Lower crop prices and tax law changes may put the brakes on farm machinery sales for the coming year...................................4
While world meat demand continues to grow, the global food supply and demand situation requires re-alignment...........5
Two IAA Foundation scholarship winners express their thanks as new scholarships are now available...............................13
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Illinois Farm Bureau mission: Improve the economic well-being of agriculture and enrich the quality of farm family life.
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IFB, biofuels producers, lawmakers join RFS2 effort Monday, December 9, 2013
BY MARTIN ROSS FarmWeek
Periodicals: Time Valued
East Moline Democrat U.S. Rep. Cheri Bustos first encountered Republican South Dakota Rep. Kristi Noem on the field, as members of a congressional women’s softball team. As a result of that friendship, the pair have joined to protest what they deem a foul pitch by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). They’re not the only ones in the game. Illinois Farm Bureau and statewide ethanol/biodiesel interests are rallying opposition to EPA’s proposal to scale back on nationwide biofuels use in 2014. On Nov. 29, EPA kicked off a 60-day public comment period for a proposal to reduce blending mandates under the federal Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS2) to 15.2 billion gallons. That would include 13.01 billion gallons of corn-based conventional ethanol and 2.2 billion gallons of advanced biofuels, and EPA would effectively freeze renewable diesel “renewable volume obligations” at the current 1.28 billion-gallon level for the coming year. Under 2007 energy legislation, Congress called for 18.15 billion gallons of renewable fuels in 2014, including 14.4 billion gallons of conventional ethanol and 3.75 billion gallons of advanced biofuels. In an
Three sections Volume 41, No. 48
EPA hearing last week, Illinois biofuels producers, including Renewable Energy Group (REG) and Patriot Renewable Fuels, stressed the need to set the 2014 biodiesel target at at least 1.7 billion gallons. At this week’s annual meeting, IFB is circulating a petition asking EPA to adhere to original 2014 RFS2 targets, while urging state district directors to address the topic in regional caucuses and voting delegates to sign petitions prior to Chicago policy debate. IFB will also help county presidents generate data and comments on the impact of EPA’s proposal on farmers and rural communities. After Bustos learned of EPA’s proposal, she contacted fellow House Ag Committee member Noem to co-author a bipartisan letter warning EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy that her agency’s proposal could “destabilize” the renewable fuel industry. The pair argue the move would send the wrong message to investors, threaten rural jobs and slow development of advanced and cellulosic biofuels “that bring higher-level
ethanol and biodiesel blends to consumers.” “This would be harmful to ethanol and the ag industry. This is very hurtful to the rural
community,” Bustos told FarmWeek. “In my 17th District alone, we have three ethanol plants. This is important from a job perspective,
from an economic development perspective. And there are gas price consequences to See RFS2, page 3
THANK YOU FROM THE NELSON FAMILY
“It has been my privilege to serve as your President for the past 10 years. Farm Bureau makes a difference improving farm income and the quality of farm family life. But ultimately, it is the members that make our organization special. I feel blessed to have been able to serve you. On behalf of the Nelson family, thank you for all you do.” Pictured are IFB President Philip Nelson and his wife, Carmen, and their children, from left, Kendall, Kyle and Rachel. (Photo by Cyndi Cook)
Quinn signs pension changes; legal challenge expected BY KAY SHIPMAN FarmWeek
The fate of Illinois’ unfunded public employee pension system likely will move from the governor’s and lawmakers’ hands into those of judges. In a private ceremony Thursday, Gov. Pat Quinn signed pension reform legislation passed days earlier in a special session. Senators passed the measure with a 30-24 vote and three voting present, while the House approved the changes with a 6253 vote and a single present vote. “Illinois is moving forward,” Quinn said. “This is a serious solution to address the most dire fiscal challenge of our time.” He praised legislative leaders, Pension Conference Committee
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members and legislators from both parties who voted for the changes. Illinois is enmeshed in the nation’s largest unfunded public employee pension system with an estimated unfunded liability of $100 billion. The unfunded liability is the debt owed to cover all long-term expenses for retirees and current employees. The legislation changed benefits and funding for four state retirement systems: teachers, universities and community colleges, state employees and General Assembly. The state will save an estimated $160 billion over 30 years, including an estimated $1.3 billion in the first year. During lengthy debate, several legislators noted the pro-
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posed changes face constitutional challenges. The Illinois Constitution states that membership in any pension or retirement system of the state, local government, school or any agency is an enforceable contract, “the benefits of which shall not be diminished or impaired.” “Everyone knows these changes will be tested judicially to see what will be ruled legal and what parts will be ruled unconstitutional,” said Kevin Semlow, Illinois Farm Bureau director of state legislation. “Once the legislation is signed into law, it is expected that it will only be a short period of time before it will be challenged in court.” The largest change that will
generate the most savings is a reduction in annual cost-of-living adjustments on pension benefits from the current 3 percent compounded rate. Several legislators who spoke in support said they anticipated improvement in the state’s credit rating by the major credit-rating agencies. Illinois has the nation’s lowest credit rating. Lower ratings cause the state to pay higher interest rates on borrowed money. In other special session news, the General Assembly didn’t resolve tax incentive proposals for Archer Daniels Midland Co. The Senate passed two measures, while the House adjourned without voting on them.
Illinois Farm Bureau on the web: www.ilfb.org ®
Quick Takes
STATE
FarmWeek Page 2 Monday, December 9, 2013
FSA TO MAIL NEW COUNTY BALLOTS — Farmers will receive new Farm Service Agency (FSA) county committee election ballots. The ballots mailed on Nov. 4 were incorrectly printed with farmers’ names and addresses on the back of the ballots. County committee elections must use a secret ballot and the misprinted ballots cannot be used. Please destroy or recycle the misprinted ballot. Ballots already submitted will be destroyed unopened. New ballots will be mailed Dec. 20. These ballots will indicate that they are the corrected ballot in several locations, including the outside of the mailing, the ballot and the outside of the return envelope.
ILLINOIS REGAINS SOYBEAN CROWN — For the first time in 10 years, Illinois once again possesses the title of soybean production king. According to USDA estimates, Illinois farmers raised 460.6 million bushels of soybeans this year on 9.4 million acres. Iowa ranked second with 415.3 million bushels raised on 9.23 million acres. “We’re proud this is happening in the same year we celebrate 100 years of Illinois soybean production and the 50th anniversary of the Illinois Soybean Association (ISA),” said Bill Raben, ISA chairman from Ridgway. “ISA has set a goal to utilize 600 million bushels of Illinois soybeans annually by 2020, so now that we have reached this important milestone, it’s time to keep the momentum.” AMERICANS TO AVOID HOLIDAY DEBT — Americans may be trying to avoid the “holiday hangover” this year with a no-credit shopping season. According to the latest COUNTRY Financial Security Index, 61 percent plan to use cash, check or debit cards to pay for most of their holiday purchases. Just 29 percent say they will use credit. This cash-is-king mentality might seem surprising given 22 percent of Americans possess four or more credit cards. However, the prevalent use of cash could be a result of Americans’ unwillingness to take on debt. About 56 percent say they are not willing to take on any debt for their holiday shopping. NOT A MANGLED COMBINE — When does a mangled grain cart resemble a combine head? The answer is never – not even in a state of destruction. A tornado-damaged grain cart pictured on page 3 of FarmWeek’s Nov. 25 edition was incorrectly identified as a combine head.
(ISSN0197-6680) Vol. 41 No. 48 December 9, 2013 Dedicated to improving the profitability of farming, and a higher quality of life for Illinois farmers. FarmWeek is produced by the Illinois Farm Bureau. FarmWeek is published each week, except the Mondays following Thanksgiving and Christmas, by the Illinois Agricultural Association, 1701 Towanda Avenue, P.O. Box 2901, Bloomington, IL 61701. Illinois Agricultural Association assumes no responsibility for statements by advertisers or for products or services advertised in FarmWeek. FarmWeek is published by the Illinois Agricultural Association for farm operator members. $3 from the individual membership fee of each of those members goes toward the production of FarmWeek. “Farm, Family, Food” is used under license of the Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation.
Address subscription and advertising questions to FarmWeek, P.O. Box 2901, Bloomington, IL 61702-2901. Periodicals postage paid at Bloomington, Illinois, and at an additional mailing office. POSTMASTER: Send change of address notices on Form 3579 to FarmWeek, P.O. Box 2901, Bloomington, IL 61702-2901. Farm Bureau members should send change of addresses to their local county Farm Bureau. © 2013 Illinois Agricultural Association
STAFF Editor Chris Anderson (canderson@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
FEMA urging tornado victims to register, be aware of fraud BY KAY SHIPMAN FarmWeek
Farm and rural tornado victims, even those with insurance, may register for disaster assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Volunteers helping with storm cleanup are encouraged to work with local government organizations that are coordinating efforts. On Nov. 26, President Barack Obama declared 15 Illinois counties federal disaster areas because of devastating storms and tornadoes on Nov. 17. Those counties are Champaign, Douglas, Fayette, Grundy, Jasper, LaSalle, Massac, Pope, Tazewell, Vermilion, Wabash, Washington, Wayne, Will and Woodford. Victims may be eligible for assistance for damaged farm and rural homes, Don Jacks, FEMA spokesman in Illinois told FarmWeek. Jacks advised those individuals to settle first with their insurance companies before an eligibility determination can be made. FEMA cannot duplicate insurance payments. FEMA offers two application methods either by calling 800-621-3362 daily between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. or by going online to {DisasterAssistance.gov}. Volunteers wanting to help with cleanup should work with coordinating local government groups because those groups may receive credit for the volunteers’ help removing eligible debris, according to Patti Thompson, spokesman with the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA). Eligible debris is that
Volunteers with Will County and Cook County Farm Bureaus collect metal and tornado debris from Kurt Tewes’ Will County cornfield, allowing him to finish combining. Recently more than 100 volunteers from the two county Farm Bureaus also cleaned debris from fields of standing corn farmed by the Yunker family. The group also picked up debris from the Mundt family’s fields. (Photo by Mark Schneidewind, Will County Farm Bureau manager)
removed from public spaces, such as a park or a school, Thompson explained. “Our people are out this week working with FEMA people gathering (storm damage and cost) information,” she said. Champaign County Emergency Management Agency Coordinator John Dwyer encouraged volunteers to “document, document, document” not only their hours but also the work they do. In disaster counties, farmers with off-farm jobs may be eligible for federal disaster unemployment assistance if they are unable to work because of the tornado, according to the Illinois Department of Employment Security. The application deadline is Jan. 2. Applications are available by calling IDES at 800-244-5631
and online at {ides.illinois.gov/myoffice}. Applicants will need their Social Security number, employer’s name and address, and proof the tornado interrupted their opportunity to work. FEMA and IEMA warn storm and tornado victims to be alert for potential fraud. FEMA inspectors first call to arrange a visit to a damaged home and always have an official badge visible during the inspection. Ask to see the badge before letting anyone into your home. FEMA does not call anyone asking for personal information to process a prepaid credit card or charge for information. FEMA does not send text messages asking individuals to call fee-based telephone numbers. Only toll-free numbers are used for contact with FEMA.
COUNTRY: Storm claims exceed $65 million COUNTRY Financial expects to pay more than $65 million to customers to cover auto and property losses incurred during the devastating Nov. 17 tornado outbreak. Adjusters as of last week closed 75 percent of the 4,717 reported auto and property claims. “Adjusters will continue to work night and day in the impacted areas until the remaining claims are closed,” said Tom Tracey, director of
property and material damage claims for COUNTRY. A total of 24 tornadoes touched down in Illinois on Nov. 17. COUNTRY as of last week received 3,708 property and 1,009 auto storm claims. COUNTRY expects to pay more than $61 million to cover property claims and about $4 million to cover auto claims.
Chicago Farmers schedule farmland fair The Chicago Farmers will host the annual Farmland Fair from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Feb. 1 in Joliet Junior college’s Weitendorf Ag Education Center. This year’s event will focus on the connection of social media and farmland investment.
In addition to a range of seminar topics, exhibit booths will cover different aspects of buying, selling and owning farmland. Seminar topics include farmland legal issues, managing drainage, grain marketing, investing in farmland for local
and organic production, and emerging technologies’ impact on production. The early registration fee is $50. Registration on Feb. 1 is $75. For information or to register, go online to {chicagofarmers.org}.
