Farmweek december 15 2014 by Illinois Farm Bureau

IFB members elected three new board directors during last week’s annual meeting. page 4

Check out photos and stories about members who received awards at the IFB annual meeting. pages 9-12

Go to FarmWeekNow.com to learn more about grain handling safety measures. page 13

Guebert: Impressed with the strength of IFB Monday, December 15, 2014

BY DEANA STROISCH FarmWeek

Two sections Volume 42, No. 49

Reflecting on his first year as Illinois Farm Bureau president, Richard Guebert Jr. said he was proud of the organization’s successes –from meeting membership quotas for the first time since 2010 to getting a five-year farm bill passed. “I continue to be impressed with the strength of our organization, the influence we GO ONLINE have in addressing the To hear Guebert’s issues important to our speech, visit members and the lead- {http://bcove.me ership Farm Bureau /s05eymtw} and demonstrates in local {http://bcove.me counties, throughout /hlg05s9l}. the state and with the American Farm Bureau,” Guebert told the crowd during annual meeting in Chicago. “You, as leaders, are well respected in your community.” But challenges remain, he warned. Among them: • State fiscal situation. Guebert said IFB will work closely with the new governor and General Assembly, and help offer solutions to the state’s financial woes. “We have to work to protect our priorities,” he said. “We cannot say ‘no’ to every proposal. Tough decisions will have to be made.” • Government overregulation. IFB will continue to fight overregulation of agricul-

ture, he said, including the Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed “waters of the U.S.” rule. More than 300 members submitted individual comments against the proposal. • National issues. Guebert said IFB needs to continue to promote trade, advocate for transportation infrastructure upgrades and encourage passage of tax extender legislation, including Section 179. • Pipeline projects. IFB also will continue to monitor transmission line and pipeline projects throughout the state. It recently requested the Interstate Commerce Commission develop a long-term plan to minimize the impact on Illinois farms. • Consumer trust. Guebert said IFB needs to build trust with consumers by working with commodity groups as part of the Illinois Farm Families. During difficult times, he said, it’s even more important for farmers to work together through Farm Bureau to advocate for agriculture. Guebert said IFB’s 100th anniversary celebration, which kicks off at the 2015 annual meeting, represents an opportunity to reflect on the organization’s history — and consider how its mission will be carried out the next 100 years. “Farm Bureau must explore its resources and look to the future, keep abreast of agricultural issues and technology, and work at accommodating the needs of its members,” he said.

Delegates back new UAV policy, oppose executive orders BY DEANA STROISCH FarmWeek

Periodicals: Time Valued

Illinois Farm Bureau supports the commercial use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and opposes federal regulations requiring a private pilot’s

license to use them, according to a new policy delegates approved at the 2014 IFB annual meeting. IFB staff plans to bring relevant portions of the newly adopted policy to the American Farm Bureau Federation Annual Convention in San Diego. Policy changes governing tax reform, industry grain standards and crop insurance also may be presented. Mark Gebhards, executive director of government affairs and commodities, said UAVs have “become a big issue in ag.” “Ultimately, what I heard our membership say is: There’s some concern about not wanting them to be outlawed, if you will, that we want to make sure they are still a tool our membership can use,” he said. Joe Zumwalt, Hancock County farmer and vice chairman of the Agricultural Production and National Issues

Illinois Farm Bureau Vice President David Erickson explains the agenda and rules for delegates during a general session at the IFB annual meeting last week. (Photo by Ken Kashian)

resolution committee, described the proposal as a “work in progress.” He noted the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) plans to release new regulations as early as next fall and the committee intentionally tried to keep the

Photo by Ken Kashian

policy general. According to the new UAV policy, IFB also supports: • Working with the FAA to review the legal and technical issues related to agricultural UAV use. • Reasonable FAA regulations regarding agricultural use and permitting for private and commercial applications. • Requiring the operator of the UAV to gain written consent of the landowner or tenant if the UAV will be surveying or gathering data above private property. • Allowing landowners and tenants to fly UAVs on their fields without it being considered a commercial activity. Delegates also approved the following changes to current national policy: • Grain grading. Delegates called for See Delegates, page 2

www.facebook.com/illfarmbureau

FarmWeek • Page 2 • Monday, December 15, 2014

Chicago E15 ordinance postponed BY CHRIS ANDERSON FarmWeek

IAA FOUNDATION SETS FUNDRAISING RECORD — Farm Bureau members proved festive and generous during the Illinois Farm Bureau annual meeting in Chicago. The IAA Foundation shattered annual meeting fundraising records, raising more than $50,000 for Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom (IAITC). A great Live Auction lineup and wonderful bidders raised $20,834 in two hours, a 23 percent increase over last year’s event. Items sold for above retail value. Dale Wachtel was the top bidder and bought the John Deere subcompact utility tractor. Members donated an additional $1,700 during the Ice Cream Social. Farm Bureau members and staff packed Trivia Night with 35 teams and a standing-room only crowd. The event raised a record-breaking $12,700 for IAITC, a 15 percent increase from 2013. A 50-50 raffle raised $1,650, and winner Andy Blaul, Lake County ag literacy coordinator, donated his half to IAITC. The Silent Auction offered more than 130 items. The sale raised $15,800, a 28 percent increase over 2013.

DISTRICT 15 WINS PENNY WARS — During the Illinois Farm Bureau annual meeting, Young Leaders waged a penny war, raising $4,719.15. District 15 Young Leaders won the war with $2,156.27 in their donation jar. As winners, Young Leaders in District 15, located in southwest Illinois, receive all the money raised. It will be donated to food banks and food pantries within the district. Young Leaders stage a penny war every year at annual meeting. Collection jars sit in the exhibit hall so meeting attendees can make donations.

IFB ANNUAL MEETING FOR THE RECORDS — County Farm Bureau delegates, numbering 347, concluded policy resolution work early Monday afternoon, even pausing for a brief address by Governor-elect Bruce Rauner. This marked one of the earliest conclusions to an Illinois Farm Bureau annual meeting in recent memory.

RECYCLE IFB INFORMATION — What do you do with each edition of FarmWeek once you’ve read it? Mark Tuttle shares his copies. “Once I read it, I share it,” said Tuttle, DeKalb County Farm Bureau president. Doctor and dentist offices and even airline seat flaps provide second-read locations for Tuttle to tuck a copy of the weekly Illinois Farm Bureau newspaper. He believes members could follow suit and help share Farm Bureau’s stories, especially with nonfarmers.

(ISSN0197-6680) Vol. 42 No. 49 December 15, 2014 Dedicated to improving the profitability of farming, and a higher quality of life for Illinois farmers. FarmWeek is produced by the Illinois Farm Bureau. FarmWeek is published each week, except the Mondays following Thanksgiving and Christmas, by the Illinois Agricultural Association, 1701 Towanda Avenue, P.O. Box 2901, Bloomington, IL 61701. Illinois Agricultural Association assumes no responsibility for statements by advertisers or for products or services advertised in FarmWeek. FarmWeek is published by the Illinois Agricultural Association for farm operator members. $3 from the individual membership fee of each of those members goes toward the production of FarmWeek. “Farm, Family, Food” is used under license of the Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation.

Address subscription and advertising questions to FarmWeek, P.O. Box 2901, Bloomington, IL 61702-2901. Periodicals postage paid at Bloomington, Illinois, and at an additional mailing office. POSTMASTER: Send change of address notices on Form 3579 to FarmWeek, P.O. Box 2901, Bloomington, IL 61702-2901. Farm Bureau members should send change of addresses to their local county Farm Bureau. © 2014 Illinois Agricultural Association

STAFF Editor Chris Anderson (canderson@ilfb.org) Legislative Affairs Editor Kay Shipman (kayship@ilfb.org) Agricultural Affairs Editor Deana Stroisch (dstroisch@ilfb.org) Senior Commodities Editor Daniel Grant (dgrant@ilfb.org) Editorial Assistant Margie Fraley (mfraley@ilfb.org) Business Production Manager Bob Standard (bstandard@ilfb.org) Advertising Sales Manager Richard Verdery (rverdery@ilfb.org) Classified sales coordinator Nan Fannin (nfannin@ilfb.org) Director of News and Communications Michael L. Orso (morso@ilfb.org) Advertising Sales Representatives Hurst and Associates, Inc. P.O. Box 6011, Vernon Hills, IL 60061 1-800-397-8908 (advertising inquiries only) Gary White - Northern Illinois Doug McDaniel - Southern Illinois Editorial phone number: 309-557-2239 Classified advertising: 309-557-3155 Display advertising: 1-800-676-2353

Chicago drivers will have to wait until next year to gain greater access to E15 fuel. The Chicago City Council decided last week to postpone voting on a first-of-its-kind ordinance that would require all large Chicago retail gas stations to offer E15 fuel. Dave Loos, Illinois Corn Growers Association technical and business development director, called the council action “no surprise.” He noted ethanol proponents will continue to push for the ordinance’s passage when the council meets Jan. 21. “The two-to-one vote we had in favor of the ordinance when it was voted out of the Chicago City Council Finance Committee Monday was a huge win and sets the stage for future approval by the city council,” said Loos. “However, the oil industry will now have additional time to run more negative advertisements against corn ethanol throughout the next month. All of us interested in seeing that E15 is available to consumers in Chicago will have to increase

our efforts to ensure that the ordinance passes.” Illinois Farm Bureau members support the ordinance. IFB annual meeting delegates adopted a new resolution introduced by Terry Ferguson of DeWitt County supporting local ordinances requiring selfservice gas stations to sell E15 fuel.

‘This is a fight we know needs to happen.’ — Tom Buis Growth Energy CEO

The E15 effort in Chicago began about 10 months ago. Tom Buis, Growth Energy CEO, told annual meeting attendees the Chicago ordinance allows consumers to make a choice. He noted Chicago led the way in previously banning lead and MTBE, an octane boosting additive, in gasoline. “E15 provides consumers

with a less expensive, cleaner fuel. It will also boost the farm economy. We know we can produce this fuel. These are all the right reasons to move forward,” said Buis, who leads a national group of producers and supporters of ethanol fuel. “This is a fight we know needs to happen. We are fighting for farmers, who deserve profit from the marketplace. We’re fighting for rural towns in which we’ve opened 200 biorefineries,” he added. Loos noted the Chicago ordinance exempts small retailers and marinas from offering E15. The ordinance would affect about 250 of 450 Chicago gas stations, he said. “Expanding access to E15 adds energy security for Illinois consumers. With ethanol, we can provide 30 percent of all gasoline needs if a refinery closes or other market disruptions occur. And 80 percent of vehicles can operate on E15,” said Loos. “Once the Chicago ordinance passes, there will be a domino effect into Milwaukee and Gary. St. Louis might be the next market to target.”

Keep living costs in mind as margins tighten Illinois farm families’ expenses averaged $89,130 in 2013

In 2013, the total noncapital living expenses of 1,307 farm families enrolled in the Illinois Farm Business Farm Management Association (FBFM) averaged $80,716 — or $6,726 a month per family. That’s 5.3 percent higher than in 2012. A recent study by a trio of FBFM specialists found another $8,414 was used to buy capital items, such as the personal share of the family automobile, furniture and household equipment. So, the grand total for living expenses averaged $89,130 for 2013 compared with $85,012 for 2012, or a $4,118 increase per family. Brandy Krapf, Dwight Raab and Brad Zwilling also noted income and Social Security tax payments increased about 51 percent in 2013 compared to the year before. The amount of income taxes paid in 2013 averaged $40,328 compared to $26,718 in 2012. Net nonfarm income continued to increase, averaging $38,019 in 2013. Net nonfarm income has increased $10,739, or 39 percent in the last 10 years. In 2004, all family living costs per tillable acre averaged about $84. This increased to $121 per

acre in 2013. The 10-year average totaled $98 per acre. When compared to the 10-year average of net farm income per acre of $205, family living expenses account for 48 percent of net farm income per acre. Looking at the average year over year increase for the last 10 years, the trio projected an annual increase of 3.4 percent per year. The five-year annual increase would average 2.5 percent. The FBFM specialists encourage farm families working on crop budgets to keep in mind that a 60-cent price change on 200-bushel-peracre corn nearly equals the average total family living expense per acre. FBFM, which consists of 5,700 plus farmers and 60 professional field staff, is a nonprofit organization available to all farm operators in Illinois. FBFM field staffers provide on-farm counsel with computerized recordkeeping, farm financial management, business entity planning and income tax management. The state FBFM Office is located at the University of Illinois Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics in Urbana.

15 percent grain moisture for corn to be recognized as the industry standard. • Executive orders. Delegates took a stance against establishing laws through executive orders “that circumvent Congress, do not allow for public review and input, exceed constitutional and statutory guidelines or impose significant economic impact on citizens, businesses and local or state governments.” The resolution was introduced during the open resolution session. • Crop insurance. Delegates also tweaked current policy to support future farm bills that

maintain federal support at or above current levels for farmer premiums. They also expanded the policy to allow double-crop soybeans to be insured as a separate unit. • Tax reform. Delegates added language to support the unrestricted use of cash accounting regardless of the level of gross receipts of the primary farm of the cumulative gross receipts of all businesses related to the primary farm. • Health care. Delegates added language opposing any movement to a single-payer health care system.

