Farmweek march 10 2014 by Illinois Farm Bureau

Replacing or installing a septic system? You may need a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit....................................2

Got your planter ready to roll? The newest planter technology improves seeding accuracy at higher speeds............................................5

ILDG members make a meaty contribution in expanding the state’s livestock numbers, according to a new study................6

A service of

Commodity prices rally

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

Monday, March 10, 2014

AG LEGISLATIVE DAY CIVICS LESSON

Two sections Volume 42, No. 10

Political unrest, dryness issues raise short-term concerns BY DANIEL GRANT FarmWeek

Commodity prices rallied in recent weeks as political unrest in Ukraine and dryness issues in South America raised short-term crop supply concerns. Ukraine last year had a record corn harvest (1.2 billion bushels) and farmers there have an estimated 138 million bushels left to export, according to the U.S. Grains Council (USGC). But farmers in Ukraine are clinging to their crops as a hedge against devaluing currency in the midst of political unrest involving Ukraine’s Crimean region and Russia. “Ports are open and vessels are loading, but shipments (from Ukraine) are becoming increasingly difficult,” said Cary Sifferath, USGC regional director for the Middle East and Africa. The situation also could affect corn planting as the currency issue in Ukraine is driving up input costs. “The key thing with corn is the prospect of less planting and a smaller crop (in Ukraine this year),” Jerry Gidel, market analyst with Rice Dairy, said during a webinar hosted by the CME Group. “Corn prices might be impacted.” Corn prices recently increased as much as 40 to 50 cents per bushel, while soybean prices increased in some areas by $1

State Sen. John Sullivan, D-Rushville, tells Midwest Central High School ag teacher Kathryn Shallenberger, second from left, and her FFA members their voices are important to promote agriculture statewide. Sullivan personally gave the students a Senate chamber tour during last week’s Agricultural Legislative Day. More photos and legislative coverage on page 3. (Photo by Ken Kashian)

or more per bushel. “Events in Ukraine will have a direct impact on U.S. farmers in the international marketplace,” said Tom Sleight, USGC president and chief executive officer. A strong export pace helped drive the boost in prices. Issues with soy-

bean production in South America also pressured the bean market. “The (soybean) crop was looking perfect, but we’ve been having terrible (dry) weather,” said Marcelo Duarte Monteiro, of the Mato Grosso Soy and Corn Growers Association. “The crop (in Brazil)

could be reduced 5 million tons (185 million bushels).” USDA will update its world supply and demand estimates today (March 10). Brazilian soybean production could be down to 86 to 88 million tons

Periodicals: Time Valued

Farm Service Agency offices to be consolidated BY DEANA STROISCH FarmWeek

About 250 Farm Service Agency (FSA) offices will be consolidated across the country, a move intended to improve customer service, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced last week. Vilsack said no decision has been made on which of the FSA offices will be closed. The consolidation will occur next year, he said. The consolidation plan, described as part of a “new vision” for FSA offices, is included in USDA’s proposed

FY2015 budget. “We want that FSA to be a model service agency office,” he said. Vilsack said Tom Vilsack currently about 30 of the roughly 2,000 FSA offices don’t have any fulltime employees. Others have one or two. He noted that with new technology, farmers don’t necessarily have to go to multiple offices if they have land hold-

FarmWeek on the web: FarmWeekNow.com

ings in different counties. That will create less paperwork and activity at the offices, he said. “Over time, we’re going to hopefully get to a point where farmers are going to be able to access their information, their records, apply for programs without even coming into an office,” he said.” “I think we have a responsibility to ask the question, ‘As things change, how do we change and modernize the Farm Service Agency offices?,’” he said. “I think we can do this in a way that really

Please see Prices, page 2

provides greater service, better service for producers.” Consolidating offices, he said, will allow the FSA offices that remain open to be adequately staffed. He also wants FSA employees to start aggressively marketing opportunities for beginning farmers and ranchers. He noted that the farm bill includes incentives for young farmers. USDA’s proposed FY2015 budget also maintains continued funding of all trade promotion programs, he said.

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

Quick Takes

REGULATIONS

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FORD FILLED WITH FOOD — Central Illinois Food Bank’s shelves recently got lined with 399 pounds of food. Illinois Farm Bureau Young Leaders led an effort to fill a Ford pickup with nonperishable food during the recent Governmental Affairs Leadership Conference. The donations included 90 pounds of eggs provided by FarmWeek Legislative Affairs Director Kay Shipman, RFD Radio Network® Producer Mary Kobbeman and Neuhoff Media Ag Director Steve Bridge. They won the eggs through the Illinois Department of Agriculture’s Good Egg media cooking contest.

SENATOR DRIVES FFA BUS — Illinois FFA members visited with legislators and toured the Capitol while delivering baskets and lunches of Illinois ag products last week. Only Geneseo FFA members can claim they were accompanied by a retired state senator who drove them to Springfield for Agricultural Legislative Day. Todd Sieben accepted the bus driving assignment after the scheduled person wasn’t able to drive. Surrounded in the rotunda by teens in blue corduroy jackets, Sieben said he was excited to help because, after all, he knows his way around Springfield and the Capitol.

USDA EXPANDS ACCESS TO PRODUCE, GRAINS — More fruits, vegetables and whole grains may be purchased by the 9 million poor women and young children who receive federal food assistance under a newly revamped Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC). Previously, WIC vouchers limited shopping to such basics as milk, baby formula, eggs, bread and cereal. Now WIC-covered foods include fresh, frozen or canned fruits and vegetables. The program also expands whole grain options and allows yogurt as a partial milk substitute.