GOVERNMENT
Page 3 Monday, December 9, 2013 FarmWeek
Illinois conferee hopeful about farm bill framework BY MARTIN ROSS FarmWeek
House-Senate conferees reportedly were primed to release a final farm bill framework even as House Speaker John Boehner raised the possibility of one more 2008 farm bill extension amid revived anxiety about consumer milk prices. Following a lengthy Wednesday discussion with House Ag Chairman Frank Lucas, R-Okla., conferee Rodney Davis, R-Taylorville, told FarmWeek he was “very, very optimistic” about prospects for a “good common sense package” that largely offers a “positive outlook” for Illinois farmers. He cited solid give-and-take in conference talks over both food stamp funding and reform — the Senate has proposed $4 billion in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) cuts over the next 10 years, the House
close to $40 billion — and the farm bill commodity title. “Hopefully, we can work through the bureaucracy and the (budget) scoring issues, get this framework agreed to and hash out the rest of those areas that aren’t going to be agreed to,” Davis said Thursday. “Overall, I’m very optimistic that we’ve been able to hash out some of the major differences over the SNAP program and also on the ag side in a way that will save taxpayers billions and put in place great policy that will continue to save taxpayers billions and still allow those who need food stamps the most to get them and allow our ag economy to continue to be the bright spot it currently is.” It nonetheless appeared questionable whether the House would be able to vote on a package before adjourning this Friday. Boehner, R-Ohio, thus suggested extending the existing farm bill
through January. If no bill is in place to replace the expired farm bill, 1949 farm program law would kick in. Some fear that could result in higher consumer dairy prices. Indications Friday were conferees would uphold proposals to place new conservation compliance requirements on crop insurance. However, Davis hopes lawmakers will reject efforts to limit crop insurance subsidies for producers with annual adjusted gross income above $750,000. Illinois Farm Bureau fears that might discourage larger operations from buying insurance. Davis stressed the need to maintain “a higher pool of risk” to protect all farms. The conference framework reportedly proposes basing new farm revenue/price program payments on historic base acres versus planted acres. Davis deemed that a very positive step, arguing the need “to ensure we have a good, balanced com-
modity program that’s going to benefit each crop based on its own geography and its own needs.” Hovering over the proceedings is a Davis-supported amendment by Rep. Steve King, R-Iowa, that would prohibit states from imposing farm production practices that impact interstate commerce and producers in other states. New California egg regulations spearheaded by the Humane Society of the United States already have proven “costly to the marketplace,” Davis said. However, Oregon Democrat conferee Rep. Kurt Schrader deems the King amendment “a deal-breaker for a lot of us.” “If it becomes something that’s tripping up the (ag) chairman or the ranking member on either side of the Hill, it will quickly be put in that ‘sorry, but we just don’t have room’ category,” American Farm Bureau Federation Policy Director Dale Moore warned FarmWeek.
Mixed biofuels producer: RFS2 plan ‘going to affect all of us’ Nov. 27 was a day of mixed emotions for Gene Griffith and his colleagues at Patriot Holdings LLC. The Annawan ethanol producer announced plans for a new, 5-million-gallon-per-year biodiesel plant amid growing concerns about the federal commitment to future biofuel requirements. As the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) floats plans to freeze current Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS2) biodiesel requirements for 2014, a new Patriot subsidiary, Patriot Fuels Biodiesel, is anticipating biodiesel production adjacent to Patriot’s 120 million gallon ethanol plant. The new plant will generate fuel from corn oil extracted from the 40 million bushels of corn Patriot’s ethanol unit processes annually. Griffith, Patriot’s chief executive officer, reported his northern Illinois company has enjoyed “five good years” of ethanol production and is ready to further capitalize on his area’s feedstock, transportation and energy advantages. Biodiesel production is one of several proposed business improvement projects designed to help Patriot “add value for our investors and the community, and provide more jobs,” he told FarmWeek. By tapping on-site corn oil, Patriot is able to “eliminate any middleman.” Between that and utilizing new continuous flow processing technology, Patriot should be “one of the most costeffective producers of biodiesel,” Griffith said. Patriot’s co-founder nonetheless is concerned about the impact of EPA’s RFS2 proposal on future ethanol development and
RFS2
Continued from page 1 this, and environmental consequences.” Bustos and Noem so far have enlisted more than 20 co-signers. REG Vice President Gary Haer, whose company operates a Danville biodiesel plant, told EPA 1.7 billion gallons of biodiesel would reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 32 billion pounds, compared with conventional diesel — “an additional 8 billion pounds of GHG reductions than if we produced 1.28 billion gallons.” Haer argued EPA used outdated data in proposing 2014 biodiesel targets, ignoring industry gains over the last two years. Bustos notes ongoing work by “100 Ph.D.s” at Peoria’s National Center for Ag Utilization Research aimed at new biofuels feedstock development and efficiencies.
biodiesel expansion. He sees nationwide biofuels production outpacing current RFS2 targets by 10 to 15 percent. If EPA fails to adjust 2014 targets, “it will be hard to run the industry at full capacity and not exceed the RFS2.” “Once we exceed the RFS2, the price of ethanol, the price of biodiesel will be under pressure,” he warned. “That will make it more difficult for plants to operate. This is going to affect all of us. “More importantly, it’s not just going to affect the ethanol and biodiesel industries — it’s going to affect the agricultural market. All the manufacturers who’ve been producing equipment for the Corn Belt are going to have a hard time because the prices producers are receiving are going to be substantially less per bushel.” Patriot hopes to launch biodiesel production by August 2014. If RFS2-driven biodiesel demand grows, Griffith sees tapping additional outside feedstocks. A 10 to 15 percent reduction in ethanol production could reduce overall availability of value-added distillers dried grains (DDGs) for growing Chinese/Pacific Rim livestock markets, he said. Patriot also hopes to develop new foreign ethanol markets. It recently dispatched commodities manager Judd Hulting to explore Brazilian market potential. “We believe there is a sustainable market in Brazil and in other countries,” Griffith said. “We’ll need to do that if the support for the EPA’s Renewable Fuel Standard is compromised.” — Martin Ross Patriot, an Annawan ethanol venture now branching into biodiesel production, hopes by Dec. 26 to secure 100,000 signatures on a separate online petition opposing proposed RFS2 reductions. Producers may sign the petition through Patriot’s website {www.patriotrenewablefuels.com}. The company meanwhile is seeking support from other agribusinesses that according to Patriot Chief Executive Officer Gene Griffith have benefited from a “positive farm economy” fueled by ethanol production. Bustos, who recently toured Patriot facilities, hailed the company’s role in generating “construction jobs, permanent jobs” through expansion. “When you have something like this coming from the EPA, it discourages that kind of investment,” she said.
Economist: EPA proposal poses unforeseen risks
Rather than helping relieve pressure on U.S. corn supplies, a federal move to pare back on 2014 Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS2) corn ethanol targets would fuel greater anxiety within the overall corn market. So says energy industry analyst John Urbanchuk, who deems the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency RFS2 proposal a potential “victory for the opponents of ethanol.” Urbanchuk sees no reason to needlessly “put a chill on investment in advanced biofuel technology” — a likely result of a pullback in ethanol requirements — just as promising cellulosic ethanol operations are set to go online. Given a record 2013 corn crop and corn prices “at the lowest levels in more than two years,” Urbanchuk told FarmWeek “the argument that ethanol has deleterious effects on food prices or anything else at this point has really been put to rest.” But he sees reducing ethanol targets having negative impacts for the corn sector and its customers. “We’ve harvested a record crop; we’ve planted a lot of corn,” Urbanchuk notes. “How much are we going to plant next year? You could be looking at an environment where we could significantly lower corn plantings, probably plant a little bit more soy. That becomes an issue. We have an industry that really supports a 14-billion-bushel crop, but if we see a retrenchment in biofuels, I don’t see a lot of growth.” That could impact an anticipated recovery by the U.S. livestock industry as well as corn export prospects, he said. Under statutory RFS2 requirements, mandated corn ethanol use would be capped at 15 million gallons per year through 2022. A remaining 21 billion gallons in eventual annual biofuels use would be met through noncornstarch sources, meaning federal mandates are unlikely to drive significantly more long-term corn demand. But a reduction in current targets could discourage investment in next-generation biofuels, Urbanchuk warned. He argued the economics of conventional ethanol blending “are still very, very positive.” Ethanol remains well-priced relative to gasoline and is key to meeting fuel oxygen-octane needs. Urbanchuk noted EPA has approved use of higher-blend E15 (15 percent ethanol gasoline) for “a pretty significant percentage of the auto population.” Future ethanol demand hinges largely on “public education and availability of fuel,” he maintained. If Urbanchuk sees one bright spot in EPA’s move, it’s the focus it places on the need for expansion of ethanol infrastructure such as E15 or multiblend “blender” pumps. “I think you’re likely to see an improvement in the availability of E15,” he said. “I think you’ll see more investment in blender pumps as well. That’s really the only way this (demand) is going to grow.” — Martin Ross
PRODUCTION
FarmWeek Page 4 Monday, December 9, 2013
Softer crop prices could put brakes on machinery sales BY DANIEL GRANT FarmWeek
Farmers may be less willing or able to add “new paint” to their operations in 2014 as they were the last two years. Lower crop prices — corn futures last month dipped to a three-year low — and possible changes to tax laws could put the brakes on ag machinery sales, according to farm equipment representatives last week at the Peoria Farm Show. “We think it (the farm equipment market) probably is going to slow some,” Brad Baer, territory sales manager for Case IH, told FarmWeek. “A lot depends on (crop prices), tax laws and depreciation.” Congress permitted faster depreciation of capital assets to stimulate business investment during the last decade. But some of the tax laws, which encouraged the purchase of farm assets such as equip-
ment, buildings and drainage tile, currently are set to expire or drop to much lower levels. A Section 179 deduction, which is applicable to the purchase of new and used farm equipment, is scheduled to decline from $500,000 to just $25,000 in 2014. Accelerated first-year depreciation, or bonus depreciation, which also allows farmers to write off capital expenditures immediately to minimize taxable income, is set to expire Dec. 31. “We’ll do a lot more leasing of equipment (if the changes to tax laws take effect next year),” Baer said. But the biggest change to the equipment market is being driven by the significant drop in crop prices in recent months, according to Dave Huels, southern regional manager for Altorfer (Caterpillar) Ag Products.
U.S. seed supply ample; growers harvest best crop in three years U.S. farmers will have ample choices when it comes to ordering their seed for the 2014 season. Growers in recent months harvested the best corn and soybean seed crops in at least three years, according to seed industry representatives. “There was a lot of concern early on (due to planting delays caused by a wet spring),” Dennis Garzonio, GROWMARK senior seed research and product FarmWeekNow.com manager, told FarmWeek. “But as the summer progressed, Listen to GROWMARK’s Dennis Garzonio comment about the everybody was pleasantly sur2014 seed corn and soybean prised,” he continued. “From a supply at FarmWeekNow.com. seed production standpoint, everything we did was at 100 to 105 percent, and even 110 percent, of what was planned.” David Murphy, resource manager for LG Seeds, reported similar results last week at the 32nd Greater Peoria Farm Show. This year’s seed crop was excellent for quantity and, for the most part, quality, he said. “I think every company had an excellent seed crop this year,” Murphy said. “It was a 180 degree difference from the last two years when we had a short supply.” Murphy attributed the outstanding corn crop to favorable conditions during pollination. “There’s such a large percentage of the (seed) acres grown under irrigation, water and drought is not as much of an issue as the temperature,” he said. “This year, it was cool at pollination, which is key for seed production.” The ample supply and high quality of this year’s seed crop is expected to reduce reliance on South American seed production for 2014. “We planted some in Argentina and Chile, but we’ll need very little of that,” Garzonio said. John Williams, sales manager for Burrus Seed, last week at the Peoria Farm Show said, “we increased production (in the U.S.) last year mainly so we wouldn’t have to go to South America. “Our seed production was of very high quality (this season in the U.S.),” he continued. “We’ve really been blessed.” Murphy said South American production this year will be mostly for new hybrids. “We won’t have to grow very many acres in South America this year,” he noted. The seed industry representatives encouraged farmers to consider placing orders early this year even though the supply is more comfortable than in recent years. Farmers can lock in seed grade preferences, specific hybrids and, in some cases, price discounts by placing early orders. — Daniel Grant
Tony McClelland, in red shirt, demonstrates the latest equipment technology for brothers Mark, Doug and Jeff Roth of Morton, from left. McClelland, a Case IH group production specialist, represented one of many companies exhibiting at the Greater Peoria Farm Show last week. (Photo by Ken Kashian)
“There hasn’t been a lot of conversation about the depreciation issue, yet,” he said. “It’s mostly about commodity prices.” Ag equipment dealers enjoyed extremely strong sales the last two years due to the historic run-up in crop prices. Many expect a corresponding pullback in orders if crop prices remain well below levels experienced in 2012 and 2013.