Delegates

Continued from page 1

County Farm Bureau delegates tackle natural resource issues

BY KAY SHIPMAN FarmWeek

Illinois Farm Bureau policy covering a variety of natural resource issues received county Farm Bureau delegates’ attention during the IFB annual meeting in Chicago last week. Delegates discussed the future of local Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs) in policy that originated in the Local State Government (LSG) Strength With Advisory Team (SWAT). Delegates approved new policy to maintain local SWCD offices, and if necessary, to give technology assistance and project certification priority over cost-share programs. SWAT members learned about SWCDs’ funding problems, said DeKalb County Farm Bureau delegate Mark Tuttle, who chaired the LSG SWAT. “The main focus is to keep ... the professional (conservation) person on the ground,” Tuttle explained. “We want to maintain people in the office.” After debate, delegates also approved policy supporting improved SWCD office efficiency. The SWAT idea was to “encourage districts, where we can, to share resources,” explained Mercer County Farm Bureau delegate Michael Zecher, a LSG SWAT member. After lengthy debate, Farm Bureau delegates maintained existing policy to seek statewide standards for commercial wind energy development. During the discussion, delegates debated the state noise standards for wind turbines and agriculture impact mitigation agreements for developers of commercial wind projects. “We want uniform, accurate collection of (noise level) data,” said Effingham County Farm Bureau delegate Phil Hartke. Speaking in support of statewide standards, Ogle County Farm Bureau delegate Brian Duncan noted the state’s livestock sector has worked with the Livestock Management Facility Act that applies statewide standards, and statewide standards are needed for wind energy development. “Every member deserves to have their property rights protected,” Duncan said. As part of infrastructure concerns, delegates

Page 3 • Monday, December 15, 2014 • FarmWeek

passed policy supporting legislation that would collect “a fair share” of user fees from owners of hybrid, alternative fuel and electric vehicles.

Illinois Farm Bureau President Richard Guebert Jr. , left, looks on as Governor-elect Bruce Rauner addresses Farm Bureau delegates in Chicago. (Photo by Cyndi Cook)

LaSalle County Farm Bureau President Monty Whipple makes a policy point during delegate session at the Illinois Farm Bureau annual meeting in Chicago. (Photo by Ken Kashian)

The policy offered no specific mechanism or rate. While state motor fuel taxes help fund roads, owners of some vehicles don’t pay those taxes, although their vehicles “also take a toll on the road,” Zecher noted. In other policy action, delegates voted: • To support recognition of agricultural education by the Illinois State Board of Education as an area of teacher shortages; and • To support legislation requiring all underground flow lines built as part of high-volume horizontal fracturing well sites, production facility or any gas or oil drilling operation that crosses agricultural land to be buried following the surface contour with a minimum of 60 inches of top cover.

Hot air balloon high jinks no laughing matter on farms Frightened, injured cattle and damaged crops surfaced as unwanted reminders of a hot air balloon ride, county Farm Bureau delegates heard during the Illinois Farm Bureau annual meeting in Chicago last week. Delegates approved new IFB policy on trespassing, vandalism and private land access that relates to hot air balloons. The policy supports efforts to

enforce regulations for trespassing and potentially endangering livestock on hot air balloons. McHenry County Farm Bureau delegate Dan Ziller recounted how his dairy cows were injured and required medical attention after a hot air balloon pilot flew low over the cattle, causing them to panic, run through a wire fence and scatter across the countryside.

Another pilot landed in Ziller’s alfalfa field, damaging the crop. When the pilot’s recovery crew insisted on entering the field and refused to compensate the farmer for damage, Ziller reported he was threatened for “interfering with an FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) recovery mission.” — Kay Shipman

D rilling companies interested in fracking may soon contact landowners with water sources near a well site where high-volume horizontal fracturing may occur. Those company representatives will want to discuss access to conduct water quality tests, according to Bill Bodine, Illinois Farm Bureau associate director of state legislation. New state law and regulations require water quality testing of any water source within

1,500 feet of a well site where fracking will occur. Bodine strongly recommended landowners contacted about allowing access for water quality testing to carefully consider their legal rights. He added they also should seek an attorney with experience in oil and gas interests to discuss those rights and the terms of any nondisclosure agreement between them and the drilling company. Under the law, landowners

have the right to deny access to their property for water quality testing. Landowners also can put conditions on access for testing under a nondisclosure agreement with the drilling company. Having a nondisclosure agreement with the drilling company protects the privacy of water quality test results on tests done before and after fracking that do not show evidence of pollution, Bodine said. If a landowner enters into a

Rauner praises farmers, warns of difficulties

Governor-elect Bruce Rauner last week praised Illinois agriculture’s importance to the state economy: “It’s farmers who’ve kept us going.” For a second consecutive year, Rauner addressed county Farm Bureau delegates attending the Illinois Farm Bureau annual meeting in Chicago. Last year, he joined fellow gubernatorial candidates. This year the governor-elect, who will be sworn into office Jan. 12, promised to work for farmers, but warned the state faces “deep, deep trouble financially.” “It’s a mess,” Rauner told Farm Bureau leaders. “The next 24 months are going to be rough. And I apologize, I ain’t going to be Mr. Popularity for a while.” In response to reporters’ questions about setting the stage for a temporary tax increase, Rauner rejected that, saying he wanted the voters to “understand what’s going on ...

and to get facts out.” He noted the state income tax rate will roll back to 3.75 percent, and that rate will be law. “I have to enforce the law,” Rauner added. However, “everything” will be assessed as a way to get the economy going, he said. Asked about state sales tax exemptions on farm inputs, Rauner answered Illinois needs its farmers to be competitive, and “our policy will reflect what other states do.” He said he wouldn’t put Illinois farmers at a disadvantage. The governor-elect encouraged those farmers to not “be bashful” and offer him recommendations on “policy, people and solutions.” He emphasized he wants talented people in his administration regardless of their party affiliation. Rauner told farmers he will be a strong advocate for agriculture, and work to expand markets, and have “reasonable” tax burdens and “the best infrastructure in America to get your products to market.”

nondisclosure agreement with a drilling company and followup tests show the water was polluted, the company must submit the follow-up test results to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) within seven days. IDNR and IEPA then determine if any hydraulic fracturing additive or other oil and gas contaminant caused pollution or diminution.

If a landowner decides not to enter into a nondisclosure agreement with the drilling company but allows the testing to occur, all results of baseline and follow-up tests will be reported to IDNR and posted on IDNR’s website within seven days after the results are received. Because the water quality test results will be placed on IDNR’s website, they would be available for public review, he noted.

BY KAY SHIPMAN FarmWeek

Landowners be aware of property issues related to fracking regulations

Three new members join IFB Board of Directors

FarmWeek â&#x20AC;˘ Page 4 â&#x20AC;˘ Monday, December 15, 2014

Steven Stallman of Chester, Earl H. Williams Jr. of Cherry Valley and Kenton Thomas of Cairo will join the Illinois Farm Bureau Board as new Steven Stallman members. IFB members elected the trio to two-year terms at their annual meeting last week. Stallman will represent District 16, which encompasses Clinton, Monroe, Perry, Randolph, St. Clair and Washington counties. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been encouraged by numerous people over the years to further my career in Farm

Bureau. One of my brothers retired and another is considering retirement, so they will help me on the farm and allow me to serve. I thank the district for Kenton Thomas its support,â&#x20AC;? said Stallman. He and his wife, Jane, operate a corn, soybean and wheat farm, and have a small beef herd. Stallman served as Randolph County Farm Bureau president. He has also served as Illinois Wheat Association president.Â Â Stallman is a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Chester. He and his wife have

two children, Wesley and Lindsey. Thomas will represent District 18, which encompasses Alexander, Gallatin, Hardin, Jackson, Johnson, Earl Williams Massac, Pope, Pulaski, Saline, Union and Williamson counties. Thomas and his wife, Paula, operate a corn, soybean and wheat farm. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I look forward to serving District 18. I will do my best to work for the members,â&#x20AC;? said Thomas, who currently serves as Pulaski-Alexander County Farm Bureau president. Thomas also served on the

STATE POLICY DISCUSSED

I want to help this organization in its work of supporting Illinois farmers,â&#x20AC;? said Williams, who served as WinnebagoBoone County Farm Bureau president and graduated from the Agricultural Leaders of Tomorrow program in 1984. Williams also served as president and vice president of the Illinois Soybean Association and is a member of the American Society of Agricultural and Biologic Engineers. Williams is a member of Christ United Methodist Church in Rockford. He and his wife have three children, Emily, Megan and Lauren.

Rita Frazer, RFD Radio NetworkÂŽ anchor, contributed to this story.Â Â

Commercial ag educator new Extension rep on IFB board

Teresa Steckler of Simpson, a commercial agriculture educator based at the University of Illinois Dixon Springs Agricultural Center, will serve on the Illinois Farm Bureau Board this year as the liaison from the Illinois Extension Agricultural Association (IEAA). Steckler has served as a beef specialist with the U of I Extension for six years. Although based at Dixon Springs, she works with cattle producers across Illinois. Steckler earned a doctorate, masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s degree Teresa Steckler and bachelorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s degree, all in animal sciences from the U of I. Her area of expertise is infertility and estrus synchronization in cattle. A native of Olney, she conducts beef research at Dixon Springs and delivers technical information applications to livestock farmers. A Farm Bureau member, Steckler said she looks forward to learning about different aspects of Farm Bureau. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I look forward to learning about Farm Bureau and to providing as much information as the board would like about what Extension is doing,â&#x20AC;? Steckler said.

Schuyler County Farm Bureau members led by President Ryan Corrie, center, visited with Rep. Norine Hammond, R-Macomb, left, and Adopted Legislator Sen. Christine Radogno, R-Lemont, during last weekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Illinois Farm Bureau annual meeting. Sen. John Sullivan, D-Rushville, also visited with members. (Photo by Schuyler County Farm Bureau Manager Kelly Westlake)

Start Planning Now

Pulaski-Alexander Facilities Board and Lein Small Levy District. He serves as a member of the IAA Political Leadership Cabinet and DTN Farmer Advisory Board. He is a member of the Cornerstone Church Board. Thomas and his wife have two children, Adam and Ivan. Williams will represent District 2, which encompasses Boone, Carroll, Jo Daviess, Ogle, Stephenson and Winnebago counties. Williams and his wife, Arlene, operate a corn and soybean farm. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I have had a lot of great experiences in Farm Bureau. I thought serving the district would be a great opportunity to return some benefits Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve received from being a member.

Attend a meeting at your convenience ...

Date

Location

City

Time

Contact

December 10

Edwards County Farm Bureau

Albion

8:00 AM

Rebecca Perry, 618-445-2113 Carol Jo Beadles, 618-262-5865

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)URQWLHU &RPPXQLW\ &ROOHJH

)DLUÂżHOG

'RXJ $QGHUVRQ

December 10

White County Farm Bureau

Carmi

7:00 PM

Doug Anderson, 618-382-8512

December 11

Giffford State Bank

Giffford

10:00 AM

Callie Heidbreder, 217-568-7311

December 11

Ve ermilion ermil County Farm Bureau

Danville

1:00 PM

Tom Fricke, 217-442-8713

December 12

Bureau County Farm Bureau

Princeton

9:00 AM

Jill Frueh, 815-875-6468

December 12

Ford/Iroquois County Farm Bureau

Gilman

1:30 PM

Brenna Hildenbrand, 815-265-4718 David Treece, 815-265-4712

December 15

St. Johnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Lutheran Fellowship Hall

Red Bud

9:00 AM

Jim Walker Walker, 618-282-2635 Cheryl Zanders, 618-282-2635

NC380D4

Additional meetings take place through March. Follow FarmWeek FarmW Week kÂŽ, FarmW FarmWeekNow.com, eekNow.com, your favorite RFD Radio Networ Network kÂŽ radio station, or ilfb.org/farmbill to learn more.

Young Leaders: Land ownership issues prevail in Western U.S.

Page 5 • Monday, December 15, 2014 • FarmWeek

BY DANIEL GRANT FarmWeek

Illinois farmers don’t have much of an issue with federal ownership of land as most farmland in the Prairie State belongs to private owners. But it’s a major issue out west and one that Illinois farmers and Farm Bureau members should learn more about, according to IFB Young Leaders.

