Farmweek june 8, 2015

Ethanol industry leaders want farmers to gear up for a fight against the latest RFS proposal. page 4

Morgan Wendling of Altamont devotes time to sharing the merits of dairy products with children. page 5

New FDA antibiotic rules and PEDV topped a list of issues reviewed at the World Pork Expo. page 9

IFB: EPA, Corps ignored farmer concerns Monday, June 8, 2015

BY DEANA STROISCH FarmWeek

Illinois Farm Bureau says the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Army Corps of Engineers largely ignored the concerns of Illinois farmers when developing the final rule governing “waters of the U.S.” “In many cases in the preamble to the

Two sections Volume 43, No. 23

final rule, EPA says things like ‘public comments said X, but based on our expertise, we decided Y,’” said Lauren Lurkins, IFB director of environmental and natural resources.

Illinois Farm Bureau President Richard Guebert Jr. expressed disappointment in the nearly 300-page rule.

“It seems very likely that the matter

CHRISTMAS IN JUNE

will end up in court,” he said during a press teleconference last week.

IFB believes the final rule will create confusion, more citizen lawsuits, more regulatory schemes and potentially more government red tape for farmers.

EPA contends the rule clarifies which bodies of water will be federally regulated under the Clean Water Act. IFB says

Greg Pool of Melvin trims tender, new buds from Christmas trees. June pruning ensures the trees fill out in time for holiday cutting.

Pool’s late dad, John, started Pool’s Pine Acres in the late ‘50s. While the family once sold as many as 500 trees, decreased demand for fresh evergreens means Pool now typically sells 40 to 50 Christmas trees. (Photo by Ken Kashian)

What’s next?

it goes beyond what Congress intended.

The final rule Under the becomes effective rule, the follow60 days after its ing bodies of publication in the water will be federally regulat- Federal Register.

In the meantime, ed under the Clean Water Act: Illinois Farm Bureau continues to • Tributaries. work for Senate Under the rule, passage of S 1140, tributaries which would include “any place where rain- require the federal agencies to withwater channels draw and rewrite and flows enough to leave the rule. The bill a mark,” accord- now has 36 cosponsors. Other ing to AFBF. legislative options “They can include defunding look back in implementation of time for indicators of the ‘ordi- the rule in the FY16 spending bill. nary high water mark’,” Lurkins said. “Even if they may not be out there when you look today, EPA can pull up maps and other documents that reference them from any point in the past.”

Many ditches also fall under the definition of tributaries and would be considered a “water of the U.S.,” Lurkins said. These include 1) ditches, including roadside ditches that have perennial flow; 2) ditches that have intermittent flow and are a relocated tributary, were excavated in a tributary, or drained wetlands; and 3) ditches that have ephemeral flow, and are a relocated tributary or

New federal CDL requirements coming July 1

Periodicals: Time Valued

See CONCERNS, page 2

BY KAY SHIPMAN FarmWeek

Illinois drivers who need to renew or upgrade their commercial driver’s licenses (CDL) face new federal identification requirements, starting July 1.

A one-time “proof of legal presence” requirement takes effect for all CDL renewals, transfers or upgrades, according to Kevin Duesterhaus, commercial driver’s license manager with the Illinois Secretary of State.

“We (Illinois) have to be in compliance with federal requirements,” Duesterhaus told FarmWeek.

to learn more about the new federal CDL rules.

A license holder must present one of several legal documents, including a current U.S. passport or U.S. birth certificate. The birth certificate must be an official, certified document with a raised seal; a photocopy will not be accepted. Likewise, any submitted passport must be an original, official document.

When a driver supplies the required document, the secretary of state staff will record the information for the future, and drivers won’t need bring it again. “It’s a one-time deal,” Duesterhaus added.

Drivers whose licenses expire within the next 12 months may renew them early before the new requirements take effect; however, those individuals would have to comply with the requirement later, he said.

For more information, visit {cyber driveillinois.com} or call the CDL help desk at 217-785-3108.

Quick Takes

FarmWeek • Page 2 • Monday, June 8, 2015

GUEBERT TWEETING ABOUT AG — Illinois Farm Bureau President Richard Guebert Jr. recently launched his own Twitter handle.

“I plan to use Twitter as another method to advocate for Illinois farmers,” said Guebert. “I think nearly all of our Illinois congressional delegation now monitors Twitter to see what is on the minds of constituents. I want our positions on legislation and regulation to be part of the conversation.”

Follow Guebert on Twitter at @ILFBPres.

COLLEGIATE COLUMNIST MAKING IMPACT — Regina Cortez, a University of Illinois student, touched a chord when she shared how her views on farming changed after meeting farmers through an agriculture policy class.

First published in the May 11 FarmWeek, Cortez’s column has reached 9,944 people on the Illinois Farm Families’ (IFF) Facebook page from where 75 individuals shared the commentary on their pages. Another 8,412 people read her column on IFF’s watchusgrow.org website.

WOMEN’S COMMUNICATIONS BOOT CAMP SET — If you’re a female Farm Bureau member, consider applying to attend the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 2015 Women’s Communications Boot Camp Oct. 13-16 in Washington, D.C. Applications are due June 30. Fifteen women will be selected to participate in this year’s program, which is sponsored by the AFB Women’s Leadership Committee. Applications are available at {http://bit.ly/1H4AikB}. Applicants will be notified of their status by July 31.

The program aims to enhance communication and leadership skills within the agriculture industry, and includes targeted training in the areas of public speaking, media relations, messaging and advocacy.

WILL’S DICKEY RETIRING — Illinois Public Media’s agricultural services director Dave Dickey will retire June 30 after 28 years at WILL-AM. He was a sports and news reporter before becoming ag director in 2003.

Dickey, whose gravel-voiced “Gooooood morning” starts each weekday’s “Opening Market Report,” said he believes that during his tenure, WILL has made the agriculture service more useful to more people. A search is under way for a new agricultural services director to continue the mission of providing information for farmers and others in agriculture.

Todd Gleason, who shares WILL microphones with Dickey, continues his role of providing farm and food information. The RFD Radio Network® (RFDRN) recently partnered with Gleason and the University of Illinois Extension to provide a new afternoon program entitled, “Town & Country Partners,” aired on several RFDRN affiliates. It can also be heard daily at 2:30 p.m. live on the Internet or in podcast form at {ilfbpartners.com}.

(ISSN0197-6680) Vol. 43 No. 23 June 8, 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.

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Illinois Agricultural Association assumes no responsibility for statements by advertisers or for products or services advertised in FarmWeek.

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Marketing program plants seeds with farmers, vets

Henry County farmers Patty and John Sedlock of Lynn Center discuss how they use the Homegrown By Heroes logo to market their specialty crops. The Sedlocks spoke at a recent summit hosted by Illinois Farm Bureau.

(Photo by Kay Shipman)

BY KAY SHIPMAN FarmWeek

Farmers and veterans alike see potential for Homegrown

By Heroes® Illinois to grow and flourish.

Henry County farmers John and Patty Sedlock of Lynn Center marketed their asparagus with the Homegrown By Heroes logo for the first time this year.

The Sedlocks already participated in the Illinois Product logo and marketing campaign.

John Sedlock, a Vietnam veteran, recalled a clerk, whose parents are veterans, talking about the logo recently when he delivered asparagus to a specialty grocery store in Davenport, Iowa. The woman shared she makes sure other customers know the vegetables’ origins.

“This brings (production) closer to home,” Patty Sedlock said. “Not only is it grown in Illinois, but it’s also grown by a veteran in Illinois.”

Illinois Farm Bureau and the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) support the Homegrown by Heroes Illinois marketing and branding campaign.

Veterans of any era and active military personnel may apply free for certification to use the logo on product labels and

Concerns

signs to promote foods and farm products.

The Sedlocks grow asparagus on 6 acres, tomatoes and other summer vegetables on 1.5 acres, and a corn-soybean rotation on 20 acres. In addition to selling wholesale, they sell their vegetables at Quad Cities Food Hub in Davenport and Meatheads Meat Market in Milan.

“You see two products side by side, we believe the Homegrown

By Heroes sticker will attract the sale ... and we want to be a part of that,” Patty added.

The Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs also wants to be part of Homegrown by Heroes, said Harry Sawyer, a Vietnam veteran and the department’s assistant director.

Sawyer notHarry Sawyer ed his agency oversees four veterans’ homes with 900 residents and acres of land. “We saw this program fits what we want to do,” Sawyer told FarmWeek, adding he hopes to discuss this further with IDOA and IFB. He mentioned coordinating efforts to incorporate veteran

were excavated in a tributary.

• Adjacent waters. Since the proposed rule, EPA and the Corps made this definition even more complicated and difficult to apply, Lurkins said.

Now, all waters located within 100 feet of the ordinary high water mark of a traditional navigable water, interstate water, territorial sea, impoundment or tributary falls into this category. So do waters located within the 100-year flood plain of a traditional navigable water, interstate water, territorial sea, impoundment, tributary and not more than 1,500 feet from the ordinary high water mark of such water. Also included: waters located within 1,500 feet of the high Continued from page 2

home residents into growing crops. Residents operate a wood shop at one of the homes, and Sawyer speculated whether raised planting beds, which would be used for the program, could be made at the shop.

“We want the perception (among residents), ‘I have a place to live ... to plant gardens,’” Sawyer said. for a video about the Homegrown by Heroes campaign.

Those potential assets for the program along with others may be discussed at a July 16 meeting of collaborating agencies and organizations, said Kristi Jones, IDOA communications director.

“That will be where people will step up to the plate,” Jones said.

Cynthia Haskins, IFB manager of business development and compliance, encouraged interested agencies and organizations to attend the July meeting. Interested parties should contact Haskins at CHaskins@ilfb.org.

John Sedlock encouraged other farmer veterans to apply to the Homegrown by Heroes program. “I’d go for it. Anything to help set you apart from the competition,” he said.

tide line of a traditional navigable water.

The 100-year flood plain will be determined by using maps from the Federal Emergency Management Agency — but those aren’t available or up to date for all parts of the country, Lurkins said.

“If you’re talking about a ditch being a tributary covered by federal jurisdiction, and you include 100 feet from that ditch or the 100-year flood plain of the ditch, that’s a whole lot of land that is now under federal jurisdiction,” Lurkins said.

• Other waters. Other types of waters may be protected, if a case-specific analysis shows that they have a “significant nexus” — either alone or in combination with similarly situated water — and significantly affects the chemical, physical or biological integrity of traditional navigable waters, interstate waters or the territorial seas.

State partisan, budget battles stretching into summer

Page 3 • Monday, June 8, 2015 • FarmWeek

BY KAY SHIPMAN FarmWeek

Illinoisans face a difficult summer, the aftermath of gubernatorial-legislative deadlock.

“There is not one single item that has led to the impasse, but a continuation of what has been building for weeks and months,” said Kevin Semlow, Illinois Farm Bureau director of state legislation. “We do not think the impasse is going to end in the foreseeable future. All sides have dug in.”

The state’s future stretches ahead in a series of dominoes that once triggered would compound financial and political issues.

May 31, the adjournment of the spring legislative session, triggered the first domino. The General Assembly passed a $36.3 billion state budget that legislators acknowledged had spending

outpacing revenue by at least $3 billion.

Gov. Bruce Rauner stated he planned to veto the “unbalanced” budget.

After June 1, the General Assembly needs a three-fifths majority to pass any legislation, including a budget that takes effect immediately. Semlow noted both the House and the Senate passed the budget with simple majorities before the May 31 deadline.

“The Democrats in the House and the Senate have enough members to potentially meet the supermajority vote.

However, based on

recent roll call votes, that appears to be difficult to achieve,” Semlow said. “The supermajority gives House and Senate Republicans greater opportunity to participate, but also a greater burden for reaching compromise.”