“We’re in the midst of a good year. A lot of it was backlogged from early this year,” Huels said. “I’m looking for it to slow down, obviously, by mid-year (next year).” One industry representative predicted farm machinery sales could slip 10 percent next year. Such a scenario could lead to a major issue for dealers who have a large inventory of used equipment.
The good news is upgrades to equipment, such as improved efficiencies and lower pollution output under Tier 4 diesel engine emissions requirements, likely will continue to pique farmers’ interest. “If we continue to provide products that provide customers with a return on investment, they will buy it,” Baer added.
An ongoing shift in demographics in the U.S. could present challenges for the agriculture industry. The baby boomer generation is in the early stages of a retirement period that will last for years. Meanwhile, much of the population growth in the U.S. is being generated by minorities in urban areas, according to George P. Bush, co-founder of Pennybacker Capital and Hispanic Republicans of Texas. Bush, who is the son of former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, nephew of former President George W. Bush and grandson of former President George H.W. Bush, was a keynote speaker recently at the Illinois Commodity Conference in Normal. “The baby boomers will all be over 65 (years old) by 2030 and their children are having fewer children,” Bush said. “It’s creating a demographic change our country hasn’t seen before.” Population growth across much of the nation is concentrated in urban areas. And much of that growth is being created by minorities. The majority of the U.S. population will be minorities by 2050, said Bush, who projected the U.S. population by that
time will be 33 percent Hispanic, 15 percent African American and 9 percent Asian. “U.S. agriculture continues to struggle recruiting minorities into the industry,” Bush said. “We’re dealing with a huge labor shortage. It could be tough for us to remain George P. Bush competitive.” The ag industry must adjust to the labor situation. It also is concentrated in Corn Belt states that are losing congressional seats to growing populations
on the coasts and in the south, according to Jon Doggett, vice president of public policy for the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA). He noted that 90 percent of NCGA’s membership live in 12 states that are represented by just 97 of the 435 members of the House. “We’ve got to start thinking about what’s going on in the world around us and having conversations about how we’re going to deal with our relevancy (in agriculture),” Doggett told Commodity Conference attendees. The theme of the recent Illinois Commodity Conference was “Connect With Your Customer.” — Daniel Grant
Demographic shift could challenge ag industry
Lincoln Land FS, Two Rivers FS merge
Shareholders of Lincoln Land FS Inc. in Jacksonville and Two Rivers FS Inc. of Rushville approved a merger of their two companies effective Dec. 1. The new company, Prairieland FS Inc., will be headquartered in Jacksonville. Keith Hufendick, former Two Rivers FS manager, will serve as chief executive officer. Matt Busby, former Lincoln Land FS manager, will serve as chief operating officer. Joe Pickrell of Buffalo was named president, while Chet Esther of Frederick is vice president. The combined entities recorded $300 million in sales for the fiscal year ending July 31. Prairieland FS is a full-service cooperative providing agronomy, energy, facility planning, and logistics products and services as well as grain marketing to farmers and other customers. The co-op serves Adams, Brown, the southwest portion of Fulton, Menard, Morgan, Pike, Sangamon, Schuyler and Scott counties in addition to four northeast Missouri counties.
FEEDING THE PLANET
Page 5 Monday, December 9, 2013 FarmWeek
World’s appetite for U.S. meat continues to grow BY DANIEL GRANT FarmWeek
Many consumers around the world have a taste for U.S. meat. And that bodes well not only for Illinois beef and pork producers, but grain farmers as well. The livestock industry is one of the top consumers of U.S. corn and soy meal. “We had about $12 billion in (meat) exports last year,” said Dan Halstrom, senior vice president of global marketing and communication at the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF), at the recent Illinois Commodity Conference in Normal. “There’s no doubt in my mind that will continue.” Incomes are rising in numerous developing countries and the population is growing, so demand for U.S. meat is expected to grow as well. Advantages in cost of production and quality also make meat from the U.S. particularly appealing for consumers around the world.
Cattle and hog genetics in the U.S. are geared for high quality beef and pork production. “We’re really marketing a different product with different marbling and genetics,” Halstrom said. “We export meat to 127 countries,” he continued. “Demand is alive and well to say the least.” Exports currently contribute about $54 per head to the price of each hog and $237 per head to the price of each beef cow sold in the U.S., according to Halstrom. U.S. beef sales to Japan bounced back this year. The Japanese eased restrictions in beef from cows less than 20 months of age to 30 months of age. Beef from just one-quarter of the U.S. cow herd qualified for sale to Japan prior to the rule change. Now about 95 percent of beef from U.S. cattle is eligible for sale in Japan.
“We’re going to see generic growth in the market now that beef is available,” Halstrom said. “We’re taking market share back (from Australia).” Halstrom predicted U.S. meat sales to South Korea will grow as well. South Korea was hit hard by foot and mouth disease in 2010 and culled about 30 percent of its hog herd and 12 percent of its beef cow herd. The South Korean government overreacted with subsidies to rebuild the herds to the point where it now is paying farmers to once again cull animals, according to Halstrom. “When it’s all straightened out, the U.S. will be the low-cost producer (and regain market share in South Korea),” he said. Elsewhere, USMEF is promoting more select grades of U.S. meat in Mexico and it organized chef training for underutilized cuts of U.S. beef in the Middle East. “It’s all about value and how you maximize the value on a cut
ADM analyst: Global supply, demand must be re-aligned
ADM projects 110 percent population growth in Sub-Saharan Africa over the next “Things are going on in this world that are four decades, 59 percent growth across North beyond belief,” according to Chris Boerm, Africa, 55 percent growth in South Central chairman’s advisor with Decatur-based Archer Asia, 35 percent growth in Latin America and Daniels Midland Co. (ADM). the Caribbean, and 32 percent population Things nonetheless will get very real very growth across Southeast Asia. fast, and U.S. and global agriculture must adapt In comparison, a projected 5 percent quickly, he warned. growth is projected among the world’s more Boerm reports “the geopolitical landscape developed and, according to Boerm, “more continues to evolve and change daily,” along modernized” nations. And that’s the rub. with ongoing global technological evolution, Boerm suggests the planet will be expected ag growth and economic shifts. to produce as much food in 40 years as has China alone remains a robust barometer of been produced over the last 10,000 years. But change. Boerm reports roughly 54 percent of he notes the regions with the greatest anticipated population and demand growth “are not where food is ‘We’re going to have to figure out how being grown today.” going to have to figto grow in Sub-Saharan Africa, Eastern ure“We’re out how to grow in SubEurope and Asia.’ Saharan Africa, Eastern Europe and Asia,” he advised. Re-aligning production and — Chris Boerm consumption will require reducADM ing post-harvest waste in developing regions, fostering effiChina’s billions today have computer access, cient use of existing crops, investing in infrawhile nearly 100 percent use cellphones. He structure needed to connect high production cited breathtaking changes in Shanghai’s and high demand regions and boosting yields metro-commercial skyline over the 1990-2010 on existing acres, he said. period. Boerm sees growing acceptance of biotech Boerm maintains agriculture is “more global crops key to building per-acre yields, noting than ever before,” arguing events in India, Chinese approval for a new corn trait last Ukraine, China and Australia “now affect U.S. spring far earlier than expected. He nonethefarmers on a daily basis.” It’s also “more politiless stressed the major producing and importcal than ever before,” with global leaders ing nations are “out of step” in terms of focused increasingly on food safety and security biotech regulatory standards and approval. issues that can affect U.S. market access, said He meanwhile deems product-market diverBoerm, former ADM eastern region grain vice sification as key to U.S. agriculture competing president and senior merchandising manager. in an increasingly cutthroat world economy. Developing nations are expected to lead ADM produces some 40 products from a kerworldwide population growth at least through nel of corn, and “our goal is to make more,” 2050, “and that’s where we’ve seen the greatest Boerm said. income growth,” he related. BY MARTIN ROSS FarmWeek
Dan Halstrom, left, senior vice president of global marketing and communication at the U.S. Meat Export Federation, discusses the outlook for U.S. meat exports with David Meiss, right, Illinois Farm Bureau District 7 director from Gridley, during the Illinois Commodity Conference in Normal. (Photo by Daniel Grant)
internationally,” Halstrom said. Free trade agreements in Central and South America, which lowered duty rates, also boosted U.S. meat sales in those areas, he added. The annual Illinois Com-
modity Conference was hosted by the Illinois Beef, Corn Growers, Milk Producers, Pork Producers, Soybean and Wheat Associations. The theme of this year’s event was “Connect With Your Customer.”
World lenders seek help from U.S. ag finance sector Developing world lenders are banking on U.S. guidance to help finance ag development crucial to feeding tomorrow’s planet. And bankers such as First Dakota National Bank Agri-Business Division President Nate Franzen, who traveled recently to the World Bank’s Financing Agriculture Forum in Sri Lanka, see the effort potentially paying dividends for the Heartland. “Peer-to-peer networking” between developing and developed country financial institutions is crucial in shaping global ag development, according to Maria Pagura, senior program officer with the World Bank’s Agriculture and Environmental Services Department. Pagura heads the AgriFin Knowledge and Networks program, a World Bank initiative funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and aimed at supporting ag finance in Africa and Asia. She personally oversees AgriFin projects in Burkina Faso, Mali and Senegal. “There must be a mechanism where American bankers who have this incredible amount of experience can also use that experience to help their counterparts in poorer countries,” Washington-based AgriFin project manager told a recent gathering of Midwest bankers. “The impact can be phenomenal.” AgriFin has been able to reach 100 or so widely dispersed bankers at a time through a series of Internet webinars, and the program’s website includes a range of tools and guidelines for global ag lenders. Kashif Thanvi, head of rural finance with Pakistan’s Habib Bank Limited, had no idea until meeting Franzen in Sri Lanka that commercial banks “were so active in ag lending.” While he has gleaned valuable insights from U.S. bankers — he now recognizes shifts in U.S. land and corn markets “impact the land prices back home in Pakistan” — Thanvi also cites key differences. Because they deal with far smaller operations, Pakistani bankers must ensure that “transaction costs remain containable,” he advised. From Dakota banker Franzen’s view, continued engagement with foreign bankers also is key to keeping U.S. agriculture and financial interests clued-in to the global marketplace and the economic fortunes of American agribusiness. He cited increased international investment by U.S. companies including Decatur-based Archer Daniels Midland Co. (ADM) and Pioneer. ADM Chairman’s Advisor Chris Boerm predicts more U.S. companies eventually will invest in Sub-Saharan Africa. “I’ve been asked several times since coming back from my (Sri Lanka) trip, ‘so what did First Dakota have to gain?’” Franzen told FarmWeek. “I don’t anticipate First Dakota doing any international lending any time soon. “However, I think the lessons learned are going to be valuable at some point. Growing up on a little farm in the northeast corner of the state, I’d never have dreamt how global our industry would become or how important it is to understand what’s going on in Pakistan or Rwanda or Honduras or Mexico.” — Martin Ross
THE RIVERS
FarmWeek Page 6 Monday, December 9, 2013
Bustos: WRRDA offers Congress’ ‘highest hopes’ BY MARTIN ROSS FarmWeek
The Mississippi River defines the western border and, indeed, the economic prospects of U.S. Rep. Cheri Bustos’ district. Crafting a successful Water Resources Reform and Development Act (WRRDA) and piloting new river partnership potential thus are critical to the East Moline Democrat, as part of the House-Senate WRRDA conference committee. Bustos is one of 12 House Democrats on the conference committee, serving alongside fellow House Agriculture and Transportation and Infrastructure Committee member Rodney Davis, R-Taylorville. Unlike the current farm bill conference, “I think we’ll have some success here,” she said. Despite a few issues regarding con-
gressional versus agency authority over prospective lock projects and arrangements for the federal government to shoulder a greater share of costs in completing the Olmsted Lock and Dam project on the Ohio River, she reports House-Senate conference leadership and staff are busily ironing out details for review by conferees. So far, conference discussions have proven a “very cordial process,” Bustos related. It’s also a highly crucial one, she emphasized. “Of all of the bills that are being negotiated right now, folks have the highest hopes that this will get through,” Bustos told FarmWeek last week. “I can’t tell you that I have any inside knowledge that this will get through in the next week (prior to Congress’ December break). But I’m hopeful that if it’s not this month, it will be
next month. “This is jobs; this is the movement of goods. It has a great tie-in to the overall economic development of our region. It’s not exclusive to the Quad Cities, by any means. This is a critical piece of legislation for the ag industry. “The Mississippi’s the largest inland navigable waterway in the world. There are wide and deep and far-reaching consequences — all for the good — if we can get this bill through.” Bustos notes a current roughly $60 billion backlog in needed nationwide navigation improvements, and the congresswoman stressed “we do not have the resources to come up with that kind of money.” Given “the economic consequences of not improving (waterways infrastructure),” she sees passage of “WIN P3” (the Bustos/Davis-spon-
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sored Water Infrastructure Now Public-Private Partnership Act) as key to expediting project work. WIN P3, also supported by Sens. Dick Durbin, D-Springfield, and Mark Kirk, R-Highland Park, authorizes selected pilot navigation projects involving both the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and commercial and other non-federal interests. “You have to look at innovative funding sources,” Bustos advised. An additional proposal, supported by barge/shipping interests, would increase barge diesel fuel taxes in order to boost river improvement revenues under the private Inland Waterways Trust Fund. However, that proposal — to date bucked to the House Ways and Means Committee — “has not come up for discussion,” Bustos said.
