Farmweek august 5 2013

Critical policy issues affecting far mers are outlined in a special section included in this issue. ...................Inside

Information flowed as freely as milk when Illinois Farm Families field moms recently toured a Kane County dairy. .................................8

Net far m income this year could be the third highest on record, according to a director of industry research. .........................14

A service of

Illinois Farm Bureau mission: Improve the economic well-being of agriculture and enrich the quality of farm family life.

CoBank researcher predicts more volatility, tighter farm margins Monday, August 5, 2013

BY DANIEL GRANT FarmWeek

Farmers’ risk management abilities could be tested in this and subsequent years.

The possibility of a stronger U.S. dollar, large crop yields here, increased production competition around the world and the continuation of stagnant

For more Terry Barr comments, see page 14

Periodicals: Time Valued

economic growth could limit potential farm income.

Meanwhile, lower crop prices combined with high input costs and the possibility of rising interest rates could squeeze farm margins to some of the tightest levels in years.

“We’re in a period of realignment,” Terry Barr, senior director of industry research at CoBank, said last week during his keynote address at the Illinois Farm Bureau Commodities Conference in Normal.

“And, as the markets realign, (farmers) need to have more risk management strategies in place,” he continued. “Net income should be strong this year. But market volatility will continue and with our growing

reliance on exports, it will expose agriculture to global policy shifts and add new risk.”

U.S. farmers last year exported 53 percent of wheat, 45 percent of soybeans, 23 percent of pork, 17 percent of dairy products and 13 percent of corn, Barr reported.

But expectations of a large corn crop this year — between 13.5 billion and 14 billion bushels — has taken the air out of the crop markets.

But, even if the large crop is realized, it won’t eliminate wild swings in the market.

“One good harvest won’t remove volatility,” Barr said. “It’s going to take two years of big crops to build inventories back up.”

Stocks can be rebuilt quicker around the world due to higher yields and more land in production.

World grain production since 2007-08 increased 18 percent, according to Barr.

“We’ve seen countries move into the vacuum created by short corn supplies,” he said.

“We’ve seen the emergence of a lot of competition.”

Meanwhile, there could be

®

Three sections Volume 41, No. 31

‘PUMPING’ POTATO, POPCORN, PUMPKIN YIELDS

Dean Pfeiffer of rural Bath checks an irrigation rig on his Mason County farm. Pfeiffer grows potatoes, popcorn, pumpkins and nonbiotech soybeans.

Pfeiffer reported above-average yields for potatoes at about 400, 100-pound bags per acre. Pumpkins continue to develop with the crop about three weeks behind average. (Photos

by Ken Kashian)

Scuse: Extension unlikely, SNAP separation ill-advised See CoBank, page 14

BY MARTIN ROSS FarmWeek

Acting USDA Deputy Secretary Michael Scuse recognizes “the resiliency of U.S. agriculture” — particularly coming out of a severe 2012 drought — and “what agriculture does for us as a people and an economy.”

But “to keep that momentum going,” farmers need to manage their resources and “plan effectively,” he said.

“They need the certainty — the certainty that would come with a five-year farm bill,” Scuse stressed. He blamed the current “lack of that certainty” on the House, which recently passed a stripped-down, “split” farm bill for conferencing with comprehensive Senate legislation.

At last week’s Ag Transportation Summit, Scuse warned House leadership is unlikely to allow re-extending the 2008

farm bill in September and thus deemed fall passage of a comprehensive new farm bill crucial.

He charged the House’s proposal to eliminate 1949 permanent ag law as a default farm bill option is an attempt to ensure “they’ll never have to do a Michael Scuse farm bill again.”

That move would hurt dairy, trade, rural development, conservation, ag research and efforts to launch a job-generating “biobased economy,” while ignoring the fact that nutrition programs, a major target of House cost-cutting proposals, already are authorized through wholly separate legislation, Scuse warned.

As for House leaders removing the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program

FarmWeek on the web: FarmWeekNow.com

(SNAP) from the farm bill, Scuse noted that “if they don’t do anything on nutrition, they don’t get any (food stamp) savings.” The Senate’s proposed trimming $4 billion from food stamp spending over the next 10 years.

Politically, he argued producers at a current roughly 1 percent of the U.S. population “need that long-standing alliance between agriculture and nutrition.”

“They need the engagement of the 99 percent of Americans who don’t farm today and who, in most cases, are many generations removed from agriculture,” Scuse argued.

“Every American out there has a stake in this legislation. It includes food, it includes farms, and it includes jobs and policies.”

At the same time, Scuse emphasized the See Scuse, page 2

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

Quick Takes

FarmWeek Page 2 Monday, August 5, 2013

NELSON CONFIDENT IN NEXT GENERATION OF LEADERS – Illinois Farm Bureau President Philip Nelson last week told attendees of the IFB Commodities Conference the ag industry is in a state of transition.

And, in order for farmers and IFB to handle changes in the industry, young farmers must continue to get involved in leadership roles.

“We have to continue to develop leaders to represent us at the state and national level,” Nelson said. “We need engagement today more than ever if we’re going to be successful.”

Nelson, who operates a fourth-generation grain and livestock farm in Seneca, will reach the end of his final term as IFB President in December.

“I’m confident in the next generation of leaders to carry the torch,” he said.

Nelson is the 14th IFB president. He previously served as vice president.

SOYBEAN OFFICERS — Bill Raben of Ridgway has been elected 2013-14 chairman of the Illinois Soybean Association (ISA). He previously served as ISA vice chairman and membership task force chair.

Raben, who farms with his brother, is an active member of Illinois Farm Bureau, Gallatin County Soil & Water Conservation District and Wabash Valley Service Company. He earned a bachelor’s degree in agronomy from Southern Illinois University. Prior to farming full time, he taught high school agriculture.

Other executive committee members elected included Mike Marron of Fithian, vice chairman; Rob Shaffer of El Paso, treasurer; Dan Farney of Morton, secretary; David Droste of Nashville, assistant secretary-treasurer; Don Guinnip of Marshall, production committee chair; and Mark Sprague of New Canton, marketing committee chair.

Lynn Rohrscheib of Fairmount and Jeff Lynn of Oakford were elected as new, at-large directors. Other new directors seated on the board were John Longley of Aledo, District 3; Sharon Covert of Tiskilwa, District 4; Dale Asher of Sutter, District 8; and Daryl Cates of Columbia, District 15.

In other board action, Doug Schroeder of Mahomet was selected to fill the remainder of the current District 11 director term. Mike Cunningham of Bismarck and Ron Moore of Roseville were elected to represent Illinois soybean growers on the American Soybean Association board.

PESTICIDES AFFECTING BEES? — University of Maryland researchers released a new study last week that blamed farm chemicals for the decline in bee populations, claiming bees are more vulnerable to a deadly parasite when exposed to common fungicides used on crops pollinated by the species.

The study focused on sprays used to fight mold and fungi on crops. The research is the first of its kind, analyzing realworld conditions bees experience during the pollination process.

It also revealed, on average, nine agricultural chemicals, in sub-lethal amounts, were found in the pollen samples collected.

(ISSN0197-6680) Vol. 41 No. 31

August 5, 2013

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MARKETS

Chinese relationship offers ag opportunities

BY MARTIN ROSS FarmWeek

Illinois farmers and Midwest and Chinese port officials last week toasted prospects for heightened U.S.-Asian intermodal commerce with burgers and Italian beef.

A delegation from Wuhan New Port toured America’s Central Port facilities at Granite City before lunching with Illinois Farm Bureau and Illinois Soybean Association representatives seeking expanded Asian market opportunities.

IFB Board Member Chad Schutz deemed the gathering “an important next step in our ongoing friendship and trading relationship with China.” In 2001, IFB became the first state Farm Bureau to lead farmers on a Chinese market study tour with stops Robert Reed, Calhoun County Farm Bureau president, right, gives freshin Beijing, Shanghai and Wuhan. ly picked peaches to Wuhan New Port Director Zhang Lin at an America Central Port luncheon last week in Granite City. (Photo by Martin Twelve years later, “we see great potential in China,” Schutz Ross) turing and agriculture go hand-in-hand,” and Chistressed. Illinois Department of Agriculture nese apparel industry representatives thus joined (IDOA) international marketing representative Wuhan port officials in Granite City.

Bobby Dowson notes China imported roughly Illinois Soybean Association Board member $30 billion in U.S. ag goods in 2012.

Soybeans, corn and cotton led those exports, David Droste stressed “the Chinese are our best customers in soybeans,” and hoped to gauge “and Illinois is tops in two of the three,” Dow“what we could do to give them even a better son pointed out. Illinois has shipped $15 milproduct.” The Washington County grower sees lion in breeding pigs to China — a result of containerized soybean segregation and quality IDOA’s Chinese visits in 2007 and 2010.

Last October, America’s Central Port Execu- protection helping achieve that goal.

“We have lots of containers in the Chicago tive Director Dennis Wilmsmeyer and others area, the St. Louis area, that need to be filled toured Wuhan container shipping facilities, conand sent back with something,” IDOA’s Dowcluding an ongoing relationship offered opporson told FarmWeek. tunities to ramp up Granite City activity.

Schutz meanwhile outlined three major IFB “Container movement is happening and is goals aimed at enhancing U.S.-Chinese trade: going to continue to happen,” Wilmsmeyer told • Support for U.S. infrastructure improvements FarmWeek. “When you get to Asia, containers “so we can be reliable partners.” “Container (capaare what everybody is moving. We’re not quite there in this country yet. We’re still moving a lot bilities) and ships are getting larger and more efficient,” Droste said. “Bring us into the future.” of product by bulk, on open hopper barges, • A continued push for global and regional that sort of thing.”

Containerized shipping is dependent on a reli- trade liberalization.

• Efforts to strengthen a “rules-based,” sciable supply of both incoming and outgoing “boxes” (see pages 4-5). Wilmsmeyer noted “manufac- ence-based trading system.

Scuse

Continued from page 1 need for federal infrastructure support crucial to maintaining agriculture’s strong export contribution to the U.S. trade balance.

Ag is the largest user of domestic freight transportation, and ocean vessels moving out of U.S. ports carried 81 percent of ag exports last year, he said. In 2011, railroads carried 28 percent of the grain moved domestically, including 41 percent of export grain movements, while barges move half the corn and soybeans that leave the Gulf.

Trucks carry some 70 percent of U.S. ag tonnage, providing “the first last movements between the farm, the grocery store and the consumer,” Scuse said. At an estimated 135 percent growth since 2006, he deemed intermodal container shipping a “key part” of the robust ag export picture.

