Farmweek january 5, 2015

Illinois Farm Bureau will team with the U of I to offer 14 regional farm bill meetings. page 2

With a second, national beef checkoff dead, Illinois producers push to revive the state checkoff. page 4

Meet Matt Rush, new Illinois Farm Bureau Young Leader State Committee Chairman. page 5

Hot air balloon concerns surface support for farmer Monday, January 5, 2015

Two sections Volume 43, No. 1

BY KAY SHIPMAN FarmWeek

A McHenry County farmer’s problems with hot air balloons surfaced balloon owners and pilots who want to work with farmers.

A recent FarmWeek article shared Huntley farmer Dan Ziller’s comments about his dairy cows’ injuries and alfalfa crop damage as a result of hot air balloons. After Ziller spoke during the Illinois Farm Bureau annual meeting, county Farm Bureau delegates passed new IFB policy supporting efforts to enforce hot air balloon regulations for trespassing and potentially endangering livestock.

Dean Carlton, a hot air balloon pilot who raises beef cattle near Danville, told FarmWeek he was concerned after reading about Ziller’s problems and wanted to assist. Carlton, who serves as Great Lakes regional director for the Balloon Federation of America and

‘The last thing we need is the agricultural community (to be) upset at our sport.’

— Dean Carlton Hot air balloon pilot

treasurer of the Balloon Association of Greater Illinois, said his organizations work with the farming community to identify concern areas, and to encourage appropriate pilot and crew behavior.

In the Vermilion County area, balloon owners, working with farmers and others, have developed maps marked with sensitive areas, such as dairy farms, Carlton said. The group shares the maps with hot air balloon pilots and crews, he added.

“We fly in rural areas,” Carlton said.

“The last thing we need is the agricultural community (to be) upset at our

Davis looks ahead at 2015

BY DEANA STROISCH FarmWeek

Periodicals: Time Valued

U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis described tax reform as a “must do” in 2015.

“There are so many important issues to Illinois agriculture when it comes to taxes,” said Davis, a Republican from Taylorville. “It’s not just about Section 179.”

Davis said Congress must also fix the corporate tax rate to help Americans be more globally competitive.

Agriculture groups, including IFB, have lobbied Congress to tackle tax

extenders early in the new year. A temporary extension for tax breaks, including Section 179 at the $500,000 level, expired Dec. 31.

Davis spoke to FarmWeek and RFD Radio Network® recently, discussing the final actions of the 113th Congress and looking ahead to 2015. The new Congress, which includes a Republican-controlled Senate for the first time in eight years, convenes Tuesday.

He predicted a “vocal debate” about United States’ relationship with Cuba and whether the trade embargo should be lifted.

President Barack Obama recently announced plans to re-establish diplomatic relations with Cuba, the first change in policy since relations were severed in 1961. The Illinois Cuba Working Group, of which the Illinois Farm Bureau is a founding member, has called on members of the new Congress to lift the trade embargo altogether.

Davis, who has visited Cuba, said the issue isn’t a partisan one.

“Many people in Washington agree that we should be trading with Cuba, even more so than we do now,” he said.

“We can never forget: Illinois agricul-

sport. Guys who are bad operators cause grief for guys who follow the rules.

“In the end, the balloon pilot is responsible for anything his balloon impacts,” Carlton continued. “We try to influence good behavior.”

Another hot air balloon owner contacted Ziller directly after reading about his situation. The operator of a new balloon port that opened west of Ziller’s farm apologized and assured Ziller “that (situation) will never happen with us,” the farmer said. He also guaranteed Ziller that he would be compensated for damage.

Ziller said farmers in his area deal with hot air balloons from May through November. Balloons approach his farm from the east and the west, he noted.

Frequently, the balloons fly over on Saturday and Sunday evenings when his family has chores or an event to attend.

“We’ll say, ‘Here comes a balloon in the air. We’ve got to stick around to see where it lands,’” Ziller said.

Dan Volkers, McHenry County Farm Bureau manager, said he hopes the county Farm Bureau can develop a relationship with area hot air balloon operators and raise awareness about farmers’ concerns. Carlton said he’d be willing to work with the county Farm Bureau.

Ziller was enthusiastic not only about maps marking ag sensitive areas, but possibly adding conservation areas that may be more suitable for balloon landing. “This idea’s fantastic,” he concluded.

U.S. Representative Rodney Davis, R-Taylorville, provides a federal policy update in the RFD Radio Network studio. He cited tax issues and Cuba trade reform as priority issues for Congress in 2015. (Photo by Cyndi Cook)

ture already is a participant in trade with Cuba. It’s just an opportunity to increase our ability to sell corn, soybeans and other Illinois agricultural products with a country of over 10 million people.”

Davis also discussed passage of the

$1.1 trillion spending bill, which avoided a government shutdown, reduced federal spending and ordered the Environmental Protection Agency to withdraw a controversial “interpretative rule” associated with its “waters of the U.S.” proposal.

www.facebook.com/illfarmbureau

Quick Takes

FarmWeek • Page 2 • Monday, January 5, 2015

CHINA APPROVES VIPTERA — It’s official: China’s Ministry of Agriculture approved a genetically modified strain of corn, MIR 162 or Agrisure Viptera, for import.

The approval covers corn and processing byproducts, such as dried distillers grain, for food and feed use.

China also approved two varieties of biotech soybeans, including LL55 Liberty Link soybeans, which is intended to control weeds.

U.S. Grains Council applauded the decision to approve the MIR 162 corn trait, which according to the council has been approved in 19 countries since 2011. It’s been approved in the United States since 2010. “This decision is a positive but incomplete step towards the objective of normalizing agriculture trade with China,� according to a statement from the U.S. Grains Council. “We continue to encourage U.S. and Chinese government officials to work together to create a synchronous and predictable approval process that will facilitate market access and promote trade to increase global food security.�

AMERICANS SHARE FINANCIAL FEARS — When asked about their biggest financial fear, 28 percent of Americans said being able to retire comfortably caused them to lose sleep.

That’s the latest findings of the COUNTRY Financial Security Index survey. Fifty-one percent of those surveyed rate their financial security as just fair or poor.

Health care expenses (18 percent) and being able to afford rent or mortgage payments (11 percent) also weigh on a number of Americans.

The rapid growth of online banking creates a new concern for many Americans. Sixty-seven percent worry about their financial information ending up in the wrong hands.

However, the survey found 70 percent of those who work with a financial planner are more confident about their finances and feel less stress from family and friends to be financially successful.

FOOD PESTICIDE LEVELS BELOW TOLERANCE — Pesticide chemical residues found on foods tested at levels below tolerances established by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and do not pose a safety concern.

USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) posted data from the 2013 Pesticide Data Program (PDP) Annual Summary at {ams.usda.gov/pdp}.

The summary shows more than 99 percent of products sampled through PDP contained residues below the EPA tolerances. Residues exceeding the tolerance were detected in .23 percent of tested samples.

In instances where a PDP finding proves extraordinary and may pose a safety risk, EPA and the Food and Drug Administration receive immediate notification. The 2013 survey focused on a variety of foods, including fresh and processed fruits and vegetables, infant formula, butter, salmon, groundwater and drinking water.

(ISSN0197-6680) Vol. 43 No. 1 January 5, 2015 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. Š 2014 Illinois Agricultural Association

Regional farm bill meetings set

BY DEANA STROISCH FarmWeek

Illinois Farm Bureau and the University of Illinois plan to provide farmers with the latest farm bill program information during 14 regional meetings.

The meetings — planned throughout the state — will begin at the end of January. “These meetings are three hours in length and intended to proFarmWeekNow.com vide producers and landowners Visit FarmWeekNow.com to see where the latest IFB farm with everything they will need to bill informational meetings will be held. make their important farm bill decisions,� said IFB’s Doug Yoder, senior director of affiliate and risk management.

The sessions also will include demonstrations of online tools farmers can use to determine which option is best for their individual farms.

Yoder, along with Gary Schnitkey, U of I professor of agricultural economics, and Jonathan Coppess, U of I assistant professor of agricultural law and policy, will lead the sessions.

They are free, but require pre-registration.

To register, visit {farmbilltoolbox.farmdoc.

Farm bill: Your questions answered

In addition to hosting informational meetings across the state, Illinois Farm Bureau’s Doug Yoder will answer FarmWeek reader questions about the farm bill decisions farmers face.

This week’s question: Q: When considering reallocating base acreage, can double-crop acres be counted?

A: Base acres can include

practice in the area.

In other areas, if two crops were planted on the same acre in the same year, the owner may elect one but not both covered crops when calculating the fouryear average of base acres.

double-crop acres if USDA has determined that doublecropping is an established

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

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.