Rock removal resuming on Mississippi
Crews were expected to resume rock removal this week in the Thebes and Grand Tower sections of the Mississippi south of St. Louis, “weather permitting,” St. Louis District U.S. Army Corps of Engineers spokesman Mike Peterson told FarmWeek Friday. Last winter, rock pinnacles in those areas sparked concerns about continued barge movement under low water conditions. Corps contractors blasted the projections to preserve a 9-foot navigable depth in the Upper Mississippi between St. Louis and Cairo. This month’s efforts will focus on ensuring adequate channel width for winter shipments particularly at river bends. Congress has directed the Corps to maintain a minimum 300-foot width “and more at the bends,” Peterson noted, “and we’ll be doing a lot more work at the fringes of the channel.” While rock work will require some early one-directional traffic, Peterson emphasized “commerce is still moving.” “The river’s been low, but we’ve had enough rain to be able to maintain plenty of depth for navigation,” he related. “Of course, we’ve come off a couple of floods earlier this year, so we’ve had a couple of trouble spots as far as dredging goes. But we’ve been able to keep ahead of that. “It remains to be seen how freezing upstream is going to affect our flow. So we’re bracing for the potential of what’s referred to as an ‘ice bite,’ which can take a decent amount of the flow from upriver.” — Martin Ross
YOUNG LEADERS
Page 7 Monday, December 9, 2013 FarmWeek
YL chairman to start new chapter on family farm BY DANIEL GRANT FarmWeek
It’s been an eventful year for Illinois Farm Bureau Young Leaders and Brent Pollard, chairman of the YL State Committee. Young Leaders were Brent Pollard quite successful in national Discussion Meet competitions (Ann Larson, DeKalb County, was the Discussion Meet national runnerup); they once again were active in Harvest-for-All efforts to fight local hunger; a
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County), winner of the YL Excellence in Ag Award. Many more changes are in store for Pollard, though, as he will take over the family’s 100cow dairy operation near Rockford the first of the year. His parents, Warren and Gail, will retire at the end of this month. “There will be lots of ch a n g e s t h i s ( c o m i n g ) y e a r,” s a i d Po l l a r d ( w h o w i t h h i s w i f e, C a r r i e, l a s t y e a r we l c o m e d t h e b i r t h
o f t h e i r f i r s t ch i l d , A i n s l e y ) . “ I t ’s a g o o d t r a n s i t i o n t o c o n t i nu e t h e l e g a c y t h a t my g r e a t g r a n d f a t h e r, g r a n d f a t h e r a n d father built on the far m we ’r e o n t o d ay.” In fact, part of the r e a s o n Po l l a r d p u r s u e d a g l e a d e r s h i p p o s i t i o n s, s u ch a s Yo u n g L e a d e r s, i s t h e va l u e h i s f a m i l y p l a c e s o n s e r v i c e t o a g r i c u l t u r e. Po lla rd jo in ed Yo un g Lea ders in 2006 a fter h e wa s elected to th e W in n eb a g o C o un ty Fa r m Burea u b o a rd. Lo o kin g a h ea d, Po lla rd sees o p p o r tun ities a n d ch a l l en g es o n th e h o ri-
zon. “A s a livesto ck p ro d ucer, wh en yo u lo o k a t th e co mmo dity ma rkets n ow, yo u g et excited,” h e sa id. “But, if b eef a n d milk p rices fo llow (cro p ) p rices d own it co uld b e ch a llen gin g. E ven th o ugh o ur co st o f p ro ductio n h a s b een red uced, it lo o ks like o ur g ro ss revenue will b e down (in 2014).” T h e efficien cies o n th e Po lla rd ’s d a ir y fa r m likely will b e quite va lua b le th ro ugh th e p rice swin gs. T h e Po lla rds b uilt a free-sta ll b a r n in 2011 a n d milk p ro ductio n sub sequently increased. 1o Re
W . TO E M om S E S T o n .c R U S Y c ti FO N te R S I O pro HE AT of UC I C ne VO PL . zo 00 A P a r m 5,0 D t f 0 $ UI w a f 5 I Q r no A Lgiste
Soil health will be the topic of a 7:30 a.m. to noon seminar Tuesday at Asmark Center, 14171 Carole Dr., Bloomington. Sponsored by the McLean County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) and McLean County Extension Service, topics will include principles of soil health, financial incentive programs for adopting healthy soil practices and farmer experiences with practices/systems. Presenters include Mark Bramstedt and Paul Youngstrum, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service; Russ Higgins, University of Illinois Extension; and Joe Bybee, Illinois Department of Agriculture. For more information, contact the McLean County SWCD at 309-452-0830, Ext. 3.
W
Seminar planned to discuss soil health
new class was selected for the Cultivating Master Farmer Program; and Young Leaders from around the state recently returned from an Ag Industry Tour of Brazil. “It’s been an eventful year as Young Leader chairman,” Pollard told the RFD Radio Network®. “It’s something I thoroughly enjoyed.” Young Leaders selected a new State Committee and chairperson over the weekend at the IFB annual meeting in Chicago. They also honored Ed and Kali Livengood (Carroll County) who earlier this year won the YL Achievement Award and Daniel Robbe (Jo Daviess
IN
AR D
USDA offering value added grants
USDA Rural Development is accepting applications through Feb. 24 for its Value Added Producer Grant program. About $10.5 million is available nationwide with the potential for additional funding in fiscal year 2014. The maximum planning grant is $75,000, and the maximum working capital grant will be $200,000, according to Matthew Harris, Illinois Rural Development business programs specialist. Applications may be mailed, submitted via {grants.gov}, or hand delivered to the USDA Rural Development State Office in Champaign. No emailed or faxed applications will be accepted. Online information is available at {rurdev.usda.gov/BCP_VAPG.html} and {gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2013-11-25/pdf/2013-28175.pdf}. Illinois farmers should direct questions to Harris at matthew.harris@il.usda.gov.
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FarmWeek Page 8 Monday, December 9, 2013
Page 9 Monday, December 9, 2013 FarmWeek
EMERGING ISSUES
FarmWeek Page 10 Monday, December 9, 2013
PUMPKIN PIE LESSONS
Farm Service Agency
ILLINOIS FSA ACREAGE REPORTING DATES — Farmers have until Jan. 15 to report crops that have an acreage reporting deadline of Dec. 15, 2013, without paying a late-file fee, according to Scherrie Giamanco, Farm Service Agency (FSA) state executive director. Crops under that waiver include fall-seeded small Jean Barron, Schuyler County Farm Bureau ag literacy coordinagrains and perennial forage. tor, helps Washington School pre-kindergarten students in The Risk Management Rushville mix pumpkin pie ingredients. Barron and fellow ag literAgency (RMA) did not grant acy coordinator Haley Kelly recently taught 26 elementary classa waiver, so farmers need to es about pumpkins and how they make their way from farm to consult their crop insurance plate. Students reached inside pumpkins and sorted through the pulp for seeds they will plant in the agent for deadlines for spring. Pumpkins were donated by Spears Family Market in Beardstown. (Photo by Haley Kelly) insured crops. All farmers are encouraged to visit their local FSA Service Center to file an accurate crop certification report by Ron Moore of Roseville Iowa, was elected ASA presipast ISA chairman. the applicable deadline, Giahas been elected one of four dent. Moore, along with Dean Moore has been involved manco said. American Soybean AssociaCampbell of Coulterville and with the Illinois Council on The 2014 acreage reporttion (ASA) Executive ComMike Cunningham of Bismar- Food and Agricultural ing dates applicable for Illimittee vice presidents. He suc- ck represent Illinois on the Research, Illinois Livestock nois are: Dec. 15, 2013: ceeds retiring ASA board ASA board of directors. Development Group, Soybean perennial forage, fall-seeded member Ron Kindred of Moore sits on the Illinois Research & Development small grains; Jan. 2, 2014: Atlanta. Soybean Association (ISA) Council and Illinois AgriculRay Gaesser from Corning, production committee and is a tural Legislative Roundtable. honey; Jan. 15, 2014: apples, asparagus, blueberries, caneberries, cherries, grapes, Soybean Association nectarines, peaches, pears, plums and strawberries; July recognizes five 15, 2014: all other crops and industry leaders cabbage planted between Five soybean industry lead- March 15 and May 31; Aug. ers recently received honors 15, 2014: cabbage planted from the Illinois Soybean between June 1 and July 20. Association (ISA). The following exceptions Recognized for making apply to the acreage reporting significant contributions to dates. soybean farmer profitability If the crop has not been were: planted by the above acreage • Bill Johnson, Joliet Junior reporting date, then the College agriculture professor, acreage must be reported no Excellence in Animal Agricul- later than 15 days after plantiPhone Users ture; ing is completed. • Col. Mark J. Deschenes, If a farmer acquires more U.S. Army Corps of Engiacreage after the acreage neers Rock Island District reporting date, that acreage commander, Excellence in must be reported no later Transportation; than 30 days after purchase or • Fred Below, University of acquiring the lease. ApproIllinois plant physiology pro- priate documentation must be Android Users fessor, Excellence in Yield, provided to the county office. Composition and ProfitabiliIf a perennial forage crop ty; has an intended use of “cover • Jean Payne, Illinois Fertil- only,” “green manure,” “left izer & Chemical Association standing,” or “seed,” then the president, Excellence in Free- acreage must be reported by dom to Operate; and July 15, 2014. • Tom Jennings, Illinois According to Giamanco, Department of Agriculture Noninsured Crop Disaster retired director, Excellence in Assistance Program (NAP) Leadership.
Moore elected ASA vice president
All A Ag. g. All IIllinois. llinois. Now. All Now.
policyholders should note the acreage reporting date for NAP-covered crops is the earlier of the dates listed above or 15 days before grazing or harvesting of the crop begins. In addition, farmers may buy either RMA coverage, if available, or NAP for 2014 forage crops. Late file fees will be assessed for 2013 crops reported after Sept. 15, 2013, and 2014 crops with a Dec. 15, 2013, acreage reporting date reported after Jan. 15, 2014. For questions, contact your local FSA Service Center.
NAP APPLICATION CLOSING DATES — Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) application due dates vary, depending on the crop. Farmers should apply for NAP coverage using form CCC-471 Application for Coverage. Related service fees are due when the application is filed. The application and service fee MUST be filed by the crop sales closing date. Contact your local FSA office for the filing dates for your crops. The following NAP application deadlines apply: • March 15 is the 2013 deadline for spring- and summer-planted NAP crops; • May 1 is the 2014 deadline for nursery crops; • Aug. 31 is the 2013 deadline for canola; • Sept. 1 is the 2013 deadline for value loss crops, such as aquaculture, Christmas trees, ornamental nursery and turfgrass sod; • Sept. 30 is the 2013 deadline for mechanically harvested forage, grazed forage and fall-seeded small grains; • Nov. 20 is the 2013 deadline for biannual and perennial crops, such as apples, asparagus, blueberries, caneberries, cherries, grapes, nectarines, peaches, pears, plums, rhubarb and strawberries; and • Dec. 1 is the 2013 deadline for honey.