NEW DU QUOIN STATE FAIR MANAGER NAMED — Shannon Woodworth, a 14-year veteran of the Du Quoin State Fair, recently was named the fair’s new manager. Woodworth, 47, of West Frankfort was praised for his knowledge. “Shannon is very knowledgeable and passionate about the fair and understands the importance of agriculture to our heritage,” said Illinois Agriculture Director Bob Flider. “His work has brought hundreds of thousands of dollars in business sponsorships to the fair, and I believe he possesses the right skills to ensure the fair remains a showcase for southern Illinois.” Woodworth’s background includes newspaper reporting, photography and marketing. Previously, he worked in the marketing department of John A. Logan College. He grew up on a farm near Bluford in Jefferson County.

(ISSN0197-6680) Vol. 42 No. 10 March 10, 2014 Dedicated to improving the profitability of farming, and a higher quality of life for Illinois farmers. FarmWeek is produced by the Illinois Farm Bureau. FarmWeek is published each week, except the Mondays following Thanksgiving and Christmas, by the Illinois Agricultural Association, 1701 Towanda Avenue, P.O. Box 2901, Bloomington, IL 61701. Illinois Agricultural Association assumes no responsibility for statements by advertisers or for products or services advertised in FarmWeek. FarmWeek is published by the Illinois Agricultural Association for farm operator members. $3 from the individual membership fee of each of those members goes toward the production of FarmWeek. “Farm, Family, Food” is used under license of the Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation.

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

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

NPDES permit required for some new, replaced septics

Homeowners may now need a general National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit if they plan to install a new or replacement surface discharging septic system. “If someone needs to install a new individual surface discharging septic system, then he needs to go to the county health department to get information on two permits. The county health department should have information on both permits: the county health department’s construction permit and the general NPDES permit,” said Lauren Lurkins, Illinois Farm Bureau director of natural and environmental resources. Homeowners who have a working surface discharge septic system don’t need to obtain a general NPDES permit, she noted.

Previously, homeowners needed to obtain a construction permit for a new surface discharging septic system from the county health department. What’s new is a general NPDES permit requirement for certain new or replacement surface discharging septic systems. A general NPDES permit must be obtained from the U.S. Environmental Protection

Agency (USEPA) for surface discharging septic systems, new or replacement, that meet all the following criteria: • The system will discharge into the “waters of the U.S.,” • The system will receive and process only domestic sewage, • Less than 1,500 gallons a day will flow through the system, • A sanitary sewer connection is more than 300 feet away from the residential or nonresidential property, and • All alternatives to a surface discharging system are not technologically or economically feasible. Apparently, USEPA staff, not IEPA, will enforce the new NPDES permit requirement, according to Lurkins. For more information on the NPDES permit requirement, visit {epa.gov/region5/ water/npdestek/surfacedischarge}.

New vehicle emission standards taking effect in 2017 could prove a boon to ethanol and other biofuels. The standards, announced last week by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), lower sulfur content in gasoline, thus reducing passenger car and truck emissions. Following a public comment period, EPA officials decided to maintain per-gallon sulfur caps at existing levels. E10 fuel containing 10 percent ethanol will be used as the test gasoline for the caps. An earlier proposal suggested E15 serve as the test fuel.

“We didn’t get everything we wanted, but two items are important — the new requirement that vehicles be tested and certified using E10, and the opportunity for manufacturers to request approval of another new certification fuel such as high octane/high ethanol E30,” said Robert Kozak, Advanced Biofuels USA’s vehicle emissions expert. “We have to begin working with EPA immediately to make this future rule-making happen, and to work on the practical aspects of bringing E30 optimized vehicles, E30 retail fuel delivery infrastructure and high

octane/high ethanol fuels to customers,” added Joanne Ivancic, Advanced Biofuels USA executive director. “In two years, E30 has gone from a concept to a reality. It’s in the final rule; a mechanism has been created for its implementation.” The Tier 3 vehicle standards reduce both tailpipe and evaporative emissions from passenger cars, light-duty trucks, mediumduty passenger vehicles and some heavy-duty vehicles. The tailpipe standards include different phase-in schedules that vary by vehicle class, but generally occur between model years 2017 and 2025.

Continued from page 1 compared to previous estimates of 93 million tons, according to Jack Scoville, market analyst with Price Futures Group. “We’re keeping a close eye on Brazil and Argentina,” he said. “The crop estimates are dropping by the day.” Scoville predicted USDA, as a result of dryness in South America and record U.S. soy export sales, will reduce world bean

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ending stocks. He also expects U.S. soy ending stocks will slip below the pipeline level of 150 million bushels. Supply issues in recent months, among other factors, also ignited livestock markets. Hog futures last week hit a

record high and are up 30 percent for the year, cattle prices are at historic levels and milk prices last month set a new record. Meat supplies have been pressured by tight supplies as the U.S. cattle herd is at its lowest level since 1951, while hog production slipped due to porcine epidemic diarrhea virus. The disease has killed an estimated 4 million piglets nationwide since the outbreak began last May.

3434 by Thursday. March 13 Conservation cropping seminar, Normal. Visit {ccswcd.com} for information. March 14 Cover crop workshop, 9 to 11 a.m., Homer Village Hall, Homer. March 18 Illinois primary election

March 19 Cover crop workshop, 9 a.m. to noon, Douglas Hart Nature Center, Mattoon. Register by March 14. Call 217-345-3901, ext. 3. March 20 Cover crop conference, 8:15 a.m. to 3 p.m., Illinois Central College. Register by March 14. Call 309-690-6900.

BY KAY SHIPMAN FarmWeek

Emission standards could boost biofuels

Prices

Rice Dairy analyst Jerry Gidel talks about the markets at FarmWeekNow.com.