Current challenges lie in assuring equitable rail freight rates, eyeing ways to improve trucking efficiency and capacity, and dealing with “tricky funding issues” related to waterway navigation, Scuse said.

“I take this personally,” said Scuse, a Delaware farmer.

Source: USDA

GOVERNMENT

Page 3 Monday, August 5, 2013 FarmWeek

Education, recognition top ag efforts at Illinois State Fair

offered by the Illinois Specialty stage from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Growers Association in the Aug. 9-15.

Learning about agriculture Frazer will broadcast “RFD southeast corner of the fairwill be easy Aug. 8-18 at the grounds. From 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Today� live at 9 a.m. Aug. 9, Illinois State Fair in Springfield. 12 and 13. daily, the growers will sell fresh Illinois Farm Bureau again Again this year, IFB President peaches, melons and sweet corn. will focus on the farmers’ mar- Philip Nelson will present Young fair visitors and their ket exhibit at Farmers’ Little families will find free educaframed photographs to the top Helpers near Gate 2 and the junior livestock exhibitors during tional activities at Farmers’ LitFarm Bureau stage in the tle Helpers. Farm Bureau volthe Sale of Champions on Aug. Commodities Pavilion across unteers will teach chil13. Photos FarmWeekNow.com from the Grandstand. A new dren about farming in will be preCheck out what’s new at the the exhibit’s farmers’ curtain will be used to welsented to Above: Young visitors to Farmers’ Little Helper shop at the farmers’ marIllinois State Fair this year at market. come visitors to the Farm the junior ket during the 2012 Illinois State Fair. Illinois Farm Bureau is once again FarmWeekNow.com.

Bureau stage and the pavilion.

Within Farmers’ champion sponsoring the farmers’ market exhibit and activity.

On the Farm Bureau Little Helpers, the and junior Below: A state fair visitor stops by the farmers’ market operated by the Ž stage, RFD Radio Network reserve champion exhibitors of Illinois Pork Producers AssociaIllinois Specialty Growers Association during the 2012 fair. Working personalities Alan Jarand and the steer, barrow, wether, poultry tion (IPPA) birthing center will behind the counter, left to right, were Don Knoblett, president of the IlliRita Frazer will interview teach fair visitors about hogs. The meat trio, meat goat trio and elected officials, fair winners meat rabbit trio. A photo also exhibit is open daily from 10 a.m. to nois Irrigation Association, and brothers Harry and Dennis Alten, Illinois Specialty Growers leaders. (FarmWeek file photos) and other notable guests 7 p.m. Aug. 9-16. will be presented to the 2012 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. Massive farm equipment junior supreme dairy champion 9-15. Kris and John will be exhibited adjacent to traditionally selected at the end Parkhurst will provide musiFarmers’ Little Helpers. The of the fair. cal entertainment on the display from area implement Another fair tradition will be dealers was organized by Allen Entwistle, immediate past president of Sangamon County Farm Bureau. This year, the Budweiser Clydesdales will be

BY MARTIN ROSS located near Gate 2 and be featured daily in a 4 p.m. parade.

FarmWeek In a world of continued social and political upheaval, U.S. On Aug. 13, teams of Farm Hobby, Arts and Crafts Buildscientists and lawmakers aren’t looking so much at fueling the Bureau Young Leaders will test Treasurer Dan Rutherford will next “revolution� as they are at fostering evolution in global ag their knowledge during the Agri- unveil the first-place winners of ing. The competition starts at 9 a.m. followed by a 3:15 p.m. production and food security.

Quiz Bowl. The event will start three age categories in his first cooking demonstration and a A trio of Illinois congressmen are spearheading legislation at 8 a.m. on the stage of the airagriculture photography conbeef trivia contest at 5:15 p.m. aimed at assuring greater worldwide food security — and osten- conditioned Illinois Building. At test. The winning photos and At the Commodities Pavil11 a.m., the state winners of the other entries will be displayed sibly improving overall global security. ion, the IPPA again will collect Young Leader Achievement and in the treasurer’s tent.

Peoria Republican Rep. Aaron Schock, Chicago Democrat the Excellence in Ag Award will On Aug. 14, the Illinois Beef cash donations for purchases of Bobby Rush and Evanston Democrat Jan Schakowsky are copork that will be donated to be named on the stage.

Association will feature a lean sponsoring the Global Food Security Act, which according to food banks associated with Also on Ag Day, Illinois beef cooking contest in the bipartisan supporters would “expand the United States’ commitment to fighting hunger and poverty worldwide.�

The measure would direct the president to develop a multiagency strategy for global food and nutrition with annual progress reports on strategy goals, and create a new special coordinator for food, nutrition and ag development. It would update the 1961 Foreign Assistance Act to include a renewed focus on women, nutrition and small-scale farmers.

Schock deemed malnutrition “a primary deterrent to the growth and prosperity of developing countries.� His measure is backed by a variety of food relief and faith-based groups.

Meanwhile, private industry continues to eye strategies for improving developing world productivity. The role of biotechnology in sustainably boosting yields was recognized recently when Monsanto Chief Technology Officer Robert Fraley was named a 2013 World Food Prize laureate.

With the planet’s population recently passing 7 billion, Fraley told FarmWeek “the global challenge for food production isn’t behind us — it’s ahead of us.� Increased wealth and dietary changes are sweeping through Africa and Asia “at a very fast pace,� and a doubling of grain and food production will be crucial over the next 30 years, he said.

Fraley worked with Nobel Peace Prize winner Norman Borlaug, food prize creator and leader of the mid-20th Century “Green Revolution�, in ag plant breeding. The Monsanto scientist acknowledged the late Borlaug’s “advocacy for food security and for the importance of new technology in agriculture,� and applauded Food Prize coordinators for not dismissing biotechnology as “too controversial.� “A lot of people think that when Norm was making fundamental advances, bringing foreign short-stature wheat varieties into India, he was greeted with open arms,� Fraley noted.

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Illinois trio backs bill to refocus U.S. food aid

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INFRASTRUCTURE

FarmWeek Page 4 Monday, August 5, 2013

Funding key issue in realizing intermodal capabilities

Rail, container prospects bright

BY MARTIN ROSS FarmWeek

Road, rail, barge and intermodal interests converged on Rosemont last week looking for and, in some cases, offering solutions for the Midwest’s ag infrastructure challenges.

The industry’s overarching concern — funding — was far easier to identify.

U.S. Rep. Randy Hultgren, a Winfield Republican, kicked off last week’s Soy Transportation Coalition/National Grain and Feed Association Agriculture Transportation Summit emphasizing that an updated transportation infrastructure is “the only way we can stay competitive on the world stage.”

Hultgren noted congressional efforts to pass a Water Resources Development Act

(WRDA) that would help update waterway shipping capabilities, extend tax credits for short line railroads that connect some Rep. Randy Hultgren 10,000 customers to major rail freight networks, and forge a “longterm, real reform” highway bill that addresses pressing road and bridge needs.

He was confident House Transportation Chairman Bill Shuster, R-Pa., would promote a WRDA bill that would enable major lock rehab, while complying with House “earmark rules” that challenge regional project authorizations.

However, amid deteriorat-

Technology enables bridges to signal potential problems

When agencies allocate precious funding to fix a bridge based on little more than an eyeball exam, that’s bad medicine, according to Peter Vanderzee.

An array of technologies now enable bridges to effectively diagnose themselves — in some cases, even to text-message potential problems.

Studies indicate visual inspection still used to identify bridge deficiencies often is off by as many as two evaluation grades, said Vanderzee, CEO of Georgia-based LifeSpan Technologies.

That can “inflate funding needed” for rehab or prompt unnecessary bridge postings that force costly area detours, he warned.

Monitoring systems, costing $1,500 to $200,000, can pinpoint problems and target funding. A system for a county or township bridge falls into the lower end of that range, Vanderzee told FarmWeek.

“When a bridge is determined to be visually in distress by a state DOT (department of transportation) inspector, then it’s time to consider a range of options that include structural monitoring,” he said. “That utilizes sensing devices, the cellphone network and the Internet to provide a stream of data that will help the bridge owner make a much better, more informed, objective decision about condition and how to fix the problem.”

The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) has focused on addressing road and bridge deficiencies that impact ag access or transportation costs. ISA has consulted a variety of firms and engineers regarding 10 to 12 bridges potentially in need of rehab, ISA Issues Management Director Mike Levin reported.

A current focus is Peoria County’s restricted Pottstown Bridge. Farmers concerned about elevator access are working with Peoria County and IDOT officials “to come together and see where we can assist in starting to get some investments in this bridge,” Levin told FarmWeek.

LifeSpan’s clients have included the State of Carolina, rail carriers and Walmart. However, Vanderzee reported many state transportation departments have been reluctant to adopt new technologies despite what he deemed potential to reduce future bridge funding needs by as much as “one-thousandth of 1 percent,” he said.

South Carolina officials have used technology to monitor several large bridges over the last seven years. The state estimates saving $700,000 on one bridge by averting the need to replace basic steel structures.

“They’ve avoided postings on at least 10 bridges in the state when visual inspections suggested they should be posted,” Vanderzee related. “They’ve saved truckers thousands and thousands of dollars by not having to take detours.” — Martin Ross

ing bridge conditions even in his relatively affluent northern Illinois district (see accompanying story), Hultgren warned “traditional funding from our state and federal sources may be drying up.” Public-private partnerships can help leverage funding, but municipal funding appears the best option for underwriting local projects with minimal tax impact, he maintained.

“We need to talk about every single option out there to fund infrastructure,” said Hultgren, who seeks to protect favorable federal tax treatment for municipal bonds.

The summit also offered some positive signals. Paul Hammes, vice president and general manager for ag products with Union Pacific (UP), anticipates ag rail activity quickly recovering from a drought-related 2013 “downswing,” buoyed by biofuels — today, “a good core component” for key carriers.

If 2013 corn and soybean crops live up to projections,

the export outlook should be positive, “and we think we’ll be able to capitalize on that,” Hammes told FarmWeek.

From 2002 through 2012, major carriers including UP invested nearly $98 billion in the system nationwide, and Hammes suggests another $12 billion could be fed into rail resources by year’s end.

“Returns for the rail carriers have been good, and we in turn have invested, improved our service and added capacity,” he said.

Prospects for the Illinoiscentered container shipping industry also are bright, according to Bo DeLong, whose DeLong Co. Inc. has helped build a thriving container hub in the Chicagoland region. Containerized shipping has continued on the upswing amid a decline in oceangoing bulk vessel activity, the company’s vice president for grain noted.

