Farmweek july 22 2013

H E A T, B U G S A N D D I S EASES are stressing crops that are weathering the consequences of strange spring weather. ........................................3

AVIATION BIOFUELS a r e not a blue-sky notion but are showing promise, a Midwest aviation initiative recently reported. .......................................4

STATE FISCAL PROBLEMS are limiting soil conser vation e f f o r t s a n d m a n p o w e r, Fa r m Bureau advisory team members heard. ..............................................8

A service of

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

®

Economists: Farm bill conferees must focus on achievables Monday, July 22, 2013

BY MARTIN ROSS FarmWeek

lion SNAP cut and, instead, peeled the nutrition title from its farm bill package.

House Ag Chairman Frank Lucas (R-Okla.) has suggested he would pursue a separate nutrition bill that then could be conferenced with Senate proposals. If that effort fails, “it’s far less certain how things would play out,” Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute economist Patrick Westhoff told FarmWeek.

But the food stamp controversy is not the only issue for House and Senate conferees.

For one thing, the House seeks to replace 1949 “permanent ag law” with its current proposal, while the Senate would leave the 1949 law in place as a default for farmers when an existing farm bill expires.

Also at issue are Senate proposals to reduce the level of federal crop insurance premium subsidies for farmers with $750,000-plus in annual adjusted gross income. That’s raised

concerns about future insurance participation among larger producers and its impact on the overall farm “risk pool.”

Chicago-area policy consultant Ross Korves thus stressed conferees should finish basic farm bill “groundwork” while “waiting for a SNAP bill to come out.”

“Among conference questions is whether it’s a good idea or not to have payments tied directly to what a farmer’s producing — actual acreage in a particular year vs. base acreages,” Westhoff said.

“There will be questions about the levels of (commodity) target prices that have been proposed.

“Other provisions are relatively similar in the House and Senate bills. There probably aren’t too many other major outstanding issues for conference, if they’re just trying to find a way to split the difference between the bills.”

While 1949 ag law is based

Illinois Farm Bureau President Philip Nelson, left, answers farm bill and other policy questions from RFD Radio Network® host Alan Jarand and Illinois reporters during a special live news conference last Wednesday in the Bloomington network studio. (Photo by Cyndi Cook)

on 60-plus-year-old farm program principles, and although he acknowledges fears “this could be the last farm bill,” Korves sees elimination of outdated ag law on principle as

BY KAY SHIPMAN

Down a tree-lined path in Pontiac, a runner looked straight a head with determination as he completed a midmorning run last Thursday.

But 71-year-old Charlie Grotevant isn’t just running for himself. The retired farmer from Livingston and Kankakee counties runs for you.

Over the past 30 years, Grotevant has competed in more than 1,100 road and trail races, including the prestigious Boston Marathon. His 49,000 miles is impressive for someone who started running at 41, continues running 25 miles a week and hopes to reach 50,000 miles.

Also an avid cyclist, Grotevant and his wife, Joyce, will participate Sept. 2-4 in their 14th bike ride to raise money FarmWeek

Long-distance runner and retired farmer Charlie Grotevant, a Farm Bureau member in Livingston and Kankakee counties, uses his running and cycling to advocate for agriculture and health issues. (Photo by Ken Kashian)

FarmWeek on the web: FarmWeekNow.com

“the correct thing to do.”

But Westhoff cites concerns its elimination could endanger authorizations for conservation, research, trade, See Farm Bill, page 5

Running with a purpose Farm Bureau leader adds miles, admirers

Periodicals: Time Valued

As Senate Ag Chairman Deb Stabenow (D-Mich.) set the stage for final farm bill agreement, Midwest policy analysts advised House-Senate conferees to focus on reconciling ag policy differences rather than on food stamp gridlock.

Last Thursday, the Senate formally requested a farm bill conference with the House to iron out differences between the Senate’s comprehensive ag package and a House bill approved earlier this month without a nutrition title.

Illinois Farm Bureau President Philip Nelson acknowledged anxieties over lawmakers being able to conference the House “split bill.” But Nelson stressed the need for conferees to reach an accord over farm legislation “addressing what we think is important — crop insurance.”

At the same time, he cited “waning hopes” of the House voting on crucial immigration reforms and urged House leaders to seek timely action on a new Water Resources Development Act. The Senate has approved both measures.

The Senate proposed a $4 billion cut in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) over the next 10 years, but House leaders failed to achieve a bipartisan compromise over a proposed $20 bil-

Two sections Volume 41, No. 29

for Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom and to promote agriculture (See story on page 2). At schools along the route, he and other cyclists help students and teachers understand agriculture’s importance in their lives.

But Grotevant is most inspirational when he shares his story of being a competitive runner with an ostomy pouch that collects his waste.

“There have been some ohwow events when I think, ‘Why am I here?’ I’m shaking and nervous,” he said last week in his Pontiac home. Nerves haven’t stopped Grotevant from sharing his story with thousands gathered at events or discouraged him from volunteering to counsel teens at camps for young people with similar conditions.

After having surgery because of chronic ulcerative colitis, Grotevant returned to See Running, page 2

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

Quick Takes

FB IN ACTION

FarmWeek Page 2 Monday, July 22, 2013

GRAIN WORKER PERISHES — A grain bin incident claimed the life of a worker at a Sidney elevator last week.

According to the Champaign County Coroner, 55-yearold Roy McCarty was working inside a grain bin Wednesday at the Premier Cooperative Grain Elevator, when he became buried “under a large amount of corn.”

Firefighters from the Urbana Fire Department arrived at 301 S. David Street around 11:30 a.m. Sidney fire crews were first on the scene. McCarty was pronounced dead at 2:38 p.m.

As of Friday, the accident was still under investigation.

TAX TALK — The House Ways and Means Committee and the Senate Finance Committee continue to work towards a comprehensive tax reform bill. More than 50 congressional hearings on tax reform have been held in Washington this session, and input from citizens is being accepted online at {taxreform.gov}.

Farmers have been urging Congress to implement a tax code that recognizes the financial challenges they face but more needs to be done, said Pat Wolff, American Farm Bureau Federation tax policy specialist.

“Speaking up now, calling your member of Congress, talking to them while they’re home during the August recess about the tax code, about capital gains taxes and estate taxes is very important,” Wolff said.

SMITHSONIAN SEEKING FARMERS’ STORIES — The Smithsonian National Museum of American History is seeking farmers’ help in telling stories of the innovation and experiences of farming and ranching across the United States.

Farmers can share their personal stories about ways innovation and technology continually help improve the industry at {americanhistory.si.edu}. The museum is currently seeking stories, photographs and other memorabilia to feature in its upcoming “American Enterprise” exhibition, which will paint the picture of American business through agriculture, consumer finance, information technology/communication, manufacturing and retail/service.

Submitted stories could be included in the exhibition or featured on the museum’s blog and social media sites. A few suggested themes include personal experiences, the effects of technology, or the roles of finance, competition, safety, animals, water or labor.

SCHOOLS GET $5 MILLION FOR PRODUCE — About 240 schools in Illinois will share about $5 million for fresh fruits and vegetables during the school year, the Illinois State Board of Education announced last week.

Participating schools, both public and private, may spend $50 to $75 per student during the school year. The majority of the money must be spent on fresh produce.

USDA created the nationwide program to increase the amount of fruits and vegetables students eat by providing them with free fresh fruits and vegetables snacks separate from school meals at least twice a week.

Top reasons to join IAITC Bike Ride

BY KAY SHIPMAN FarmWeek

Country scenery may be one, but not the only reason cyclists return annually to the Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom (IAITC) bike ride. This year cyclists will pedal through Henry, Knox, Mercer and Warren counties Sept.

2-4. Bike ride co-chairmen, Charlie Grotevant, Kankakee County Farm Bureau member, and Don Bergfield, Parkland College agriculture professor, share what inspires them.

FarmWeek: What keeps you and others coming back?

Bergfield: New biking friends and friends with a common interest in agriculture. It is a chance to ... talk about the importance of agriculture and to raise funds for those programs that are ongoing throughout the year in the classrooms. The great support we get from the Farm Bureau family keeps me coming back.

Grotevant: Reconnecting with friends from around the state and making new friends on each ride.

FW: What could farmers learn during a ride?

Bergfield: How important it is for those of us in agriculture to tell others what we are doing! Every farmer in his own way needs to make sure he is doing this.

Grotevant: Communication of what we do in agriculture becomes more important with each passing year. Constant emphasis of what we do right when producing the safest and most nutritious food in the

Bergfield: We really bring an understanding to the students of how their food is made or where it comes from; this is a part of

the important programs that AITC provides to teachers and students statewide.

Grotevant: The skits performed during school stops on the IAITC Bike Ride are a mostly light-hearted means of conveying a few ways that agriculture is in everyone’s lives and that lots of work goes into putting food on grocery store shelves. The bike ride generates funds for materials used to reach a half million Illinois students.