Page 11 Monday, December 9, 2013 FarmWeek
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IAA FOUNDATION
FarmWeek Page 12 Monday, December 9, 2013
IAA Foundation offers scholarships to support agriculture The IAA Foundation, the charitable arm of the Illinois Farm Bureau, will award 74 scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $7,500 annually for the 2014-15 school year. In all, the scholarships offered will total $177,800. Agriculture students, IFB members and their children are eligible. The application deadline is Feb. 1. “It is a great privilege to unveil our growing scholarship program, which offers a wide variety of support to farm families, IFB members and to those pursuing careers in agriculture,” said Susan Moore, director of the IAA Foundation. Students may apply for multiple scholarships, but can receive only one of the following scholarships for the upcoming school year. The $7,500 Legacy scholarship is available for students majoring in a field related to the direct support of the agriculture industry and who illustrate exemplary leadership starting their junior year at a four-year university in Illinois. Three $7,500 general schol-
arships are available to students accepted for enrollment or enrolled at an accredited college, university or community college in Illinois. Two more $1,000 scholarships and a $1,100 IAA Foundation scholarship are available and may be used at any accredited university, college or community college in the nation for the study of agriculture, agribusiness or an agriculturerelated major. New this year, an additional $1,000 general scholarship is available to a Western Illinois University student who also meets the above criteria. The Greg Carney $1,500 scholarship is available to a University of Illinois student actively involved in production agriculture and a current or former 4-H member. Two Robert Rouse $1,100 scholarships are available for students who are studying agriculture or nursing with preference given to Lake County residents. The William Kuhfuss $1,000 scholarship is available for a student with an agricultural
background or studying agriculture at an Illinois post-secondary institution. The Dale Butz $1,000 scholarship is offered for a student involved in production agriculture attending any educational institution. Two $1,000 Heartland National Agri-Marketing Association Steven A. Hammerschmidt Memorial Scholarships will be awarded to a junior- or senior-level college student majoring in agriculture or agribusiness with an interest in agriculture marketing, sales or communications at Illinois State University or the U of I. Ten $4,000 scholarships will be awarded to students majoring in crop science at an Illinois university. The university must offer an agricultural course of study with a major in crop production or crop science discipline, and must provide an emphasis on soybeans. Twelve scholarships of $2,000 each are funded by Prairie Farms Dairy as a tribute to former Prairie Farms Dairy executives Fletcher Gourley, Leonard Southwell
and Roger Capps. Eligible applicants are children of Prairie Farms Dairy employees and producers who sell milk to Prairie Farms. A total of 25 Dorothy and Wilhelmine Ratermann $1,200 scholarships are available to southern Illinois residents. The scholarships may be applied toward any major at any accredited university, college or community college in the nation. New this year, two $1,000 scholarships are available for children or spouses of dairy producers whose checkoff funding is directed to the St. Louis District Dairy Council. Eligible students must be enrolled in full-time or parttime studies in any degree program.
All applicants must be high school seniors accepted for enrollment or students already enrolled at an accredited college, university or community college. Scholarships are awarded for exceptional academic ability, leadership and financial need. Previous recipients of an IAA Foundation scholarship are eligible to apply again. Full eligibility guidelines and applications are available at the foundation website {www.iaafoundation.org}. Completed applications must be postmarked on or before Feb. 1. For more information, contact your county Farm Bureau, the IAA Foundation at 309557-2230 or e-mail smoore@ilfb.org.
U of I Herb Day set for Jan. 18
Informative and entertaining speakers are on tap for the University of Illinois Herb Day Jan. 18 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Hotel and Conference Center, Urbana. The $60 advance registration fee, which includes lunch, must be received by Jan. 10 to guarantee a meal. Rosemary Gladstar, Barre, Vt., founded Sage Mountain Herbs and will discuss herbs for family health and maintaining stocks of endangered native healing plants. Holly Shimizu, executive director of the National Botanic Garden in Washington, D.C., will give two presentations on herb flavor and fragrance, and herb garden designs. Chef Marcus Terhune of the Urbana Holiday Inn will discuss cooking with herbs. Vendors in the retail area will offer a variety of herbs, spices and gardening products as well as books and products from the speakers. To register online by credit card or check, visit {http://tinyurl.com/n5n9rdg}. Registration also is available by contacting Linda Harvey at 217-244-1693 or harvey@illinois.edu. On-site registration will begin at 8 a.m., continue only as long as space allows and does not include lunch.
USGS offers species conservation as key to football championship
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Sports analysts may want to pay attention to the rankings on the endangered species list when making picks for the collegiate Bowl Championship Series, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). By studying work on endangered species done by USGS scientists and teams’ animal mascots, many teams’ outcomes could have been accurately –- though not statistically –- anticipated, according to USGS. Tiger teams, including Auburn University and the University of Missouri, performed well. Today USGS science is helping wildlife managers produce more accurate estimates of tiger populations worldwide. Unfortunately for the North Carolina State Universi-
ty Wolfpack, their struggling season faced problems similar to the red wolf ’s endangered classification. Like the Florida panther, which is one of the world’s most endangered cats, the winless Georgia State University Panthers and Florida International University Golden Panthers are at great risk. The American alligator is a threatened but protected species found in the southeast. The alligators serve “as the quarterback” in USGS Everglades restoration efforts by influencing environmental factors. The University of Florida Gators threatened their reputation of dominating the Southeastern Conference and finished the season without reaching a bowl game for the first time in 23 seasons.
‘I cannot say thank you enough’
IAA FOUNDATION/IFB ANNUAL MEETING
Page 13 Monday, December 9, 2013 FarmWeek
Editor’s note: Kelcie Woker and Seely Sayre, University of Illinois students, are among the IAA Foundation top scholars. Woker of Greenville and Sayre of Arenzville plan to attend the Illinois Farm Bureau annual meeting in Chicago. They answered Kay Shipman’s questions about the value of their IAA Foundation scholarships.
FarmWeek readers and others donate to the IAA Foundation and raise money for scholarships. What do their efforts mean to you as a scholarship recipient? Woker: As a scholarship recipient, I cannot thank FarmWeek readers enough for the generous donations they make to fund scholarships like the one I received. By receiving this Kelcie Woker scholarship, along with a variety of others, I am fortunate enough to have my entire senior year of college paid for with scholarships. Additionally, I have previously received other scholarships awarded by the IAA Foundation. I am very thankful that I will be graduating from the U of I in May debt-free. While I still hold a job on campus, I do not have to focus on working more hours to make money in order to pay for college. Instead, I am able to put more of my focus into academics. I cannot express how thankful I am for all the people who donate to the foundation scholarships. Sayre: By receiving this scholarship, it not only decreased my student debt as a pre-veterinary major, but it also allowed me to take advantage of opportunities that I would have otherwise missed. Seely Sayre For instance, this semester I am working as an animal care intern for the Champaign County Humane Society. This is an unpaid position, but I have gained invaluable experience and knowledge by working as an intern and love working there. Without this scholarship, I would have had to find a paid position. Overall, this scholarship has given me an advantage for applying to vet school and allowed me to pursue my dream career. How do you hope to pay forward this opportunity and
invest in your education to the ag sector? Woker: After graduation in May, I plan to return to my hometown in south-central Illinois to work in the agriculture industry. My hope is to work for an agricultural company or advertising agency that specializes in agricultural clients in the marketing and communications fields. Throughout college, I have remained active on my family’s beef cattle and grain farm, so I plan to continue to have an active role in the operation. Additionally, my plans include becoming active in a variety of agricultural organizations, including my county Farm Bureau and local 4-H program. One of my goals is to be able to have an influence on others and encourage them to pursue agricultural degrees in college. Sayre: I plan to pay forward this opportunity by staying involved in the agriculture industry throughout my lifetime. My dream career is to become a mixed practice veterinarian with an emphasis in large animal medicine, and next fall I plan to apply to vet school. I believe that with a career in veterinary medicine, especially one working with large animals, I would be able to not only take part in a job that I love, but also give back to the agriculture sector and the community around me. I also plan to continue my family’s tradition of raising purebred Hereford cattle, which has always been a large part of my life. What words of advice do you have for high school or college students considering careers in agriculture and agrelated fields? What words do you have for scholarship donors? Why do you believe people, and the farm community in particular, should invest in agricultural scholarships? Woker: To high school and college students considering a career in agriculture, go for it. There is no better industry to be a part of. One of the great things about agriculture is that it encompasses so many different fields. When deciding on an ag major, students are able to put multiple passions together. While communications, business and engineering are all majors, they can all be combined with agriculture to create a specialized major. When I was deciding on my major, I knew I enjoyed writing and public speaking, but I also loved agriculture. Discovering that the U of I had an agriculture communications major that combines the two things I loved, I instantly knew what I wanted to do. I encourage students to
find what they are passionate about in the agriculture industry and I am sure they can find that major within agriculture. I honestly have never found another industry that believes so strongly in the youth of today. The agriculture industry has an abundant number of scholarships, and I am evidence that these scholarships can help fund a student’s college career and greatly reduce the financial burden. Because I know people in the farm community donate to fund agricultural scholarships, I feel I can give back by remaining an active part of agriculture. Receiving agricultural scholarships also had an influence on me when I initially chose my major because I discovered the abundant scholarship opportunities available in the industry. To scholarship donors, again, I cannot say thank you enough for the time you take to invest in the youth of today. No matter the amount donated, students are thankful. Sayre: My advice for high school students would be to look into and investigate all of the opportunities available in the agriculture industry because they are endless. Youth are and
always will be the future of agriculture. That’s why it is so important to have agriculture education programs in schools and programs like 4-H where kids can learn the importance of agriculture and develop a passion for it. To the scholarship donors, I would like to say a huge thank you! For me, receiving this scholarship was a huge blessing and not something that I have taken for granted. It not only decreased my student debt at the U of I, but also allowed me to take part in various opportunities that I would otherwise not had time to do. It is important for people in the farm community to invest in agricultural scholarships because youth are the future of the agriculture industry and scholarships are necessary for them to take part. Attending college is very expensive and many people cannot afford it, which makes scholarships essential especially for the continuance and growth of the agriculture industry. When you write scholarship donors a thank you note, what would you like them to know? Woker: As a recipient of one of the IAA General Foundation
scholarships, I cannot thank the scholarship donors enough for their contributions. Not only has this scholarship greatly reduced the financial burden I have had throughout college, it reaffirmed why I am so thankful to be a part of the agriculture industry. Additionally, I am able to put more focus towards my academics and job search because I will be graduating in May. I want to thank the scholarship donors for helping me achieve my goals. I cannot wait to play an influential role in the agriculture industry. Sayre: Thank you to all of the donors for the IAA Foundation Legacy of Leadership Scholarship! I find your efforts to help college students and youth rather remarkable. Throughout this semester, I have put the scholarship to good use and have not taken this unique opportunity for granted. I have had the chance to accept an unpaid position to gain experience for vet school. Not having to worry about money quite as much has been like a weight lifted off my shoulders. It has allowed me to better focus on my studies. Thank you!
TECHNOLOGY
FarmWeek Page 14 Monday, December 9, 2013
Anti-collision radar key amid tractor tech? BY MARTIN ROSS FarmWeek
Gary Kemp notes “the tractor is becoming a platform for more and more technology,” as producers seek sustainably higher yields and cost savings through precision farming. Now, Kemp and his colleagues at British-based Cambridge Consultants are looking to add a touch more tech, this time in the interest of prevention rather than precision. The engineering/consulting firm has developed a tractor anti-collision radar alert system. The system provides visual and audio warnings when potential obstacles are in the perimeter of the vehicle. Tractor accidents are the top cause of U.S. farm deaths and serious injuries, according to the National Agricultural
Tractor Safety Initiative. Kemp, Cambridge project manager, argues proliferation of auto-steer, global positioning system (GPS) tracking and other automated on-board technologies increases the risk of collisions with unexpected obstacles in and around the field. As farmers “put themselves in the hands of the system,” they may become more oblivious to hazards that don’t register on GPS-based systems, he warned. “Having more and more technology loaded into the cab means assistance for the driver, but there’s also more going on,” Kemp told
FarmWeek. “What we’re aiming to do is help the driver avoid accidents in a busy working environment.” Kemp cites several “usual culprits” in collisions, including fence posts, structural pylons, bales and even livestock. Tractor blind spots pose the threat of severe injury to farm workers or family members, he said. Radar sensors on the front and rear of machinery as well
as on boom ends can detect multiple collision hazards over a wide field of view. Sensors target a variety of moving and stationary obstacles, instantly sending alerts to the driver. Kemp anticipates each sensor costing little more than a high-end mobile phone. Cambridge hopes to license the technology to machinery manufacturers, and Kemp envisions anti-collision radar even-
tually becoming standard equipment as well as an add-on for older machines. Cambridge Consultants has 30 years of expertise with radar, from military/law enforcement systems and oil exploration technology to radar enabling air traffic controllers to track aircraft flying over wind farms. Those systems rely on “short pulse” technology that can accurately pinpoint smaller objects in “cluttered” environments, Kemp said. The tractor system (demonstrated last month at the global Agritechnica show in Germany) will not disrupt signals from other on-board systems or mobile phones, he stressed. “On a tractor or in a car, we want to detect objects we might collide with, but at the same time, we don’t want to cause false alarms with ‘objects’ we’re OK with, like crops,” Kemp related.