The next domino is poised to fall June 30 when the state’s contract with about 38,000 union employees expires. Lawmakers passed and sent Rauner a bill requiring mediation when contract negotiations breakdown, and prohibits a strike or lockout once that begins. No agreements surfaced after months of meetings between the governor’s staff

U of I study shows long-term nitrogen removal via wetland

BY KAY SHIPMAN FarmWeek

Created wetlands that capture field tile runoff continue removing nitrogen 20-plus years later, offering an effective nutrient management tool in tile-drained areas, according to a University of Illinois scientist.

“This is an unusual study. After 21 years, it (the wetland) was cruising along,” said Mark David, U of I biochemist in the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Economic Sciences.

“You don’t have to do anything, and they (wetlands) still work.”

From 1994-98, U of I researchers monitored nitrate levels removed by the wetlands created in a pasture beside the Embarras River, but took no additional measurements until recently when David started a new, two-year project. He found the wetlands removing 62 percent of nitrate from tile water.

Tile water seeping through the soil of the wetland berm removes nitrates; however, denitrification also occurs as the microbes convert the nutrient to nitrogen gas and release it back into the atmosphere, he noted.

“Wetlands convert it completely and don’t produce nitrous oxide, which is a greenhouse gas,” David added.

The new state Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy includes constructed wetlands among many practices to improve water quality.

David served on the state working group that

developed the voluntary strategy.

The draft strategy — the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency expects to release a final version in July — projected a 5-acre wetland would be needed for nitrogen reduction from a 100-acre field.

According to strategy wetland cost estimates, removing farmland from production comprises the primary expense of $1,095.04 per acre based on farming value of $12,500 per acre. The annual removal cost is $57.63. The costs include $60 per acre for design. The 5 percent of farmland removed from production was charged against the 95 percent of farmland remaining in production. The $12,560 investment cost was amortized for 20 years at 6 percent interest. Wetland maintenance costs were estimated at $3 per acre.

Total projected cost of wetlands was $60.63 per acre or $5.06 per pound of nitrogen removed at a reduction rate of 40 percent per acre.

However, David and fellow U of I researcher Lowell Gentry projected a slightly lower 3 to 4 percent wetland drainage area to effectively remove nutrients. That means a 100-acre field would require a 3- to 4-acre wetland.

As for locations, a slope between the field edge and a river or stream would benefit a constructed wetland, David said, adding, “There’s plenty of places to put them.

“The good side is they work,” David concluded.

Go to the “Video” section of FarmWeek Now.com for more.

and representatives of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME).

Public stances by both parties remained contentious and showed few signs of softening.

The state’s new fiscal year starts July 1. If the governor vetoes the budget, the comptroller and treasurer officially would have no authorization to release money to pay the state’s bills or employees, or grants to service providers, Semlow explained.

The House met Thursday and the Senate will meet this Tuesday; both chambers are expected to meet at least one day a week in the near future.

“No one has seen a storm brewing like this one before. We anticipate this could go on for weeks and even months. There are a lot of unanswered questions,” he concluded.

Watershed nutrient meetings set

County Farm Bureaus and the Illinois Council on Best Management Practices (CBMP) will conduct meetings on the state Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy.

To reserve a seat and a free meal, contact your county Farm Bureau a week before the meeting.

June 9, 6 p.m., Bureau County Metro Center, Princeton; June 12, 9 a.m., Lake Shelbyville Visitors Center, Shelbyville; June 16, 9 a.m., Hamilton’s Fireside Room, Jacksonville; June 17, 10 a.m., Herrmann Integrated Agronomy, Princeville; June 18, 9:30 a.m., Warner Library, Clinton; June 22, 6 p.m., National Sequestration Education Center, Richland College, Decatur; June 23, 6 p.m., Fayette County Farm Bureau, Vandalia; June 24, 10 a.m., McLean County Fairgrounds, Bloomington; and June 29, 7:30 p.m., Pike County Farm Bureau, Pittsfield.

Farmers share ideas for NREC

The Illinois Nutrient Research and Education Council (NREC) seeks farmers’ ideas for research and education on practices or programs to maximize nutrient use, optimize yields and minimize environmental impact.

Farmers pay a 75-cent assessment per ton of bulk fertilizer to fund NREC. Currently, NREC funds 20 projects that share $2.43 million. For a list of current proj-

ects, visit {Illinois.nrec.org}.

Farmers may bring their ideas in writing to one of 11 watershed nutrient meetings hosted by the Illinois Council on Best Management Practices and county Farm Bureaus.

To determine which projects to fund, Illinois Farm Bureau Director Dale Hadden, who represents IFB on NREC, said he focuses on projects that will produce practical results, which can be applied on farms.

glyphosate had been used in more than 75 percent of the seasons included in the analysis, where fewer mechanisms of action (MOAs) were used each year and where herbicide rotation occurred annually.

“Simply rotating herbicide MOAs actually increased the frequency of resistance,” he said.

Tranel said that farmers who were using multiple herbicides per application were least likely to have resistance.

“When using an average of 2.5 MOAs per application, you are 83 times less likely to have resistance compared to if you

used only 1.5 MOAs per application,” he explained.

Hager noted this strategy will work only if each component of the tank mixture is effective against the target species.

Another piece of good news for farmers — researchers did not find an association of proximity between neighboring fields and resistance.

“The good thing is not only does management matter, it’s what you do in your own field that matters. Even if a neighbor’s resistance moves, it’s at a small frequency. If you’re doing the right thing it will stay at a small frequency,” said Tranel.

Herbicide mixing prevents weed resistance to glyphosate When facing increasing incidents of herbicide-resistant weeds, what’s the best plan of attack — herbicide mixing or herbicide rotation?

A recently published study by University of Illinois and USDA Agricultural Research Service weed scientists points to herbicide mixing as the most effective tool in managing glyphosate resistance of waterhemp.

Pat Tranel, a U of I weed scientist and study co-author, said the study verifies previous evidence that herbicide rotation is not the best resistance management strategy.

“These conclusions were obtained doing our experiment in a more ‘real-life’ fashion,” Tranel said. “This study confirmed previous conclusions that farmers should use herbicide mixing rather than rotation.”

During the study, researchers evaluated glyphosate-resistance incidences, as well as landscape, soil, weed and farm management data from 105 central Illinois grain farms, including almost 500 site-years of herbicide application records from 2004 to 2010.

After collecting the man-

agement data, sampling waterhemp from the fields and screening seeds from the field for resistance back in their greenhouses, the researchers analyzed that data for management factors most associated with resistance. Overall, the researchers examined 66 variables related to environment, soil, landscape, weed community and weed management.

Aaron Hager, a U of I weed scientist and study coauthor, explained that the occurrence of glyphosateresistant waterhemp proved greatest in fields where

Renewable fuels industry reacts to RFS proposal FarmWeek • Page 4 • Monday, June 8, 2015

BY DEANA STROISCH FarmWeek

Abengoa Bioenergy planned to build additional facilities in the United States — until the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released its Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) proposal in 2013.

“Largely as a result of this announcement,” the company instead decided to pursue building new facilities in Brazil and France, said Chris Standlee, Abengoa’s executive vice president.

“Uncertainty is the bane of investment,” he said.

“I’m certainly not saying we won’t build another facility in the United States ... But the fact is, the United States has historically been a leader in advanced biofuel technologies,” Standlee said. “It’s unfortunate to see, largely because of EPA’s action, that leadership position in that technology is now being challenged.”

EPA released a new proposal May 29 calling for lower volume targets with increases over time.

Brooke Coleman, executive director of the Advanced Ethanol Council, said EPA’s final rule will have “huge ramifications” for the advanced ethanol industry.

“Innovators need a market,” he said. “And EPA and the RFS are supposed to provide that market.”

Under the Clean Air Act, EPA mandates how much renewable fuel will be blended into gasoline and diesel each year.

EPA released a proposal in 2013 to lower the renewable fuel mandate below Congressionally approved targets. It was met with strong opposition.

EPA’s new proposal still calls for lowering volume targets below federal mandates, but increasing them over time.

Specifically, the proposed rule calls for blending 16.3 billion gallons of renewable fuels to gasoline or diesel this year and 17.4 billion gallons in 2016.

EPA says its reproposed 2014 requirements match levels that were actually produced and used as transportation fuel, heating oil or jet fuel.

Dinneen: ‘Make your voice heard’ Ethanol industry leaders last week rallied their members to gear up for another fight against the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Bob Dinneen, president and CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association, emphasized that EPA’s proposed Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) volume requirements for 2014, 2015 and 2016 are just that — a proposal.

Bob Dinneen He urged people to submit comments and attend EPA’s public hearing June 25 in Kansas City.

“I beg you to make your voice heard,” he said. “Let’s let EPA get it from the heartland

Bob Dinneen, president and CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association, described the proposal as “an incomprehensible step backwards.”

“Aside from the numbers, what’s really troubling to me is that EPA is clinging to this notion of a blend wall as justification for a reduction in the number,” Dinneen said.

“In their minds, there’s no

of what this proposal has done to this industry. We submitted hundreds of thousands of comments in 2014 on that ridiculous proposal. We need to do it again.”

Brooke Coleman, executive director of the Advanced Ethanol Council, said this time around the public comment period may need to be “a little more public and a little more personal” to get the president’s attention.

Dinneen and Coleman both spoke during last week’s 31st International Fuel Ethanol Workshop & Expo in Minneapolis. About 2,000 people attended the event, held just days after EPA released its much anticipated RFS proposal.

EPA plans to finalize the rule by Nov. 30.

— Deana Stroisch

way you can get more than 10 percent ethanol into the marketplace, and we are going to hold it to what the oil companies have been asking for.”

Jan Koninckx, DuPont’s global business director for advanced biofuels, said a “clear national commitment” must come from the White House.

“We need to make clear this was the law, this was the intent ... We’re going to go past E10.

And that is the signal that will give confidence to investment to continue to grow upon what’s already been built,” he said.

Koninckx also questioned how EPA arrived at the volume requirements and called its definition of supply as “outside of the statute.”

Paul Koehler, vice president of corporate development for Pacific Ethanol, called the proposal “too little and too late.”

“We’re producing 15 billion gallons,” Koehler said. “For the agency not to recognize that there’s that demand inside of our country is then forcing us to export. By virtue of this policy, we’re creating an export market for ethanol.”

But he — and others attending last week’s International Fuel Ethanol Workshop & Expo in Minneapolis — remained optimistic.

“We are an industry that’s strong and growing, and will continue to build a supply to meet the demand, which is inherently greater than 10 percent. We’re moving to 15 percent and beyond.”

Farm Bureau members interested in emerging issues in agriculture have until July 31 to submit applications for the Illinois Farm Bureau Strength with Advisory Teams (SWAT).

The three SWAT advisory teams include: Farming Production and Marketing, Local and State Government, and Conservation and Natural Resources.

Teams will identify emerging issues and provide input to the IFB Board of Directors on issues related to farmers, production practices, rural life and other agricultural-related areas.

The three teams will guide and direct IFB as the members become experts on specific issues, regulations and legislation on which they are focused.

Each team is comprised of 10 Farm Bureau mem-

bers, an IFB board member and a county Farm Bureau manager. The manager serves in an advisory capacity.

Team members will be appointed to two-year terms.

The teams meet four times per year for one-day meetings. The first meeting will be Jan. 28.

Applicants who aren’t selected for a team may participate in an advisory capacity as indicated by selecting specific issues on the application form.

For information, contact your county Farm Bureau, call IFB at 309-557-3929 or visit {ilfb.org/swat}.

Farm Bureau members sought for advisory teams

Milk promotions more than a drop in the bucket Page 5 • Monday, June 8, 2015 • FarmWeek

BY DANIEL GRANT FarmWeek

Milk represents a staple in the diet of many people dating back numerous generations.