Ethanol-derived distillers dried grains (DDGs) have proven an ideal fit for contain-

ers, he said. Improved shipping times and quality assurances related to identify-preserved container shipments are key: Chinese buyers seek DDGs from registered U.S. plants, and thus, “very few buyers are going to take the chance of bringing in DDGs by bulk vessel,” DeLong said.

Taiwanese customers are paying a premium for containerized feed, he said.

DeLong also credits improved efficiency in intermodal capabilities, from more rapid commodity “transloading” and new “source loadings” at elevators and ethanol plants up to 100 miles from Joliet to pickup of used containers in “excess areas” such as Memphis or Dallas for loading in Kansas or Nebraska en route to West Coast ports.

He currently sees solid overall container availability, though supplies likely will tighten this fall. “Big crops mean big exports,” DeLong told FarmWeek.

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INFRASTRUCTURE

Page 5 Monday, August 5, 2013 FarmWeek

Foster: River partnerships offer built-in accountability

BY MARTIN ROSS FarmWeek

Innovative public-private waterway partnerships could not only build new accountability into river projects but also help provide Illinoisans a greater return on their federal investment, according to U.S. Rep. Bill Foster.

Along with the farm bill and immigration reform, House Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) passage is a major push for Farm Bureau during Congress’ August break.

House Transportation Committee member Cheri Bustos, an East Moline Democrat, told FarmWeek a WRDA measure she’s backing with Taylorville Republican committee colleague Rodney Davis to promote public-private river partnerships has “made the first cut” in committee deliberations.

Foster, a House Financial Services Committee member, sees WRDA as a needed economic equalizer for Illinois.

He notes “Illinois pays a lot more in taxes than it ever receives in federal spending,” to the tune of 75 cents for every $1 paid in. He argues

waterway funding “is one of the ways we could legitimately hope to get some of that federal spending back.”

“It’s also Rep. Cheri Bustos one way forward in bringing in some private capital,” Foster told FarmWeek. “If it’s done right, that prevents the ‘bridge-to-nowhere’ problem (a reference to 2005 congressional approval of $442 million for two Alaska bridges in low-population areas).

“One of the problems with pure gov- Rep. Bill Foster ernment spending is that, for political reasons, we’ll spend in very silly ways. If you try to get a private partner on a bridge-tonowhere project, they’ll look at it, laugh and say no. Your ability to get a private partner on a project provides some assurance that it is actually an

Heavier six-axle rigs key to savings, safety?

economically useful project.”

The Bustos-Davis measure would authorize a pilot program identifying previously authorized river projects for partnerships with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Partnerships would focus on streamlining planning, design and construction efforts to speed completion and lower costs.

In addition, ag and shipping interests are seeking a hike in barge fuel taxes that would be used to shore up the Inland Waterways Trust Fund, the current source of private funds needed to match federal project appropriations.

Cargill Senior Vice President Rick Calhoun sees strong WRDA support among commercial interests including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the National Association of Manufacturers.

However, he reported several congressmen deem approval of even an industrysupported tax increase as “a heavy lift” given the House’s political environment.

“We need to change the game, and we need to change our expectations of the people we send to Congress,” Calhoun said.

John Runyan doesn’t deny there will be more trucks with more freight on the nation’s highways in coming years.

But if Washington lawmakers approve the House Safe and Efficient Transportation Act, “you’ll have fewer than you would have had,” the executive director of the Coalition for Transportation Productivity told a Rosemont crowd last week.

The bipartisan act would offer states the option of boosting interstate vehicle weight limits to 97,000 pounds for semitrailer combinations equipped with a sixth axle.

The bill would impose a user fee for six-axle units to fund vital bridge repair, and thus “will not put a single bridge at risk,” Runyan argued during the Agricultural Transportation Summit.

And if the British experience with higher weight limits is an indication, he anticipates greater highway safety “while shipping more goods.” Because ag commodities often are heavier but of lower value than other cargo, heavier loadings would reduce not only the number of trips and net gallons of fuels shippers must underwrite but also, conceivably, per-bushel transportation costs.

Further, a fully-loaded, 40-foot grain container on a truck chassis typically weighs more than 88,000 pounds. Bo DeLong, vice president of grain with container coordinator The DeLong Co., warns that to be competitive with other shipping modes, “you almost have to be overweight.” Overweight permits are a routine cost for his company.

While a six-axle truck would have lower fuel economy relative to the current standard five-axle rig, its added cargo capacity means a potential 17 percent improvement in ton-miles per gallon, Runyan said. “For a lot of shippers, it’s all about fuel economy,” he pointed out.

Without changing truck width or length, the added axle reportedly maintains current braking capacity and weight-per-tire-distribution, while minimizing pavement wear, according to Runyan.

Under increasingly frequent overweight-permitted container loadings well in excess of 80,000, he sees existing five-axle trucks having a longer braking distance and posing “much more of a safety problem than the rig we’re proposing.”

The United Kingdom upped its weight limit to 97,000 pounds on six axles in 2001 and noted a 35 percent reduction in weight-related truck fatalities from 2001 to 2006, Runyan reported. “They’re getting more productivity out of their trucking, lowering their accident experience and servicing a growing economy,” he said. — Martin Ross

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FarmWeek Page 6 Monday, August 5, 2013

CROPWATCHERS Bernie Walsh, Durand, Winnebago County: Shortly after I wrote last week’s report, it started raining and we ended up with a very timely 1 inch of rain. This came at an excellent time — pollination and blister stage of the corn, and flowering and pod development of the soybeans. The coolerthan-normal weather has continued, and now we need some warmer weather to move this crop along to maturity and dry down. There has been lots of fungicide applied on corn and beans, but we still haven’t found enough insect pressure to add any insecticide to any of the fields. Enjoy all the county fairs going on all over northern Illinois.

Ron Moore, Roseville, Warren County: We received 2 inches of rain last weekend. It was very welcome. The corn is now almost finished pollinating and filling the kernels. Fungicide application on soybeans has started. It will be a long process since we planted soybeans for over a month in the area.

We have been adding an insecticide to control Japanese beetles now. They have moved from corn to soybeans and are feeding on the flowers. I am not sure if the cooler temperatures are helping or hurting our crops, but the cattle sure enjoy it. They have been grazing all day instead of staying under the shade trees.

Pete Tekampe, Grayslake, Lake County: It was a cool, damp week in Lake County. We had three rain events totaling 1.2 inches for the week. Thursday, it reached 82 degrees, which was the high for the week. Corn is looking good and mostly all tasseled. Beans are reaching waist high and also looking good. There is still about a quarter of the wheat to be cut. It has been slow going with baling hay.

Jacob Streitmatter, Princeville, Peoria County: We have been fortunate to receive a few scattered showers across the area.

It seemed the area received around 0.8 of an inch. The majority of the corn is either done pollinating or getting close. Planes have been putting in long days spraying fungicides and insecticides.

Soybeans are just now starting to grow; some have not shaded the rows yet. The corn crop looks good from the road, but you only have to walk in a few rows and it is a different story.

Leroy Getz, Savanna, Carroll County: Rain on July 26 of 0.8 of an inch and then two other showers that totaled 0.2 of an inch brings July’s total to 2.45 inches.

Cool days, nice rains and no stress on the crops. This must be heaven, or just northwest Illinois. Third crop hay is being cut. Oats have been combined with average yields.

Sweet corn has been excellent. Now if I could only catch whoever thinks driving through our cornfields is a new wacky sport, I would have it made.

Ryan Frieders, Waterman, DeKalb County: As I wrote this, we were getting a nice rain shower.

Most of the week was cloudy with little rain. The crops have not progressed much due to the lack of sunshine and cooler temperatures.

Airplanes have been applying fungicide when the weather permits, and we are waiting for a good day to spray the soybeans for the last time.

We are also starting to get the equipment ready for fall.

Larry Hummel, Dixon, Lee County: Hopefully, the showers that are forecast for the weekend will provide more moisture than last week. There were three days where it sprinkled or showered, but the total was less than 0.2 of an inch. We have the potential for some great crops here, but the top end is already slipping away on corn. Soybeans look good for now, but this month will be critical in their final outcome. Evidently, the processors don’t have all the corn they need to reach harvest. Basis levels have gained back about half of what they lost in the $1 beating they took last week.

Joe Zumwalt, Warsaw, Hancock County: The cool weather has been great for the crops in western Illinois. I am starting to believe that 80 degrees in July is worth 0.25 of an inch of rain. Any and all precipitation is appreciated at this point. Aerial applicators have been busy spraying for corn borers, Japanese beetles, and applying fungicide to both corn and soybeans. I have even heard of scattered spider mite populations close to the economic threshold.

Our early yield estimates on corn range from 150 to 180. The soybeans are too early to tell yet. A lot of hay is going up and mowers are busy in pastures and roadsides. Enjoy the cool weather and get out and take in your local county fair everyone.

How often do we get to eat pork chops, cotton candy and elephant ears without sweating at county fair time!

Ken Reinhardt, Seaton, Mercer County: It was another pleasant week with some rain.

I’ve had about 1.5 inches since the last report. I drove to Minneapolis and back during the week. It was interesting to see first-hand the amount of prevented planting in north central Iowa and Minnesota.

Tim Green, Wyoming, Stark County: We received 1 inch of rain for the week in most of the county. In general, people got 0.5 to 1 inch. Planes have been flying and spraying fungicide finishing up both corn and beans. People are starting to get ready for the fall.

Mark Kerber, Chatsworth, Livingston County: August is here already, as corn is going through the grain fill mode.

Soybeans have a long way to go.

There is still time to produce more flowers and pods given more rain.

Our area finally received 0.5 of an inch last week. Hopefully, more is on the way. Markets have been in a down trend with the cooler temperatures.

Ron Haase, Gilman, Iroquois County: Crop dusters and sprayers continued their applications of fungicides and insecticides in corn and soybean fields over the past week. We had some fields with high populations of rootworm beetles that required the addition of an insecticide to our fungicide application. Most corn in the local area varies from VT up to the R3 or milk stage. Many fields are at R2.

Our replanted corn still has not reached VT yet. Most soybean fields are in the R3 or beginning pod stage, which is the optimum period for fungicide application. On Tuesday (July 30), we had some showers that totaled 0.45 of an inch of rain on our farms. That brings our total for the whole month of July to 0.75 to 0.95 of an inch of rain accumulation. That is close to 3 inches below average. We are still very dry and the cooler weather is helping the crops survive until more abundant rain arrives. Prices continue their downward descent. The local closing bids for Aug. 1 were nearby corn, $5.85; new-crop corn, $4.48; nearby soybeans, $13.38; new-crop soybeans, $11.75.