‘We need to manage our natural resources so they’re sustainable long term.’ — Sean Arians IFB Young Leader Woodford County

The condition of government-managed, public lands versus private ownership was discussed by Sean Arians (Woodford County), Jesse Faber (Livingston County), Andy Lenkaitis (Kane County) and Carrie Pollard (Winnebago County) during the finals of the Young Leaders Discussion Meet at the IFB annual meeting in Chicago. “It doesn’t highly impact us in Illinois, but this is an issue we need to be informed of,”

Faber said. “As we look to federal policy, we have the power to enact change and influence how it happens.” The government owns about half the land in the U.S. west of Colorado, Pollard noted. And it currently costs taxpayers to maintain the land. “We’re subsidizing the federal government to manage that land at a loss,” Pollard said. “That’s tax dollars that could be put to better use.” Lenkaitis noted the cost of maintaining Western land adds up to about $10 billion annually. He believes farmers could better care for the land and reduce the taxpayer burden. “We need to protect all of agriculture,” he said. “We want to make sure we have (industry) allies all across the U.S.” Land ownership issues in Western states get complicated by mineral and water rights attached to the land. Arians believes the additional resources, and farmers’ ability to implement conservation practices, rank among reasons more of the land should be privately held. “We need to manage our natural resources so they’re sustainable long term,” said Arians, who won this year’s discussion meet. “We have to educate consumers of what are the benefits. We have real-life

stories to tell legislators to help win that battle.” A shift of more land ownership to family farmers in Western states also could help those families plan for the future, according to Pollard. “There are extremely emotional ties to land,” she said. “But when it’s owned by the government, how do you maintain those ties, grow your operation and plan for the future?” If federal policy changes to allow more private ownership of Western land, there must be

a transition plan, Faber noted. Otherwise, such a move could be counterproductive to ag as mineral rights or oil companies could outbid farmers for the land. “There would have to be a transition plan,” he said. “We don’t want to price farmers off the land.” Pollard agreed that transitioning land from government ownership would create tremendous competition. “Mining and grazing interests would bump heads,” she

said. “We’ve got to figure out a way to maintain both interests. There may be some role for government.” The complexity of the issue makes it even more important for farmers across the U.S. to learn about it and become involved in the political process. “We know this will be a balancing act and there won’t be a simple solution,” Lenkaitis said. “That’s why it’s important for Farm Bureau and other organizations to discuss it and get a consensus.”

IFB YOUNG LEADER COMMITTEE

Delegates: Engage young members BY DEANA STROISCH FarmWeek

Delegates called on the Illinois Farm Bureau Board last week to develop a strategy to attract future generations of farmer leaders. The request was included in a “Sense of the Delegate Body,” one of two resolutions approved during the 2014 IFB annual meeting in Chicago. The other called on Congress to reinstate Section 179 small business expensing at the $500,000 level. Several delegates stressed the need for IFB to engage younger members and not ignore declining membership trends. “The concern I heard on the delegate floor was: How do we engage more of the younger members, get them actively involved in the organization,” said Mark Gebhards, IFB executive director of government affairs and commodities. If membership trends continue nationally, the American Farm Bureau Federation expects to lose 1 million members during the five-year period ending in 2016. In Illinois, Farm Bureau has more farmer-members over the age of 70 than under the age of 40. And projections show populations will decline in 82 of 102 Illinois counties in the next decade. “To overcome these trends, Farm Bureau needs to better understand and adjust to the evolving needs and expectations of members and future leaders,” according to the approved resolution. IFB plans to work with county Farm Bureaus and report recommendations to delegates at next year’s annual meeting. Delegates also called on Congress and President Barack Obama to “swiftly” reinstate Section 179 and other business tax provisions, which expired at the end of 2013. They also urged the next Congress to work on permanent tax law “that provides certainty for farmers and small businesses and enables economic expansion.” “Failure to extend these provisions represents a tax increase, and repeated failure to extend them permanently injects instability and uncertainty into the economy and weakens confidence in the job market,” according to the resolution.

Matt Rush, front left, of Wayne County Farm Bureau, was selected chairman of the Illinois Farm Bureau Young Leader State Committee at last week’s annual meeting in Chicago. He will be assisted in 2015 by, front row, left to right, Jenny Hackman (Mason County), secretary; Matthew Starr (Hancock County), vice chairman; back row, left to right, Keith Mellert (Fulton County), chairman of the Governmental Affairs and Commodities Subcommittee; Jim Hopkins (Kendall County), chairman of the Education and Recruitment Subcommittee; and Daniel Gvillo (Madison County), chairman of the Achievement Subcommittee. (Photo by Ken Kashian)

StateYoung Leader program grows in 2014

The farm industry often receives a great deal of attention for its aging population. The age of principal farm operators in the U.S. averages 58.3 years, according to the 2012 U.S. Ag Census, up 1.2 years from the previous census (2007). The uptick in the age of farmers continues a 30-year national trend. Illinois Farm Bureau Young Leaders didn’t let those types of statistics phase them in 2014, though. Young Leaders made great strides reversing trends in Illinois by adding new members to the program, which focuses on individuals between 18 and 35 years of age. “It’s not hard to find leaders in agriculture,” Jared FineJared Finegan gan, farmer and Ford-Iroquois Farm Bureau member, said in his outgoing address as chairman of the Young Leader State Committee last week at the IFB annual meeting in Chicago. “Three words sum up the past year — leadership, engagement and results.”

New Young Leader programs formed in six Illinois counties last year. Meanwhile, membership in Young Leader collegiate chapters grew to 456 during the same time. Brad Browning, a crop and cattle farmer from West Frankfort (Franklin County), received the statewide award last week at annual meeting for top Young Leader membership recruiter. “We’ve been trying to up numbers, and grow involvement and awareness in issues coming in the future,” Browning said. Part of the success in recruiting new Young Leaders in Franklin County includes a junior Young Leader program for Brad Browning students under 18 years of age. “It’s extremely important (to boost membership in Farm Bureau and Young Leaders),” Browning added. “We could make our future by the choices we make now.” Young Leaders in 2014 recruited 102 new farmer members across the state. — Daniel Grant

FarmWeek • Page 6 • Monday, December 15, 2014

CATCHING UP WITH ADOPTED LEGISLATOR

Robert Gibbs, a political adviser who served as President Barack Obama’s first White House press secretary, shares views and political forecasts with members of Illinois Farm Bureau’s Political Leadership Cabinet. (Photo by Cyndi Cook)

Illinois Rep. Greg Harris, D-Chicago, right, joins his “adopted” Champaign County Farm Bureau leaders during the Illinois Farm Bureau annual meeting last week in Chicago. Chatting with Harris, left to right, are county Farm Bureau Manager Brad Uken, Mark Pflugmacher, county Farm Bureau legislative committee chairman, and J.C. Reitmeier, county Farm Bureau legislative committee vice chairman. Several adopted legislators and county Farm Bureaus met during annual meeting. (Photo courtesy Champaign County Farm Bureau)

Illinois congressman named to head agriculture subcommittee

U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis, RTaylorville, last week was named chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture’s subcommittee on biotechnology, horticulture and research. “I am honored to be selected to chair this subcommittee,

which considers legislation and matters vitally important to Illinois’ agriculture industry,” Davis said. “Agriculture is the backbone of our economy, and I look forward to this opportunity to highlight the important research done throughout the

U.S., including research done right here in Illinois.” House Agriculture Committee Chairman-elect K. Michael Conaway, R-Texas, made the announcement, calling Davis a “strong leader on agricultural issues.”

This program is overflowing with the resources you need to grow your business and your profits.

January 7 Pre-Conference Workshops 1) 2) 3) 4)

Pollination, Pollinators, and Specialty Crop Production High Tunnel and Greenhouse Production Wholesale Marketing from the Farmers and Buyers Perspective Underground Vegetable Treasures: Roots and Tubers

January 8 - 9 Conference Tracks © Fruit © Vegetables © Herbs © Agritourism/Marketing © Organic Production © Business Management

Highlights © Business Management and Misc. Sessions to Include: - Farm to School - Labor and Legal - Whole Farm Revenue Protection

- Pesticide Drift - Irrigation - Aquaponics

January 8 Keynote: Stacy Pasoni, “The Healthy Hippie Chef,” is a chef, author, and healthy living coach. Through in-person cooking demonstrations and a regular segment on “The Spiel,” a program seen on television and viewed globally on-line, Stacy influences thousands of consumers hungry for practical information on how to eat better. She has also been seen on The Today Show and Dr. Oz. Growing up on a small farm in southern Illinois, Stacy is passionate about using fresh local fruits and vegetables in her recipes and teaching. Stacy’s take on consumer’s perceptions will help growers better understand the mindset of a health-conscious society.

For more information: 309-557-2107 or dhandley@ilfb.org SG355W4

Go to www.specialtygrowers.org for full agenda

Gibbs: Farmers need to unite, ‘speak large’ BY KAY SHIPMAN FarmWeek

Farmers can strengthen their political base by joining together just as hundreds of Farm Bureau members did last week in Chicago. Robert Gibbs, a political adviser who served as President Barack Obama’s first White House press secretary, told FarmWeek, “Farmers are well respected in Washington ... Making sure they stay involved with organizations like Farm Bureau makes those smaller numbers, in terms of population, speak large.” Gibbs, an Alabama native who has worked in politics since serving as a congressional intern during college, addressed members of IFB’s Political Leadership Cabinet during the Illinois Farm Bureau annual meeting. “Although not a huge number of people, the economic impact of farming in a lot of states is still the biggest business. That gives farmers a tremendous voice in the process ... The biggest thing is to use the collective voice of farmers to speak on a whole host of issues,” Gibbs said. Not only do farmers need to speak collectively, they also need to contribute and support elected officials “who are supportive of farm legislation in Congress and in Springfield,” Gibbs continued. “First and foremost, the system of our representative democracy doesn’t work unless everybody is involved — and I think farmers know that and have for a long, long time,” he said. “When farmers speak collectively and use the power of that voice and political contributions, it has a tremendous influence on the debate in Congress and in making sure their voices are heard.” Asked for ideas to interest more young people in government and politics, Gibbs said they need to “understand the stake they have in government. Get involved in the debate so your voice is heard. “Political apathy is the biggest public danger we face in the country,” he continued.

To increase voter participation, Gibbs thought outside the box — even though he personally “loves” the tradition of voting on the first Tuesday in November. While same day voter registration and early voting opportunities are good, Gibbs suggested Saturday voting may be a solution and help alleviate some of the technical election problems. As for young people considering a career in politics, Gibbs encouraged them “to get involved in any sort of an organization that fights for the policy issues you care about — left or right, Republican or Democrat.” He urged them to seek a government internship, a path he took as a student at North Carolina State University. Gibbs served an internship for Alabama Congressman Glen Browder, who served on the House Agriculture Committee. Gibbs told Farm Bureau leaders one of the first pieces of legislation he worked on was increasing the estate tax exemption. Looking into the near future, Gibbs estimated a six- to 12month window for congressional action exists. He saw “a genuine level of possibility” for some level of corporate tax reform, increased trade agreements with Europe, Asia “and other places,” and maybe immigration. Those issues “have something for both sides of the aisle,” he noted. “A divided government (with Republicans controlling Congress and Democrats, the White House) may bring us less divided government,” Gibbs said. He reasoned Obama will want a legacy “that’s his skin in the game” and Republicans need to “prove they can govern” to successfully gain the White House in the next election. However, the economy will remain the No. 1 issue through the remainder of Obama’s administration, according to his former press secretary. “People’s view on their lives and views on our country are largely determined by how they feel economically.”

Winstead: Crop acreage mix will come back into focus Page 7 • Monday, December 15, 2014 • FarmWeek

BY DANIEL GRANT FarmWeek

Many traders currently focus on the final U.S. harvest numbers for this year and growing conditions in South America. But it won’t be long before the planting mix for next year Cory Winstead becomes a focal point, according to Cory Winstead, AgriVisor account manager. And with a general belief that U.S. farmers will plant less

corn next year after this year’s record harvest and subsequent downturn in prices, Winstead believes the market actually could have to buy some corn acres in the months ahead. “We’re going to start talking and hearing a lot about acres,” Winstead told farmers at the Illinois Farm Bureau annual meeting in Chicago. “You hear a lot of people talk about the fact we’ve never had more bean acres than corn (in the U.S.). Will (2015) be the year?” Informa Economics projects U.S. farmers will plant an equal mix of crops next year, about 88.3 million acres each of corn and beans. That

Elimination of ‘silos’ should move Big Data forward for farmers BY DANIEL GRANT FarmWeek

Many farmers are “data rich and insight poor” when it comes to Big Data generated on ag operations, according to Ron Milby, GROWMARK executive director of agronomy/ marketing. The industry, however, continues to work to provide farmers better services and agronomic recommendations based on all the information derived from farming devices to close the gap. One key area, telematics, should help sync technology on all farms so it works in harmony. “We have data silos. A red machine can’t talk to a green machine and vice versa,” Milby told farmers at the Illinois Farm Bureau annual meeting in Chicago. “That’s something we need to fix. Enabling technology can move this forward.” The Open Ag Data Alliance provides an open, secure and permission-based solution for the exchange of data. Ag companies also are building and updating systems that are more user friendly and universal. FS recently launched Advanced Information Services that connects the data with insight so farmers can use the data on their farms and turn it into useful solutions. “The real value (of Big Data) is when we use it and it drives a key decision,” Milby said. “That’s where we’re going to focus moving forward.” Technology can help farmers improve output and become more efficient via variable rate seeding and variable rate applications of lime and pesticides. A growing technological field, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), also can help farmers identify pest or disease issues, improve crop stands by locating holes in fields and locate areas of fields that may need additional nitrogen to boost yields, among other uses. “Linking all this (data) through telematics will help farmers make better agronomic decisions,” Milby said. Farmers who use UAVs must do so as a hobby, though, as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) hasn’t approved commercial use of UAVs on a widescale basis. FAA last week approved four companies for commercial use of UAVs, bringing the total number of commercial approvals to 13. Other barriers to adoption of technology include finding people to service it and the fact that new models come out so quickly that many farmers are concerned new equipment will rapidly become outdated. New equipment and technology also must provide enough value to cover the cost. “Return on investment is the key in all of this,” Milby said.

