ILLINOIS HUNTERS and fishermen will pay slightly more to participate in their choosen sports next year following action by Gov. Pat Quinn. .....................................13
FA R M E R S W H O S T I L L have corn in the field were dealt another setback by Mother Nature last week as winter-like weather set in. ............................14
THE BRAZILIAN forecasting agency, Conab, is projecting a record soybean crop for Brazil of 1.76 billion bushels — an increase of nearly 13 percent. .................16
Monday, December 14, 2009
Two sections Volume 37, No. 49
IFB challenges climate proposals, assumptions BY MARTIN ROSS FarmWeek
Periodicals: Time Valued
Last week in Chicago, Illinois producers challenged congressional “cap-and-trade” proposals while taking a swipe at the credibility of the science behind them. At Illinois Farm Bureau’s annual meeting, delegates reaffirmed their “strong opposition to cap-and-trade provisions in federal legislation.” Members also mailed postcards and signed letters urging the U.S. Senate to block the measure. House-proposed caps on annual utility and industrial greenhouse gas emissions “will hit families hard,” generating an energy shortage, reducing food production, and causing “higher food costs at home and more hunger overseas,” a “sense of the delegate body” resolution stated. IFB President Philip Nelson warned cap-and-trade proposals long term would result in an $11,000 to $15,000 drop in average annual Illinois perfarm income, a likely end to U.S. soybean and meat exports, and a potential 40 percent reduction in corn exports. Nelson last week told reporters a new carbon market
could lead to a massive conversion of cropland to tree plantings, raising questions about how U.S. agriculture can feed the world when growing trees instead of food and feed crops. For all that, the measure would have a “negligible impact on climate,” even by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency projections, he said. U.S. Rep. Aaron Schock, a Peoria Republican and annual meeting guest, argued policymakers can reduce carbon emissions and create green jobs through incentives for “what we want more of, without taxing the heck out of the industries we want less of.”
If the Senate, which currently is embroiled in health care debate, fails to take up climate proposals this session, Schock said he hopes Democrat leaders will “revisit” alternative energy development and use proposals. He believes Republicans would back Democrat energy proposals, “but it’s going to take them being willing to give up on the ‘cap-and-tax’ bill.” “You don’t have to put the coal business out of business in order to help build windmills or hydroelectrical dams or more nuclear power, all of See Climate, page 4
Winnebago County producer Earl Williams discusses policy concerns with Champaign County’s Robin Cruse under a banner highlighting Illinois Farm Bureau’s opposition to House “cap-and-trade” legislation. Members at IFB’s annual meeting in Chicago signed letters and postcards indicating Farm Bureau’s opposition. (Photo by Ken Kashian)
Social issues raise emotional FB policy debate BY KAY SHIPMAN FarmWeek
Illinois Farm Bureau delegates grappled with some of the most challenging issues facing society as they developed policy last week in Chicago. Debate covered issues ranging from political reform to nuisance lawsuits and from crime to drunk driving. At times, delegates’ comments were riveting and poignant. However, an occasional witty comment helped break the tension during the condensed, one-day delegate policy action. Delegates didn’t shy from controversial issues, including a proposal for legislative term limits. “You want (legislative) tenure? We already have it; it’s called an election,” said Mike Campbell, Madison County delegate. “If this (a term limit proposal) passes, it would be a poke in the eye of the very people who hold the most power in Illinois government. This is a noble thought, but a very bad idea,” added Lin Warfel, Champaign County delegate. Delegates defeated the pro-
posal to limit the terms of state constitutional officers, members of Congress, and the Illinois General Assembly to 12 consecutive years. However, delegates passed new policy that supports capping state legislators’ pensions regardless of length of service or state positions held. Political reform also fla-
vored debate on a proposal to have open primary elections in Illinois. Several delegates raised concerns that the change could result in more problems. “The purpose of a primary is a (political) party function. Having an open primary would be like if Farm Bureau invited Farmers Union people
here during the election process,” quipped Terry Ferguson, DeWitt County delegate. Delegates voted against open primaries, but added new policy to support consolidation of elections to streamline the process and reduce taxpaySee Social Issues, page 3
Nelson and Guebert elected to fourth two-year terms The top leadership of Illinois Farm Bureau will remain the same for the next two years. Philip Nelson of Seneca in LaSalle County was re-elected in a contested race to his fourth two-year term as president. Richard Guebert Jr. was unopposed in his re-elected bid for a fourth term as vice president. Nelson, 52, faced competition from Doug Wilson of Philip Nelson Gridley. The weighted vote was 74,383 (93.93 percent) of the membership casting ballots for Nelson to 4,581 (5.78 percent) casting ballots for Wilson. Nelson and his wife, Carmen, operate a fourth-generation grain and livestock farm. They have a son, Kendall, and a daughter, Rachel. Nelson said he was “very pleased” with the
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chance to lead the organization for another two years. “They (delegates and members) like what we’ve done over the last six years and that will continue over the next two.” He cited as two key issues the “death tax” on the federal scene and efforts to turn around the business climate in Illinois on the state level. He will journey to Washington, D.C., this week to participate in resolutions development for the American Farm Bureau Federation annual meeting Jan. 10-13 in Seattle, Wash. Guebert, 58, and his wife, Rich Guebert Jr. Nancy, live in Ellis Grove. He and his son, Kyle, operate a cash grain farm in Randolph County.
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FarmWeek Page 2 Monday, December 14, 2009
ANNUAL MEETING
Nelson: TRUST critical in challenging times BY DANIEL GRANT FarmWeek
Illinois Farm Bureau leaders at the 2009 annual meeting reported on progress made this past year on a sense of the delegate body passed by delegates at the 2008 annual meeting. The measure called on IFB to appoint a task force to address the lack of convergence between cash grain and futures prices. The IFB Profitability Advisory Team was given the task. An update on the issue and steps taken by IFB in 2009 were provided at last week’s meeting by IFB Director Kent Schleich, chairman of the Profitability Advisory Team, and Doug Yoder, IFB senior director of marketing and affiliate management. The team, after investigating the issue, recommended the Chicago Board of Trade adopt variable storage rates and eliminate Chicago and Toledo as deliverable markets for the wheat contract and move to a Mississippi Waterway delivery system. The IFB board adopted the recommendations. Yoder also was appointed to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission’s 18-member subcommittee on convergence. Meanwhile, the team continues to focus on transportation matters, input/supply pricing, and the status of the livestock industry. *** IFB Young Leaders for the fourth year in a row ranked in the top two nationally in the Harvest for All program. The goal of the program is to collect and donate food and money to needy Americans through Feeding America, the nation’s largest food bank. Illinois Young Leaders this year raised more money for the program than any state, $66,978. Young Leaders in Illinois also ranked second nationwide in the amount of food collected, 1.7 million pounds, and volunteer hours donated, 1,817. Young Leaders’ goal for the program in 2010 is to eclipse 2 million pounds of food and 2,000 volunteer hours and to raise $72,000. *** A Vermilion County Farm Bureau member was given celebrity status last week by a Chicago woman who was excited to meet a “real farmer.” Brian Andrews of Rossville was waiting to check in at the Hyatt Regency Hotel when a woman asked him, “Are you real farmer? I hear there is a farmer convention in the hotel.” Andrews replied that he was, indeed, the real article. The excited woman waved her husband over and said, “Honey, this guy’s a real farmer. Just like in the movies.” *** Ag literacy efforts received an early Christmas gift from attendees of the three-day Illinois Farm Bureau annual meeting last week in Chicago. Several activities helped the IAA Foundation raise more than $32,000 to support the Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom (IAITC) program. The first events, a live auction and an ice cream social, raised $12,020 and nearly $1,000, respectively. A silent auction of 154 items of donated goods and services raised nearly $12,000. A trivia contest generated more than $7,150 for IAITC. Teams from Fulton County Farm Bureau and the IFB governmental affairs and commodities division won the competition in their respective categories.
(ISSN0197-6680) Vol. 37 No. 49 December 14, 2009 Dedicated to improving the profitability of farming, and a higher quality of life for Illinois farmers. FarmWeek is produced by the Illinois Farm Bureau. FarmWeek is published each week, except the Mondays following Thanksgiving and Christmas, by the Illinois Agricultural Association, 1701 Towanda Avenue, P.O. Box 2901, Bloomington, IL 61701. Illinois Agricultural Association assumes no responsibility for statements by advertisers or for products or services advertised in FarmWeek. FarmWeek is published by the Illinois Agricultural Association for farm operator members. $3 from the individual membership fee of each of those members go toward the production of FarmWeek.
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TRUST (teamwork, respect for consumers, unselfish leadership, steadfast faith, and tenacity for the future) are critical as farmers and ag organizations look to survive the challenging times and prosper going forward, according to Philip Nelson, the 14th president of Illinois Farm Bureau. Nelson, a grain and livestock producer from Seneca, discussed the challenges and opportunities facing farmers during his keynote address last week at the IFB 95th annual meeting in Chicago. “The main thrust of this organization has not changed. It’s the grassroots” that are the backbone of IFB, said Nelson, who was re-elected during last week’s meeting. “But we know the challenges won’t go away.” The extraordinarily wet weather and historically high input costs were among the top challenges this year. “This has been a challenging year from spring to fall and everything in between,” said Nelson, who noted some farmers as of last week still had crops in the field. USDA recently reported total farm expenses in 2008 and 2009 are the highest and second-highest on record at $290 billion and $278.1 billion, respectively. Nelson said the IFB Profitability Advisory Team, which was formed four years ago, will continue to investigate is-
sues related to farm income and expenses. He met earlier this year with Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack and requested USDA provide market loss assistance, waive fees for restructuring loans, and make additional pork purchases for the school lunch program to assist the hog industry. Profitability could remain a major issue in the year ahead as USDA projected the grain and livestock sectors could continue to face losses, Nelson said. Earlier this year, Nelson reported he lost about $6,000 on every load of hogs shipped from his family farm. Other major challenges to agriculture in 2010 include threats from animal activists and proposed cap-and-trade legislation. “The animal care debate has been one of the most challenging issues I’ve work on,” Nelson said. “We have to step up to the plate.” IFB this year under Nelson’s leadership worked with other commodity groups to develop a unified image campaign, teamed up with 30 other organizations to establish a Vision for Illinois Agriculture, and lobbied against legislation that could harm ag. Cap-and-trade proposals in particular could be harmful to farmers. Nelson told IFB members current climate-related proposals could boost expenses by $11,000 to $15,000 per farm.
Philip Nelson
Meanwhile, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa Jackson has indicated the House version of cap and trade could have a “negligible impact” on the climate while creating a gaping hole in the nation’s energy supply, Nelson said. “We need to build a coalition and send signals on this important piece of legislation,” he noted. “Farmers want to be part of the solution, but we need sound science before we move forward.” But whether the challenge is proposed legislation or threats from animal activists, Nelson said the key for continued success at IFB is for its members to be involved in all aspects of the industry. “It’s important we understand the consumer,” Nelson added. “And we must have the tenacity to get more involved as an organization.”
McLean, Greene County farmers join IFB board David Meiss of Gridley in McLean County and Chad Schutz of White Hall in Greene County were elected at the Illinois Farm Bureau annual meeting last week to replace retiring members of the IFB Board of Directors. Meiss, 49, produces corn, soyDavid Meiss beans, wheat, and specialty crops. A 1978 graduate of Gridley High School, Meiss served as vice president of the McLean County Farm Bureau board for two years and as a member of the board for eight years. He and his wife, Debbie, have three children, Derek, 25, Jordon, 22, and Chloe, 15. He served on the school board in Gridley and as a Gridley Township trustee and supervisor. He is a member of the Illinois Soybean Association, the Illinois Corn Growers Associ-
ation, and the Illinois Pork Producers Association, and the Apostolic Christian Church. Meiss will represent District 7 on the board, which encompasses Marshall, McLean, Putnam, Tazewell, and Woodford counties. He replaces Gerald Thompson of Colfax, who served 10 years on the board. Schutz, 31, and his wife, Stacy, have two children, Lana, 7, and Bridget, 5. A graduate of North Greene High School in 1996, Schutz operates a Chad Schutz 2,300-acre cash grain and livestock farm with several family members. For the past four years, he has served as president of the Greene County Farm Bureau and is a 2008 Agricultural Leaders of Tomorrow (ALOT) graduate. He serves as chairman of the administrative council of
Christ United Methodist Church in White Hall and is a member of the Illinois Beef Association and the Illinois Walking Horse Association. He replaces Henry Kallal, who retired from the board after 10 years of service, and will represent District 15, which encompasses Bond, Calhoun, Greene, Jersey, Macoupin, and Madison counties. Re-elected to the board were: Michael Kenyon, South Elgin, District 1; Wayne Anderson, Geneseo, District 3; Scott Halpin, Gardner, District 5; Terry Pope, Burnside, District 9; Troy Uphoff, Findlay, District 11; Richard Ochs, West Liberty, District 13; and J.C. Pool, Broughton, District 17. Jason Bunting of Cabery in Livingston County was reelected chairman of the IFB Young Leader Committee and thus will serve as an advisory member on the board, as will Bill Lindenmier, president of the Illinois Extension Agricultural Association.
