Farmweek april 20, 2015

Get to know Wayne Rosenthal, newly named Illinois director of natural resources. page 2

Monday, April 20, 2015

Want to help northern Illinois EF-4 tornado victims recover?

Check out ways you can help. page 3

St. Mary’s School students make plans to plant their container garden, thanks to IAITC. page 8

House votes to bury death tax

Two sections Volume 43, No. 16

PLANTING KICKS INTO GEAR

Rick Kaesebier of Elkhart begins the planting process in Logan County. Illinois farmers planted less than 1 percent of the corn crop as of early last week compared to the average of 9 percent. Read more about planting progress on page 7. (Photo by Ken Kashian)

Picking up the pieces

BY JOANIE STIERS AND CHRIS ANDERSON FarmWeek

U.S. House passage of the Death Tax Repeal Act of 2015 last week puts Illinois Farm Bureau members one step closer to eliminating an unfair tax that jeopardizes the transfer of assets to the next generation, according to IFB President Richard Guebert Jr. The House voted 240 to 179 to pass HR 1105. The vote marked the first time the House voted on an estate tax repeal in 10 years.

According to the American Farm Bureau Federation, the vote increases the chance that the Senate will take up the issue, and that estate tax relief ranks as a candidate for tax reform legislation.

Adam Nielsen, IFB director of national legislation and policy development, said U.S. Senate leaders remain mum on a timetable for consideration of the repeal. The Senate would need 60 votes to pass the measure unless it is considered under “reconciliation,” which allows legislation to pass the Senate with a simple majority, he added.

“Illinois Farm Bureau applauds the strong House vote in favor of death tax repeal,” said Guebert. “Roughly 90 percent of the value of family-owned farms in Illinois is tied to land, buildings and equipment that can’t easily be converted to cash, leaving some farm families unable to cover their enormous tax bill after the death of a family member.”

Nielsen added that Illinois farmland values nearly tripled in the last 15 years. Three out of every 20 farms in Illinois could be valued over the $5.14 million estate tax exemption based on average farmland values. The exemption has failed to keep up with changing farmland values, he said.

IFB members participated in a targeted action request last week, urging House Democrats to vote “yes” on the estate tax repeal. Illinois delegation members voting “yes” included Republicans Mike Bost, Rodney Davis, Bob Dold, Randy Hultgren, Adam Kinzinger, Peter Roskam and John Shimkus.

Northern Illinois tornado victims begin recovery process

BY DANIEL GRANT FarmWeek

Periodicals: Time Valued

Residents of northern Illinois counties affected by the April 9 tornado outbreak responded to the situation about as quickly as the storm hit the area.

The massive tornado, classified as an EF-4 with wind speeds up to 200 mph, cut a devastating path through Lee, Ogle, DeKalb and Boone counties. There also were

damage reports in Winnebago and other surrounding counties.

The towns of Fairdale and Rochelle took the brunt of the damage. News reports last week indicated about 50 homes in Fairdale were destroyed, while another 30 homes were ruined by the twister in Rochelle. There were two fatalities in Fairdale and multiple injuries across the area.

COUNTRY Financial, as of late last week, received 1,709 damage claims (1,189 property and 520 auto claims), mostly in northern Illinois. A number of wind and hail damage claims also were reported in the Champaign and Edwardsville areas, according to Christopher Stroisch, COUNTRY spokesman.

“A majority of claims were filed in northern Illinois after tornadoes touched in multiple communities, including Rochelle and Fairdale,” Stroisch said.

“We expect to receive additional claims in the coming weeks as more residents are

able to inspect their properties.”

Thousands of volunteers went to work soon after the

Greg Millburg, DeKalb County Farm Bureau manager, reported tremendous progress in terms of clearing

anticipate major planting delays as a result of debris and cleanup efforts.

“I don’t think it will delay

‘I’m really blessed a lot of folks showed up out of the blue.

I’d be under a pile of rubble for probably the next six months if it wasn’t for all the volunteers who helped us.’

— Todd Aves tornadoes struck to begin the cleanup and recovery process.

Todd Aves, a dairy farmer from Belvidere, amazingly managed to milk his cows the next morning despite the fact he lost two machine sheds, half a milking parlor and a garage to the tornado.

“I’m really blessed a lot of folks showed up out of the blue,” Aves said late last week. “We’re all cleaned up.

I’d be under a pile of rubble for probably the next six months if it wasn’t for all the volunteers who helped us.”

Ron Kern, Ogle County Farm Bureau manager, and

debris from farms and farm fields.

“There is debris out in farm fields,” Millburg said.

“The good thing is there is a groundswell of volunteers.”

Kern noted, “There are hundreds of people doing cleanup. Not all, but a lot of the debris in farm fields has been removed.”

Aves planned to start planting late last week. He also hoped to have a new building ordered for his farm by the end of last week.

“We’re not going to let it (tornado damage) stop us,” he said.

Kern and Millburg don’t

Boone County dairy farmer

planting in our county to any large degree,” Millburg said.

Kern added, “it sounds like guys might be able to work at least some fields (now).

Although, I have a feeling there will be some flat tires this spring.”

Support for tornado victims was so great that fire departments have enough material items, according to the Farm Bureau managers. Monetary donations are preferred if people would like to help those in the area.

Visit the Red Cross website {redcross.org} or call 1-800Red-Cross to make a monetary donation to benefit the tornado victims.

Rosenthal finding balance, juggling priorities of IDNR FarmWeek • Page 2 • Monday, April 20, 2015

BY KAY SHIPMAN FarmWeek

In the best of times, a state agency that oversees everything from wildlife to museums and from floodwater management to oil wells and coal mines relies on a director with diverse experiences. Illinois’ new director of natural resources plans to use his wide-ranging background and manage available resources to guide the agency through an austere financial climate.

“A lot of times, it’s a balance between different, conflicting interests. So, it’s finding the balance and finding how you can work with different organizations and interests and accommodate both,” Wayne Rosenthal, a farmer and former state representative, told FarmWeek, while overlooking small ponds from his office on the Illinois State Fairgrounds.

Facing cuts and funding freezes in the current budget he inherited as well as those projected for the next fiscal year, Rosenthal assessed the situation and available resources, and now moves forward with the determination one would expect from a retired Illinois Air National Guard brigadier general.

“I look at the resources we have available and the funds we have available, and think how can we reorganize and better utilize the people we have,” Rosenthal said.

The director’s fiscal year 2016 proposed budget of $39 million differs greatly from the

Correction

$167 million budget of 2002 and even those of $45 million to $46 million during the last several years. Thus, Rosenthal left some upper level management jobs unfilled.

“I and a chief of staff run the organization. We have 16 divisions, so those division managers have to step up and accept the responsibility to manage their part of the agency,” he explained. “It’s a matter of how we juggle what our priorities are, what’s important to us today and how can we go forward.”

Rosenthal described his agency staff as “very professional and passionate about what they do,” which makes him “feel very fortunate to be the director and to let those people do their jobs.”

During his across-the-state visits since being named director, Rosenthal said he’s come to appreciate regions’ diverse natural resource needs.

Residents in Chicago and the suburbs place great importance on forest preserves and open spaces that downstate residents take for granted, the director from Morrisonville noted. At the same time, “farmers are concerned about property rights, easements and setbacks ... and I’m sensitive to that also,” he added.

A self-described “wildlife enthusiast,” Rosenthal understands people who appreciate nature and help to preserve it.

He proudly notes his west-central Illinois farm employs conservation practices from wet-

Illinois Farm Bureau District 18 Director Kenton Thomas enjoys hunting at Horseshoe Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area near Olive Branch in Alexander County. A photo cutline in last week’s FarmWeek incorrectly listed the lake’s location.

And Harvard lies in McHenry County. The town was incorrectly listed as being in Boone County.

(ISSN0197-6680) Vol. 43 No. 16 April 20, 2015 Dedicated to improving the profitability of farming, and a higher quality of life for Illinois farmers.

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‘A lot of times, it’s a balance between different conflicting interests.’

— Wayne Rosenthal Illinois Director of Natural Resources

land restoration to reforestation and uses such programs as the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program and the Conservation Reserve Program.

Rosenthal also developed a hunting preserve and hosts annual youth hunts.

“This is the agency that provides quality of life opportuni-

ties for residents of the state — parks and natural resources, hunting, fishing and outdoor activities, bike trails — all those things that say, ‘This is where we live and this is what makes Illinois our home.’

“I want to make sure people are aware of the opportunities we have and better utilize our

parks, resources and facilities,” Rosenthal said, “and continue to acquire open space for people in Cook and the collar counties to enjoy.

“Gov. Rauner wants to turn Illinois around, and we want to do our part here in conservation to help make this a better place to live,” he summarized.