Continued from page 1 running to regain his health. He had started running the summer before his 1984 surgery. At first, few people knew Grotevant ran with an ostomy pouch because the situation was unique.

“Then nurses would call me,” Charlie remembered. “They asked me to talk to people who think life is over and they can’t do anything.” Those first conversations led to others and Grotevant eventually shared his story with large groups and congressmen and their staffs. He received a national Great Comeback Award for his work.

As a member of Farm Bureau in Livingston and Kankakee counties, Grotevant also advocates for agricultural issues. He started lobbying for Farm Bureau on trips to Washington D.C. and Springfield with the late Len Gardner, long-time executive director of the Governmental Affairs Division.

Grotevant’s determination and enjoyment keep him moving, although he has cut his weekly running regiment from 35 to 25 miles because of health reasons.

With the upcoming bike ride on the horizon, Grotevant continues pounding the pavement — a determined long-distance advocate for important issues.

The Illinois Milk Producers’ Association (IMPA) will be sponsoring its second Dairy Technology Showcase at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at River Valley Dairy and Aberle Farms near Tremont.

River Valley Dairy, owned and operated by the Gregg and Cindy Sauder family, is located at 9136 Springfield Road, Tremont. Pete and Rollyn Aberle’s farm is at 25104 Augustine Road, Tremont.

No registration is required.

Participants may attend either one or both of the farm tours.

For more information, contact Jim Fraley, IMPA manager, at 309-557-3109 or Dave Fischer at 618-830-4957.

Running (ISSN0197-6680) Vol. 41 No. 29

July 22, 2013

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. © 2013 Illinois Agricultural Association

STAFF Editor Chris Anderson (canderson@ilfb.org) Legislative Affairs Editor Kay Shipman (kayship@ilfb.org) Agricultural Affairs Editor Martin Ross (mross@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 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

Charlie Grotevant of Pontiac is preparing for his 14th bike ride to raise money for Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom. Grotevant and Don Bergfield, a Parkland College agriculture professor, are co-chairing this year’s bike ride. (Photo by Ken Kashian)

world must continue.

FW: How does the farmers’ image benefit from the bike ride?

FarmWeekNow.com

Check out our video interview with Charlie Grotevant at FarmWeekNow.com.

Dairy showcase set

PRODUCTION

Page 3 Monday, July 22, 2013 FarmWeek

Heat, insect and crop disease stress intensifies

BY DANIEL GRANT FarmWeek

Crop and livestock stress intensified last week due to the longest stretch of 90-plusdegree heat in the state since last August.

Kevin Black, GROWMARK insect/plant disease technical manager, last week reported corn plants in multiple fields had rolled leaves.

The rolling of leaves is a method corn plants use for self protection. The smaller surface area exposed to the

Larr y Hill of rural Mason City (Mason County) cuts oats that will supplement feed for his herd of 35 registered Shor thor ns. Yields were above average at 110 bushels per acre. In addition to oats, Hill grows corn, soybeans and hay. Hill rated his corn and beans as ver y good. (Photo by Ken Kashian)

sun reduces plant transpiration (moisture loss).

But Black believes the stressed corn plants also could be a sign of limited root growth caused by the wet spring and subsequent soil compaction.

“It’s been another peculiar year that got off to a late start,” Black said. “I think we’re starting to see the consequences of the strange spring weather.”

The percentage of corn silking as of the first of last week (21 percent) was well behind the five-year average of 50 percent. But the average plant height, 63 inches, actually was six inches above the five-year average.

Meanwhile, 32 percent of soybeans were blooming in the state last week compared to the average of 38 percent, the National Agricultural Statistics Service Illinois field office reported.

Black urged farmers to scout their fields as some corn showed symptoms of gray leaf spot. And soybeans could be susceptible to sudden death syndrome (SDS), according to Shaun Casteel, Purdue University Extension soy specialist.

“Field conditions (during planting) were saturated and cool. That’s a recipe for SDS,” Casteel said. “Come late July and August, be on the lookout for SDS, particularly if it turns dry.”

The main insect issue in

IFB commodities conference speakers: Farmers can use data to push yields to next level The decisions farmers make from their office chairs could be just as important as the work they do from their tractor seats to boost future crop yields.

Shane Brueggen, market planner/strategic marketing for John Deere, and Emily Treu, Advanced Farming Systems marketing specialist with Case IH, will discuss the benefits and opportunities of data collection and management of that data on farms next week at the Illinois Farm Bureau Commodities Conference.

The annual conference will be held July 31 at the Marriott Hotel and Conference Center in Normal. On-site registration will open at 7:30 a.m. The general session begins at 8:30 a.m.

“As we continue to feed a growing population on less land, precision agriculture will be more important,” Treu told FarmWeek.

“It (precision ag) started with yield monitoring and now it’s advanced to data collecting,” she continued. “The focus now is how do we manage that data to get the most out of our crops.”

Data can be used by each farmer to develop production plans and methods that are specific to each field and areas within each field, otherwise known as management zones.

For instance, more farmers use data in management zones to develop various seeding and fertilizer application rates that optimize yields and inputs.

John Deere created and trademarked FarmSight to help farmers combine equipment and technology offerings with customized services to establish a complete solution for each farmer customer.

“It (FarmSight) uses data and technology, combined with dealer experiences and customer knowledge, to develop solutions for customers’ operations,” Brueggen said.

The FarmSight solution begins with understanding a customer’s needs and then meeting those needs through equipment, technology and dealer services.

For more information about the Commodities Conference visit the website {ilfb.org}. — Daniel Grant

parts of Illinois as of last week was localized, heavy infestations of Japanese beetles.

“It’s a mixed bag (of Japanese beetle reports),” Black said. “Some individuals feel there’s really high populations and others not as much.”

Japanese beetles row crop feeding mostly is concentrated on soybeans, except in areas where corn is silking.

“When one (Japanese bee-

tle) establishes a feeding site, it puts out a pheromone that attracts others,” Black noted.

“So you get high populations in particular areas.”

Elsewhere, the heat stress experienced last week also is a concern for livestock producers. Hog weights typically decline 3 to 4 percent at peak summer months due to reduced feed intake and slower growth rates in the heat,

according to the CME Group Daily Livestock Report.

The Wisconsin Beef Information Center recommended farmers try to avoid handling or transporting livestock during peak heat hours, provide additional shade and water, sprinkle pens and livestock with water, and make sure there is adequate ventilation in livestock buildings to reduce heat stress on animals.

Terry Entwistle checks for leafhoppers in a 96-acre field east of Greenview (Menard County). He reported the insects had significantly damaged the alfalfa-grass mixture destined for his 65-head herd of AngusGelbvieh cattle. Entwistle treated two other hayfields for the insect and plans to scout after baling. (Photo

by Ken Kashian)

Good Illinois hay harvest replenishes short supply

Most livestock farmers who were desperate for feed about this time last year likely feel better about forage supplies so far this summer.

Farmers in recent months reported a large increase in hay FarmWeekNow.com tonnage Visit FarmWeekNow.com to through the view a video on hay harvest first to second and check the latest prices. cuttings around the state.

“Hay seems to be plentiful this year,” said Steve Stallman, a farmer from Chester (Randolph County).

“With the excess moisture, there’s more tonnage per acre than normal,” he continued. “It’s almost the exact opposite of last year when everyone was short of hay (due to the extreme drought).”

The excessive rainfall was a bit of a double-edged sword for farmers, as it delayed field activity and in some cases, ruined hay that was cut but not baled before it was soaked by rainfall.

“Most producers who were lucky enough to get the first cutting out just took the second cutting out (in recent weeks),” said Russ Higgins, University of Illinois Extension educator at the Northern Illinois Agronomy Research Center in Shabbona.

“But there’s also an unfortunate group who live in areas where the rain never let up. Their first cutting was probably three to three and a half weeks late.”

The situation is much better than last year, though. Higgins said the grass was dormant in his area last year by the second week in July.

Illinois farmers as of the first of last week completed 54 percent of the second cutting of

alfalfa compared to the five-year average of 74 percent. Overall, 82 percent of the alfalfa crop and pasture conditions were rated good to excellent last week.

“We’ve got good stands,” Higgins said. “Certainly the supply is better than a year ago.”

Farmers in northern Illinois may have to spray their alfalfa crops prior to the third cutting, as potato leafhopper populations are expanding, Higgins noted.

Wheat yields impressive The wheat crop also is expected to be bountiful this year in Illinois.

“My (wheat) yields were well above average for this area,” said Stallman, president of the Illinois Wheat Association. “The thing that plagued me is test weights (decreased) later in the season as we had a lot of rain.”

Wheat harvest just started in northern Illinois in the last two weeks.

“It’s not going to be a super crop. It had too much rainfall during grain fill,” Higgins said.

“But it should be a good crop. I think (farmers) are pretty optimistic.”

The late wheat harvest and sloppy field conditions likely will decrease plantings of doublecrop beans in southern Illinois, Stallman added.