FarmWeek Page 3 Monday, December 14, 2009
ANNUAL MEETING
Delegates, working group discuss redrawing maps IFB takes up redistricting BY KAY SHIPMAN FarmWeek
Illinois soon will have new legislative districts, and Farm Bureau leaders last week debated who should determine the new maps and how the process should unfold. In policy debate during resolutions consideration and study group discussion, Illinois Farm Bureau leaders mulled proposals and timelines of the upcoming legislative redistricting process. Delegates passed policy to support a redistricting process that will be conducted by an unbiased third party, will not be based on political affiliation and prior election results, and will create districts that are compact, contiguous, and impartial to party or incumbency. Knox County Farm Bureau President Ted Mottaz explained his county Farm Bureau submitted the proposal because some current congressional districts fit a Webster’s dictionary definition of gerrymandering. “We have to do something to show the people who do these things that this is not right,” Mottaz said. “We want to see compact and contiguous (districts),” added Jay West, another Knox County delegate. Champaign County delegate
Lin Warfel countered, “The difficulty will be to find an unbiased third party in Illinois, and to find (someone with) nonpolitical affiliation will be difficult, too.” Those difficulties were voiced earlier by members of the IFB Legislative Redistricting Working Group. Warfel, also a member of that group, compared efforts to reform the state’s redistricting process to herding cattle. “It’s like trying to move steers out of the barn and into a chute,” Warfel said with a chuckle. “It’s important to keep the pressure behind them and keep moving forward.” IFB Director Terry Pope, who chairs the working group, explained the group is to study the issues and proposals and make a recommendation to the IFB board. In addition to Pope and Warfel, Redistricting Working Group members include: IFB Director J.C. Pool; Jim Brandau, Cook County Farm Bureau; Robert Hemer, Shelby County Farm Bureau; David Erickson, Knox County Farm Bureau; and Donald Duvall, White County Farm Bureau. Kevin Semlow, IFB director of state legislation, cautioned working group members that changing the redistricting process will not be easy: “The reality is changing the state Constitution is going to be difficult.”
Members of the Williamson County Farm Bureau trivia team blow bubbles during a break in the trivia contest fundraiser that generated $7,150 for Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom at the IFB annual meeting last week. Clockwise from left are Marion Kennell, Maria Farris, Lenny Farris, Duane Wittenborn, Joann Wittenborn, James Tanner, and Myrtle Tanner. Barbara Kennell is at bottom center. (Photo by Ken Kashian)
Wind energy, natural resources issues debated
WIU ref lects both the cur rent and future needs of ag riculture,” said William Bailey, ag school director. Visit the school online at {www.wiu.edu/ag}.
Illinois Farm Bureau has new policy dealing commercial wind turbines. with wind energy projects as a result of county In other policy action, delegates: Farm Bureau delegate action last week in Chica• Voted to seek legislation to pre-empt anticigo. patory nuisance claims against proPolicies supporting wind posed livestock facilities or FarmWeekNow.com energy as a component of the expansion of existing ones that nation’s energy portfolio and Additional stories and videos comply with laws and regulations development of statewide stanand whose construction was from the annual meeting are dards for industrial-scale wind found on FarmWeekNow.com. approved by the Illinois Departenergy facilities weren’t quesment of Agriculture under the tioned. Livestock Facilities Management However, delegates were divided on whether Act. a state fund, paid for by wind energy producers, • Voted to support humane harvesting as an should be established to help cover deconstruc- end-of-life option for horses and to seek legislation costs of abandoned turbines. tion allowing equine harvesting in the state. Terry Ferguson, a DeWitt County delegate, • Supported the pooling of resources by all raised concerns that the state government could commodity groups for a concentrated contake money from a state turbine fund and spend sumer education effort that will focus on facts it on something other than turbine dismantling. about production of livestock and other agri“We’ve concluded to protect landowners cultural commodities using best management some type of statewide effort should be made,” practices. said Jerry Quick, IFB attorney. • Supported an exemption by the Natural Members then deleted the wording “state Resources Conservation Service to allow Enviindemnity” from the policy proposal and vot- ronmental Quality Incentives Program money ed to support efforts to establish a fund, to be used for streambank stabilization before financed by wind energy producers, to pay the adjacent land expires from a Conservation for turbine decommissioning. New policy Reserve Program or a Conservation Reserve also supports continuation of the current Enhancement Program contract. — Kay Shipproperty tax assessment method and rate for man
current DUI laws and legislative efforts to improve them. EQUALLY SERIOUS discussion emerged over newly approved policy supporting state legislation to allow permits for qualified citizen to carry concealed handguns. Delegates supporting concealed carry mentioned residents of neighboring states already have that right; there is broad support among county Farm Bureau members for the right to carry concealed weapons; and police response times are longer to arrive at rural crime locations.
Knox County Farm Bureau delegate Ted Mottaz was one of the few speaking against the proposal: “I was trained as an infantryman to kill a human being ... Are you ready to be that person to kill a human being? Because if they’re going to come after you, they’re not going to wound but kill.” “It’s my God-given duty to protect my family,” countered Butch Ferrell, Peoria County delegate. “Let’s give people the right to defend themselves.” FARMERS’ ABILITY to protect themselves from expen-
WIU ag school creates its first advisory board Wester n Illinois University’s School of Ag riculture has established its first board of advisers. “It is vital that the education provided by the School of Ag riculture at
TINY BUBBLES ON TRIVIA NIGHT
Social issues Continued from page 1 er expense. A PROPOSAL for stricter penalties for drivers convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) prompted compelling debate on both sides of the issue. Delegates spoke eloquently about family members who have struggled after DUI convictions, while others focused on the suffering of victims injured by drunk drivers. In the final vote, delegates maintained IFB policy to support vigorous enforcement of
sive nuisance lawsuits also resulted in new Farm Bureau policy. Delegates passed policy seeking legislation to require plaintiffs to pay reasonable costs and legal fees incurred by a farmer who wins a nuisance lawsuit in cases involving a proposed farm or expansion of an existing farm. IFB attorney Laura Harmon explained current law covers prevailing farmer defendants in cases involving existing farms only. “The purpose of this resolution is to fill in the
gap,” Harmon said. FINANCIAL MATTERS also were the focus of policy debate on property and income taxes. Delegates voted to delete from existing Farm Bureau policy a guideline seeking dollar-fordollar property tax relief should the state income tax be increased. But Farm Bureau policy continues to support property tax relief through a combination of state revenue surpluses and various statewide taxes, added Kevin Semlow, IFB director of state legislation.
FarmWeek Page 4 Monday, December 14, 2009
ANNUAL MEETING
Delegates favor IDOA authority for animal care BY KAY SHIPMAN FarmWeek
The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) would gain responsibilities if policy approved last week by Illinois Farm Bureau delegates comes to fruition. After debating animal care policy, delegates voted in
mal care rules. Mark Gebhards, IFB director of the governmental affairs and commodities division, explained IDOA currently administers several animal-related laws, including the Livestock Management Facilities Act, and has authority over livestock.
‘ We thought the Illinois Depar tment of Agriculture should be the one to control (animal care), not the legislature .’ — Jamie Schaffer Stark County producer
favor of IDOA having the authority to administer animal care laws and rules for livestock and companion animals. “We thought the Illinois Department of Agriculture should be the one to control (animal care), not the legislature,” Stark County delegate Jamie Schaffer said of his county’s policy proposal. Several delegates raised concerns about IDOA’s existing authority over animal care issues, especially given recent Ohio voter approval to craft state ani-
Delegates also want economic factors considered in legislation or regulations dealing with the humane treatment of animals. New IFB policy will oppose federal, state, or local laws or regulations for humane animal treatment when those laws or rules would adversely affect the health, longevity, or productivity of livestock or the economic viability of the operation. “We need to consider the profitability of an operation to continue,” explained Terry
Ferguson, a DeWitt County delegate. Delegates also passed new apiculture policy for beekeepers and honey production. Under a state apiary law,
IDOA has authority to inspect honeybee colonies for diseases and pests. Beekeepers also are required to register their colonies with IDOA. New IFB policy supports
legislation or administrative rules for Illinois beekeepers for harvesting and marketing of honey that are not more stringent than the laws or rules of neighboring states.
Premises animal ID stance sparks heated IFB debate BY MARTIN ROSS FarmWeek
Illinois Farm Bureau delegates backed away from encouraging even voluntary premises registration amid heated debate over national animal identification and fears by some that premises enrollment could prove a “first step” toward mandatory animal identification. After lengthy discussion, annual meeting delegates not only rejected a Clinton County Cliff Schuette proposal urging required premise registration through the National Animal Identification System (NAIS) but also deleted previous policy provisions that encouraged voluntary NAIS registration. Past Illinois Beef Association President Cliff Schuette argued Clinton County’s proposal would ensure “everybody in Illinois would be registered” in the event of a major disease outbreak while continuing to emphasize voluntary animal ID/”tracing” programs. He maintained comprehensive and “costeffective” premises ID would bolster global con-
fidence in U.S. products. Schuette’s Southern Illinois county is one of the state’s leading dairy/pork-producing regions, “We all know what happens when push comes to shove,” Vermilion County’s David Sadler warned, however, suggesting required registration would grant federal officials expanded authority over individual operations in an emergency situation. Pike County’s Kim Curry maintained mandatory registration “cannot be done economically,” and Calhoun County’s Robert Reed questioned “why this organization would ask to have regulations placed on it.” The IFB Resolutions Committee (RC) earlier had rejected Clinton County’s submission as being in conflict with IFB policy supporting strictly voluntary premises ID. Fulton County delegate Lance Tarochione disputed the RC’s decision to strike policy provisions that had encouraged all Illinois livestock producers to register premises via NAIS, warning “we’ve got a voluntary program we’re going to lose if we don’t get more participation.” As of Nov. 29, Illinois reported roughly 50 percent of the state’s premises were registered vs. nearly 100 percent enrollment in neighboring Indiana and Wisconsin.
EPA greenhouse gas ruling designed to spur lawmakers? A landmark ruling by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) likely will provide the “push” necessary to
restart Senate cap-and-trade proposals next year, a GROWMARK policy specialist suggests.
As nearly 200 world leaders convened in Copenhagen to address global climate change concerns, EPA formally ruled
Climate Continued from page 1 which I support,” Schock argued in a FarmWeek-RFD Radio interview. “After the 2007 energy bill, the United States became the fastest-growing wind energy producer in the world. In one year, we grew 40 percent in wind energy. Why was that? Because we incentivized what we wanted.” Members at the annual meeting signed 44 letters urging Democrat Sens. Dick Durbin of Springfield and Roland Burris of Chicago to oppose House proposals, as well as nearly 300 “Don’t Cap Our Future” postcards addressed to lawmakers. Questioning climate conclusions Delegates also stressed the need for “honest scientific research, utilizing scientific method, not consensus” in determining causes and consequences of purported global climate change. DeWitt County’s Terry Ferguson noted “there’s been a lot of new information put out” as policymakers have embarked on cap-andtrade policies, and he suggested some has been “possibly falsified.” Delegate action came in the wake of allegations that the British University of East Anglia’s Climatic Research Unit suppressed data that questioned assumptions about “manmade” climate change.