Steve Ayers, Champaign, Champaign County: August came in as a perfect, sunny day with a high of 80 and light winds. Earlier in the week, we had 0.23 of an inch of rain during the day Tuesday (July 30) that turned into drizzle Wednesday (July 31) morning with heavy fog. Our crop reporting district district is 87 percent silked with 5 percent dough stage. Soybeans are 73 percent blooming with 30 percent setting pods.

Lots of seed corn in the area, so detasseling crews are enjoying an unusual run of cool temperatures. See you at the Georgetown Fair this week!

Tom Ritter, Blue Mound, Macon County: Early last week, light showers totaled 0.5 of an inch.

At the moment, our moisture is very adequate. More rain is definitely welcome, but we are not in a surplus situation. Corn continues to progress. The last-planted corn in June will probably be tasseling next week. The first corn that was planted is already at brown silk and progressing nicely. A few people have been doing yield checks with excellent yields, but they are realizing that kernels tend to abort and the ears tip back at this point, so their yield checks are not overly accurate. The majority of the soybeans are in the R3 and R4 stage. There is a long way to go, but they look very uniform.

Weed control is adequate. We are starting to see some Asian beetles, which is a good sign, since that should help with any aphid outbreaks. Overall, crop prospects still look very good, even though we are running far later than normal. The rule of thumb is when you are mowing green grass the first of August, you are bound to have at least a very good crop.

Todd Easton, Charleston, Coles County: The hot and rainless weather I talked about in my last report (2 weeks ago) did not last long. Since then, we have received more than 4 inches of rain and unseasonably cool temperatures. Crops are looking good, but also running behind on development, which may quite possibly make another late fall our reality.

Growing degree days seem to be accumulating slowly compounding the late-planted crop development. Cornfields are looking very good. The rainfall seemed to be the shot in the arm the crop was looking for.

Fields seemed to grow another foot over night and 95 percent have undergone pollination in favorable conditions. Low stunted spots still dot fields to remind us of the bad spring conditions the crop had to endure, but looking past those parts of the fields, it is easy to get excited over what we may get to put in the bin this fall. Soybean fields are having trouble growing bigger in this cool weather pattern, making short plants the likely scenario for this year. Our best bet for the bean crop is some warmth in August to push the crop along.

Brian Schaumburg, Chenoa, McLean County: July bowed out with only 1 inch of rain to its credit, yet crops are green and growing. Corn is at VT to R2 and soybeans are R1 to R2. GDU’s are at the 30-year average. Foliar fungicides are continuing, but insect pressure is light. Kudos to Pat Bane and McLean County Farm Bureau for their exceptional Ag Awareness display at the fair. The market slide continues as Dec corn hit 2 1/2 year lows. Corn, $6.06, $4.49 fall; soybeans, $13.48, $11.73 fall; wheat, $6.24.

Jimmy Ayers, New City, Sangamon County: We received 0.45 of an inch — call it 0.5 of an inch to make ourselves feel good. Everyone seems to have received somewhere close to that number. Beans have taken off and seem like they are growing. It has been cool and wet for the end of July, which is much different than last year. The May-planted corn is just starting to pollinate. Spray planes have been running pretty hard on fungicide. Not nearly as many bugs as there have been in the past this time of year.

Haven’t really seen any corn rolling this past week. We’ve seen some of that in previous weeks when it was so dry. Machinery is being prepped and getting ready for harvest. Still have some counties fairs going on. Be careful in the country. The crossroads and intersections are dangerous this time of year.

Wilfred Dittmer, Quincy, Adams County: We got a little rain in the gauge — 0.7 of an inch last week, which brings the total for July here to 1.5 inches. Corn is looking good from the windshield, and the spray planes have been busy with fungicides in some areas. Hay is also still being put away along with other general farm chores. Have a safe week as the clock keeps ticking.

Jeff Guilander, Jerseyville, Jersey County: The weather roller coaster has turned into a raft trip down the lazy river. Cool temperatures with about an inch of rain has people leaning toward the higher end for yield potential. The soybeans are still shorter than normal, but have gotten a second wind and some foliar is being applied. No big surprises, but that can always change in a hurry.

Page 7 Monday, August 5, 2013 FarmWeek

CROPWATCHERS Dan Meinhart, Montrose, Jasper County: This past week was cooler. We had showers on Tuesday (July 30) with amounts varying from 0.5 of an inch to 1 inch. The only field activity was post spraying of beans and fungicide application by air. More corn is tasseling. Beans are growing, but are very short for this time of year.

Dave Hankammer, Millstadt, St. Clair County: It was a busy week for me collecting some windshield time and going to meetings.

Temperatures were cooler than expected for the last week of July.

The highs for the week may have reached the upper 80s with 0.2 to 0.3 of an inch of rainfall. Farmers were applying crop protectants to late-planted soybean fields that have reached the proper stage of growth for weed treatment. Mowing of waterways, field edges and idle fields also occurred, along with some hay making activities. As I traveled through the state I witnessed a few fields of corn receiving an aerial application of fungicide, as farmers are taking a planned action to prevent viruses, diseases, and molds from reducing yields of their crop. Local grain bids are corn, $4.94; soybeans, $13.40; wheat, $6.61. Have a good week.

Rick Corners, Centralia, Jefferson County: More wonderful rain last week. We had 0.9 of an inch on Tuesday (July 30). Keep it coming and no frost until Thanksgiving.

Kevin Raber, Browns, Wabash County: I find it hard to believe July is gone and now it’s August. The early corn looks good. Yield estimates will start soon on these fields. Laterplanted corn is looking good also. The cooler and moist conditions are helping. Soybean conditions look favorable, but there have been a few insect problems in my fields, so I will be spraying for those and probably using a fungicide also. Double-crop bean fields are beginning to look like bean fields instead of stubble fields.

Ken Taake, Ullin, Pulaski County: We had a nice 0.75 of an inch of rain Tuesday (July 30) as I left to go to Bloomington for the Commodities Conference. They are still spraying some double-crop beans for weeds; otherwise, most of the crop is pretty much past helping or hurting. Mowing and working on equipment are the main activities.

Our county fair starts the week of August 15, so that should be good for another rain. Please be careful and have a good, safe week.

Dean Shields, Murphysboro, Jackson County: The weather was pretty nice last week. The temperatures and humidity were down. We received a nice 0.7 of an inch of rain Thursday (Aug. 1) night, and it perked everything up. The corn and beans are looking fairly good. The corn has pretty well pollinated and a lot of the silks are now dark. Beans are waist high in places, if not taller in some. Wheat field beans are still going OK. The milo is starting to head out.

If the weather stays as nice as it did last week, it will be a wonderful summer.

Everyone take care.

Randy Anderson, Galatia, Saline County As we move closer to the end of summer, it feels more like the beginning of fall. For the week, temps ran around 10 degrees below normal. We are still getting our fair share of rainfall. Received around 1 inch of rain for the week. I would like to do some roadside mowing, but afraid we will get stuck. There has been some fungicide put on corn, but not like in years past. With a four in front of the corn, price has some to do with it. I will rate double-crops as fair, the bad and the ugly — probably shouldn’t have planted them.

Mild weather conditions could hang around Reports received Friday morning. Expanded crop and weather information available at FarmWeekNow.com

BY DANIEL GRANT FarmWeek

Weather the first half of this month could play out similar to how July ended — unseasonably cool with inter mittent chances of rainfall.

That was the forecast issued last week by Mark Russo, meteorologist with Chesapeake Energy, during the Illinois Farm Bureau Commodities Conference in Normal.

“The temperature outlook (in Illinois) the first half of August is cooler than normal,” Russo said.

“It looks like for the remainder of (corn) pollination, there will be no heat stress,” he continued. “Although (cooler-thannormal temperatures) could back up the growing degree units, which could increase the chances of freeze damage (this fall).”

Many crops were planted late this year, but the amount of growing degree units accumulated through the end of July

86 percent, while 66 percent of beans were blooming, which was slightly behind the average of 72 percent.

A heat wave in mid-July likely had some impact on corn pollination at various locations around the Corn Belt. But a wetter stretch of weather could persist at least the next couple weeks.

“We do not see any (indications) of a turnaround back to significant dryness,” Russo said.

“There are additional opportunities for rainfall coming up.”

The first six months of the year were the wettest on record

in Illinois. But last month the state averaged just 2.74 inches of precipitation, which is 1.31 inches below the recent 20-year average, the Illinois State Water Survey (ISWS) reported.

Russo believes the first half of this year was particularly wet due to an El Nino in the Pacific Ocean, while last year a strong La Nina contributed to the severe drought.

“It doesn’t look like we’re going the La Nina or El Nino route (this month),” he said. “All signs indicate the neutrality will continue.”

If El Nino returns, though, Russo predicted it could be a cold, wet harvest.

In the meantime, the ridge of high pressure that last year was stationed over Illinois currently is parked over Texas.

“It (the ridge of high pressure) is projected to stay out of the Corn Belt the next couple weeks,” Russo said. “So, we could see additional cool air masses (with high temperatures

only in the high-70s or low-80s).”

The statewide average temperature last month was 73.3 degrees, 2 degrees below the 20year average, which made it the

19th coolest July on record.

The temperature in July 2012, by contrast, averag ed 81.8 degrees in Illinois, according to ISWS.

rootworm beetles to reduce egg laying and prevent rootworm damage the following year originated in the 1970s.

One of the key concepts of successful beetle control to prevent egg laying is getting the timing right. If insecticides are applied too early, additional beetles can emerge and lay eggs. If insecticides are applied too late, extensive egg laying could have already occurred and attempts to control beetles may fail to prevent damage the following year.

Simply adding insecticide to a fungicide application provides no assurance of how successful the prevention of egg

laying might be. In order to get the timing right for rootworm beetle eg g laying reduction, fields must be scouted regularly beginning shortly after beetle emergence is noted.

When scouting for rootwor m beetles, sample two random plants at each of 25 locations in the field.

Approach each of the selected plants carefully and count the number of beetles per plant. An average of 0.75 beetles per plant in corn-following-corn, or 0.5 beetles per plant in first-year corn, means that the rootworm population poses a threat for corn pro-

duction the following year.

If adult suppression to prevent egg laying is the chosen management method, the next step is to find out how many female beetles are nearly ready to lay eggs. This is done by squeezing females with enlarged abdomens until they pop. Examination of the gut contents will reveal whether the beetles are carrying eggs (gravid). Research and field experience have shown that insecticide treatment should be timed for when 10 percent of the female beetles are gravid.