Director shares opinions on issues In a wide-ranging FarmWeek interview, Illinois Director of Natural Resources Wayne Rosenthal touched on several issues.

Deer herd management:

He’s heard from deer hunters that deer herds have been decimated in some areas, and from farmers that herds are too large and cause crop damage in other

Illinois Director of Natural Resources Wayne Rosenthal, second from left, looks over western Illinois’ Sny Island Levee with, left to right, state Rep. Randy Frese, R-Quincy, and local leaders Russ Koeller and Brady Borrowman. Since being named the head of natural resources, Rosenthal has toured many parts of Illinois and discussed issues under his jurisdiction. (Photo courtesy Pike and Scott County Farm Bureaus)

areas. Ideally, Rosenthal would like the two groups to work together and provide hunting opportunities while addressing farmers’ concerns.

Floodwater management: “To me what’s important is that both sides of the Mississippi River — Missouri, Illinois and Iowa, anybody along the river — operate with the same rules and restrictions, and that’s what I continue to press for.” He added his goal is to ensure his agency also responds to all entities seeking permits from his water resources office and that it follows the rules.

State parks’ status: In spite of funding cuts, Rosenthal said, “It looks like we’ll be able to keep the parks open, which is important to everybody.”

Future off-road trail: Rosenthal inherited a task of finding and developing an offroad trail system. “We’re close to identifying that (location) ... and we’re going to do that,” he said. — Kay Shipman

House bill attacks water rule

BY JOANIE STIERS FarmWeek

House and Senate actions in the last few weeks express disapproval of the “waters of the United States” (WOTUS) rule, which Congress indicates needs clarified or eliminated.

HR 1732, which was introduced last week to the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, attempts to ditch the rule and force the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to start over.

The proposed bill follows two successful Senate amendments in late March that demanded clarification of the rule, which expands federal jurisdiction under the Clean Water Act. The rule lacks clarity about what waters can be controlled and has ignited concern among farmers nationwide who collectively oppose regulation on private ponds, puddles, ditches and locations where water runs only when it rains.

“It’s a last-ditch effort in the House to send the rulemaking back to square one,” said Adam Nielsen, Illinois Farm Bureau national legisla-

tive director. “It’s helpful to have on-the-record actions by both chambers that they are disappointed with the agency’s handling of this.”

The final rule, which does not require congressional approval, could be released any time in the coming weeks, Nielsen said. The EPA indicates it listened during the rule’s public comment period and plans to address farm concerns in the final version. Nielsen remains wary.

Last year, the House similarly passed HR 5078, which never left the Senate. Congressional members also may attack the rule during the budget and appropriations process throughout late spring and early summer.

Unless the final rule addresses all of agriculture’s concerns, IFB will encourage legislative action, Nielsen said.

A congressional resolution of disapproval can invalidate regulations, though difficult and rarely achieved, he said. Otherwise, lawsuits may challenge the regulation with congressional intent of the Clean Water Act, an intent supported by these Senate and House actions.

How to help in tornado-damaged areas of northern Illinois

Page 3 • Monday, April 20, 2015 • FarmWeek

BY KAY SHIPMAN FarmWeek

The Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) compiled information for individuals who suffered storm damage and for those who want to help. Visit {Ready.Illinois.gov} and click on the state incident center story for details.

The Illinois Department of Revenue is waiving penalties and interest for taxpayers who cannot file or pay on time as a result of early April violent storms and Visit FarmWeekNow.com tornadoes. and learn how to IEMA recommends financial help April 9 tornado donations as the most efficient victims. way to support local emergency and volunteer organizations working in disaster areas. Some local entities no longer have space to store donated items.

Local authorities are coordinating registered, trained volunteers where they are needed most. Do not go directly to a disaster scene.

Boone County: The Boone County Emergency Management Team offers assistance gathering debris to Boone County farmers. Only registered volunteers will be assigned. For more information, contact Brad Bertell, Boone County emergency management coordinator, at 815-509-3004.

DeKalb County: The Village of Kirkland is serving as a staging and coordination point. For the latest needs and a volunteer registration form, visit {villageofkirkland.com}. Americorps is coordinating volunteers and operating a volunteer hotline at 815-762-8653. Completed registration forms must be brought to the check-in site. Registered volunteers to clean debris must be at least 18 years old and bring a valid photo identification.

An official “Go Fund Me” account was established for monetary donations at the Alpine Bank in Kirkland. Visit {gofundme.com/rk72t88r}. The bank also is accepting donations through the Kirkland Community Fire Department and Kirkland Lions Club. Make checks payable to Fairdale Relief Fund and mail them to: Alpine Bank, Fairdale Relief Fund, P.O. Box 280, Kirkland, Ill. 60146.

Ogle County: The Ogle County sheriff posted storm information at {oglecounty.org}. Currently, the Rochelle Area Community Foundation is accepting monetary donations for disaster assistance and gift cards. Visit {rochellefoundation.org}. Donations may be made to the foundation at P.O. Box 74, Rochelle, Ill. 61068.

Above, Boone County dairyman Todd Aves sorts through rubble of his dairy barn destroyed by an April 9 tornado. Farming near Belvidere, none of Aves’ cows sustained injuries. His house also escaped damage. (Photo by Cyndi Cook) Left, the tornado flattened Earl Hagemeyer’s barn in rural Esmond. The Ogle County Farm Bureau member housed sheep and stored straw in the barn. Hagemeyer rescued most of the sheep. His house and other buildings sustained extensive storm damage. (Photo by Mariam Wassmann, DeKalb County Farm Bureau information director)

State climatologist: Northern Illinois twister a rare, April EF-4

BY DANIEL GRANT FarmWeek

The National Weather Service (NWS) confirmed the massive tornado that devastated portions of northern Illinois April 9 ranked as the secondmost powerful type on the tornado ranking scale.

The twister was rated EF-4 on the Enhanced Fujita scale. An EF-4, the same ranking as the tornado that destroyed a section of Washington

back in November 2013, packs wind speeds up to 200 mph.

Jim Angel, state climatologist with the Illinois State Water Survey, noted 33 EF-4 tornadoes struck Illinois since reliable recordkeeping began in 1950, Jim Angel according to the

Wheat yield contest entries sought

Illinois Wheat Association (IWA) members can enter the annual yield contest until May 15. In its second year, the contest serves as a tool for Illinois wheat growers to learn new methods and products to help increase their yields, according to Diane Handley, IWA executive director.

Growers must be current IWA members, or may pay for a one- or three-year membership when submitting their entry form and $50 entry fee.

Once a completed entry form has been submitted by May 15, IWA will provide a harvest form to collect additional informaDiane Handley tion. That form must be completed and returned by July 24. Entries must also be verified by a qualified supervisor.

The top four entries will be awarded in both the northern and southern region of the state with first place receiving $500; second place, $250; third place, $125; and fourth place, a three-year IWA membership.

Prizes will be awarded at the Summer Wheat Forum Aug. 25 at the Knights of Columbus in Highland. For more information and contest rules, visit {illinoiswheat.org} or call 309-557-3662.

NWS Storm Prediction Center database.

Somewhat surprisingly, though, this month’s northern Illinois tornado was just the eighth EF-4 on record to strike in April, a month associated with severe weather. The last EF-4 tornado on record in Illinois in April struck Madison County in 1981.

“This is why a quiet tornado season can lead to a false sense of security,” Angel said. “All it takes is one day with

the right conditions for all that to change.”

Historically, the heart of the Illinois tornado season runs from March to June with two-thirds of tornadoes occurring during those months.

But Illinois residents shouldn’t let their guard down outside of the traditional severe weather season. More tornadoes struck Illinois outside of the March-June time frame than inside it from 2012-14, Angel added.

PICKING UP CORN PILES

GRAINCO FS employees clean up corn piles at the GROWMARK member company’s Mazon facility.

Rodney Connor, GRAINCO FS grain originator, said ground pile storage costs significantly less than traditional bins. “We use them when it makes sense. This year, we had a large, local corn crop and good carries in the market, so we filled piles in Ransom and Mazon,” said Connor. (Photo by Heather Pierson, GRAINCO FS agronomy marketing assistant)

Transmission line project filed with ICC; ICC staff seeks more time, IFB monitoring

FarmWeek • Page 4 • Monday, April 20, 2015

Partners, proposes to build a 750-mile transmission line that will transport wind energy from Last week, Grain Belt Express Clean Line western Kansas to utilities and customers in LLC filed an application to build, operate and Missouri, Illinois, Indiana and states farther maintain a high-voltage overhead line as a pub- east. lic utility with the Illinois Commerce CommisThe Illinois portion of the project would sion. The company also sought cover about 206 miles from west an expedited review, which to east across Pike, Scott, requires the ICC to enter an Greene, Macoupin, Montgomery, to see the location of order within 150 days of filing.