County Farm Bureaus host adopted legislators
The Clay County and LaSalle County Farm Bureaus recently hosted their adopted legislators on fall farm visits featuring a snapshot of Illinois ag technology and infrastructure. Both lawmakers used the opportunity to educate others. State Rep. Michelle Mussman, D-Schaumburg, and her family made their second trip to Clay County. The representative, who was adopted in 2011, made her first visit to the county that summer. She wanted to return with her husband and three sons during harvest. Clay County Farm Bureau members put together a full agenda, including tours of South Central FS to learn about the fertilizer industry, and a visit to Jason Dehart’s farm and newly built soybean treatment operation. Tom and Gayle Harris hosted the visitors for a bonfire and meal on the farm. The group discussed legislative issues while roasting hot dogs and marshmallows. Next on the agenda was a tour of a historic museum, the former Sailor Springs School located in what is considered a ghost town. The trip highlight was an afternoon of combine rides. Mussman, and especially her sons, were thrilled to learn about how the farm equipment worked. The representative said she looks forward to hosting her adopted farmers in her district during the IFB annual meeting in Chicago. LaSalle County Farm Bureau and adopted legislator state Rep. Linda Chapa LaVia, DAurora, hosted a youth mentoring group of stuBY CHRISTINA NOURIE
dents, known as Triple Threat, from her district for a farm experience. The dozen students, primarily in fifth through seventh grade, live in suburban Aurora and most had never been to a farm. After arriving in the morning, the students and their chaperones toured the GrainCo FS facility in Serena. They watched farmers bring loads of grain, saw it unloaded and augured into the grain bins. Next they visited Illinois Farm Bureau Director Brad and Kara Temple’s sheep farm. They learned about the care the animals receive and what the livestock are used for. More animals were in store with a visit to the Freebairn farm’s cow-calf operation. Each student fed and brushed young calves. They were thrilled with that unique opportunity. The group also toured the Holland and Sons John Deere dealership. The students learned about modern farm equipment and climbed onto combines and tractors. After lunch, the visitors toured the ADM Midland Rail Terminal in Mendota and saw firsthand how the terminal receives grain from area farmers and then exports it to Texas or Mexico. The students appreciated learning more about farming, rural life and the sources of their food. The county Farm Bureau and Triple Threat hope to work together again to provide other young urban students an opportunity to experience agriculture and visit the country.
Christina Nourie is Illinois Farm Bureau northeast legislative coordinator.
ECONOMICS
Page 15 Monday, December 9, 2013 FarmWeek
Illinois ag equipment sales tax exemption information BY JIM CULLISON AND CHRIS LEMAN
The Illinois sales tax exemption for agriculture can be confusing. Many farmers are dismayed to discover that equipment dealers charge sales tax on items they assumed to be exempt. The state of Illinois has aggressively audited dealers to enforce the rules, and now those dealers are reluctant to be as flexible to farmers requesting sales tax exemptions. The Illinois Department of Revenue issued regulations several years ago to better define what qualifies as tax exempt. For this article, we will condense five pages of regulations by limiting our discussion to crop production agriculture. Title 86, Sec 130.305 (f) limits the definition of crop production to activities necessary in tilling the soil, planting, irrigating, cultivating, applying herbicide, insecticide or fertilizer, harvesting and drying crops. Activities such as land clearing, mowing yards and fence rows, creation of ponds or drainage facilities, transporting and storing crops, and processing of crops are specifically identified as not being production agriculture for purposes of the sales tax exemption. The regulations include tractors, combines, balers, tillage equipment, planting equipment, augers and grain dryers as machinery qualifying for the sales tax exemption. Transportation equipment is limited to those items used primarily to supply and apply farm chemicals as well as trailers and nurse tanks used to supply spreaders/applicators (anhydrous ammonia wagons, for example). Audits conducted recently have resulted in sales tax being collected on mowers, wagons and backhoes. All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are specifically mentioned as being exempt if they are primarily used to apply chemicals to fields or to collect soil samples. ATVs used primarily for transportation or recreation do not qualify. Rotary mowers are specifically listed as not qualifying unless primarily used for mowing crops or USDA ground cover acreage. Replacement parts used for qualifying equipment including tires, fan belts, mufflers, spark plugs, plow points, batteries and cutting parts qualify for the exemption. Consumables such as fuel, grease, oil and antifreeze do not qualify as repair or replacement parts.
Improvements to real estate such as fences, barns, roads, grain bins, silos, confinement buildings, and general heating, lighting and ventilation equipment are specifically listed as being subject to sales tax. Tools and supplies used in farm maintenance and management including wrenches, pliers, wire stretchers, grease guns, hammers, screwdrivers, toolboxes, baling wire/twine, gloves, boots and overshoes also do not qualify as exempt. Office, security, fire and radio equipment also do not qualify. Accessorizing of equipment can create a problem area. Precision farming equipment is exempt from sales tax only if it is added after the initial purchase of the equipment. Some examples include yield monitors, software, GPS equipment, guidance systems, rate controllers and data communications equipment. All other modifications, accessories and options added to equipment are subject to sales tax unless they are included as an integral part of the qualifying machine in a single financial transaction. This means that if you purchase a tool bar to build your own strip-till unit or your own anhydrous sidedress bar, then all items you purchase to put on that unit are subject to sales tax. Another taxable example would be the modification of your existing planter with trash whippers, different closing wheels or different seed meters. If a dealer adds these items to the planter before purchasing it, they will qualify as sales tax exempt because they are an integral part of the purchase in one single bill. You must sign an exemption certificate proving the items you purchase will be used primarily in production agriculture. This exemption requires the name and address of both the seller and the buyer. It is the buyer’s responsibility to pay the sales tax if he cannot prove the item purchase qualifies for sales tax exemption. The buyer is further responsible to pay sales tax on all items when they are converted from a qualified use to an unqualified use before the end of their useful life. Equipment purchased as antique collections are subject to sales tax.
Jim Cullison serves as East Central Farm Business Farm Management Association executive fieldman and fiscal administrator based in Tuscola. Chris Leman serves as a fieldman for the association based in Monticello.
FFA’ERS GET ACQUAINTED WITH AG
Unity High School FFA members from Tolono taste cheese samples at Ropp Jersey Cheese near Normal during a recent FFA Acquaintance Day sponsored by the Champaign County Farm Bureau. From left are Emily McCrone, Ryan Miller, Kaitlyn Bickers, Michael Wetherell and Ropp employee Tara McDonald of Fairbury, who is a Heartland Community College freshman. The busload of FFA’ers also visited GROWMARK Inc., Illinois Farm Bureau and COUNTRY Financial. (Photo by Ken Kashian)
Tuesday: • Harvey Freese, Freese-Notis: ag weather • Doug Yoder, Illinois Farm Bureau senior director of affiliate and risk management: Commodity Challenge • Rita Frazer, RFD Radio®: broadcasting live from the Illinois Farm Bureau Annual Meeting Wednesday: • Tim Schweizer, Illinois Department of Natural Resources public relations liaison
• Kevin Black, GROWMARK insect and plant disease technical manager • Mac McNair, First Fruit 4 Youth coordinator • Paul Obertino, Ameren Illinois regulatory consultant: understanding energy needs Thursday: • Cathy Soanes, Novozymes BioAg North American customer solutions manager: acquisition of TJ Technologies • Mike Doherty, Illinois Farm Bureau senior economist Friday: • Patrick Moore, Greenpeace founder:
global golden rice campaign • Stephanie Cundith, Midwest Dairy Association registered dietician: 2014 outlook • Joe Zumwalt, Hancock County Farm Bureau president: Young Leader trip to Brazil • Kyle Freeman, The Mosaic Company senior manager of new product development: new products for 2014 To find a radio station near you that carries the RFD Radio Network, go to FarmWeekNow.com, click on “Radio,” then click on “Affiliates.”
SPOTLIGHT ON COUNTIES
FarmWeek Page 16 Monday, December 9, 2013
Will County farmers remain outstanding in their field
Seven past and present county Farm Bureau presidents attended the recent Will County Farm Bureau 100th anniversary celebration. From left are Glenn Fritz, Tom Nugent (current president), Jerry Davidson, Jim Robbins, Jim Schillinger, Henry Meader and Doug Erickson. (Photo by Mary Baskerville)
100 years celebrated by Will County members
The role of agriculture spanning the length and breadth of Will County’s 540,000 acres was applauded as members and friends recently marked Will County Farm Bureau’s 100th anniversary. While Will County is one of the state’s fastest growing counties, 48 percent of the land remains in agriculture production. In 1918, there were 3,588 individual farms in Will County. By 2009, Will County’s population reached 685,251 with 877 farms. Will County Farm Bureau President Tom Nugent welcomed keynote speaker Orion Samuelson. Known as the “voice of agriculture� on WGN Radio for more than a half century, Samuelson said that since 1913 there has been BY MARY BASKERVILLE
one constant — change. Samuelson said he tries to help others understand “why you do what you do on the farms and ranches of America to put food on the table, clothes on their backs, a roof over their heads —and now,
energy in the tank.� The thought was echoed by Illinois Farm Bureau President Philip Nelson who said it is vital to “reconnect that consumer to agriculture.� “One of the reasons this organization was founded right here in Will County was because farmers wanted to work together to accomplish more than they could alone,�
Nelson said. Area legislators said Will County Farm Bureau plays a continuing role in keeping them abreast of vital issues. The Illinois House and Senate passed resolutions honoring the 100 years of achievement. The resolution read, in part, “whereas Farm Bureau has been involved with us in county government — we are stronger because of that.� “The reason why I’m so confident for the future of this organization and for farming in general is because if you put your faith in the men and women of agriculture, each day will always be brighter than the day preceding it,� said Nugent. Mary Baskerville works as a freelance writer and photographer with Carriage Stone Communications in Manhattan.
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similar to what was inflicted, I can speak from firsthand experience that standing at the edge of a debris-covered field is daunting. I received a phone call from a friend overlooking one of my hay fields with the comment, “you might want to think about giving up the field�. We soon discovered that cleaning up pole barn wreckage is different than cleaning up house wreckage. The metal from modern post-frame machine sheds usually separated from the wood framing, and the pieces were easier to locate and move. Most outbuildings stood no chance of surviving the storm. In the Manhattan and Frankfort area, the storm did not have the strength to completely flatten homes. The storm removed house parts and shredded them across fields until it found the next structure to start the process all over again. House debris, mostly roofing, required much bending and manual labor to clean up due to the small size of the pieces. Multiple work parties have helped with storm debris. I need to convey to anyone who was able to help that their efforts were greatly appreciated. Those affected are most grateful and send their thanks. I have witnessed firsthand the truth to the saying, “many hands make light work.� We even had a few laughs while working, just not as many or as pleasant of circumstances as the night of the anniversary.
The week of Nov. 18 was an outstanding one for Will County farmers. Old friends were able to reunite for laughs and reminisce about old times at the Will County Farm Bureau 100th anniversary celebration. The fury nature unleashed on parts of Will County the previous week did not dampen enthusiasm. I met the family of the Will County Farm Bureau Foundation first scholarship recipient. I witnessed a loyal Minneapolis Moline tractor owner tease an International tractor owner that red tractors drip oil when they leave the factory. I would have preferred if the socializing aspect of the Farm Bureau celebration had gone several more hours, or even days. I enjoyed the old equipment and stories of a time I never knew. An exhibit room was filled with many old tractors and a substantial amount of farm antiques from Glenn Fritz’ personal collection. The antiques demonstrated how much agriculture has mechanized in the last 100 years. Cleanup from the storms took a break for the celebration Nov. 23. The next day, many were back cleaning storm debris. Thankfully, the damage was not as severe as it could have been. I witnessed an outpouring of community support to help friends clean debris from farm fields and yards. Thanks to social and electronic media requests for help, swarms of neighbors and strangers (who were soon to make new friends) arrived. While I have never personally suffered storm damage
Will County Farm Bureau member John Kiefner raises corn, soybeans, oats, wheat, hay and honey near Manhattan.