In female rootworm beetles that are gravid, gut contents

will look somewhat lumpy, like tapioca pudding or cottage cheese. Lightly rubbing a finger through the gut contents will separate out the eggs and make them easier to see.

If control of rootwor m beetles is not timely, the grower should plan to employ other methods of rootworm control the following year. This can include planting rootwormresistant hybrids or use of soil insecticides.

actually was near normal, Russo noted.

Last week, 85 percent of corn in Illinois had silked compared to the five-year average of

FarmWeekNow.com

Check out our interview with Chesapeake Weather’s Mark Russo at FarmWeekNow.com.

Adult rootworm suppression? Do it the correct way A number of individuals h ave b e e n r e c o m m e n d i n g addition of insecticide to corn fungicide applications in order to reduce rootworm populations the following y e a r. T h e Kevin Black concept of suppressing rootworm beetle populations to reduce rootworm pressure the following year is really not a new one.

Adult suppression of corn

BY KEVIN BLACK

Ke vin Bla ck is GROW MARK’s insect and plant disease techn ica l ma n a ger. His ema il address is kblack@growmark.com.

OUTREACH

FarmWeek Page 8 Monday, August 5, 2013

Information flows during IFF dairy tour

BY KAY SHIPMAN FarmWeek

Information flowed as freely as the milk when field moms with Illinois Farm Families (IFF) toured Lindale Holsteins, Dale and Linda Drendel’s Kane County dairy in Hampshire.

“They just want to know that the food is safe for their families,” Linda Drendel said of the urban moms.

That’s something Drendel told the moms she shares with them: “I tell the moms, ‘We’re consumers too. I buy someone else’s vegetables.’ ” “The bottom line is trust,” Drendel added.

IFF is a coalition of commodity groups for beef, corn, soybeans, pork and the Illinois Farm Bureau.

The family aspect of the Drendels’ dairy struck field mom Maggie Bartoszewski of Oak Lawn.

“It’s so rooted in their family history,” Bartoszewski said.

“The Drendels did a good job building their family around their dairy farm.” She noted the family’s early milking times allowed them to attend their children’s activities when they were growing up.

Teacher Christina Lee of LaGrange Park compared farmers’ knowledge of each cow to her knowledge of each student.

“Farmers know their cows. I thought that was totally amazing,” she said.

Drendel encouraged other farmers who are interested in hosting urban visitors to prepare and get support from experts, and farm and commodity groups. The Drendels have hosted more than 6,000 visitors at five community breakfast events.

“It’s good to invite people in, have experts there, be media savvy and know what you’re going to say,” Drendel advised.

“We always maintain everyone has a choice,” Drendel explained. “If they pay more for organic milk, we leave it at that.

It’s their choice. You have to respect that.”

Lee respects the Drendels’ hard work and dedication to their farm and family. “It takes a special person. I really think that not everyone can be a farmer,” Lee said.

Maybe not everyone, but Lee’s daughters think farming might be in their future. “My youngest asked, ‘Mommy, when I get older can I have a cow and be a farmer?’” her mom said with a chuckle.

Above: Dairy farmer Dale Drendel, left, explains the milking process to Illinois Farm Families moms Christina Lee and Maggie Bartoszewski.

The moms recently toured Drendel’s family dairy, Lindale Holsteins, near Hampshire. Below: Dale and Linda Drendel of Hampshire host more than 1,000 urban visitors every year on their dairy farm. (Photos by Cyndi Cook)

Extension maintains focus, faces funding challenges

One hundred years later, the University of Illinois Extension still supplies the Illinois public with needed research-based information, but Extension is losing the sources of that information, according Bob Hoeft, the U of I’s interim associate dean for Extension and outreach.

Hoeft gave a status report on U of I Extension to county Farm Bureau presidents who met in Bloomington last week.

Hoeft told the presidents his greatest concern is the loss of state Extension specialists on the Urbana campus. When Hoeft started at the U of I, he said there were 90 Extension specialists on campus. Today, there are fewer than 20, he noted.

“They’re the ones the information comes Bob Hoeft from,” Hoeft said of state specialists. “If we continue to deteriorate like this, we’ll have serious problems.”

Three years ago, U of I Extension lost $7.5 million in funding mostly from state sources, according to Hoeft. “But on the local level, we see little local (Extension) funding cuts,” he added.

Extension weathered the budget cuts by reducing staff, reorganizing Extension offices and delivering more information and programs online.

Hoeft, who plans to retire in late August, predicted the U of I Extension would “continue to shrink because we’re not a high priority for tax dollars.”

Instead of state Extension specialists, regional “super star” Extension specialists, such as Emerson Nafziger and Darrel Good, will become more common, Hoeft projected. “They’re the people who everyone wants to hear what they say,” he concluded. — Kay Shipman

EMERGING ISSUES

Page 9 Monday, August 5, 2013 FarmWeek

LAWMAKER VISITS READING PROGRAM

Illinois Rep. Tom Morrison, R-Palatine, helps his son, Tyler, make a homemade Tootsie Roll from agricultural ingredients at a recent Cook County Farm Bureau summer reading program. Stephanie Raymond, Cook County Farm Bureau Ag in the Classroom intern, center, helped participants make a connection between the candy and agriculture. (Photo by Bona Heinsohn, Cook County Farm Bureau director of governmental affairs and public relations)

WIU bull program taking entries

Western Illinois University (WIU) School of Agriculture’s bull test program is accepting entries through Aug. 31.

However, participating bulls must be weaned and started on a preconditioning program no later than Aug. 17, according to Samantha Cunningham, WIU ag professor.

The last five sales posted record averages and totals.

More than 70 percent of the bulls sell to repeat buyers, Cunningham said.

The program evaluates the bulls’ performance in a common environment and provides information on scrotal

circumference, pelvic area, rib eye area, fat depth and marbling. The bulls also are indexed, allowing breeders to receive substantial information and an unbiased comparison.

In addition to the test program, bulls will have ultrasound data.

For more information, contact Cunningham at 309-2981288 or 979-220-5681 or the WIU School of Agriculture office at 309-298-1080. Information also is available at {wiu.edu/bulltest}.

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Centralia ag services grow after lab’s demise

BY KAY SHIPMAN FarmWeek

Area farmers lost services when the state Central Animal Disease Laboratory closed, but they’ve gained other ones.

In April, Centralia native Parker Timmons opened an agriculture testing-consulting business and began offering a variety of crop and soil-related tests and services.

“People from the state lost their jobs (when the lab closed); that’s terrible. But other things have come along,” Timmons told FarmWeek.

Those developments include an expansion of the agriculture program at Kaskaskia College (KC). The college’s agriculture department may move in January into the nearby lab building that closed Dec. 31.

The college is adding four applied science degree programs in the fall and will find classrooms and laboratory space in the 45,000square-foot building.

Timmons and college officials have discussed potential collaboration between his busi-

Tuesday: • Bryce Anderson, DTN chief ag meteorologist • Michelle Damico, Michelle Damico Communications • Ryan Ford, Randolph County Farm Bureau manager Wednesday: • Tim Schweizer, Illinois Department of Natural Resources public information liaison • Mark DePue, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library director of oral history

ness, Southern Illinois Ag Solutions, and the college. Although specific information was not available, the former lab building may be the location for future business development that would offer expanded educational opportunities for KC students, according to Timmons.

Southern Illinois Ag Solutions offers soil sampling and nutrient testing with geographic references. Digital maps of soil nutrient levels are available for variable rate applications. The business also offers plant tissue analyses and crop scouting services.

Timmons estimated his business offers the only independent testing/consulting services in a 60-mile radius. He anticipates having three full-time employees by the fall.

“This is a growing business. If I have 50,000 to 60,000 acres to cover, I will have to hire more people,” said Timmons, who is working on a master’s degree at the University of Illinois. Timmons, who didn’t grow up on a farm, earned an agronomy degree from Murray State in 2010.

Thursday: • Diane Handley, Illinois Farm Bureau Affiliate Association manager • Dr. Joan Goleman, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Peoria • Ben Harroun, owner Harvest Moon Twin Drive In Theatre, Gibson City • Mike Marron, Illinois Soybean Association vice chairman Friday: • Sara Wyant, Agri-Pulse publisher • Rita Frazer, broadcasting live from the Illinois State Fair

PRODUCTION

FarmWeek Page 10 Monday, August 5, 2013

Online tools assist farmers with soil fertility decisions

BY DANIEL GRANT FarmWeek

Tremendous incentive exists for farmers to better manage nutrients and soil fertility on their farms.

Fertilizer management upgrades can increase yields, lower input costs and reduce environmental impact.

“We need to look at nitrogen a little differently,” said Howard Brown, GROWMARK manager of agronomy services. “Instead of viewing it as an application, farmers should manage N as a system.”

And now farmers have more tools to accomplish those goals.

The Mosaic Company and

Potash Corp. recently unveiled new websites that provide farmers with a number of tools to help improve soil fertility management.

“What we know about fertility’s impact on yield is changing,” said Kyle Freeman, manager of new product development for Mosaic Company. “With so much attention paid to driving higher yields, the constant flow of new, highly scientific studies and information can be overwhelming for farmers and retailers.”

Mosaic recently launched CropNutrition.com. The website is set up to be a digital hub for soil fertility resources.

The site features an agron-

omy resource center, an interactive periodic table of essential crop nutrients, videos,

FarmWeekNow.com

Visit FarmWeekNow.com to see the new online soil fertility websites from Mosaic and Potash Corp.

timely blog posts and an extensive library.

“The goal is to give retailers and growers information on soil fertility, including the important role macronutrients and micronutrients play in driving yield increases,” Freeman said.

“While technological advancements in seed genetics and precision agriculture

have made next-level yields possible, many (farmers) have not made necessary adjustments to their approach to crop nutrition, which limits yield potential,” he continued.

Potash Corp of Saskatchewan (PCS) recently launched eKonomics {potashcorpeKonomics.com}, an online resource that provides easy-to-understand soil science data, agronomic information, research and best management practices to help farmers improve their bottom lines.

“The purpose of eKonomics is to help farmers make better business decisions by giving them access to resources that can assist them in better understanding the

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return on investment of proper soil fertility,” said Stephen Dowdle, president of PCS sales.

The eKonomics website provides access to interactive soil sample maps that compare potash and phosphate nutrient levels across key areas.

It also has a nutrient return on investment calculator, growing degree calculator, rainfall tracker and nutrient removal calculator, so farmers can better track and manage their resources.