Christian, Shelby, Cumberland the proposed project.

ICC staff has requested a 75-day and Clark counties. In its extenextension, and the ICC is sion request, ICC staff anticipatexpected to consider and approve the staff ’s ed the proposal will raise “numerous complex request for an extension this week. To read the legal and factual issues, including ... whether the filing, visit {icc.illinois.gov/docket/CaseDetails. project is necessary to provide adequate, reliaspx?no=15-0277}. able and efficient service to customers.”

Illinois Farm Bureau is monHarmon advised farmers and landowners in itoring the Grain Belt Express the impacted counties to watch for a prehearing Clean Line filing with the ICC. notice in the mail from the ICC. The notice will In March, IFB and each county provide a hearing date, which is the first step in Farm Bureau along the prothe process; however, no testimony will be posed route hosted landowner allowed and the company will propose a schedmeetings to inform members ule, Harmon explained. about the ICC process, and If the ICC grants the staff extension request options for landowners, as anticipated, the ICC will have 225 days to hear the Grain Belt case and issue a decision.

Laura Harmon according to Laura Harmon, IFB senior counsel. LandownHarmon noted Missouri authorities had not yet ers who may be impacted by the proposed issued an order on Grain Belt’s proposal. transmission line who were unable to attend a FarmWeek will provide more details about meeting, should contact their county Farm the case and the ICC action next week. IFB will Bureau for information presented at the meetmonitor the regulatory process related to the ing. project and provide updates to county Farm The Grain Belt Express Clean Line LLC, an Bureau leaders and managers along the proaffiliate of Houston-based Clean Line Energy posed route.

BY KAY SHIPMAN FarmWeek

Cuba’s removal from terror list supports trade with U.S.

BY JOANIE STIERS FarmWeek

President Barack Obama announced last week his approval to remove Cuba from the State Sponsors of Terrorism List, an action that will help loosen the grip of a more than half-century-old embargo.

“Certainly Cuba is eligible to be removed from the list, and this is a step in the right direction,” said Thomas Marten, a Montgomery County corn and soybean farmer who has visited Cuba twice. “This is of interest because banks and financial institutions are leery of engaging in any kind of commerce or extending credit to any nation on that list. A lot of what has hindered our ability to have trade is the inability of firms to establish credit.”

Improved banking relations helps agriculture as the requirement for Cuba to pay cash in advance challenges food and agriculture trade, said Tamara Nelsen, senior director of commodities for the Illinois Farm Bureau.

Obama announced in December an intention to normalize relations with the island neighbor and ordered a review of Cuba’s status on the State Sponsors of Terrorism List. His decision to delist Cuba follows a State Department recommendation. While congressional approval is unnecessary, opposing lawmakers have 45 days to attempt to block the decision before it becomes final.

Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) members expressed excitement about ending Cuba’s 33-year tenure on the list, which otherwise includes only Iran, Sudan and Syria. Soy represents Cuba’s second largest import from the United States behind chicken, a top soybean consumer, ISA noted.

“As the nation’s top soybean-producing state, the momentum on this issue is exciting for Illinois agriculture and our soybean farmers,” said Bill Raben, ISA chairman and Gallatin County farmer.

Since 2012, ISA farmers and staff have visited Cuba five times. IFB representatives have visited Cuba three times since 2009, including Marten’s most recent trip in early March with the U.S. Ag Coalition for Cuba. IFB also serves as a member of the Illinois Cuba Working Group and has communicated Cuba’s trade potential with legislators.

The plan to normalize relations may be a slow process, but worth the wait, Marten said.

“Moving forward, we see that if Cuba were to import 100 percent of their corn needs, they would be among the top 10 export markets for U.S. corn,” he said. “They continue to be in our top 10 export markets for soybean products, and we can see additional growth in that market as well as meat and dairy products.”

YOUNG LEADERS STOCK FOOD PANTRY

Carrie Pollard, left, Winnebago-Boone Farm Bureau Young Leader Harvest For All chair, delivers a $2,500 check to Kim Adams-Bakke, Rock River Valley Pantry executive director, along with John Mitchell, Winnebago-Boone Young Leader chair.

Young Leaders raised the money through a raffle of pork and beef boxes. Eickman’s Meat Processing donated its services to the effort. The Rockton pantry provides food to more than 6,500 individuals on a monthly basis. (Photo by Ann Cain, Winnebago-Boone Farm Bureau manager)

Pork, beef exports improve; bird flu hinders poultry sales

Page 5 • Monday, April 20, 2015 • FarmWeek

U.S. meat exports picked up steam in February after a sluggish start to the year.

But a stronger U.S. dollar, competition for sales by other countries and market access issues could limit the growth of foreign sales, according to the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF).

“Pork from the (European Union) continues to enter Japan at lower-than-usual prices,” said Philip Seng, USMEF president and CEO. “This is exacerbated by the strength of the U.S. dollar versus both the yen and euro.”

U.S. meat exporters lost market share due to a backlog of shipments caused by a labor dispute at West Coast ports. That dispute ended earlier this year.

February beef exports subsequently increased 4 perBY DANIEL GRANT

cent from January to 82.991 metric tons. U.S. pork exports in February also improved compared to January by 8 percent, totaling

further improvement.”

Beef exports in February edged up 11 percent to Japan and 16 percent in volume to South Korea compared to a

‘The momentum exports regained in February is encouraging ... ’ — Philip Seng USMEF president and CEO

173,771 metric tons.

“The new labor contract agreement definitely sent positive signals to our Asian buyers and allowed the U.S. meat industry to begin the process of putting this crisis behind us,” Seng said. “The momentum exports regained in February is encouraging, and we’re looking forward to

year ago. Pork exports to South Korea jumped 79 percent from last year to the

largest monthly level (22,615 metric tons) in four years.

And it appears March pork exports possibly were near or slightly above yearago levels, according to authors of CME Group’s Daily Livestock Report.

“Weekly exports are pointing to robust sales in March and early April,” Daily Livestock Report authors noted.

Poultry exports, on the other hand, continue to head south due in large part to a lack of access to the Russian and Chinese markets.

The spread of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza

THREE’S NOT A CROWD

(HPAI or “bird flu”) also depressed exports. Eighteen cases of HPAI have been reported since April 1.

“More cases of bird flu will continue to negatively impact poultry exports,” according to Daily Livestock Report authors.

February broiler exports declined 17.4 percent.

The drop in poultry exports combined with a boost in domestic pork production could continue to pressure hog and chicken prices to entice U.S. consumers to eat more of the two meats.

Mexico, Peru agreements expand trade for U.S. pork, cattle

BY JOANIE STIERS FarmWeek

Recent trade agreements with Peru and Mexico expand current markets for U.S. pork products and cattle in those countries.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack this month announced that USDA reached agreements to export slaughter cattle to Mexico and expand access for U.S. fresh and chilled pork to consumer markets in Peru.

“Trade expansion keeps local economies and the Illinois economy moving,” said John Hagenbuch, a LaSalle County pork, corn and soybean farmer, and member of the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) Executive Committee. “I don’t see a bad point to either one of these.”

The agreement with Mexico takes effect immediately and allows export of slaughter cattle to the southern neighbor for the first time in more than a decade due to past detection of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), USDA reported. This opportunity would most benefit ranchers and cattle feeders near the border, said Joe Schuele, USMEF vice president of communications. The United States otherwise jumped a hurdle last May when the final restrictions on U.S. beef exports to Mexico were lifted.

Meanwhile, USDA had conducted trade negotiations with Peru since 2012 before it reached the recent agreement.

The agency had yet to release agreement details, but Schuele anticipates eased trichinosis testing and freezing requirements for U.S. pork from hogs

raised under the Pork Quality Assurance Plus program, similar to those recently established by Colombia and Chile.

While a small market, Peru’s demand for U.S. pork more than tripled from $1 million in 2011 to $4.5 million in 2014, Schuele said. Vilsack estimates Peru’s market could generate $5 million annually in additional pork sales.

In its announcement, USDA also expressed the need for Trade Promotion Authority to ensure farmers and American workers can benefit from new markets, particularly as support builds for a TransPacific Partnership with Asian nations.

USDA reported that the past six years represented the strongest period for American agricultural exports in U.S. history. In fiscal year 2014, the industry exported a record $152.5 billion of food and agricultural products, the agency said.

“Looking at the whole situation, it’s a win-win for Farm Bureau members to promote and talk to legislators, and try to open up trade agreements,” Hagenbuch said. “The more markets we have, the better off we’re going to be.”