1st Farm Credit Services provides 24, $1,500 Scholarships to high school seniors who are pursuing a higher eduction in agriculture or a rurall life-related field of study. Details can be fo ound at www.1stfarmcredit.com or by contacting your local 1st Farm Credit Services office.

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)

illinois.edu/seminar-series.html.} The meetings will be held on the following dates and locations: • Jan. 26: 8 a.m., Lake Storey Pavilion, Galesburg. • Jan. 26: 1 p.m., Stoney Creek Inn, Moline. • Jan. 30: 8 a.m., DeKalb Center for Agriculture, Sycamore. • Jan. 30: 1 p.m., Northern Illinois University Conference Center, Rockford. • Feb. 5: 8 a.m., Hilton Garden Inn, Kankakee. • Feb. 5: 1 p.m., Illinois Valley Community College, Oglesby. • Feb. 6: 8 a.m., Spoon River Community College Outreach Center, Macomb. • Feb. 6: 1 p.m., Crowne Plaza, Springfield. • Feb. 11: 8 a.m., I-Hotel, Champaign. • Feb. 11: 1 p.m., Asmark Center, Bloomington. • Feb. 12: 8 a.m., Keller Convention Center, Effingham. • Feb. 12: 1 p.m., Rend Lake Community College, Mount Vernon. • Feb. 13: 8 a.m., John A. Logan Community College, Carterville. • Feb. 13: 1 p.m., Gateway Convention Center, Collinsville.

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New year, new governor, same woes face Illinois

Page 3 • Monday, January 5, 2015 • FarmWeek

BY KAY SHIPMAN FarmWeek

While January starts a new year and a new administration, Illinois’ money problems remain. In fact, Jan. 1 exacerbates the situation.

“The main thing to be discussed by the new governor and General Assembly — as of Jan. 1, the personal income tax rate drops from 5 percent to 3.75 percent, leaving a minimum shortfall of $2 billion in the current budget,” said Kevin Semlow, Illinois Far m Bureau director of state legislation.

As Illinoisans know, the General Assembly didn’t take action during the fall veto session addressing the sunset of the temporar y income tax rate.

“We anticipate Governor-

elect Bruce Rauner, in his budget address in February, will roll out how he sees the finances of the state and his proposal for addressing it,” Semlow said.

Rauner’s first State of the State address is scheduled for the first week of February and will quickly be followed by his first budget address in the third week of February.

While the governor-elect has not revealed specifics, he has indicated in public addresses, such as the one to Far m Bureau annual meeting delegates in Chicago, that difficult decisions must be made and his intention to “enforce” the legal income tax rate of 3.75 percent.

Closely tied to the state’s fiscal problems, the under-

IFB policy reflects successes, changes

BY KAY SHIPMAN FarmWeek

Illinois Farm Bureau’s policy changes with the times and the agriculture industry.

New issues surface, and Farm Bureau leaders develop and adopt policy to guide the organization and establish its priorities, such as with data collection and ownership.

Policy action also includes review and revision when appropriate.

During resolution action at the recent IFB annual meeting in Chicago, county Farm Bureau delegates approved removal of some policies, especially federal farm programs.

Sometimes, policy removal offers additional proof that Farm Bureau accomplished its tasks and goals, first established through the organization’s policy development process.

As IFB Vice President David Erickson said recently, “The policy development process gives us a chance to review our successes.”

Starting with action to develop 1994 IFB policy, here is a look back at the issues that became IFB policy. Mary Walker, administrative assistant in Governmental Affairs and Commodities Divisions, compiled the summary. Delegates added no new policy in 2002, 2007, 2012 and 2013.

New policy included: • 1994: biotechnology, state income tax and private property rights.

• 1995: stormwater runoff, the Mississippi River Heritage Corridor, and contract production and marketing.

• 1996: livestock pricing and farm tenancy.

• 1997: organic nutrient management, river issues, agricultural research, risk management, whole farm planning and high speed rail.

• 1998: industrial hemp production, grain markets, and farm structure and operations.

• 1999: global climate change, the Food Quality Protection Act, the University of Illinois Extension, and competition and monopolies.

• 2000: biodiesel and specialty crops.

• 2001: e-commerce, government regulations and driving under the influence.

• 2003: equine agriculture.

• 2004: trespass and vandalism.

• 2005: endangered species and biosecurity.

• 2006: plant patents and plant variety protection, and private lands cooperative initiative.

• 2008: rivers, levees and floodplains.

• 2009: agricultural tourism and organic agriculture.

• 2010: wind energy.

• 2011: nutrition.

• 2014: data collection, privacy and ownership.

funded state employee pension system and the legislative-approved changes to address it remain in limbo — and make the fiscal outlook even murkier.

“The Illinois Supreme Court accepted an expedited review of the pension challenge case; that will be decided sometime during the spring legislative session,” Semlow noted.

Other issues on the legislative horizon include state infrastructure needs and efforts to raise the state’s minimum wage, according to Semlow.

Despite gathering dark clouds, action to shore the state’s fiscal house or to solve other problems isn’t anticipated until well into the new year.

“The General Assembly’s cal-

endar doesn’t pick up steam until midFebruary with the legislative deadlines — and after the governor’s budget address,” Semlow said.

Parents report lack of college savings for children

More than half of parents (56 percent) have not started saving for their child’s college education, according to the latest COUNTRY Financial Security Index survey.

Despite this reality, many

parents remain optimistic about the amount of their children’s education they can pay.

Fifty percent of parents would like to pay for more than half of their child’s education, and a quarter of parents hope

to pay for all of it.

Younger parents represent the most ambitious with more than half (54 percent) of 18- to 34-year-olds aspiring to pay for at least half of their child’s education.

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No new national beef checkoff, but what about the state?

FarmWeek • Page 4 • Monday, January 5, 2015

IBA president: ‘Illinois beef ’ label has appeal with consumers

BY DANIEL GRANT FarmWeek

A number of proposed changes to the beef checkoff, at both the state and national level, may have some producers scratching their heads about the current state of the programs.

So, for those scoring at home, here’s the latest update on all things beef checkoff.

Alan Adams The most recent update arrived just before Christmas when USDA’s bid to create a second national checkoff of $1 per head officially fizzled out.

Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack pulled the plug on a second beef checkoff when the proposal failed to gain industrywide support. “I think ‘relieved’ is the best word

to describe our reaction (to the end of proposal for a second national beef checkoff run by USDA),� said Alan Adams, president of the Illinois Beef Association (IBA) and farmer from Sandwich. “We (at IBA) gave the secretary credit for realizing we need more money for the checkoff. But what concerned us was the way USDA was going about it.�

The proposal, an executive order under the 1996 general commodity checkoff law, excluded vital input from cattle producers.

USDA’s proposal might not be a total failure, though, as it could light a fire under the Beef Checkoff Enhancement Working Group, including the American Farm Bureau Federation, to go back to the table for meaningful discussions about upgrading the national checkoff. “The Secretary made his point —

he thinks we need more money for the national checkoff,� Adams said. “Now the groups have a chance to go back to the table.�

In the meantime, Illinois cattle producers next month will vote whether or not to reinstate a voluntary, statewide checkoff of 50 cents per head to help promote the beef industry.

IBA collected the necessary 700 signatures to trigger the statewide referendum. Voting begins Feb. 16 and extends through the Illinois Beef Expo, which will be held Feb. 19-22 at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield.

Mail-in votes will be accepted the last week of February to complete the voting process. “I’m cautiously optimistic (the state referendum will pass),� Adams said. “I’m not aware of a strong movement against it.�

Inflation has given the original $1 per head national checkoff (created

in 1985) about 44 cents in purchasing power today, Adams noted.

A state checkoff not only will increase purchasing power and beef promotional efforts, but it will also keep more money in Illinois and possibly help create a state brand.

The term “Illinois beef � currently can’t be used to promote beef with national checkoff dollars. “If we pass a state checkoff, we’re free to cooperate with local processors and markets in Illinois, and we can say this is ‘Illinois beef,’� Adams said. “I have a feeling that (a state brand) would have good appeal,� he continued. “Local foods are growing in popularity with consumers.�

Passage of a state checkoff also could enhance digital marketing efforts to geographical areas and boost educational and research opportunities for the beef industry, Adams added.

Upcoming 2015 Dairy Summit will help farmers plan ahead

BY DANIEL GRANT FarmWeek

Record dairy prices experienced in 2014 are expected to decline this year as production catches up with demand.

Dave Fischer, retired dairy specialist at the University of Illinois, therefore encourages producers to plan for some changes to the economic picture this year.

“2014 was a very good year for dairy producers,�

Fischer told FarmWeek. “Milk prices escalated (to record levels) and feed prices moderated.