The so-called “Climategate” scandal has revived larger questions about the validity of scientific theories touted by cap-and-trade advocates. “We’re always in favor of science, but we want to make sure it’s really good science,” Ferguson said. Carbon creditworthiness? Delegates supported additional research to document the regional value of ag practices in sequestering atmospheric carbon dioxide, with USDA as lead research agency. House provisions would grant greenhouse credits to producers and others who reduce or sequester carbon emissions. But IFB keynote speaker Lowell Catlett, a New Mexico State University economist, questioned supposed ag benefits under cap and trade. He noted the House plan gives a significant share of credits in advance to a number of regulated interests, ostensibly to win their support. “The market needs to be this: You’re a polluter and you need a carbon credit. Who produces most of the carbon sinks that suck up carbon? Farmers. “Who should have the credit to sell to the polluter? Agriculture. We can prove how much carbon we suck out of the atmosphere,” he told FarmWeek.
that greenhouse gases pose a threat to human health and welfare. EPA’s “endangerment finding” argues carbon dioxide and other greenhouse emissions should be regulated under the federal Clean Air Act. That position potentially strengthens congressional efforts to pass emissions cap-and-trade legislation, as well as supporting possible EPA climate regulations. “This will set the stage for the U.S. EPA to begin the process of regulating carbon dioxide emissions,” GROWMARK Governmental Affairs Director Chuck Spencer told FarmWeek. “That’s going to impact businesses across the United States and also bring additional pressure to legislative activity. There are many businesses across the United States that are very concerned about what a regulatory framework produced solely by EPA could look like vs. one that would be legislatively crafted, with input from a variety of interests.”
Appearing at the United Nations-sponsored Copenhagen conference, EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson insisted “the endangerment finding and the work here are separate.” She maintained EPA’s efforts to classify carbon dioxide emissions as a threat “had been sitting for years.“ American Farmland Trust President and former EPA ag adviser Jon Scholl nonetheless warned producers “to not take lightly the importance of this EPA announcement, to watch carefully the information and global response to the meetings in Copenhagen, and to engage in finding a legislative solution to one of the defining societal resource issues of our time.” Meanwhile, U.S. Rep. Mike Pence (R-Ind.), chairman of the House Republican Conference, charged EPA’s ruling was “nothing more than an attempt by the administration to build international support for a binding political agreement in Copenhagen.” — Martin Ross
FarmWeek Page 5 Monday, December 14, 2009
ANNUAL MEETING
Economist: Ag potential still exists in ‘dreamspace’
FFA AUCTION ACTION
BY MARTIN ROSS FarmWeek
Lowell Catlett insists the “dream” for agriculture is not dead nor even dimmed, despite the rude awakening of recession. The proof is in the retail receipts, he said. American producers thus remain primed to explore — and capitalize on — what the New Mexico State University economist calls the consumer “dreamspace.” Even amid an economic downturn, Catlett argued lifestyle and social goals continue to drive domestic demand. In remarks at Illinois Farm Bureau’s annual meeting last week, he noted “a luxury to one generation is a necessity to the next.” Agriculture continues to evolve into an “omniculture,” catering to niche consumer tastes while servicing the environment, providing renewable energy, and, down the road, supplying “prescription foods” tailored to individual health and physiological needs. “We own this space,” Catlett advised. “Get ready for it — it’s the most phenomenal revolution on the planet.” The economy remains “fundamentally sound,” he stressed. The U.S. has experienced 13 recessions over the past 80 years, and Catlett emphasized that despite a slight dip in 2008 gross
‘We own this space.’ — Lowell Catlett New Mexico State University economist
domestic product (GDP) and a current 10 percent-plus unemployment rate, “we produce more every year.” Catlett believes the U.S. is on track for recovery and GDP growth in 2010, thanks in part to federal stimulus and consumer incentives such as the “cash for clunkers” program. In fact, he suggested the consumer appetite for value-added groceries has remained hearty throughout the recession. “People are still willing to pay for white asparagus,” Catlett told FarmWeek and RFD Radio. “We still cannot produce enough prime beef in this country — only about 3 percent of each of the weekly slaughters is prime. We could sell 6 percent — we just can’t produce enough. Don’t tell me there aren’t consumers out there who still want that prime steak.” Despite public challenges to capturing the potential of dreamspace — the “food vs. fuel” debate, isolated resistance to GMO food and
“pharmacrops” — Catlett believes most Americans “don’t have a problem with the omniculture.” With global daily per-capita caloric intake more than doubling over the past 15 years, he said the U.S. should continue to enjoy a “strategic advantage” in meeting the diversified demand. That isn’t to say fortunes won’t vary from sector to sector. Catlett acknowledged “agriculture’s too broad,” and recognized that what benefits a soybean grower may not always please a livestock feeder. “Agriculture, in total, had the highest income ever earned in history last year and the lowest debt-to-equity ratio. Most of the farms in this country carry no debt. “I’m not making light of the hog situation. We have a large dairy sector in New Mexico that’s been struggling. Those two sectors are restructuring. We’re just producing more than the market can absorb right now. But in 18 months, my guess is we’ll be back again.”
COOL KIDS
Maddie Hanson, 9, left, and Isabella Hanson, 3, daughters of Doug and Lisa Hanson, Danforth, snack on ice cream donated by Prairie Farms Dairy for the ice cream social during the Illinois Farm Bureau annual meeting last week in Chicago. Donations for the frosty treats totaled nearly $1,000 to help support Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom. (Photo by Al Hasty)
Amie Burke, FFA state president from Fithian, signals a bid during the live auction to raise money for the IAA Foundation during last week’s Illinois Farm Bureau annual meeting in Chicago. FFA officers and 4-H Council Youth representatives assisted state Sen. John Sullivan, who again served as auctioneer. (Photo by Al Hasty)
Other national policy matters In action on other federal and national policies, Illinois Farm Bureau delegates last week voted: Livestock health • Support for a “modern, biosecure” animal base research center. The proposal comes with the federal decision to cease study of hazardous animal diseases at an isolated facility at Plum Island, N.Y. Crop insurance • A push to require automatic extension of the Risk Management Agency’s (RMA) crop insurance acreage reporting deadline in the event Farm Service Agency’s (FSA) acreage certification deadline is extended. Joint extensions should maintain existing time periods between RMA and FSA deadlines. • Support for requiring individual county yield averages needed for group risk income protection and group risk plan policies be released a month prior to the crop insurance sales closing date. That date should be uniform for all states, delegates stated. Specialty crops • Support to provide program, legislative, and marketing assistance for growth and development of various specialty crops that are not defined in and thus eligible for federal support under the 2008 farm bill. Floodplain protection • Efforts to expedite approval and permitting for floodplain protection projects under the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Upper Mississippi/Illinois River comprehensive management plan, which currently is under congressional review (more details will be available in next week’s FarmWeek). Delegates also sought to streamline permitting of levee repair and construction and greater uniformity in floodplain standards between states. • Support for the Corps having the lead role in all floodfighting efforts and urged that dewatering of ag land be required as part of flood recovery efforts. Energy • Support for construction of nuclear power facilities and repeal of Illinois’ moratorium on nuclear plant construction. Delegates were concerned congressional cap-and-trade proposals could lead to reduced coal-based electrical generation, and argued nuclear power would be the next most inexpensive means of producing electricity.
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ANNUAL MEETING IFB revises prescription
Senate pushing pre-Christmas health plan BY MARTIN ROSS FarmWeek
Amid concerns over the U.S. House’s “public option” for extending health coverage to the nation’s uninsured, Illinois Farm Bureau delegates in Chicago last week supported providing “insurance through the marketplace” via increased portability of individual coverage between carriers and coverage for those with pre-existing health conditions. Delegates opposed efforts to expand Medicaid eligibility that would shift health costs to the states. “If the feds are going to put a new program
on us that’s going to cost the State of Illinois hundreds of millions of dollars, we need to be concerned,” DeWitt County’s Terry Ferguson argued. U.S. Rep. Aaron Schock, a Peoria Republican, “fully expects” the Senate to approve a health plan by Christmas. Senators last week touted a “compromise” that would expand Medicare eligibility and access to cheaper imported prescription drugs. If it passes, the Senate package must be reconciled in conference with the House plan, which, Schock noted, “passed by two votes.”
He said he “adamantly” opposes the House bill, comparing government-run care to Social Security and Medicare — “the two largest unfunded liabilities facing our country” — and decrying the idea of “a trillion-dollar health care bill at a time when our country has record deficits.” “There are a number of reforms we can make in health care — regulatory reform that allows insurance companies to compete across state lines; reform when it comes to preexisting conditions; (legal) tort reform, which will cut down on duplicative costs and
ADOPTED LAWMAKER CHAT
State Sen. Susan Garrett (D-Lake Forest) met with her “adopted” Clinton County Farm Bureau leaders, left to right, Cliff Schuette, Michael Poettker, Ray Krausz, and Philip Rueter, during policy debate at the Illinois Farm Bureau annual meeting in Chicago. Garrett, who participates in the Adopt-a-Legislator program, was among the lawmakers who were recognized on the delegate floor. (Photo courtesy Clinton County Farm Bureau)
Survey reveals farmer optimism Illinois farmers surveyed at last week’s Illinois Farm Bureau annual meeting are slightly more optimistic about the farm economy in 2010, but they remain concerned about the state’s financial woes and rising crop input prices. Fifty-five percent of those surveyed said 2010 “should be a profitable year,” while another 31 percent said they expect next year to be breakeven at best. Among the top five concerns for producers in 2010: • State budget woes (76 percent) • Rising crop input prices (75 percent) • Increased environmental regulation (73 percent) • Attacks on livestock production (72 percent) • Volatility of grain markets (68 percent) Most of the respondents said they expect to
plant the same number of acres of corn and soybeans as in 2009 — with a 50-50 rotation the most popular option. A somewhat optimistic outlook for next year also was evident in their predictions for springtime corn and soybean prices. Nearly half of the respondents expected corn prices between $3.50 and $3.75 a bushel, and soybean prices were projected between $9 and $9.50 per bushel. Eighty-six percent of producers said the current credit crunch has not impacted their ability to obtain operating loans. But 70 percent of those surveyed said they have no plans to buy new farm equipment in 2010. Virtually all respondents said they would recommend that their children take an ag-related job, while seven out of 10 said they would recommend farming as a career for their children.
unnecessary ‘defensive medicine’,” Schock told FarmWeek and RFD Radio. “Those are reforms that don’t raise taxes, don’t create debt, and could get both Republican and Democrat support.” Schock believes the Senate will reject attempts to revive a public option, citing opposition among influential Democrats such as Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas and Ben Nelson of Nebraska and independents such as Joe Lieberman of Connecticut. The question will be whether conferees can find middle ground.
If they cannot, Schock sees the president and Congress focusing on cost-containment measures that would help reduce insurance premiums. As the Congressional Budget Office worked to put a price tag to the current Senate compromise, American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) analyst Pat Wolff suggested Medicare expansion would be “a little bit better” than the public option. While AFBF welcomes system reform, Medicare currently “doesn’t do much for rural areas,” she said.
Schock: Obama needs trade-based stimulus push U.S. Rep. Aaron Schock found a key component lacking from a recent White House Jobs Summit, and he hopes to put trade — and its potential economic benefits — back on the congressional docket. The Peoria Republican has called on President Obama to immediately submit pending free trade agreements (FTAs) with Colombia, Panama, and South Korea for congressional approval. During a November tour of Asia, Obama noted the export value of the South Korea FTA and stated his desire to resolve issues that have blocked its approval with South Korean President Lee Myung-bak. Schock applauded Obama’s support for the pact, but urged the president to “add Colombia and Panama as well, so our manufacturers and agriculture industry can compete in those markets.” In a FarmWeek-RFD Radio interview during Illinois Farm Bureau’s annual meeting, the congressman argued Obama to date “hasn’t been successful on the No. 1 issue — the economy.” “The first 10 months of his administration has been spent on cap and trade, which is going to kill jobs, and health care, which by his own economic adviser’s estimate will kill 5 million jobs,” Schock said. “Everything we’re doing in Congress is counterproductive to creating jobs. But there are three bills out there — (FTA agreements with) Colombia, Panama, and South Korea — which will create jobs that don’t cost money, that don’t raise taxes, don’t add to our nation’s deficit.” South Korea and the U.S. signed an agreement in 2007, but ratification has been delayed because of opposition from South Korean farmers and U.S. autoworkers. Controversy over Korean acceptance of U.S. beef also has figured into the delay. South Korea and the European Union (EU) signed a similar FTA in September. In late November, Schock and 34 colleagues asked House Speaker Nancy Pelosi for an up-or-down vote on the Colombia FTA. Colombia also is developing a trade pact with the EU, and a Canadian-Colombian FTA is near ratification, raising concerns among U.S. wheat growers. The president himself has estimated a 1 percent increase in exports would create 250,000 jobs. Economist and annual meeting speaker Lowell Catlett noted that because the U.S. dollar currently is down, “the things we’re manufacturing are cheaper to the world.” “Export demand is through the roof — it’s going to drive a phenomenally good recovery in 2010,” Catlett told FarmWeek. — Martin Ross
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ANNUAL MEETING
New member, secretary elected to IAAA board
Jason Bunting, left, of Livingston County was selected chairman of the Illinois Farm Bureau Young Leader Committee for the second year in a row at last week’s annual meeting in Chicago. He will be assisted in 2010 by, left to right from Bunting, Bryan Stevens (Hancock County), secretary; Matt Lynch (Edwards County), chairman of the achievement subcommittee; Tom Flack (Stephenson County), chairman of the governmental affairs and commodities subcommittee; Sean Arians (Woodford County), chairman of the education and recruitment subcommittee; and Alan Chesnut (Vermilion County), vice chairman. (Photo by Ken Kashian)
Young Leaders: Farmers must maintain consumer support BY DANIEL GRANT FarmWeek
Farmers must engage and educate consumers about food quality and production issues or risk losing their support in the future, according to Illinois Farm Bureau Young Leaders. The question of how ag producers can reach out to the public to gain support on important ag issues was discussed last week by Young Leaders Shawn Clapp (McLean County), Kurt Range (St. Clair County), Grant Strom (Knox County), and Matthew Starr (Hancock County) during the finals of the Young Leaders Discussion Meet at the IFB annual meeting in Chicago. “If we don’t reach out to our base (of consumers), we will lose because our competition (such as animal activist groups) already is reaching out to them,” said Clapp, who won the Discussion Meet. A key message for consumers to understand is U.S. farmers produce a safe and affordable supply of food, according to Clapp. And that could be challenged in the future as the population increases and the amount of farmland decreases, he said. Currently, about one in every 10 households in Illinois faces hunger issues, according to the Young Leaders. “It’s one of the most important issues we face today,” Range said.