Wheat harvest as of the first of last week was 88 percent complete statewide compared to the five-year average of 92 percent. — Daniel Grant

ENERGY

FarmWeek Page 4 Monday, July 22, 2013

Could aviation biofuels prime new market takeoff ?

BY MARTIN ROSS FarmWeek

A decade ago, getting biofuels literally off the ground was a blue-sky notion. Now, the aviation and biofuels industries are prepping for takeoff.

Steve Emmert, North America/China biofuels director and Environmental Strategy Team member with aircraft giant Boeing, acknowledges “a long road ahead” for aviation biofuels adoption. But Emmert, who

sees his company as “an industry catalyst” in advancing biofuels use, cites major progress over the last five years.

Boeing is a key participant in the Midwest Aviation Sustainable Biofuels Initiative (MASBI), along with United Airlines, the Illinois Department of Commerce, the University of Illinois and Purdue University, USDA, the military, the World Wildlife Federation and Illinois Farm Bureau.

A new report by MASBI identifies a range of promising aviation fuel feedstocks, including Illinois fodder such as corn stover, corn oil produced with ethanol and pennycress, an overwintering oilseed taking hold in central Illinois.

Europe in particular has driven a global thrust toward and thus a market incentive for greener aviation fuels.

Emmert notes “the fuel you’re filling your tanks with at O’Hare could be flying to Singapore, to Brussels.”

Biofuels also offer the industry more cost effective “fuel diversity and fuel supply,” he told FarmWeek.

“The Midwest has a fantastic combination of a huge agricultural base, aviation powerhouses such as United and Boeing headquartered in

Chicago and a number of biofuel technology companies in the greater Midwest — a number of which have been participants in MASBI,” Emmert noted.

United has been involved with aviation biofuels since 2008. It conducted its first test flight with algae/jatropha oil-based fuel in 2008, a commercial flight using natural gas-derived synthetic fuel in 2010 and the first U.S. “revenue” passenger flight using algae-based fuel in 2011.

United is partnering with California-based AltAir Fuels to launch commercial-scale aviation biofuels production.

United has agreed to buy at least 15 million gallons of the fuel over a three-year

period for use at its Los Angeles hub.

Biofuels are just one component of United’s plan to run leaner and cleaner, according to Jimmy Samartzis, United managing director of global environmental affairs and sustainability. The airline is replacing older aircraft with new jets that offer a 15-20 percent improvement in fuel efficiency and reduced carbon emissions and moving to increased electric or alternative fuel use in airport ground fleets.

“Fuel’s our largest contributor from an environmental footprint perspective,” Samartzis told FarmWeek.

“It also constitutes our largest operating cost.”

Feedstocks with wings: Aviation biofuels potential

A variety of oils, starches and biomass feedstocks could be processed into aviation fuel, according to the Midwest Aviation Sustainable Biofuels Initiative (MASBI).

Those might include corn, sustainably harvested corn stover, corn oil, “novel” crops like pennycress or “purposegrown” trees such as poplar, Boeing North America/China Regional Biofuels Director Steve Emmert told FarmWeek.

But candidate feedstocks will face a rigorous approval process before they’re allowed to leave the ground.

“The approval process and testing for an aviation biofuel is far greater than for automotive biofuels,” stressed Illinois Farm Bureau economist Mike Doherty, who served with MASBI’s feedstock advisory committee.

“Having an engine failure driving on an interstate is not nearly as catastrophic as an engine failure with 300 people on board in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.”

Today, aviation biofuels are produced through two technologies: Fischer-Tropsch conversion of biomass into a synthetic gas and then into fuel, generally using coal; or hydroprocessed ester and fatty acids production using plant oils or animal fats. Fischer-Tropsch production requires “significant upfront capital costs,” MASBI noted.

MASBI has eyed two other possible fuel “pathways”: alcohol-to-jet technology that could convert sugars or starches; and hydrotreated depolymerized cellulosic jet (HDCJ) technology, which could tap a wide range of biomass materials.

According to the MASBI report, the HDCJ pathway offers feedstock flexibility and an “attractive cost structure.”

“They all produce the same fuel,” Emmert stressed.

“We’re focused on a new way of making the same fuel.”

The ultimate goal is a “100 percent drop-in replacement fuel” that can be used as is, instead of conventional fuel, according to Jimmy Samartzis, United Airlines managing director of global environmental affairs and sustainability.

Crops such as pennycress that can be raised outside the major growing season offer added land use/environmental benefits, Emmert said. He notes corn stover “allows you to get an existing crop out of what’s already being produced” — in his view, a way to reduce the acreage/greenhouse footprint.

Boeing, United and fuel industry supplier Honeywell UOP are working with Purdue University energy economist Wally Tyner to explore using HDJC-style technology to convert stover directly into jet fuel and consider federal energy policies that could help expedite the process.

Emmert also sees genetic potential to target new crops specifically for jet use. “If you could engineer crops that have oils with the right length carbon chain, could you design crops that ‘know’ they’re going to become jet fuel,” he posed.

“I think pennycress or one of the other new crops might fit nicely into that category.” — Martin Ross

POLICY

Page 5 Monday, July 22, 2013 FarmWeek

RC examines precision farming data privacy issues

BY MARTIN ROSS FarmWeek

In the digital age, information is power. The Illinois Farm Bureau Resolutions Committee (RC) hopes to get a better handle on how that power should be regulated.

The RC is seeking county Farm Bureau input on who should have the right to access or own global positioning system (GPS) or other precision farming data, disclosure of how vendor- or agency-provided data sought by private interests would be used and possible information privacy agreements.

As a result of American Farm Bureau Federation’s (AFBF) legal action against the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), EPA has agreed to delay responding to pending or future Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests for personal information about thousands of farmers and their families until a Farm Bureaufiled lawsuit can be resolved.

AFBF’s actions came in the wake of EPA’s so-called February “data dump” at the request of environmental groups seek-

ing information on livestock operations in 29 states.

In response to Farm Bureau and congressional objections, EPA agreed it had, in the case of Illinois and other states, made an “inappropriate disclosure” of personal information.

The agency edited out or “redacted” selected information and asked environmental groups to return unedited data, Illinois Farm Bureau General Counsel Ryan Gammelgard said. Those groups since have made added information requests.

“The information EPA wound up redacting wasn’t very significant, and the bottom line is, that information is out there,” Gammelgard said. “Once it’s out there, there’s no way of really checking up on whether it’s been returned or destroyed.”

According to the attorney, FOIA’s purpose is to enable groups or individuals to determine “whether or not government basically is doing its job.”

AFBF argues personal information falls beyond the act’s scope and should not be subject to what Gammelgard deems an activist “fishing expedition.”

RC looks at strategies to approach blend wall Illinois Farm Bureau’s Resolutions Committee (RC) is seeking the right policy and market tools to raze or move the ethanol “blend wall” — the rapidly approaching point where ethanol production catches up to current biofuels demand.

The federal Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS2) — one of ethanol’s major demand drivers — is under fire in Congress, and the petroleum industry continues to fight retail adoption of E15 (15 percent ethanol gasoline).

In an effort to move beyond the wall, the industry seeks to expand ethanol exports, supports existing RFS2 targets and farm bill bioenergy incentives and pushes E15 acceptance.

RC Natural Resources Subcommittee Chairman Earl Williams noted U.S. consumption of standard E10 gasoline dropped significantly with the 2007 recession. E15 offers an environmentally beneficial option for meeting long-term RFS2 goals, while boosting ethanol demand and setting the stage for future biofuels development, he said.

“We produce about as much ethanol as we can use at current E10 fuel levels,” Williams told FarmWeek. “We think ethanol’s a viable solution to part of our country’s energy needs.

But we need a certain amount of (market) volume in order to keep ethanol plants profitable. If we limit the amount of ethanol we can use, that also impacts the market for our corn.”

The impact of the RFS2 extends well beyond the nation’s roadways, serving as a general demand driver crucial to development of next-generation cellulosic and ready-to-use advanced “drop-in” biofuels.

Illinois Farm Bureau Economist Mike Doherty, who has helped guide discussion of Midwest sustainable aviation biofuels, views RFS2 as “kind of the ignition switch for extended use of biofuels.”

Williams acknowledged farmers have seen record corn prices in recent years, but argued record production would drive “extremely low” prices without ethanol as a market alternative.

The RC nonetheless will consider livestock sector concerns related to expanded corn ethanol demand, he said.

The RC also seeks input on Illinois’ state fuel sales tax credit for E10 use. The Illinois Corn Growers Association (ICGA) has pitched the idea of reducing the percentage of the existing sales tax credit.

According to ICGA, the move would help encourage retail demand for and fund promotion of E15 and provide up to $132 million in new state sales tax revenues per year.

“What should we do at the state level with the tax incentive on E10, and should there be an incentive for E15,” IFB Associate Director of State Legislation Bill Bodine posed. — Martin Ross

FOIA’s Exemption 6 allows agencies to withhold personal data. The problem is, EPA has discretion over whether to withhold or redact such information, he stressed.