AFBF farm games available online

All 19 “My American Farm” games offered by the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture can now be played online using any type of tablet, including all versions of Apple iPad. Thanks to a generous technology enhancement grant by DuPont Pioneer, each game was updated to enable online game play on all tablets. Users can now simply visit {myamericanfarm.org} through a PC/Mac or tablet and play all games with ease.

In addition to the full online version, a condensed app featuring six My American Farm games was recently released for tablet devices. The app can be downloaded on iTunes, Google Play or Amazon for Kindle Fire at {bit.ly/YIDgrK}. My American Farm is an educational game platform launched in 2011 to engage pre-K through fifth grade learners in agriculture. Today, the free site offers 19 agriculturally themed games.

FarmWeekNow.com

Visit FarmWeekNow.com to watch videos of activities during last week’s annual meeting in Chicago.

would be a jump in bean acres and about 3 million fewer acres of corn compared to this year. The boost in bean plantings could occur due to a favorable price margin compared to corn. The corn-soybean ratio was 2.6-to-1, but recently declined to 2.3-to-1. Winstead predicts the bean market could experience a gradual decline in the months ahead, while corn actually could increase. If realized, the corn-soybean ratio could be closer to 2-to-1 next spring. “I see a gradual decline of bean prices and some support for corn prices,” he said. “I think we’ll have to buy some corn acres between now and spring.” Winstead noted that, if U.S. farmers plant 88.3 million acres of corn next year and yields return to the national trend average around 163.7 bushels per acre, the carryout next year could end up between 1.3 billion and 1.7 billion bushels. “That’s not bullish, but it’s

friendly,” Winstead said of his corn stocks projection. On the other hand, if farmers plant 88.3 million acres of beans next year with a trend yield of 43.6 bushels per acre, ending stocks could grow to 600 million to 700 million bushels compared to recent carryouts between 100 and 200 million bushels. “We could see a continued

grind down of (soybean) prices (if production jumps next year),” he said. For more information or to sign up for AgriVisor’s free EVisor updates, visit the website {agrivisor.com}. AgriVisor provides free, daily fundamental and technical advice to Farm Bureau members about corn, beans, wheat, cattle and hogs.

DOLLARS FOR SCIENCE EXHIBIT

Illinois Farm Bureau President Richard Guebert Jr., right, presents Bert Vescolani, president of the Saint Louis Science Center, with $30,000 toward a new $6 million agricultural exhibit at the science center. The check presentation and announcement of IFB’s fundraising campaign occurred during the IFB annual meeting in Chicago last week. County Farm Bureaus are challenged to contribute by May 1 with IFB matching those contributions up to $100,000. (Photo by Ken Kashian)

FarmWeek • Page 8 • Monday, December 15, 2014

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Page 9 • Monday, December 15, 2014 FarmWeek

Miller, Weldon receive IFB Eagle Award for Excellence A biotechnology industry leader and a former Illinois Farm Bureau vice president of finance received the IFB Eagle Award for Excellence at the 2014 IFB Annual Meeting. David Miller serves as president and CEO of the Illinois Biotechnology Industry Organization (iBIO), while Robert Weldon retired as IFB and David Miller COUNTRY Financial vice president of

finance and treasurer in 1999. In addition to serving as iBIO CEO, Miller acts as president, CEO, co-founder and board member of iBIO Institute, a public charity. The charity’s two centers deliver science and math programs to teachers and students, and assist life sciences startups in Illinois. Miller of Chicago directs iBIO’s mission to make Illinois and the Midwest one of the world’s top life sciences centers. iBIO’s members develop and market agricultural, industrial and medical applications.

Miller has worked closely with IFB to develop the Vision for Illinois Agriculture (VIA) since its inception in 2008. Through his leadership, iBIO became the primary funding sponsor of VIA. With plans to retire at the end of the year, Miller also regularly participated in the Illinois Ag Legislative Roundtable. He has worked to unite the agriculture, pharmaceutical and medical industries on issues of common interest. Weldon served as chief fiscal officer for IFB and COUNTRY Financial as well

as treasurer of four IAA Trust Mutual Funds. He also oversaw treasurer duties for IAA Trust Company, Illinois Agricultural Auditing Association, Robert Weldon Illinois Agricultural Holding Company and AgriVisor Services Inc. He also served as treasurer and director of the Illinois Agricultural Service Company. Weldon is part-owner of a 270-acre Winnebago

Exemplary leadership and service to agriculture earned Philip Nelson, Illinois Farm Bureau’s immediate past president, the Charles B. Shuman Distinguished Service Award. Receiving the organization’s highest honor at the IFB Annual Meeting, Nelson operates a grain and livestock farm near Seneca with his wife, Carmen, and their children, Kendall, Rachel and Kyle. They grow corn, soybeans, alfalfa and run a cowcalf operation. The fourth-generation farmer served as IFB’s 14th president from 2003-13. He

also served as IFB vice president from 1999-2003. During his IFB leadership tenure, Nelson represented farmers on USDA’s first Biotechnology Advisory Committee and the Federal Grain Inspection Service Advisory Committee. He currently serves on the Agricultural Technical Advisory Committee for Trade in Animals and Animal Products. Nelson began his Farm Bureau leadership legacy as LaSalle County Farm Bureau president. He helped establish the county’s Ag in the Classroom program. An Illinois FFA Star

Farmer and American FFA Degree recipient, Nelson captured the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) Outstanding Young Farmer honor in 1984. He holds an associate degree in agriculture production from Joliet Junior College. He graduated from IFB’s Agricultural Leaders of Tomorrow Program and the Illinois Ag Leadership Program. IFB’s Distinguished Service Award honors the memory and service of Charles B. Shuman, a Moultrie County farm leader who served as president of both IFB and AFBF.

Illinois Farm Bureau Immediate Past President Philip Nelson, right, receives the Charles B. Shuman Distinguished Service Award from IFB President Richard Guebert Jr. Nelson captured the award at the IFB annual meeting for exemplary leadership and service to agriculture. (Photo by Ken Kashian)

Agriculture literacy leaders and volunteers with the Calhoun, Champaign and Kane County Farm Bureaus received the 2014 Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom (IAITC) volunteers of the year award at the Illinois Farm Bureau annual meeting last week in Chicago. The honorees included Ruth Johnson, Calhoun County Farm Bureau; Judi Stierwalt, Champaign County Farm Bureau; and Alyce Konen, Kane County Farm Bureau. Each year, County Farm Bureaus nominate volunteer leaders for recognition of outstanding efforts in

bringing agriculture into the classrooms of Illinois. Counties reported that during the 2013-14 school year 4,503 volunteers participated in IAITC efforts. Johnson not only works as the local school librarian, but she also co-chairs the Calhoun County AITC. She Ruth Johnson has been active in the county Adopt-A-Classroom program, handles ag trivia at the county fair and works with the local FFA chapter

to assist members in selecting the most accurate agriculture books to use with elementary students. Johnson constantly steps up to ensure all AITC programs are completed, and students across the Judi Stierwalt county have been touched by her special AITC presentations. Stierwalt pioneered the Champaign County AITC program when she opened the door for classroom presentations on agriculture.

During the last 21 years, she played a key role in the annual Ag Days event for third grade students who attend schools across Champaign County. In addition to organizing and participating in the activity, she also recruited more than 65 volunteers for each two-day event. She worked to see accurate resources are implemented and have a local impact. Stierwalt also has served on the county Farm Bureau board and county Farm Bureau Foundation board. Konen has actively supported the Kane County Spring Program of Read-

County dairy far m. He ser ved in the U.S. Ar my from 1956-58. He earned a bachelor’s degree in animal husbandry from Colorado State University and a master’s degree from Har vard Business School. Weldon and his wife, Karla, live in Nor mal and have four children. The IFB Eagle Award for Excellence provides IFB an opportunity to recognize individuals or organizations for excellence on issues or programs important to Farm Bureau and agriculture on a statewide and/or national basis.

Nelson garners Distinguished Service Award

Ag in the Classroom honors top education volunteers

ing Outreach to Urban Teachers and Students, known as SPROUTS. She has secured Alyce Konen funding for books for the program as well as model far m machinery to help show students what is going on in local fields. During the last five years, her effor ts have reached more than 7,000 students with an accurate message about ag riculture.

FarmWeek • Page 10 Monday, December 15, 2014

Arians wins YL Discussion Meet Sean Arians of Woodford County will represent Illinois Farm Bureau in the Young Leader Discussion Meet finals at the 2015 American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) convention Jan. 10-14 in San Diego. Arians won the 2014 state discussion meet last week at the IFB annual meeting in Chicago. “It was a tough competition this year,” Arians said. “There were great competitors Sean Arians who are very knowledgeable (about ag issues) and who have a wide range of backgrounds, which added to the discussions. It was really enjoyable.” Arians possesses a great deal of experience in Young Leaders as he joined the group and got involved in the discussion meet in 2000-01. He also previously served as chairman of the Young Leader State Committee. “It (the discussion meet) started to help fuel my passion

and desire to talk about issues facing our industry,” he said. “We have many challenges in ag,” he continued. “This is a great platform to share ideas and it’s great practice for tough conversations with lawmakers and consumers.” Arians works as a marketing manager for Precision Planting and begins managing his family’s farm next year. “I’ve been involved in the family farm, but this (coming) year will be my first farming. What a great year, at $3.50 corn, to jump in,” he quipped. “That will change my role,” he continued. “Working in the industry, I’ll be able to apply what I talk about and do every day.” The discussion meet serves as an exchange of ideas and information in which contestants – Young Leaders between the ages of 18 and 35 – analyze problems and develop solutions in a cooperative manner. Arians and three finalists discussed the condition of government-managed public lands versus private ownership, an issue that mostly affects farmers and landown-

ers in the western U.S. “Part of the process (of competing in the discussion meet) is researching topics you might discuss,” he said. “It really opens your eyes to challenges in the industry (nationwide).” As winner of the discussion meet, Arians will receive two months or 100 hours use of a Massey-Ferguson tractor, compliments of AGCO, $2,500 from Illinois Farm Bureau and expense-paid trips to the 2015 AFBF annual meeting and Young Farmer and Rancher Conference, the 2015 YL State Conference and the 2015 GROWMARK annual meeting. The runner-up of the discussion meet was Jesse Faber of Livingston County. Other finalists were Andy Lenkaitis of Kane County and Carrie Pollard of Winnebago County. IFB sponsors the discussion meet with the goals of developing young peoples’ leadership and communication skills on behalf of agriculture and of working together to reach consensus on how to deal with current issues in agriculture.

Collegiate FB discussion meet winners honored

Clayton Carley of Iroquois County and Michaela Smith of Wayne County will represent Illinois Farm Bureau in the Collegiate Discussion Meet during the American Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers & Ranchers Conference Feb. 14-16 in Nashville, Tenn. They will compete at the national meet for scholarships. The discussion meet winners were recognized during Clayton Carley the Illinois Farm Bureau annual meeting in Chicago. The two claimed top

honors in the IFB Young Leader and Postsecondary Agricultural Student Organization discussion meet in October. Carley, who won the state discussion meet, attends the University of Illinois. Smith, who placed second, attends Michaela Smith Southern Illinois University. The IFB Young Leader Committee sponsors the Collegiate Discussion Meet for college students pursing agriculture degrees.

Terry Entwistle, a former Menard County Farm Bureau president, not only answers Illinois Farm Bureau’s call to contact legislators about important issues, but he also generates additional calls from family and friends. Entwistle said he frequently encourages his wife and coffee buddies to join his legislative outreach efforts. “It’s got to be done. If Terry Entwistle we don’t, they’ll run us out of business,” Entwistle said. Entwistle of Petersburg received an iPad for his legislative work on behalf of IFB. He accepted recognition at IFB’s annual meeting in Chicago. He was selected among the eligible Farm Bureau members who responded to Farm

Bureau action requests and reported their legislative contacts as part of FB ACT (Farm Bureau Agricultural Contact Team). Entwistle said he contacted several legislators about the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s “waters of the U.S.” proposal because he’s concerned it may impact use of his farm ponds. Entwistle commented he usually calls legislators on the phone and also uses emails. When needled by some of his coffee group to explain what Farm Bureau has done for them, Entwistle replies, “What are you doing for Farm Bureau?” Entwistle’s looking forward to using an iPad, which will be a new device for him. “I’ll rely on (Menard County Farm Bureau Manager) Ms. (Ashley) Beutke to help me set it up and give it a run for the money,” he said, with a chuckle.