“Building their trust is critical and the best way to do that is through value-based education.” But many farmers must change their mindset about public relations before they can maintain or in some cases regain the confidence of consumers, according to Strom. “As an industry, that is something we’ve been guilty of — keeping the doors closed to what we do,” Strom said. “That’s not good enough anymore with a growing urban population. “We have a good story to tell,” he continued. “But if we don’t (tell) it ourselves, someone else will.” Starr agreed that farmers have a good story to tell but maintained consumers won’t understand it without proper education. “Farmers are the original conservationists and environmentalists,” Starr said. “We don’t have a reason to be ashamed of anything we’re doing.” And farmers in the process of educating consumers can clear up misconceptions about the industry, according to the Young Leaders. “We fail to advertise the good news we do in our industry,” Strom said. “Instead, we wait until a problem arises.” Range suggested farmers and farm groups must collaborate with other industries to spread their message to as many consumers as possible.
SHOPPING AT THE AUCTION
Susan Vonk of Peoria County looks over some of the 154 items donated for the silent auction at last week’s Illinois Farm Bureau annual meeting in Chicago. Nearly $12,000 was raised for the IAA Foundation to promote ag literacy. (Photo by Al Hasty)
Jim Lynch of McLean, president of Stanford Grain Co., was elected last week during the Illinois Farm Bureau annual meeting in Chicago to the board of the Illinois Agricultural Auditing Association (IAAA). Lynch will replace Duane Haning of Minier, who retired after serving on the board since 1990. Robert Phelps of Rockton (Winnebago County) was re-elected as the GROWMARK Inc. representative on the board and was named secretary of the association, a position Haning had held. Gary Luth of Allerton in Douglas County was re-elected president, a position he has held since 2004. Ron Fehr, Baldwin (Randolph County), was elected vice president, and Terry Pope of Burnside in Hancock County was reelected as the IFB representative on the board. Also re-elected was Stanley Grebner of Washburn in Woodford County. IAAA provides auditing services to agribusinesses throughout the Midwest. Lenders and regulators use its services, and its personnel are recognized as experts in audit and taxation of agricultural cooperatives and non-for-profit organizations. It is the only certified public accountant firm that specializes in agribusiness.
GREAT BIDS FOR AG LITERACY
Illinois Farm Bureau President Philip Nelson, right, congratulates Rock Katschnig of the Henry County Farm Bureau for successfully placing winning bids on two major auction items during the live auction to raise money for ag literacy during last week’s IFB annual meeting in Chicago. Katschnig bought Green Star navigation pieces donated by Deere and Co. and Sloan Implement. Katschnig and other bidders contributed a total of $12,020 to the IAA Foundation to be used to promote ag literacy. (Photo by Ken Kashian)
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EMERGING ISSUES
Federal estate tax reform and extension in Senate’s court BY MARTIN ROSS FarmWeek
In U.S. Rep. Aaron Schock’s view, the federal estate tax causes a drain on farmers and other small businesses. The Peoria Republican warns it’s now up to the Senate to ensure the tax doesn’t suck the life out of farm families. Or, as
an American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) analyst warns, to ensure Congress doesn’t impose an even greater burden on farm heirs in 2010. Because of a congressional loophole, the estate tax is due to expire at year’s end, with reinstatement in 2011 at pre-2002 levels. That would include a $1
million individual tax exemption — less than a third of the current exemption. The House voted to extend the existing $3.5 million exemption without annual adjustments for annual inflation. Illinois Farm Bureau President Philip Nelson called the move “troubling,” pledging to
ADOPTED CLASSROOM VISIT
Schuyler County Farm Bureau members visited their adopted classroom at St. Mary’s Star of the Sea school in Chicago last week following the Illinois Farm Bureau annual meeting. The fourth graders heard Schuyler County Farm Bureau President Kent Prather and his wife, Sandy, speak about soybeans. The soybean book, “From Seed to Plant” by Gail Gibbons, was read, and the students then were given the chance to ask questions. Soybean Ag Mags supplied by the Prathers were studied. Later a “Beanie Baby” was made to show the students how a soybean germinates. (Photo submitted by Schuyler County Farm Bureau manager Kelly Westlake)
work with Democrat Sens. Dick Durbin of Springfield and Roland Burris of Chicago to raise the exemption and index it to inflation. But with only a few weeks remaining in the 2009 session, AFBF’s Pat Wolff fears Senate focus on health care could allow the estate tax and a variety of key tax breaks to lapse. Allowing the estate tax to expire for two or three weeks, only to reinstate it, would be “horrible policy,” argued Wolff, who urged the Senate to approve estate tax and House-approved “tax extender” provisions. Reinstituting the estate tax even at current levels is “a big mistake when people are losing their jobs,” Schock told FarmWeek at the Illinois Farm Bureau annual meeting. As it is, the tax “takes away money that
would be invested otherwise to keep people employed to pay Uncle Sam,” he said. Schock said he hoped the Senate would target an $5 million to $7 million exemption, with inflationary indexing. “I’m fundamentally opposed to the estate tax,” Schock said. “But if there’s going to be one, we need to make sure it doesn’t tax middle Americans. “What the Democrats passed in the House was just that: a $3.5-million exemption, permanent, not indexed to inflation, that continues to affect more and more people. “The average family farm is over 500 acres. Given what farm ground’s going for now, you add in your property plant and equipment, and almost every family farm’s over $3.5 million in terms of assessed value.”
Clock running on Senate biodiesel credit action Soybean growers and biofuels producers are awaiting 11th hour Senate action to ensure crucial biodiesel tax breaks remain available to a still-evolving industry. The American Soybean Association (ASA) hailed last week’s U.S. House approval of “tax extender” legislation which would extend the current $1-per-gallon biodiesel tax credit through 2010. However, the fuel blenders incentive is set to expire Dec. 31, and ASA President Rob Joslin warned it was “unclear when, or if, the U.S. Senate will address tax extenders legislation before the end of the year.” ASA and National Biodiesel Board (NBB) board member Darryl Brinkmann of Carlyle thus will participate in a Senate biodiesel lobbying effort this week. Joslin cited the measure’s impact in providing “a significant market opportunity for U.S. soybean farmers as well as jobs and economic development for rural communities.” A new NBB study estimates loss of the credit would cost 23,000 jobs, and ASA predicts production “will cease” if the credit is not extended. NBB spokesman Michael Frohlich said the credit is essential to biodiesel competing with conventional diesel fuel in an economy in which price is the key selling point in making an environmentally “smarter choice” at the pump. “Our producers and distributors are wondering if this is going to be extended,” he told FarmWeek. “If not, they’re going to have to change their entire business plan for 2010. And there’s a whole host of (biodiesel development) potential here. That’s what this gets at — helping grow the industry. “The ethanol industry has been receiving tax incentives for more than 30 years. The petroleum industry has been receiving them, really, for as long as we’ve been using petrol-based fuel. “This is a dollar tax credit for a rather nascent industry to produce a low-carbon replacement fuel — really the most advanced fuel available today in the world.” The extenders bill also provides breaks for private research, college tuition deductions, and property tax breaks for homeowners who don’t itemize deductions on federal returns. It would extend five-year depreciation for farm business equipment, the expanded deduction for conservation easement donations, deductions for producer food donations, and a track maintenance credit for short-line railroads. American Farm Bureau Federation policy analyst Pat Wolff stressed the extenders package is “must-pass” legislation, and the Senate thus is pressured to act on it. However, she was concerned senators could use the urgency of the measure to attempt to attach pet provisions rather than quickly passing the measure or, worse, allow tax provisions to expire and approve them retroactively next year. “Next year is the year half of the (federal) tax code expires,” Wolff told FarmWeek. “So next year, you’ve got biodiesel again, you have all the income tax rates, you’ve got the (alternative minimum tax). All that stuff comes due at once. Next year could be a big train wreck.” — Martin Ross
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Pike County farmer wins IFB Distinguished Service Award Philip E. Bradshaw, a grain and livestock producer from Griggsville, was named recipient of the 2009 Illinois Farm Bureau Distinguished Service Award — IFB’s highest honor — at last week’s annual meeting. A member of the Pike County Farm Bureau, Bradshaw has grown corn and soybeans and raised hogs for more than 40 years as part of an operation that is now run by his son. Bradshaw has traveled extensively to promote the use of soybeans, representing the United Soybean Board (he was elected chairman of the board earlier this month), the World Initiative for Soy in Human Health and the World Soy Foundation Board — among other organizations — in Trinidad and Tobago, Bangladesh, Mexico, Romania,
Brazil, Argentina, Venezuela, Germany, Italy, China, and Russia. He has served in leadership roles for the Illinois Pork Producers Association, the state FFA Sponsoring Committee, and the Illinois Soybean Board. Bradshaw has received numerous honors and awards for his efforts in promoting soy, for conservation efforts, and for his community service. Bradshaw has been married to Linda for 48 years. They have three children, four grandchildren, and one greatgrandson. IFB’s Distinguished Service Award honors the memory and service of Charles Shuman, a Moultrie County farm leader who served as president of both Illinois Farm Bureau and the American Farm Bureau Federation.
Illinois Farm Bureau President Philip Nelson, left, presents Philip Bradshaw and his wife, Linda, the Distinguished Service Award during last week’s IFB annual meeting in Chicago. (Photo by Ken Kashian)
Three win Illinois Farm Bureau Eagle Award for Excellence A retired community college vice president, a promoter of biofuels, and a grain and soybean farmer all were recipients of the Illinois Farm Bureau Eagle Award for Excellence at IFB’s annual meeting last week in Chicago. Larry Fischer, Quincy, was recognized for his contributions to agriculture through his employment at John Wood Community College. Fischer is a retired vice president for instruction at the college. During his tenure there, the swine management and agriculture programs both received national recognition. Fischer is a long-time com-
munity leader and volunteer, having served East Pike High School; FFA; 4-H; the Western Illinois Rural Development Task Force; Larry Fischer and numerous local, regional, and state economic development organizations. He is the recipient of numerous awards for his involvement with FFA and as an agriculture teacher. Peter Johnsen, Peoria, was recognized for his influence on the direction of agriculture
research in the United States. Johnsen is the founder and chief technology officer of Biofuels Manufacturers of Illinois, an organization focused on the development of biofuels from a once littleknown plant called pennycress. Johnsen previously served in leadPeter Johnsen ership roles for USDA research facilities in New Orleans and Peoria. He was named federal laboratory director of the year in 2004, has
been a visiting scientist at universities in Germany and Norway, has written or co-authored 69 scientific papers, and is the holder of two U.S. patents. Suella “Sue” Mowery, Tamms, was recognized for her life-long dedication to agriculture. She farms with her husband, Dale, on the Mowery family’s sesquicentennial farm. Mowery has been involved on the county Farm Bureau level since the 1960s and was instrumental in establishing the Pulaski-Alexander County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee. She was the second woman
Sue Mowery
to serve as president of the PulaskiAlexander County Farm Bureau and was a leader on the American Farm Bureau Women’s
Committee. The IFB Eagle Award for Excellence provides IFB with an opportunity to recognize individuals or organizations for excellence on issues or programs important to Farm Bureau and agriculture on a statewide and/or national basis.