An additional concern lies in defining specifically what constitutes “personal” farm information. In some cases, such as a farmer’s home address, that may seem obvious, but depending how an operation is structured, the line between personal and corporate information may be hazy.

For example, if a homebased farm is identified as Smith Cattle Farm LLC (limited liability company), a party seeking information may argue Exemption 6 may not apply, even if the operator is a fifthgeneration family producer.

Gammelgard cites proposals seeking agencies to review in advance what data may be released and consult with farmers regarding which data they see as personal. EPA did not consult farmers prior to its February information release.

The other potential defense against FOIA requests is Exemption 4 — that individual

farm “trade secrets” could be used by another business to gain a competitive advantage.

FOIA includes no specific exemptions for GPS or similar data used in precision farming, Gammelgard said. In that case, farmers must find a general exemption that applies.

For example, if GPS images pinpoint the location of a farmer’s home, Exemption 6 may apply. If data reveals a farmer’s

Farm bill

herd size or crop mix, it may fall under trade secret protections.

“The flip side of the argument would be, ‘Hey, this is GPS data I can get on Google and pinpoint fairly similar data,’ ” Gammelgard nonetheless advised.

The RC also is exploring rights regarding vendor use of precision ag data initially collected to help guide farm management practices.

Continued from page 1 and other key farm bill programs after 2018. Lawmakers could view removing the 1949 law “fallback” either as a measure that would prevent a drastic shift in programs or the potential leverage needed to update existing programs “that don’t make any sense for farmers any more,” he said.

House-Senate appropriators conceivably could work around the issue by allocating funding without new program authorizations, though that would require “a pretty high level of consensus,” he said. Westhoff deemed conservation programs “relatively popular politically,” and it might not be “exceptionally difficult” to pass a future farm bill that focuses on programs outside the commodity title. “ ‘Not exceptionally difficult’ and ‘easy’ are not the same thing,” he nonetheless emphasized. “We’ve seen the difficulty in getting any bills passed these days.

“Anything that requires legislation in the future becomes a question mark. If you don’t have something like existing permanent law to force (lawmakers’) hands, there definitely are folks concerned about how that would play out.”

FarmWeek Page 6 Monday, July 22, 2013

CROPWATCHERS Bernie Walsh, Durand, Winnebago County: More typical July weather, with hot, muggy conditions all week and no rain.

The dreaded countdown has started, that is “How long has it been since we have had a good rain?” For us it has been weeks.

We have had a quarter inch in the last three weeks. Amazingly, the crops still look pretty good, because we had so much extra rain before the dry spell started. Wheat harvest has started with excellent yields with reports from 70 to 90plus. Our wheat test plot averaged 88 bushels per acre. Hope we get some rain.

Tim Green, Wyoming, Stark County: I hate to say this, but we could sure use an inch of rain. It was a hot week with temperatures in the low to mid-90s most of the week. Thursday and Friday, you could tell the corn was suffering.

Beans seem to be growing. Most people are spraying for Japanese beetles in their bean fields while they spray Roundup for the second time. The populations seem to keep growing. I saw the planes flying Wednesday with fungicide for the corn and beans. A little bit of groundwork getting done on the fungicide application.

Otherwise, people are getting ready for the fall.

Pete Tekampe, Grayslake, Lake County: Had a great growing week in Lake County. We had two rain events, but only got the sidewalks wet each time. Severe thunderstorms were in the forecast for Friday. Corn is starting to tassel, so a nice shower would be welcome. Some of the later-planted fields are showing stress.

Beans seem to enjoy the extreme heat and are looking good. Some winter wheat has been cut. I don’t know of the yields yet, but the moisture was under 13 percent. Have a safe week and don’t forget to visit the Lake County Fair, July 24-28, and support our 4-H kids.

Mark Kerber, Chatsworth, Livingston County: It was a very hot and humid week across the Cornbelt. Not what we wanted to see for pollinating corn. Some relief is forecasted — we will see.

Those areas that received rain earlier can weather through this hot period; whereas the drier areas are suffering. We need a hurricane rain. Who remembers Hurricane Dennis a few years ago that made our crop? I believe it was in 2005. Wheat harvest is underway with the straw being baled right behind. A good, dry week is needed to get this done.

Hope the combine and tractor air conditioners do not break down. Yields are good. Much of the crop is going into feed use, as corn is getting in short supply. Markets believe it is going to rain.

Leroy Getz, Savanna, Carroll County: It was a dry, hot week. Rye and wheat fields have been combined. Corn is tasseled and pollinating and planes are starting to apply fungicides. Crops on the sandy soils are starting to show some rolling from the heat. Milk production is taking a slump with the 90-plus degrees causing stress on the cows. We are hoping for cooler days this week.

Ryan Frieders, Waterman, DeKalb County: The week was dry and very hot. Japanese beetles continue to grow in number and can be found in most fields. Insecticide is being sprayed to slow them down.

Soybeans are also being sprayed one last time to control weeds. Soybeans are beginning to set pods. Corn pollination is very uneven. Some corn plants are shooting silks. Wheat harvest is wrapping up in the area with disappointing yields due to excess moisture earlier in the season.

Larry Hummel, Dixon, Lee County: There is nothing like the smell of pollen first thing in the morning. Planes have started flying fungicide onto the corn. Last year, most of our corn was sprayed with an insecticide. This year looks to be just the opposite. I have only found one field with many rootworm beetles and no Japanese beetles. Japanese beetles have been sticking to the soybean fields and are very spotty.

This hot weather is really hitting the corn hard that was either planted into wet conditions or in lighter soils. The wheat harvest is just getting into full swing. Reports on yields have been average to below average with some loads being docked for vomitoxin.

Ken Reinhardt, Seaton, Mercer County: It was a hot, dry week. Smaller corn is showing the most stress. Mid-May planted corn is starting to tassel now. Fungicide applications are going to really be stretched out due to the three months of corn planting. Soybean growth has stalled, with some 30-inch rows having a long way to go to canopy.

Ron Moore, Roseville, Warren County: We did not receive any rain last week. This is the first time this season I have not had any rain to report.

The corn is tasseled and still looking good despite the lack of rain and hot weather this past week. First cutting of hay was the week of June 7 and had 42 round bales from 10 acres. Second cutting was last week with 16 bales off of the same 10 acres. The Japanese beetles are alive and well in our beans fields, cornfields, and around the house.

Ron Haase, Gilman, Iroquois County: This is another year with extreme heat and humidity during the Iroquois County Fair. A few soybean fields were still being sprayed with herbicides over the past week. Mowing roadsides, hauling grain, harvesting wheat and baling were the other farm activities taking place. The timing of the heat has matched when many cornfields are pollinating. Corn development ranges from the V8 growth stage up to the R2 or blister stage. Most fields are at or near the R1 or silking stage. Cornfields are rolling their leaves during the day to preserve moisture. Rain has been hard to come by. I have not seen any cornfields being sprayed with fungicides yet.

Most soybean fields are in the R1, or beginning bloom stage, up to the R2, or full bloom stage.

The local closing bids for July 18 were nearby corn, $6.74; new-crop corn, $4.82; nearby soybeans, $15.64; new-crop soybeans, $12.40.

Brian Schaumburg, Chenoa, McLean County: Oppressive heat and humidity stressed people and animals more than plants this past week, yet all three would welcome a cold front that would bring rain. Sixty percent of corn is tasseled and is awaiting aerial fungicide application decisions. No insect pressure is noticeable yet, but rootworm beetles have hatched and are being monitored. Overall crop conditions are still good, not great. Corn, $6.85, $4.82 fall; soybeans, $15.72, $12.46 fall; wheat, $6.29.

Steve Ayers, Champaign, Champaign County: It was a hot, humid, sunny week with triple digit heat indexes. A cold front was due Friday night to drop a little rain and cool off temperatures and lower humidity. Mid-May-planted corn is starting to tassel. Our eastern crop reporting district has only 11 percent silked; the lowest district in the state. I saw a couple waterhemp popping through the soybean canopy, so we will be implementing the Mac McGlamery Santa Claus weed control method, Ho, Ho, Ho. See you at the Champaign County Fair.

Wilfred Dittmer, Quincy, Adams County: Hello again from the dry acres of Adams County where we cannot seem to get the rain gauge primed. Corn, soybeans, lawns and hay fields could certainly use some moisture, but it doesn’t happen. As one old-timer said several years ago, “It rains on the just and the unjust, but it just don’t rain on us.” Early corn is close, if not tasseling, and later planted averages waist high or so.

Soybeans are actually growing and closing the narrow rows to hopefully smother out some of the weed escapes. A lot of hay is being put away dry, with hardly even dew on it. Fair starts in Adams County this week. Maybe we’ll get more than just a few clouds drifting past to dampen the gauge. Have a safe week.