USDA reported that it continues work to eliminate all remaining trade barriers to U.S. cattle and beef products stemming from BSE. USMEF reports that complete bans on U.S. beef still remain in several markets, such as China, Australia, Brazil, Argentina and South Africa. Restrictions limiting imports to beef from cattle less than 30 months of age also remain in some markets, including Japan and Korea.

Triplet calves, born on Easter, thrive at Kevin Wilham’s farm near Mount Pulaski. Wilham’s dad, Larry, center, and wife, Kathy, provide milk via bottles to two of the young animals. The Wilhams welcomed 30 calves to their farm this spring. The odds for triple births in cattle are about one in 105,000. (Photo by Ken Kashian)

FarmWeek • Page 6 • Monday, April 20, 2015 Brian Sisson, Belvidere, Boone County: The week started out slow after last Thursday’s severe weather and heavy rains around here. Most of the area received 2 to 4 inches; we received 3.5 inches at our farm. The debris in fields from those storms was spread across most of Boone County. A week later and spring has finally kicked into high gear around here. This is really the first opportunity we have had to get much done. There are anhydrous tool bars going in every direction, even with soil temperatures still in the upper 40s. I expect to see a few corn planters out in fields this weekend. Stay safe this spring.

Leroy Getz, Savanna, Carroll County: The April 9 tornado destroyed several farm buildings and overturned trucks in southern Carroll County. We were spared the real damage that Ogle County had.

We received .35 of an inch of rain on April 13 bringing April’s total to just 1 inch. Alfalfa fields are looking good and what few wheat fields there are have come through the winter quite well. Corn planting began on Wednesday and Thursday. Soil conditions are good, but we will wait a few more days for ours. Grain prices have been low, but a land sale this week brought a high of $13,900 per acre.

Ryan Frieders, Waterman, DeKalb County: Fieldwork resumed in our area after last weekend’s rain showers. Nitrogen and chemical applications are being done. Fields are being prepped for planting, which I expect to begin any day. Soil temperatures are rising, but chilly nights and cloudy days have slowed progress. The seven-day forecast is for dry but cooler temperatures.

Larry Hummel, Dixon, Lee County: A week of beautiful, spring weather is what it took to pull the planters out of the shed and into the fields. Conditions have been a little on the wet side, but are quickly moving to ideal. We are waiting until Monday to start, but there is a 70 percent chance of rain on Sunday, so we will see how that works out.

Ken Reinhardt, Seaton, Mercer County: We received .5 of an inch of rain or less early in the week. A few planters were running here with ideal ground conditions. I haven’t been able get the bugs out of my electric metering as of yet. It may be just as well as cold as the next couple of weeks are looking.

Ron Moore, Roseville, Warren County: We received .35 of an inch of rain Sunday night (April 12). That was enough to stop planting for a few days, but it has been very hectic since then. We should be almost done with corn by this week. The forecast is for rain and cooler temperatures, and we need the rain at this point. The grass has still not started growing a lot yet. We will work cattle this week, but not turn them out to pasture until we get some rain to make the grass grow. No sense in putting hay out in April when the grass should be lush. Let’s hope for some more showers.

Jacob Streitmatter, Princeville, Peoria County: Scattered showers moved through the area earlier in the week. Very little precipitation came. Warmer weather over the weekend forced some corn planters to start rolling. The forecast is for wet, then colder weather. We shall see what happens.

Ron Haase, Gilman, Iroquois County: Some corn got planted, but not very much. The most active day was Wednesday after showers Monday morning (April 13) and before the rain Thursday morning.

Our fields were too wet to enter after the .3 to .4 of an inch of rain our farms received on Monday. We planned to begin in the field Thursday, but received another .1 of inch before sunrise. We planned to start Friday. The areas with less rain were able to spend time in the field applying anhydrous ammonia and herbicides, leveling off fields, preparing the seedbed and planting corn.

The local closing prices for April 16 were nearby corn, $3.54; new-crop corn, $3.62; nearby soybeans, $9.50; new-crop soybeans, $9.15.

Tim Green, Wyoming, Stark County: The warm weather got the planters out of the shed. A little bit of planting started Wednesday and Thursday. People will probably plant Friday and Saturday depending on how much rain we get.

Ground temperatures have come up quite a bit with the warmer weather. Soil conditions are very nice. Be safe.

Mark Kerber, Chatsworth, Livingston County: Fieldwork is going well as soil conditions are good. There are tractors, sprayers and planters running all around. It’s early, though, as a few haven’t started. An upper air low pressure is going to bring an end to this nice, warm, dry weather. Markets have drifted lower in the last month.

Brian Schaumburg, Chenoa, McLean County: As usual, corn planting is either finished, starting or waiting for better conditions, although one can hardly complain about soil or weather conditions. Things are nearly ideal.

A lot of spraying, fertilizer and seeding was finished with about 30 percent of the crop in the ground. It is a little dry as we seem to miss the rains and are now deficit precip for the year. Corn, $3.64, fall, $3.72; soybeans, $9.50, fall, $9.18; wheat, $4.31.

Steve Ayers, Champaign, Champaign County: It was a week sitting around watching fields dry, which was about as stimulating as watching paint dry.

Finally started corn Thursday, and we planned to run through Saturday before an inch or so of rain falls. On Monday (April 13), Lisa Meadows of WCIA, reported that we have had 4.49 inches of precipitation since Jan. 1 compared to an average of 8.28 inches, so we need to catch up on moisture. A cold front rolled through Monday morning (April 13) and dropped .13 of an inch in one big whoosh that lasted all of 15 minutes. Planters, field cultivators, anhydrous rigs and sprayers are popping up all over. Looking at the rest of April, I am not getting a warm fuzzy feeling as rain is fairly frequent, so stay tuned. Let’s be careful out there!

Wilfred Dittmer, Quincy, Adams County: Rainfall for the week was .4 of an inch. Some planters were going in the area, and some are putting on NH3. Temperatures have been good in the 70s, and we have seen days of sunshine. Wheat fields look good from the road, but I have not been out in any. Have a good week.

Carrie Winkelmann, Tallula, Menard County: With the warm temperatures and lack of rain, planting has been fast and furious in anticipation of rain during the weekend. We started on Tuesday as did a large number of people in the county. Weather and soil conditions have been good, and I can’t even complain about figuring out the new planter. Things are going smoothly so far. I haven’t gotten anything planted in the garden yet, and I’m not sure it is going to happen this year with the two kids under 4. Good thing I have a nice homecanned vegetable stockpile.

Tom Ritter, Blue Mound, Macon County: A lot of activity in the field. We are approaching 25 percent of the corn planted in southern Macon County. Northern Macon County may be further ahead. Had excellent conditions throughout much of the week.

More activity went on as the week progressed and with .1 of an inch of rain going into the weekend, it will be time to reorganize. We are off to a good start with good temperatures and a little moisture. That will get the corn that has been planted growing. We can’t ask for a much better start.

Todd Easton, Charleston, Coles County: More of the same to report in the Coles County area where planters remain on the sidelines. After big rain events last week, we had light rain Monday (April 13) and Thursday. We keep hearing about lucky neighbors to the north whose planters have been running for a couple days and unlucky neighbors to the south who are totally saturated. Planters may get a narrow shot during the weekend to put a few acres in before the next weather system comes in Saturday night, but it will have to be on very well drained acres. We’re getting closer; we just don’t know how close.

Jimmy Ayers, New City, Sangamon County: Got a little bit drier this week. The rains from last week were from .75 to 1.5 inches.

The north side of the county got going Monday and Tuesday, and by Thursday it was almost dry in the southern parts. Quite a bit of corn was planted. Soil conditions are a little less than ideal. A lot of anhydrous put on. The year 2015 has started in this part of the area for a lot of farmers.

Doug Uphoff, Shelbyville, Shelby County: More corn was planted last week. North of Findlay had less rain, so a few guys were going there. Corn was being planted by Moweaqua and Assumption last Wednesday. We started putting on anhydrous last Thursday with some concern about the wet spots in the field, but we decided it needed to be done. Once again, the chiseled cornstalks worked a lot better than the unworked soybean stubble.

We had around .4 of an inch of rain. We loaded seed beans and seed corn for customers last week. Have a safe week and be careful out there.

David Schaal, St. Peter, Fayette County: We received .3 of an inch of rain for the week, but not a lot of sunshine; therefore, there was not a whole lot of drying going on. Still no fieldwork activity in the area. Farmers itching to do some spraying and that may happen in the next day or two. Saturday and Sunday’s weather forecast doesn’t sound good, but if that precipitation can miss us, next week things will bust loose. Everyone getting things ready to roll and hoping for a little drier conditions. Farm equipment will start being seen on roadways, so heads up and be safe.