So, why does the beverage require continuous promotional and educational efforts?

Morgan Wendling, a senior animal sciences major at Southern Illinois University (SIU) who grew up on a dairy farm in Alamont (Effingham County), sees the need for such efforts almost every day.

As Americans continue to become more disconnected to farms with each new generation, milk faces stiffer competition from a growing supply of alternative beverages.

And the fact that animal rights’ groups attack modern production styles inspires Wendling to take on the role as a spokesperson for the dairy industry.

“It’s extremely important to keep the educational efforts going,” she said.

“There are so many different organizations that attack (agriculture), but don’t understand exactly what we do.”

Wendling, who starts an internship with the Midwest Dairy Association this month and also participates in collegiate FFA and the SIU dairy club, likes to focus much of her educational efforts on children.

She recently met with

dozens of school children in the Chicago area to promote the benefits of healthy diets, including dairy products and Morgan Wendling exercise at a summit. The event, via the Fuel Up to Play 60 program, featured National Football League-themed activities to promote healthy diet choices and at least 60 minutes of physical activity per day.

Organizers of the event included the National Dairy Council, Midwest Dairy Council, the NFL and USDA.

JUNE DAIRY MONTH

“We want to make sure people understand milk is one of the best things to give their kids to drink,” Wendling said.

“There’s so many competitive industries, but there’s not another nutritious drink like milk.”

Milk provides nine essential nutrients, including calcium, potassium and vitamin D. USDA dietary guidelines recommend three servings of lowfat or fat-free milk each day.

But many children don’t understand the benefits of milk or even how it winds up in the dairy case at their local grocery store.

“I let kids ask whatever questions they have. I know

most of them have never been on a dairy farm,” said Wendling, who still helps on her family’s dairy when she gets the chance.

“I think it’s important to start (educational efforts) when people are younger and forming their opinions.”

This summer, Wendling will travel the state promoting milk in cities through Ag in the Classroom events and at a number of conventions and other events.

“It’s really cool to see the state and see all the different producers from around the state,” she added. “Growing up on a dairy and being in agriculture, I’m more motivated and determined to get things done.”

Dairy treat

Your bones, and your tastebuds, will thank you when you whip up this light and easy, calcium-rich dessert perfect for a picnic or potluck.

NEOPOLITAN TRIFLE Makes 10 (1.5 cup) servings Prep Time: 15-60 minutes (longer time if you need to bake the cake)

Ingredients 2 pounds sliced strawberries 32 ounces vanilla yogurt 2 cups instant chocolate pudding, prepared with nonfat milk 1 standard angel food cake, baked and cut into 1-inch cubes

Mary Mackinson Faber, a Pontiac dairy farmer, introduces a family to a young calf during the inaugural Cheesecakes & Calves event last year. Faber and Lindsay Bachman, owner of That’s So Sweet, will host this year’s event from 5 to 7 p.m. June 18 at the bakery, 429 W. Main St., Lexington. The event aims to help consumers connect dairy farms to the products they buy.

(FarmWeek file photo)

A salute to dairy farmers — the real deal

Since 1937, June has been the month to honor dairy farmers for the delicious foods they provide. While the celebration spans a month, dairy farmers’ dedication to hands-on work runs year-round.

Dairy farmers commit to producing safe, high-quality milk and dairy products 365 days a year. And that commitment to quality means taking good care of their animals and the land around them.

It also means more than simply milking their cows. It means looking at everything from what they feed their cows to water conservation to the development of renewable energy sources.

“Consumers are searching for a connection to where their food comes from,” noted Monica Nyman, St. Louis District Dairy Council dietitian. “June Dairy Month is an ideal time to spotlight dairy farmers and the real work they put into producing safe wholesome products.”

For most of the nearly 49,000 dairy farmers in America, their chosen career represents more than a job. It’s a way of life and a matter of family. According to USDA, 97 percent of U.S. dairy farms are family owned and operated, often by multiple generations of the family. These families have often lived in the community for decades and will continue to do so as long as the farm exists.

Pontiac dairy farmer Don Mackinson aims to continue his family’s 100-plus-year legacy in the Illinois dairy and farming community.

His daughter, Mary Mackinson Faber, said, “I can’t imagine any other childhood than growing up on our dairy farm. We had chores, we’d go out and help dad.”

While Faber’s parents, brother and uncle cover the dayto-day farm operations, she helps consumers connect with the family farm by managing its Facebook page and blog.

“It’s easy to go to the store, pick up a jug of milk, drink it and enjoy it. What many people don’t know — and are interested in knowing — is what goes into getting that gallon of milk. Not everyone knows that cows must be milked twice a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. It’s a lot of dedication,” she explained.

While the average U.S. milk cow herd size numbers 144, the Mackinson family milks 165 cows, including Holsteins, Ayrshires and Brown Swiss breeds. They also grow corn, soybeans, wheat and alfalfa on their farm. Dairy farming requires a large investment in land, buildings, equipment and feed for the animals, regardless of herd size.

“In order for cows to do well, you have to take the best possible care of them,” said Faber. That care extends to the land around them as well.

The Mackinson family engages in sustainable farming practices including crop rotation, manure management and no-till crop farming.

“Growing up on the farm has played a huge role in my awareness of food, and the care and work that goes into that jug of milk, cup of yogurt or gallon of ice cream,” Faber added. “I’m proud to be part of the agricultural community.”

The St. Louis District Dairy Council provided this dairy farmer tribute.

Using a trifle bowl, begin by layering the strawberries and top with vanilla yogurt. Layer on angel food cake cubes and chocolate pudding. Continue layering with remaining ingredients. Chill until ready to serve. Makes 10 servings.

Nutrition Facts (per 1.5 cup) Calories: 290 Protein: 7 g Fat: 0 g Calcium: 20 percent daily value

Milk prices drift lower

The Class III price for milk adjusted to 3.5 percent butterfat for the month of May was announced at $16.19 per hundredweight. This represents an increase of 38 cents from the previous month’s announcement.

Milk prices have been inching their way upwards the past few months and have put together a nice run of convectively higher prices.

FarmWeek • Page 6 • Monday, June 8, 2015 Brian Sisson, Belvidere, Boone County: The corn and soybean crops continue to be off to a good start. Corn has started to move out of the “ugly stage” and finally green up as it switches to its nodal roots. The silver tinge in the corn crop across the area is Silver Leaf Symptom, which was brought on by the calm, cold nights we had last weekend (May 30-31). There should be no yield loss from this. Soybean planting has started again, and hopefully will finish up before more rain chances come in this weekend. Side-dressing and post spraying are in full force. The wheat crop has started to head and continues to look outstanding.

Pete Tekampe, Grayslake, Lake County: We received .5 of an inch of rain during the weekend, and then it warmed up for a nice week. Started back in the fields late Monday (June 1), but the ground was still wet. Cut some hay Tuesday and baled Thursday. Very good quality hay. Early corn looks great.

The later corn is just emerging.

Early beans also look great, but the later beans are having trouble emerging. Beans are about 70 percent planted. With the cool, damp weather, small grains are looking great.

Leroy Getz, Savanna, Carroll County: Rain on Friday and Saturday (May 29-30) of .4 of an inch brings May’s total to 9.85 inches. Longer and drier days have allowed us to make hay and others to finish soybean planting. One producer told me he got a new, 30-foot drill so he can plant faster, only to get stuck 12 times. Corn on clay hills doesn’t have good color. The ground is too tight, and the soil does not get enough air.

Some cultivating has been occurring, and anhydrous and side-dressing have been taking place. Pastures are looking good from all the rain. Potato fields are blooming and have beautiful color. The weed for this week is hemlock, which is spreading along streams where we can’t mow and don’t dare spray. It is along the roadsides that don’t get mowed, and now it is finding its way into our hay fields and pastures.

Ryan Frieders, Waterman, DeKalb County: The week was very busy. Luke Ryan was born Wednesday evening, and he is a happy and healthy baby boy. Crop planting has finally finished in our area. Soybeans are slow to emerge, but hopefully, no replanting will be necessary. Post spraying of corn has begun and side-dressing of nitrogen is in full swing. Sunny days and adequate moisture should promote plant growth.

Larry Hummel, Dixon, Lee County: This spring has been too cold and wet for too long, and the corn is suffering for it. Early-planted corn was planted into ideal conditions, and emergence was perfect. Since then, corn growth has been very uneven, and yellow corn from saturated roots is scattered around the majority of fields. It is hard to tell how much it might affect final yields, but it’s definitely a strike against corn’s potential here in Lee County.

Ken Reinhardt, Seaton, Mercer County: It was a good week for spraying and hay making. Several calm days allowed much of the corn to be sprayed. There are reports of cutworms on fields where cover crops were used. I went on a 200mile journey with a tractor to the east, and crops looked good all the way.

Mark Kerber, Chatsworth, Livingston County: It dried up enough to continue fieldwork after a widespread rain event. Rain was spotty again with some getting pounded with 3 inches to lighter amounts of .5 of an inch. We received 1.7 inches in our area.

Sprayers, applicators, hay binders and batwing mowers came out towards the end of the week. Corn has really taken off and is growing, while late-planted soybeans are just coming out of the ground.

Silver leaves in corn are showing up indicating sun scald. Cold nights, followed by dewy mornings and hot sun, can do this.

Ron Haase, Gilman, Iroquois County: Rain fell Saturday (May 30). Our farms received a range of 1.5 to 2.1 inches. We were able to return to the field Tuesday to spray herbicides. Unfortunately, a flat tire slowed us down. Farmers were busy Wednesday and Thursday trying to spray herbicides and finish nitrogen applications before the next rain. We hope to finish applying nitrogen tomorrow. Most area cornfields are in the V5 to V6 growth stage. At V6, the growing point is moving aboveground. The plant is also beginning to determine the number of kernel rows. Most soybean fields are in VC growth stage, but the earlier-planted soybeans are at the V3 growth stage.

Local closing prices for June 4 were nearby cor n, $3.46; new-crop cor n, $3.45; nearby soybeans, $9.50; newcrop soybeans, $8.86.

Brian Schaumburg, Chenoa, McLean County: May ended with a 1- to 3-inch rain event that brought field activities to a standstill with much ponding. Monthly totals were from 4 to 7 inches.

Corn is V5 to V7 and soybeans are V1 to V4. More rain is predicted and a lot of post spraying needs to get done. We had a lot of Rapid Growth Syndrome in corn over the past 10 days. Corn, $3.52, fall, $3.54; soybeans, $9.46, fall, $8.94; wheat, $4.89.

Steve Ayers, Champaign, Champaign County: Corn and beans are leaping out of the soil with 60- to 80-degree temperatures and a general 1 to 2.5 inches of rain last Friday and Saturday (May 29-30). Corn is V6 growth stage, while beans are V2. Corn is closing the rows, and corn spraying is finished. Another wet spell on the horizon with rain Friday afternoon (June 5) and Sunday into Monday for a forecast total of 1 to 1.5 inches, and rain again Wednesday through the rest of the week.

Temperatures holding in the 60- to 80-degree ballpark, while the muggy meter increases.

Farmers are busy side-dressing, spraying, mowing, baling and crop scouting. Let’s be careful out there!

Ron Moore, Roseville, Warren County: We received .3 of an inch of rain last week. The corn and soybeans are growing very fast along with the pastures. The warm weather has been a big help. Lots of post spraying and split application of nitrogen is happening now.

Scouting the crops has not turned up any unusual weed pressure or insect surprises. We have been mowing waterways and roadsides, and doing some tile repair in a hay field.