IAITC honors top education volunteers of 2009 Agricultural literacy leaders and volunteers with the Calhoun, Bureau, and Woodford County Farm Bureaus were named Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom (IAITC) volunteers for 2009 at the Illinois Farm Bureau annual meeting last week in Chicago. The honorees were Jane Brangenberg, Pearl; Beth Schultz, Tiskilwa; and Cheryl Pfanz and Dana White, both of Washburn. The IAITC award is given for outstanding individual leadership and commitment to teaching nonfarm children about the importance of agriculture.
Brangenberg, a Soil and Water Conservation District employee, has served on the county AITC Committee for 12 years and Jane Brangenberg chaired the group for the past eight years. She has used her knowledge and expertise to recruit other professionals to join the committee. Brangenberg regularly teaches classroom lessons and has interacted with more than 1,000 students and teachers over the past
several years. She coordinates the programs given to all four schools in the county and ensures the volunteers have proper supplies for their presentations. Schultz has been a driving force at the county Fourth Grade Ag Fair, which she has co-chaired and chaired. During her three Beth Schultz years of leadership, more than 105 volunteers and 1,175 students have participated in the daylong event.
Schultz starts planning for the March event in September by contacting teachers and sends out letters in December, seeking volunteers and supporters to staff 14 stations. Schultz also is active in other Farm Bureau ag education efforts and the Women’s Committee. Pfanz and White, a motherdaughter team, are known as the dynamic duo of county Farm Bureau ag literacy efforts. They have volunteered for the past seven years, making monthly visits to district classrooms. They make sure their presentations and materials relate to the teachers’ lessons being
Cheryl Pfanz and Dana White
taught at that time. Their efforts have provided students in one district their only exposure to ag-related education. Pfanz and White also are involved with the annual Ag Extravaganza for county fourth grade students. White co-chaired the event last year.
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Carey receives Excellence Award
Jody and Josh Curry
Alpha couple named YL Achievement winners Josh and Jody Curry of Alpha in Henry County were named recipients of the 2009 Illinois Farm Bureau Young Leader Achievement Award last week at the IFB annual meeting in Chicago. The award recognizes efforts in farming and ag leadership achievement. The Currys will represent IFB Jan. 10-13 at the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) annual meeting in Seattle. “It was a goal (to compete for the award) when we got married, and since the first time I brought her (Jody) up here” to the IFB annual meeting, Josh said. “What an honor. Any one (of the finalists) could have won it.” The Currys are part of a diversified family farming operation in Western Illinois. They produce corn, soybeans, and wheat, they have a farrow-to-finish hog operation, and they have a crossbred cow/calf herd. “This (award) is kind of the culmination of all our Young Leader activities,” said Josh, 34, who has been involved in Young Leaders since he was 18. “I competed in the Discussion Meet when I was 20, and what an eye-opener,” he continued. “That’s when I saw Farm Bureau in action at the state level and I thought ‘I want to be part of this’.” Jody works off the farm at a local bank and also is a child birth educator and Lamaze instructor. The couple has a son (Owen) and two daughters (Carsen and Hadaly). They will receive 150 hours use of any two-wheel-drive Case IH tractor courtesy of Case IH; $1,000 from IFB; a one-year membership in the Illinois Corn Growers Association; and expense-paid trips to the AFBF annual meeting, the 2010 GROWMARK annual meeting courtesy of GROWMARK, and the 2010 Young Leader State Conference in Springfield. Joe Zumwalt of Warsaw in Hancock County was the runnerup in the competition.
Michael Carey of Kinsman in Grundy County received the 2009 Illinois Farm Bureau Young Leader Ag Excellence Award last week in Chicago. The Ag Excellence Award recognizes county Farm Bureau Young Leader Committee members who may not be full-time farmers for their efforts in agriculture and leadership achievement. “It definitely was worth all the work,” said Carey, who received the award with his wife, Kate, and their 8-week-old son, Logan. Carey is an ag banker at the Standard Bank in Morris. He manages the day-to-day operations of an ag loan portfolio comprised of about 70 producers with about $30 million in total loans. “One thing I’ve noticed is our ag clients are in a little more favorable position (than some private and commercial borrowers),” Carey said. “They (farmers) are a little less of a credit risk.” Carey’s father and uncle grow about 4,000
acres of corn and soybeans on a fourth-generation farm, and Carey farms 80 acres on a cropshare basis. “Growing up as a kid (staying close to the ag industry) is something I always wanted to do,” he said. Carey received $1,000 from IFB; a digital camera courtesy of the IAA Credit Union; and expense-paid trips to the AmeriMichael Carey can Farm Bureau Federation annual meeting in Seattle, the 2010 GROWMARK annual meeting courtesy of GROWMARK, and the 2010 Young Leader State Conference in Springfield. Jay and Sheryl Solomonson of Coal Valley in Henry County were the runners-up in the competition.
Clapp captures YL Discussion Meet Shawn Clapp, LeRoy, will represent Illinois Farm Bureau in the Young Leader Discussion Meet finals at the 2010 American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) annual meeting Jan. 10-13 in Seattle. Clapp, a member of the McLean County Farm Bureau who produces corn in Ford County and works off-farm in agribusiness, won the 2009 Discussion Meet at last week’s Shawn Clapp annual meeting in Chicago. The Discussion Meet is an exchange of ideas and information in which contestants must analyze problems and develop solutions in a cooperative manner. “You’ve got to have a good grasp of the issues and the ability to go into it with a sense of coop-
eration,” Clapp said of his strategy for the Discussion Meet. “It’s not a debate, it’s a discussion.” Clapp and three other finalists discussed how producers can reach out to the public to gain support on issues that impact agriculture. As winner of the Discussion Meet, he will receive $1,000 from IFB; a 100-hour lease of an Agco four-wheel-drive tractor courtesy of Agco; and expense-paid trips to the AFBF annual meeting, the 2010 GROWMARK annual meeting courtesy of GROWMARK, and the 2010 Young Leader State Conference in Springfield. The runner-up in the Discussion Meet was Grant Strom of Knox County. Kurt Range of St. Clair County, who was the runner-up in the competition last year, and Matthew Starr of Hancock County received honorable mentions.
Bentson named top certified crop adviser Doug Bentson, a crop adviser from Coal City in Grundy County, was named the 2009 Illinois Certified Crop Adviser award winner at the Illinois Farm Bureau annual meeting last week in Chicago. Bentson provides advice for about 200,000 acres on many agronomic issues, including seed placement, seed treatment, and fertilizer and
Ryan Henke, IFB Young Leader Committee member from Madison County, checks out the details of a toy semi tractor trailer that was featured at the YL Harvest for All booth at the IFB annual meeting in Chicago. Details of the truck include the IFB and Harvest for All logos on each side of the trailer and on the mudflaps. Joe White of Kane County won the truck in a drawing of names of people who contributed to Harvest for All through penny wars. A limited number of the trucks may be purchased for $60 apiece by contacting Jennifer Smith at jsmith@ilfb.org or 309-557-2536. Proceeds from the sales go to Harvest for All. (Photo by Ken Kashian)
nitrogen recommendations for Grainco FS. He was nominated by Cash Biros, Grundy County Farm Bureau president. Bentson has 25 years of crop consulting experience. He was one of the first certified crop advisers to talk about variable Doug Bentson rate applications. “Doug’s work is exceptional, and (he) has always pushed agriculture to be at the forefront of evaluating new agronomic practices and ideas,” according to his nomination letter. Bentson has volunteered with the Ag in the Classroom program and the local 4-H fair and livestock auction. He also volunteers with Coal City schools and is a former member of his local township board. In addition to winning the Illinois Crop Adviser award, Bentson recently was named the 2009 International Certified Crop Adviser of the Year through the American Society of Agronomy. As the state crop adviser award winner, his name was submitted for the international award by the Illinois Certified Crop Adviser Board and the Illinois Farm Bureau. The state crop adviser award is given by IFB and the Illinois Certified Crop Adviser Board to recognize an individual who has performed superior service for his farmer clients in nutrient management, soil and water management, integrated pest management, and crop production.
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County Farm Bureaus recognized for outstanding program awards Thirty-two county Farm Bureau programs achieved the designation of “Most Outstanding Program” last week at the Illinois Farm Bureau annual meeting (see page 12). Some of the winning programs already have been featured in FarmWeek or are the subject of upcoming features. The following report provides a brief synopsis of one award-winning program in each of the eight categories. The spokesmen, while integral to the projects reviewed here, are representative of what in many cases were numerous volunteers responsible for the program’s success.
AG LITERACY “Farmer Stanley Goes to Adopted Classrooms” Randy Farr, Fulton County The Fulton County Farm Bureau modified the popular elementary-school project/character “Flat Stanley” into “Farmer Stanley” and this year found it to be a tremendous tool to help urban children learn about agriculture. Farmer Stanley is a two-foot-tall foam-board cutout that wears a Farm Bureau hat and FS jacket. A different county Farm Bureau director took Farmer Stanley home each month and photographed it in various farm scenes. “My wife (Sue) was aware of the program Flat Stanley, so she put the bug in my ear, and I took it to a monthly meetRandy Farr ing of directors,” Farr said. “We renamed it Farmer Stanley and it went from there.” Each photo of Farmer Stanley was accompanied by a diary and description of numerous farm-related activities. Children from the adopted classroom of Fulton County tracked Stanley’s movements and wrote letters to the farmers involved in the project to learn more about ag. “We have an adopted classroom in the suburbs of Chicago,” Farr said. The program “was a model to show kids what Farmer Stanley did.” Members of the Fulton County Farm Bureau last week met with students from a new adopted classroom in Chicago. Farr believes the first-year Farmer Stanley program will be used to teach the new class about ag.
COMMODITIES & MARKETING “Mini Farm Progress Show Addresses Residue Management” Matthew Starr, Hancock County Farmers in Hancock and surrounding counties who attended a “Mini-Farm Progress Show” likely have a much better handle on residue management options. The Farm Bureau partnered with state and federal agencies to host a residue management farm show that attracted about 250 farmers and representatives from eight equipment dealers. “It’s a unique program, especially at the county level,” Starr said. “A lot of effort went into it from different groups Matthew Starr in the county.” Farmers at the event witnessed at least a dozen different field demonstrations, and volunteers with the Soil and Water Conservation District took residue measurements after each demonstration. “Guys got to see all the tools run in the same field in matching conditions,” Starr said. “And speakers were there to tell you how to use the different types of tools.” Certified crop advisers also were able to pick up credit for continuing education at the event, which generated coverage from two television stations, four newspapers, and a dozen radio stations.
HEALTH & SAFETY “Grain Bin Engulfment and Extraction Class” Tom Harris, Clay County Grain bin rescues can take three to four hours to complete if a person is partially engulfed in grain. A person fully engulfed in grain may have only a four- to eight-minute window between life and death, according to Michael Brink, CEO of the Safety and Technical Rescue Association. The Clay County Farm Bureau and other local groups, therefore, hosted a grain bin engulfment and extraction class to educate volunteer firefighters Tom Harris and first responders about the difficulty and risks involved in such a situation. “People just take for granted what’s going on in a grain
bin,” Harris said. “If an auger is running, it can pull you down quickly.” The program featured a classroom training session followed by a hands-on training exercise completed in a modified grain bin. “We had a gravity bin and did some training” on rescuing people who were engulfed up to their knees in grain, Harris said. Next year, the Clay County Farm Bureau is considering including farmers in the class and training exercise, which this year was held in August prior to the start of harvest.
LEGISLATIVE/POLITICAL PROCESS “Legislative Steak Fry” Jim Koeller, Pike County The Governmental Affairs Committee of the Pike County Farm Bureau continued a longstanding tradition of honoring and thanking elected officials by hosting a steak fry in August. The event was open to all county, state, and federal officials. “In this day and age, we’ve switched to so much digitized information that face to face (communication) seems less frequent,” Koeller said. “This always is a good way to interact with elected offiJim Koeller cials and show them our appreciation.” The annual event, which has been held for more than 20 years, according to Koeller, also was used to recognize “Friend of Agriculture” award recipients from Congress and the Illinois General Assembly. “This represents us as an organization, and it’s a good connection for our county officials to meet with state and federal officials,” Koeller said. The committee developed the invitee list, cooked the meal, and emceed the program. The Young Leaders Committee also provided assistance.
LOCAL AFFAIRS “National Flood Insurance Program” Dennis Green, Lawrence County The Lawrence County Board opted to join the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) after severe flooding in June 2008 damaged or destroyed homes, outbuildings, and crops, among other items. However, some residents of the county were surprised after the decision that they would be required by their banks to take out flood insurance. Some premiums for the insurance reportedly ranged from $8,000 to $40,000 a year. “Some individuals started getting Dennis Green notices that they would have to pay premiums, and they were looking at thousands of dollars a year,” Green said. So the Farm Bureau researched other alternatives. “We wanted to see what would be the impact if the county got out of the (National Flood Insurance) program,” Green said. As it turned out, some Lawrence County residents already had flood insurance prior to the 2008 flood while others could opt to purchase private insurance. The county board, therefore, voted to get out of the NFIP so residents could make their own flood insurance decisions without getting stuck with mandatory premiums.
COMMUNICATION & PROMOTION “Annual Farm Visit Day” Jim Sheaffer, Lee County Farmers need to do more to educate consumers about food safety and where their food comes from, particularly as each generation becomes more removed from production agriculture, according to Sheaffer. And the Lee County Farm Bureau responded by tweaking its annual farm visit program over the years to include more educational material.
“Originally (the tour) was to show consumers farm equipment and what we do,” Sheaffer said. “Now, it’s a lot more important to educate people on the very basics so they realize we’re producing wholesome products. And it gives them a chance to see a real farmer.” Attendance at the 15th annual farm tour this year reached a record-high 370 visitors. Tour guides not only taught visJim Sheaffer itors about production ag, but they also hit on hot button issues such as cap and trade, H1N1, and animal activism. “It has evolved into telling our story of food production,” Sheaffer said. The event received coverage from local media, which spread the message about production ag to a broader audience.
MEMBER RELATIONS “Harvest Treat Bags” Gary Luth, Douglas County; Rod Kennel, Moultrie County Farm Bureau increased its presence in both counties by delivering “goodie bags” to farmers during harvest. The farm visits served as a way for Farm Bureau staff and leaders to interact with farmers and to gain valuable feedback. “It’s difficult to Rod Kennel Gary Luth have personal contact with all the members, so this was a great way to initiate that contact,” Luth said. “And the program doesn’t focus only on Farm Bureau members. We talked to any farmers who were active (during a recent harvest window), so it was good publicity.” In fact, a few farmers even decided to join Farm Bureau as a result of the visits, according to Kennel. “It was complicated getting to harvest (because of the late crop and wet fall),” Kennel said. “But we found a good window when farmers were very busy” in the fields. More than 300 bags, which were prepared by the Young Leader Committee and staff, were delivered to farmers. Country Financial assisted the program in Moultrie County.
POLICY DEVELOPMENT “Coffee Shop Survey Card Program” Kevin Yohnka, Kankakee County The Kankakee County Farm Bureau found a new way to generate feedback from members and even non-members by seeking them out at local coffee shops. A survey program was conducted by taking three-by-five cards that contained a handful of survey questions to coffee shops and restaurants in the county that are frequented by farmers. And the participation rate was significant: 168 of the 190 cards were completed and returned to the Farm Kevin Yohnka Bureau. Each survey card contained questions about biofuels, the cost of food, and characteristics of Farm Bureau. “It’s a good way to get a survey across the county,” said Yohnka. “And we were able to find out if we are doing the job consumers want us to do.” The program not only provided valuable feedback to the Kankakee County Farm Bureau board, it also generated some publicity. One local farm broadcaster did a broadcast from one establishment and discussed Farm Bureau activities. “I think we’re going to consider doing it again,” Yohnka said. Daniel Grant compiled information for this report
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GOVERNMENT
Hunting fees, licenses to cost more; deer hunting totals drop BY KAY SHIPMAN FarmWeek
Illinois hunters and fishermen will pay slightly more to participate in those sports next year now that Gov. Pat Quinn has signed legislation to increase some fees. The action may generate about $3 million annually for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). In related news last week, IDNR reported the harvest from the second deer hunting season that ended Dec. 6 nearly equaled totals from the same period last year, but still about 6,000 fewer deer overall were shot this year compared to 2008. The fee increases apply primarily to resident hunting permits and licenses. The law takes effect Jan. 1; however, the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules first must approve fee and license increases before they go into effect, according to Tim
IDOT, city deal clears track for high-speed rail A major roadblock in the state’s high-speed rail proposal was removed last week. The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) agreed to an environmental impact study of proposed routes through the City of Springfield. In return, the city and Sangamon County agreed to support the state’s application for federal funding for a high-speed rail corridor between Chicago and St. Louis. State, city, and county officials signed the agreement at a news conference last week. IDOT agreed to pay up to $4 million for the study of three proposed routes through Springfield. The study must be completed and published within 16 months. Illinois officials and communities along the proposed highspeed rail route expressed concerns that the state’s proposal would be jeopardized without support from all communities and counties. Until last week, Springfield and Sangamon County opposed the plan.
Schweizer, IDNR spokesman. When Quinn first proposed raising hunting and fishing fees, some people expressed concerns that IDNR wouldn’t receive the additional money generated. “The director has made the pledge that the fees the constituents pay will go for the program for which they’re intended,” Schweizer said. Proposed fee changes include the fishing license increasing from $12.50 to $14.50 and the hunting license increasing from $7 to $12. Hunting permit changes include the following increas-
es: resident deer firearm permit from $15 to $25, resident archery doe permit from $15 to $17.50 and non-resident archery doe permit from $15 to $25. Deer hunters in early December shot 33,293 deer, down compared to 33,701 during the same period last year, according to IDNR preliminary totals. The 2009 firearm season total for seven days was 99,419 compared to 105,595 last year. Preliminary totals were down substantially in the first part of the 2009 season at
66,126 compared with 71,894 in 2008. The preliminary harvest totals include deer shot in all counties where firearm deer hunting is permitted, as well as at Chain O’Lakes State Park in Lake County. “Harvest during the second season was nearly identical to last year,” said Paul Shelton, IDNR forest wildlife program manager. “We did experience a slow start during the first firearm season.” Shelton added hunters still have opportunities to hunt more deer during muzzleloader season and an expanded archery
and late-winter firearm season. In preliminary reports, Pike County again topped the list for county firearm season total with 3,265 deer. Other top county totals were Fulton, 2,616; Adams, 2,480; Jefferson 2,379; Jo Daviess 2,281; Randolph, 2,256; and Jackson 2,153. A list of counties that are open for remaining seasons and the permit limit for those counties and those that are closed for the late-winter season are available on the IDNR website. The site is {www.dnr.state.il.us/admin/p df/latewintercountieslist.pdf}.
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PRODUCTION December crop report uneventful
Analyst: Dollar continues to influence market BY DANIEL GRANT FarmWeek
USDA last week made only a few tweaks to crop estimates in its December crop production report and world supply and demand estimates. But the main influence on crop prices in coming weeks likely will continue to be the value of the dollar and its effect on outside markets, according to Helen Pound, analyst with Penson GHCO. “The grain markets much more are reacting to the world stage than fundamentals of the market,” Pound said during a teleconference hosted by the Minneapolis Grain Exchange. “The last few months the outside markets, driven by the value of the dollar, had an enormous
impact on the value of grain.” Pound believes a weak dollar this fall helped fuel rallies
per bushel for corn and $4.65 to $5.05 per bushel for wheat. “When you look at world
‘The grain markets much more are reacting to the world stage than fundamentals of the market.’ — Helen Pound Penson GHCO
in the grain markets, but a firmer dollar in recent weeks “gives kind of a negative bias to grain,” she said. USDA last week left its 2009/10 season average price estimates for corn and wheat unchanged at $3.25 to $3.85
supply and demand numbers, wheat is the most abundant,” she said. USDA last week increased global wheat supplies by nearly 37 million bushels, raised ending stocks of U.S. wheat by 15 million bushels,
and projected ending stocks of corn for 2009/10 at 1.675 billion bushels, which is unchanged from 2008/09. USDA also lowered corn exports by 50 million bushels. Therefore, the crop that likely will continue to lead the markets is soybeans, according to the analyst. USDA last week raised soybean exports by 15 million bushels to 1.34 billion bushels and lowered ending stocks by 15 million bushels to 255 million bushels. U.S. soy export commitments through November were a record and up nearly 60 percent compared to the same time last year, USDA reported. As a result, USDA raised its
season average price forecast for soybeans by 55 cents on the low end to a current range of $8.75 to $10.25 per bushel. “I think it’s a situation where the U.S. is the dominant exporter (of beans) right now,” Pound said. “It will be late March or later before South American beans start hitting the market.” In the meantime, traders likely will focus on USDA’s final crop production estimates that will be released next month. “In January, we’ll get better production numbers and stocks numbers,” Pound added. “But we won’t get a handle on (final production numbers) for awhile. There definitely is going to be corn in the field all winter.”
Winter-like storm source of latest harvest setback The majority of crops finally were harvested in Illinois as of the first of last week (95 percent of soybeans and 85 percent of corn). But farmers who still have corn in the field were dealt another setback by Mother Nature last week as a mixture of snow, sleet, rain, and high winds delayed harvest and most other types of fieldwork. “There probably is 40 percent (of the corn crop) still left in my area,” said Pete Tekampe, a Lake County farmer and FarmWeek Cropwatcher, who noted moisture readings as of the first of last week remained at 30-plus percent in some of his corn. As for soybeans, he reported “I’m usually done (with harvest) in mid- to late-Octo-
Areas of the state with the most corn ‘ There probably is 40 percent (of left to harvest as of the first of last week the corn crop) still left in my area.’ were in the northeast (26 percent), east (17 — Pete Tekampe percent), and west Lake County farmer southwest (15 percent), according to the National Agricultural Statistics Service ber, but I didn’t cut my first snow-covered stalks. Illinois office. bean this year until Nov. 2.” Snowfall totals were much MeanLast week’s winter-like lower south of Interstate 80 while, 13 storm dumped about 11 and the precipitation south of percent of inches of snow along the Interstate 74 was more of a wheat sowIllinois-Iowa-Wisconsin rain-sleet-snow mix. ing remained border, about six inches in Harvest weather could be to be done Rockford, and three to four chilly this week as another as of last inches around Chicago, cold front is expected to week, and according to Amy Jankowsmove across the state, most farmki, meteorologist with the according to Jankowski. Ken Taake ers anticiNational Weather Service. However, the forecast as of pate many fewer acres due In Kane County, Steve Pit- Friday didn’t show many to the late fall, weather chalstick reported he had to stop chances of precipitation this lenges, and lackluster prices. corn harvest because his week except perhaps tonight “We did not plant any equipment got clogged with (Monday).
wheat,” said Ken Taake, a Cropwatcher from Pulaski County, who last year planted 400 acres. “There’s not very much wheat planted in our area at all.” Dean Shields, a Cropwatcher from Jackson County, estimated farmers in his area planted one-half to Dean Shields two-thirds fewer wheat acres this fall. “Very little fall work got done,” he said. The statewide precipitation total from January through November (46.2 inches) is the third-wettest on record, the Illinois State Water Survey reported. — Daniel Grant
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COMMODITIES
Illinois soybean leaders elected to national boards BY DANIEL GRANT FarmWeek
Illinois, one of the top soybean-producing states in the nation, will be well represented in the coming year at the national level. Phil Bradshaw of Griggsville this month was elected chairman of the United Soybean Board (USB) while Ron Kindred of Atlanta was reelected secretary of the American Soybean Association (ASA). USB is made up of 68 farmer-directors who oversee investments of the soybean checkoff. Bradshaw said one of his top priorities this year will be the livestock industry, which is the No. 1 consumer of soybeans. “The bean is 80 percent meal, and domestically 98 percent of all meal goes to livestock,” Bradshaw, who also produces hogs, told FarmWeek. “That’s where we’ve got to put our emphasis.” Bradshaw is concerned
National ag essay contest seeks entries The Agriculture Council of America is seeking original, 450-word essays about the importance of agriculture from the nation’s seventh- to 12th-grade students. The deadline for submissions is Feb. 12. The theme is “American Agriculture: Abundant, Affordable, Amazing,” and writers are expected to highlight how agriculture continues to overcome new challenges. Students may address one or more of the following challenges: keeping food affordable, meeting the demands of a growing population with fewer acres, working with legislative influences, and addressing consumer concerns. The national winner will receive $1,000 and a round-trip ticket to Washington, D.C., for the Celebration of Ag Dinner on March 18. The winner also will have an opportunity to meet members of Congress and representatives of federal agencies and industry. State winners also will be selected, and each will receive $100. Entries should be sent to: Ag Day Essay Contest, Agriculture Council of America, 11020 King St., Suite 205, Overland Park, Kan., 66210, or submitted by e-mail to essay@agday.org. Contest entry applications and official rules are online at {www.hpj.com/agdayessay}.