Tom Ritter, Blue Mound, Macon County: It was a hot week for the most part, with dry conditions. The southern portion of Macon County, as well as parts of Christian County, have been on the dry side the last few weeks. Northern Macon County seemed to catch numerous little showers and in some cases, remote areas that had torrential downpours.

With the forecast for the southern part of county, we are definitely hoping to get some good, measurable precipitation. Corn continues to progress. More and more tassels are being seen each day, but because of the spread-out planting season, we still have corn anywhere from silking to not even waist high. Soybean height is also in a similar situation depending on the planting date. Still seeing some areas in corn and beans that are damaged from compaction due to tillage or standing water. Overall, crop conditions look good. Most field activities are wrapping up. Spraying is being done, especially on soybeans and seeing quite a few aerial applications going on corn for fungicides.

Todd Easton, Charleston, Coles County: Summer must be here in the Coles County area. We finally got a hot, precipitation-free week. Cornfields have been developing very rapidly with the fields planted in the mid-May rush tasseling out, producing silks and beginning to pollinate a week earlier than most of us expected. Rain and cooler temperatures are in the forecast, which would be just what the doctor ordered for the corn and beans.

Jimmy Ayers, New City, Sangamon County: Not much in the way of rain this past week.

We had spotty showers early Monday and Tuesday in different areas. It wasn’t enough to wet the gauge. Hot and humid is the biggest story. The plants seem to absorb pretty good moisture. The humidity may be helping this crop come along. Quite a bit more corn is tasseling and beginning to pollinate. We are probably up to 50 percent. A little bit of spot spraying going on the beans. Beans are absorbing the heat. A lot seem like they’ve stalled out in size. A lot of the 15-inch rows have closed the canopy. Still a lot of 30-inch rows have dirt showing between the rows.

The hay producers probably would appreciate this weather to dry their hay out.

Doug Uphoff, Shelbyville, Shelby County: The Shelby County 4-H Fair was last week or should I just say Fairly HOT! It’s always nice to talk to farmers and kids from all parts of the county. We had a great auction as usual on Wednesday night. Thanks to all the bidders!

The great kids and fair board make the fair a yearly success. 4-H is so important in teaching kids’ work ethic, working together and so many other things!

Crops are all over the place according to area farmers. We have beans in the area from just being planted or replanted to about knee- to waist-high. Corn is beginning to tassel, but is spotty throughout fields depending on ponding that occurred in the spring. Saw one picture of corn last week taken on the Morrisonville blacktop that was still V3. Weeds are getting harder to kill. Seems like we are just making them mad if they are too tall and it’s too hot for chemicals to work. Have a safe week and take time to be with family.

David Schaal, St. Peter, Fayette County: Summertime kicked in last week, with temperatures in the mid-90s and high humidity. We were rain free for the week. It has been a long time since we have gone a full week without any precipitation.

Now some farmers would like to have a shower. Some rain in the forecast for the weekend. There is a lot of corn in this area beginning to shoot tassels, so we have a crucial point coming for the corn crop. Soybeans are anywhere from just emerging to 15-16 inches tall.

There is a lot of soybean spraying going on trying to control waterhemp, but some hemp plants are living and growing through whatever is applied on them. Stay cool and have a good week.

Page 7 Monday, July 22, 2013 FarmWeek

CROPWATCHERS Jeff Guilander, Jerseyville, Jersey County: Corn is pollinating, beans are growing and Japanese beetles are strangely absent. Not bad for the third week of July, all things considered. Some fungicide is being applied but there does not appear to be a lot of disease presence yet, and it is still a little early for foliar on the beans. They could really use a growth spurt. Overall things look just OK ... it’s out of our hands for now.

Rick Corners, Centralia, Jefferson County: Some predicted it and sure enough, here it is — three months of rain every four days and below normal temperatures and now that corn is tasseling, or starting to tassel, no rain in 18 days. At 4 p.m. Thursday, my thermometer said 99.8.

Enough said for this week. See what happens in the next seven days.

Kevin Raber, Browns, Wabash County: The drier and much warmer weather allowed most of us to catch up on our planting and re-planting. In fact, I think everyone would agree a good rain is needed. The spray planes have been putting fungicide on some fields. I have not heard many reports from insect problems.

Soybeans are getting their color back, but as I said earlier, a good rain would help them out.

European Union risks becoming ‘irrelevant’

BY MARTIN ROSS FarmWeek

It’s a match made somewhere other than heaven — a top global exporter and the world’s top ag importer grappling with some fairly key differences.

Current U.S.-European trade talks stand not only to improve U.S. market access and the resolution of some sticky social and health issues, but also to keep the EU from “slowly becoming irrelevant to the rest of the world.”

So says Chicago-area policy consultant Ross Korves, who notes Europeans’ struggle to “align their process with the rest of the world.”

Longstanding EU policies regarding hormone-produced beef and biotech commodities have meant “lost market opportunity” for the U.S., but they’ve also created a difficult trade and economic posture for EU member states, Korves said.

That’s especially true as the world’s top importer’s basic “precautionary principle” regarding biotech food clashes with a marketplace now dominated by biotech soybeans,” he told FarmWeek. For the first time in decades, “Europe wants a deal,” said Korves, who is optimistic that “we’re finally going to face some of these issues head-on.”

“The EU has to look at how it relates to the rest of the world — not just the U.S., but the world,” he said. “They’re a major player in agriculture in the world, and they have to get in tune with where the world is. And they’re in the same boat with chemicals and all kinds of other products.”

At the same time, he deems U.S. loss of EU market share “astounding.” From 2000 to 2012, EU ag imports rose by roughly 145 percent, from $53.3 billion to $131-plus billion, while global U.S. ag exports to the EU rose by 54 percent.

Though exports to the EU rebounded somewhat in 2012, they remain below 1980 record levels.

Illinois Farm Bureau President Philip Nelson nonetheless sees Europe as “a very good trading partner,” noting the importance of Illinois corn gluten and soy exports moving into the continent. But U.S. farmers need an administration commitment to EU talks, the former American Farm Bureau Federation Trade Advisory Committee member said.

Also crucial is congressional approval of administration trade promotion authority, which holds lawmakers to an “up-or-down” vote on carefully wrought bilateral provisions.

“Any time you get into any of these trade agreements, you run the risk of a whole host of amendments being tacked on on the floor of Congress,” Nelson maintained. “I can tell you, our trading partners think (TPA) is significant.”

Dan Meinhart, Montrose, Jasper County: It was a very hot and humid week, with no rain for six days. A lot of beans (first planting and replanting of single crop, and double crop) went into the ground since the last report. Application of postchemicals has been taking place. Wheat harvest has wrapped up with good yields. Straw has been baled as has some hay. Corn is still suffering severe stress due to excessive rains earlier this month. The early corn is tasseling. Most of the crops could use a nice shower.

Dave Hankammer, Millstadt, St. Clair County: This past week was a warm and humid one with temperatures in the mid-90s and scattered showers leaving up to a half an inch of rain in some areas. Most farmers finished planting first crop soybeans, as well as doublecropped beans and milo.

Emergence of the newly planted fields has been quick due to the warm weather and plenty of moisture. There are a few isolated fields that have remained too wet to plant and the farmers decided to take prevented planting option on their crop insurance plan. For the most part we now have soybean crops in the county ranging from seedlings to plants that are knee-high plus and starting to bloom. The corn is developing quickly with the warm summer days and the May-planted corn is starting to tassel. The recent hot temps have started to show signs of stress on some fields along the highways. A good general rain shower would help move all these crops along.

Local grain bids are corn, $6.41; soybeans, $15.60; wheat, $6.50. Have a safe week.

Dean Shields, Murphysboro, Jackson County: This past week’s weather was hot, hot, hot.

It was the hottest weather of the year so far. The river has gone down and the locks are open and the water is leaving our river bottom area. The corn is tasseling and in good shape. A lot of the beans are being sprayed for the second time. All wheat is harvested and the double-crop beans are up. Things are going along good in Jackson County, but we need another rain, believe it or not, to help things along.

Randy Anderson, Galatia, Saline County It was hot and humid week here in the south.

The crops are making good progress, but starting to need a real nice shower or rain. Beggars can’t be choosers, as we say.

Some pop-up five minute showers in some spots of the county have been about it. Makes it a challenge to make hay. Like to say thanks to all the folks that put on the Massac County Youth Fair. Had a great week there. Keep up the good work.

Ken Taake, Ullin, Pulaski County: It was another week of hot and dry summer weather here in Pulaski County. Although we did manage to get a quarter of an inch of rain last week, that sure doesn’t go very far in 95-degree weather.

We sure could use a nice rain. The early corn is pollinating, or setting and some of the soybeans are starting to bloom. As always, the weeds continue to grow. It seems like they grow in any kind of weather. Please have a safe week.

Reports received Friday morning. Expanded crop and weather information available at FarmWeekNow.com

Looking for a Convenient Supply of DEF?