Datebook March 11 University of Illinois Extension cow-calf meeting, 5 p.m., Oblong Community Center, Oblong. To register, call 217826-5422 by Wednesday. March 12 University of Illinois Extension cow-calf meeting, 5 p.m., Monroe County Fairgrounds, Waterloo. To register, call 618-939-

STATE

Page 3 Monday, March 10, 2014 FarmWeek

(Above) Illinois Farm Bureau President Rich Guebert Jr., left, discusses agriculture issues with state Reps. Donald Moffitt, center, R-Gilson, and Wayne Rosenthal, R-Litchfield, last week. The legislators joined fellow lawmakers and agriculture leaders from across Illinois for the Illinois Agricultural Legislative Day breakfast in Springfield. (Right) FFA members fill baskets with donated Illinois agricultural products and information they later delivered along with lunches for state legislators and constitutional officers. About 675 FFA members and advisers from 72 schools around the state made a strong presence of blue and gold. (Photos by Ken Kashian)

Capitol calm before state budget storm hits

BY KAY SHIPMAN FarmWeek

Hundreds of state agriculture leaders, FFA members and their advisers pounded the Capitol’s marble halls on Agricultural Legislative Day last week. “The mood has been rather calm, but the governor’s budget has not been introduced yet,” advised Kevin Semlow, Illinois Farm Bureau director of state legislation. Semlow briefed leaders before they spread out across the Capitol complex to speak with legislators. Gov. Pat Quinn will present his budget proposal March 26. Funding issues remain a perennial concern especially with the scheduled phase out of the temporary income tax — an estimated decrease of $2.4 billion. “The budget is our biggest challenge. It’s going to be ugly,” warned state Sen. John Sullivan, DRushville. Illinois Agriculture Director Bob

Flider raised concerns about the security of funding spent by the Illinois Department of Agriculture for such mandates as meat inspections. The federal and state governments split funding for meat inspectors, but Flider worried about consequences if the

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We have comments from Farm Credit’s Rod Stoll about the importance of meeting lawmakers at the Capitol at FarmWeekNow.com.

state doesn’t contribute its share. Meat processing businesses would have to close if there are no meat inspectors, and “those businesses would be at risk,” Flider noted. Revenue-generating ideas will be discussed in joint hearings of the House Revenue, and Finance and State Government Administration committees. Testimony will be presented on many tax incentives, includ-

ing the one for seed, feed, fertilizer and farm equipment, and the agriculture community will need to make its voice heard, Semlow noted. IFB along with other ag groups oppose HB5637, sponsored by Rep. Naomi Jakobsson, D-Urbana. The bill would make wholesale changes to the Livestock Management Facilities Act (LMFA). “We need to tell our legislators the LMFA has been successful. It’s worked well ... and we in agriculture don’t want to see it replaced,” said IFB President Rich Guebert Jr. Mandatory labeling of foods with GMO ingredients has resurfaced. IFB opposes SB1666, sponsored by Sen. David Koehler, D-Peoria. “We need a common sense approach,” Guebert said. He suggested food labeling be handled on the federal level instead of a state-bystate approach. A call to raise the state’s minimum

Educators offer budgeting lessons for state government

Funding uncertainty frustrates at least two central Illinois superintendents awaiting the next state budget. “Just tell us what you’re going to do (with funding). It’s like turning off the lights in the room and throwing darts. The process is so frustrating,” said Andrew Larson, superintendent of Unit 7, based in Tolono. Larson joined fellow superintendent Guy Gradert of Ridgeview Schools and Regional Superintendent Larry Pfeiffer to discuss school finance at the recent Illinois Farm Bureau Governmental Affairs Leadership Conference (GALC). Education funding was discussed in the Capitol the same day, involving the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE). While the ISBE proposed a $1

billion increase for education funding, a legislative budget report cutting school funding by that amount has surfaced. Although school funding problems aren’t new in Illinois, Larson said they’ve changed in the last 10 years and the “unknowns” top his list. “Just tell us what (funding) we’re not going to get so we can adjust accordingly,” he urged state legislators. School districts must complete their budgets without knowing the amount of state funding that will be in the state’s fiscal year budget, which starts July 1. Over the past several years, state fiscal problems resulted in schools not receiving the full amount they had anticipated, the superintendents noted. “In school finance, we have to be cautious. We have no

control over revenue; we have control over spending,” Gradert said. Unfunded federal and state mandates cause additional financial stress, he added. The latest legislative education funding task force studied existing funding mechanisms and will make recommendations. Pfeiffer reported the proposed changes may factor such things as transportation costs and special education expenses to reflect higher costs. Schools’ funding problems are worsened by educators’ inability to spend money on more urgent needs due to state rules, according to the superintendents. “If we had more flexibility to use funds, that would be better,” Gradert said. — Kay Shipman

wage to $10 per hour also returned. Sen. Kimberly Lightford, D-Maywood, is sponsoring SB68. Debate usually includes a proposal to remove the overtime exemption for agriculture, according to Semlow. “There’s a lot of disconnect about how agriculture works,” he said. IFB opposes increasing the minimum wage. Legislation of interest to IFB includes: • A new soda tax, HB5690 and SB3524, of 1 cent per ounce of sugar-sweetened beverages sold in Illinois. IFB opposes the tax. • Protection of wild black bears, cougars and gray wolves, SB3049, would prohibit killing of those wild animals unless approved by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. “We have concerns about these animals and problems of immediate danger,” Semlow said.

IFB’s ACTIVATOR making real difference for farmers

Farm Bureau members of the ACTIVATOR Political Leadership Cabinet learned a cautionary lesson about how the organization’s resources saved the day. David Gross, Illinois Senate Democrat chief of staff, shared that ACTIVATOR helped prevent “really bad policy” and the loss of farm input state tax credits. A recent governor proposed ending some tax credits to generate revenue and get back at those who didn’t support him. A legislative leader was under “tremendous pressure” to support that action, but changed his mind after he was convinced that ACTIVATOR’s in-kind resources would help a candidate in a swing district. “Farm Bureau can pick its (political) spots and bring resources to the table,” Gross said. “You guys have networks in place to get your message out.” Gross estimated General Assembly campaigns cost about $3 million. “There’s a real demographic issue” for rural groups to be heard, he noted. “Even in a state with a large agricultural presence, like Illinois, it will be harder and harder to get your issues heard in an urban and suburban legislature. To be heard, you need resources to get your message out.” — Kay Shipman

ISSUES

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D.C. first timers tell their stories to legislators USDA offers general 2014 farm program dates

BY DEANA STROISCH FarmWeek

Kenneth Lamont admits that with age, he’s gotten pretty cynical about the government. But the 55-year-old’s first trip to Washington, D.C., part of Illinois Farm Bureau’s Leaders to Washington visit, changed that. “Now I’m looking at it differently … much more positively,” he said. Lamont was one of about 15 IFB leaders who spent two days last week in Washington. The group was led by IFB’s Adam Nielsen, who credited members for their dedication in battling numerous airline delays and cancellations. A winter storm shut down the federal government and postponed flights at Washington’s two airports last week. The group met with members of the Illinois delegation, including Sens. Dick Durbin, D-Springfield; Mark Kirk, RHighland Park; and Reps. Cheri Bustos, D-East Moline; Rodney Davis, R-Taylorville; Adam Kinzinger, R-Manteno; Aaron Schock, R-Peoria; and John Shimkus, R-Collinsville. Participants also visited USDA where they received an update on the Ag Census and implementation of the 2014 farm bill. The group discussed farm

Illinois Farm Bureau leaders met with U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Springfield, left center, and other members of the Illinois Congressional delegation last week during IFB’s Washington trip. (Photo courtesy of Sen. Dick Durbin’s office)

bill implementation, renewable fuels, trade and inland waterways. Lamont said he asked questions about China, which he said, were candidly answered by a USDA economist who specializes in the Chinese economy. “Not only did they take us seriously, but they asked us questions,” Lamont said. Lamont only wishes he had made the trip sooner. He encouraged others to participate — and go with an open mind. “This is a program with Farm Bureau that needs to continue,” he said. Young Leader Matthew Starr of Hancock County had never been to the

SOUTH AMERICA IS TAKING OUR PLACE. Scary thought, isn’t it? The good news is we can do something about it every time we choose a soybean variety to put into the ground. If we start getting closer to 35 percent protein and 19 percent oil, our beans would be a lot more attractive to domestic livestock producers and foreign markets— and we’d help stop the loss of export share to Brazil and other foreign competitors. It’s time to talk with your seed dealer or Certified Crop Adviser about protein and oil. Then visit VIPsoybeans.org to validate your seed selection and ilsoy.org for more information.

nation’s capital either. He called the trip “a great eye opener as to how the process works.” Starr talked to Durbin about the importance of trade and waterways. Starr lives about two miles from the Mississippi River. He grows non-GMO corn for a premium. That corn, he told Durbin, goes almost exclusively to Japan to make Japanese beer. “I am making a business production decision based on the wants and needs of another country,” he said. He said he told Durbin his story to “underscore all the different things that trade can make happen for people.”

Now that the 2014 farm bill passed, the focus is on implementation. USDA officials, through various briefings, offered general timelines last week that farmers should keep in mind: • Livestock producers should plan to sign up for disaster assistance on April 15. Under the 2014 farm bill, the Livestock Indemnity Program and Livestock Forage Program will provide retroactive coverage for eligible losses back to Oct. 1, 2011. • Export promotion programs will be restored in midApril. • Applications for the Ag Land Easement Program will be accepted starting around May 1. • Conservation Stewardship Program applications currently are being accepted. Farmers can expect notification around June 1. Obligations will begin sometime in late July or early August.

• By mid-May, USDA will notify producers whether their applications for Environmental Quality Incentives Program and Management Assistance Programs were accepted. Those obligations begin June 1. • Sign up will begin around May 1 for the Agriculture Conservation Easement Program. • The guaranteed loan term limits for FSA loans will be eliminated this spring or summer. • Producers can update production history this summer or fall. USDA hopes to publicize the final program and the regulations for both Agriculture Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage this fall. Farmers can then update yields and bases by the end of 2014 and early 2015. • This fall, USDA will release regulations on commodity programs so that producers can make decisions by the end of this year or early 2015.

Four cover crop events will present a range of topics from cover crop termination to funding and cost-share opportunities. HOMER, FRIDAY — Cover crop sessions and discussion will be offered from 9 to 11 a.m. Friday in the Homer Village Hall, Homer. No registration or fee required. Topics will include cover crop termination, cover crop seed selection and cover crop test plot designs. Following the presentations, information will be provided for a self-guided driving tour of local fields with cover crops. For more information, visit {ccswcd.com}. PRINCETON, MARCH 21 — Termination practices will be the focus of a cover crop workshop from 10 a.m. to noon March 21 in the Bureau County Farm Bureau office, Princeton. The workshop is free. Speakers will discuss cover crop termination, farm program funding options and termination guidelines. A panel of farmers will share their cover crop experiences. NORMAL, MARCH 26 — A cover crop tour will run

from 8 a.m. to noon March 26, starting at the McLean County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) office, Normal. The registration deadline is March 21. Participants will tour fields in Shirley, Chenoa, Lexington and Colfax. Transportation and lunch will be provided. Topics will include cover crop termination and costshare opportunities. For information or to register, contact the SWCD at 309452-0830, ext. 3. ALTO PASS, April 3 — A cover crop tour for fruit and vegetable growers will offer ideas to enhance production with cover crops from 9 a.m. to noon April 3 at Rendleman Orchards, Alto Pass. Preregister for the free tour by March 28. The tour will be held rain or shine. After touring Rendleman Orchards, participants will be bused to Bass Farms, Cobden, before returning to Alto Pass. For information or to register, call the Union County SWCD at 618-8335666, ext. 3, or the Jackson County SWCD at 618-6843064, ext. 3.

Cover crop events planned in March, April

TECHNOLOGY

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New planter technology increases accuracy at 10 mph BY DANIEL GRANT FarmWeek

New planting technology on display recently at the Commodity Classic in San Antonio, Texas, was designed to help farmers plant quicker and more accurately in a quest to boost yields. Farmers flocked to a John Deere educational session at Commodity Classic to learn more about ExactEmerge and MaxEmerge planters designed to improve planting accuracy and allow farmers to take full advantage of the optimal planting window. How can farmers plant more fields within the optimal planting window? John Deere designed the new ExactE-

merge planters to operate at 10 mph. “This is revolutionary technology that will enable truly accurate, high-speed planting,” said Elena Kaverina, product line manager for the John Deere Seeding Group. “We had to redesign the whole planter.” John Deere strengthened the row units on its new planters and incorporated a brush belt trench delivery system. The seeds are controlled from the meter to the bottom of the trench to eliminate concerns about bouncing when traveling at greater speeds. “It can handle a variety of different seeds, sizes and shapes with no mechanical

adjustment,” Kaverina said. Keys to improving yields include planting at optimal levels (1.5 to 2 inches) to promote even emergence and planting in the optimal window, according to Thomas Doerge, Deere & Co. agronomist. “The rate of yield loss accelerates after the optimum window for the simple reason that (the crop) is losing out on heat units that drive crop growth and development,” Doerge said. A limited number of ExactEmerge planters (29) will be used across the Midwest this spring. An early order program will allow more farmers to acquire the new planter by 2015. Uniform seed depth and

Sheep, goat workshop planned in Effingham County

The University of Illinois Extension will host a sheep and goat workshop March 15 in the Effingham County Extension office, Effingham. Registration starts at 8:30 a.m. and the meeting will conclude about 1 p.m. The workshop is geared to experienced producers as well as those interested in starting their own flocks. Topics will include fencing, health and parasite management, predator control and pasture management. Goat producer Andy

Miller will discuss the economics of raising goats. Dr. Jen Miller, veterinarian, will focus on goat and sheep management during breeding and kidding or lambing seasons. After lunch, a producer panel will offer their perspectives and answer questions. A small registration fee includes lunch. Register online at {https://webs.extension.uiuc. edu/registration/?RegistrationID=9316}. For information or registration assistance, contact Doug Gucker at 217-877-6042 or dgucker@illinois.edu.

Participants of the Commodity Classic in San Antonio, Texas, check out a new John Deere ExactEmerge planter. New planting technology at the show focused on improved seed placement (consistent depth) and planting at greater speeds. (Photo by Daniel Grant)

good seed-to-soil contact also are the focus of Case IH Early Riser 5 Series planters. “A big thing (to increased yields) is how can you improve the plants,” said Bill Hoeg, Case IH planters marketing manager. “One key is to achieve an early, even emergence.” The new Early Riser Series planters increase the number of “photocopy plants” in a stand by 6 to 10 percent, according to Hoeg. “We’re looking at things that give (farmers) the most

yield impact,” he said. “A critical issue is getting uniform (seed) depth.” Farmers also can change planting populations and hybrids on the fly with a new multi-hybrid planter developed by Kinze and Raven. Matching hybrids with soil types improves yields by an average of 5.1 bushels per acre for corn and 3.4 bushels for soybeans based on early tests of the OmniRow multi-hybrid planter, according to Doug Prairie, product manager for Raven.

LIVESTOCK

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ILDG has ‘signficiant impact,’ study shows BY DEANA STROISCH FarmWeek

The Illinois Livestock Development Group (ILDG) makes a “significant impact” helping farmers build or expand livestock operations, according to a study conducted by World Perspectives Inc. The study, initiated by the Illinois Soybean Association, also found that the group made progress toward its goals of developing and strengthening strategic alliances among state agricultural organizations and promoting activities to nonfarm groups. The study recommended ILDG increase its marketing efforts to make sure farmers know about the group. Simply spreading the word about ILDG’s website will increase visibility, the study suggested. Jim Fraley, Illinois Farm Bureau livestock program director, called it a “really good suggestion.” “We need to let people

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Visit FarmWeekNow.com to learn more about the Illinois Livestock Development Group.

know more about ILDG and what we’re here to do and how we can help producers,” he said. “We’re here to help. We don’t charge anything for the services and we can help you straighten out that learning curve when it comes to building a new facility.” The study noted the increase in Midwestern livestock use permits. Since 2009, the number of Notices of Intent to Construct Applications (NOITC) filed with the state’s Department of Agriculture has generally increased. “Based on the on-theground efforts of Nic Anderson and other ILDG participants, these numbers imply measureable evidence of success in assisting farmers with the submission of NOITC applications,”

according to the study. ILDG includes the Illinois Corn Marketing Board, Illinois Beef, Milk Producers, Pork Producers and Soybean Associations, and the Illinois Farm Bureau. Anderson hopes those numbers continue to increase this year. “We’ve seen continued success and numbers of new permits coming into the state and going through that process,” he said. “That’s always a good gauge for people showing that they’re going to reinvest in the livestock industry.” He said ILDG will continue to focus its efforts on helping producers through the permitting process. The Midwest is a “really good spot for livestock production right now,” Anderson said. “Our input costs with grain, soybean meal, corn, other input costs that we raise those products with, is the best in the country and proba-

It’s all in the hay.

Board retains officers

Illinois Livestock Development Group board members last week voted to keep current officers in place for the next year. They are: • Rob Shaffer, president, El Paso, (representing Illinois Soybean Association); • Chad Schutz, vice president, White Hall (representing Illinois Farm Bureau); • Mike Haag, treasurer, Emington (representing Illinois Pork Producers Association); and • Doug Scheider, secretary, Freeport (representing Illinois Milk Producers’ Association).

bly the best in the world ... When a producer looks at his opportunity — do I buy more farm ground, do I grow my livestock farm or do I start raising livestock and diversify that way — all those signals point to good things in Illinois for livestock production.” During last week’s board meeting, Fraley reported that Illinois cattle and hog inventories increased in 2013, while dairy cattle dropped for the second year in a row. Fraley said the beef cattle

inventory increased 5,000 head compared to 2013, according to USDA cattle on feed reports. Since 2006, he said, Illinois cattle producers added 114,592 beef finishing spaces. In the last few months alone, Fraley said, there was a 2,500 head increase in expansions or new construction. “We’re bringing beef finishing back to Illinois,” he said. For more information about ILDG, go online {www.illinoislivestock.org}.

ICC to host cover crop conference this month

Illinois Central College will host a cover crop conference from 8:15 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 20 in the Tranquility Room on the East Peoria campus. Seating is limited and the early registration deadline is March 14. The Illinois Council on Best Management Practices is one of the conference sponsors. Topics will include: herbicides for cover crop establishment and control, species selection and establishment, cover crop usage for fall nitrogen management and cover crop research. Cost is $20 and includes breakfast and lunch. To register, visit {icc.edu/pdi/crops} or call 309-690-6900.

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GOVERNMENT

Page 7 Monday, March 10, 2014 FarmWeek

AFBF, IFB studying tax proposal BY DEANA STROISCH FarmWeek

Becky Langer, project manager for the Bayer CropScience bee health program, spotlights a beehive at the Commodity Classic in San Antonio, Texas. Langer said honeybees are critical for the pollination of crops and other plants every year. (Photo by Daniel Grant)

Severe winter could sting U.S. honeybee population BY DANIEL GRANT FarmWeek

The ongoing issue of honeybee losses could worsen due to the unseasonably cold winter in many parts of the U.S. Becky Langer, project manager for the Bayer CropScience bee care program, discussed honeybee health recently during a Bayer Bee Care Tour stop at the Commodity Classic in San Antonio, Texas. “This winter could affect it (honeybee health),” Langer told FarmWeek. Many beekeepers in the northern U.S. rely on packaged bees for spring replacements. But the extent of unseasonable cold across much of the country could impact winter survival in other parts of the U.S. Overwintering losses compromise one of the factors that likely contributes to colony collapse disorder (CCD). The main cause is believed to be pressure from Varroa mites, a virus-transmitting parasite of honey bees. “Colony collapse disorder is a multi-faceted problem,” Langer said. “Our focus is on the the general decline of the health of honeybees.” Bayer last year opened a Bee Care Center in North Carolina to research honeybee health. Another goal is to educate the public about the importance of honeybees. Insects pollinate about one third of food consumed by Americans. “Honeybees are critical to our crops and in our own backyards,” Langer said. Other issues with the honeybee population include the loss of genetic diversity and the loss of habitat and forage. USDA in response will provide up to $3 million through the Natural Resources Conservation Service for the promotion of bee health and conservation in the Midwest. USDA selected the Midwest to promote bee health and conservation because about 65 percent of the country’s commercially managed bees reside in the Midwest from June through September. For more information visit {www.beecare.bayer.com} or {usda.gov}.

A tax reform proposal floated by U.S. Rep. Dave Camp, D-Michigan, would lower tax rates by eliminating more than 220 tax credits and deductions. But it’s unclear whether the proposal would amount to a tax cut or increase for farmers. “The question is: Do the lower rates make up for the lost deductions,” said Pat Wolff, AFBF’s senior director of Congressional Relations. “That will vary by farm. We don’t have an answer yet.” American Farm Bureau Federation President Bob Stallman called Camp’s proposal a “strong and muchneeded start to what will surely be an extensive tax reform discussion.” “We look forward to continuing the conversation about meaningful tax reform that benefits the whole economy,” he said in a statement. Illinois Farm Bureau’s Adam Nielsen said the proposal contains positive items for farmers, but questionable

ones, too. IFB plans to evaluate the proposal further, he said. Camp’s proposal calls for the following: • Lowering the top corporate income tax rate and the top individual tax rate to 25 percent. The top rate for corporations is currently 35 percent. The top rate for individuals is 39.6 percent. • Two tax brackets for individuals, 10 and 25 percent. The new 10 percent bracket would replace the current 10 and 15 percent brackets, and the new 25 percent bracket would replace the current 25, 28, 33 and 35 percent brackets. • A surtax of 10 percent on the modified adjusted gross income of taxpayers making more than $400,000 as an individual or $450,000 jointly. This new 35 percent rate would replace the current 39.6 percent rate. Income from qualified domestic manufacturing — including farm and ranch income — is excluded from this surtax. • No changes to cash accounting rules for farmers.

• Repeal of the three-year income averaging for farmers and ranchers, which AFBF supports. • Repeals the provision that allows certain types of property, including farm property, to be sold using the installment method. Other types of installment sales would continue to be allowed. • Changes the Section 179 small business expensing deduction limit to $250,000 with the deduction phased out when investments exceed $800,000. The current limit is $25,000 with the phase out starting at $200,000. • Eliminates the immediate deduction farmers and ranchers receive for fertilizer, lime and other materials used to condition soil. The expenses would instead have to be deducted over time. • Repeals the current 40 percent credit for employee health insurance expenses of qualified small employers. • Eliminates 1031 exchanges that allow farmers to defer taxes when exchanging farm property for farm property.

Reaching maximum capacity? Let’s talk.

Program to connect local foods with commercial markets

An April 7 program designed to help small and mid-sized producers understand evolving commercial markets for locally produced foods will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Cook County Extension Office in Westchester. Curriculum presented at the MarketReady program will focus on best business practices identified by commercial retail, restaurant and institutional buyers who want to buy from local farmers. The workshop will be presented by Ellen Phillips and James Theuri, University of Illinois Extension local food systems and small farms educators. Cost for the program is $15 per person and includes lunch and handouts. Preregistration is required by April 3. For more information or to register, call Cook County Extension at 708-449-4320 or visit {web.extension.illinois.edu/ cook/}.

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COMMODITIES

FarmWeek Page 8 Monday, March 10, 2014

USB advises farmers to ‘Take Action’ to combat pesky weeds BY DANIEL GRANT FarmWeek

Problems with herbicideresistant weeds in recent years reached epic proportions. Industry experts last week at the Commodity Classic in San Antonio, Texas, estimated herbicide-resistant weeds currently infest about 65 million acres and cost farmers about $2 billion annually. The United Soybean Board (USB) in response advised farmers to “Take Action,” which is the name of a new program and website aimed at helping farmers implement production practices on their farms to better manage pesky weeds. “We’re in a different time frame with weed control than we were in the past (when Roundup Ready systems were used extensively, and often exclusively, to suppress weeds),” said Jim Call, USB chairman and Minnesota farmer. “It’s not just a regional issue. It’s a national threat.” Call in recent years dealt with the spread of herbicide-resistant waterhemp on his farm. Bob Haselwood, USB vice chairman

“A lot of times when we (in ag) find something that works, we use it over and over,” Gail

and Kansas farmer, said herbicide-resistant marestail in recent years became a problem on his farm. But the well-publicized problem certainly isn’t new, particularly in the southern U.S. Jeremy Ross, University of Arkansas Extension soybean specialist, reported herbicideresistant pigweed was identified in his state in 2003 and has spread. “More farmers had to use cultivators in recent years and some even had to hire crews to weed their fields by hand,” Ross said. The Take Action program provides interactive guides and encourages farmers to diversify their weed management. All the information about the program is available at the website

{TakeActionOnWeeds.com}. Industry experts at the Commodity Classic advised

farmers to use herbicides with multiple modes of action, consider fall-applied herbicides, use soil residual herbicides and use post-emergence products to clean up weed escapes throughout the season.

Stratman, Midwest technical lead for FMC Corp., told farmers. “But you want to avoid that in the wake of resistance issues. “Use soil residual herbicides,” she continued. “Those are our first line of defense.

Then use post (emergence) products for clean up.” Timing of applications also is critical. Once weeds reach a height of 4 inches or more, it can cost corn growers as much as 14 bushels per acre, according to Nick Hustedde, FMC technical sales representative. He encouraged farmers to use an “overlap system” of various herbicides with multiple modes of action. “The easiest weed to control is the one that never comes up,” Hustedde said. Lauren August, brand manager for MS Technologies, noted a new product, Balance Bean (an HPPD herbicide), recently was labeled to use over the top of Balance GT soybeans to provide a broad spectrum of weed control with residual activity.

Freight rates in recent months were pressured by icing issues on rivers, bottlenecks on rails and increased competition for trucks. And that trend likely will continue into the foreseeable future, according to industry

experts at the Commodity Classic in San Antonio, Texas. “The cost of transportation has gone up,” said Rick Calhoun, president of Cargo Carriers, a Cargill business. “It probably will stay high for some time.” A multitude of factors con-

tributed to higher freight rates. So, any single change, such as when the ice melts on the Illinois River or if fuel prices decline, likely won’t have a big impact on the cost of shipping farm products. The whole system is being taxed by greater demand and increasing regulations. “We anticipate increased demand for commodities all over the world with an opportunity for more exports,” said Sharon Clark, vice president of transportation/regulatory affairs for Perdue Agribusiness. “Grain trading patterns are changing (with more fragmentation of markets). It’s putting a strain on the system.” The ag industry must compete with a booming shale oil industry for the use of everything from rail cars to trucks. Meanwhile, ag shipments continue to shift from bulk to more niche orders such as organic, biotech and other specialties, which boosts costs to segregate grain. “When you look at agriculture, just fixing what (infrastructure) we have is not going to do,” Calhoun said. “We need to expand ports, rail and roads.” Bottlenecks of rail cars have been significant in recent

months along the Canadian border. Large crops and increased demand for oil cars were affected by extreme winter weather conditions. “We’re hearing some horror stories,” Clark said. “Some railroads were strapped to capacity.” Meanwhile, tragic crude oilrelated accidents on rail lines likely will result in additional regulations for the transport of hazardous products, such as oil and ethanol. The projected cost to improve the design and safety of the U.S. tanker car fleet is more than $1 billion, Clark noted. Elsewhere, barge traffic slowed in recent months on the Upper Mississippi and Illinois Rivers due to some of the most significant ice issues in years. Some ice near the northern end of the Mississippi River in Minnesota is about 30 inches thick, Calhoun noted. “You can only move a barge so far in ice,” he said. “Freight has gone up.” And it likely will take months to get all barges moving efficiently again. “It’s going to be a challenging spring ahead,” Calhoun added. — Daniel Grant

‘We’re in a different time frame with weed control than we were in the past. It’s not just a regional issue. It’s a national threat.’ — Jim Call United Soybean Board chairman

Commodity freight rates projected to remain strong

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Lake Springfield Watershed to discuss nutrients

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Farmers in the Lake Springfield Watershed will discuss nutrient strategies from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. March 20 in Holy Cross Hall, Auburn. Register by March 18. George Czapar, University of Illinois associate dean for Extension and outreach, and Lauren Lurkins, Illinois Farm Bureau director of natural and environmental resources, will speak. Topics will include an update on the three-year Lake Springfield Watershed project and the goal to reduce nitrate levels entering the lake. A panel of watershed farmers will share nutrient application strategies. For information or to sign up, call the Sangamon County Soil and Water Conservation District at 217-241-6635, ext. 3 or email michelle.semen@il.nacdnet.net.