Alms wins 2014 top crop adviser award

Ron Alms, a crop adviser from Maple Park in Kane County, was named the 2014 Illinois Certified Crop Adviser award winner at the Illinois Farm Bureau annual meeting last week in Chicago. Alms has 42 years of crop advising experience and earned his certification the second year it was offered. The Certified Crop Adviser Award is designed to increase awareness that farmers and their crop advisers strive to make economically and environmentally sound cropping decisions. Ron Alms For the Elburn Cooperative Co., Alms works in agronomy sales with about 150 farmers who farm approximately 50,000 acres. He also helps walk-in clients with a variety of needs. His expertise in crop production ranges from grains and oilseeds to specialty crops, hay and pasture management. He focuses on seed, soil fertility and crop protection products and alerts clients via email about potential production risks in the area. For many years, he coordinated the co-op’s annual grower meetings, providing clients with information about new agronomic products, and agrichemical and seed technology. He also plans and oversees the company variety test plots and provides agronomic information for the company website as well as updates on growing degree days and rainfall. Alms has mentored other co-op agronomy staff and encouraged them to achieve the crop adviser certification. The Kane County Corn Growers awarded Alms a lifetime membership for his service to the organization and its members. Alms also serves his community. He initiated and continues to spearhead the co-op’s food hunger relief efforts through Kane County Farm Bureau’s Harvest for ALL program. From test plot proceeds, the co-op made donations to a local food pantry. Alms secured matching contributions from a foundation and raised additional funds at the co-op’s golf outing. Young people and 4-H also benefit from Alms’ services. He volunteers at the annual 4-H sale, and works closely with the livestock show and auction during Elburn Days. As the state’s top crop adviser winner, Alms’ name has been submitted for the international award by the Illinois Certified Crop Adviser Board and IFB.

TEAM SANTA

Entwistle recognized for legislative contacts

Sangamon County Farm Bureau Director Paul Rice and county Farm Bureau member Janet Edwards celebrate their county’s team winning the Trivia Contest spirit award at the Illinois Farm Bureau annual meeting last week in Chicago. A Douglas County Farm Bureau team answered the most questions correctly, while the staff spirit award was won by a team comprised of IFB News & Communications, Governmental Affairs & Commodities, and Member Services & Public Relations Division staff. The event raises money for the IAA Foundation and ag literacy programs. (Photo by Ken Kashian)

County Farm Bureaus recognized for outstanding program awards

Page 11 • Monday, December 15, 2014 FarmWeek

Forty-nine county Farm Bureau programs achieved the designation of “Most Outstanding Program” last week at the Illinois Farm Bureau annual meeting in Chicago. Some of the winning programs already have been featured in FarmWeek or are the subject of upcoming features. The following report provides a brief synopsis of one award-winning program in each of the nine categories. The spokespeople, while integral to the projects reviewed here, are representative of numerous volunteers responsible for the program’s success. Daniel Grant conducted interviews for this feature.

AG LITERACY

“Acre for Education” Justin Scheibe, Monroe County Ag education efforts received a boost in Monroe County from the Young Leader Committee and generosity of local farmers, landowners and business people. An Ag Literacy Coalition was formed and initial funding was generated by the Young Leader Acre for Education program. “It’s very important to educate our youth about agriculture,” Scheibe said. Justin Scheibe “This money definitely is helping get awareness for ag.” Young Leaders ask local farmers to donate one acre of profit to the Ag in the Classroom program or provide a monetary donation. Farmers or landowners who donate the profit from an acre receive a sign to place near their fields. The program so far raised more than $5,000 for ag education efforts in the county. “We’re trying to match a grant,” Scheibe said. “We should be there by the end of the year.” The successful program will continue next year, he added.

COMMODITIES AND MARKETING

“Don’t Mess with the RFS Rally” Steve Fricke, Stephenson County The ethanol industry provides a key market for corn farmers around the state, including Stephenson County. Farm Bureau in response teamed with a local ethanol plant, Adkins Energy in Lena, and commodity organization leaders to urge lawmakers to maintain policy that supports the use of corn-based fuel via the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS). More than 100 people, including community leaders, legislators and a Steve Fricke member of Congress, attended a public rally in Stephenson County called, “Don’t Mess with the RFS.” Speakers at the event represented the ethanol plant, Illinois Farm Bureau, Illinois Corn Growers Association, Illinois Soybean Association and the Chamber of Commerce. “It was great to work with the other organizations and see the response we got,” Fricke said. “It (the ethanol industry) is a big market for us growing corn,” he continued. “And Farm Bureau members are a big part of the customer base.” Rally members pushed for maintaining the RFS and expanding use of ethanol by shifting from E10 to E15 blends.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

“Defensive Driving Class” Cheryl Walsh, Peoria County The Peoria County Farm Bureau unveiled a program to address a growing concern that, while farm equipment traveling on roads continues to increase in size, many young people’s overall knowledge about that equipment continues to decrease. Farm Bureau teamed with the County Sheriff ’s Department to conduct a “Traveling Rural Roads” program as an optional part of high school drivers’ education classes around the county. Cheryl Walsh “We have a lot of city kids who don’t understand (how farm equipment operates or the hazards of slow moving vehicles (SMVs) on roads),” Walsh said. “A lot of kids beginning to drive are further removed from the farm.” The 45-minute program highlights the SMV emblem, flashing amber lights, wide farm equipment, dangerous

left-hand turns and visibility a farm equipment operator has of vehicles behind them. Walsh believes the program creates an eye-opening experience for young drivers. She hopes it will continue in Peoria County and added in other counties around the state. “Sometimes kids don’t get the concept of how big (farm) equipment really is,” she added. “I think (the driving class) will help reduce accidents.”

LEGISLATIVE/POLITICAL PROCESS

“WOTUS Campaign” David White, Wayne County The Wayne County Farm Bureau organized an extensive, grassroots campaign in response to one of the biggest issues and threats to agriculture in the last year. The “waters of the U.S.” (WOTUS) campaign takes aim at the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposed rule to change the definition of “navigable” waters in the Clean Water Act. “We can’t understand how (EPA) David White can take a law in effect and interpret it in a whole different way,” White said. “We just think the rule is not workable.” Wayne County campaign organizers used materials on the issue produced by the American Farm Bureau Federation and Illinois Farm Bureau, and co-sponsored radio and newspaper ads, mailed postcards to county residents, distributed bumper stickers and used social media to urge the Obama Administration to “Ditch the Rule.” “It (the campaign) makes a difference,” White said. “A lot of people who hadn’t heard about it (the WOTUS issue) saw a lot of that stuff and started asking questions.” Wayne County Farm Bureau members also submitted written comments to EPA about the critical issue.

LOCAL AFFAIRS

“Joint Meeting with County Board and Farm Bureau” Ray Krausz, Clinton County The Clinton County Farm Bureau hosts an annual joint meeting with the County Board of Supervisors and local elected officials that proved particularly timely this year. Local residents concerned about a proposal for enterprise zones in the county learned more about the situation. Farm Bureau also hosted an additional information meeting about the impact of enterprise zones. “We talked about local issues and eased Ray Krausz some of the concerns,” Krausz said. The annual meeting allows Farm Bureau members to meet and discuss issues with local officials. The Clinton County Farm Bureau Board established a set of objectives and maintains a top objective to be the “Voice of Agriculture in Our County.” “We have a real good relationship with the county board,” Krausz said. “Whenever an issue comes up, the county board calls us to ask for Farm Bureau’s opinion.”

COMMUNICATION AND PROMOTION

“Farm-to-Fork Dinner Series” Clint Robinson, Moultrie County Local farmers, through a Farm Bureau program in Moultrie County, found an extremely effective method to cultivate relationships and teach people about farming. Moultrie County farmers served local residents the very food they grow via a Farm-to-Fork Dinner Series. “It’s a great program,” Robinson said. “So many people don’t understand farming. It’s nice to put a face with a farm and a product.” Clint Robinson More than 200 local residents dined and were entertained at three farm-to-fork dinners held at various locations around the county. Local farmers discussed food production and chefs discussed food preparation at each event.

The program reached thousands of other people via coverage in local newspapers, radio and television. “It’s a program pretty much any county can handle,” Robinson said. “There was a lot of planning involved but, once you do one, it’s amazing how people in the community really want to be part of it.”

MEMBER RELATIONS

“Benefit Zone” Vallori Degler, Coles County Coles County Farm Bureau members grabbed the attention of existing and potential members by taking Farm Bureau benefits promotion to a new level. A “benefit zone” was set up at a local mall during a three-day farm show, which featured large and creative displays to illustrate and promote benefits of Farm Bureau membership. Products that come with a Farm Bureau discount, ranging from tires Vallori Degler and paint to hearing aids, were on display in the benefit zone. A grocery sack display that “spilled” food out on a table and a mannequin dressed in farm clothing “modeled” attire and work boots available with Farm Bureau membership discounts. “We made an effort to make the display of membership benefits much larger and more impactful this year,” Degler said. “It was a real strong visual. It piqued a lot of interest and people seemed to respond well to it.” The benefit zone also provided an opportunity for Farm Bureau members to approach potential new members and to educate others about the organization and farming in general. “We try to bring more awareness around the county to what Farm Bureau is about and the services Farm Bureau does for the community,” Degler said. “We had inquiries and a lot of questions from nonfarmers.”

POLICY DEVELOPMENT

“Illinois Policy Review” John Kiefner, Will County The Will County Farm Bureau connected its farm and nonfarm members at an insightful policy review session. A popular radio show host from the WLS “The Morning Drive” program hosted the event in which he offered a variety of issues for members to dissect and voice their opinions. “There definitely are a lot of people who are frustrated with what’s going on in Illinois (politics),” Kiefner said. John Kiefner “The impetus of the program focused on what we can do. How can we implement change?” An “unintended consequence” of the program was quite positive as the popular radio host drew a number of Farm Bureau A members to the event. “It brought in a lot of associate members who didn’t have much interest at all (in farm issues) to come see what Farm Bureau stands for,” Kiefner said. The program served as a good preview for the November elections and focused on key ag issues including GMO labeling and energy policy.

YOUNG LEADER/YOUNG FARMER

“Grain for Growth” Rachel Meinhart, Effingham County Young Leaders scored a major “haul” last year when they introduced the Grain for Growth wagon in Effingham County. A used grain wagon was refurbished by Young Leaders around the county who sandblasted, painted and put new running gear on it. Meinhart, the county Ag in the Classroom coordinator and YL chairman, and others towed the wagon to fields during the last two harvests in Rachel Meinhart search of grain donations that benefit Ag in the Classroom. “It’s a little more personable,” Meinhart said. “We ride with them (local farmers during harvest) and talk to them about Ag in the Classroom.” Farmers last year donated grain worth more than $6,000. This year, Grain for Growth donations tallied nearly $10,000. “It is doing very well,” Meinhart said. “Farmers in the county are very receptive of the project.”

FarmWeek • Page 12 Monday, December 15, 2014

County Farm Bureau AWARDS PROGRAM ®

2014 Illinois Farm Bureau Annual Meeting

2014 PRESIDENTS AWARD WINNERS

2014 LIBERTY BELL WINNERS

Group I Group II Group III Group IV Group V -

Edwards CFB Washington CFB Monroe CFB Ford-Iroquois FB Champaign CFB

AWARDS KEY: G = Gold star S = Silver star B = Bronze star * = Completed projects no award.

County Farm Bureaus are recognized for achieving MEMBERSHIP QUOTA PROGRAM AWARDS recognize overall excellence in 8 Program Areas.

Scott CFB Pike CFB Monroe CFB Randolph CFB Champaign CFB

AWARDS KEY: G = Gold star S = Silver star B = Bronze star * = Qualified committee no award.

COMMITTEE AWARDS are presented to outstanding county Young Leaders, Women’s, and Prime Timers Committees. MULTI-COUNTY PROJECTS AWARDS recognize county Farm Bureaus for excellence in working together with other counties to achieve program success. Recognition is also given to County Farm Bureaus for years of CONTINUOUS MEMBERSHIP GROWTH – Voting and/or Total.