When it comes to the success of your operation, you can rely on your local FS energy specialists. If your new equipment uses diesel exhaust fluid (DEF), your local FS Co-op and participating FAST STOP® locations have just what you need – convenient supply. From packaged or bulk DEF to even the dispensing equipment, FS has the products and the knowledgeable experts to help you go further.

FS – The people and the products to take you further. Go further with FS.

TM

Go further. ©2012 GROWMARK, Inc. A13242

Scan the QR code to visit us on the web or go to www.GofurtherwithFS.com

FB IN ACTION

FarmWeek Page 8 Monday, July 22, 2013

State fiscal problems limit conservation manpower, funds

BY KAY SHIPMAN FarmWeek

Illinois’ efforts to protect soil and water continue, but are backlogged because state funding cuts reduced staff and cost-share dollars, an Illinois Farm Bureau government advisory team heard last week.

The Local and State Government Strength with Advisory Team (SWAT) heard about issues facing Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs) from Steve Chard Steve Chard Rich Nichols with the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) natural resources division and Rich Nichols with the Association of Illinois Soil and Water Conservation Districts (AISWCD).

“We (SWCDs) get a lot (of conservation practices) on the ground with a difficult budget climate,” Chard reported.

IDOA provides grants of state money for SWCD operations, but state support has declined since 2009. In response, SWCDs have cut office hours and staff and share employees. The districts in Lake and McHenry counties consolidated. SWCDs also raise funds with fish and tree sales.

SWAT members asked about the extent of costsaving measures.

Nichols explained that AISWCD explored office consolidations, but determined fewer staff would mean the remaining employees would spend more time on the road and less time working with landowners and farmers.

“You can’t put practices on the land over computers and phones,” Nichols said.

Team members suggested that calculating

demand for SWCD programs and services would demonstrate how the state would benefit from more conservation and generate support among lawmakers. Six years ago, AISWCD estimated 70 percent more practices/structure would have been completed with available funding, Nichols said.

However, that figure is difficult to calculate because some farmers may not pursue programs after funds are depleted, Nichols continued. “Word travels fast when cost-share money runs out; people don’t apply,” a team member agreed.

Team members discussed the value of local conservation experts and programs to farmers, especially in light of potential environmental regulations.

They also talked about different ideas to support SWCDs.

School funding issues growing more complex

Illinois distributes school funding via a complex system with some unintended, negative consequences. Members of the Illinois Farm Bureau Local and State Government Strength with Advisory Team (SWAT) received a crash course in public school funding last week.

The current school funding formula passed in 1997. In the interim, changes occurred that impacted how the money is dispersed, Deanna Sullivan, director of government relations for the Deanna Sullivan Illinois Association of School Boards, told team members.

“That’s one of the challenges. We have formulas and calculations that have changed over time how aid flows (to districts),” Sullivan said.

The challenge of the school aid formula dovetails with state budget cuts and an ever-increasing list of unfunded mandates, which districts are required to implement without additional state dollars.

Sullivan delved into the problem of overreliance on property taxes for education funding.

In 2011-2012, property taxes contributed 55 percent of education funding, while 32 percent came from the state and 13 percent was from federal sources.

“We will always have pressure between what we are willing to pay and what we expect,” Sullivan said.

She pointed out a state senate task force plans to study education funding issues and deliver its report next February. Team members discussed the need for more information on specific education funding issues and any recommendations from the upcoming task force report.

In the short term, county Farm Bureaus should help surface and encourage strong candidates to run for local school boards, a couple of team members said. —Kay Shipman

Conservation buffers field day topic

Conservation buffers will be discussed from 9 a.m. to noon Aug. 1 at a field day in Logan County.

Trees Forever is sponsoring a field day on the farms of Gene Craft and Jerry Cisco near Atlanta.

Topics will include early maintenance, direct seeding, use of nut tree varieties and buffer resources.

To reach the site, take exit 140 from Interstate 55 and travel 1 mile east; go around the curve and 1 mile south. Turn east on 2237th Street and travel three-fourths of a mile. Look for a red brick house on the north side of the road.

For more information, contact Debbie Fluegel with Trees Forever at 309-613-0095 or dfluegel@treesforever.org.

FROM THE COUNTIES

Page 9 Monday, July 22, 2013 FarmWeek

C

OOK — Farm Bureau will sponsor a family picnic at the Brookfield Zoo from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 18. Cost is $15 for adults, $10 for children ages 3 to 11 and free for children ages 2 and under. Call 708-354-3276 for tickets or more information by Aug. 7.

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

• The Farm Bureau Commodities and Marketing Team’s 2013 Recipe Collection is now available. For a free copy, call 708-354-3276, email membershipdebbie@cookcfb.org, or visit {cookcfb.org/buylocal/recipe-collection}.

ORD-IROQUOIS — Farm Bureau will sponsor a policy development meeting at noon July 30 at Monical’s Pizza in Watseka. Josh Harms, R-Watseka, will be the speaker.

Call 800-424-0756 for more information.

ULTON — Farm Bureau will sponsor activities at the Fulton County Fair Tuesday through Sunday. Activities will include: barnyard discoveries from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, milk mustache contest at 2 p.m.

Thursday, pedal pull contest at 2:30 p.m. Friday and a pork cookoff at 10:30 a.m. Saturday. Call the Farm Bureau office at 547-3011 for more information.

• Farm Bureau will sponsor an outlook meeting at 6:30 p.m.

July 31 at the Farm Bureau building. Mark Hobrock, Sunrise Ag, will be the speaker.

Cost is $5. Call the Farm Bureau office at 547-3011 or email fultonfb@att.net for

F F

J

reservations by July 29.

ACKSON — Farm Bureau is selling 2013 platbooks, eBooks and wall maps.

Call 684-3129 for more information.

• The Foundation will sponsor a fish fry from 5 to 8 p.m.

Saturday at the KC Hall in Murphysboro. Cost is $10. Call the Farm Bureau office for tickets or more information.

• Young Farmers will host an antique tractor pull at 11 a.m.

Sunday at H&R Agri-Power in Vergennes. The Women’s Committee will sponsor a pedal pull for children at 2 p.m.

ANKAKEE — The Young Leaders Committee will volunteer at the Kankakee Salvation Army soup kitchen from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday. Call the Farm Bureau office at 932-7471 if you are interested in volunteering.

ASALLE — Farm Bureau will host a tour to Mid-American Growers in Granville, Patriot Renewable Fuels in Annawan and the Pioneer research facility in Princeton 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 7.

Cost is $30 for members and $40 for nonmembers. Call the Farm Bureau office at 4330371 for reservations.

CDONOUGH — Young Leaders will sponsor a tour Aug. 2 of the Caterpillar track-type tractor facility in East Peoria. To register, visit {mcdonoughcountyfarmbureau.org}.

EORIA — Young Leaders will sponsor a tractor safety course competition 4 to 6 p.m. Aug. 1 at the Peoria County 4-H Show at Exposition Gardens. The livestock auction will begin at 7 p.m. with the 4-H Federation hosting a meal for buyers from 5 to 7 p.m.

• Farm Bureau will take

K L

M P

Travel with other Farmers!

Caribbean Cruise & New Orleans Tour 11 Days $1299* from

Price Includes Airfare from 51 U.S. Cities!

Depart January 16 or 30, 2014 Your adventure begins in fabulous New Orleans! Enjoy a city tour and discover ‘The Big Easy,’ including the French Quarter, colorful Bourbon Street, the Ninth Ward, devastated by Hurricane Katrina; and travel on St. Charles Avenue, following the Mardi Gras route. You will also visit the museum “Living with Hurricanes: Katrina and Beyond Exhibition,” plus tour two area historical mansions and plantations.

Relax and unwind on board Royal Caribbean’s Serenade of the Seas, for your 7-night cruise of the Caribbean. Take advantage of the many onboard amenities as you sail to the ports of: Falmouth, Jamaica, noted for being one of the Caribbean’s best preserved Georgian towns; Georgetown, Grand Cayman, with crystal-clear warm waters and stretch out on the radiant white sands at 7-Mile Beach and off the tip of the Yucatan Peninsula, Cozumel, Mexico. * Per person, based on double occupancy. Price based on Inside Cabin, upgrades available. Add $299 tax/service/government fees.

For details and itinerary call 7 days a week:

1-800-736-7300

orders for Calhoun County peaches until Aug. 8. Pickup will be in the Farm Bureau auditorium Aug. 15. Orders may be placed at {peoriacountyfarmbureau.org} ERRY — Farm Bureau will co-sponsor a Pull and Cast for Agriculture Education Sunday at the World Shooting and Recreational Complex near Sparta. Proceeds will benefit Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom. Call the Farm Bureau office at 357-9355 or visit {rcfb.org} for more information.

ANDOLPH — Farm Bureau will co-sponsor a Pull and Cast for Agriculture Education Sunday at the World Shooting and Recreational Complex near Sparta. Proceeds will benefit Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom. Call 443-4511 or visit {rcfb.org} for more information.

ICHLAND — Young Leaders Committee members will sponsor a trap shoot Aug. 17 at the County Line Gun Club in Noble. Early registration cost is $100 for a five-person team, $125 after Aug. 15, and $25 for individuals.

To register, call the Farm Bureau office, a Young Leader Committee member or go to {richlandcountyfarmbureau.com}.

P

R R

• Farm Bureau and COUNTRY Financial will host a member and customer appreciation picnic from 5 to 7 p.m. Aug. 6 at the Community Building in the Olney City Park. Call the Farm Bureau office or a COUNTRY Financial representative to register.

ANGAMON — Farm Bureau will co-host “A Day in the Country” from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday at the Beaty Farm near Rochester. Call the Farm Bureau office at 753-5200 for more information.

TEPHENSON —Farm Bureau will sponsor a bus trip Aug. 6 to the Wisconsin State Fair. Cost is $30. Call 2323186 to register.

• Farm Bureau will host Stroke Detection Plus health screenings from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. July 31 at the Farm Bureau building. Members will receive a discount. Call 877732-8258 to schedule an appointment.

• Farm Bureau will sponsor a bus trip to Fair Oaks Farms Dairy Adventure and Pig Adventure on Aug. 17. Cost is $50 for members and $55 for nonmembers. Call 232-3186 for reservations.

• Farm Bureau will sponsor a bus trip Aug. 28 to the Farm Progress Show in Decatur. Cost

S S

is $30 for members and $35 for nonmembers. Call 232-3186 to register.

AYNE — Young Leaders will sponsor a golf scramble Saturday at the Wayne County Golf Course in Fairfield. Go to {waynecfb.com} for more information.

• Farm Bureau member appreciation dinner will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Aug. 9 at the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Fairfield. Cost is $2 and a nonperishable food item. Deadline to purchase tickets is Aug. 2.

• Ag in the Classroom will host a silent auction during the member appreciation dinner on Aug. 9. Call Brianne Foster at 599-6338 to donate.

HITE — Farm Bureau will host a member appreciation luncheon from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 7 at the White County Fairgrounds. Call 3828512 to register by July 31.

• Ag in the Classroom will host a silent auction during the member appreciation luncheon on Aug. 7. Call Brianne Foster at 599-6338 for auction donations.

W

W

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

PROFITABILITY

FarmWeek Page 10 Monday, July 22, 2013

Volatile world affects fertilizer market dynamics

We often talk about lots of “moving parts” in fertilizer markets, complicating the outlook going forward. This is a big topic because the extra “moving parts” make fertilizer market dynamics volatile. In turn, they Joe Dillier often cause buyers around the globe to defer purchases, which leads to last minute supply scrambles and yet more price volatility.

During the last year, there has been one factor that has dominated the market and kept prices flat-to-weak in recent months. That factor is new supply both from new “start-up” manufacturing facilities and from plant “de-bottlenecking,” which has continued to boost production at existing facilities.

As we’ve talked about before, this “supply side response” is due to the strong margins fertilizer manufacturers have experienced over the last few years. It’s all part of the “market cycle” in fertilizers (as in other commodities).

Note that we are not talking about production from the raft of new U.S. nitrogen fertilizer plants announced in

BY JOE DILLIER

the last year or so. Those plants won’t come online for another couple of years. And, most recently, it’s been announced that some of those projects are being put on hold because of changing market dynamics, for example, lower prices for fertilizers, higher natural gas costs and higher build costs. How many of those U.S. projects eventually get built is a dynamic for fertilizer markets to consider well past this year.

For the coming year, the market will continue to keep a sharp focus on still more global supply of fertilizers, especially nitrogen fertilizers. New nitrogen production capacity is coming on stream in North Africa, China and the Persian Gulf. But as you probably sense, the next thing the market will be focusing on is the political environment in these regions/counties.

In fact, Egypt is a major exporter of nitrogen fertilizers. Should the unrest there lead to a complete shutdown of operations, fertilizer markets could tighten very quickly.

Egyptian operations remain in business at this writing.

The bottom line is fertilizer markets continue to be in transition, as they move from being almost exclusively “demand driven” in recent years to being much more influenced by supply. Fertiliz-

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

40 lbs.

Range Per Head $31.81-$48.00 NA

Weighted Ave. Pric5 $37.88 NA

This Week Last Week 88,485 80,979 *Eastern Corn Belt prices picked up at seller’s farm Receipts

Eastern Corn Belt direct hogs (plant delivered) Carcass Live

(Prices $ per hundredweight) This week Prev. week Change $92.79 $95.32 -$2.53 $68.66 $70.54 -$1.87

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

This week $120.81 $122.00

Prev. week $121.13 $121.85

Change -$0.32 $0.15

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 $145.99 $142.40 $3.59

Lamb prices Slaughter Prices - Negotiated, Live, wooled and shorn 115-163 lbs. for 108.11-122 $/cwt. (wtd. ave. 117.39).

Export inspections (Million bushels) Week ending Soybeans Wheat Corn 7/11/2013 3.7 24.5 16.3 7/04/2013 2.5 28.8 8.2 Last year 14.9 15.2 22.3 Season total 1292.8 136.6 606.1 Previous season total 1251.0 116.1 1368.3 USDA projected total 1330 1075 700 Crop marketing year began June 1 for wheat and Sept. 1 for corn and soybeans.

er prices should be a good value this year both in relation to price levels of the recent past and in relation to

grain prices, which is certainly the case currently. But all those “moving parts” can still pose significant risks.

Joe Dillier is GROWMARK’s plant food director. He can be reached at jdillier@growmark.com.

adequate as weight averages are up significantly from a year ago The cattle on feed report (see graphic). released Friday by USDA was “That’s been an ongoing neutral to slightly friendly as trend,” Good said of the heavier marketings of fed cattle were weights. “It’s now three months above expectations. in a row where considerably But any major more cattle were upturn in the placed in the FarmWeekNow.com cattle market 800-poundsListen to analysis of the latest likely is weeks or and-up category. cattle-on-feed report at even months It goes back to FarmWeekNow.com. away as prices last year’s (small) near-term are calf crop.” expected to hang around summer Placements in feedlots durlows, according to Kevin Good, ing June totaled 1.59 million CattleFax senior analyst. head, down 5 percent from last “Seasonally, we should be at year. Marketings of fed cattle, the summer lows,” Good told 1.89 million head, were down 4 FarmWeek. “Once we get percent from last year but tighter supplies and cooler about 1.5 percent higher than weather, then the beef comthe average trade guess. plex should pick back up.”

“That (higher-than-expected Cattle and calves in U.S. feed- marketings estimate) might give lots as of July 1 totaled 10.37 us a little support on futures at million head, down 3 percent the front end of the first part from the same time a year ago. of (this) week,” Good said.

But beef supplies remain The next move in the market

is expected next month or after Labor Day. “But we might have to slug it out a few more weeks,” Good said.

“I think there will be some pretty nice returns this fall,” said Alan Adams, a beef producer from Sandwich and president of the Illinois Beef Association.

Cattle market languishes in summer heat

BY DANIEL GRANT FarmWeek

PROFITABILITY

Page 11 Monday, July 22, 2013 FarmWeek

CASH STRATEGIST

Trade focuses on crop conditions

Last week’s 2-point decline put the condition of the corn and soybean crops at center stage. There had been a temporary lull in attention as planting of each wound down. But the break in the condition ratings and last week’s 90-degree heat put the yield potential in focus again. Market attitudes changed with the release of morning, midday, and afternoon weather model runs.

Stepping back from the weather forecast volatility helps put the picture of the corn and soybean crops in better perspective. On average, the condition of both tends to deteriorate from mid-June into August. That’s true even if the extremely bad years like 2012 are taken out of the mix. Even those exceptional crops like 1994 and 2004 showed some mid-summer deterioration.

We’ve identified some years that compare to the condition rating pattern for the current corn crop. The pattern developing on condition ratings so far seems to correlate best with 1995, 2001 and 2011. But, neither 2001 nor 2011 were lateplanted years.

1995 had some temperature

extremes in July we haven’t had this summer. The first week of the month was relatively mild, but the middle of the month had extreme heat, with tripledigit temps across a large part of the Midwest.

A hurricane entered the Southeast, moved up the lower Mississippi River, and turned east up the Ohio River at the beginning of August. Following that, there was another bout of heat, but not as extreme as it was in July.

In 1995, the corn yield ended 7.8 percent below trend at 148.5 bushels per acre. The 1995 ratings improved a little with the hurricane moisture (mostly southern/eastern Corn Belt) and temporary moderation of temperatures. But it deteriorated sharply at the end with renewed crop stress.

If the current weather forecasts hold up for moderating heat and some moisture, much of this crop may get through pollination in reasonably good shape. That would be a significant difference from 1995, but the crop won’t be “out of the woods” until it gets through kernel fill. A prominent private analyst is said to be using a 153 bushel corn yield at this time.