Bad weather resulted in fewer deer hunted during the opening weekend of firearm season, according to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). “Weather conditions were difficult throughout most of the season with some parts of the state seeing rain or snow, and virtually everywhere getting a taste of high winds and frigid temperatures,� said Paul Shelton, IDNR forest wildlife program manager. Preliminary figures showed 55,708 deer hunted Nov. 22-24, compared to 72,111 deer during the same period in 2012. The second part of the season was Thursday through Sunday. Counties with the highest preliminary numbers were Pike, 1,535; Jackson, 1,526; Randolph, 1,436; Fulton, 1,409; and Adams, 1,393.
IDNR has issued more than 340,000 firearm deer hunting permits to date for the 2013 season. Fewer deer-vehicle accidents occurred in 2012, IDNR and the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) reported. The number of deer-vehicle crashes decreased to 15,489 in 2012, compared to 18,044 in 2011. Likewise, fewer people died or were injured in deer-vehicle accidents in 2012. Vehicle accidents involving deer resulted in four fatalities in 2012, down from six fatalities in 2011. A total of 608 injuries resulted from deer in 2012, down from 613 the previous year. In 2012, the 10 counties with the most deer-vehicle collisions in order were: Cook, Madison, Peoria, Will, Fulton, Sangamon, Lake, Pike, McHenry and Kane.
BY JOHN KIEFNER
Hunters bag fewer deer; fewer vehicle crashes
FROM THE COUNTIES
Page 17 Monday, December 9, 2013 FarmWeek
County FBs host recently adopted state lawmakers
Grundy County and Piatt County Farm Bureaus recently hosted their newly adopted legislators and their families for farm tours. Newly elected state Rep. Marty Moylan, D-Des Plaines, enthusiastically agreed when invited to join the Illinois Farm Bureau Adopt-A-Legislator earlier this year. A former proud owner of an antique tractor and Wisconsin farmland, Moylan has a strong interest in agriculture and was eager to tour Grundy County farms and ag businesses. The legislator’s wife and father-in-law joined him for the tour. Grundy County Farm Bureau members took their guest to the Arends-HoganWalker implement dealership. Moylan toured the dealership and its service department. He chatted with staff about the company’s role in the local ag community. Next, they stopped at GrainCo FS in Mazon for an overview of the plant operation and grain storage industry. The visit concluded with a stop at the Kodat family grain farm where the representative enjoyed combine and tractor rides. Illinois Farm Bureau Director Scott Halpin and his children joined the group. The farmers and Moylan discussed legislative issues. Moylan said he hopes to join Grundy County Farm Bureau members at the IFB annual meeting and looks forward to hosting them for another district tour next year. On another fall day, Piatt County Farm Bureau hosted Rep. Scott Drury, D-HighBY CHRISTINA NOURIE
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HAMPAIGN — Farm Bureau will cosponsor the Illini Farm Toy Show from 5 to 9 p.m. Jan. 3, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Jan. 4 and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jan. 5 at The Holiday Inn and Convention Center in Urbana. For more information call Kurt Wolken at 217-202-2730. ANE — Farm Bureau will host a workshop on regulatory issues affecting farmland drainage and stormwater management at noon Thursday at the Farm Bureau office. Call 584-8660 for reservations. • Farm Bureau will host a soil health seminar from 7:30 a.m. to noon Wednesday at the Farm Bureau office. Call the Kane-DuPage Soil and Water Conservation District at 630-584-8240, Ext. 3, to register. ASALLE — Farm Bureau will host an open house to celebrate Philip Nelson’s years of service as vice president and president of the Illinois Farm Bureau (1999-2013) from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday at
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Todd Tesdal, right, grain department manager with GrainCo FS, describes the cooperative’s Mazon grain operation to state Rep. Marty Moylan, D-Des Plaines. The Grundy County Farm Bureau hosted Moylan, his wife and father-in-law on a recent agriculture tour. (Photo by Christina Nourie)
wood, his wife and two children. The Drury family spent a Sunday learning more about Illinois agriculture and getting hands-on farming experience. The Drurys and several county Farm Bureau leaders were joined by local state Sen. Chapin Rose, R-Mahomet, for lunch in Monticello. They discussed numerous legislative topics. After lunch, the visitors stopped at the Carroll family farm where each family member rode in a combine. The representative said he was very impressed with the technology available on today’s farms. The next stop was Monticello’s TopFlight Grain for a tour of a grain facility. The Drurys watched trucks unload and learned about services provided for farmers. Terry Lieb’s bison farm was
4-H dairy judges win third in national quiz
Four Illinois 4-H’ers proved they know their way around the barn and grocery dairy case. They placed third recently among 19 teams at the National Dairy Quiz Bowl in Louisville, Ky. Illinois team members included Anna Folgate, Dakota; Emily Irwin, Belevidere; Nathan Koester, Scales Mound; and Daniel Obert, Orangeville. Irwin received second place individual honors in the written test, while Koester placed 7th and Folgate nabbed 10th out of
76 contestants. The contest challenges contestants’ dairy knowledge of production, business management, dairy products and dairy science. The Illinois foursome also finished 10th among 22 teams in the North American International Livestock Exposition dairy judging contest. Dave Fischer, retired University of Illinois Extension dairy educator, served as team coach and was assisted by Becky Meier of Ridott.
Patrick D. O’Rourke, an agricultural economist at Illinois State University, recently received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the NonLand Grant Agricultural and Renewable Resources Universities (NARRU) organization. O’Rourke was cited for his service, dedication and leader-
ship. He was also elected to a two-year term on the policy board of directors of the Board on Agriculture Assembly. He will serve as board representative for the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities Non-Land-Grant Colleges of Agriculture Institutions.
ISU agricultural economist honored
the next stop. The representative and his family learned about bison and enjoyed seeing the animals. Christina Nourie is Illinois Farm Bureau northeast legislative coordinator.
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the Farm Bureau office. ONTGOMERY — Prime Timers will meet at noon Dec. 18 at the Farm Bureau building. Cost is $9. The Hillsboro High School choir will perform. Call the Farm Bureau office at 5326171 by Friday for reservations or more information. EORIA — Young Leaders will meet at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 16 at 1st Farm Credit Services south of Kickapoo. A PowerPoint presentation on the Illinois Farm Bureau Young Leaders tour to Brazil will be given. Members aged 18 to 35 are invited to attend. • Citrus and nut orders may be be picked up between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Dec. 18 at the Farm Bureau building.
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“From the Counties” items are submitted by county Farm Bureau managers. If you have an event or activity that is open to all members, contact your county Farm Bureau manager.
PROFITABILITY
FarmWeek Page 18 Monday, December 9, 2013
Is it time to sell 2014 bushels now that harvest is complete?
The 2013 corn and soybean harvests are virtually complete with yields of late-harvested crops a pleasant surprise for many producers. Unfortunately, “pleasant” is not the adjective many producers would use to describe current prices, particularly regarding corn. Farmers have been tight holders as cash corn prices have BY HUGH WHALEN
fallen below $4 and cash beans have recently been in the $12.50 to $13 area. As of late November a year ago, cash corn was near $7 and cash beans were near $14. Compared to last year, prices look rather unattractive. So why am I about to advocate selling a portion of your 2014 production at prices that are, in the case of corn, near $4, and for beans, just over
Milk prices hit highest levels of year
The Class III price for milk adjusted to 3.5 percent butterfat for the month of November was announced at $18.83 per hundredweight. This marks a 61-cent improvement from the previous month’s announcement, and sets the highest prices seen in 2013. With moderating feed prices and steadily higher milk prices, dairy farmers are seeing profit margins begin to ease. Economists are pleased to see an end to the government shutdown and the return to a “bright light” trading and marketing of dairy products. Much of the dairy trade’s information was left unaccounted for during the government shutdown.
M A R K E T FA C T S Feeder pig prices reported to USDA* Total Composite Weighted Average Receipts and Price (Formula and Cash): Weight Range Per Head Weighted Ave. Price 10-12 lbs. (formula) $38.00-$77.87 $47.63 40 lbs. (formula) $69.04-$69.04 $69.04 Recipts
This Week 90,470 *Eastern Corn Belt prices picked up at seller’s farm
Last Week 77,472
Eastern Corn Belt direct hogs (plant delivered) Carcass Live
(Prices $ per hundredweight) This week Prev. week Change NA $77.81 NA NA $57.58 NA
USDA five-state area slaughter cattle price (Thursday’s price) Steers Heifers
This week $131.99 $131.99
Prev. week $132.48 $132.22
Change -$0.49 -$0.23
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 $165.79 $164.63 $1.16
Lamb prices NA
Export inspections (Million bushels) Week ending Soybeans Wheat Corn 11/28/2013 52.6 15.5 35.9 11/21/2013 67.4 12.6 30.3 Last year 52.5 14.7 10.5 Season total 638.7 659.1 320.7 Previous season total 605.6 461.5 209.3 USDA projected total 1450 1100 1400 Crop marketing year began June 1 for wheat and Sept. 1 for corn and soybeans.
in the November crop report. Recent estimates by private analysts in South America have been even higher as the Southern Hemisphere crop is off to its best start in several years. The U.S. is expected to plant substantially more bean acres in 2014 compared to 2013. Given reasonably good weather, soybean stocks will increase markedly and prices for 2014 beans could fall below $10. Weather may not cooperate, but it would appear prudent to me to get a portion of your anticipated 2014 corn and soybean production priced now.
$11? The short answer is that prices have the potential to go lower by the time next harvest rolls around. The record crop produced this year has pushed corn supplies, which have been tight the past couple of Hugh Whalen years, back to comfortable levels. Next year has the potential to increase corn stocks even further despite the likelihood of fewer acres of corn. Early estimates are that U.S. farmers will harvest about 84 million acres of corn next fall which is about 4 million acres less than
this year. Assuming “normal” weather and using a trend line yield, production could total nearly 13.6 billion bushels, which would be roughly 650 million bushels more than the current marketing year usage and would lead to another increase in ending stocks, even if demand shows a healthy increase. This kind of scenario could push corn futures below $4 (December 2014 futures are currently near $4.50). Soybeans also have the potential to move lower next year given the good start to the South American growing season and prospects for higher planted acreage in the U.S. next spring. The USDA projected combined Brazilian and Argentine bean production at 5.2 billion bushels
Hugh Whalen is a commodity risk consultant for MID-CO Inc. His email address is hwhalen@mid-co.com.
BY DANIEL GRANT FarmWeek Farmers are used to dealing with risks that include everything from commodity price swings to unpredictable weather. But managing those risks may be as important as ever in the coming year, according to Illinois commodity group leaders. A binbuster harvest and plateauing biofuels demand is expected to keep a lid on crop prices. Farmers also are expected to have less support in the coming year as direct payments could be ousted in either a new farm bill or extension of the existing bill. Illinois commodity group leaders evaluated the situation recently during a roundtable discussion at the Illinois Commodity Conference in Normal. The annual event was hosted by the Illinois Beef, Corn Growers, Milk Producers, Pork Producers, Soybean and Wheat Associations. “We’re in a transitional period with prices going down
because of (high) yields,” said Jim Reed, board member of the Illinois Corn Growers Association (ICGA). “One of the issues we’ve worked on a lot is risk management.” ICGA is pushing for crop insurance to remain a strong component of the next farm bill along with a market-based risk management program. Bill Raben, chairman of the Illinois Soybean Association, agreed that “crop insurance is the best tool we have” to manage risk. Grain and livestock farmers also are dealing with historically high input costs that add risk. “It’s an expensive business these days,” said Dereke Dunkirk, president of the Illinois Pork Producers Association. “We all use different tools to provide risk management.” Dunkirk and Alan Adams, president of the Illinois Beef Association, expressed concerns about the impact of regulations on the livestock industry.
Potential manure application regulations, for instance, could put some producers in a bind. “A lot of our producers don’t have the type of facilities to store manure long term,” Adams said. “If we start limiting times we can apply (manure to fields), some of our producers won’t be able to meet those deadlines.” Meanwhile, the expected jump in crop supplies in the coming year will place more emphasis on ag exports. Infrastructure improvements are vital for farmers to transport crops, feed and livestock to meet that demand. “Illinois’ infrastructure gives us a competitive advantage, but it’s aging and deteriorating and needs repairs,” Raben said. “We can’t wait until it’s too late.” Adams said he must drive an extra 40 miles to transport cattle to the nearest processing facility due to poor roads in his area. “We have to address this issue,” he said.