TOP 5 VOTING QUOTA COUNTIES: 1st Place - Jefferson, 2nd Place - Union, 3rd Place - Pope-Hardin, 4th Place - Moultrie, 5th Place - Williamson

TOP 5 TOTAL QUOTA COUNTIES: 1st Place - Moultrie, 2nd Place - Effingham, 3rd Place - Williamson, 4th Place - St. Clair, 5th Place - Johnson

MOST OUTSTANDING PROJECTS AG LITERACY

HEALTH AND SAFETY

LOCAL AFFAIRS

MEMBER RELATIONS

YOUNG LEADERS/YOUNG FARMERS

Group I:

MASSAC Farm Follies

Group II:

WHITE 4th Annual Young Leader Pistol Shoot

BROWN Dr. Seuss Visits the Classrooms LAWRENCE “Ag Book of the Month” Club Group II: RICHLAND SPARK

Group III: MONROE Acre for Education Group IV: WHITESIDE Farm in the Park Group V: MACON Agucation

CALHOUN Farm Safety Trivia

Group II: PERRY Family Night at the Park

CUMBERLAND IEPA TMDL Watershed Meeting

DOUGLAS Breakfast Scrambles

Group II: PIATT Forestry Workshop

Group II: WASHINGTON YL’s “Meals in the Field” MCDONOUGH Yellowsheet COLES Benefit Zone Group III: SHELBY Group III: JACKSON Group III: KNOX 14th Annual Safety Day - May Dinner & Discussion with County Board Ag Night at Baseball Game Group IV: RANDOLPH Group IV: CLINTON Group IV: GRUNDY Grain Handling Coalition Joint Meeting with County Board Outstanding Farm Bureau Member and Farm Bureau Group V: PEORIA Group V: COOK Group V: MCHENRY Defensive Driving Class in High Schools Two-Day County Staff Exchange Encouraging Ag Advocates LASALLE Fall Harvest Safety Display Contest

Group III: CHRISTIAN 2nd Annual Plowing the Streets 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run Group IV: EFFINGHAM Grain for Growth Group V:

CHAMPAIGN Summer Farm Forum

COMMODITIES AND MARKETING

LEGISLATIVE/POLITICAL PROCESS

COMMUNICATION AND PROMOTION

POLICY DEVELOPMENT

Group I:

DOUGLAS Marketing Agriculture Products for Profit (MAPP) Group II: WASHINGTON “Bureau Bucks” for Farmers’ Markets Group III: HANCOCK 7th Annual Residue Management Conference Group IV: STEPHENSON “Don’t Mess with the RFS” Rally Group V: KANE Food Hub Feasibility/Specialty Growers Contracts

GALLATIN Annual Legislative Lunch Group II: PIATT Harvest Visit Group III: WAYNE WOTUS Campaign Group IV: RANDOLPH Evening in the Country Group V: CHAMPAIGN Waters of the United States

MOULTRIE Farm to Fork Dinner Series Group II: FRANKLIN Harvest of Help Group III: CARROLL Mayors Intro to Farm Bureau and Ag Tours Group IV: FORD-IROQUOIS Farm Value Sack Lunch Group V: LAKE Race for Hunger

Group II: Group III: Group IV: Group V:

DOUGLAS Policy Development Breakfast Scrambles PIKE County Meeting FULTON Policy Development Meetings ADAMS Viewpoint Luncheon WILL Illinois Policy Review

Big harvest generates ‘great concern’ for bin safety Page 13 • Monday, December 15, 2014 • FarmWeek

BY DANIEL GRANT FarmWeek

Dave Newcomb, ag rescue manager for the Illinois Fire Service Institute, also works as a farmer. So, he was thrilled with this year’s record harvest. But the billions of bushels jammed into grain bins around the country also represent a great concern for Newcomb as an ag safety professional. The majority of grain storage rests on farms and, not coincidentally, about 70 percent of incidents involving grain bins occur on farms, according to Newcomb. He urged farmers last week at the Illinois Farm Bureau annual meeting to remain vigilant about safety and use a lock-out, tag-out system around grain bins to prevent entrapments. “With this last harvest, we know we have a lot of grain to deal with,” Newcomb said. “A simple padlock and key (on electrical devices on and around bins) can make a difference between life and death.” Newcomb hopes to avoid a repeat of recent history. The number of grain bin entrapments jumped from 44 to 59 from 2009 to 2010. He believes a large corn harvest in 2009 played a key role in the spike of grain bin incidents. Grain bin incidents the last three years totaled 32 in 2011, 20 in 2012 (a down year for corn production due to

Dave Newcomb, ag rescue manager for the Illinois Fire Service Institute, displays an inexpensive set of padlocks and lock-out tags during a presentation at the Illinois Farm Bureau annual meeting in Chicago. Newcomb urges farmers to use a lock-out, tag-out system around grain bins to reduce the risk of entrapments and other incidents. (Photo by Daniel Grant)

drought) and 33 in 2013. About half of all incidents result in death. “Our goal is prevention,” Newcomb said. “I believe a lock-out, tagout system would’ve saved at least seven lives in 2013.”

Grain bin safety webinar Thursday Safe entry of grain bins and alternatives to entering bins will be the subject of a 1:30 p.m. webinar Thursday sponsored by the Illinois Grain Handling Safety Coalition. John Lee, director of Safety-Health-Environmental Services Program for the Grain and Feed Association of Illinois, will lead the webinar. Webinar topics will include best practices for safe grain bin entry, ways to reduce or

eliminate conditions leading to a need for grain bin entry and alternatives to bin entry. The webinar covers commercial grain and on-site farm storage facilities and will provide training for long-term as well as newly hired employees. To register, go to {grain safety.org}. Participants need access to high-speed Internet. For questions, call Kendall Trump at 800-7287511.

Illinois FSA reaps produce, honors for community garden

The Illinois Farm Service Agency (FSA) state office recently finished harvesting its fourth annual community garden and received statewide recognition for its community assistance. Gov. Pat Quinn recognized the FSA community garden with a Governor’s Hometown Award during a ceremony at the Illinois State Library, Springfield. He presented awards to recognize volunteers across the state for their community service. In 2014, the Illinois FSA along with many agriculturerelated businesses and groups harvested nearly 17,000 pounds of produce from the garden for the Central Illinois Foodbank food pantry in Springfield. The final harvest occurred in late November with help from the Athens FFA Chapter. The students braved freezing temperatures to collect 1,415 pounds of turnips that raised the garden’s turnip output to 7,810 pounds. Other vegetables grown in the garden include tomatoes, green peppers, sweet corn, zucchini, eggplant, sweet potatoes, potatoes and beets.

A lock-out, tag-out system ensures any moving machinery gets shut off before workers attempt to service or enter bins. He also noted that the culture in farming must change, and farmers should think safety first and lose the

“it can’t happen to me” attitude. Another possible contributor to more grain bin entrapments involves the growing size of bins and grain handling equipment. The diameter of many grain bins has grown from 18 feet in the 1960s and 1970s to a range of 42 to 80-plus feet. Meanwhile, 6-inch augers of the past, which moved about 1,000 bushels per hour, have been replaced by 10- to 14-inch augers that move 4,000 to 4,500 bushels per hour. Larger augers are capable of moving 10,000 bushels per hour. “It (the increased grain moving capacity) makes the grain like a fluid,” Newcomb said. “You’re swimming (if you’re inside a bin with a running auger). You can’t keep up.” A set of padlocks and keys are an inexpensive investment to make sure farm workers aren’t in that position. Farmers who enter grain bins also should use a harness and pulley system. Otherwise, the cost to remove someone from a grain bin could take 75 people four to six hours and cost close to half a million dollars. And, worst of all, getting entrapped in a grain bin could cost a loved one his or her life. For more information visit the website {grainsafety.org}.

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FarmWeek • Page 14 • Monday, December 15, 2014

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U.S. meat exports sizzle; 2015 outlook upbeat

Page 15 • Monday, December 15, 2014 • FarmWeek

BY DANIEL GRANT FarmWeek

Record livestock prices this year apparently didn’t faze foreign buyers of U.S. meat. Exports of beef, pork and poultry increased through the first three quarters of 2014. John Hinners Jr., assistant vice president of industry relations for the U.S. Meat Export Federation, and Greg Tyler, vice president of marketing for the USA Poultry and John Hinners Jr. Egg Export Council, discussed exports and the value of sales to farmers earlier this month at the Illinois Corn Growers Association/MarketGreg Tyler ing Board office in Bloomington. “I think (meat exports) will continue to grow as long as we have access to markets,” Hinners said. U.S. pork exports the first three quarters this year increased 5 percent in volume and 14 percent in value. That places the value of exports to pork producers at

about $64.48 per hog, up 20 percent from last year, according to Hinners. “A lot of that is in the form of underutilized cuts (variety meat) we traditionally don’t eat in the U.S.,” he said. The U.S. pork industry currently exports about 27 percent of production compared to just 5 percent 20 years ago. Beef exports also are on an upward trajectory this year. Sales through the first three quarters are up 3 percent in volume and 15 percent in value. Exports currently are worth about $300 per beef cow sold in the U.S. “(Exports) put an extra $40 per head out there (compared to last year),” Hinners said. “That means something.” Meanwhile, U.S. turkey exports increased 5.1 percent in the past year and set a new record in value. Egg exports previously set a new high in 2013. “Poultry consumption and production continues to grow,” Tyler said. “Our biggest growth is in developing countries.” Growth of poultry sales around the world more than offset import bans in Russia, Tyler noted. The portion of poultry products shipped from the U.S. from 1996 to 2014 increased from 6 percent to 21 percent for broilers and from 1.6 per-

Farm Bill: Your questions answered It’s decision time. Farmers can now choose between Agricultural Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC), programs available through the 2014 farm bill. The ARC/PLC enrollment window goes through at least March 2015. Landowners have until Feb. 27 to decide whether to reallocate base acreage or update payment yields. In addition to hosting informational meetings across the state, Illinois Farm Bureau’s Doug Yoder, senior director of affiliate and risk management, will answer FarmWeek reader questions about the decisions farmers face. This week’s question: Q: If I have farmland in a certain county, but use another county’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) office, how is the county-level ARC payment calculated? A: The county-level ARC benchmark revenue and potential payments are based on the FSA farm’s “administrative” county, not the county the land is physically located in. Administrative County refers to the county FSA office designated by the landowner/operator in which they wish to conduct business.

If you have a question, please email it to dstroisch@ilfb.org, or mail it to: Farm Bill Questions, Deana Stroisch, 1701 Towanda Ave., Bloomington, Ill. 61701.

cent to 13.7 percent for turkey. “We expect poultry and egg exports will continue to increase,” said Tyler, who believes U.S. poultry production could grow 4 to 5 percent next year. The growth of meat exports helps the bottom line

of U.S. livestock and crop farmers. The poultry industry consumes about half the soy meal produced nationwide, according to Tyler. “The livestock market is another way to export (crops) to countries that need it,” said Roger Sy, an Illinois Corn Mar-

BIDDING WAR

keting Board director. “This year, especially, that’s very important to us. We have a lot of corn.” About 160 million bushels of soybeans and 328 million bushels of corn are exported annually via poultry exports, Tyler added.

Illinois FFA Secretary Renee Kinzinger, far left, of New Athens (St. Clair County) signals a bid during the IAA Foundation live auction at the Illinois Farm Bureau annual meeting in Chicago last week. Two GROWMARK Inc. board members, Jack McCormick, left, of Ellis Grove and David Uhlman of Tremont, join the bidding. The auction raises funds for the IAA Foundation, the charitable arm of the IFB, and for ag literacy programs. (Photo by Ken Kashian)

May your Holidays Be Merry & Bright!

Sending our warmest thoughts and best wishes for a wonderful holiday and a Happy New Year. TM

Start early and develop plan for farmer retirement FarmWeek • Page 16 • Monday, December 15, 2014

BY CHRIS ANDERSON FarmWeek

Farmers never retire; they just continue to be outstanding in their fields. So goes the familiar adage. It seems a number of farmers may adhere to the saying as they struggle with the retirement process, while trying to retain the family farm. But three Illinois Farm Bureau members along with Jim Hughes, COUNTRY Financial security consultant, told IFB annual meeting attendees that farm retirement doesn’t mean staging a farm equipment sale and then sitting on the couch. Don Duvall of White County, Gerald Thompson of McLean County and Ron Warfield of Ford County urged annual meeting attendees to start developing a business succession plan as soon as possible, meet with family members and execute the plan.

“It’s never too soon to start. We talked with an accountant and an attorney to develop a simple plan. We wanted to keep the land, but not operate it,” said Duvall, who created a bid booklet with his older brother to attract potential farm operators. “My brother and I were the fourth generation on the farm. There was no fifth generation,” Duvall, White County Farm Bureau president, continued. “Do things over the long term, and be flexible in your plan.” Warfield, former IFB president, started developing a farm business succession plan nearly 12 years ago. Like Duvall, no family members wanted to farm. So, Warfield began interviewing prospective farm operators. “I formed a tag team with Gerald (Thompson),” said Warfield. “I think it’s a common reaction as a farmer to say you’ll never retire. Maybe we

COUNTRY COO announces retirement

Barb Baurer, COUNTRY Financial chief operating officer (COO), announced she will retire in January. Baurer has served as COO since September 1999. Since joining COUNTRY in 1977, she has served as vice president and general manager of the property and casualty companies. Prior to that, she served as vice president of information services. “Our employees and agency force have been like a family for me over the past 37 years, but after 25 years in executive leadership I’m excited to explore this next chapter,” said Baurer. “I’ll leave knowing COUNTRY is in excellent hands, and will continue to be the most trustworthy and customer-focused organization in our industry.” Earlier this year, she received the 2014 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Griffith Insurance Education Foundation, recognizing industry leaders for their commitment to education. In 2013, she received the Eastern Illinois University Distinguished Alumna Award. In 2013, Baurer was inducted into the Illinois State University (ISU) College of Business Hall of Fame. The Griffith Insurance Education Foundation also awarded her the Distinguished Service Award in 2013. She is a member of the Board of the American Institute for Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriters. She also serves on the United Way of McLean County Board and was the 2012 campaign chair.

Listen.

Former Illinois Farm Bureau President Ron Warfield, left, and White County Farm Bureau President Don Duvall share retirement planning tips with David Carr of Macon County Farm Bureau following a panel presentation at the IFB annual meeting. (Photo by Chris Anderson)

should use another word because retirement doesn’t mean you’re not going to do anything. It’s another stage of life in which you use your business plan to allow your operation to continue to grow.” Thompson and Warfield created a corporation for their machinery, which allowed them time to sell and depreciate farm equipment with fewer tax consequences than a farm sale. Executing their plan over 12 years further allowed landlords of rented acreage to know Thompson and feel comfortable transferring the leases to him, Warfield added. “We looked at the two operations and determined what we needed and what we didn’t. We used the University of Illinois FAST tool to allocate machinery costs per acre,” said Thompson. “The key to success was that we never looked at the operation as yours or mine, but ours.” Thompson has started using the same approach to machinery needs with one of his sons who has shown interest in farming. He noted he’s met with all three of his children to

Click.

set a succession agenda. Hughes praised Thompson’s approach. He further noted the importance of a family meeting to get everyone on the same

page. Based in Benton, Hughes often attends farm family planning meetings as “a guest speaker” to bring perspective to business succession planning efforts. “I can share my own farm experience and stories from other farm families,” said Hughes, noting COUNTRY financial security consultants provide free services to IFB members. “Reach out to trusted advisers. Surround yourself with a team, including an accountant, attorney and insurance/financial planner. Plan for retirement the same way you would think about a late, wet spring planting season. You may have to make a late herbicide application, do more tillage or adjust your planter settings. It takes planning to accomplish.”

BIDDING ADVICE

Tazewell County Farm Bureau member Gladys King, left, and Brown County Farm Bureau Manager Kathy Knight inspect items in a donated basket offered in the silent auction during the Illinois Farm Bureau annual meeting last week in Chicago. (Photo by Ken Kashian)

Read.

The most people, on the ground, in Illinois, covering Illinois agriculture for you. Get to know Jim Taylor

RFD Radio Network® (RFDRN) Co-host RFD Illinois market man and news contributor Jim Taylor began his broadcast career with the RFD Radio Network® in 1990. He believes all of the “boots on the ground” throughout Illinois make RFDRN, FarmWeekNow.com, and FarmWeek® the timely, reliable, and local sources for information you can use and trust.

IFB members approach 2015 with less optimism

Nearly 60 percent of delegates and attendees surveyed at last week’s Illinois Farm Bureau annual meeting said they feel less optimistic about the farm economy given current commodity prices and farm input costs. Survey respondents included 502 delegates, alternates and annual meeting attendees. About 70 percent of respondents indicated they plan to reduce inputs and/or expenses in 2015. “This year, on the tails of a record-breaking crop, commodity prices have also dipped, which means farmers are more uneasy going into the year,” said IFB President Richard Guebert Jr. “It’s going to be much more important to have a marketing plan in place to sell crops, buy inputs and plan purchases for the coming year.” Of respondents noting input and expense reductions, • 70 percent said they plan to delay equipment purchases; • 42 percent said they plan to delay or cut back on chemical and fertilizer purchases; • 27 percent said they plan

to negotiate lower cash rent rates; • 22 percent plan to buy less expensive seed; and • 14 percent said they would choose a lower level of crop insurance coverage. The response totals more than 100 percent because respondents could choose multiple answers. Despite indications to cut expenses, 33 percent said they want to purchase farmland in 2015. About 60 percent of respondents said they have yet to decide which farm bill commodity program to choose for the coming crop year. Nearly 30 percent said they plan to choose Agricultural Risk Coverage (ARC) based on county numbers, while 7 percent plan to select ARC individual coverage. Only 4 percent plan to sign up for Price Loss Coverage (PLC). “This survey helps to further discover and discuss members’ concerns, and will help us as we work toward our priorities in the coming year,” Guebert said.

Deer hunters more successful

Illinois deer hunters shot 76,547 deer during the seven-day firearm deer season that ended Dec. 7 based on preliminary figures from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). That compares to 74,318 deer during the same period in 2013. Preliminary numbers for the second segment of the firearm season totaled 24,717, a 34 percent increase compared to 2013. Hunters are reminded that IDNR closed an additional 20 counties to the late-winter antlerless-only seasons Jan. 1-4 and Jan. 16-18. For a map of counties open for late-winter season, visit {www.dnr.illinois.gov/conservation/wildlife/Documents/ LateWinterDeerSeasonMap.pdf}. Archery deer season continues through Jan. 18. For more deer hunting information, visit {www.dnr.illinois. gov/hunting/deer/Pages/default.aspx}.

Tuesday: • FarmWeek: “The Early Word” • Eric Schmidt, EJS Weather • Jim Spradlin, GROWMARK CEO: 2014 summary • Amy Bradford, GROWMARK: GROWMARK’s role in Ag in the Classroom • Mark Baran, USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service: stay in compliance • Genevieve O’Keefe, Illinois Farm Families participant: field mom experience Wednesday: • Laura Pepple, Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering: winter workshops • Jim Bower, Bower Trading

• Susan Moore, IAA Foundation: 2014 progress and summary Thursday: • Rick Weinzierl, University of Illinois Extension: Illinois Specialty Growers, Agritourism and Organic Conference • John Caupert, National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center: update on facility and projects • Dan Hueber, Hueber Report: USDA crop report Friday: • Winfield agronomist • Richard Guebert Jr., Illinois Farm Bureau president • Sean Lynch, Association for Career and Technical Education; Jess Smithers, Facilitating Coordination in Ag Education: preparing students for the ag workforce •“Let’s Talk Horses”

Page 17 • Monday, December 15, 2014 • FarmWeek

HUGS FOR AG IN THE CLASSROOM

OOK — Farm Bureau is selling discounted Marcus Theaters movie tickets. Call the Farm Bureau office at 708354-3276 or stop by for pricing and tickets. AYETTE — Farm Bureau will host a Dakota Access Pipeline informational meeting at 1 p.m. Wednesday at the Farm Bureau office. Laura Harmon, Illinois Farm Bureau Office of the General Counsel, will speak. EORIA — Fruit and nut orders may be picked up from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday in the Farm Bureau lower level auditorium. For more information call the Farm Bureau office at 686-7070. IATT — Farm Bureau will host a cash bash raffle Jan. 16 at the Monticello Best Western. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m., dinner will be served from 6 to 7 p.m. and the raffle will begin at 7 p.m. Call the Farm Bureau office at 7622128 for tickets. Proceeds will benefit the Farm Bureau Foundation and A Small Hand Infant Needs and Diaper Pantry. • Farm Bureau will host a farm bill meeting at 7:30 a.m. Jan. 6 at Woodlawn Country Club in Farmer City. Call the Farm Bureau office at 7622128 to register.

F P P

Kent Prather, Schuyler County Farm Bureau member, gets a hug from Laura Gersch’s students at St. Mary’s of the Sea School in Chicago. Prather visited the adopted classroom students during last week’s Illinois Farm Bureau annual meeting with his wife, Sandy, and daughter, Allison Prather, who write to students throughout the year. The students completed several Ag in the Classroom activities and each received a T-shirt. Farm Bureau members from Fulton, Livingston and Tazewell counties also visited their adopted classrooms. (Photo by Schuyler County Farm Bureau Manager Kelly Westlake)

A gift that fills more than a stocking.

Spread the holiday cheer with the FAST STOP ® gift card. It’s the one-size-fits-all gift that can fill cars with fuel or hearts with cheer. Visit your local FAST STOP location today.

www.efaststop.com

FarmWeek • Page 18 • Monday, December 15, 2014

Optimize storage to get the most out of your grain payday With the 2014 harvest effectively “in the books,” my hope is that you experienced a safe and satisfying end to an amazing chapter. A season of nearly ideal moisture conditions in most areas, milder than usual temperatures and reports of record yields tested even the most prepared producers. The best news was Randy Holthaus the presence of plenty of high quality grain. The downside is that most of the earlier harvest necessitated significant drying. The most critical phase of your

BY RANDY HOLTHAUS

crop year is now upon us and that is maintaining the crop in storage. Improper aeration probably accounts for more lost bushels and profitability than anything else you can do. We are not talking about spoiled grain. We’re talking about lost saleable weight due to untimely or over-aeration causing over-drying of the crop. Electrical costs aside, how many bushels have you “blown away”? Let’s say you end up with 13 percent corn in storage either intentionally to be safe or by accident via your aeration practices. You have effectively given up 3 percent of your grain as a result of shrink loss. Corn at 15 percent moisture contains 8.5 pounds of water per bushel.

Corn at 13 percent moisture contains 7 pounds of water. That’s 1.5 pounds lost from every bushel. On a 50,000 bushel bin of corn, that’s 75,000 pounds or 10,714 gallons of water or 1,339 bushels of corn you could have sold. At a market price of $3.50 per bushel, that’s $4,686 of lost revenue plus the hundreds of kilowatts of electricity you’ve wasted in the process. In order to avoid the over-drying effects of improper aeration, you have to be aware of the temperature and humidity of the air you are blowing through the grain. The corn moisture equilibrium means the resulting moisture that corn will be when exposed to air at a

given temperature and relative humidity. As complicated as that may sound, if the only air that your corn is exposed to measures 40 degrees and 65 percent relative humidity, then the only moisture that it can be is 15.21 percent. Of course, everything is variable and changes constantly, but you can also see the effect of 60-degree air at 55 percent relative humidity equals 12.56 percent moisture. Being diligent, aware and keeping the process in an acceptable range is the real key to success in winning the aeration game. Randy Holthaus serves as Growmark grain systems operations manager. He can be reached at rholthaus@growmark.com.

USDA’s December endings stocks estimates below trade expectations

million bushels of beans. million bushels and boosted ner, market analyst with Spec“The soybean (export) pace trum Commodities, said during soybean exports another 40 is always torrid after harvest USDA’s December supply a teleconference hosted by the million bushels to 1.76 billion and maybe more so this year and demand estimates usually bushels. Minneapolis Grain Exchange. due to the slow planting pace generate little market buzz. Ending stocks for 2014-15 “(The trade) was just looking (in South AmeriAnd this year was no different. for some ca),” Gartner The ag department last minor adjustsaid. “But if week made slight tweaks to ments.” ‘The two biggest (wheat) exporters in the Brazil (soybean) demand and ending stocks The key world (the U.S. and Russia) are going into production is numbers, but mostly left crop adjustments estimates unchanged heading came in the the winter with wheat in pretty bad shape.’ close to what it expects, I imaginto next month’s highly antici- form of ine U.S. sales will pated final report for the 2014 slightly higher crop. demand pro— Louise Gartner back off (in the months ahead).” USDA on Jan. 12 will jections for Spectrum Commodities market analyst USDA last release its final production and corn and week left its estiplanted acreage estimates for beans, which the 2014 crop year. subsequently dipped below the mate for Brazilian soybean resulted in downward adjust“As expected, the (Decem2 billion bushel mark for corn, production unchanged, but ments to ending stocks. Brazil issued its own estimate ber) crop report didn’t have a to 1.998 billion bushels, while USDA raised demand of that predicts an increase in lot of surprises,” Louise Gart- corn used for sweeteners by 10 soybean stocks dipped 40 milproduction of 2 million tons lion bushels to 410 million (73.4 million bushels). bushels. “I was kind of surprised to The average trade guesses prior to the report called for higher see Brazil be this aggressive (with its production estimate) ending stocks around 2.027 bilFeeder pig prices reported to USDA* considering the rough start to its lion bushels of corn and 427 BY DANIEL GRANT FarmWeek

M A R K E T FA C T S

Total Composite Weighted Average Receipts and Price (Formula and Cash): Weight Range Per Head Weighted Ave. Price 10-12 lbs. (formula) $37.50-$80.39 $49.47 40 lbs. (cash) $77.50-$92.50 $88.42 Receipts

This Week 92,126 *Eastern Corn Belt prices picked up at seller’s farm

Last Week 79,537

Eastern Corn Belt direct hogs (plant delivered) Carcass Live

(Prices $ per hundredweight) This week Prev. week Change $83.70 $85.10 -$1.40 $61.94 $62.97 -$1.04

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

Steers Heifers

This week $163.14 $163.80

Prev. week $166.00 $166.00

Change -$2.86 -$2.20

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 $236.90 $244.82 -$7.92

Lamb prices Negotiated, wooled and shorn, 119-168 lbs. for 155.19-174.05 $/cwt. (wtd. ave. 164.03)

Export inspections (Million bushels) Week ending Soybeans Wheat Corn 12/04/2014 81.0 9.9 21.0 11/27/2014 75.3 10.1 29.7 Last year 60.6 19.8 40.5 Season total 872.4 456.2 378.5 Previous season total 703.4 678.9 361.6 USDA projected total 1700 900 1750 Crop marketing year began June 1 for wheat and Sept. 1 for corn and soybeans.

planting season,” Gartner said. Planting issues also loom over the wheat market as many growers in the U.S. and Russia had difficulty planting winter wheat. And some of the wheat that was planted developed poor stands prior to the onset of freezing temperatures. “The two biggest (wheat) exporters in the world (the U.S. and Russia) are going into the winter with wheat in pretty rough shape,” Gartner said. “The stage is set for some pretty big fireworks in the spring when (the wheat crop) starts breaking dormancy.” USDA left its 2014-15 season average prices for corn and soybeans unchanged at $3.20 to $3.80 and $9 to $11 per bushel, respectively. It raised the season-average price for wheat by a dime to a range of $5.80 to $6.20.