economic losses in the livestock industry could force some producers out of business, which could translate
supply of vegetable oil around the world. That’s why biodiesel is so important,” Bradshaw said. “If we can make oil more
‘It does no good to raise (a soybean crop) if you can’t move it.’ — Phil Bradshaw United Soybean Board chairman
into reduced demand for soybeans. Meanwhile, USB will continue to push the use of soy oil as an alternative fuel source. “We’ve always had a large
valuable, it will take pressure off meal (as the profit source in soybeans).” Bradshaw also believes market access and infrastructure improvements are vital to
the continued success of U.S. soy farmers. “We have to start the process of improving our infrastructure,” Bradshaw said. “It does no good to raise (a soybean crop) if you can’t move it.” Infrastructure and ensuring farmers’ ability to use the newest crop technologies also are important to feeding those who are hungry and to meeting the needs of a growing population. “There always will be people who can’t afford the best protein, which is animal protein,” Bradshaw said. “We’ve got to find a way people on low incomes can have the protein they need. That will be
our market (for soy protein) in the future.” ASA represents all U.S. farmers on domestic and international policy issues. ASA’s advocacy efforts are possible through voluntary membership of more than 22,500 farmers. “I think it’s very important for Illinois, as a large soybeanproducing state, to have representation on the Executive Committee of the American Soybean Association,” said Kindred, who has farmed in Central Illinois for more than three decades. “Hopefully, I can have an impact on policies at the national level that is positive for Illinois soybean farmers.”
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BRAZIL
Lots of rain, soybeans the story in Brazil I am just back from our farms in Tocantins where my arrival broke a nine-day drought with seven days of rain. My farm manager finally asked me to go back to the United States so that it would dry out enough to finish plantPhil Corzine ing our soybeans. Overall in Brazil, planting has proceeded at an above-average pace, and
planting was about 90 percent complete as of last week. The good start is expected to lead to a strong finish for soybeans, according to Brazil’s forecasting agency, Conab. The third crop report estimates planted area for soybeans this year is up by 6 percent. Seventy-percent of that increased area probably came from fields that were planted to first-crop corn last year. Low corn prices and improved economics for soybeans in Brazil caused the switch.
In bushels, the numbers are even bigger, as Conab is projecting a record soybean crop for Brazil of 1.76 billion bushels — an increase of nearly 13 percent. In addition to producing more soybeans, Brazil is using more of them as well. On Jan. 1, all diesel fuel in Brazil will contain 5 percent
biodiesel, a blend that was not scheduled to take place until 2013. Brazil consumes more than 10 million gallons of diesel fuel each year, so if soybeans were used as the main feedstock, this would use a bit over 4 percent of the oil from Brazil’s total crop. However, the talk now is
about blends approaching 20 percent. Using a fifth of Brazil’s soybean oil for fuel might seem unrealistic if it weren’t for the fact that the country already has a mandated blend of 25 percent of ethanol in its gasoline. So the word from Brazil this month is “big.” Big rains. Bigger planted area. Big crop. And bigger biodiesel blends. Phil Corzine is general manager of South American Soy, a global production, management, and investment company. His e-mail address is pcorzine@agpage.com.
U of I Corn, Soybean Classics to address crop issues University of Illinois specialists will provide the most current information about crop production, pest management, and economics at the 2010 U of I Corn and Soybean Classics. The classics will be presented at six regional meetings between Jan. 6 and 14. The early registration dead-
line is Dec. 20. The day-long programs will begin at 9 a.m. and end at 3:30 p.m. A lunch and a proceedings booklet, containing synopses of all presentations, are provided to each registrant. Dates and locations are: Jan. 6, Holiday Inn, Mt. Vernon; Jan. 8, I Hotel and
Conference Center, Champaign; Jan. 11, Crowne Plaza, Springfield; Jan. 12, Doubletree Hotel, Bloomington; Jan. 13, I Wireless Center, Moline; and Jan. 14, Kishwaukee College, Malta. Topics will include new information on corn nematodes in Illinois, evaluation
of corn and soybean yield forecast models, managing insect pests in refuges, and major crop diseases of 2009. Registration is available online at {www.cropsciconferences.org/}.
The early registration fee is $60. Registration after that date is $75. Additional information is available by contacting Aaron Hager or Sandy Osterbur at 800-3211296.
FSA payment fix eyed by lawmakers BY MARTIN ROSS FarmWeek
Amid continued farm payment delays and errors, U.S. House Ag Committee members are looking to bring program control home to where as one Southern Illinois landowner argues USDA staff is “closer to the producer and more effective.” Program participants nationwide have been plagued by electronic deposit of some program payments in wrong accounts, single lump-sum payments for separate program farms, and thousands of Farm Service Agency letters informing them that they owe USDA money, many mistakenly. Glitches in program payments and paperwork emanating from FSA’s Kansas City regional offices have been
blamed largely on a changeover in USDA software and procedures. Franklin County landowner Ken Bolen maintains the system “was working well” before processing was transferred from county FSA offices to Kansas City and U.S. Treasury control. “I don’t think anyone on the committee who knows the issue doesn’t think we need to go back to the counties,” an aide to Urbana Republican Ag Committee member Tim Johnson told FarmWeek at Illinois Farm Bureau’s annual meeting. “We have two separate program operations,” Bolen related. “One is under individual ownership by my wife and I. Our (fall) payment was made in a timely manner. We have another operation with two families involved. Their fall direct payments haven’t been made. “Apparently, (payments to additional) ‘entity’ farms may take longer for (the regional office) to review and approve. Before, they were doing a great job. “Taking it back to the county office would be preferable, in my opinion. We have an excellent county (FSA) staff and county executive director — they’re very responsive. At the regional office, we don’t know who they are or how to reach them.”
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FROM THE COUNTIES
Certified livestock, manure management training offered University of Illinois Extension is offering several certified livestock manager and manure management workshops through March to provide new information and help producers comply with state livestock rules. Advance registration is encouraged to allow participants to receive a manual in advance, which is important for those planning to take a written Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) test after the workshop. The state Livestock Management Facilities Act (LMFA) requires producers with operations designed for more than 300 animal units to have manure management certification and to renew the certificate every three years. Producers with more than 300 animal units must attend an approved training session or pass a written IDOA test. Producers with more than 1,000 animal units must attend an approved training session and pass a test. The U of I also offers a series of five online quizzes at no charge. A producer who passes all five quizzes will meet the state requirement of attending a certified livestock manager workshop. To register for a workshop or buy a training manual or CD with a credit card, call 800-345-6087. Participants do not need a new manual if they have a 2003 or newer one. Advance workshop registration is $30 per person and $20 for each additional registrant from the same farm if registered at the same time. The walk-in registration fee is $92. Manual and CD prices, including shipping, are $62 for a manual, $32 for a CD, and $87 for a manual and CD. For more information, contact Randy Fonner, U of I Extension coordinator, at 217-333-2611, e-mail him at clmt@illinois.edu, or go online to {www.livestocktraining.com}. Workshops that begin at 8:15 a.m. will end at 12:30 p.m. The IDOA exam will be administered afterward. The 9:15 a.m. workshops will end at 2 p.m., followed by the IDOA exam. The January workshops, dates, and locations are: Jan. 13, 8:15 a.m., Knox County Extension office, Galesburg; Jan. 14, 8:15 a.m., Adams-Brown County
Extension office, Quincy; Jan. 25, 9:15 a.m., beefdairy workshop, Effingham County Extension, Effingham; and Jan. 26, beef-dairy workshop, 9:15 a.m., American Legion Post 252, Breese. The February workshops are: Feb. 23, 9:15 a.m., beef-dairy workshop, Stephenson County Farm Bureau, Freeport; and Feb. 24, 8:15 a.m., DeKalb County Farm Bureau Building, Sycamore. The March workshop is March 9, 8:15 a.m., Sangamon-Menard Extension, Illinois State Fairgrounds, Springfield.
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ANCOCK — A reception honoring Deb Pflasterer, Hancock County Extension unit leader, will be from 1 to 2 p.m. Friday at the Fitz Randolph Inn, Carthage. Call the Extension office at 357-2150 for more information. ASALLE — Farm Bureau will sponsor stroke detection screenings from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, at the Farm Bureau office. Stroke, abdominal aortic aneurysm, peripheral vascular disease, and osteoporosis screenings are available. Cost is $80 for members and $120 for non-members. Call 877732-8258 for an appointment or more information. EE — Lee County Farm Bureau Foundation scholarships ranging
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from $250 to $750 are available for high school seniors pursuing a major in an agricultural field of study. In addition, the Larry J. Green Memorial Scholarship of $300 and the Dean Henkel Memorial Scholarship of $750 are available. Applications are available on the website {www.leecfb.org} or at the Farm Bureau office. Applications are due Feb. 1. Call the Farm Bureau office at 815-857-3531 for more information. EORIA — Orders for Florida citrus and Terry Lynn nuts may be picked up from 8:15 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday at the Farm Bureau office. • Tickets are available for the Bradley vs. Loyola basketball game at 7 p.m. Wednesday
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at the Peoria Civic Center. Tickets are $4 and are located in section 5C or 6. Call the Farm Bureau office for more information. “From the counties” items are submitted by county Farm Bureau managers. If you have an event or activity open to all members, contact your county manager.
Auction Calendar Mon., Dec. 14. 10 a.m. Farm Close-Out Auction. Bill and Pat Garrett, TAYLORVILLE, IL. Cory Craig, Auctioneers. Tues., Dec. 15. 10:30 a.m. Farm machinery and miscellaneous. IL Delta Farms Partnership, ONARGA, IL. Schrader Real Estate and Auction Co., Inc. Thurs., Dec. 17. 10 a.m. Estate Auction. Wayne Morrow Estate, HICKMAN, KY. James R. Cash, Auctioneer.
