up sales. We would like to add an increment, but feel it’s still too early to get too negative. vFundamentals: The new USDA numbers did little to take away downside risk for soybean prices. Even though the numbers were neutral, the soybean complex is going to increasingly fight the influence of a large South American crop. And with each passing week, good crops are becoming more secure. As we outlined a week ago, output from Brazil/Argentina/Paraguay/ Uruguay could total 5.4 billion bushels. They may have logis-

tical issues getting soybeans into the world pipeline fast enough, but the large supplies will restrain buying interest.

Wheat Strategy

ü2012 crop: Chicago March futures rallied behind friendly USDA numbers.

Chicago March futures pushed through $7.50, reopening the possibility for a test of $7.90.

Use current strength for catchup sales. If Chicago March prices trade near $7.90, plan on making a 15 percent sale. ü2013 crop: If the Chicago July contract gets above $8, plan to add a 20

percent new-crop sale. vFundamentals: The January USDA reports were friendly to wheat prices. That was in particularly true for the U.S. winter wheat planting forecast of 41.8 million acres. The trade expected 42.6 million. In addition, Dec. 1 stocks, 1.660 billion bushels, came in under expectations. That implies wheat feeding is more robust than had been anticipated. The trade continues to monitor conditions in the Southern Plains, and the most recent weather models have turned drier, at least for the near-term.

FarmWeek Page 16 Monday, January 14, 2013

perspectives

Decoding wheat’s genome: Separating wheat from chaff

but on the genetic level

Animal rights extremists remain active, dangerous The animal rights movement often is nonsensical — such as when female activists disrobe in public to protest the wearing of animal fur, or People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals files a lawsuit against SeaWorld for enslaving whales.

The SeaWorld lawsuit was dismissed by a judge because whales already have protection under the law. Marine parks are governed by the Marine Mammals Protection Act, which allows public display only if permits are obtained and performances are educational.

The silly side of the animal rights movement grabs headlines now and then and makes it on the evening news and YouTube, but there is a more sinister side to the movement that uses arson and sabotage to make its point.

In late November, a figure in a decade-old ecoterrorism case STEWART TRUELSEN turned herself in along Washington’s border with Canada.

She was part of a group known as “The Family” which was affiliated with the Earth Liberation Front and Animal Liberation Front, ELF and ALF, respectively.

Members of these groups were responsible for a string of fires across the West that targeted the Vail Ski Resort, federal wild horse corrals, a tree farm, and other facilities related to agriculture, medical research, or land development.

Ten people pleaded guilty to arson and conspiracy in the case in 2007, expressing regret and frustration that they hadn’t been more successful. Two remain at large but are believed to be out of the country.

Before 9/11, ecoterrorists were considered the nation’s biggest domestic terrorism threat. Today, the level of homeland security that exists is a deterrent to such extremists, and the movement has suffered setbacks because of informants and infiltrators.

However, ALF continues to operate in small cells and is still taking direct action, as they call it, committing illegal acts.

Not long ago, ALF took credit for raiding a farm that raised pheasants for hunting. Another group, the Animal Rights Militia, destroyed fur traps in the Northeast.

The level of crime is on a smaller scale than before, but there is no telling if it will stay that way.

The Jewish Anti-Defamation League monitors extremist groups in the U.S., including ecoterrorists. It says that at the root of these groups are radical ideologies, radical religious beliefs, pent-up anger, and frustration that can lead to violence.

Through its press office, ALF continues to publish incendiary blogs, essays, and communiqués, in addition to posting videos. It continues to urge action.

Recently, a French filmmaker stirred interest in the group with the release of an independent film, A.L.F. The film is a fictional account of a cell of black-hooded ALF members plotting to raid a lab that houses animals for research.

One 15-year-old moviegoer posted a question on a film website wanting to know how he could join.

It’s important not to be misled by silly publicity stunts and fund appeals.

There is another side to the animal rights movement that uses intimidation and criminal acts in pursuit of its goals, and it is still active.

Stewart Truelsen is a regular contributor of agriculture columns and the author of Forward Farm Bureau, which marks the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 90th anniversary.

It may be the greatest thing since sliced bread. Heck, it may be even better than sliced bread.

Recently, researchers announced that they had tapped into key parts of the wheat genome. With this success, we could be on the path to doubling wheat production and increasing food security for people around the world.

That’s an awful lot of sliced bread.

It also marks one of several important milestones in the history of wheat, a plant that currently accounts for about 20 percent of all calories consumed by humans.

About 8,000 years ago, farmers domesticated this staple crop. This agricultural innovation may have led to human society’s transition from hunting and gathering to settled production and the rise of civilization.

Almost 2,000 years ago, the Gospel of Matthew gave us one of our best-known idioms, about TERRY WANZEK separating the wheat from the guest columnist chaff.

And today, scientists are exposing the secrets of wheat’s genetic makeup.

The formal announcement came in Nature, the academic journal. Scientists from the United Kingdom led the effort, joined by collaborators in Germany and the United States. One member of the team hails from my home state: Dr. Shahryar F. Kianian, a geneticist at North Dakota State University.

Wheat may look like a simple plant, but its biology is astonishingly complex.

Wheat is comprised of three different grasses. It has an enormous genome of about 95,000 genes, which is roughly five times larger than the human genome.

So decoding wheat’s genome is a long and laborious task. In ScienceNOW, the researchers described their approach, called “shotgun sequencing.” They break the genome into pieces and look for patterns, allowing them to learn more at a faster pace.

It’s like separating wheat and chaff at the genetic level.

Their paper was written for an audience of peers, scientists with advanced degrees. Yet their conclusion points to a practical application: “Analysis of complex polygenic traits such as yield and nutrient use efficiency will also be accel-

erated, contributing to sustainable increases in wheat crop production.”

In ordinary English, that means we’ll soon grow both more and better wheat.

This advance hardly could have come at a more fitting time. USDA estimates that global farmers grew 681 million tons of wheat in 2011. Only corn and rice had bigger harvests.

Amid this modern bounty, droughts have caused the price of wheat to bounce up and down, creating economic and political instability. Many experts trace the recent tumult in the Middle East, including the ongoing civil war in Syria, to a sudden spike in the cost of wheat and other foods.

Wheat is a hardy plant that can grow in semi-arid environments. This helpful trait accounts for much of its usefulness and popularity. Ironically, the plant’s toughness also puts it on the front lines of climate change. When droughts strike, wheat often feels the pressure first.

By taking advantage of wheat’s genome, we can apply the same tools of biotechnology that have launched a global revolution in agriculture. In the United States and many other parts of the world, the vast majority of corn and soybeans is genetically enhanced to fight weeds and pests.

With wheat, biotechnology can help us take a plant that already makes efficient use of moisture and build increased drought resistance right into its fundamental makeup. This will make wheat even more durable during dry spells.

This is an essential development, if we hope to keep up with global population growth and also make sure that people enjoy access to affordable food.

Geneticist Michael Bevan of the John Innes Center in the United Kingdom put the matter bluntly in the Wall Street Journal: “We need to double wheat yields.”

Decoding wheat’s genome is an indispensable step on the way to meeting this vital goal.

At some point, perhaps one of these scientists will do us all a favor and insert a special trait into the next generation of wheat plants: One that bakes the bread and slices the loaves at the same time.

Terry Wanzek is a wheat, corn, and soybean farmer in North Dakota. He is a state senator and a volunteer board member for Truth About Trade & Technology (www.truthabouttrade.org).

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