Jeff Guilander, Jerseyville, Jersey County: We spent most of last week drying out from 2+ inches of rain we received from the last round of storms. On Thursday, things began to break with a lot of anhydrous applicators moving along with a few planters.

This window is forecast through Sunday when rain and colder temperatures arrive, which will keep a little caution in front of a lot of widespread planting.

Looks like this will be the first gamble of the growing season for a lot of growers. Hope it comes up heads.

Dan Meinhart, Montrose, Jasper County: Light rains visited the area off and on this week keeping the ground moist. No field activity took place until Thursday when farmers started applying nitrogen to wheat, and some herbicides were applied, mainly to wheat. Most of the wheat looks good. Farmers are preparing machinery for the planting season, while the ground is still too wet. Rains are in the forecast for the weekend.

Dave Hankammer, Millstadt, St. Clair County: The previous week started with a shower of rain that left .5+ of an inch of rain in local rain gauges and delaying fieldwork for several days. Partly sunny skies and temperatures in the mid-70s did little to dry soggy fields. Some light tillage and anhydrous was being done by late week. Application of nitrogen and herbicides were made on wheat fields where traveling was suitable. Wheat plants have started to joint and are approximately a foot tall. A couple of sunny days would make a big difference, but the weather forecast for the weekend is scattered showers and thunderstorms. Local grain bids are corn, $3.69; soybeans, $9.62; wheat, $4.58. Have a safe week.

Page 7 • Monday, April 20, 2015 • FarmWeek Rick Corners, Centralia, Jefferson County: It’s drying up but still muddy. Lots of weed spraying going on. If we don’t get the predicted rain for the weekend, things should break loose next week. The dogwoods, red buds and other trees sure are pretty.

Kevin Raber, Browns, Wabash County: Light rains have kept fieldwork to a minimum. I just saw a few tractors and sprayers in the fields Thursday evening. Field activity should pick up Friday and Saturday, but good chances of rain late in the weekend may shut us down again. Wheat is growing well and has good color. I am hoping to get my Harmony sprayed during this patch of dry weather.

Dean Shields, Murphysboro, Jackson County: Tuesday was the first day we could get in the fields. Farmers were working on NH3 and fertilizing wheat. That’s all that could be done this week. We hope the rain holds off at least until we get the NH3 on. No corn has been planted. Take care and have a safe planting season.

Ken Taake, Ullin, Pulaski County: It has been another wet week here in deep southern Illinois.

We had more than 1.5 inches of rain scattered over the week. We still have not been in the field at all.

The fields are turning colors with all the spring growth, which will present a problem later. At least, it will help lower the erosion on our hills.

With more rain in the forecast for the weekend, I don’t know when fieldwork will start.

Please be careful if you are able to be in the field.

Randy Anderson, Galatia, Saline County: So far this year feels just like the last two, but that is fine because we had two of the best crops we ever had. Still wet here — just need a few more dry days, but that’s not in the forecast. We’ve had some scattered showers and a lot of cloudy days, which makes for very little drying out. Like to get some spraying done, but it’s too wet. Been moving out some old-crop corn. Keep checking on the bins as it’s the time of year when grain can get out of shape fast.

NCGA leader not concerned about slow start to planting Reports received Friday morning. Expanded crop and weather information available at FarmWeekNow.com.

BY DANIEL GRANT FarmWeek

Corn planters spent more time in sheds than in fields so far this month.

But Rob Elliott, a Warren County farmer and first vice president of the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA), shows no worries at this point.

“I think we’ve still got plent y o f t i m e ,” E l l i o t t t o l d Far mWeek last week. “I’m not concerned right now.”

Nationwide, farmers planted just 2 percent of the corn crop as of the first of last week compared to the fiveyear average of 5 percent.

In Illinois, less than 1 percent of the corn crop was in the ground last week compared to the average of 9 percent.

“It’s a little cool and wet, although in the west (portion of the state) I think it’s drier than in the east and south,” Elliott said.

Topsoil temperatures last week ranged from 44.2 to 49.1 degrees in northern Illinois,

Jeff Suits of Penfield motions to his son, Evan, as they unload containers of soybean seed from Illini FS at their Champaign County farm. The Suits’ raise corn, soybeans and Angus cattle. Seed deliveries comprised the main activity recently for the Illini FS Dewey facility, according to Justin Wierman, Illini FS seed division manager. (Photo by Ken Kashian)

50.7 to 54.7 degrees in central I l l i n o i s, a n d 5 2 . 5 t o 5 6 . 8 degrees in southern Illinois, according to the Illinois Climate Network.

USDA projects farmers this spring will plant 89.2 million acres of corn and a record 84.6

THRIVING RYE

million acres of beans. And farmers hope to avoid replant situations with record investments tied up in the crops.

USDA estimates total farm production expenses, despite lower energy prices, this year actually could increase 1 per-

A healthy rye crop grows in corn stubble on CropWatcher Carrie Winkelmann’s farm. They applied Roundup to the rye last week. She and her husband, Kyle, also plant tillage radishes and oats as cover crops. They’ve been experimenting with various species for about five years. The practice improves soil biological activity, controls weeds, enhances nutrient management efforts and reduces soil erosion. The Winkelmanns documented a 9 bushel soybean yield increase last year on a side-by-side trial involving a corn, rye and soybean rotation. (Photo by Carrie Winkelmann)

cent to a record $370 billion nationwide.

“Farmers have quite a bit of expense tied up (in seed and inputs) so I think most guys are thinking they only get a chance to do it right once,” Elliott said. “We can get it planted in pretty short order (once conditions improve).”

Last year also featured a slow start to planting as just 1 percent of the corn crop was in the ground by mid-April.

But good to excellent growing conditions produced a record state corn yield average of 200 bushels per acre.

“We’ve found the last couple years that weather after the fact is more important than the planting date,” Elliott said.

The NCGA leader, therefore, doesn’t foresee many

changes to planting intentions unless delays drag on for weeks.

“Not a lot of nitrogen was put on last fall, but I think we’ll catch up quickly,” he said.

“Most (farmers) in Illinois have a plan and will probably stick with it.”

Recent rains not only delayed early corn planting but also improved wheat conditions.

T he por tion of Illinois’ wheat crop rated good to excellent increased 2 percent last week to 54 percent, while the portion rated poor to very poor decreased 2 percent to 10 percent. The remaining 36 percent of the wheat crop was rated fair.

Wheat prices subsequently declined last week.

ISU NAMA chapter best in the nation

The National Agri-Marketing Association (NAMA) last week awarded its student chapter at Illinois State University (ISU) best in the nation honors.

The award marks the fourth straight for ISU’s group, which helps prepare its student participants for careers in agribusiness.

ISU beat Iowa State, Purdue, Missouri, University of Illinois and scores of others. The chapter received the award at NAMA’s national meeting in Kansas City.

“They are definitely missing out if they are not an ag major, or they’re not in NAMA right now,” said Steven Beisswenger, ISU NAMA chapter president and a senior from Seneca. “It has been the best time I’ve ever had in school, and it’s made school so much more enjoyable. These last four years really flew by.”

Beisswenger has already accepted a job as a grain merchandiser with Consolidated Grain & Barge starting next fall.

ISU NAMA chapter activities include food drives and Ag Day on the Quad at the Normal campus to recognize the importance of farming, food and potential careers for students enrolled in or thinking about enrolling in the school’s ag programs.

“I’ve gotten a countless amount of advice,” said ISU senior Rachel Hoeft of Bloomington, on her involvement in the group during her four years at ISU. “When I came to ISU as a freshman, I was barely 18 years old. What did I know about being a professional? It gets me out there, gets my name out there, gets me in front of all of these people in an industry that I am so passionate about.”

ISU agriculture professors Aslihan Spaulding, Ph.D., and Rick Whitacre, Ph.D., serve as advisers to the ISU NAMA chapter.

Best of NAMA award winners included Illinois Soybean Association for events supporting biotechnology and the organization’s 50th anniversary, and GROWMARK Inc. for its employee magazine.

The Illinois Farm Families (IFF) program received recognition for its effort to improve consumer confidence and trust in Illinois farmers. Illinois Beef Association, Illinois Corn Growers Association, Illinois Farm Bureau, Midwest Dairy Association, Illinois Pork Producers Association and Illinois Soybean Association support the IFF effort.

BY MIKE ORSO

EPA sets RFS deadlines

FarmWeek • Page 8 • Monday, April 20, 2015

BY JOANIE STIERS FarmWeek The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says it will announce proposed 2014, 2015 and 2016 Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) volume requirements by June 1 and make final rules on those obligations by Nov. 30.

The EPA’s overdue release of 2014 and 2015 renewable volume obligations has caused unrest and uncertainty among both proponents and opponents of biofuels. In fact, most of the 2014 and 2015 deadlines materialized in response to a lawsuit the American Petroleum Institute and the American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers filed against the EPA. Outside this agreement, the EPA chose to set 2016 deadlines.

“The agency has really stumbled on renewable fuels,” said Adam Nielsen, national legislative director for the Illinois Farm Bureau. “We need EPA to get the volume requirements out as soon as possible to remove uncertainty and prevent further damage to the RFS.” The EPA said the re-proposed 2014 RFS volume requirements will match 2014 usage. Meanwhile, the industry still awaits a proposal on the

2015 requirements four months into the year.

The ongoing uncertainty follows EPA’s proposed — and never finalized — reduction of the 2014 renewable volume obligations by 1.4 billion gallons. Still, the ethanol industry in 2014 logged its single most profitable year, said Bob Dinneen, president and CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association. The industry generated $1.83 in energy and animal feed for every $1 spent on feedstock.

Dinneen noted the ethanol industry’s maturity, growth and evolution in his state of the industry address early this year.

“No one has benefited from the delays in setting annual renewable volume obligations,” Dinneen said in a statement.

“While we are sympathetic to the difficulty EPA faces in promulgating annual targets, the statute is clear about the volumes required and the agency simply has to do a better job moving forward. This consent agreement is a good start. We are particularly pleased that the agency has committed to addressing the 2016 renewable volume obligations in the same time frame even though that is outside the scope of the consent agreement.”

Mary Ann Schweers’ first graders at St. Mary’s School, Bloomington, vote for lettuce as they discuss their new container garden from Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom (IAITC). This marks the first time Schweers has used IAITC resources and materials. (Photo by Cyndi Cook)

IAITC garden grant plants learning opportunities

BY KAY SHIPMAN FarmWeek

A forest of tiny hands with wiggling fingers shot into the air.

Who likes lettuce? Apparently all the first graders in Mary Ann Schweers’ class at St. Mary’s School, Blooming-

Protecting your field is our scout’s honor.

dents benefit from their new garden, but so will hungry residents who eat at the church’s soup kitchen. Schweers told students their vegetables will be donated to the soup kitchen while they’re on summer break.

However, IAITC’s container, books and lesson plans also accomplished something else — they revealed the breadth and variety of educational resources available to a teacher who hasn’t used them previously. “I definitely will use more in the future,” Schweers said. “I had no idea there are so many resources out there.”

As for Schweers’ vegetable crop, some candidates — peas and broccoli — lost the veggie popularity contest.

The Illinois State Board of Education last week named Tony Smith, Ph.D., the Illinois State Superintendent of Education, starting May 1.

Smith, 48, currently executive director of the W. Clement & Jessie V. Stone Foundation, led the Oakland Unified School District in California for four

years. The Stone Foundation awards more than $5 million in grants for child development and education.

Smith replaces Christopher A. Koch, who served as state superintendent since 2006 and held various leadership roles in the state education agency for 21 years.

Tuesday: • FarmWeek: “The Early Word” • Ron Kern, Ogle County Farm Bureau manager: tornado recovery efforts • Jennifer Smith, IAA Foundation: 5K Grow and Go • Eric Schmidt, EJS Weather Wednesday: • Richard Guebert Jr., Illinois Farm Bureau president • Chuck Cawley and Jerry Kirbach, Illinois Department

of Agriculture: anhydrous ammonia safety, outreach efforts with equipment manufacturers Thursday: • Rebecca Richardson, MARC-IV: RFS volumes for biomass-based diesel • Harry Cooney, GROWMARK • Lisa Martin, Illinois Certified Crop Adviser Program: Soy Envoys agronomy team Friday: • Thomas Marten, Cuba trade delegate; and Tamara Nelsen, IFB senior director of commodities: update on Cuba trade

Californian new state superintendent

At FS, we’re focused on crop performance. Our certified crop specialists will identify environmental conditions, crop growth stage and plant development to make agronomically sound recommendationss for each of your fields. It’’ss our goal goa to maximize every acre you farm and protect the local environment nment so you’re ready for what’’ss next. ne

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ton. Seated in front of their new container garden, the students and their teacher explored some of the new plant-related books they received from Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom (IAITC).

With financial support from the IAA Foundation and Archers Daniel Midland Co., IAITC recently distributed container garden grants to 222 teachers in 58 counties. Each teacher received reusable gardening materials, including a container garden, six books, lesson plans and money to buy soil and seeds.

“We’ll decide what we’re going to plant in our garden,” Schweers told her students, who nodded eagerly.

Not only will St. Mary’s stu-

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©2013 GROWMARK, Inc. A14140

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UREAU — Bureau County Ag Award. Call 875-6468 to obtain a nomination form by May 15. The award honors individuals who have given exemplary leadership and service to ag and farmers in Bureau County and beyond.

• Summer Agriculture Institute for teachers, 8 a.m. June 15-19 at the Farm Bureau office. Cost is $80. Call 875-

Page 9 • Monday, April 20, 2015 • FarmWeek

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6468 for reservations by May 1.

OOK — Basic beginning beekeeping workshop, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 2 at the Farm Bureau office. For course fees and more information, call 708-354-3276 or email membershipdebbie@ cookcfb.org.

RUNDY — Container gardening workshop 10 a.m. May 2 in the Farm Bureau meeting room. Nancy Kuhajda,

G

Water use reporting webinar set for May 18

Grundy-Kankakee-Will program coordinator for Master Gardeners, will instruct. Cost is $15 for members and guests.

Call 942-6400 for reservations

by April 28. Space is limited to 25 attendees.

ONROE — Foundation scholarships available for current college students studying ag-related fields. Call 939-6197 or email mcfarm@htc.net for an appli-

M

Agricultural irrigators who must report water use can listen to a webinar on the issue at 1 p.m. May 18. Lauren Lurkins, Illinois Farm Bureau director of natural and environmental resources, will lead the webinar.

IFB now has a new webpage devoted to water use reporting at {www.ilfb.org/waterusereporting}. Interested Farm Bureau members and county managers can register for the webinar on the webpage.

The webinar will provide a comprehensive look at the requirements of the Water Use Act as they apply to agricultural irrigators. The webinar will be recorded and posted on the webpage for those who cannot make the initial viewing.

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cation. Application deadline is May 1.

EORIA — Hasselberg Ag Museum open house, 4 to 7 p.m. April 29 at Three Sisters Park, Chillicothe.

ABASH — Ag safety day for fourth graders, April 29 at the Wabash County Fairgrounds.

HITE — Farm Bureau is seeking applications for the position of book-

W W

HOPPING GOOD BENEFIT

keeper/administrative assistant.

Send cover letter, resume and references to White County Farm Bureau, P.O. Box 367, Carmi, IL 62821, by April 30. Visit {whitecfb.com/employment. html} for more information.

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

Rural Development awards funds USDA Rural Development recently awarded a $2 million loan to M.J.M. Electric Cooperative of Macoupin County for economic development and about $4 million in loans and grants to the city of Colchester for sewer system upgrades, according to Colleen Callahan, Illinois director for Rural Development.

The cooperative plans to loan the money at zero percent interest to Carlinville Area Hospital for construction of a new medical clinic. The new facility will add about 28,000 square feet and create 12 new jobs.

The cooperative received the

funding through USDA’s Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant program, which provides zero-interest loans and grants to utilities that, in turn, lend money to local businesses for projects that create and retain jobs.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency placed Colchester under an administrative order to correct deficiencies in the community’s sewer system. The total sewer project costs $4.192 million, including a preliminary engineering report. Rural Development awarded Colchester a $2.489 million loan and a $1.688 million grant for the project.

GAINING A FARMER’S PERSPECTIVE

Taylorville High School students wait their turn to climb into a combine cab and view a driver’s perspective. Christian County Farm Bureau Young Leaders hosted a recent driver safety session for 260 driver’s education and agriculture students. Seated in a combine, tractor, sprayer and semitrailer, students learned what they could and could not see. Young Leaders urged students to remember their simulated driving experience, slow down and share the road if they come upon farm equipment. Jenner Ag, Sloan’s West and WinField (Matt Heberling) supplied equipment for the program. (Photo by Mellisa McMillan, Christian County Farm Bureau manager)

Yankee 4-H Club members participate in an “all hop” relay during the Edwards County Farm Bureau Young Leaders Ag Olympics to benefit local food pantries. About 90 4-H’ers brought 210 pounds of nonperishable food to the event. Members of 4-H clubs competed in eight games for bragging rights and a pizza party. Fifteen Young Leaders ran the event. (Photo by Rebecca Perry, Edwards County Farm Bureau manager)

“Let’s talk” isn’t just an invitation.

®

It’s how we do business. Our experts at FS Agri-Finance believe that having a meaningful conversation with our customers is the best way to help them reach their financial goals.

We will show you how you can use financing as a risk management tool to help spread your costs and manage your cash flow. Our experts know the business of agriculture, are focused on what’s ahead and will ensure you’re ready for what’s next.

www.fssystem.com

TM

©2013 GROWMARK, Inc. A14149

FarmWeek • Page 10 • Monday, April 20, 2015

Bump in oil production helps keep lid on fuel prices

BY DANIEL GRANT FarmWeek

Farmers feeling margin pressure from lower crop prices and high input costs should continue to enjoy some relief at the fuel pump.

The Energy Information Administration (EIA) recently forecast fuel expenses in the U.S. this year could dip to the lowest level since 2004.

“Prices are on sale,” said Harry Cooney, GROWMARK manager of energy customer risk management.

“Historically speaking, buying fuel Harry Cooney typically is best around late fall/early winter and late spring/early summer,” he continued. “Contract prices are a much better value this year than they have been in several past years.”

Prices as of the first of last week averaged $51.91 for crude oil futures (down $51.83 from last year), $2.40 for a gallon of regular gasoline (down $1.24),

$2.75 per gallon for diesel fuel (down $1.20) and $2.51 per million British thermal units for natural gas (down $2.11). to learn more about fuel price projections.

EIA projects an average American household this year will spend about $1,817 on gasoline, down about $700 from 2014. If realized, gasoline expenses would be the lowest in more than a decade.

“These are good prices to lock in. The propane market is the same way,” Cooney said. “(Farmers and other end users) should talk to their local FS cooperatives.”

End users who want to lock in fuel needs for the fall could get another opportunity later this spring or by early summer if prices follow seasonal patterns.

The market recently absorbed a seasonal bump in fuel prices caused by a switch to summer blends.

“We’ve already seen that at

the pumps,” Cooney said.

EIA expects fuel and oil prices will remain well below year-ago levels due in part to the explosion of oil production nationwide.

U.S. crude oil production increased at a rate of 1.2 million barrels per day (to a total of 8.7 million barrels per day) in 2014, which was the largest volume increase on record.

EIA projects oil production this year will grow by another 8.1 percent.

“Oil production is going up at a fairly healthy rate,” Cooney said. “Eventually oil production numbers could start to decline, but for now we’re on (a six-plus year) uptrend.”

A stronger U.S. dollar also could continue to weigh on the price of commodities, including oil.

“As the dollar marches higher, it tends to depress commodities, including oil,” Cooney added. “We also need to watch how demand comes on (in reaction to lower fuel prices). There could be kind of a tug of war.”

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©2013 GROWMARK, Inc. A14148

Base oils: How they are classified and why it matters

It’s common to see a lubricant product advertised as “formulated with Group 2 base stock oils,” or some other base stock group reference. Yet for many people, the question still arises as to what does this base stock reference mean and what does it mean for the lubricant application.

Saturated compounds Oils are often described by the saturates they contain. A hydrocarbon chain may contain single, double or triple bonds. Those chains that have only single bonds are saturated hydrocarbons. These single chains are produced during the refining process as double or triple bonds are removed or converted to single bonds. Single bonds make the molecule less reactive and ultimately improve the viscosity index — a measure that characterizes viscosity changes relChris Salrin ative to temperature — of the base oil.

Hydrofinishing to Group 1 Following the refining process, oils are finished by removing sulfur and nitrogen. These elements are removed in order to prevent having them becoming reactive in the finished base oil.

The result of this step is a Group 1 base oil — referred to as a “solvent neutral” base oil — such as 150 SN in the case of less viscous fluids, or “brightstock” in the case of heavier fluids.

Conversion to Group 2 or Group 3 Additional processes applied to a finished-base oil, such as hydrocracking or hydrogenation, further improves saturation.

Hydrocracking is so effective that the resulting Group 3 base oil is referred to as a “synthetic” even though it is derived from mineral oil.

Synthesis of Group 4 Group 4 base oils, polyalphaolefins, are synthesized through a controlled molecular reaction and produce larger, more consistently sized molecules with fewer contaminants. The result is oil with a lower pour point, higher viscosity index, and superior oxidative and thermal stability.

Which oil do I need?

Armed with a better understanding of the lubricant refining process, one might be quick to decide that a Group 4 base oil is always a better choice than a Group 2 base oil. This isn’t necessarily the case, though. It’s critically important to match the oil to the application and the circumstances. For example, synthetics perform well under very cold or very hot weather, or where the application is under a significantly heavy load.

Yet, in many applications where the “extremes” are not commonplace, a Group 1 or 2 oil is perfectly appropriate to provide the needed protection.

Any operation, much like the proverbial chain and its weakest link, is only as strong and durable as its weakest component. Having the correct lubricant matched to the correct application can mean the difference between getting the most out of your equipment or experiencing frustrating downtime.

Your FS Energy Specialist is a knowledgeable source for the information and products you need to keep your operation running smoothly throughout any and all seasons.

BY CHRIS SALRIN

Chris Salrin serves as GROWMARK’s energy sales and marketing director. His email address is csalrin@growmark.com.

Corn Strategy

Soybeans ... looking ahead

Unlike the corn market, there’s not a strong correlation between the ending stocks and soybean prices. Where the individual years for the corn relationship lied closer to the trend, the individual years for soybeans don’t lie close to the trend, mostly being well above or well below.

The biggest differential between the corn and soybean relationships probably has a lot to do with the large South American crops. Most of the corn/wheat/rice crops in the world are grown in the Northern Hemisphere, fitting with the price impact/seasonality for our crops.

But with oilseeds, South American soybean production represents 33 percent of the world oilseed crop, and just more than 50 percent of the world soybean output. That new supply coming into the world pipeline, offset six months from the rest of the world, can have significant repercussions on price. Hence, part of the volatility in the relationship between our ending stocks and prices.

Having said that, there’s still a

broad correlation between ending stocks and prices. And even though USDA and University of Illinois price expectations are different, even though their stocks forecasts are not significantly different, that’s likely due to price model differences.

The U of I’s $9.75 price forecast is close to 2009’s $9.59 average price even though ending stocks expectations are more than double 2009’s 151 million bushels. We’d tie much of that to the generally negative economic pessimism/uncertainty in the world in the wake of the late 2008 economic collapse.

Going forward, the price for the new crop over the next few months will be largely dependent on the potential size of our crop. There are still many in the industry that believe final planted acreage will be larger than the March 31 estimate. And given last years’ experience, some are using early yields that may be somewhat optimistic, including USDA. That is potentially making some early production expectations higher than they should be.

While there’s little reason to build a wildly optimistic price forecast at this time, there’s not much reason to build an extremely pessimistic one either.

And as the relationship between stocks and prices has proven, other variables besides production may have more impact than the fundamentals themselves.

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ü2014 crop: The recent ability to hold key lows reinforces the notion there’s limited downside risk, long and short term. Better selling opportunities should be ahead, although moves to our long held $4.50+ futures target has been delayed. This should be a good opportunity to put inventories on basis contracts to be priced this summer. Hold the 2013 crop for expected long-term improvement. ü2015 crop: Long-term factors continue to indicate higher prices are coming, but it may take time to confirm the trend has turned up. Hold off pricing new crop. Buy out-ofthe money, new-crop call options to make sales against this summer. vFundamentals: The passing of initial insurance planting dates and warm weather triggered planting across a broad swath of the Corn Belt. Rain remains an impediment to planting across parts of the South. Chinese plantings are expected to increase this year. Argentina’s corn crop expectations have improved, but Brazil’s second crop is far from certain.

Page 11 • Monday, April 20, 2015 • FarmWeek Cents per bu.

Soybean Strategy

ü2014 crop: Soybean prices remain mired in a short-term downtrend, but the lack of follow through when prices hit a new low reinforces the idea downside risk is small. It may not rebound much during planting, but looks less likely to move lower. Only make needed sales; higher prices than currently offered should occur. ü2015 crop: Short-term weakness may be moderating.

The longer-term picture still looks more positive than negative. Even fundamentals don’t suggest prices have significant downside risk. We have no interest in pricing 2015 crop at this time. vFundamentals: Chinese March soybean imports were better than expected. Port stocks are low, and crush margins have improved. Their buying is focused on South America, but it didn’t look like they made any cancellations. The U.S. did make sales to our traditional customers, suggesting prices are attractive. Generally, world demand remains good.

Current prices will tend to discourage soybean plantings.

Wheat Strategy

ü2014 crop: A new-crop weather market is guiding futures. Catch-up sales are put on hold until prices recover from last week’s tumble. ü2015 crop: Value is being found in current prices and premium is expected to be added as production estimates for the 2015 crop begin to shrink. vFundamentals: Weather premium evaporated from the market after rains fell over parts of the Southern Plains, sending Kansas City wheat to five-year lows. Hard red wheat

in Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas broke dormancy under conditions that severely threaten yield potential. The recent moisture helps, but a week’s worth of rain won’t cure the dryness that still lingers in many areas. Aside from the weather, Chicago contracts are being valued under trade and quality considerations. Export sales were poor again last week with the firmer dollar still weighing on the outlook for U.S. business going forward. After last year’s vomitoxin, soft red wheat quality is especially important in pricing the deliverable contracts.

FarmWeek • Page 12 • Monday, April 20, 2015

Just eat it!

Government dietary guides versus our responsibilities Once upon a time, we ate three meals a day — breakfast, lunch and supper (at least that’s what we called it in my house).

Breakfast might be a bowl of cereal and toast, or maybe eggs and pancakes.

Lunch would be a sandwich, fruit, salty snack and, if we were fortunate, we might find a sweet treat at the bottom of our brown paper lunch sack to finish off our meal.

Dinner meant meat, vegetables, bread and whatever else ERNIE BIRCHMEIER could be put together to guest complete the columnist meal. Our beverage choices were milk or water.

Pop (that’s what we call soda here in Michigan) was a rare treat, and a snack meant sneaking something from the garden.

Before dinner, we worked outside, doing chores and caring for our livestock. We got exercise, built muscles and burned off excess calories. We were physically fit and life was good.

Most of the kids I grew up with did the same. We ate a balanced diet, and it was all just common sense.

At some point, though, our consuming public — and our government — lost all sense of balance and perspective when it comes to food choices and balancing our diets.

I can’t help but wonder: Since when is it the government’s job to dictate our food choices?

What happened to personal responsibility for what we consume? When did web surfing and war games become exercise?

When did we forget — or why did some never learn — that “three squares a day” were the way to go?

Lately I’ve been amazed that recommended changes to the American Dietary Standards include language like “sustainably produced.” How a raw food product is produced has absolutely nothing to do with its nutritional value.

And when did it become a bad thing to eat a sensibly sized portion of meat with your meal?

Who decided that only fruits and vegetables were good for us all the time? Better yet, for those who never learned what “three squares a day” are, when did a bag of Doritos and two liters of Mountain Dew become a meal?

Once upon a time, we were told that low-protein, highstarch diets were good for us.

Then we were told not to eat so much starch — consume more protein instead, they said. Then they said all fats were bad for us, then we were told that only some fats were bad, then that we need some fats of all kinds, but in moderation.

These were all actual recommendations from the same government agency that’s now recommending the latest dietary standards and changes to the school lunch program.

We live in a fast-paced society and sometimes food is an afterthought — until it’s in the news, which it is almost daily now because someone or some group is always trying to tell us what we should and shouldn’t eat. Are we no longer smart enough to know how to feed ourselves appropriately? If not, shouldn’t we suffer the consequences?

My point is this: When it comes to food choices and fitness, we all need to be responsible for ourselves. Don’t let someone or some other group dictate what’s best for you. Meat, vegetables, fruit, bread, snacks — even sweet treats — they’re all good in the right proportion.

We’re all intelligent people, and I’m pretty sure we can figure it out!

I always go back to the advice I learned long ago: Eat a balanced diet and get some exercise every day. Live a healthy life, and you’ll enjoy a long life.

If that doesn’t work, and I’m still confused and frustrated, I’ll do as a friend of mine does and have a bowl of ice cream and peanut butter before bed. That’s a serving of dairy and protein, right?

his employees unloading cattle, helping customers out front at the register, loading meat into vehicles, processing meat in the back. He had the respect of his employees and customers alike.”

Doug Sassman who raises livestock and runs the Heritage Farmers Market grocery store near Pekin told me last Wednesday that he was “working with these hams that Scott smoked for me. I picked them

up Friday, so they’re the last things I have that he touched. I sliced and glazed them, and now I’m resmoking them a little bit, and I’m bringing them over to everyone at the Eureka locker.”

It seemed a fitting gesture to honor the man and the company that brought good meat to so many others.

Earth Day call to action: Let’s move ahead

I’ll have to admit I’m not much for keeping up with designated observances. It’s not that I don’t care, but I don’t like being limited to one day. I get it.

Special observances allow those with similar interests to reach out and coordinate messages to a broader audience.

So, maybe it’s because 2015 was named the International Year of Soil, or because I’ve seen so many great stories about soil health and farmers using more sustainable production methods that I’m more interested in Earth Day (Wednesday) this year.

When I think of Earth Day, I am reminded of just how important the industry of agriculture is to this planet. In my job, I’ve had the honor of meeting many great conservation farmers around IlliIVAN nois and the world.

DOZIER As we strive to produce food and fiber for our growing population, I can’t even imagine we would ever intentionally degrade or deplete the very resource base that makes production possible.

As producers and conservationists, we continually learn more about how agriculture production interacts with natural systems. It’s not unusual to experience major shifts in production methods when it comes to ag.

Changes might be a result of new technology, a better understanding of science, generational changes, economics, natural disasters, or policy and regulation. I believe we are on the threshold of significant changes in how we farm, and I see three issues triggering these changes.

1) Nutrient management. We’ve come a long way since Squanto showed European colonists how to use the bodies of fish to feed a corn crop. I doubt they knew about the essential elements for plant growth or which of those came from fish, and certainly not how much of those elements were in the natural fertilizer. I also doubt we understood later that when we began to apply nutrients to entire fields those same nutrients would leave the fields in high enough concentrations to cause problems elsewhere — and use the very surface and subsurface drainage conduits we installed to make the ground more farmable.

2) Climate change. As any student of Illinois’ geology can tell you, the climate does change. Just

Honoring late Eureka Meat Locker owner

Editor: Scott Bittner’s tragic death in the plane crash outside of Bloomington on April 6 came as a terrible blow to everyone who knew him, and to many who did not. Thousands of people enjoyed the steaks, bacon and bratwurst that ended up on their tables, thanks to the hard work of Scott and his staff

look at the periods of continental glaciation where huge ice sheets covered this area. Look at the warm interglacial periods that produced masses of vegetation that later turned to coal, oil and gas. Now, burning that stored energy is cited as a major contributor of earth-warming gases. It doesn’t matter whether you believe it’s happening, whether it’s man-made or whether we can do something about it without causing extreme hardship. Policy is being formulated that will affect agriculture.

3) Consumer demand. More than any time in history, consumer interests have shifted from the quantity of food produced to its nutritional value, quality and the way food is produced. While one faction focuses on our ability to produce enough food to feed a growing population on a declining acreage base, another faction is more focused on how the food is grown. Unfortunately, an interested and concerned public doesn’t necessarily equate to a better informed public. You can count me among the public who just isn’t sure what to believe on some of these issues. There is so much information out there, and it is often conflicting, misleading or just plain wrong.

At first glance, it may appear I’ve painted a gloomy and confusing picture for the future, but I actually want to use this Earth Day as a call to action. If we know we can manage our nutrients better and still maintain high levels of production and profitability, why don’t we do it? If we know we can make positive changes to reduce carbon losses or even sequester carbon by using soil health practices, why don’t we do it? If we can make some changes that help save our productive soil base, give us cleaner water and air, and provide greater consumer confidence, why don’t we do it?

I think it’s time for Illinois to establish a voluntary, certified sustainable system for our ag products. Why wait for additional policy or regulations? Let’s be proactive and establish our own system that will prove Illinois farmers care about the issue and are willing to do something about it.

Don’t sit back and wait. Don’t watch others and wait for someone else to do it. Let’s make a change this Earth Day. Get involved. Be committed. Illinois deserves it and so does our Earth.

Ivan Dozier serves as state conservationist with USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service in Illinois.

at Bittner’s Eureka Meat Locker.

Meat processing is dangerous and difficult work, yet Scott and his staff did it with compassion, skill and grace, and served many farmers and consumers. Over the past seven years, Donna O’Shaughnessy and her husband, Keith Parrish, ran some 70,000 pounds of their beef and pork through Bittner’s Eureka locker. That meat then went to countless consumers who bought it at

Letter to the editor Dave’s Supermarket in Fairbury, Naturally Yours in Bloomington and Peoria, and at Chicago’s Green Grocer.

“You could never call Scott a middleman,” Donna said.

“He was an extension of our farm.”

Greg and Janet Morse of Trail’s End Organic Farm said, “Scott was the consummate businessman. Always happy to see us. Always genuine and humble. He worked alongside

Ernie Birchmeier serves as a Michigan Farm Bureau livestock and dairy specialist.

TERRA BROCKMAN Congerville