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PROFITABILITY
The basics of express and implied product warranties BY PETE TROTTER
A product warranty is a statement regarding the condition of a sold product. Warranties can be express or implied. Express warranties are created from statements of the seller, and they may be clearly stated and documented in Pete Trotter writing, or arise from advertising or other actions of the seller. Implied warranties are those which are not clearly stated by the seller but which
are created by the nature of the transaction or the understanding of the buyer. Implied warranties may arise under legal principles providing protections related to the condition or quality of a purchase. Warranties also can be categorized according to the type of product, and significant variation may occur, for example, between a warranty for seed products and a warranty for engine lubricants. Also, as with all contracts, warranties may vary widely depending on the preferences of the seller. From the seller’s perspective, warranties can enhance the seller’s image and make
the seller more competitive with others in the industry. Express warranties also may limit implied warranties (as permitted by law), clarify the scope of warranties which the seller wants to provide, specify claim recovery options (such as refund or replacement), and provide a point of contact and process for warranty claims. From the buyer’s perspective, some of the same benefits result (such as clarification regarding the point of contact and process for warranty claims), but the primary benefit for buyers is the degree of comfort which an explicit statement provides with regard
to the seller’s willingness to stand behind his products. Warranties may not be offered because they are not considered to be necessary or advantageous. For example, close business relationships or a reputation for standing behind products sold by the seller may lead the seller to decline to offer a written warranty statement. In addition, the type of product, the industry involved, and the potential frequency of warranty claims may have an impact on the decision to offer a warranty. Warranty statements typically include several key components. A warranty should
state the products covered by the warranty, the process for claims, the recovery options, and the limitations on claims. Buyers seeking to recover under claims should ensure that they understand applicable warranty terms. Most warranties limit the scope of coverage and specify required, permitted, and prohibited actions on the part of the buyer. Warranties also may require precise compliance with warranty conditions from the time of purchase. Pete Trotter is GROWMARK’s assistant general counsel. His e-mail address is ptrotter@growmark.com
ISA to host first soybean yield challenge in 2010 The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) hopes to put any concerns about the so-called “yield plateau” to rest through one of its new programs. ISA in 2010 will hold its first Soy Yield Challenge in the state. The new venture, which is funded by the soybean checkoff, is designed to make Illinois soybean growers the global leader in soybean yields by developing new and innovative farming practices. Soy yields the past decade (1999 through 2008) averaged 44.6 bushels per acre in the state with little variation
except 2003 and 2004 when the average yield went from 37 bushels per acre (2003) to a decade-high 50 bushels (2004) see graphic). ISA is promoting the new Yield Challenge program at farm shows and events throughout the state this fall and winter. Brochures about the Yield Challenge are available and more information about the program may be obtained by calling 888-8264011. Registration for the Yield Challenge is scheduled to end April 1, 2010. Details and
M A R K E T FA C T S
Feeder pig prices reported to USDA*
Weight 10 lbs. 40 lbs. 50 lbs. Receipts
Range Per Head Weighted Ave. Price $32.00-$40.94 $38.92 $40.00-$42.00 $41.35 n/a n/a This Week Last Week 24,142 24,126 *Eastern Corn Belt prices picked up at seller’s farm
Eastern Corn Belt direct hogs (plant delivered) Carcass Live
(Prices $ per hundredweight) This week Prev. week $59.32 $56.67 $43.90 $41.94
Change 2.65 1.96
BY KAY SHIPMAN FarmWeek
(Thursday’s price) This week 78.89 78.87
Prv. week 82.05 82.14
Change -3.16 -3.27
CME feeder cattle index — 600-800 Lbs. This is a composite price of feeder cattle transactions in 27 states. (Prices $ per hundredweight) This week Prev. week Change 93.13 93.83 -0.70
Lamb prices Confirmed lamb and sheep sales This week 740 Two week’s ago 1.331 Last year 1,268 Wooled Slaughter Lambs: Choice and Prime 2-3: 90-110 lbs, $102-$105. Good and Choice 1-2: 60-90 lbs., $112. Slaughter Ewes: Utility and Good 1-3: $41-$43. Cull and Utility 1-2: $41.
Export inspections (Million bushels)
Week ending Soybeans Wheat 12-03-09 58.3 13.0 11-26-09 46.9 16.7 Last year 41.5 13.2 Season total 542.6 440.6 Previous season total 397.4 626.5 USDA projected total 1340 875 Crop marketing year began June 1 for wheat and Sept. 1 for corn and soybeans.
and data collected from the challenge will be available to all growers in an attempt to improve soybean yields in Illinois. Growers who currently are looking to place their seed orders for next year also can
take advantage of the Varietal Information Program for Soybeans (VIPS) database. The database, which is available online at {www.vipsoybeans.org} allows producers to compare more than 650 seed varieties.
Tough lessons learned, ahead on glyphosate resistance
USDA five-state area slaughter cattle price Steers Heifers
team/sponsor entry forms are available online at {www.soyyieldchallenge.com}. “The ISA is looking at 400 to 600 plots in the 2010 Yield Challenge so far,” said Jim Nelson, ISA Yield Challenge coordinator. “But we are still seeking growers, sponsors, and student teams to participate. “The 2010 Yield Challenge is not only a great opportunity for farmers, but it is also a benefit for sponsors, who can speak with key customers and challenge them to utilize different yield-enhancing strategies.” The challenge allows teams of growers and others to work together to improve soybean yields and generate meaningful data. Program participants will receive free soil testing for nutrients and soybean cyst nematode egg and type testing as well as free protein and oil analyses of grain samples taken from harvested plots. The production strategies
Corn 25.9 29.9 24.9 431.0 428.7 2050
Scientists, agrichemical companies, and farmers are continuing to learn how weeds develop resistance and tolerance to glyphosate herbicides, according to a USDA Agricultural Research Service researcher. Stark County native Dale Shaner, a plant physiologist based in Fort Collins, Colo., discussed the history and future of glyphosate resistance during the recent Ag Masters Conference at the University of Illinois. “Don’t just be concerned about resistance; you also need to consider (glyphosate) tolerant weeds,” Shaner warned. Researchers speculate the traits for glyphosate resistance may have existed — in low numbers — among weed populations, but the increased use of glyphosate herbicides and other management practices, such as low-rate applications, worsened the problem. “There are probably more cases of glyphosate resistance than we know about,”
Shaner said. Glyphosate resistance can be carried in the pollen and the seed, which means it can spread, he noted. Shaner and the crop advisers in his audience urged farmers to be proactive and not wait until resistant weeds show up in their fields. General guidelines include: • Avoid continuous use of herbicides with the same mode of action and rotate use of herbicides with different modes of action. •Use other methods of weed control, including mechanical removal. • Apply full-label rates of glyphosate. • Scout fields before and after burndown. • Clean equipment to prevent spreading of resistant weed seed to other fields. “If you think you have (herbicide) resistance (in weeds), do what you can to control that weed seed before it spreads,” Shaner concluded. For detailed information to manage glyphosate-resistant weeds, go online to {www.siu.edu/~weeds}, or {www.cropsci.illinois.edu}.
FarmWeek Page 19 Monday, December 14, 2009
PROFITABILITY Corn Strategy
C A S H S T R AT E G I S T
Foreign grain supplies remain a drag Grain production increases outside of the U.S. and China, wheat in particular, continue to be a drag on prices. Looking at the fundamental structure outside of the U.S. often can provide clues to our export potential. We have started removing China from the mix as well, as it has not been a big factor in world grain trade the last few years. However, the rise in China’s output the last two years, and the accompanying increase in stocks, could make it a factor once again. For now, though, China seems to be content holding larger inventories to limit the impact a production problem might have, especially with its steadily rising demand. Outside of the U.S. and China, production increases in Russia, the Ukraine, Kazakhstan, and former Eastern Bloc Com-
Basis charts
munist countries have been notable the last two years. As you can surmise from the accompanying graphic, wheat output from these countries has been consistently higher the last two years, although it was slightly lower this year. Abundant grain supplies in these “Black Sea” countries have become significant in world trade. During this decade, especially the last two years, they have become key players. When they have exportable surpluses available, as they have the last two years, they are aggressive sellers, undercutting offers from the more traditional exporters, the U.S. included. That has had negative repercussions on our wheat and corn exports during 2009 and may continue to subdue export activity into the early part of 2010. The Ukrainians may export nearly as much grain this marketing year as last, even though they had a smaller crop. The larger ending stocks at the end of last year are allowing them to continue aggressive exports. Russia appears to be following a similar pattern. Kazakhstan’s crops were about 25 percent larger this year, leaving it with grain its traditional buyers may not be able to absorb. Kazakhstan has signaled intentions to ship grain to China or other Asian countries. Amid this, there is some early concern for this year’s winter crops. The development of those crops could impact their willingness to export grain in the latter part of the marketing year. That could boost demand for U.S. grains toward the end of the marketing year. AgriVisor endorses crop insurance by
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Cents per bu.
2009 crop: Corn rebounded from its recent decline, but it’s going to be difficult to generate upside momentum with the sevenweek low coming at Christmas. Use rallies to make needed late harvest sales, especially on commercially stored corn. Further gains may not pay much more than the cost of storing the corn. If March futures rally to $4.35, boost sales to 50 percent. On farm-stored corn, the large futures carry makes hedge-to-arrive contracts for winter/spring delivery attractive. Be careful storing corn beyond March/April because of quality issues. Check the Cash Strategist Hotline often for changes. 2010 crop: We are considering initiating sales if December 2010 futures move above $4.50. Fundamentals: There’s still close to 1 billion bushels standing in the field. Stalk issues could drive field losses significantly higher on those acres.
Soybean Strategy 2009 crop: The generally stronger dollar and improving weather in South America have kept soybean prices on the defensive. Unless January futures drop below $10, we expect to see higher prices return. If January futures push above the $10.78 high, they should go beyond $11. Pull orders you might have to price soybeans if January hits $10.80. 2010 crop: We are considering initiating sales if November 2010 futures approach $11. Check the Cash Strategist Hotline occasionally for a specific recommendation. Fundamentals: Soybean and product demand remains the strength of the complex. Weather has been mostly beneficial to the South American crops, but the important part of their growing season still lies ahead. ✘ Fail-safe: Get up to 50 percent sold if January futures
close below $10.
Wheat Strategy 2009 crop: Speculative buying stepped away from the market, making prices more vulnerable to downside pressure. However, we see limited price risk below $5.17 on the Chicago March contract. Use March futures rallies above $5.50 for catch-up sales. Hold off on making additional sales until after the 20-week low is established in early 2010. 2010 crop: Our price target of Chicago July
futures reaching $6.15 to make an initial 25 percent sale likely has been taken off the radar. We may adjust that target, but will wait for a trend shift before changing our recommendation. Fundamentals: The latest supply/demand report boosted U.S. stocks projections even more, with the carryout now peg ged at 900 million bushels. But the driver of grain prices is demand from the investment community.
FarmWeek Page 20 Monday, December 14, 2009
PERSPECTIVES
Illinois Farm Bureau delegates debate policy during the IFB annual meeting in Chicago. (Photo by Ken Kashian)
DECEMBER IN CHICAGO: Illinois Farm Bureau Convention ’09 (Editor’s note: Lin Warfel, a Champaign County Farm Bureau delegate, takes a poetic look back at last week’s IFB annual meeting.)
LIN WARFEL
in coffee shops and elevators wait for sunshine wait for dryers wait in line to deliver
Chicago White knuckled to the task the delegates poured over pages focusing, bearing down hard compelled by anxious harvest
Still they came to IFB duty calling three hundred forty four “Present”!
Actually, anxious year! Delayed at planting flooding again record rain, record cool they hustled into harvest delayed again by moisture in the soil (mud) and grain high moisture, the talk
Down to business men used to plowing some ladies joining too schooled in policies representing, thinking, debating yea! or nay! they journeyed on thirty eight new or rewritten
three hundred three reaffirmed Concealed carry, term limits, health care more redistricting, school tax, animal ID and GRIP and GRP, wind energy and fuels They knuckled down, the delegates and knuckled on to finish! A record year in many ways add one more to the list First time ever, a one-day finish policies done for a year Congratulations to one and all! Lin Warfel farms near Tolono in Champaign County. He has been involved with a variety of Farm Bureau and state policy issues for many years.
Inconvenient truth about global climate change Do we really think that the climatologists, journalists, politicians, and climate groupies that flew off to Copenhagen can save us? Can they stop global warming? They want us to believe that millions will die. Islands will be swamped. New Orleans and coastal cities all over the world will flood. Drought will force global starvation. And it will be our fault. Global warming is manmade. First, it seems that although the Earth may have been warming for some time, research suggests that it has stopped and may be cooling JOHN now. BLOCK That’s an inconvenient truth that the advocates don’t want to hear. In fact, the Climate Research Unit at East Anglia (considered to be the lead player in climate research) has been cooking the books to hide the temperature decline. The climate change establishment has systematically discouraged consideration of opposing views. So the planet may not even be warming. The second point is that even if it is — where is the evidence to blame it on human activity? Climate change is not a new phenomenon. We had the Medieval War m Period (800-1300) and the Little Ice Age (1500-1850).
What caused those changes? It wasn’t the automobile. The third point is, if just for a minute we assume that our greenhouse gases are causing the climate to warm, what can we do? We must realize the U.S. alone can never make a measurable difference. And, don’t kid yourself, the 70-plus countries in Copenhagen aren’t going to do anything of consequence, either. They’re just going to generate a lot of hot air. Maybe it is time to take a new look at this whole question before we spend trillions of dollars trying to fix a problem that may not be a problem and may not be fixable anyway. If global warming is real, perhaps we should make adjustments and live with it. How bad can that be? President Obama is promising to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 to the same level they were in 1910. We had a population of only 92 million people then and not nearly as much economic activity. I would submit that “cap and trade” and all the green technology can never meet the president’s target. There are enough unanswered questions to suggest that manmade global warming may be a farce. John Block of Gilson, a former U.S. agriculture secretary in the Reagan administration, is a senior policy adviser with the Washington, D.C., firm of Olsson, Frank, Weeda, and Terman, which specializes in ag issues. His e-mail address is jblock@ofwlaw.com.
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