Potash prices pushed lower

The price of potash and other forms of fertilizer is expected to decline over time due to increased supply competition.

Potash prices tumbled last week as a marketing venture ceased between Russian suppliers Belarus and Uralkali Trading. Uralkali, according to news reports, plans to boost sales of potash to consumers, such as China.

“The implication is, over time, there will be more supply competition in the global potash market,” Joe Dillier, GROWMARK’s director of plant food, told the RFD Radio Network. “So, maybe there will be more aggressive competition and potentially lower prices.”

Shares of some fertilizer companies last week declined as much as 20 percent.

Overall, the potential increase in potash supplies could have more of an impact on the spring market than the fall market in the U.S., according to Dillier.

“It’s going to take time to implement all this,” he said. “I think the stock market reacted to the longer term, potential impact (of the shake-up in the potash industry).”

Potash prices in Illinois prior to last week’s announcement in Russia declined an average of $1.76 per ton to an average of $567 per ton.

Some analysts last week predicted the change in trading policy could push potash prices in some countries to less than $300 per ton.

The U.S. isn’t in as good of a position to take advantage of the situation, though, as there currently are trade sanctions that prohibit the import of Belarus potash into the U.S. The action in the potash market last week could be a sign of things to come in the fertilizer industry.

“There’s more supply coming on line for all products,” Dillier added. “Over time we may see lower fertilizer prices.”

— Daniel Grant

Page 11 Monday, August 5, 2013 FarmWeek

REGULATIONS

FarmWeek Page 12 Monday, August 5, 2013

Check farm equipment markings, lights before fall

BY KAY SHIPMAN FarmWeek

Farmers should be checking their equipment to be sure the markings and lights meet legal requirements before harvest starts, said Kevin Rund, Illinois Farm Bureau senior director of local government.

Illinois law has one set of requirements for equipment manufactured before 2003 and another set of requirements for all newer equipment, Rund said.

The law also requires implements of husbandry to display both reflectors and lights.

For older equipment, the law requires a slow moving vehicle (SMV) emblem visible to the rear. The SMV emblem must be displayed at all times when the implement is on a public road.

Lighting requirements for older equipment include two white headlights on the front, two red taillights on the rear and at least one flashing amber light on the rear.

Under the old law, the flashing amber light should be

mounted on the last implement in any vehicle combination and not just be visible to the rear, Rund noted.

However, no law prevents farmers from bringing their equipment up to the newer standard, and they would be safer too, he added.

Equipment manufactured in 2003 or later must meet higher engineering safety standards and Illinois legal requirements of more lights and many more reflectors.

The basic lighting requirement is at least two flashing amber lights visible from both the front and the rear along with two white headlights and two red taillights regardless of the equipment size, according to Rund.

The light placement varies depending on both the equipment’s length and width.

The law also requires at least two red reflectors on the rear along with an SMV emblem.

If the newer equipment is more than eight feet wide, the law also requires two amber reflectors to the front.

If it is more than 12 feet wide, the equipment must have: • alternating reflective red- and florescent-orange tape, each piece measuring two inches by nine inches, spanning the rear of the implement; and

• flashing amber lights mounted within 16 inches of the left and right extremities.

Under the requirements, a towed implement that is more than 16 feet long from the point of hitch to the extreme rear must have amber reflectors along the side at least every 16 feet and a SMV emblem on the rear.

If the towed vehicle is more than 25 feet in length, both amber lights and red taillights also must be mounted on the rear of the vehicle — even if the lights on the tractor also are visible.

Any time a towed implement blocks lights or reflectors on a tractor, those lights or reflectors must be added to the rear of the implement.

Rund reminded farmers to check the brilliance of emblems and lights. “Burned out bulbs and faded reflectors don’t satisfy Illinois’ minimum visibility requirements. Keep them fresh,” he said.

The SMV emblem requirement is the same for older and newer equipment. Before buying new emblems, farmers need to be sure the manufacturer’s label meets “ASAE Standard S276.5” (or higher), Rund recommended.

U of I Energy Biosciences Institute slates symposium

Farmers, scientists, industry leaders and those interested in rural economic development will hear the latest on bioenergy research Aug. 21-22 at the University of Illinois’ Energy Biosciences Institute (EBI) annual feedstock symposium in the I Hotel and Conference Center, Champaign.

The event will include presentations on feedstock selection, agronomy, pest and invasiveness issues, economics, public outreach and policy.

To register go to {conferences.igb.illinois.edu/bioenergyfeedstocks/registration}. More information is available at {conferences.igb.illinois.edu/bioenergyfeedstocks}.

FROM THE COUNTIES

Page 13 Monday, August 5, 2013 FarmWeek

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OOK — Farm Bureau will sponsor a favorite yard and container garden contest. Voting will begin Monday at {cookcfb.org/buylocal/programs}. Voting deadline is Aug. 12.

FFINGHAM — Farm Bureau will offer ag literacy programs at 11 a.m.

Monday and Tuesday at the Effingham County Fair in front of the 4-H livestock show building. For more information call 821-7042 or 3422103.

• Prime Timers will host a bus trip from 8 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. Aug. 29 to Meramec Caverns, Stanton, Mo., to see the “Greatest Show Under Earth.”

Cost is $65 for members and $70 for nonmembers. Call the Farm Bureau office at 3422103 for reservations and more information.

• Young Farmers Committee members will sponsor a pedal tractor pull at 3:30 p.m.

Friday at the Effingham County Fairgrounds in Altamont.

Children ages 4 to 12 are eligible to participate. Call the Farm Bureau office at 3422103 to register or for more information.

• Young Farmers Committee members will sponsor a crop scouting school from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Aug. 15 at the

Farm Bureau office. Tracy Heuerman, FS certified crop specialist; Brandon Laue, FS agronomy logistic specialist; and Ryan Hasty, FS northern business manager, will be the speakers. Call the Farm Bureau office at 342-2103 for reservations or more information.

AWRENCE — Farm Bureau will co-sponsor a chartered bus trip to the Farm Progress Show in Decatur leaving at 6 a.m. Aug. 27 from Shopko in Mount Carmel. Cost is $30 for members and $35 for nonmembers.

Call the Farm Bureau office at 943-2610 to register or for more information.

EE — The 100th Anniversary Committee is asking members to share old Farm Bureau photos. All photos will be returned to members. Mail photos to Lee County Farm Bureau, 37 S. East Ave., P.O. Box 198, Amboy, Ill., 61310, email to leecfb@comcast.net, or drop off at the Farm Bureau office.

• The District 4 meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Aug. 19 at the Mendota Civic Center.

Philip Nelson, Illinois Farm Bureau president, will be the speaker. Reservation deadline is Aug. 14.

• The Public Relations

Auction Calendar

www.brummelrealty.com or www.rickrediger.com Sat., Aug. 17. 10 a.m. Farm machinery. Eugene Saar Est. and Dorothy Saar, FREEPORT, IL. Jim Calhoun, Auctioneer. www.calhounauction.com Sat., Aug. 17. 10 a.m. Jackson Co. Land Auc. MURPHYSBORO, IL. buyafarm.com Sat., Aug. 17. 9 a.m. Lg. Multi-Farmer Absolute Auc. OKAWVILLE, IL. Riechmann Auction Service. www.riechmannauction.com Mon., Aug. 19. 10 a.m. Iroquois Co. Farmland. Marian L. Laurent Trust, ST. ANNE, IL. Decker Real Estate and Auction Co. www.deckercompany.net Tues., Aug. 20. Pre-Fall Machinery Con. Auc. DANA, IL. Terry Wilkey Auction Service. www.terrywilkey.com Wed., Aug. 21. 10 a.m. Farmland.

Harry Bennett Jr. Est., LA HARPE, IL. Sullivan & Son Auction. www.sullivansonauction.com Thurs., Aug. 22. 10 a.m. Piatt Co. Land Auc. MONTICELLO, IL. Hertz Real Estate Services. www.hertz.ag Thurs., Aug. 22. 10 a.m. Adams Co. Farmland. Lucille Wollbrink Est., MENDON, IL. Sullivan & Son Auction. www.sullivansonauction.com Fri., Aug. 23. 10 a.m. Farm machinery.

David and Margaret Gibb, PIPER CITY, IL. Immke and Bradley Auction Service. biddersandbuyers.com/immke Fri., Aug. 23 and Sat., Aug. 24. 9:30 a.m. both days. Consignment Auc. Gordon Hannagan Auction Co. www.gordyvilleusa.com Sat., Aug. 24. 10:30 a.m. Greene Co. Land Auc. Terry and Melissa Hutton, GREENFIELD, IL. Moss Auctioneers. www.auctionzip.com ~ id #21727 Sat., Aug. 24. 10 a.m. Public Auction.

BEMENT, IL. Central IL Auctions. www.topaucitons24-7.com or auctionzip.com ~ id#12596 Sat., Aug. 24. 1 p.m. Schuyler Co. Land Auc. Tim and Suzette McCoy, RUSHVILLE, IL. Sullivan Auctioneers. www.sullivanauctioneers.com Sat., Aug. 24. 9 a.m. Con. Auc. LAWRENCEVILLE, IL. Max Groff, Auctioneer.

Wed., Aug. 28. 10:30 a.m. Lee Co. Land Auc. Clarence O. Svela Trust, ASHTON, IL. Lenny Bryson, Auctioneer.

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Tues., Aug. 6. 9 a.m. Herscher Area August Consignment Auc. HERSCHER, IL. Tom Witvoet Auction and Appraisal Services. www.tomwitvoetequipment.com Tues., Aug. 6. 10 a.m. Farmland. Carie Fouch, LA PLATA, MO. Sullivan & Son Auction. www.sullivansonauction.com Tues., Aug. 6. Real Estate Auc. Wilkinson Farm, OXFORD, IN. schraderauction.com Thurs., Aug. 8. 7 p.m. Christian Co. Farmland Auc. T. T&W Agri Partners Co., EDINBURG, IL. Cory Craig, Auctioneer. www.corycraig.com Thurs., Aug. 8. 10 a.m. Farm machinery. Bruce Clover, PEOTONE, IL. Richard A. Olson and Assoc. www.richardaolson.com Sat., Aug. 10. 10 a.m. Farm machinery and miscellaneous. Robert and Judy Huller, O’FALLON, IL. Mark Krausz Auction Service. krauszauctions.com Sat, Aug. 10. 9 a.m. Annual Barker Farm Machinery Consignment Auc. SHELBYVILLE, IL. Barker Auction Service. www.barkerauction.com Sat., Aug. 10. 11 a.m. Marshall Co. Land Auc. Thomas McKenna, WASHBURN, IL. Van Adkisson Auction Service, LLC. www.biddersandbuyers.com Sat., Aug. 10. 9 a.m. Washington Co. Farm Machinery Auc. NASHVILLE, IL. Schaller Auction Service. www.schallerauctionservice.com or www.auctionzip.com Wed, Aug. 14. 10 a.m. Estate Auction.