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;But supply and demand likely will bring prices down in 2015,â&#x20AC;? he continued. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s one reason (farmers) canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t become complacent. They should plan ahead.â&#x20AC;?

Dairy producers around Dave Fischer the state will have an opportunity to do just that this month as the U of I Extension and the Illinois Milk Producers Association host three regional dairy meetings.

The 2015 Dairy Summit will be held Jan. 20 at Highland Community College in Freeport; Jan. 22 at Kaskaskia College in Centralia; and Jan. 23 at the Illinois Corn Growers Association building in Bloomington. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The theme is â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Economic

Opportunities,â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;? said Fischer, Dairy Summit coordinator. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have a new farm bill and a new dairy margin protection program, which will be among the topics as we get ready for 2015.â&#x20AC;?

Participants of each Dairy Summit also will learn the latest updates on Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) regulations, dairy checkoff work, U of I research, results of a survey of 20 dairy farmers so producers can benchmark and compare management styles, and product/technology updates from a number of companies that will exhibit at each summit.

A dairy producer also will discuss the experience of a generational transfer of a dairy farm.

For details and registration, visit the website {www.illinoismilk.org} or call 309-557-3703.

Students and dairy professionals have an opportunity to learn more about the industry via online courses.

The University of Illinois currently offers two dairy classes for the spring 2015 semester.

Dairy Preventive Health Management, a new one-credit class, begins Feb. 2, led by Dick Wallace. Topics of the course include biosecurity, immunology, vaccinology, protocol development, lameness and hoof care, records analysis, beef quality assurance, proper drug use and residue avoidance.

Advanced Dairy Nutrition, an 11-week course, begins Jan. 26, led by Mike Hutjens. Top-

ics of the course include nutrient classifications, phase feeding, dry cow feeding and health forages, feeding systems and ration software applications.

Lectures are available online (class on demand) with a onehour Internet class held on Monday nights from 5 to 6 p.m. for the nutrition course and from 7 to 8 p.m. for the health course.

Enrollees can participate for credit (U of I tuition rate), CE credit rate, or noncredit rate with reduced tuition.

Enrollment and more details for both dairy classes can be found online at {http://online.ansci.illinois. edu/}.

U of I offers online dairy classes

‘Born and raised in Farm Bureau’

Page 5 • Monday, January 5, 2015 • FarmWeek

New chairman of the Young Leader State Committee familiar with organization

BY DANIEL GRANT FarmWeek

Matt Rush, a Fairfield farmer and new chairman of the Illinois Farm Bureau Young Leader (YL) State Committee, knows the value of leadership.

His father, Jim, boasts more than 20 years of service on the Wayne County Farm Bureau board.

“I was born and raised in Farm Bureau,” Rush told FarmWeek. “So, when the opportunity came to join Young Leaders, I took advantage of it.”

That was more than a decade ago (2003) when Rush became a Young Leader. Now, Rush looks to close out his time as a Young Leader by leading the state committee through what looks to be another promising year in 2015.

Young Leaders, which focus on individuals between 18 and 35 years of age, formed six new county programs in Illinois last year and recruited 102 new farmer members.

“I look to continue what the state committee started and I look forward to opening other new Young Leader programs in the state,” said Rush, who served on the YL State Committee the previous three years.

Matt Rush

“We’ve got an excellent group of young men and women on the state committee working to promote agriculture in the state of Illinois.”

Young Leader state award winners this month will compete at the national level at the American Farm Bureau

Federation convention in San Diego Jan. 10-14.

Sean Arians, Woodford County, won the 2014 state discussion meet; Matt and Jenna Kilgus, Livingston County, received the Illinois YL Achievement Award; and Caleb and Kimberly May, Christian County, received the YL Excellence in Ag Award.

“We have three award categories I think we could do very well in at San Diego,” Rush said. “That (success) comes back to county managers and county Young Leader presidents (and chairmen) for grooming those (awardwinning) individuals and encouraging them to participate.”

Looking ahead, Rush believes Young Leaders also should focus not only on growing participation in Young Leader collegiate chapters, but retaining those members once they graduate.

Membership in YL collegiate chapters last year grew to 456 statewide.

“Some of those students are now graduating (from college),” he said.

“We need to keep them involved in Young Leaders.”

Rush previously worked for the University of Illinois Extension/4-H program until he had a chance at his

dream job two years ago when he returned to work on the family farm full time.

“I farm with my father (who retired two years ago),” he said. “It’s something I always wanted to do.

“It allows us to work together, but it also allowed my dad to take a step back,” said Rush, who took over most of the paperwork and marketing duties on the farm.

The Rushes grow corn, soybeans and wheat, and also sell feeder calves.

“I’m always looking for opportunities for growth,” he said. “We’ve discussed increasing the cow herd (if economically feasible).”

Rush also works part time as a seed salesman.

He will be assisted this year on the YL State Committee by Matthew Starr (Hancock County), vice chairman; Jenny Hackman (Mason County), secretary; 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.

Young Leader state conference scheduled for Jan. 23-24 in Normal

Young Leaders from across the state can gain key insights into agriculture, network and enjoy entertainment opportunities this month at the Young Leader State Conference.

The annual event will be held Jan. 23-24 at the Marriott Hotel and Convention Center in Normal.

“We sold out the hotel the past few years and we’re hoping to do the same this year,” said Matt Rush, chairman of the Young Leader State Committee and farmer from

Fairfield (Wayne County).

Highlights of the state conference include a keynote address from David Kohl, Virginia Tech ag economist, an entertaining look at farming from farmer/comedian Drew Hastings and an address from Illinois Farm Bureau President Richard Guebert Jr. The event also features a Harvest for All carnival that debuts on opening night.

“We’re very fortunate to have him (Kohl) come to Illinois and give us his insights

(on ag economics),” Rush said.

Hastings also will provide a unique perspective on the ag industry. The longtime comedian, a regular on the nationally syndicated “Bob and Tom Show” who also appeared on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” left Hollywood in 2006 to start farming at the age of 50.

He currently operates a cattle farm in southern Ohio in addition to his entertainment career.

Guebert will share his

thoughts on how Young Leaders can make more of an impact on the delegate floor.

Breakout sessions at the conference cover everything from financial planning, farming apps and production ag to how to be a better AGvocate.

County Young Leader chairmen/presidents, vice chairmen or a representative of each county Young Leader program also are invited to attend a brief preconference meeting on Jan.

Do you farm?

23 (from 2 to 4 p.m.) at the IFB main office in Bloomington.

Young Leaders will meet with Guebert and Rush to hear about IFB and state committee operations and opportunities. There also will be an open discussion and an idea sharing session along with an opportunity to tour the IFB facility.

For more information about the YL State Conference, contact your county Farm Bureau. — Daniel Grant

Farm. Family. Food.™

Farm Bureau wants your input.

Take a short, anonymous survey to help us increase the value of your Farm Bureau membership.

We’ll contribute $1.00 to the Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom program for every member who completes the survey.

Go to: www.bit.ly/139FNx9

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IFB’s 2015 ACTION TEAM members named

FarmWeek • Page 6 • Monday, January 5, 2015

Group to make recommendations to board on consumer outreach, other issues

Forty-four Illinois Farm Bureau members will develop statewide project and program recommendations this year as part of the 2015 ACTION TEAMS. In its 18th year, the program brings members together twice during the year to develop recommendations to the board regarding consumer outreach, membership promotion, quality of life and leadership development.

Recent ACTION TEAM accomplishments include the Quality of Life Team’s distribution of Caution/Slow Down/Share the Road bumper strips, and the Mem-

bership Team’s launch of its most recent Collegiate Farm Bureau program at Western Illinois University.

Heather Poppy of Henry County chairs the ACTION Coordinating Council, while Deanna Keeney of Clark County serves as vice chair.

Team members include: • Leadership Development — Deanna Keeney, Clark, chair; Heather Poppy, Henry, vice chair; Adam Bane, McLean; Marie Denzer-Farley, McLean; Ray Dieter, Livingston; Megan Dwyer, Henry; Karen Garman, Tazewell; Linda Hardy, Cass-Morgan; Gayle Harris, Clay; Abby Marten, Effingham; Kimber-

ly May, Christian; Kevin Miller, Effingham; John O’Neill, Fulton; and Karl Spencer, Jasper.

• Membership Promotion — Carly Holcomb, McLean, chair; Glen Bowers, Washington, vice chair; Tom Feltes, DuPage; Jared Finegan, Ford-Iroquois; Monica Greene, Douglas; Jennifer Hackman, Mason; Jennifer Jackson, Cass-Morgan; Jenna Kilgus, Livingston; Laura Rieker, Bureau; Chelsea Verbeck, Henry; and Bridgett Wildermuth, Henry.

• Consumer Outreach — Leonard Sheaffer, Lee, chair; Heather Henkhaus, Madison, vice chair; Elizabeth Bollin,

Hancock; Roger Hardy, Cass-Morgan; Elaine Kapraun, Woodford; Athena Van Dyke, Effingham; and Brad Zimmerman, Tazewell.

• Quality of Life — Roger Christin, WinnebagoBoone, chair; Tamara Halterman, Grundy, vice chair; Vicki Hocking, Wabash; Bob Kapraun, Woodford; Julie Kern-Morrison, Sangamon; Gladys King, Tazewell; Christina Lionts, Sangamon; Caleb May, Christian; Keith Richardson, Mercer; Paul Rickey, Warren-Henderson; Todd Verheecke, Henry; and Dale Wachtel, Effingham.

Effingham, Kane to share activities of excellence

What do a Business After Hours highlighting the economic importance of agriculture and a Million Meal Challenge to relieve local hunger have in common? Both will be showcased as County Activities of Excellence during the American Farm Bureau annual meeting Jan. 9-11 in San Diego.

The award-winning programs from Effingham and Kane County Farm Bureaus serve as models of innovation for local program development for fellow Farm Bureau members across the nation.

Fourteen Effingham County members joined the Chamber of Commerce to host a Business After Hours titled, Agriculture and Commerce - Partnering for Progress. Seventyfive local business people toured a robotic dairy and a monoslope cattle barn. Farm Bureau members fed participants dinner after the education and ag promotion program.

Objectives included providing local business people an opportunity to meet farmers to gain a better understanding of the people who produce their food and see how their food is grown. Farm Bureau members also provided fact sheets listing livestock farm information as well as economic benefits of agriculture to the local community.

In Kane County, 80 members led a successful public relations and information project, achieving a cumulative target of 1 million meals provided to local food pantries.

With members providing overwhelming response annually to Harvest for All initiatives, county leaders saw an opportunity to tie their centennial celebration to a milestone — the Million Meal Challenge.

Farm Bureau members supplied 727,000 meals by the first of 2014. By the September centennial celebration, members provided 1,051,990 meals to combat local hunger.

A thermometer sign tracked progress, and custom farm field signs, window clings and Million Meal Challenge “donor” bumper magnets promoted the program and recognized donors.

The program served as a way to build good will for area farmers and agriculture, and to remind the public that farmers provide food. Directors secured 12 sponsors who gave more than $13,500 in contributions.

Be aware of new pesticide label changes, drift potential

taloupes, Kruger noted.

“Be real cautious; the label is getting very Farmer and commercial applicators need to specific,” he added. “Be real cautious who is be aware of new pesticide label changes, espe- around you.” cially buffer zones, a University of Nebraska Enlist Duo buffer restrictions include a 30weed scientist advised. foot setback zone from the downwind edge of Greg Kruger outlined changes coming in the application, except for a driveway and certhe next growing season and offered strategies tain buildings, among other exceptions, to reduce spray drift during the recent AGMas- according to Kruger. ters Conference in Champaign.

The Enlist Duo label even specifies the “All new (pesticide) labels spray nozzles for application, will have buffer zone attachhe said. ment,” Kruger noted. He illusKruger advised farmer and ‘Be real cautious; commercial applicators to trated his point by scanning a the label is get- check a field’s perimeter before new pesticide label that specified droplet size, maximum ting very specific. applying pesticides. “It will be wind speed — and a 50-foot time well spent if you avoid Be real cautious drift,” buffer zone from susceptible he added. who is around crops.

The University of Nebraska For example, a 50-foot developed a new, free spray you.’ buffer for a 160-acre field drift app for smartphones. An equals a 6.1-acre setback zone, — Greg Kruger individual using the app may University of Nebraska Kruger calculated. select a nozzle type, orifice, He warned Illinois applicapressure and solution, and learn tors to be especially cautious the expected droplet size and working with Dow Chemical Co.’s newly number of fine droplets that will be produced, approved Enlist Duo herbicide. The six Kruger explained. Changing any of the selectapproved states include Illinois. ed variables would help an applicator increase Label restrictions include 15 mph maximum droplet size and/or reduce the amount of fine wind speeds, and the wind can’t be blowing droplets. toward neighboring fields of fruiting vegetaTo find and download the app, Kruger sugbles, grapes and cucurbits, which include gested searching Google Play Store for “UNL pumpkins, squash, watermelons and canGround Spray App.”

BY KAY SHIPMAN FarmWeek

Prairie plants connect dots between bees and erosion

Page 7 • Monday, January 5, 2015 • FarmWeek

Prairie plants, soybeans, honeybees and neonicotinoid seed treatments. See the connection?

Matt O’Neal, Iowa State University entomology professor, connected the dots and offered an interesting solution that may tackle several issues simultaneously.

O’Neal discussed his research at the AGMasters Conference in Champaign.

In October, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency published a report that neonicotinoids provide “little or no overall benefits to soybean production in most situations.”

O’Neal answered farmers’ rhetorical question: What might happen to soybean production if neonicotinoids are banned? The U.S. won’t necessarily see soybean aphid outbreaks because insecticides exist, O’Neal pointed out.

Aphid-resistant soybean varieties, which O’Neal and his colleagues are researching, also show promise.

Those resistant varieties successfully thwarted aphids without insecticides, he reported.

So, where do honeybees and prairie plants enter the picture?

O’Neal and his colleagues planted strips of prairie plants within a corn-soybean rotation and in other field locations for a research project dubbed STRIPS. Visit {prairieSTRIPS.org}.

Honeybees boost soybean pollination, causing an 18 percent yield increase, but not wind-pollinated corn, O’Neal said. Plus, prairie plants attract bees of all species — more than the average wildflower mix.

O’Neal estimated a percentage of Iowa field edges where prairie plants would be feasible, and calculated Iowa farmers could harvest an additional 2.5 million bushels of soybeans thanks to the pollination boost from honeybees.

In addition, the seven-year project showed prairie plant strips cut sediment losses by 90 percent and nitrogen runoff losses by 94 percent, according to O’Neal.

“I asked, ‘Where does this conservation and agriculture partner up?’” O’Neal said.

“Soil erosion and nutrient loss affect farmers and contribute to the (Gulf of Mexico) dead zone ... (With strips) filled with plants that bees find useful, we could increase bees with a practice that benefits nutrient loss and soil erosion,” he concluded.

Western Illinois University (WIU) School of Agriculture recently celebrated the initial phase of its new teaching and research greenhouse.

The project’s initial phase includes two, 16-by-48 greenhouses near the University’s Livestock Center on the Macomb campus, according to Andrew Baker, school of agriculture director. The university, the College of Business and Technology and the School of Ag each contributed funding for the initial phase.

The new greenhouse facilities will extend the school’s research capabilities in the plant sciences.

“One of the two greenhouses will be solely intended for classroom and laboratory utilization,” Baker said. “We will use one facility to house

parent material for instructional use. The other unit will be strictly utilized for research purposes.”

Baker envisioned a full greenhouse complex, which will be built in phases over several years. “The overall complex will include six individual greenhouses, stacked sideby-side with a connecting hallway that leads to a head house, which will include a classroom, restroom facilities, chemical-mixing area and storage facilities,” Baker explained. “It is our intention to connect with agricultural industry leaders to assist in funding with the additional phases of the greenhouse complex.”

The school tentatively plans to hold an open house for the greenhouse in the spring.

BY KAY SHIPMAN FarmWeek

WIU School of Ag celebrates teaching, research greenhouse

FarmWeek • Page 8 • Monday, January 5, 2015

Picture Illinois Illinois Farm Bureau®

Member Photo Contest

grand Prize Jackie Mertel / DuPage County

Members Choice & Honorable Mention Country Kids Elizabeth Landeck / Monroe County

Page 9 • Monday, January 5, 2015 • FarmWeek

2nd Place Country Kids 1st Place Country Kids

Brandy Walsh / Will County

Elias Hall / Under 18 / Randolph County

1st Place Rural Routes

2nd Place Rural Routes

Karen Grubb / DeKalb County

Michael Kaeb / Ford-Iroquois

2nd Place These Boots Are Made For ...

Megan Mathre/Kendall County st

1 Place These Boots Are Made For ...

Heather Zigtema/Ford-Iroquois

Diane Weber/Monroe County

To view all entries from this year’s contest, visit Ken Kashian’s Photo Gallery at www.ilfbphotos.org

Awareness best hope to hinder pest resistance

FarmWeek â&#x20AC;˘ Page 10 â&#x20AC;˘ Monday, January 5, 2015

BY KAY SHIPMAN FarmWeek

Awareness, aided by modern technology, appears to be agricultureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best tool to reduce pesticide resistance or its expansion, experts in weed science and entomology offered during the recent AGMasters Conference in Champaign. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There is selection pressure â&#x20AC;&#x201D; every time you spray â&#x20AC;&#x201D; to develop resistance in pests,â&#x20AC;? said Rick Weinzierl, University of Illinois Extension entomologist.

Resistance isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just agricultureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s problem.

Weinzierl noted resistance may be found in â&#x20AC;&#x153;lots of situations across a broad spectrum of pestsâ&#x20AC;? from insects to antibiotics.

Although pests may look alike, he explained they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t all have the same genes or phenotype, and some individuals have unique characteristics that allow them to survive. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all evolution on the fast track,â&#x20AC;? he said.

Resistance to glyphosate herbicide caused more than 90 percent soybean yield losses in some Ontario, Canada, fields with glyphosate-

resistant marestail, said Peter Sikkema, University of Guelph weed scientist. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think all farmers should care about this situation. There must be resistant biotypes in the field,â&#x20AC;? Sikkema said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s (herbicides) got to be used less frequently or must be used differently than in the past.â&#x20AC;?

Industrywide, the focus shifted to encourage farmers to think about managing â&#x20AC;&#x153;the whole resistance issue,â&#x20AC;? said Bill Johnson, a Purdue University Extension weed specialist.

Farmers may use a herbicide chart that helps them track the number of times they apply herbicides with the same mode of action. The â&#x20AC;&#x153;site of action lookup toolâ&#x20AC;? may be viewed or downloaded by visiting {takeactiononweeds.com}.

The tool also may be saved as a free app on smartphones.

Weinzierl noted pesticide labels are including the mode of action to help users differentiate among products. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The key to managing resistance is to first know if you have it so you can manage it aggressively,â&#x20AC;? Johnson said.

Corn contest winner breaks 500-bushel mark

Georgia corn grower Randy Dowdy topped the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) National Corn Yield Contest with an all-time high yield of 503 bushels per acre on irrigated land.

Additionally, a record six national entrants surpassed the 400-plus bushel per acre mark. NCGA received 8,129 entries and named 18 winners in six production categories.

Yields for the 18 winners averaged more than 383.6 bushels per acre compared to the projected national

average of 173.4 bushels per acre. Illinois winners included Jeff Brown of Blue Mound, who placed third nationally and first in Illinois among nonirrigated entries with a yield of 350.37 bushels per acre. Lance Neff of Missouri won the national nonirrigated title with a yield of 362.81 bushels per acre.

Scott Ziegler of White Heath won the Illinois title among nonirrigated, notill/strip-till entries, harvesting 290.22 bushels per acre.

In the irrigated, no-

till/strip-till category, Hugh Scates of Shawneetown bested other Illinois entrants with a yield of 246.86 bushels per acre.

Scott Miller Farms of Tamms won the Illinois irrigated title with a yield of 328.91 bushels per acre.

Winners receive cash trips or other awards from sponsoring seed, chemical and crop protection companies.

Winners will be honored Feb. 26-28 during the 2015 Commodity Classic in Phoenix.

For a complete list of winners, visit {ncga.com}.

Start Planning Now

USDA seeks comments on interim EQIP rule

Farmers can comment on USDAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s interim rule including changes for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). Changes in the conservation program aim to simplify conservation practice scheduling, payment limitations and other administrative actions.

Highlights of the rule program changes include: â&#x20AC;˘ Requiring at least 5 percent of available EQIP funds be targeted for conservation practices that promote wildlife habitat; â&#x20AC;˘ Establishing EQIP as a contributing program for the Regional Conservation Partnership Program; â&#x20AC;˘ Increasing the advanced payment from 30 percent to 50 percent for eligible historically underserved producers, including beginning farmers, to help purchase material or contract services; â&#x20AC;˘ Increasing the payment limitation for EQIP from $300,000 to a maximum of $450,000 for benefits received during 2014-2018 and removes the option for a waiver to exceed payment limitations; â&#x20AC;˘ Eliminating the requirement for a program contract to remain in place for one year after the last practice has been implemented, allowing practices to be scheduled through the 10th year of a contract; and â&#x20AC;˘ Incorporating the Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program functions into EQIP. Comments are due Feb. 10. They can be submitted online at {regulations.gov}. Full details can be found at {federalregister.gov}. USDAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) administers EQIP, a voluntary program that provides financial and technical assistance to eligible agricultural producers and forest landowners to help them address soil, water, air and related natural resource concerns on their lands in an environmentally beneficial and cost-effective manner.

Launched in 1997, the program has involved 596,481 contracts for a total of nearly $11 billion on nearly 232 million acres.

Attend a meeting at your convenience ...

Date

Location

City

Time

Contact

January 6

Woodland oodl Golf Course

Farmer City

7:30 AM

Ralph King, 309-928-3174

January 6

Madison County Farm Bureau

Edwardsville

12:00 PM

Matt Crider, 618-406-8807

January 7

Champaign County Farm Bureau

Champaign

8:00 AM

Matt House, 217-693-5938

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January 8

Geneseo Community Center

Geneseo

5:00 PM

Katie Laleman, 309-937-2411

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

‘Adopted’ students receive an A-plus in agriculture

BY CHRIS ANDERSON FarmWeek

When it comes to telling agriculture’s story, David King of Morton can’t think of a more exciting experience than visiting “adopted” Chicago students.

“The best part of the visit is seeing their excitement for learning and how they apply something they learned in science to agriculture,” said King, who visited Tazewell County Farm Bureau’s adopted, Chicago fifth-grade classroom with his wife, Gladys.

The Kings joined members from about 20 other counties visiting their adopted classrooms during the recent Illinois Farm Bureau annual meeting in Chicago. According to Kevin Daugherty, IFB education director, 41 classrooms currently enjoy being adopted by farm families or county Farm Bureaus.

“Our adopt-a-classroom program is almost 30 years old,” said Daugherty. “We’re the original ‘farm families,’ showcasing the farm to our influencers (teachers) and those future consumers.”

King can attest to the program’s success. He and his wife send monthly emails to William Gray Elementary School teacher Shari Masters.

She shares the Kings’ stories, and relays questions and comments from her students to the Kings.

During the recent classroom visit, the Kings ensured the “lifetime learning experience” included students’ families. The couple brought an ear of popcorn they raised for

U of I now offering small farm webinars

Weekly educational webinars for small farm operators hosted by the University of Illinois Extension will begin in January.

The online series will provide small farm producers with a look at how leading practices in production, management and marketing enable operations to improve profitability and sustainability.

Webinars air live each Thursday from 1 to 2:30 p.m. and include a question-andanswer session.

For those who cannot attend, a link to the recorded webinars will be available to view anytime for those who register.

To register, go to {http://go.illinois.edu/2015 winterwebinars}.

For more information, contact Miki White at 309-3425108 or miki7047@illinois. edu.

Page 11 • Monday, January 5, 2015 • FarmWeek

each student to take home, shell and share.

Fourth-grade teacher Carole Scannell at Saint Germaine School in Oak Lawn participates in the adopt-a-classroom project because she sees her students’ minds open. Fulton County farmers David and Kathy Tolley of Avon and Linda Rock of Canton share their stories with Scannell’s students.

“Meeting the farmers that we write to is so much fun.

The farmers, to my students, are like people from a faraway land! Kids need to see and feel and talk to the people responsible for the food we eat. I couldn’t do my social studies or science without the help of the Cook and Fulton County Farm Bureaus,” said Scannell.

Top left, Brown County Farm Bureau Director Tom Luthy, left, and his wife, Sara, help Portage Park Elementar y School students in their Chicago adopted classroom get ready to make Illinois charms from items representing state symbols. The visit, conducted during the Illinois Farm Bureau annual meeting, included reading, “Santa is Coming to Illinois,” and completing an exercise that involved finding specific counties on an Illinois map.

Bottom left, Tazewell County Farm Bureau members David and Gladys King, from left, share corn and a book with William Gray Elementary School Principal Catherine Sugrue and teacher Shari Masters. (Photos by Brown County Farm Bureau Manager Kathy Knight and Shari Masters)

You’rre alwaays y grow ys wing.

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FarmWeek • Page 12 • Monday, January 5, 2015

Listen. Click. Read.

Chris Anderson

Alan Jarand

The most people,

Dan Grant

Deana Stroisch

Kay Shipman

Mary Kobbeman

on the ground,

Mike Orso Rita Frazer

in Illinois, covering Illinois agriculture for you.

John Hawkins Jim Taylor

Follow us on Twitter @FarmWeekNow designed by RFD285T4

C

ASS-MORGAN — Farm Bureau will host a farm bill meeting at 6 p.m.

Jan. 19 at St. Luke’s Parish Hall in Virginia. Doug Yoder, Illinois Farm Bureau senior director of affiliate and risk management, and Mark Hobrock, Sunrise Ag, will speak. Call the Farm Bureau office at 2456833 for reservations by Jan. 14.

• Farm Bureau will host an iPhone class at 6 p.m. Jan. 22 at Prairieland FS in Jacksonville. Tricia Campbell, Heartland Community College, will speak. Call the Farm Bureau office at 245-6833 for reservations by Jan. 16.

HRISTIAN — Farm Bureau will co-host a dinner marketing meeting at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 13 at the University of Illinois Extension office in Taylorville. Sarah Reedy and Gerry Bertrand, First National Bank of Nokomis, will speak. Call the Farm Bureau office at 8242490 by Friday to register.

• Farm Bureau will co-host a dinner farm bill update meeting at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 27 at the University of Illinois Extension office in Taylorville.

Doug Yoder, Illinois Farm Bureau senior director of affiliate and risk management, will speak. Call the Farm Bureau office at 824-2940 for reservations by Jan. 23.

OOK — Farm Bureau is selling discounted Marcus Theaters movie tickets.

Call the Farm Bureau office at 708-354-3276 or stop by for pricing and tickets.

• Farm Bureau is selling discounted Disney on Ice: Frozen tickets for Jan. 28-Feb. 8 performances. Visit {cookcfb. org} for pricing and schedule information.

ANCOCK — Farm Bureau will co-host three financial mini-sessions on running a successful farming operation. The first session, insuring your farm, will be held at 6 p.m. Friday at Lake Hill Winery in Carthage.

Call the Farm Bureau office at 357-3141 for more information and reservations.

EE — Farm Bureau’s annual meeting will be

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Tuesday: • “FarmWeek: The Early Word” • Paul Johnson, Illinois Cuba Working Group, executive director •Tamara Nelsen, Illinois Farm Bureau, senior director of commodities • Dale Moore, American Farm Bureau, executive director of public policy: next steps to increase trade with Cuba Wednesday: • Alan Jarand, host and Mary Kobbeman, RFDRN producer: live from the Illinois Agriculture Legislative Roundtable Meeting, Bloomington

Page 13 • Monday, January 5, 2015 • FarmWeek

held at 10 a.m. Thursday at the Farm Bureau building. For more information, call the Farm Bureau office at 8573531.

• Farm Bureau will sponsor a day trip to Waterloo, Iowa, for John Deere tractor assembly and Kenny Kass private tractor collection tours. Cost is $55. Call the Farm Bureau office at 857-3531 for reservations by Jan. 30.

ADISON — Farm Bureau will co-host a farm bill information meeting at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 14 at the Farm Bureau office. Brad Grotefendt, Madison County Farm Service Agency (FSA), will speak. Call the FSA office at 656-7300, ext. 2, for more information.

CDONOUGH — Farm Bureau benefits now include discounted Leatherneck Athletics tickets. Call the Farm Bureau office at 8373350 or email Sarah at mcdfb@logonix.net for a membership card or more information. Visit {goleather necks.com} for a full list of events.

ONTGOMERY — Prime Timers will host a luncheon meeting at noon Jan. 21 at the Farm Bureau office. Matt Stolte, Farm Bureau Young Leader, will speak about the North Carolina Young Leader’s Ag Industry tour. Members 55 years and older are invited to attend. Cost is $9. Call the Farm Bureau office at 5326171 for reservations by Jan. 16.

IKE — Farm Bureau will co-host a farm bill and crop insurance luncheon seminar at noon Wednesday at the Farm Bureau office. Doug Yoder, IFB senior director of affiliate and risk management, will speak. Cost is free for members and $15 for nonmembers. Call 285-2233 for reservations by Tuesday.

EORIA — Young Leaders will host a dinner meeting at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 12 at 1st Farm Credit Services, Kickapoo. Midland FFA Chapter members will debate ‘waters of the U.S.’ in preparation for a contest. Members 35

M M M

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• Tim Schweizer, Illinois Department of Nature Resources: Planning ahead for spring/summer recreation Thursday: • Ralph Martire, Center for Tax and Budget Accountability, executive director: state budget crisis • Mike Doherty, Illinois Farm Bureau, senior economist & policy analyst: state budget crisis • Duane Dahlman, Illinois Soybean Association, director: normalizing trade relations with Cuba Friday: • Don Schaefer, Midwest Truckers Association, executive director • Kevin Rund, Illinois Farm Bureau, senior director of local government: transportation issues

years or younger are invited to attend. Call 686-7070 for more information.

• Corn/Soy Promoters will host their annual meeting with a business social hour from 5 to 6 p.m. and dinner at 6 p.m.

Jan. 13 at Gil’s Supper Club in Hanna City. Call the Farm Bureau office at 686-7070 for reservations by Friday.

COTT — Farm Bureau will co-host a farm bill and crop insurance seminar at noon Wednesday at the Pike Farm Bureau office in Pittsfield. Doug Yoder, IFB senior director of affiliate and risk management, will speak. Cost is free for members and $15 for nonmembers. Call 7423351 for reservations by Tuesday.

ERMILION — District 12 Young Leader committee members will sponsor the Illini Farm Toy Show from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at the Wyndham Garden in Urbana, formally known as the Urbana Holiday Inn. A farm toy consignment “live” auction will be held Saturday at 10:30 a.m.

Cost is $3 for adults and $2 for children age 6 to 12. Call Sarah Hastings at 841-2190 for more information.

URBAN AG STUDENTS HONORED

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Thomas Alexander, right, a Chicago High School for Ag Sciences (CHAS) student, makes a sales pitch to potential customers about his tea bags containing herbs he grew. Alexander joined more than 40 other CHAS and John Marshall High School students at a recent Cook County Farm Bureau student showcase. (Photo by Cook County Agriculture Literacy Coordinator Diane Merrion)

New USFRA videos show ‘how to farm’ The U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance’s new How to Farm videos provide an in-depth look at how four farmers tackle big jobs.

The videos feature Christian County farmer Len Corzine and The Maschhoffs in Clinton County along with farms in

Indiana and Missouri.

Hosted by blogger mom Kelly “The Redefined Mom” Snyder, the videos share a few of the daily activities of farmers who grow and raise our food.

To view the videos, visit {fooddialogues.com/2014/12/ 23/how-to-farm}.

Reaching maximum capacity?

Let’s talk.

Producers that are driven to expand partner with FS. As yields, acres and harvest rates increase, so does your capacity. The experts at FS will update or design a new system and develop your operation’s plan for growth by analyzing bottlenecks, designing layout options and providing solutions that point your operation forward. FS is focused on what’s ahead and will ensure your bins are ready for what’s next.

www.fssystem.com

TM

©2013 GROWMARK, Inc. A14144

FarmWeek • Page 14 • Monday, January 5, 2015

Begin new year by evaluating management decisions

Starting a new year provides us all a chance to start with a clean slate, whether contemplating changes in our life or work processes. One can reflect on what did or didn’t work in the past, all while striving to improve our productivity.

However, if evaluating a new product or practice implemented Sid Parks in 2014, could what worked have been a result of the extraordinary environment and not solely due to that input? Give it another look, perhaps expanding adoption but not necessarily going “all in” as we will

BY SID PARKS

likely see different conditions this year.

We all know some of the challenges which lie ahead for this next growing season. Lower commodity prices than we’ve seen for a couple years, coupled with steady land and input prices, may cause some to modify plans, or at least sharpen their pencils a bit before making purchase decisions.

Last year’s big crop pulled essential nutrients from the soil and should be replaced in most fields. If you have yield monitor data, nutrient replacement based on actual yield data would be preferred over looking at simple average yields. Declining average soil tests may be the result of failure to replace actual removal rates.

Abundant rainfall contributed to

record yields in 2014, but also delayed harvest and other fall field activities.

Soil sampling may have been postponed, and planned fall nutrient applications may not have occurred.

While I would say most did well considering the delayed harvest and wet conditions, there is work remaining for many growers. What should you do now?

Wet field conditions should be evaluated before ammonia or dry fertilizer applications this winter. Some may be tempted to skip a fertilizer application; however, without current soil tests indicating nutrient levels exceeding the optimum, I would not recommend that option.

Further, a warmer and wetter winter predicted by one weather service was

contradicted by another I checked, so I wouldn’t speculate what is likely to happen by spring. I’ll be able to tell better in a few months, but if you add uncertain winter weather conditions, the stage is set for a busy spring.

Your FS Crop Specialist has many tools to use in helping make sound agronomic recommendations, including evaluating and implementing new practices or helping with crop planning economics. These include processes for managing information to assist in decision making for maximizing profitability, while still helping reduce grower risks.

Sid Parks serves as GROWMARK’s agronomy information services manager. His email address is sparks@growmark.com.

What direction will crop prices go after 2014 transition year?

BY DANIEL GRANT FarmWeek

Crop farmers accustomed to profitable prices in recent years took a hit in 2014.

Markets tumbled well below $4 per bushel for corn and $10 per bushel for beans as U.S. farmers harvested the largest crops on record last fall.

Now, many farmers wonder where the markets could go in 2015 after such a volatile run last year.

Hugh Whalen, commodity risk consultant at MID-CO Commodities, a subsidiary of GROWMARK, discussed his outlook last week. MID-CO on Jan. 27 will host its annual winter outlook meeting in Bloomington.

Whalen believes corn and soybean prices could head in opposite directions this year, depending on the weather. The soybean market remained strong late last year due to tremendous global demand, while corn prices plummeted at harvest.

“We ended the year with a historically low amount of soybeans in the pipeline (which kept pressure on the market),” Whalen said. “It took until early December to get it refilled.

Basis levels since then declined slightly.

“Looking forward, the South American (soybean) crop has the potential to be near or at a record if the

M A R K E T FA C T S Feeder pig prices reported to USDA* Total Composite Weighted Average Receipts and Price (Formula and Cash): Weight Range Per Head Weighted Ave. Price 10-12 lbs. (formula) $37.50-$77.11 $49.37 40 lbs. (cash) $86.00-$88.00 $87.13 Receipts

This Week 42,615 *Eastern Corn Belt prices picked up at seller’s farm

Last Week 88,529

Eastern Corn Belt direct hogs (plant delivered) Carcass Live

(Prices $ per hundredweight) This week Prev. week Change $77.32 $76.80 $0.52 $57.22 $56.83 $0.38

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

Steers Heifers

This week NA NA

Prev. week $162.02 $162.19

Change NA NA

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 $217.53 $227.01 -$9.48

Lamb prices Negotiated, wooled and shorn, 129-169 lbs. for 145.28-175 $/cwt. (wtd. ave. 158.61) 170-181 lbs. for 164-165 $/cwt. (wtd. ave. 164.28)

Export inspections (Million bushels) Week ending Soybeans Wheat Corn 12/25/2014 52.3 7.3 24.0 12/18/2014 83.1 16.3 31.6 Last year 43.7 13.4 29.1 Season total 1077.3 495.9 457.0 Previous season total 866.2 729.4 453.6 USDA projected total 1700 900 1750 Crop marketing year began June 1 for wheat and Sept. 1 for corn and soybeans.

weather cooperates, which is still a big if,” he continued.

“The other big question is how many acres of beans will we plant in the U.S. (this spring). Projections currently indicate a record amount.”

If a record South AmeriHugh Whalen can crop and record U.S. soy plantings are realized, bean prices could face downward pressure in the months ahead.

The corn and wheat markets, on the other hand, rallied in recent weeks. Whalen believes the corn market could

have more upside potential this year.

Price direction for corn “depends on what type of spring shapes up,” Whalen said. “We could be talking fewer acres, which could take carryout lower. If we plant less than 90 million acres (of corn), we’ll probably see some (price) support.”

The wheat market rallied in recent weeks due to news Russia plans to limit wheat exports in an effort to reduce food inflation there.

There also are concerns about the condition of the U.S. wheat crop due to dryness in the southwest and a lack of snow cover in northern areas that could expose the dormant crop

to colder temperatures moving into the U.S., Whalen noted.

“Wheat’s rallied pretty good recently,” he said. “But worldwide, we won’t run out of wheat.”

He recommends farmers consider pricing any old crop wheat or even new crop on recent price rallies.

For a more in-depth look at each commodity along with a weather forecast and transportation update, consider attending MID-CO’s annual outlook meeting, which will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. Jan. 27 at the DoubleTree Hotel and Conference Center in Bloomington. Dinner will be provided at the event from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Hog industry begins expansion; lower prices expected

head) was unchanged from last year and the

BY DANIEL GRANT market hog inventory (4.1 million head) FarmWeek increased 1 percent.

It appears hog producers are responding to “Farrowings are going to be up,” Meyer said. record prices and lower feed costs by expanding “Still, the wild card will be what happens to littheir herds. ter sizes.”

USDA, in its quarterly hogs and pigs report Thousands of litters were decimated in the last month, projected the inventory of all hogs past year by the outbreak of porcine epidemic and pigs as of Dec. 1 totaled 66.1 million head, diarrhea virus (PEDV). The industry seems to up 2 percent from a year ago. have the virus under control (the average pigs“The report did show the industry certainly saved-per-litter was a record 10.23 last has moved into an expansion phase,” quarter), but the threat of disease, includsaid Steve Meyer, president of Paragon ing PEDV and porcine reproductive and Economics. respiratory syndrome (PRRS), could And the herd could grow even more intensify this winter. this year. U.S. producers intend to have “The caution is that PRRS, like PEDV, is 2.87 million sows farrow from Decema winter disease and things could change,” ber through February, up 4 percent authors of the CME Group’s Daily Livefrom the actual farrowings during the stock Report noted. same period in 2014.

The recent gains and the future growth Farrowings the previous quarter Steve Meyer predicted for the swine inventory likely increased 3 percent. Meanwhile, the Sepwill pressure hog prices. But Meyer still tember-November pig crop grew 4 percent from foresees a profitable year this year. the same time last year to 29.4 million head.

“Prices obviously will be lower. Instead of “It (the hogs and pigs report) was slightly $103 to $105 (per hundredweight last year), they bearish,” Meyer said. “The numbers were a little could be in the $85 to $89 range,” he said. “That larger than expected.” will still be profitable with costs in the low-$70s.”

The U.S. breeding inventory totaled 5.97 milMeyer predicts hog slaughter this year will lion head, up 4 percent, while the market hog increase 4.9 percent.

But weights could decline inventory (60.1 million head) increased 2 percent. as finishing space tightens.

In Illinois, the inventory of all hogs and pigs “I don’t see pork supplies being burdensome, as of Dec. 1 totaled 4.6 million head, up 1 perespecially with high-priced beef,” he added. cent from a year ago, while the SeptemberTotal commercial cattle slaughter in NovemNovember pig crop (2.56 million head) jumped ber declined 12.5 percent, and beef supplies are 7 percent from a year ago. expected to remain tight this year.

The breeding inventory in Illinois (500,000

Corn Strategy

January USDA report in crosshairs

The looming Jan. 12 USDA report will likely dominate the market’s attention during the next week. However, the focus from the industry may be a little different than it normally is.

Usually, the focus is on the yield component of the USDA production forecast. Yields will still be important, but may be overshadowed by the acreage component.

It has been well advertised Farm Service Agency (FSA) has been behind inputting acreage data into its system this year, data the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) uses to assess the accuracy of its survey-based forecast. The slow input has led to unusually wide discrepancies between FSA and NASS acreage numbers so far this year.

To be fair, there’s always a difference between the two with NASS surveys including acreage on land not signed up for the USDA farm program.

During the last three years, the NASS estimate of U.S. corn plantings has averaged 3 million acres more than the FSA acreage. Soybean plantings have

averaged 1.38 million more.

But on the graphic, you see the last FSA update difference for corn was 4.6 million acres and 2.56 million for soybeans.

Wheat has a similar discrepancy, too, with the current difference 3.3 million compared to a more normal 2.5 million.

One would expect FSA should be closing in on inputting the data with its attention to “sign up” for the new farm bill getting more intense the next couple of months.

What we don’t know is whether FSA was close to being caught up when it issued the December update. NASS statisticians will have a better insight than the trade when they put together their January estimates as they see additional detail that is not published.

Internal details of the NASS production forecasts placed in a historical perspective lead us to expect a 1.2 bushel reduction in corn yield and a .1 bushel reduction for soybeans. We expect corn production to be reduced 236 million bushels with soybean output dropping 62 million.

NASS will also release its Dec. 1 grain stocks estimates as well as the first winter wheat planting forecast. As always, supply/demand forecasts will accompany the new production and stocks data.

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ü2013 crop: The longterm prognosis continues to look good, but don’t expect the market to reach long-term upside targets until spring at the earliest. Long-term storage should pay dividends. ü2014 crop: Last week’s performance suggests the trend may have turned sideways. Prices will likely chop sideways to lower into a midFebruary low. Use any bounce to make needed sales. Hedgeto-arrive contracts against May futures may be the best strategy to take advantage of the futures carry. vFundamentals: End-ofyear profit taking finally capped the move up in corn prices. With the Jan. 12 USDA report looming on the horizon, we wouldn’t expect enough buying to counter slippage until the report is behind. The reports coming that day will have much to do with setting the trend in prices well into winter. South American weather may play a part in the mix, but other than that, there’s little significant fundamental news until the new supply/demand forecasts at the February USDA Outlook Forum.

Page 15 • Monday, January 5, 2015 • FarmWeek Cents per bu.

Soybean Strategy

ü2014 crop: Demand for soybeans has moderated, but is still at an exceptionally good pace. The pipeline for soybeans and soybean meal are returning to normal. Use rallies for catch-up sales. 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: The trade is paying increasing attention to South American crops. Even though there’s still some planting to be done in Argentina and South American moisture hasn’t been universally great, the potential is still promising. Very early harvest yields in Brazil have been very good, but harvest activity won’t be significant until late month. There was some talk about a 100 million metric ton Brazilian crop, but that’s a little adventuresome at this time.

The Jan. 12 USDA reports will dominate the focus for the

next week. And even though exports have slowed, there’s reason to think USDA might raise its forecast.

Wheat Strategy

ü2014 crop: Nearby Chicago futures are poised for a test of $5.70, but prices are likely to recover. Old-crop sales are 75 percent complete. Refrain from making new sales until the dust settles. ü2015 crop: New-crop wheat should be 25 percent priced going into the Jan. 12 report. Wait to make catch-up sales if you are not sold up to the recommended level. vFundamentals: Futures backed off after reaching

important technical targets two weeks ago. Early December gains were driven by a number of headlines, particularly regarding Russia. The country will impose duties on wheat exports starting in February.

At the end of the day, the amount of Russian grain kept off the market will likely remain minimal (see last week’s issue). What is concerning is that the Russian export restrictions are a hedge against their worries about the new crop.

Winterkill is a threat for both the Black Sea and U.S. crops.

Weather will be the near-term focus as will the January crop report.

FarmWeek • Page 16 • Monday, January 5, 2015

Every acre matters in Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy

I

llinois isn’t Chesapeake Bay or the Florida Everglades.

We’ve all heard and read what farmers who farm near those water bodies face — government regulations restricting how they farm. Instead, Illinois farmers face a proposed voluntary strategy to reduce the excess nitrogen and phosphorous that comes from agriculture and enters rivers, lakes and streams.

We have until Jan. 24 to DAVID review and ERICKSON submit comments on the Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy (NLRS).

Rest assured, it doesn’t contain any surprises because agriculture had a hand in developing the strategy and making recommendations about the suite of suggested practices for agricultural land. We’re fortunate because in other states nutrient plans were developed behind closed doors, then dropped into the public’s lap.

The NLRS outlines the major sources of nitrogen and of phosphorous in Illinois, and which regions of the state contribute the most of each nutrient and which contribute the least.

No farmer wants to be accused of causing water pollution, especially even if it is the result of weather conditions and a growing season that we can’t control. But we can’t deny the scientific evidence and Illinois-specific data used as the basis for the NLRS. On average, 400 million pounds of nitrogen and 30 million to 40 million pounds of phosphorous leaves Illinois per year via our rivers, according to the NLRS. We can point fingers at sub-

urban lawns and golf courses.

They do contribute fertilizer runoff, but by accounting for more than 60 percent of the state’s land area, agriculture is a main source of nitrogen.

We can blame industry and municipal wastewater treatment. They are responsible for roughly half of the excess phosphorous, but agriculture is responsible for the other half.

We have the opportunity to keep more nitrogen and phosphorous for our crops while deciding for ourselves which practices fit best with our operations and work the best on which acres. The NLRS gives us that chance.

Read the NLRS. You won’t find any new regulations or requirements mandated for every field or farm. You won’t find a one- or even two-sizefits-all solution. That’s good because that wouldn’t work for Illinois or reduce the losses of nitrogen and phosphorous as those nutrients require different tactics in different parts of the state.

Think for a moment about the strategy’s name. It’s Nutrient LOSS Reduction — not Nutrient Reduction. The focus remains on reducing nutrient losses, not on reducing the amount of nitrogen and phosphorous you can use to fertilize your fields.

I can imagine, and I’m sure you can too, how farmers would have reacted if the NLRS was mandatory instead of voluntary. The countryside probably would be awash in letter writing campaigns, calls to legislators, and folks upset the state wanted to dictate where, when and even if they could apply fertilizer on their fields.

But that’s not the case.

I, for one, appreciate the NLRS remains voluntary with emphasis on using existing conservation and other ag programs to build upon the

research, field trials, demonstrations and practices that continue growing across the state. However, I’m concerned that because the NLRS is voluntary, farmers not only won’t comment on it, but also will take an out-of-sight, out-ofmind attitude. I hope that won’t happen, but I’m concerned it might.

Agricultural organizations in our state, including Illinois Farm Bureau, are hard at work individually and with the Illinois Council on Best Management Practices to help identify practices and educate farmers on how best to address nutrient issues. In addition, as farmers, you pay into the Nutrient Research and Education Council to fund additional research to fine tune the information known about suggested practices and resulting nutrient loss reductions. While work is being done at the state level to address this issue, it is also of the utmost importance that work be done at the individual farm level by individual farmers to see the level of changes that are needed.

You think those farmers near Chesapeake Bay or the Florida Everglades would trade their regulations for our voluntary, incentive-based NLRS? I’m sure you know the answer to that question.

Farmers, this is our chance to examine how we can better use nitrogen and phosphorous on every acre, increase our yields, and maybe reduce input costs and increase profits, too.

Read the NLRS and submit a comment. We need to improve nutrient usage on every acre if Illinois is going to make the 2025 goals and overall reduction target.

Remember: every farmer, every acre.

David Erickson of Altona serves as vice president of the Illinois Farm Bureau.

Comment on nutrient strategy

Farmers may review and comment on a statewide strategy to reduce levels of nitrogen and phosphorous in Illinois rivers, lakes and streams.

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) and the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) developed and released the Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy for a public comment period that ends Jan. 24.

The strategy offers a suite of practices and programs to reduce nutrient losses in urban and rural areas from point sources that include specific sources, such as sewage treatment plants, and nonpoint sources that are diffuse, such as runoff from farm fields, and residential and urban areas.

IEPA and IDOA created the strategy with assistance from a policy working group that included Illinois Farm Bureau and other agriculture organizations, environmental groups and wastewater treatment representatives among others.

The public may read the strategy online at {www.epa.state.il.us /water/nutrient/nlrs.html} and mail or email comments to IEPA. Farm Bureau members may comment electronically via the IFB Legislative Action Center by clicking on “advocacy campaign” under the “Actions” icon. The system allows members to email comments directly to IEPA using template comments. Visit {www.ilfb.org/5138.aspx}. A separate email will be sent from the Legislative Action Center with that link.

Comments also may be mailed to: NLRS Comments, IEPA Bureau of Water, 1021 N. Grand Ave. East, P.O. Box 19276, Springfield, Ill. 62794-9276.

Comments may be emailed to Simon.Daniels@illinois.gov.

Letter to the editor

Restoring Cuban trade vital to agriculture

Editor: Illinois has been losing for 53 years. President Obama recently made great strides in moving our nation forward by re-establishing diplomatic relations with Cuba, and it is worth celebrating! An even greater victory for our countries will be the day that Congress lifts our failed embargo against Cuba.

In 2012, I had a unique opportunity to travel to Havana as part of the Illinois Farm Bureau’s market study tour of Cuba. Human rights issues are still repressed there; our failed embargo has not aided in progress on that front. Not only does trade offer hope to our neighbors who live only 90 miles away, but it also offers increased market potential for all Americans, especially Illinoisans.

Illinois ranks sixth nationwide in terms of lost opportunities for our agricultural sector due to the Cuban embargo.

Removal of U.S. travel and financial restrictions would increase Illinois agricultural

exports to Cuba by $6.6 million annually — a 15 percent increase from Illinois exports to Cuba in 2009 ($43 million).

Currently, all U.S. exports to Cuba must be shipped under cash-in-advance terms, in which payment must be received by the U.S. exporter before title to the goods is transferred to Cuba. This is a burdensome restriction that limits Cuban interest in American products.

Cuba ranks among top 10 export markets for U.S. soybean oil, dry peas, lentils, dry beans, rice, powdered milk and poultry meat. An estimated $1.25 billion is lost annually in agricultural exports due to travel, trade and financial restrictions that have been in place since the Cold War. Maybe after 53 years of failed policy, we can finally end this madness. We’re blessed that both Rep. Rodney Davis and Sen. Dick Durbin are leading the effort to remove half a century of failure. Let’s move forward.

THOMAS MARTEN Waggoner

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