Wilfred Dittmer, Quincy, Adams County: I’m sure everyone is enjoying these nice days. Even though the rain gauge came in a little short for the week, it just has not dried out so the bean planting can get finished. Guess it’s time to take a few days off for vacation, and enjoy all our crops and the good condition most are in. Yard grass needs mowing about twice a week, and corn is growing like a weed. The plants in the garden are doing well if the playful raccoons would leave them in the ground a full day or so. Have a safe week wherever you may be, and be careful.

Tim Green, Wyoming, Stark County: It was a nice week. Bean planting wrapped up since the weather cooperated. Farmers had to go around a few wet spots. The earlier beans are starting to come up nicely.

Watching for seedling diseases in corn and beans. We are getting some yellow spots in corn. I think some warm weather and maybe .5 of an inch of rain in about a week will help. A lot of post spraying of corn. Weed control looks pretty good.

Carrie Winkelmann, Tallula, Menard County: A few farmers out in the fields this week doing some side-dressing and spraying.

The biggest decision for most of this week was whether or not to cut hay. Crops look good, and now that we seemed to have gotten through that cold spell, I think they will do even better. We are hauling corn out of bins, and there are a lot of people doing the same.

Tom Ritter, Blue Mound, Macon County: Rain the weekend before last varied from 1 inch to more than 3 inches. Many areas, especially my locale, definitely needed it. The rain totaled 1.3 inches. With the cooler temperatures, the moisture seemed to soak in and kept farmers out of the field until early in the week. Not a lot of field activity — mostly spraying and some sidedressing of 28 percent as well as spraying herbicides on the corn. Not a lot of hay in this area, but late in the week, numerous people were baling. Corn seems to be responding to the warmer temperatures we had last weekend with a deeper, greener color. Soybeans tend to be growing somewhat slowly, but stands are very adequate, and it’s too early to determine what the outcome will be on soybeans. Overall, we are somewhat off to a good start. We hope to keep the pump primed and keep the showers coming along the way.

Todd Easton, Charleston, Coles County: It has been a great week for crop development as we received 1+ inches of rain across the area, which was followed up with a couple of warm afternoons to get things growing.

Work between the corn rows is wrapping up, and sprayers are getting ready to go over the soybean fields. Corn advanced into the V4 stage, but missed the knee high by the fourth of June that I like to see. We were in the same place last year, and we made up for it, although we aren’t guaranteed to repeat that. Earlier-planted soybeans are greening up well and nearing the time for sprayers to come in and kill the weeds while they are still small.

Jimmy Ayers, New City, Sangamon County: We received 2.75 inches of rain. The later-planted beans have been slow to emerge.

The earlier-planted beans are starting to take off and look good. There has been some corn spraying, and some hay was put down and taken care of. The corn is running V3 to V4, and V5 is probably the earliest corn that was planted. The best thing your crop needs is your shadow out in the field checking on what is going on with your crops.

Doug Uphoff, Shelbyville, Shelby County: We had 4.25 inches of rain for the month of May with the largest rain event being .8 of an inch. Post spraying of corn was completed this week, and we finally got the hay baled. Cleaning up machinery and projects around the farm, plus mowing, are other activities being performed. Corn is at V4 to V5 and beans are V1 to V2. Have a great week, and be careful.

David Schaal, St. Peter, Fayette County: Since last report, we received 2.5 inches of rain. Some places in the county received substantially more and other places not quite as much. There was no fieldwork this week to speak of. Sprayers started to run the last day or two.

There are still a few beans to be planted the first time, and some farmers are wondering about the beans they planted up until the rain. Showers are in the forecast for the weekend (June 6-7), which will probably be beneficial to some beans that were planted ahead of the rain, as long as it’s light. If not, rotary hoes will probably be running in the near future. Corn continues to grow and is looking pretty good. Have a good week, and stay safe.

Jeff Guilander, Jerseyville, Jersey County: Another week of small, heavy downpours and cool temperatures has this crop a little edgy. Sprayers are replacing the ruts that the combines left last fall, and split nitrogen applications are falling behind. The cool weather is slowing down the crops more than the weeds, leaving fields looking pretty hairy. We are definitely in catch-up mode.

Dan Meinhart, Montrose, Jasper County: Heavy rains moved thru the area last weekend (May 3031). Some areas received 1 to 2 inches, while others received 7 to 8 inches or anywhere in between. It was a rather cool week. Due to the cool temperatures and excessive moisture, emergence was very slow. Fieldwork has been very limited. There are still quite a few beans to be planted and replanted.

Quite a bit of grass hay has been put up. The wheat is rapidly turning and should be ready for harvest in a couple of weeks. More rain is in the forecast for almost every day for the next week.

Page 7 • Monday, June 8, 2015 • FarmWeek Dave Hankammer, Millstadt, St. Clair County: Another cool, wet week with daytime temps in the 70s. Farmers were busy planting on the last Friday of May prior to rain showers that left an inch of water on already damp soil.

Some post-herbicide applications and side-dress fertilizer were made on cornfields where ground travel was possible. Corn plants look pale in color due to the cool, cloudy conditions. Soybean planting has been slow, and the concern now is control of marestail in intended fields waiting to be planted. Early-applied herbicide programs are breaking down and hard-to-control weeds are emerging. A few fields of soybeans were planted just prior to my report.

The wheat crop continues to change in color as it matures. Head scab has become a concern as the wet weather continues. Some lodging of plants occurred due to the wind and heavy rain. Sunshine would resolve many of the crop concerns. Local grain bids are corn, $3.57; soybeans, $9.60; wheat, $4.85. Have a safe week.

Dean Shields, Murphysboro, Jackson County: Another wet week! Hope to start planting Friday or Saturday (June 5-6). Corn is turning yellow from so much rain.

The wheat crop is starting to mature. There is some yellowing of the beans, but they handle the moisture better than the corn. All fruit crops are very good in our area. We are enjoying cherry pie, strawberries and ice cream. Have a safe planting season.

Rick Corners, Centralia, Jefferson County: Boy, do we need a rain. No, we don’t. Depends on who you ask. Lots of beans were planted last week right ahead of the flash floods. These beans need a shower to give them a prayer of coming up, although I don’t really think they have a chance. Those who haven’t planted any beans yet want dry weather. We had 3.5 inches of rain last weekend (May 30-31) and it really made a mess, while the southern part of the county only had .4 of an inch. I guess in this immediate area, only 25 percent of the beans are planted. Some corn is looking very sickly from a complete month of wet feet in May. Wheat is starting to change colors.

Randy Anderson, Galatia, Saline County: Bean planting is almost complete. Had some spotty rains where I need to plant. Corn is starting to perk up. With the cool weather the past week, it was at a standstill. All my bean ground is being worked. All the early, pre-plant chemical has run out of gas. Most of all, the side-dressing is wrapped up. Lots of hay making is taking place and looks like good quality. I know most people that need to read this never will, but it amazes me the danger that some drivers will go to pass a piece of equipment or a truck pulling tanks or a seed tender.

People, get off your phones, and watch the road.

Kevin Raber, Browns, Wabash County: Timely rains have the beans off to a good start.

Stands seem to be excellent in most of the fields I’ve seen. The weather seems to be affecting the corn just the opposite. Cool, overcast days have a lot of my corn lacking color and not growing at all.

Hopefully, warmer, sunny days will cure this problem.

Ken Taake, Ullin, Pulaski County: After rain again last weekend (May 30-31), we got back in the field Wednesday afternoon.

We finally finished side-dressing corn Thursday morning. We are still trying to get our soybeans planted.

We are roughly half finished. That’s probably about the average in the area. Corn needs some dry weather and heat to help the color. There’s an awful lot of yellow corn out there. Please take time to be safe in this busy season.

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

A new precision ag startup company wants to provide farmers in Illinois and the Midwest with an “open and transparent” way of sharing performance data with other farmers.

Farmers Business Network (FBN), with Midwest headquarters in Davenport, Iowa, is an information sharing system designed to utilize precision ag data from farmers and share their information anonymously with other members of the network.

Through sharing, the company hopes farmers can make better agronomic decisions on their farms.

Rick Tolman, former National Corn Growers CEO ser ving as a consultant to FBN, said the product differs from other precision ag products being sold by seed and equipment companies.

“We’ve been swimming in stuff, we need a way to use it to make decisions (on the farm),” he said.

FBN wants to be a “Farmer First” company.

Members control their own data, it will never be

sold to a third party and shared data will remain secure.

After working for Google in Silicon Valley, FBN founder Charles Baron got interested in farming technology when he married into a Nebraska farm family.

“The original entrepreneur is the American farmer,” said Baron. He said farmers can use this new technology to lessen the complexities in life.

Baron noted FBN’s flat-fee, $500 membership makes it affordable for all types of farmers. Earlier t h i s s p r i n g , G o o g l e Ve n t u r e s i n v e s t e d $ 1 5 million in FBN, which now has farmer-members in 17 states, including Illinois.

“We’re going to build this company by combining the best in agriculture and the best in technology,” he said.

Since debuting the service across the Midwest this spring, FBN will get production and planting data on at least 7.1 million acres.

Maple Park farmer Steve Pitstick became interested in the firm when he saw its exhibit at a Top Farmer event in Chicago in January.

“Literally within a minute of talking with them, I was in,” he said. “I’ve had a lot of opportunities to see what other companies are doing, but FBN is crowdsourcing at its finest. Being part of the aggregate organization that is not tied to anybody and is totally independent is huge for me.”

P i t s t i c k a d d e d t h e t r u e va l u e o f t h e d a t a depends on what farmers can do with it and by sharing it.

Other agribusinesses have similar data programs they promote to farmers, including Monsanto’s Climate Corporation and DuPont Pioneer’s Encirca.

Pitstick said he will participate in a farmer panel at an upcoming Silicon Valley conference on agricultural technology in late June. He’ll discuss how he’s using FBN and other products on his farm.

Hymowitz set out to create a similar soybean using conventional breeding methods. After screening 16,000 lines of soybeans obtained from the USDA Soybean Germplasm Collection in Urbana for the desired trait, they found one that almost completely lacked the allergen P34. “ We t h i n k t h i s w i l l b e e m b r a c e d by m a n y, whether they prefer conventional breeding or transgenic methods of food production,” said Schmidt, an assistant professor in the University of Arizona School of Plant Sciences.

Future plans involve testing the efficacy of the low-allergen soybean in swine at Purdue University.

Swine develop soybean allergies remarkably similar to human infants, and the Purdue team has bred a line of swine that develops a strong allergenic

response that manifests a response very similar to that of human infants allergic to soybean formula.

The swine studies will enable testing of Triple Null and enable new approaches to mitigate soybean allergies in humans.

Triple Null also has application for livestock and agriculture with soybeans being the primary global vegetable protein for animal feed. Before soybeans can be used as feed, the grain must undergo a heating process to eliminate anti-nutritional proteins.

By pre-emptively knocking out the anti-nutritional components of soybeans, the researchers hope Triple Null can eliminate the need for extra processing and make the creation of animal feed more efficient, and potentially, to develop a raw soybeans as animal feed.

The National Organic Standards Board recently convened its biannual meeting to decide what synthetic substances organic farmers and processors will be permitted to use.

Board members are assessing the necessity of more than 200 synthetic substances. During the review, organic farmers may comment on the substance they consider essential for farming.

Some groups criticize the board for not being strict

enough, arguing use of some substances degrades the organic certification and calling for a higher standard for allowed substances.

Chairman Jean Richardson, a maple syrup producer, said the board needs to balance farmers’ needs with consumer demands. While board members understand the arguments on both sides, they know “there is not a perfect answer,” according to The Washington Post.

Members of new precision ag network share data

BY JOHN HAWKINS

U of I study: Triple Null soybeans boast lack of allergens

A decade-long effort by University of Illinois scientist Theodore Hymowitz and University of Arizona scientists Monica Schmidt and Eliot Herman has yielded a new soybean with significantly reduced levels of three key proteins responsible for both its allergenic and anti-nutritional effects.

The team crossbred soybean lines to a cultivar called Williams 82. The result? A soybean which lacks most of the allergen proteins P34 and trypsin, and completely lacks soybean agglutinin, an antinutritional protein. They dubbed the new line, “Triple Null.”

Nearly 15 million people and one in 13 children in the U.S. suffer from food allergies. Soybeans rank as one of eight foods whose labeling gets regulated by the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004. Soybean serves as a m a j o r i n g r e d i e n t i n m a n y i n f a n t f o r m u l a s, processed foods and livestock feed.

In 2003, Herman, then at USDA, made national headlines when he and his colleagues addressed P34 as soybean’s key allergen and genetically engineered it out of the crop. Although the new soybean may cause allergic reactions, its use and even its testing became impeded by its transgenic production, especially in key applications such as infant formula.

To circumvent the issue, Herman, Schmidt and

Organic standards board weighs use of synthetic substances

FarmWeek • Page 8 • Monday, June 8, 2015

CATCHING RAINDROPS

Corn leaves catch raindrops in a field near Rio in Knox County May 30. The immediate area received .3 of an inch of rain, while most of the state received between 1.5 and 4-plus inches of rain. (Photo by Kelsey Litchfield, Illinois Farm Bureau News and Communications intern)

Will heavy rainfall alter corn, soybean acreage?

BY DANIEL GRANT FarmWeek

Farmers could have additional planting decisions to make in coming weeks after heavy rains halted planters and drowned out portions of previously planted fields.

Kenny Hartman Jr., a farmer from Waterloo and president of the Illinois Corn Growers Association, last week reported some farmers in his area plan to pull corn planters back out of the shed to replant portions of the crop.

“All the corn is planted, but it’s very, very wet,” Hartman said. “We had some very heavy rain. Some people are talking of having to replant some corn.”

Most of the state last week received between 1.5 and 4-plus inches of rain with heavier totals in the south and southwest portions of the state.

Topsoil moisture after the deluge was rated 22 percent surplus, 76 percent adequate and just 2 percent short.

Most farmers in Illinois likely will stick with their planting intentions. Ninety-four percent of corn emerged as of the first of last week, 6 percent ahead of average, while 82 percent of soybeans were planted, 9 percent ahead of average.

But that may not be the case in some areas to the south,

including parts of Texas and Oklahoma where torrential rainfall and flash flooding inundated homes, fields and roadways, and washed away everything from crops to vehicles.

Darrel Good, University of Illinois Extension ag economist, predicts farmers could end up planting more soybeans and fewer acres of corn.

USDA in March predicted acreage totals this season of 89.199 million for corn and 84.635 million acres of beans nationwide. If realized, corn acres would be down about 1.4 million from last year, while soybean acres would be up 934,000 to a record level.

The ag department will update the numbers in its June 30 acreage report.

“The corn acreage number probably should be fairly close (to the estimate),” Good said.

“I wouldn’t be surprised to see a few more bean acres.”

Good doesn’t foresee a big drop in crop acres yet, due to the recent flooding, as farmers in most areas still have time to plant or replant crops.

“I think if (farmers) go to prevent plant, it’s still a couple weeks away before it kicks in,” Good said. “I’d guess most (acres) will get planted or will show up (in the June 30 report) as intended to plant. So, at this point, I don’t see a big loss (of crop acres) to prevent plant.”

So, what’s the recent history of acreage estimates between the March and June reports?

Since 1996, the corn acreage estimate from the March to June reports declined 12 times and increased seven times, while soybean acreage increased 10 times and decreased nine times, Good noted.

USDA dedicates additional 800,000 acres to CRP

Farmers and landowners have another opportunity to enroll land in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP).

USDA recently announced an additional 800,000 acres of highly environmentally sensitive land may be enrolled in CRP under certain wetland and wildlife initiatives.

The general signup period to submit new offers to participate in CRP will be held Dec. 1 through Feb. 26, 2016. Eligible existing program participants with contracts expiring Sept. 30 will be granted an option for one-year extensions.

“This has been one of the most successful conservation programs in the history of the country, and (this) announcement keeps that momentum moving forward,” said Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack. “We’re allowing an additional 800,000 acres for duck nesting habitat, and other wetland and wildlife habitat initiatives to be enrolled in the program.”

For the past 30 years, CRP helped farmers prevent more than 8 billion tons of soil erosion, reduce nitrogen and phosphorus runoff relative to cropland by 95 and 85 percent, respectively, and sequester 43 million tons of greenhouse gases annually, Vilsack noted.

In return for establishing conservation practices on their land, program participants receive rental payments and costshare assistance from the Farm Service Agency (FSA).

Darrel Good, University of Illinois Extension ag economist, believes sagging crop prices and farm income could boost interest in CRP. “I think with crop prices where they’re at, folks will take a close look at participating in that (CRP) program,” Good said.

Farmers can visit their local FSA office for more information.

FDA rule to increase veterinary oversight

Page 9 • Monday, June 8, 2015 • FarmWeek

Pork producers proactive about antibiotics stewardship

BY DANIEL GRANT FarmWeek

U.S. pork producers plan to perform the balancing act of curbing use of antibiotics in their herds while maintaining animal health.

That was a key message conveyed by pork industry leaders last week at the World Pork Expo in Des Moines, Iowa, as livestock producers prepare for new feed use directives from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The final Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD) rule, recently published by FDA, and FDA’s Guidance 213 take aim at reducing antimicrobial resist-

ance by limiting the use of antibiotics on farms and increasing veterinary oversight.

“We recognize the need to protect the availability of antibiotics for animal and human medicine,” said Ron Prestage, president of the National Pork Producers Ron Prestage Council.

Prestage and other industry leaders joined representatives from the retail food sector and health care industry in a meeting at the White House earlier this

month as the Obama administration steps up efforts to curb antimicrobial resistance.

While no proven link exists between the use of antibiotics in farm animals and resistance issues in human medicine, livestock producers continue to take a proactive approach to combating the issue.

An estimated 23,000 people die each year from infections that are resistant to antibiotics.

“NPPC is encouraging producers to phase out the use of medically important antibiotics for (swine) growth promotion (before the new law takes effect),” said Prestage, a veterinarian and pork producer

“This is an opportunity for the pork industry to improve swine health,” said Paul Sundberg, who was announced at World Pork Expo as director of the center.

Paul Sundberg “It’s all about emerging diseases. PEDV was the catalyst.”

Howard Hill, past president of the National Pork Producers Council, said the industry was ill-prepared for PEDV and had to develop diagnostic capabilities on the fly.

The threat of PEDV diminishes in the warm summer months. The same appears true for the outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), which led to losses of about 45 million birds in the poultry industry in recent months.

But one or both viruses could came back strong when the weather cools this fall or winter. “(PEDV) concerns are always heightened in the winter months,” Asay said.

Steve Meyer, vice president of pork analysis at EMI Analytics, expressed similar concerns about HPAI. “There’s nervousness about what happens this fall (when temperatures cool) and wild birds fly back south (and potentially spread the virus),” Meyer said.

HPAI, so far, has not impacted the meat sector or prices as most broiler facilities avoided the virus. But egg prices skyrocketed in recent weeks.

“On the meat side, we’ve lost about 2.5 percent of turkeys, which could have some positive influence on hams,” Meyer said. “If

(HPAI) gets in major broiler states (such as Alabama and Georgia and cuts off exports), domestic (chicken) supplies will build up quickly (and pressure competing meat prices).”

Retail pork prices already declined 11 percent from September 2014 through April, to an average of $3.77 per pound, due to the rebound of herd numbers.

Virus issues could resurface in hog, poultry industries

BY DANIEL GRANT FarmWeek

Pork producers can breathe easier in recent months as they got through the winter without nearly as many herd losses caused by Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus (PEDV) compared to 2014.

The inventory of hogs and pigs nationwide was up 7 percent in March (USDA will update that number June 26).

“I think the general outlook now is pretty good,” Gary Asay, a pork producer from Osco and newly elected member of the National Pork Board, said last week at the World Pork Expo in Des Moines, Iowa.

Hog prices, which peaked above $100 per hundredweight last year, bottomed this spring around $45 before futures recently rallied back above the $80 mark.

to hear more from Steve Meyer about pork prices.

But Asay and fellow pork producers remain vigilant about biosecurity on their farms and are concerned about another round of the dreaded virus, which thrives in cool conditions.

“I think, to most producers, PEDV is still a very big concern,” Asay said. “We were fortunate this year.”

Pork producers last year lost an estimated 8 million animals, mostly piglets, as the pigs-per-litter rate plunged 7 percent due to PEDV. The industry responded by creating the new Swine Health Information Center.

The center, funded by a $15 million investment by the Pork Checkoff over the next five years, will focus on implementing industry preparedness for disease challenges.

from South Carolina.

New FDA regulations that take effect in 2016 prohibit the use of antibiotics for production practices, such as growth

animals if they become ill.”

The National Pork Board (NPB) announced a new stewardship plan for antibiotics use at World Pork Expo. NPB also

promotion or feed efficiency.

Antibiotics can be used for prevention of diseases on farms when the new rule takes effect, but use of antibiotics must be under veterinary supervision and will require a VFD. The use of antibiotics to prevent diseases in animal ag has been a hotly contested issue. But farmers maintain such treatments are vital to herd health and food safety.

“You get safe food from healthy animals and usually it’s more effective to prevent disease than treat it,” Prestage said.

As for maintaining farmers’ rights to use antibiotics on sick animals, Prestage said, “we have a moral obligation to treat

intends to allocate $1.4 million for scientific research, antibiotic risk assessment studies, producer education and consumer awareness.

“It’s an opportunity for us,” said Jared Sutton, vice president of social responsibility at NPB. “People are more interested in how their food is produced, and they’re demanding higher standards and transparency.”

NPB’s plan revises the long-standing Pork Quality Assurance (PQA) Plus program. The PQA Plus program, established in 1999, focuses on animal health, animal welfare and environmental stewardship.

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Northern Illinois small grains program June 18 FarmWeek • Page 10 • Monday, June 8, 2015

Cool, wet conditions accelerate wheat disease concerns Outstanding wheat yields typically occur in years that feature a drier-than-normal spring, according to Emerson Nafziger, University of Illinois Extension crop systems educator.

So, when farmers woke up June 1 with temperatures in the low 50s, after a weekend that dumped 2 to 4 inches of rain on the crop in southern Illinois, concerns escalated about the wheat crop.

“Wet, cool weather is not good for wheat,” said Kenny Hartman Jr., a farmer from Waterloo. “Some scab is showBY DANIEL GRANT

ing up. There’s a lot of concern about vomitoxin.”

Vomitoxin, which reduces wheat quality, results from the presence of Fusarium head blight, or wheat scab.

The disease typically appears about a couple weeks after the wheat crop heads out. Ninetyfour percent of the crop headed as of the first of last week.

“We worry about the fungus getting into the crop when it’s wet,” Nafziger said. “That’s what stimulates it to reproduce, form spores.”

Nafziger will discuss 2015 wheat crop prospects and management practices June 18 at

Free workshop on hydroponic fodder system for dairy goats

Linda DuShane and Heart’s Quest Dairy Goats of Lynn Center will offer a free workshop from 9 a.m. to noon June 20 on implementing a hydroponic fodder system for dairy goats.

The workshop includes a hands-on demonstration of how to build and use a hydroponic fodder system, and a tour of the dairy goat farm.

The hydroponic fodder system is funded by a North Central Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education grant.

The farm is located at 7360 Hwy 150, Lynn Center. The telephone number is 309-781-3994 and website {heartsquest goats.com}.

the Northern Illinois Small Grains Program near Shabbona.

The field tour at the event, sponsored by the Illinois Wheat Association and U of I Extension, begins at 5:30 p.m.

Wheat scab and vomitoxin wreaked havoc in southern and southeastern Illinois last year. It remains to be seen how much of an issue it will be this year.

“The two springs, last year and this year, are very similar,” Nafziger said. “It’s a question of luck of the draw on the timing” of rainfall that helps determine whether or not scab breaks out.

USDA projects farmers will harvest 570,000 acres of wheat this summer, down 100,000 acres from last year. But the average yield was pegged to tie the record of the past two years at 67 bushels per acre.

“Our crop (at the U of I) generally looks pretty good,” Nafziger said. “At this point, I think we’ll do well to get the same yield (as last year).”

Nafziger believes many fields with poor stands or low head counts already were abandoned, which should help the statewide yield potential.

However, another disease that could be an issue, stripe

rust, moved north in recent weeks and was found in Illinois and as far north as South Dakota.

The condition of the wheat crop statewide the first of last week was rated 55 percent good to excellent, 35 percent fair and 10 percent poor to very poor.

Those interested in learning more about wheat yield and disease potential at the small grains program, along with wheat and oat variety development for northern Illinois, should contact the Illinois Wheat Association at 309557-3619 or email cblary@ ilfb.org.

Almond beverage and other drinks are dominating the beverage market, revving the traditional milk industry up for increased competition in the next few years.

Total U.S. retail sales for dairy and dairy alternatives increased from 2013 to 2014 by 4 percent, for a total of $24 billion, according to “Packaged Facts.” While both

segments saw an increase in sales, dairy alternatives increased market share to 20 percent compared with 14 percent five years ago.

The almond beverage segment saw the strongest growth, with sales increasing 40 percent on unit, and slightly less for volume. Coconut beverages also registered double-digit growth. Companies are bringing forward newer alternatives, such as hemp and

cashew beverages.

Traditional dairy may enjoy a comeback, Packaged Facts predicted, fueled by new perceptions of milk as a category ripe for innovation with such new product introductions like Coca Cola’s “super milk” product, fairlife. Other potential growth areas include milkshakes and flavored milk products, although organic offerings are expected to continue their dominance.

Sales of almond, other beverages up

Helping you mak ke backy yard memorie es.

An international buyer on the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) pork tour last week takes a picture of a boar at Prairie State Semen Supply Inc. in Champaign. IDOA officials hosted buyers from China, Colombia, Mexico, Peru, Puerto Rico, Thailand and Vietnam. They stopped at the University of Illinois National Soybean Research Center on their way to the World Pork Expo in Des Moines, Iowa. (Photo by Kelsey Litchfield)

IDOA hosts international buyers

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Thirty-three international buyers representing China, Mexico, Peru, Puerto Rico, Colombia, Thailand and Vietnam last week toured Illinois farms, agribusinesses and ag research facilities as part of an Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) pork tour to increase exports.

Starting at Cedar Ridge Farms in Red Bud, the international representatives observed one of the nation’s top sellers of purebred breeding stock.

Tour stops included: Farmweld,

Teutopolis; University of Illinois’ National Soybean Research Laboratory, Urbana; Prairie State Semen Inc., Champaign; CME Group, Chicago; and Amlan International Innovation Center, Vernon Hills.

The group also traveled to the World Pork Expo, Des Moines.

“Through the Illinois Pork Tour, we can facilitate relationships between foreign buyers and Illinois agribusinesses and reinforce the strength of transactions,” said Illinois Agriculture Director Philip Nelson.

Page 11 • Monday, June 8, 2015 • FarmWeek

There will be more than nine billion people to feed by 2050.

Over the next 35 years, itÕs estimated that the worldÕs population will swell by two billion. To keep up, global food production needs to increase by 70%. CME Group is helping farmers, ranchers, processors and producers meet this need by giving them products designed to manage the inherent risks associated with grain and livestock markets. This is how global agribusiness can sustain a hungry world.

This is how the world advances. Learn more at cmegroup.com/food.

CME Group is a trademark of CME Group Inc. The Globe logo is a trademark of Chicago Mercantile Exchange Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Copyright © 2015 CME Group. All rights reserved.

12:32 PM

McLean County FB receives ag literacy food link grant

4-H’ers ‘adopt’ Chicago Heights fifth-grade class

FarmWeek • Page 12 • Monday, June 8, 2015

Ellery Panthers 4-H Club members in Edwards County partnered with Illinois Ag in the Classroom to adopt Ingrid Vann’s fifth-grade class in Chicago Heights.

Their purpose? To teach Serena Hills Elementary School students about agriculture and lifestyles outside of the major metropolitan A Serena Hills Elementary School fifth grader from Chicago Heights area.

BY REBECCA PERRY

shows off his DNA bracelet and technology Ag Mag. The Ellery Panthers 4-H Club of Edwards County adopted the classroom. Their leader, Kathy St. Ledger, traveled recently to Chicago Heights and visited with the students. (Photo by Kathy St. Ledger)

Recently, Kathy St. Ledger, leader of the Ellery Panthers, traveled to Chicago Heights and visited with the students.

She led them in activities associated with biotechnology and livestock.

In addition, she brought

goodie bags with brochures, hats and other information associated with agriculture and Edwards County.

Vann, the “adopted� students’ teacher, said the most exciting lesson proved to be biotechnology, featuring DNA bracelets.

Vann works with the STEM (science, technology,

engineering and mathematics) program at her school.

After the lesson, she said she plans to take the lesson to her STEM group, and show others a great way to teach agriculture and STEM subjects at the same time.

Rebecca Perry serves as Edwards County Farm Bureau manager.

IFB Young Leader Discussion Meet

Discussion Meet Friendly Competition That Builds Your Leadership Skills

District & State Discussion Topics:

Additional State Topics:

How do we get the public to support right to farm laws?

Should these laws be determined on the state or the federal levels?

How can we influence state and local policy that more effectively balances the social and economic interests of farmers and ranchers versus burdensome federal regulations?

How should Farm Bureau protect and encourage producers’ ability to use new technology? How can Farm Bureau work with government and the public to ensure public acceptance while encouraging innovations?

Should we draft policy to protect livestock producers from false accusations regarding animal welfare? What could it look like?

How do we balance agriculture’s water needs with maintaining vibrant communities? How do historical water rights influence the discussion?

Entries due to your county Farm Bureau 7 days before your district competition Contact your county Farm BureauÂŽ for eligibility and contest information.

District

Date

Starting Time Location

1&2 3 4 5&6 7&8 9

11 & 12 13 & 17

15 & 16 18

Aug. 3 August 12 August 24 June 30 August 4 July 27 $XJXVW August 4 August 25 -XO\ August 25 August 15

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7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

S P 7:00 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

S P 7:00 p.m.

9:00 a.m.

Stephenson County FB, Freeport Wyffels Hybrids Research Center, Geneseo Mendota Civic Center, Mendota Pioneer Seed Facility, Mazon 1st Farm Credit, Edwards Hancock County FB, Carthage 6DQJDPRQ &RXQW\ )% 6SULQJĂ€ HOG Douglas County FB, Tuscola Edwards County FB, Albion (IĂ€ QJKDP &RXQW\ )% (IĂ€ QJKDP Madison County FB, Edwardsville Massac County Youth Fairgrounds, Metropolis

For more details or list of prizes - ilfb.org/get-involved/young-leaders or facebook.com/ilfbyl

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McLean County Farm Bureau has received one of four, $1,500 grants from the American Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Committee to fund Our Food Link activities.

McLean County plans to develop Our Food Link learning kits to encourage agricultural literacy among grade school students in the county. “We’ll bring agriculture and literature into the classroom to assist with the new learning standards. Agriculture is a great source of nonfiction,� said Anna Ziegler, McLean County Farm Bureau assistant manager.

County Ag in the Classroom Coordinators Terra Bertolini and Bridget Caldwell will transform grant money into 12 kits containing Ag Mags, books, lesson plans, a hands-on activity and a card for each student to share with parents, featuring lesson highlights and a recipe.

Teachers will also access videos

of McLean County farmers talking about livestock, grain, machinery and biotech.

Teacher training workshops will begin in October. Ziegler said the portable kits will be available to all county schools with a goal of reaching 240 classrooms every year.

Our Food Link is a yearround program that county and state Farm Bureaus can use to effectively reach consumers of all ages and backgrounds with information about today’s agriculture. Activities range from outreach at supermarkets or farmers’ markets to hosting interactive booths at community events, speaking with lawmakers and neighbors about food or visiting a classroom to help students understand agricultural topics.

Our Food Link activities may also include the collection of food and monetary donations for Ronald McDonald House Charities or other charities.

Disaster loss protection for specialty crop, diversified farmers — Farmers who apply for Farm Service Agency (FSA) farm loans will be offered an opportunity to enroll in new disaster loss protections created by the 2014 farm bill, according to Illinois FSA State Executive Director Scherrie Giamanco.

Through the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP), the new coverage is available to FSA loan applicants who grow noninsurable crops, such as fruit and vegetables.

The basic disaster coverage protects 55 percent of the market price for crop losses that exceed 50 percent of production. Covered crops include vegetables, fruits, mushrooms, floriculture, ornamental nursery, aquaculture, turfgrass, ginseng, honey, syrup, hay, forage, grazing and energy crops.

FSA allows beginning, underserved or limited-income farmers to obtain NAP coverage up to 90 days after the normal application closing date when they also apply for FSA credit.

Farmers also may work with

FSA to protect value-added production, such as organic or direct market crops, at their fair market value in those markets.

For more information, visit {fsa.usda.gov/nap} or contact your local FSA office.

USDA restarts Biomass Crop Assistance Program — Incentives resume this summer for farmers, ranchers and forest landowners interested in growing and harvesting biomass for renewable energy.

The Biomass Crop Assistance Program (BCAP) provides financial assistance to establish and maintain new crops of energy biomass, or for harvest and delivery of forest or agricultural residues to a qualifying USDA-approved energy facility that converts biomass crops into energy.

Eligible crops may include corn residue, diseased or insect-infested wood materials, or orchard waste. New BCAP project area proposals will be solicited beginning this summer and accepted through fall.

For more information, visit {usda.gov/farmbill} .

Tuesday: • FarmWeek: “The Early Wordâ€? • Bill Davison, University of Illinois Extension: food grade grain • Ryan Whitehouse, Illinois Farm Bureau: SWAT teams • Harvey Freese, Freese-Notis Weather Wednesday: • RFDRN live from Illinois Ag Roundtable at ADM in Decatur • Lindsey Shute, National Young Farmers Coalition: student loan forgiveness for farmers Thursday:

• Lauren Lurkins, IFB: Waters of the U.S. next steps • Andy Thompson, Hancock County: Residue Management Conference • Mike Doherty, IFB: Commodity Conference • Russell Higgins, Northern Illinois Agronomy Research Center: Small Grains Meeting Friday: • Ron Trewyn, Kansas State University: Bio-Agro-Defense • Joe Daughhettee and Phyllis Parks, WITY-AM Danville: Farm Financial Standards Council • Don Schaefer, Mid-West Truckers Association: new federal CDL requirements

Farm Service Agency

Page 13 • Monday, June 8, 2015 • FarmWeek

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ASS-MORGAN — Smartphone seminar, 6 p.m. Monday at Praireland FS in Jacksonville. Tricia Campbell, Heartland Community College, will share tricks and tips for utilizing smartphones. Call 245-6833 to register.

OOK — Wagner dairy breakfast, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 20 at Wagner Farm in Glenview.

The event will also include live music, dairy demonstrations, wagon rides and hands-on activities. For more information, visit glenviewparks.org/event/ dairy-breakfast/.

DGAR — Putt a Round for Agriculture, 11:15 a.m. June 18 at Eagle Ridge Golf Course.

Cost is $65 per person with a team of four. Cost to sponsor a hole is $100. Call 465-8511 to register by Friday.

RUNDY — Smartphone seminar, 6 p.m. June 15 at Dwight Village Hall. Tricia Campbell, Heartland Community College, will share tricks and tips for utilizing smartphones. Call 815-842-1103 to register by June 15.

ANCOCK — Defensive driving course, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

June 17-18 at Hancock County Extension Center.

Doug Sommer will instruct.

Must attend both sessions to receive certificate and be eligible for discounted insurance premium on auto insurance. Cost is $15 for members and $20 for nonmembers. Call 357-3141 for reservations by June 16.

ENRY — “Farmland” movie showing, 2 p.m. June 14 at Geneseo Central Theater. A farmer panel discussion will follow the movie. Email henrycfb@geneseo.net for reservations.

• Livestock informational meeting for young farmers, 6 p.m. June 18 at Sweet Peas Grill in Geneseo. Topics discussed will include opportunities in livestock production. Call 937-2411 for reservations or more information.

• Women’s ag marketing program, 6:30 p.m. June 15 at the Farm Bureau office.

Cathy Ekstrand, StewartPeterson, will speak. Topics discussed will include marketing and current trends in grain and livestock. Call 937-2411 for reservations.

• Irrigation/water use reporting seminar, 10 a.m.

June 19 at Western Illinois Quad Cities Campus. Lauren Lurkins, Illinois Farm Bureau director of natural

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and environmental resources, will speak. Call 937-2411 for reservations.

ANKAKEE — District 6 Young Leaders tour, 4 p.m. June 23 at AgReliant Genetics in Aroma Park and cookout 5:30 p.m. June 23 at Perrault farm. Members 35 and under are invited to attend. Call 815-932-7471 by June 17 for reservations and event details.

EE — Foundation red/green challenge, 4:30 p.m. Saturday at the Elks Lodge, Dixon, during the Lee County Farm Bureau Centennial Celebration. Vote for your favorite equipment color with a donation to the Lee County Farm Bureau Foundation. Donations will be accepted at the Farm Bureau office or by mail to the Lee County Farm Bureau, P.O. Box 198, Amboy, IL 61310.

Proceeds will benefit Lee County ag education programs.

ACOUPIN — Defensive driving course, 10 a.m. Tuesday and Wednesday at the Farm Bureau building. Members 55 years and older are invited to attend. Doug Sommer will instruct. Lunch will be provided. Cost is $15. Call 8542571 to register by Monday.

ASON — Farm family night picnic, 6 p.m. June 29 at Samuel Park in Easton. Event will include door prizes, pedal pull and meal. Sarah Muirhead, Penton Farm Progress Livestock Group, will speak. Cost is $2.

Call 543-4451 for reservations by June 22.

ENARD — Member/Prairieland FS patron appreciation day, 4 to 7 p.m. June 21 at the Sangamon County Fairground.

Event will include free admission to the fair, dinner and live/silent auction. Call 632-2217 for reservations by Friday.

ERCER — Women’s marketing workshop, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. June 16 at GROWMARK Distribution Center in Alpha. Naomi Blohm, Stewart-Peterson, will speak. Lunch will be provided. Call 582-5116 or email mcfb1@frontiernet.net by Wednesday for reservations.

• Young Leader cookout, 6:30 p.m. June 26 at Terry Sponheim’s home in Joy. Anyone between ages 18 and 35 is welcome to attend. Call 582-5116 or email mcfb manager@gmail.com for reservations and event details.

• Ameren Energy and savings program, 10 to 11:30 a.m. June 23 at the Farm Bureau office. Call 582-5116 or email mcfb1@frontier

K L

M M M M

net.net for reservations by June 19.

• Complimentary health screening breakfast, 8 to 10 a.m. June 24 at Aledo United Methodist Church. Call 582-5116 or email mcfb1@ frontiernet.net for reservations by June 17.

• Irrigation/water use reporting seminar, 10 a.m.

June 19 at Western Illinois Quad Cities Campus. Lauren Lurkins, IFB director of natural and environmental resources, will speak. Call 582-5116 or email mcfb1@ frontiernet.net for reservations by June 18.

ONTGOMERY — Prime Timers luncheon, noon June 17 at the Farm Bureau office for members 55 and older. Cost is $10.50. Call the Farm Bureau office at 532-6171

by Friday for reservations.

EORIA — Marketing Committee market outlook dinner meeting, 6:30 p.m. June 23 at Farm Bureau Park south of Kickapoo. Jacquie Voeks, Stewart-Peterson, will speak.

Cost is $5. Call 686-7070 for reservations by June 18.

OCK ISLAND –— Photos needed for Wall of Champions at Rock Island County Fair. Bring photos of past livestock show champions to the Rock Island Extension office or email scanned copies to info@ricofarm bureau.org. For more information call 736-7432 or email dbloomberg@rico farmbureau.org.

ANGAMON — Ag exploration day, 9 a.m. to noon June 26 at Sangamon County Fairground in New Berlin for children ages 5 to 12. Bring a nonperishable food item to donate for the Harvest for All campaign. Call 7535200 or email jwebb@sang amonfb.org for reservations or more information by June 15.

• Foundation golf outing, noon July 10 at Edgewood Golf Course, Auburn. Cost is $70 per golfer/$280 per foursome.

May also contribute by sponsoring a hole, or by attending the dinner. Proceeds will benefit the foundation scholarship program. Call 753-5200 or email amason@sangamonfb.org to register by July 1.

• Member/Praireland FS patron appreciation day, 4 to 7 p.m. June 21 at the Sangamon County Fairground. Event will include dinner and live/silent auction. Proceeds will benefit the Foundation. Call 753-

M P

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5200 for reservations by June 19.

HELBY — Chris Barker Memorial Tractor Drive, 7:30 a.m. Sunday (June 14) Strasburg Community Building. The event will include a long and short tractor route, lunch and silent auction. Call 774-2151 or email shelbycofb@consol idated.net for event details.

Proceeds will benefit the Chris Barker Memorial Scholarship.

ABASH –— Young Leaders and Mount Carmel FFA food drive, 8 a.m. to noon June 20 at Borowiak’s IGA in Mount Carmel. Donations will benefit Mount Carmel Wabash Area Development Inc. HITESIDE — Tractor drive for Ag in the Classroom (AITC), 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 17 from the Whiteside County Fairgrounds in Morrison.

Early bird registration is $35

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through July 24. Proceeds will benefit Whiteside’s AITC program. To register, visit whitesidecfb.org or call 772-2165.

INNEBAGOBOONE — Foundation farm breakfast, 6:30 to 11 a.m. June 20 at Friendly Franseen Acres, Poplar Grove. Activities will include live entertainment, milking demonstrations, horse-drawn wagon rides, children’s activities, antique tractor display and more. Cost is $6 for adults, $3 for children ages 6 to 10, and free for children ages 5 and under. For more information, visit {winnebago boonefarmbureau.org} or call 962-0653.

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

FarmWeek • Page 14 • Monday, June 8, 2015

What corn basis says about producer movement I assume, in general, that you know how basis works, but here is a quick lesson prior to focusing on the current basis landscape. In the simplest of terms, basis is defined as the difference between your cash price and the futures price.

While there can be many factors that affect basis, the primary influence is your Aaron Curtis local supply and demand. Basis tends to be stronger in areas that have good demand and weaker in areas that need increased

BY AARON CURTIS

transportation to get grain to the end user.

It’s true that areas with good crops tend to have weaker basis, and those that have short crops likely see the basis firmer. Basis also tends to be less volatile and have a more historical pattern than its cash price counterpart, the futures market.

While these points about basis have rung true consistently during the years, it has been tested more recently. The 2014 growing season yielded a record corn crop in the United States, in terms of both yield and production. This large crop came on the heels of a thenrecord crop in 2013. The March 1 grain stocks report showed the highest corn

supply on hand since 1987.

Yet, here we sit, with fairly firm corn basis values throughout parts of Iowa and Illinois. It can partly be explained by the good demand base that has been built for corn during the last few years. USDA is currently forecasting corn demand at 13.62 billion bushels for 2014-15, which is also a record.

That breaks down to nearly 1.135 billion bushels of corn used every month with 40 percent of that total being used by ethanol. While corn demand remains a bright spot, the greater influence of the firm basis has been the very inconsistent selling pattern of the producer.

Since harvest, the producer has been very unwilling to sell in any great way due to frustration with prices. The lack of cash movement has forced the corn basis to, in essence, have to work harder to encourage corn to move in order to meet the continued good demand base.

That brings us to the question of how corn basis will respond once the producer starts to sell the large amount of old-crop corn inventory remaining.

I will assume you know the answer to that as well.

Aaron Curtis serves as a MID-CO commodity risk consultant. His email address is acurtis@mid-co.com.

USDA export revisions positive for crops, negative for livestock

BY DANIEL GRANT FarmWeek

Lower corn and soybean prices seem to be quite attractive to international buyers.

USDA recently boosted its fiscal year 2015 export forecast by $600 million for grain and feed, and $100 million for oilseeds.

“The strong pace of American agricultural exports continues,” said Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack. “For many American products, foreign markets now represent more than half of total sales.”

Soybean exports during the current marketing year could reach a record 1.8 billion bushels, 9.3 percent more than the current record set last year.

USDA last month also boosted its corn export projections by 25 million bushels for 2014-15 and by 75 million bushels for 2015-16.

“The (export) numbers are pretty solid as you look at the year ahead,” Good said. “We certainly have the sales on the books (to reach USDA projections), it’s just a question of whether they get moved (this marketing year).”

Low corn and soybean prices serves as a key driver of exports, despite strong competition from other countries and the negative influence of the stronger U.S. dollar.

Grain and feed sales also increased in recent months due to record sorghum exports and

higher than expected sales of distillers’ grains, USDA reported.

However, the overall 2015 export forecast was reduced $1

LENDING SUPPORT TO THE

NEXT GENERA ATION TION N OF F FARMERS. ARMERS.

billion in late May from the February forecast to $140.5 billion.

If realized, 2015 exports would be the lowest since 2012, but still would generate a trade surplus of $23.5 billion.

“Competition from South America will minimize growth

(of crop exports),” Good said.

Meanwhile, USDA reduced the forecast for livestock, poultry and dairy exports by $500 million for this year from the February projection.

Key drivers of reduced livestock exports include increased competition in the dairy sector and lower poultry exports due to trade restrictions brought on by the outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).

As of last week, HPAI resulted in the loss of about 45 million birds in 15 states since the virus was detected in the U.S. in December.

States hit hardest by HPAI include Iowa and Minnesota where bird-flu related losses total more than $1 billion.

The situation in recent weeks caused a major spike in U.S. egg prices.

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Havana Junior High School fifth graders build a 7-foot long ice cream sundae as part of the Mason County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee “Who Wants to be an Ag Expert” program. Women’s committee members challenged more than 200 Mason County fifth graders to answer 15 questions and three bonus questions about Mason County agriculture. Topics included irrigation, specialty crops and livestock. The winning classroom and hot seat contestants built the ice cream sundae.

(Photo by Ashley Beutke, Mason-Menard Farm Bureau manager)

Corn Strategy

Fund traders still bearish on grains

Money managers entered last week holding a record netshort position on agricultural commodities with grains being a big portion of that bearish bet. Let’s take a look at a few things that would spark a shift in sentiment for the large speculators.

The fundamentals currently stack up against the grains and give fund traders little incentive to ditch their position. Large, old-crop inventories are being carried over, and the new growing season is off to a great start. Early estimates for global production in 2015-16 are high and increasing.

Global growers have harvested yields above trend in both of the previous two years. Not in modern history have they achieved three in a row when yields beat trend by 5 percent or more as they did in 2013 and 2014.

It is not unlikely that one of the world’s major growers has some type of production hiccup in the season ahead.

El Nino could throw a wrench into the plans, for example, with extreme weather conditions sometimes associated with the phenomenon.

The production fundamentals have been negative for grains recently and so have outside market influences.

Equities, treasuries and currencies have all had an outsized effect on the day-to-day grain trade in 2015.

Stocks and bonds are relatively more attractive to investors, and commodities have suffered as a result. Our dollar is as strong as it has

been since 2003 and has been a major contributor of commodity weakness.

Interest rate expectations will continue to have the lion’s share of say in financial market direction. Traders are currently anticipating a U.S. rate hike for late 2015, which is friendly to the U.S. dollar. But it could be argued that the eventual rate increase is already well priced into the market and that currency traders will very smoothly integrate the change.

The dollar may also face liquidation from investors using the currency as a safe haven vehicle. Money has poured into the dollar as a result of uncertainties surrounding economies abroad.

But worries that weighed on the euro are being resolved, and quantitative easing in the Asian economies won’t last forever, leading to premium eventually returning to the respective currencies.

The direction of stocks will have plenty to say about commodity market performance.

With major equity indexes near record highs, there has not been much incentive for investors to funnel money into commodities.

But stocks may be due for a setback in the latter half of 2015. The S&P 500 has not once achieved seven consecutive years of positive returns. Our sixth straight year of gains occurred in 2014.

Fund traders may currently hold a bearish bet on the grains, but they are surely going to begin questioning whether or not there is much to be gained by pressing the short side further at these levels. Supply-side issues and outside market influences have the potential to turn in the grains’ favor and would have the short sellers running for cover quick.

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ü2014 crop: There has been a lack of follow-through from short sellers now that corn futures have returned to their fall contract lows. With signs that prices could potentially be carving out a bottom, we will hold off making new sales recommendations for now. ü2015 crop: Given the larger cyclic parameters, the longterm technical outlook suggests better prices should come. Hold off making sales. vFundamentals: The outlook for demand is suffering somewhat as major buyers are looking to source forward needs from a big Brazilian crop. That country’s second crop is now being harvested and estimates for output continue to increase. Futures have found support nonetheless, as a very bearish managed-money crowd begins to cover shorts.

A weaker dollar was helping until its reversal Friday. Funds may be taking risk (and profit) off the table ahead of this week’s supply and demand update. Analysts expect to see global corn carryout projections increase in the Wednesday report.

Page 15 • Monday, June 8, 2015 • FarmWeek Cents per bu.

Soybean Strategy

ü2014 crop: Old-crop futures remain strong relative to the new-crop curve, and robust demand may keep it that way. Better marketing opportunities are expected for remaining sales. ü2015 crop: New-crop futures are holding up well against bearish calls for sub-$9 soybeans. Production fundamentals for 2015-16 weigh on the market, but bumper crop potential may already be priced into the board. vFundamentals: A round of short covering in the broad commodity space lent support to futures last week until unemployment data sparked a dollar rally Friday that threatened to reverse trend. A dry week allowed good planting progress to be achieved. Last week’s export report showed more signs of trouble. Sales for the new crop are half of last year’s year-to-date total and well below the five-year average. A big set of crops in South America weighs on the market outlook with strikes in Argentina now mostly resolved

and Brazilian farmers becoming more willing sellers.

Wheat Strategy

ü2014 crop: Use current strength to make catch-up sales. ü2015 crop: We prefer to store new crop for an expected middle to late-summer rally if you have on-farm storage. If not, use rallies to price a portion of your intended harvest sales. vFundamentals: Wheat futures were the leader for last week’s grain rally. Weather risk premium is returning to the market as quality concerns persist. It has been a drier start to June relative to the wet weather that defined the latter half of

May. The winter crop harvest will soon be in full swing and results will help guide the trade. USDA analysts will update our balance sheet Wednesday with more solid numbers on winter wheat.

Yield and harvested acres will be the important points of interest. A great start to the U.S. spring wheat season may be cause for higher production prospects. Conditions abroad are mostly favorable and have analysts looking for increased global production estimates.

Despite plenty of fundamental head winds, value is being found in the board at these levels.

FarmWeek • Page 16 • Monday, June 8, 2015

Continuing your ag, business education

Soybean seedlings push through a rye cover crop on Cass-Morgan County Farm Bureau President Steve Turner’s farm near Chandlerville. (Photo by Lindsay McQueen, Cass-Morgan County Farm Bureau manager)

Cover crops: Not too soon to plan

As I travel the state, more farmers, including pork producers, are telling me, “I don’t want to have soil exposed over winter.”

Cover crops are becoming an integral part of crop rotations and are recognized by state and federal agencies as an established and imporTED tant practice.

FUNK For example, the Illinois Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Nutrient Management Practice Code 590 refers to cover crops. Where soils and application timing of manure are classified as “high risk” for nitrate leaching, the 590 standard puts cover crops on the same footing as some more familiar nitrogenuptake practices.

For certain common situations, the standard specifically singles out liquid manure: “Fields targeted for manure application after small grain or corn silage harvest that meet the high risk conditions outlined in the Nitrogen Management Guidelines will be planted to a double-crop grain, annual forage or cover crop.”

The Illinois 590 Standard phosphorus index source factors for a field receiving manure, surface applied and unincorporated in late summer or early fall, may reduce the risk from high to medium with the use of a cover crop.

The new Illinois Environmental Protection Agency regulations for livestock production (Parts 501 and 502) give some implied credit to the use of cover crops, especially on fields that may be suitable for winter manure application.

For livestock producers, cover crops can do several things, including reducing nutrient movement off fields where manure is applied, increasing the options for “rescue acreage” for manure application, and taking up fall-applied nitrogen for later release to the next year’s crop. Keep in mind the goals of weed control and reducing soil compaction.

You won’t plant cover crops for a few months, but that takes planning — selecting and buying seed, choosing herbicides, prioritizing fields, deciding what equipment to use and reserving any custom services needed. You need to make some of those decisions soon if you are going to seed cover crops on time after this season’s row crops.

New to cover crops? Consider these

tips from the experts. Start small, keep it simple. Every farming situation is different. Customize the use of cover crops for your situation as you learn.

Don’t use one year’s outcome to decide the entire fate of cover crops on your farm. As with any cropping system, there will be good years and not-so-good years.

Use available information resources.

For University of Illinois Extension, contact the commercial agriculture Extension educator near you. They include: Russ Higgins, DeKalb’s Northern Research and Extension Center, 815-824-2029; Angie Peltier, Monmouth, 309-734-5161; Dennis Bowman, Champaign/Urbana, 217-2440851; Robert Bellm, Brownstown, 618427-3349; and Nathan Johanning, Murphysboro, 618-687-1727. The Midwest Cover Crops Council of 12 north central state universities offers a cover crop selection tool with county-specific information. Visit {mccc.msu.edu}.

Into the selection tool, farmers input their location, field cash crop, expected plant and harvest dates, soil characteristics and up to three desired goals for the cover crop. The selection tool offers feasible options for single cover crop species and some limited mixtures. In my view, this website should be a good resource for a cover crop novice because it has some experiencebased options with pros and cons for each cover crop choice.

Don’t neglect to ask about cover crops at your local Illinois NRCS office. NRCS provides a cover crop economics decision support tool online that allows farmers to explore shortand long-term expected benefits of specific cover crops on their soils. The tool presents a partial budget analysis showing results of a change in a farm’s practices, such as adding cover crops.

Farmers are finding a rapidly growing information base on cover crops along with an increased interest in the Midwest. It’s safe to say that using cover crops on Illinois farms is no longer a cutting-edge practice. Quite to the contrary, it is supported well enough that a livestock producer managing row crop acreage anywhere in our state should be able to make good decisions about where to start with cover crops.

Ted Funk, Ph.D. and retired University of Illinois Extension Specialist, works as an agricultural engineer consultant.

I have the privilege of working on the farm as well as having an offfarm job. The two positions are vastly different in their objectives, but there is one difference between the two careers that really sticks out to me — the investment made in continuing education.

Many employers will invest in their employees by encouraging them to take continuing education courses. These courses can range from an advanced degree at an university to online workshops to multiple-day seminars. Many times, the employer will cover the cost of the RYAN VOORHEES courses.

As farmers, we must continually invest in ourselves to stay on top of the latest changes in our industry.

A farmer’s continuing education is usually slightly different than that of other careers. At times, it’s as simple as reading FarmWeek or other publications.

While it can sound more like a vacation, going to events such as the

Illinois Farm Bureau Commodity Conference, the Top Producer Seminar, national livestock shows or the Commodity Classic are also good ways to stay up-to-date.

The thing that I think is missing for many farmers is general business continuing education. While important, we seem to get focused on agronomics, animal nutrition and marketing, but forget to stay up-todate on our core business skills.

Most farmers wear many hats, including accountant, human resources, CEO, CFO and COO. I would argue that getting a degree like an MBA may be more beneficial for a farmer.

There are also programs geared specifically for farmers: Cultivating Master Farmers, Illinois Agricultural Leadership Program and Agricultural Leaders of Tomorrow. If not these programs, then certainly a few business refresher courses at a local community college may be beneficial.

“Home is where the heart is.” It’s an old saying that means your true home is with the person or in the place that you long to be.

I thought about that adage at the recent Rural Rental Housing Association (RRHA) annual meeting. You see, USDA Rural Development is a financial partner in nearly 550 multi-family COLLEEN CALLAHAN housing locations throughout Illinois.

Chances are good there’s an apartment complex in your community that got its start from, or continues to operate, using Rural Development financing.

Since June is Home Ownership Month, and since Rural Development can either guarantee a loan or become the direct lender, it’s important to also acknowledge that Rural Development can financially assist communities in providing affordable housing.

From new graduates beginning their careers to retirees looking to downsize, rental properties are a logical housing consideration, but sometimes aren’t an option. Not an option because many of our rural towns don’t have apartments or duplexes available. But when offered, here are the expressions of appreciation: “Thank you for allowing me to make a comfortable home here.”

“My sincerest thanks for such a comfortable, affordable and pleasurable place to live. I was able to complete my bachelor’s degree during my stay, and the location of the apartment as well as the prompt maintenance and upkeep of the property helped allevi-

ate stress that might have hampered my ability to complete a four-year degree.”

“Thanks for providing me and my child with a nice place to live. And I have enjoyed being around the elderly people who live here.”

“Thank you for all the smiles and love. If I’m right, I will be starting my 16th year here. I feel this is my home, and I love it!”

Those quotes came from residents of just two rural rental housing properties here in Illinois and were testimonials in support of the Site Manager of the Year and Maintenance Person of the Year presented by USDA Rural Development at the RRHA awards luncheon. So, home is where the heart is!

To quote our housing program director, Barry Ramsey, “I love what I do each day, and that’s helping people find a good place to call home. Maybe it’s an apartment for a disabled person who cannot afford to pay rent because their income is so low, or a widow on a fixed income who wants to stay in the rural community where she raised her children. It might be a new couple or single parent taking that first step to become homeowners. We help people.”

From senior living to assisted living. From home repairs to farm labor housing. From single family housing to multi-family housing. USDA Rural Development can help individuals and communities build a better future together. And that’s the theme of this year’s Home Ownership Month — Let’s Build a Better Future Together.

Ryan Voorhees of Washington represents District 7 on the Illinois Farm Bureau Young Leaders Committee. To follow the Young Leaders’ blog, visit {http://bit.ly/1FSlSTL}.

Let’s build a better future together

Colleen Callahan serves as Illinois director for USDA Rural Development.