Farm leaders target needs to remain competitive
Freezing temps, snow return in time for winter
The climatological winter (December through February) arrived with a bang last week. Temperatures plummeted and snow and ice, from southern Illinois to the Southern Plains, essentially put an end to fieldwork for the year and wreaked havoc with travel. Illinois State Police responded to dozens of accidents in southern counties. Meanwhile, part of Interstate 64 near St. Louis was closed temporarily due to wintry conditions. “We have a couple inches of snow on the ground now and (forecasters) are talking about possibly getting a couple more inches,” Dave Hankammer, a FarmWeek Cropwatcher from St. Clair County, said on Friday. “South of me they’re talking even more snow — 5 to 8 inches.” The cold front that arrived late last week marked a significant change in the weather. The temperature was close to 70 degrees early last week near Lawrenceville, but the Interstate 70 corridor by Friday night was expected to be blanketed by about 7 inches of snow, the National Weather Service Lincoln office noted. The mercury is expected to remain below freezing for much of this week with highs in the 20s and lows from the teens down close to
single digits, according to Accuweather.com. “There was a lot of anhydrous going on in my area (early last week), but it stopped because the ground froze,” said Colby Hunt, a McDonough County farmer. “I think (recent conditions combined with the chilly forecast) will halt any forward progress.” Hunt and Hankammer noted some farmers, prior to the freeze, also were busy with fall herbicide applications. A fairly active precipitation pattern the second half of fall improved soil moisture conditions and helped establish good stands of winter wheat. “I think (the winter wheat crop) looks pretty good heading into winter (dormancy),” Hankammer said. The condition of the winter wheat crop the last week of November was rated 75 percent good to excellent, 24 percent fair and just 1 percent poor. Soil moisture across the state late last month was rated 77 percent adequate, 4 percent surplus and 19 percent short to very short, the National Agricultural Statistics Service Illinois field office reported. The winter season officially begins Dec. 21. — Daniel Grant
PROFITABILITY
Page 19 Monday, December 9, 2013 FarmWeek
CASH STRATEGIST
Interest in commodities withering away
Amid the ongoing debate about whether the Commodity Super Cycle has peaked, the general trend in commodity indices continues to erode. Since the Continuous Commodity Index (CCI) peaked in 2011, it has steadily declined. Rallies have stalled at the 89-week moving average, and/or the downtrend off the 2011 peak. So far, support at the 500 level and the 50 percent retracement of the rally off the December 2008 low have contained the decline. It bounced off that mark last summer, and is again hovering just over it. The 500 mark is important not only because it is a retracement support, but because of the larger cycle count. The June 2012 low was the last three-year low, a cycle that has historically prevailed in commodity indices. A close under the last threeyear low at 502.70, and psychological support at 500 would indicate the trend on the current three-year cycle has turned down, suggesting prices should generally decline into the next low in 2015. All of this comes with indications that investment capital, as well as speculative monies,
are leaving the industry. The amount of money invested in commodities through the passive index funds has declined from $439 billion in late 2012 to $343 billion when last tallied in September. These are largely long only positions. The money controlled by the big trading funds that trade both sides of the market didn’t peak until the beginning of 2013 at $315.91 billion, but appear to be declining as well. And as volume dries up with lower prices, like those in the grains, that money will start to be siphoned away, too. If the CCI falls below 500, we’d suspect speculative capital will leave those funds more quickly. All of this comes as big investment banks are either closing or significantly paring back their commodity operations. Last week, Deutsche Bank indicated it is cutting back its commodity operations. JP Morgan and Morgan Stanley announced cutbacks in their commodity operations earlier this year. Still, it’s important to recognize that commodity indices are coming into the window for their semi-annual lows. So even if the CCI does break under 500, there’s reason to expect a rebound in the early part of 2014. But with money leaving, those rallies may be less robust than you have come to expect.
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Corn Strategy
ü2013 crop: Even though corn prices generally slip lower, there are early signs the bottoming process has started even if the actual low hasn’t yet been seen. Still, you need to use rallies for making sales to cover cash flow for the next five to seven weeks. ü2014 crop: There are many reasons to expect corn prices to go even lower in the long term unless there’s a problem with the crop. But with technical indicators oversold and the 20-week cycle low due, there’s reason to expect better opportunities ahead. We still see December futures moving over $4.75. vFundamentals: Corn demand under the market is steady, but generally unexciting. With the larger supply to work with this year, there may be a lack of urgency on the part of end users to extend coverage during what is normally a slower time of year. In addition, the industry is aware producers will need to start making sales to pay bills in the early part of next year.
Cents per bu.
Soybean Strategy
ü2013 crop: Given indications for a large crop out of South America, we suggest you boost your sales to 80 percent now. A weather problem for them this winter is about the only factor that might carry prices higher. At the same time, there’s increasing vulnerability of seeing a hard break before year’s end. ü2014 crop: New crop prices still look like they are going through a short-term bottoming process. And timing indicators suggest the short-term trend should turn up in early 2014. The situation doesn’t warrant chasing prices lower at this time. vFundamentals: We have seen some soybeans originally destined for China shifted to other destinations. At the same time, new sales to China have become more focused on initiating coverage coming from our new crop marketing year. Conditions in South America are good. Brazil is wrapping up planting and Argentina is 58 percent complete. There’s talk
Brazil could start harvest in early January.
Wheat Strategy
ü2013 crop: The surprising larger crop numbers quickly deflated the wheat market last week, hard wheat classes in particular. Chicago March wheat still looks poised to test the $6.23 low on the nearby chart and might even temporarily drop under it. But once the 20week low is seen, the market should have better rally potential. Hold off sales for now. ü2014 crop: Even though prices could drop lower in the short term, we aren’t interested
in chasing the market down. vFundamentals: Stats Canada shocked the wheat trade with a 37.5 million metric ton (mmt) wheat crop estimate, 2.5 mmt more than the highest expectation. That came on the heels of Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics raising its Australian wheat forecast to 27.5 mmt. The combination of changes suggests wheat stocks may grow even more at the end of this year. Even so, the current lull in world wheat trading should be replaced by more aggressive buying after the first of the year.
PERSPECTIVES
FarmWeek Page 20 Monday, December 9, 2013
Thinking about books for your Christmas list?
Illinois Farm Families Field Moms hold ground pork they donated to the Northern Illinois Food Bank. They used profits from their acre of corn and soybeans and a pen of pigs to purchase the pork. The women also volunteered time at the food bank. (Photo by Ken Kashian)
Through their eyes:
Field moms share views on experience
Editor’s note: Field moms with Illinois Farm Families® (IFF) visited an Ultra Foods Store and the Northern Illinois Food Bank on Nov. 9. IFF is a coalition of commodity groups for beef, corn, pork and soybeans and the Illinois Farm Bureau. Below are excerpts from the Chicago-area moms’ blogs that may be read online at {watchusgrow.org}. Susan Herold, Rolling Meadows I need to caution my friends who are diligent label readers. Some of the labels are really just marketing ploys to get you to buy a product instead of the one next to it. I have learned to be aware of the ones which claim antibioticand hormone-free in your meats. No meat is able to be in your grocer’s case without any trace of antibiotics or hormones. Tanja Saarinen, Oak Park Preservatives and added ingredients in products like grated cheese gave all of us something to think about, but the big surprise was the information on Use by Dates and Best by Dates. I think there will be a lot less food thrown out in the Field Mom households after hearing about the reasons for these dates and how to better judge when food has actually spoiled.
Maggie Bartoszewski, Oak Lawn Simply choosing the cereal that is labeled as “natural” really carries little to no weight when it comes to choosing the “healthier” cereal for my family. There are millions of marketing dollars spent on enticing the consumer to buy
the product. And I’m tired of being a sucker! During this afternoon, I took the time to educate myself more about food labels, and I also learned where to go to keep educating myself. I want to be a lifelong learner, and I want my family to benefit from what I know and the changes that I can make to keep them healthy.
Renee Keats, Highland Park As Mr. (Kevin) Daugherty (Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom education director) showed us how to make pumpkin pie in a bag while simultaneously teaching the “moms” how a simple cooking “experiment” introduces the importance of fractions, I began to wonder why my daughter’s school district thought it was more important for her to know about the life cycle of the penguin instead of learning that her home state grows the greatest number of pumpkins in the country.
Amy Bizzarri, Chicago After spending time in the food bank and seeing the utter quantity of food that would have ended up in the garbage had a food bank not been in place, I renewed my promise to keep food waste to an absolute minimum in our home. I am thankful for the food on my family’s table, and I’m thankful that I had the chance to volunteer on Saturday. I will be returning to volunteer once again before the holidays, this time with my 12year-old son in tow.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Take action against invasive species in our woodlands
Editor: This is the time of year when many of us are able to spend time in the woods. It is also the time to notice if your woodland has invasive species such as bush honeysuckle, multiflora rose and autumn olive. The pale green color of bush honeysuckle is easily noticed since it retains its leaves after others have dropped. These species were widely planted as food sources and habitat. However, they are spreading and taking over
the understory of our woodlands. They out-compete native plants, and when the larger trees are removed, there is little natural replacement. Unless these invasives are controlled, the woodland’s quality and diversity will decline. I encourage woodland owners to survey and take action when you find these invasives. Cutting and treating the stumps with herbicides this time of year is very effective. ED ANDERSON Concord Editor’s note: Check out photos of Illinois invasive plants at {invasive.org/species/list.cfm?id=152}.
It is beginning to look a lot like Christmas! As you think of gifts, why not consider presenting books with an accurate agriculture portrayal? Here is a list of books you could consider. “Farmer George Plants a Nation” by Peggy Thomas, ISBN 978-162091-029-0. Author Peggy Thomas signed autographed copies Sunday at the Illinois Farm Bureau annual meeting in the IAA Foundation Country Store area and will be available for sale. Her outstanding ‘accidental agriculture’ book discusses the life and times of George Washington and his role in agriculture. It is suitable for second graders through KEVIN DAUGHERTY adult readers. “Auntie Yang’s Great Soybean Picnic” by Ginnie Lo, ISBN 978-1-60060-442-3. Not many authors write fiction books about soybeans, but this one is a great look at families, family farms and taking food from the field to the table! Lo included incredible — and accurate — info on soybeans in the author’s note! Plus, it’s set in Illinois. For those attending the IFB annual meeting, this book also is available for sale at the Country Store. Suitable for readers in third through sixth grades. “A Season of Gifts” by Richard Peck, ISBN 978-0-14241729-4. You can’t go wrong with Illinois author Richard Peck. This book really brings home the meaning of the season. Peck offers a detailed look at rural communities in the 1950s. I am certain you’ll laugh out loud at this wonderful book! Available for sale at the Country Store. Suitable for readers in fourth through eighth grades. “Christmas from Heaven The True Story of the Berlin Candy Bomber” as read by Tom Brokaw, ISBN 978-160907-700-6. Here is the story of the Berlin Airlift Candy Bomber, who not only dropped food to the citizens of West Berlin but also candy to the children. Of course, candy
comes from Illinois agriculture products! During the IFB annual meeting, the Country Store will sell the book complete with the DVD of Tom Brokaw reading the story and music by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra. What a phenomenal tribute to the greatest generation! Cris Peterson, noted Wisconsin author and dairy farmer, works to showcase the wonder of a farm. My personal favorites include “Clarabelle: Making Milk and So Much More,” ISBN 978-1-62091590-5, and “Seed, Soil, Sun,” ISBN 978-19078713-7. If you are looking for factual books, Minnesota authors Susan Anderson and Joanne Buggey have created the Awesome Agriculture series. You’ll find an A to Z book for early readers and the story of production for older readers. Look for books on corn, soybeans and pork. One of my all-time favorites is “The Beef Princess of Practical County” by Michelle Houts, ISBN 978-0-440-42270-9. This young adult novel talks about showing cattle in the Midwest. A new find is “The Thing About Luck” by Cynthia Kadohata, ISBN 978-1-41691882-0. Kadohata has written a novel about wheat harvest across the Great Plains. You’ll find excellent illustrations and vivid descriptions. Tasty information abounds in “The Apple Orchard Riddle” by Margaret McNamara and G. Brian Karas, ISBN 978-0-375-84744-8. Outstanding apple facts are set in a beautifully illustrated story in the orchard on a crisp fall day. Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom doesn’t sell books, except for those selections listed during the IFB annual meeting. However, we are always on the lookout for new books that showcase the authentic, accurate portrayal of agriculture. Happy Reading! Kevin Daugherty is the education director of Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom.