Illinois Farm Bureau claimed national awards last week, including best Farm Bureau newspaper. page 3
Monday, June 23, 2014
Twelve farmers have been chosen for the IFB Infrastructure Market Study Tour in August. page 11
An ag teacher shortage has Illinois leaders searching for scholarship and loan solutions. page 8
Ag groups fight interpretive rule on ‘waters of U.S.’ Two sections Volume 42, No. 25
MAKING HAY WHILE THE SUN SHINES
BY DEANA STROISCH FarmWeek
Agricultural groups say voluntary conservation practice standards would become mandatory under an interpretive rule associated with proposed changes to the definition of “waters of the United States.” Representatives of the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), National Corn Growers Association and National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) testified before the House Committee on Agriculture last week. The groups urged the Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to withdraw the interpretive rule. “For 37 years, farmers could conduct normal agricultural practices on their land,” said Don Parrish, AFBF senior director of regulatory affairs. “But now, practices are only going to be exempt if you follow NRCS’ (National Resources Conservation Service) conservation practices.” Andy Fabin, a farmer and NCBA member, said he fears farmers use of conservation methods could decline. “If you tell a farmer that he
Periodicals: Time Valued
Charlie Meyerscough mows alfalfa on Paul Reynolds’ field near Mansfield in Piatt County. Wet weather delayed mowing, resulting in a first cutting rather than the usual second one this time of year, Meyerscough said. Instead of an optimal 20 percent bloom, this alfalfa reached nearly full bloom. In addition to custom baling, Meyerscough also raises Simmental cattle and grows corn and soybeans with his cousin Gary Meyerscough. (Photos by Ken Kashian)
either has to comply with NRCS standards or face the permitting requirements or violations of the Clean Water act and its fines of $37,500 per day, he hasn’t been given real choice at all,” Fabin said. “The only real choice is whether to do it the NRCS way or not at all. I’m afraid that most farmers and ranchers will pick the latter.” EPA released the interpretive rule at the same time it released its proposed rule defining “waters of the United States.” The interpretive rule, which went into effect immediately, outlines 56 agricultural conservation practices exempt from dredge and fill (Section 404) permits under the Clean Water Act. According to the interpretive rule, an exemption would be granted if conservation practices: • “are part of an “established (i.e., ongoing) farming, silviculture or ranching operation, consistent with the statute and regulations;” and • “implemented in conformance with NRCS technical standards.”
Stallman: Immigration reform ‘a heavy lift’ BY DEANA STROISCH FarmWeek
American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) President Bob Stallman said getting immigration reform passed this year will be a “heavy lift,” but he doesn’t blame the recent primary defeat of House majority leader Eric Cantor, R-Va. “I think it’s too simplistic to say that race in and of itself is going to be the death nail for the immigration issue,” Stallman said during an interview last week with the RFD Radio Network®. “Now, it has sent some shockwaves, no question about it.” Stallman said the Republican leadership
quickly in the new Congress if there’s a willingness to move forward.” Stallman visited Illinois Farm Bureau headquarters in Bloomington last week and provided an update on immigration reform — and other issues — with the IFB Board of Directors. Stallman told the board that its special, six-state immigration pilot program is temporarily on hold until the House leadership decides whether to pursue immigration reform. Illinois is one of the states participating in the pilot. Stallman and Julie Anna Potts, executive vice president and treasurer, outlined
“clearly understands that the issue can’t be left undone.” He also noted that the Hispanic community can influence elections, particularly presidential elections. “At the end of the day, if this issue isn’t resolved, I think it’s political baggage for the Republican party,” Stallman said. “And I think that a lot of the leaders know that.” Members of Congress are reassessing the issue, and it should be clearer in the next few weeks whether the issue will advance this year. “Obviously, the closer you get to the November election the more difficult it will become,” he said. “I think a lot of groundwork could be laid to move forward
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See Interpretive, page 2
See Stallman, page 2
Illinois Farm Bureau on the web: www.ilfb.org ®
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