Soybean condition ratings look similar, but it’s still too early to draw insight from them. By mid-August, both will offer better clues into potential for this year’s crops.

AgriVisor endorses crop insurance by

AgriVisor LLC 1701 N. Towanda Avenue PO Box 2500 Bloomington IL 61702-2901 309-557-3147 AgriVisor LLC is not liable for any damages which anyone may sustain by reason of inaccuracy or inadequacy of information provided herein, any error of judgment involving any projections, recommendations, or advice or any other act of omission.

Policies issued by COUNTRY Mutual Insurance Company®, Bloomington, Illinois AgriVisor Hotline Number

309-557-2274

Corn Strategy

ü2012 crop: Spot demand could lift cash prices in the short term. But when endusers feel comfortable with supplies to get them to newcrop, they’ll quickly back away, allowing cash prices to plummet. Use strength to wrap up sales. ü2013 crop: Less stressful weather undermined newcrop prices last week. But, conditions are less than ideal, suggesting some production risk may need to be put back in prices. Plan to wait for December futures to rebound to $5.30-$5.50 before considering sales. vFundamentals: The crop is less than ideal, with those in the western Corn Belt poorer than those in the east.

There was talk this week up to 4.4 million acres in North Dakota may be designated prevent plant this year. That and the planting problems either side of the Iowa/Minnesota border is keeping acreage uncertainty high along with rising yield uncertainty. We’d expect prices to firm into late summer unless weather improves considerably.

Cents per bu.

Soybean Strategy

ü2012 crop: Like corn, once soybean meal users have needs covered to new-crop, price strength should quickly dissipate. Soybean meal basis should offer the first clue prices may be peaking. And when prices turn lower, the break should be quick. Price bushels you still own. ü2013 crop: Less stressful weather forecasts kept newcrop prices on the defensive last week. Still, production uncertainty appeared to limit losses. Refrain from making catch-up sales until November futures trade near $13. vFundamentals: The new-crop soybean structure is still kind of a delicate balance.

The trade understandably has questions about the size of this year’s crop. But the current condition ratings are reasonably good, and above the average for this time of year.

There’s also reason to think the initial demand numbers might be considered a little

generous, too. Private Chinese import estimates are well below USDA’s projections.

Wheat Strategy

ü2013 crop: The wheat market still hasn’t confirmed a seasonal low, but downside risk appears limited and shouldn’t be long lasting if new lows occur. Wait for Chicago September to trade above $6.90 before making catch-up sales. vFundamentals: Stories surfaced this past week that up to 20 million metric tons(mmt) of the Chinese crop may have been damaged this year, prima-

rily reducing quality. That should shunt more Chinese wheat into the feed pipeline.

That should increase imports of quality wheat for milling to supplement China’s supplies.

Egypt bought 300,000 tons of wheat last week, hinting the Egyptians may start buying wheat more aggressively to bolster their food supplies. However, all of Egypt’s purchase came from Black Sea countries as prices there have again become the lowest in the world. Europe’s crop appears to be coming on strong as well, with some thinking it could be the third largest on record.

PERSPECTIVES

FarmWeek Page 12 Monday, July 22, 2013

Swarming insects mean business

Get your house in order

T

his administration can’t get its regulatory house in order. I feel the frustration every day as an American farmer. To grow crops, I’m always on the lookout for safe technologies that will help me make better use of the land, whether it’s with improved water conservation or advanced pest control.

The government needs to help out through an efficient and effective regulatory system that makes science-based decisions in a timely fashion.

Unfortunately, our regulatory system is broken. Farmers increasingly see USDA not as a partner committed to helping us grow food, but as an obstacle that simply gets in the way of responsible production.

Two cases in point involve new trait technologies that TIM BURRACK use time-tested herbicides: one with a technical name, 2,4D and the other, dicamba. guest columnist The herbicide 2,4-D was first developed in the 1940s.

My father started using it on our farm in the 1950s.

Dicamba was introduced in the 1950s and I’ve been using that tool on our farm since 1967. Today, they are two of the best understood and most widely accepted herbicides on the planet.

They’re also key ingredients in two important new crop protection tools. Having access to 2,4-D and dicamba technologies will help farmers get the yield we need to compete, while easily killing weeds that have become difficult to control.

Sensationalist accounts in the media have dubbed these “superweeds,” a silly word that makes ordinary vegetation sound like something out of “Little Shop of Horrors,” the humorous musical about plants that eat people. Whatever we label them, we need new tools to fight them. I’ve been eager to get my hands on these new products, as are many other farmers.

But USDA won’t let us have this new technology. To make matters worse, it won’t explain why and its failure to do so violates federal law.

USDA is required by law to respond to regulatory petitions within 180 days.

With 2,4-D-tolerant crops, the waiting has now lasted three and a half years — seven times the period required by federal law.

A USDA announcement in May that it is extending the review of these technologies suggests that the waiting will continue for more than a year. How long will USDA dawdle? Nine times the requirement under federal law? Ten times?

Forever?

I should be using this product on my fields right now during the growing season of 2013. It’s too late for that, of course. Right now, I’ll be lucky if this product is available before President Obama leaves office.

This is ridiculous. The 2,4-D trait technology is already approved in Canada.

Approvals are imminent for it in other countries that are key competitors. Yet, here in the United States, farmers must rely on existing technology to compete with the rest of the world.

If our regulatory system slips into sclerosis, we’ll surrender our great competitive advantage, in which the United States has led the way on technology and innovation. Very soon, Brazil and China will approve novel technologies before we do.

This is how we become a second-world country — not because others are beating us fair and square, but because we’re bogging ourselves down in red tape and broken rules.

I’ve seen what happens to farmers when governments ignore the rule of law.

For six years, I invested in a farm in Ukraine where my partners and I grew corn, soybeans and several other crops. The venture ultimately ended because it was impossible to do business without paying massive bribes.

American farmers aren’t asking for no regulations at all, or even a phony “rubber stamp” procedure. We want predictable rules that help us grow safe and nutritious food, which is exactly what we’ve had for many years.

Now we risk losing it.

USDA thinks it can flout federal law, apparently hoping that no one will notice or care. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack must lead and get the USDA regulatory train back on track.

Tim Burrack raises corn, soybeans and pork on an Iowa family farm. He is vice chairman and a volunteer board member of Truth About Trade & Technology {truthabouttrade.org}.

As surely as the days get longer, the grass turns green, flowers bloom — and social insects swarm.

In general, the term swarm is used to describe any aggregation of animals.

For most of us, the term is used to describe a group of insects, such as mosquitoes or locusts.

Social insects use swarming as a process to establish new colonies.

Four groups of insects have species that live in colonies. These include all termites and ants; some wasps, and two species of social bees — bumble bees TOM TURPIN and honey bees.

Scientists call colonyliving insects social. All such species have at least three common characteristics — a queen, a division of labor with individuals doing different jobs and provision of care for their young.

Some social insects, including honey bees, live in permanent colonies that last for more than one year. Others, including bumble bees, have colonies that exist only during a growing season.

What makes social insects swarm?

In all social insects — except honey bees — swarming is associated only with reproduction. The winged males and females leave a nest or colony on a mating flight.

Once a female is mated, she will seek a suitable location for a nest, lay a few eggs and care for the young that hatch. Once the young mature, they will take over the duties of raising the next workers.

In honey bees, the swarming is somewhat different and a bit more complex. A honey bee colony doesn’t just produce males and females to send into the world. It also generates a group of colonizers to send on a mission.

That group includes the old queen and some workers from her established colony. Such a group of honey bees is

known as a swarm, and their mission is to start a new colony.

Honey bee swarming begins with the production of males, called drones, and reproductive females called queens.

Drones come from unfertilized eggs.

Female honey bees result from fertilized eggs and will be either workers or queens, depending on the quality of food they receive. The queens are larger than the workers and must be raised in special chambers known as queen cells.

In a honey bee colony, several things have to happen before the colony produces a swarm. First, a number of drones are produced, sometimes as many as 3,000 in a hive. These drones leave the colony during the day and fly around in areas known as drone zones.

The colony also will produce several queen cells. The first queen to emerge does not like competition so she proceeds to find other queen cells and will sting the developing queens to death.

The new queen will then go on a mating flight. She will fly into a drone zone and mate with as many as six drones. The mated queen will return to her hive.

Back in the hive, the bees know that a new reproductive queen has returned, and the hive prepares to swarm. The worker bees literally pack a lunch for the trip. They fill their crops with honey. The old queen and about 10,000 workers, primarily younger bees, will leave the hive.

These airborne bees swarm around the queen as she flies from the hive.

When the queen lands, the other bees cluster around her forming a ball of bees. The bees will stay in that location until a suitable nest site is discovered.

Then, the swarm will take to wing again, this time on the way to their new home.

For honey bees, it takes a swarm to start a new colony.

Tom Turpin is an entomology professor at Purdue University, West Lafayette, Ind. His email address is Turpin@purdue.edu.