Kevin Furtney Estate, FISHER, IL. Bill Kruse, Auctioneer. billkruse.net Wed., Aug. 14 and Thurs. Aug. 15. 9 a.m. Lg. Annual Fall Machinery Con. Auc. Sullivan & Son Auction. www.sullivansonauction.com Fri., Aug. 16. 10 a.m. McDonough Co. Land Auc. MACOMB, IL. Sullivan Auctioneers. www.sullivanauctioneers.com Fri., Aug. 16. and Sat., Aug. 17. 8:30 a.m. both days. Fall Consignment Sale, ANNAWAN, IL. Hatzer and Nordstrom Eq. Co. www.hatzernordstromauctin.com Sat, Aug. 17. 10 a.m. Kendall Co. Farmland. Marcella Vickery-Lyons, YORKVILLE, IL. Brummel Realty, LLC and Rediger Auction Service.

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Committee will host a farm visit day from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sunday. Bus pickup will be at Woodhaven Association in Sublette. Call the Woodhaven Association main office at 849-5209, ext. 216, for free tickets. Call the Farm Bureau office at 857-3531 for more information.

ACON — Farm Bureau will sponsor a shred day from 7 to 9 a.m.

Aug. 16 in the Farm Bureau parking lot. A canned good donation to benefit an area food pantry is required. Call the Farm Bureau office at 877-2436 for more information.

ONROE — Farm Bureau will sponsor a member appreciation ice cream social at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Monroe County Fairgrounds.

EORIA — Farm Bureau will take orders for Calhoun County peaches until Thursday. Pickup will be in the Farm Bureau auditorium Aug. 15. Orders may be placed at {peoriacountyfarmbureau.org}.

• Prime Timers will meet at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday at Cyd’s Restaurant in Peoria for lunch

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then visit Wheels O’ Time Museum.

• The Marketing Committee will sponsor a bus trip to the Half Century of Progress Show in Rantoul from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 23. Cost is $25 for members and $40 for nonmembers.

• The Marketing Committee will sponsor a bus trip to the Farm Progress Show in Decatur from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 28. Cost is $25 for members and $40 for nonmembers. Call the Farm Bureau office at 686-7070 for reservations or more information.

ANGAMON — Farm Bureau is selling 2013 platbooks at the Farm Bureau office. Cost is $40 for members and $45 for nonmembers.

• Farm Bureau will host a bus trip leaving at 7:30 a.m.

Aug. 16 to the Cubs/Cardinals game in Chicago. Cost is $90 for members and $100 for nonmembers. Call the Farm Bureau office at 753-5200 for reservations or more information.

AYNE — Farm Bureau member appreciation dinner will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Fairfield. A nonper-

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ishable food item for Young Leaders Harvest for All is requested.

• Ag in the Classroom will host a silent auction during the member appreciation dinner on Friday. Call Brianne Foster at 599-6338 for auction donations.

• Farm Bureau will sponsor an antique tractor drive Sept. 2.

Tractor models from 1983 and older are eligible. Cost is $20 before Aug. 15 and $30 thereafter. Visit {waynecfb.com} to view a map of the route and for registration information.

HITE — Ag in the Classroom will host a silent auction during the member appreciation luncheon from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Wednesday. Call Brianne Foster at 599-6338 for auction donations.

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

PROFITABILITY

FarmWeek Page 14 Monday, August 5, 2013

Economists: Higher yields could make up for lower prices

BY DANIEL GRANT FarmWeek

The major downturn in crop prices in recent weeks doesn’t necessarily mean 2013 will be a bad year for farmers.

Terry Barr, senior director of industry research at CoBank, last week at the Illinois Farm Bureau Commodities Conference in Normal predicted net farm income this year still could be the third highest on record.

The difference this year compared to recent years is many crop farmers could make more money on bushels

CoBank

Continued from page 1 some challenges on the demand side. Barr predicted economic growth in China will slow from 10 to 12 percent to 7 to 8 percent annually. In the U.S., he expects slow economic growth, plateauing demand for crops for biofuels production and higher interest rates.

“The Federal Reserve and most central banks are maintaining zero percent interest rates and are buying securities (in an attempt to stimulate the economy),” Barr said.

“We cannot sustain this policy indefinitely. By 2014 or 2015, I foresee rising interest rates.”

U.S. consumer demand is

per acre than the price per bushel.

“We’re moving from above average back to average price levels,” Darrel Good, University of Illinois ag economist, said at the Commodities Conference. “But I don’t think lower prices will be problematic this year.

“I think bushels will be good,” he continued. “And, if they’re not, crop insurance guarantees are strong.”

There are locations in Illinois and the U.S. where crops were washed out earlier this season, planted late and therefore subject to early

recovering, but Barr believes economic growth near term will be limited to about 2 percent due to a lack of investment as consumers focus more on debt reduction.

“We were up about 200,000 jobs (nationwide in June), and that’s a good number,” he noted. “The problem is many of those are part time, so it’s not moving the economy forward.”

Barr also predicted commodity prices will continue to decline at a quicker rate than input costs.

“You need to have a strong balance sheet with significant working capital (moving forward),” he advised farmers at the IFB event.

M A R K E T FA C T S Feeder pig prices reported to USDA* Weight 10-12 lbs.

40 lbs.

Range Per Head $29.81-$48.00 NA

Weighted Ave. Price $38.79 NA

This Week Last Week 106,727 95,118 *Eastern Corn Belt prices picked up at seller’s farm Receipts

Eastern Corn Belt direct hogs (plant delivered) Carcass Live

(Prices $ per hundredweight) This week Prev. week Change $91.79 $91.78 $0.01 $67.92 $67.92 $0

USDA five-state area slaughter cattle price (Thursday’s price) Steers Heifers

This week $119.00 $119.00

Prev. week $119.81 $119.55

Change -$0.81 -$0.55

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

(Prices $ per hundredweight) Prev. week Change This week $149.49 $145.63 $3.86

Lamb prices Slaughter Prices - Negotiated, Live, wooled and shorn 125-157 lbs. for 110.26-138 $/cwt. (wtd. ave. 117.78); 199-206 lbs. for $112/cwt.

Export inspections (Million bushels) Week ending Soybeans Wheat Corn 7/25/2013 1.3 25.4 11.1 7/18/2013 3.9 24.2 10.0 Last year 15.7 19.1 21.6 Season total 1298.1 186.2 627.3 Previous season total 1282.5 147.0 1409.6 USDA projected total 1330 1075 700 Crop marketing year began June 1 for wheat and Sept. 1 for corn and soybeans.

frost concerns, or where dryness has become an issue.

Topsoil moisture in Illinois last week was rated 4 percent surplus, 69 percent adequate, and 27 percent short/very short.

But, overall, crop condition ratings are above average and on pace to produce a record corn crop, according to Good.

“We see a lot of diversity (of conditions) geographically, but I think we’ll be back near the trend of 160 bushels per acre (for corn),” he said.

“If realized, that would produce a record crop (between 13.5 billion and 14 billion

bushels). It would exceed demand.”

The portion of the corn and soybean crops rated good to excellent nationwide last week was 63 percent. That’s 3 percent higher than the 10year average for corn and 1 percent higher than average for beans.

It’s also a dramatic improve ment from late July last year when just 24 percent of corn and 29 percent of beans were rated good to excellent due to the drought.

But the late-planted bean crop has a long way to go before yield potential is solidified.

“I have more concern about soybean yields this year than corn,” Good said. “The growing season could end before the crop is mature.”

The economist also believes demand potential is stronger for soybeans than corn. U.S. corn exports this year are expected to dip to a 42-year-low of just 700 million bushels.

“I think we’ll see soybean prices average higher relative to corn,” he said.

If big U.S. crops are realized this fall, Good predicted prices will dip to harvest lows before beginning a slow recovery.

gen, with many of those acres receiving a nitrogen stabilizer.

The FS System takes pride in advocating a full system approach to nitrogen management and the use of a stabilizer to protect the environment, while giving the corn crop the chance to achieve maximum yields. It is crucial to understand the importance of sustaining our environment and leaving it in great shape for future generations. A full system approach to nutrient application is an integral part

of this mission.

Let your FS Crop Specialist know about your weed management challenges. A specialist can also determine if your operation would benefit from a fungicide application.

They have the tools and resources to develop a full system that meets your farming practices.

Farmers should look ahead to 2014 crop inputs

FS crop specialists will soon begin booking seed and developing nutrient and crop protection plans for the 2014 crop. The last couple of years have been a challenge as it pertains to developing crop protection plans with a significant drought experienced last year folJeff Bunting lowed by a wet spring that delayed planting for a month or more.

Even though planting was delayed, current crop conditions appear to be very good, but keep in mind that many of the wet holes that we saw early are now being masked by what we can only see from the road.

We continue to hear about difficulty of controlling weeds that once were easy to control or weed escapes that were not controlled by post application.

FS Crop Specialists have been aware of the benefits of constant vigilance to add residual herbicide either at planting or in post application. Given conditions this spring and summer, growers are now seeing the benefits, too. Fields not treated with a residual were affected much more.

Fungicide application intentions this year increased significantly over 2012 and posted the highest level in the last four years. Corn fungicide decisions have garnered the most attention. Given the late planting crop, environmental conditions favor disease, such as anthracnose or gray leaf spot. The passion to protect yield is one of the major drivers of this input decision. Fungicide application on soybeans continues to gain attention.

Fall nitrogen applications will occur in the not-too-distant future. Illinois saw the perfect fall in 2012 to apply nitroBY JEFF BUNTING

Jeff Bunting is GROWMARK’s crop protection division manager. His email address is jbunting@growmark.com.

Class III milk prices slip again

The Class III July price for milk adjusted to 3.5 percent butterfat was announced at $17.38 per hundredweight. This represents a drop of $1.14 over the last two months.

Dairy farmers across the country continue to coax more milk out of their cows. Production has steadily been inching upward, as tight margins are making producers find ways they can tweak and increase milk production. The cool end-of-July weather has also increased milk flow.

PROFITABILITY

Page 15 Monday, August 5, 2013 FarmWeek

CASH STRATEGIST

Big USDA report ahead

Unless there’s some real shocking, unexpected news to hit the market, the focus will turn to the looming August 12 USDA crop report. Private estimates are already starting to surface, but they aren’t necessarily good predictors of what the USDA will forecast, especially in a year like this one.

Nevertheless, we did learn from one Midwestern tour that the corn plant population was higher than expected.

USDA will have hard data to work with, giving them better insight into the corn and soybean crop potential than the private industry. August forecasts are largely based on population counts. These initial USDA estimates are not always as good in

a year like this with the lagging development, but they provide a guidepost for going forward.

On the included graphics, we’ve shown how various yield models based on the Aug. 1 crop condition ratings have performed in past years. We’ve found these to be good predictors of the yield USDA might project.

They suggest USDA will project a corn yield near 158.5 bushels and a soybean yield near 43.1 bushels. Going forward, data on ear population and pod count provide additional insight.

The USDA is going to resurvey 14 states to get a better gauge on soybean plantings.

While they aren’t going to resurvey corn plantings, their regular monthly surveys do include questions about harvested acreage. That allows them to make adjustments on that piece of critical information on which to base their production forecasts.

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Corn Strategy

ü2012 crop: Basis improved a little with the futures break, but cash prices still didn’t rise. That reinforces the notion that oldcrop demand has withered away. We are less confident of a significant rebound after last week’s decline. And, basis will continue to give up. Because of that, we’d use strength to make catch-up sales. ü2013 crop: Ongoing weakness in old-crop prices and mild weather kept newcrop prices on the defensive.

Last week’s slide damaged potential to rebound. Wait for rallies to $5 on December futures before considering catch-up sales. vFundamentals: The shift in the weather to a cooler and wetter pattern is keeping the market on the defensive. Still, the drier western Corn Belt is not expected to get beneficial rainfall near term, leaving their potential uncertain. The shift in the weather and crop attitudes are changing the way buyers approach the market. They don’t chase rallies, choosing to wait on weakness to extend their coverage.

Cents per bu.

Soybean Strategy

ü2012 crop: Good weather is keeping prices on the defensive. Cash pricing has been rolled to September or November futures, leaving them weak. We do not see a lot of reason to hold old-crop soybeans given last week’s slippage. ü2013 crop: Last week’s break damaged potential of seeing a moderate rebound.

Use rallies over $12 on November futures to make catch-up sales. vFundamentals: The inability of prices to rebound in the wake of a break like the market had was an indicator of how weak the complex has become. Although a good new crop is far from secure, the current weather is keeping conditions generally good.

Still, there are some troublesome spots, particularly in the west. The early prognosis for next year’s South American crops are high, but should not

be ignored. Production economics are expected to shift acreage from corn to soybeans. That perception will diminish the zeal to buy U.S. soybeans, unless prices are at extremely attractive levels.

Wheat Strategy

ü2013 crop: Wheat activity has turned choppy, but the action still hasn’t indicated a seasonal low has been established. The first sign of a turn would be a close above $6.76 on Chicago September futures.

Wait for a rebound above $6.90 on Chicago September futures to make catch-up sales.

vFundamentals: Recent modest strength in the market has come from good demand for U.S. wheat. Japan finally stepped back into the market and purchased U.S. white wheat for the first time in 10 weeks after suspending imports in the wake of the GMO discovery on an Oregon farm. But on the supply side, International Grains Council revised its forecast for world wheat production up 4 million tons this month to 687 million tons. This was the result of expectations for better-thanexpected crops in Europe and India.

PERSPECTIVES

FarmWeek Page 16 Monday, August 5, 2013

Illinois doesn’t need biotech label requirement on food

Amelia Martens, left, Miss Illinois County Fair 2013, congratulates newly-crowned Lillian Cambron, Little Miss Jersey County Fair 2013. (Photo by Patti Price, Jersey County Fair director)

County fair queens serve as agriculture ambassadors When all of my friends found out I was a “pageant girl” last summer, they couldn’t believe it. How could the reserved, studious, very involved student be on a stage in a dress and heels and even in a swimsuit? Last summer I heard it all.

My favorite was, “We didn’t know you did beauty pagAMELIA MARTENS eants.” My response was that guest columnist it wasn’t a beauty pageant, and I certainly wasn’t in it for that factor. With an emphasis on being a spokesperson for county fairs, the state fair and agriculture, the County Fair pageant system is not your typical “beauty pageant.”

As state queen, I have visited county fair queen pageants across the state this summer. I have had days where I begin in one corner of the state and end at a pageant as much as five hours away. From the Indiana border to Iowa, and northern Illinois to the southern part of the state, I have enjoyed meeting fair queen contestants in nearly 30 counties.

Preparing for a county fair queen pageant involves much more than walking in high heels, having your hair done and acquiring a wardrobe fit for a queen. In fact, these things come second to all of the preparations that are involved. A large focus of the pageant is on public speaking and interview skills. Judges aren’t looking for the prettiest contestant, but rather the girl who will be the best representative for the fair, the county and agriculture.

Seeing so many young women with such passion for promoting their county fairs and agriculture has been a truly rewarding experience for me. I have watched young women give speeches about their involvement in FFA, 4-H, life on the farm, life lessons and everything in between. They have answered questions onstage about issues in agriculture, their county fairs and current events.

Editor’s note: Kay Shipman asked presidents attending the new County Farm Bureau president meeting for their biggest challenge as county Farm Bureau leaders.

County fair queen contestants go to great lengths to make sure they are prepared for any question that may come their way in an interview and onstage. They watch the news, read the papers and have conversations with farmers and other agribusiness people to learn the ins and outs of the agriculture industry.

The majority of contestants are active in their communities, too. For many of them, free time doesn’t exist. Between work, school and extracurricular activities, they don’t have time for much else. Yet they still find time to prepare for and compete in their local county fair queen pageants.

I have been very impressed by all of the contestants and new queens I have met this summer. Every girl who enters a county fair queen pageant truly grows from the experience. As I have visited pageants across the state this summer, I know that I, too, have grown, even though I am not competing.

The communication skills I have gained are invaluable, and I’ll use them my entire life.

I am looking forward to seeing all of the county fair queens later this week at County Fair Day at the Illinois State Fair.

County Fair Day is the first full day of the fair, Friday, August 9. County Fair Day is the one day, outside of the Miss Illinois County Fair Queen Pageant in January, where all contestants are gathered at one time. If you are at the fair that day, you won’t be able to miss us. You may be blinded by the glare of our crowns.

It’s hard to believe that it is time for the State Fair already. I look forward to seeing many of you at the Illinois State Fair August 8-18 and the Du Quoin State Fair August 23-September 2. Please come out to support your county 4-Hers and queens.

And feel free to say hello. I’ll be there!

Amelia Martens, Orion, is Miss Illinois County Fair 2013. She is the daughter of Henry County Farm Bureau members Patrick and Annette Martens.

Editor’s note: This information was provided to the Illinois Senate Subcomittee on Food Labeling at a June hearing on a proposal to require a biotechnology label on some foods sold in Illinois. A second hearing will be Wednesday in Carbondale. Illinois Farm Bureau has been working with a coalition of agriculture, business and manufacturing organizations and companies to testify against legislation mandating the labeling of foods containing ingredients from biotech crops.

More than $6.5 billion in Illinois exports are directly attributable to our food manufacturers and more than $13 billion in value is added to the value of raw agricultural products.

The Illinois Manufacturers Association is strongly opposed to SB 1666 and its new food labeling requirements for a number of reasons.

First and foremost, any food labeling requirements should come from the federal MARK DENZLER government as opposed to state government.

We represent companies that sell, package and distribute products in all 50 states and around the globe.

Requiring companies to navigate a patchwork of regulations can be confusing and costly, resulting in potentially higher prices for food.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is the proper place for oversight and regulation of the industry under the federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Contrary to the legislative findings contained in SB 1666, the FDA does require labeling of genetically modified food –- if it differs substantially from the original food in terms of its composition or nutrition content. For example, if there’s a new allergen in the food that people would not expect, it must be labeled.

“The FDA’s science-based labeling policies do not support special labeling without evidence of material differences between bioengineered foods and their traditional counterparts.” That last point is important; FDA policies do not support special labeling without evidence of material differences.

That is a direct quote from the American Medical Association and its House of Delegates, who voted in 2012 to support scientific-based approach noting that “the FDA’s requirements are effective in ensuring the safety of bioengineered food.”

Let me be very clear — the use of genetically modified food and ingredients is safe.

Let’s take a look at how this legislation is drafted and the special exemptions that are included.

Soy milk is covered, but cow’s milk is exempt. Dog food with meat requires a label, but meat for human consumption is exempt. Dairy, eggs, meat and poultry are exempt. Food sold in a grocery store is covered, but the same food sold in a restaurant is exempt. The language in SB 1666 is very broad and vague.

Now, let’s take a look at the cost of this state mandate. A study by Northbridge Environmental Management Consultants in 2012 looked at a nearly identical measure in California and based its economic survey on the fact that nearly 70 percent of food on grocery shelves would contain biotech ingredients.

The economic study determined that the price tag for consumers would increase by $350 to $400 per household annually. This equates to a nearly 2.7 percent to 3.1 percent increase in annual food costs due to mandatory labeling legislation.

While the legislative findings note that a majority of Americans support labeling according to polls, the findings in this bill do not reflect polling that shows two of every three Americans are not willing to pay higher prices resulting from the labeling requirements.

Finally, this legislation invites costly and burdensome lawsuits. Any Illinois citizen acting in the “public interest” may bring an action to enjoin a violation of this Act in any courthouse simply by giving notice to the department of public health, attorney general and alleged violator.

I will conclude by quoting an FDA statement released just more than a month ago and one that the IMA agrees with: “FDA supports voluntary food labeling for food derived from genetic engineering ... FDA’s role is to ensure that food under its purview meet applicable safety, labeling and other regulatory requirements. Food derived from genetically engineered plants must meet the same requirements.”

Mark Denzler is the vice president and the chief operating officer of the Illinois Manufacturer’s Association that represents nearly 4,000 member companies and facilities in Illinois, including hundreds of food manufacturing companies. Farm Bureau members may email their comments on SB 1666 to Heather Combs, IFB assistant director of state legislation, hcombs@ilfb.org.

“Getting board involvement, so we’re all thinking on the same page.”

“Membership involvement in programs; trying to get more associate members involved with different things.”

“Getting broader board cooperation in implementation of programs.”

“Keeping and gaining new members with the dwindling ag population.”

Steven Koeller Madison County

Ralph Timpner Perry County

Larry Beaty Sangamon County

David Dorn Jr. Christian County