Most fieldwork ends; some crops remain in fields Most farmers wrapped up harvest in recent weeks and ended tillage activities due to frozen soils. But a handful of farmers still have unfinished business left this year before they turn their attention to the 2015 crop. FarmWeek CropWatchers Dave Hankammer of Millstadt (St. Clair County) and Pete Tekampe of Grayslake (Lake County) discussed the situation last week at the Illinois Farm Bureau annual meeting in Chicago. “Most crops are pretty well done, but there’s a few, isolated fields of corn still standing,” Hankammer said. “I have about 30 acres of corn still standing I hope to finish when I get home (from annual meeting last week),” he continued. “We went through a couple snowstorms in mid-November that delayed things. A week of rain in October also delayed harvest.” Most corn remaining in fields continues to stand well, according to both CropWatchers. “With all the bad weather we had, that corn stood perfect,” said Tekampe, who finished harvest about two weeks ago. “What’s left (in neighboring fields) is still standing well.” Nationwide, U.S. farmers as of Nov. 24 had 6 percent of the corn crop and 3 per-

cent of beans left to harvest. In Illinois, corn harvest was 97 percent complete. Cold, wet conditions last month not only slowed the last of harvest, but also ended most fall fieldwork. “There wasn’t as much fall tillage because of the wet conditions,” Hankammer said. “And there wasn’t as much wheat planted.” Up north, Tekampe said many farmers in his area managed to squeeze in a lot of fall tillage. But wheat planting was down. “The wheat looks bad,” he said. “I planted some early, then we had two weeks of rain and we couldn’t get back in (the fields). I finally got the last of it in, but it’s not sprouted.” Just 76 percent of the wheat crop emerged as of Nov. 24 compared to the fiveyear average of 90 percent. “I’m not forward-contracting any wheat right now,” Tekampe said. The wheat crop “looks pretty good right now” in parts of southwest Illinois, Hankammer noted. But he wasn’t able to plant his final 40 acres due to inclement weather. Overall, the condition of the winter wheat crop statewide last month rated 11 percent poor or very poor, 33 percent fair and 56 percent good to excellent. — Daniel Grant

Corn Strategy

Mind boggling soybean demand

The trade is having a huge debate about soybean demand with knowledgeable people on both sides of the argument. Everyone agrees demand for soybeans to start the marketing year has exceeded expectations. It’s been well advertised that soybean exports have gotten off to an exceptional start, but we’re not sure the trade realistically appreciates how exceptional. Based on the shipment data, the U.S. had already exported 47.5 percent of the year’s expectations by the end of November. The largest percentage we had ever exported this early was 2012-13. That came in a year that started with record prices, a factor that diminished demand going forward. The U.S. had to ship aggressively early to make up for the shortage of supplies from South America because of the small crop the spring before. And late season exports were undermined by large supplies from a large subsequent South American crop. None of that aligns with the current situation. As it is, we only need to sell

8.8 million bushels per week to reach the USDA forecast. Sales have slowed from the spring/summer pace, but they have averaged 37 million bushels per week during the last four weeks. At that pace, it only takes another nine weeks to reach the USDA forecast. Our crush is off to a slower start than the last two years. But that has been a function of extremely tight old-crop ending stocks and a slow start to harvest. Crush has since accelerated, and with persistent high crush margins should remain strong. With record soybean meal export sales already on the books, and expanding pork and poultry industries, there’s reason to think the crush pace will stay at or near record levels for the next few months. In total, we’ve already used nearly 1.3 billion bushels of this year’s crop, 1.1 billion in the last two months alone. One-third has been consumed, with three-quarters of the marketing year to go. This exceptional demand pace could become a bigger issue if the size of our crop is reduced in January, or weather issues would undermine potential of the South American crop. It would magnify the implications of this early, aggressive consumption of our 2014 crop.

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ü2013 crop: Don’t expect the market to reach long-term upside targets until spring at the soonest. Long-term storage should pay dividends. ü2014 crop: The struggle futures are having at the $4 mark continues to suggest the trend has shifted from up to sideways. Use rallies to get to 50 percent priced and/or to make needed sales. Use forward bids or hedge-to-arrive contracts against May futures to take advantage of the carry when pricing corn. Significantly higher levels may not come until spring/summer. vFundamentals: As expected, USDA only made minor adjustments to the supply/demand forecast in the December report. But as many traders feared, USDA didn’t cut demand forecasts, leaving the ending stocks projection at 2 billion bushels. Looking forward, it seems we may be saddled with a market that drifts sideways through the winter with enough producer selling to cap rallies, and enough end user buying to support breaks.

Page 19 • Monday, December 15, 2014 • FarmWeek Cents per bu.

Soybean Strategy

ü2014 crop: Demand for soybeans and soybean meal continues to keep a floor under prices. But the pipeline for both is returning to normal. Use rallies for catch-up sales. If March futures would rally to $11, boost sales to 75 percent complete. ü2015 crop: We have no interest in pricing 2015 crop at these levels. The first 15 percent of the 2015 crop was priced at $12.07 basis November 2015 futures. vFundamentals: Soybean exports remain robust, but the pace of new sales has started to moderate. They may slow a little more through the holiday period. Prospects for a good South American crop may inhibit interest, too. Brazil is virtually done planting. Argentina is 67 percent complete. Weather has been mostly good in both countries. In Brazil, CONAB (their USDA) raised its forecast from 90.5 million metric tons (mmt) to 95.8 mmt. There aren’t any “official” estimates from Argentina yet, but trade expectations are in the 55 to 57 mmt range.

Wheat Strategy

ü2014 crop: Use rallies for catch-up sales. ü2015 crop: Chicago July has reached our initial target of $6, but we believe that $6.20 is now an obtainable mark that would warrant a first sale for the new crop. vFundamentals: Traders quickly shrugged off the numbers from last week’s world agricultural supply and demand estimates update. The U.S. carryout estimate inched higher by 10 million bushels. The world wheat production forecast gained 2 mmt. Sales lag well behind

last year’s pace, but are still averaging better than what is needed to meet USDA’s current 925 million bushel export estimate. Chatter about potential Russian export restrictions has quieted, but the trade is still talking about their strong domestic consumption and worries about the newly planted winter wheat crop. The market has attached some minor premium to futures as a result of weather worries related to the U.S. winter crop. Drought persists in parts of the Southern Plains and the wheat lacks protective snow cover.

FarmWeek • Page 20 • Monday, December 15, 2014

FEEDING GROWTH with FRESH IDEAS

Local foods can strengthen local economies In many ways, it’s like “Back to the Future” ... In preparing my recent presentation at the Farm Bureau’s Local and Regional Food Summit, I ran across some startling facts. Although not known outright for its current production RON prominence, DUNCAN southernmost Illinois was once the “crown jewel” of fruit, vegetable and floral production in the state. Countless articles and reference works from the 1870s through the 1930s point to southern Illinois, also known as “Egypt,” as the heart of the Chicago and St. Louis areas’ food market supply. Several documented sources pointed to Illinois Central freight cars loading ton after ton of apples, peaches and fresh vegetables bound for the 8-hour ride north to hungry cities that not only wanted the produce, but also counted on it as a staple supply for local shops. Many once important weigh stations along the railway have nearly vanished in southern Illinois. Communities, such as Cobden, Alto Pass and Jonesboro, are a mere shadow of their former importance in feeding much of Illinois. The out-migration of young people, the loss of much of the modest manufacturing base, and the age and poor health metrics of many com-

munities have left our region in an economic tailspin that often places us in the “Top 10” list of poverty, unemployment, mortality and wage disparity. However, a glimpse of the past may actually provide the literal “seeds” of a southern Illinois economic renaissance. More local farmers are finding that dedicating a small portion of their acreage to fresh food crops, such as vegetables, grapes, melons and the like, pays big dividends. Many farmers tell me they can reap more than $3,000 of profit from an acre of such fresh products as berries and grapes. That’s nearly 10 times the average profit yield for an acre of corn in our area! Yes, these crops are labor intensive and bring higher risk as the ability to insure this type of production does not match current commodity production. On the other hand, the rewards extend not only to the farmer, but also to his or her community. A 2012 survey and analysis of the food supply infrastructure of the 24 southernmost counties, conducted by Ken Meter of the Crossroads Resource Center, pointed to this “high reward” potential. Meter reported “if the region’s consumers bought $5 of their food directly from local farms each week, farms would earn $191 million of new farm income.” As an economic development professional, this grabbed my attention. To understand the importance of this value, it would take a $1.6 billion manufactur-

ing or business investment, based on 2012 Fortune 500 averages, in the region to equal the same return on investment represented by this value. By circulating this money at the local level, the collateral benefits can multiply those dollars’ impact. By shifting the balance of the amount of food products toward more local sources, we reduce the “leakage factor” to neighboring states and regions. That is extremely important in southern Illinois because Kentucky, Indiana and Missouri businesses see a large number of Illinois retail dollars crossing the bridges. A number of factors must work together to enable our region to regain the prominence of the last century. As food for thought, I offer the following. • Take community food production seriously. Too often, the importance of a stable local food supply is dismissed as a lifestyle choice or the poster child of the organic food movement, but the economic data tell a different story. Local food could be a very important stabilizing factor in small rural communities now and in the future. • Provide the right incentives for local production. State and federal programs have successfully provided cheap, abundant commodity products. Use the same approach with small- to medi-

Illustration by Sharon Dodd

um-size farmers working in the fresh food arena. Help them build regional demand so they can eventually stand on their own. • Apply common sense regulations. Keep food safety as the No. 1 priority, but do it with market incentives and educational support, not paperwork and unnecessary bureaucracy. • Lead by example, state and local governments. Governments need to put resources behind the rhetoric and facilitate the ability of small, local farmers to meet government procurement requirements. State support for low-cost liability coverage for Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) certi-

fied growers and value-added farmers would be a great starting point. Even as the country is climbing out of the Great Recession, southernmost Illinois still lags behind the rest of Illinois’ economic recovery. Hopefully, past success can point the way to a better, brighter future for farm families in the region.

Ron Duncan serves as a visiting community and economic development educator for the University of Illinois Extension in Alexander, Johnson, Massac, Pulaski and Union counties. His family owns and manages a small, mixed production farm near Vienna in Johnson County.

Looking back and ahead at biotechnology advancement

I cannot express strongly enough the excitement and pleasure I felt in the 1990s when we first started planting genetically engineered (GE) seed corn. It was as close to magic as you could imagine. Spray that crop, and the weeds and grass died, but not the corn. Up until the arrival of GE seeds, we were using more chemicals to kill JOHN BLOCK the weeds. Nothing worked very well to kill grass. In soybean fields, we had to hire high school kids to hoe the weeds. Before we got GE seed, corn borers

would weaken the ear and some ears would fall on the ground before harvest. Rootworms would damage plants. Not a problem today with GE plants. We just harvested a great crop. Without new technology, that would never have happened. With all the value and savings in chemicals, labor and a much bigger crop, genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are under attack. GMO critics endeavor to mislead the public by suggesting that GMOs might not be safe. There is no evidence that GMOs are any less safe than conventional crops. We have been eating GMO food for 20 years. No one got sick. Obviously, you can sense my frustration with the “green activist” attacks

on modern agriculture. There are some positive signs. We have a world that needs more food — maybe twice as much in the next 40 years; and we can’t meet the demand without new technology. We are finding so much added value that GMOs bring to mankind. And there’s more in the pipeline. In Asia and Africa, “an estimated 250,000 to 500,000 vitamin A-deficient children become blind every year. Half of them die,” according to the World Health Organization. GMO rice, known as Golden Rice, can deliver the vitamin A, and the kids will not go blind. Bring it on. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is helping to fund a GMO project to enrich bananas with vitamin A, which

will lift the health of Ugandans. Do you rely on Florida orange juice as your primary fruit drink? We may need GMOs to save our orange groves. A deadly citrus disease is seriously damaging the crop. I find it ironic that the most vocal critics of GMOs are environmentalists. You might think they would be happy that GMO crops have increased farm income, reduced pesticide use, reduced soil erosion, reduced carbon dioxide emissions and reduced the cost of food. Sounds like a win-win to me.

John Block, former U.S. agriculture secretary from Gilson in Knox County, serves as a senior policy adviser with Olsson, Frank, Weeda and Terman of Washington, D.C.