FROM THE COUNTIES

Page 9 Monday, March 10, 2014 FarmWeek

UMBERLAND — A Foundation scholarship will be available to a graduating senior planning to pursue a degree in an agrelated field of study. Call the Farm Bureau office at 849-3031 for an application or more information. Application deadline is April 15. OUGLAS — Far m Bureau will sponsor ag appreciation week rise and dine from 7:30 to 9 a.m. Monday through Friday for members. Locations include: Monday, Country Junction, Newman; Tuesday, Deb’s Cafe, Villa Grove; Wednesday, Yoder’s Kitchen, Arthur; Thursday, Flesor’s Candy Kitchen, Tuscola; Friday, Dutch Kitchen, Arcola. For more infor mation, email membership@douglas.cfb.com. DWARDS — Farm Bureau will co-sponsor a farmer’s share breakfast from 7 to 9 a.m. Saturday in the Farm Bureau community room. Cost is 15 cents. Call the Farm Bureau office at 445-2113 for more information. FFINGHAM — Farm Bureau will host an on-the-road seminar at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Farm Bureau office. Kevin Rund, Illinois Farm Bureau, will speak. Call the Farm Bureau office at 342-2103 for reservations by Thursday. ORD-IROQUOIS — Farm Bureau’s annual meeting will be at 6:45 p.m. Thursday at the Farm Bureau building in Gilman. Jared Finegan, Illinois Farm Bureau Young Leader, will speak on the Young Leader Ag Industry Tour to Brazil. For more information, call the Farm Bureau office at 1-800-4240756. • Foundation scholarships

E E F

Tuesday: • “FarmWeek: the Early Word” • Freese-Notis Weather: ag weather • David Gay, Pike County Farm Bureau president: members trip to Washington, D.C. • “Town and Country Partners”: Memory Lane crafting retreat Wednesday: • Mark Schleusener, Illinois Department of Agriculture: 2012 Census of Agriculture • Charlie Arnot, Center for Food Integrity: Responding to challenges to today’s ag

are available for graduating seniors planning to continue their education in an ag-related field of study. Applications are available from high school guidance counselors, FFA advisers and at the Farm Bureau office. Application deadline is April 1. For more information call the Farm Bureau office at 1-800-4240756. RUNDY — Foundation scholarship applications are available at {grundycfb.com} or at the Farm Bureau office. Application deadline is March 17. Call the Farm Bureau office at 942-6400 for more information. EE — Young Leaders will host a District 4 dinner/bowling night at 6 p.m. Thursday at Lou’s LaGrotto in Peru and at 7:30 p.m. at the Super Bowl. Members 18 to 35 years from Bureau, LaSalle and Lee County Farm Bureaus are invited to attend. Call the Farm Bureau office at 857-3513 for reservations by Monday. ACON — Farm Bureau will co-host a 2014 farm bill webinar from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Thursday at the Macon County Extension office. Call Doug Gucker at 8776042 for reservations by Wednesday. ERCER — Farm Bureau will host a weather outlook program at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the Farm Bureau building. Mike McClellan, Mobile Weather Team, will speak. Call the Farm Bureau office at 5825116 for more information. EORIA — Farm Bureau will sponsor an equine endurance riding program at 6:30 p.m. March 24 at the Farm Bureau building. Nicole MauserStorer, endurance race par-

G L

M M P

• Mark Kidney, Monsanto Asgrow: Roundup Ready Extend Thursday: • Diane Handley, Illinois Farm Bureau: Prairie Bounty of Illinois • Dennis Spice and Dave Newcomb, Illinois Fire Service Institute: farm safety Friday: • Karen Blatter, 1st Farm Credit Services: Women in Ag conference • Lauren Lurkins, IFB: septic tank permit issue To find a radio station near you that carries RFD Radio Network, go to FarmWeekNow.com, click on “Radio,” then click on “Affiliates.”

ticipant, will speak. Call the Farm Bureau office at 6867070 for more information. • Farm Bureau will host Stroke Detection Plus Health screenings from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. March 26 at the Farm Bureau building. Members will receive a discount. Call 1-877-7328258 for an appointment. ANGAMON — The Women’s Committee will sponsor a blood drive from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday at the Farm Bureau office. Call the Farm Bureau office at 753-5200 for an appointment. • Foundation scholarship applications are available at {sangamonfb.org}, by emailing farmbureau@sangamonfb.org or at the Farm Bureau office. Application deadline is Saturday. TEPHENSON — Far m Bureau will sponsor Illinois Environmental Protection Agency meetings on the Total Maximum Daily Load standards for the Pecatonica River watershed at 3 and 7 p.m. March 19 at the Far m Bureau office. All

far mers and landowners in the affected area are invited to attend. For more infor mation, visit {stephensoncfb.org} or call the Far m Bureau office at 232-3186. • Farm Bureau will sponsor a defensive driving class from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 16-17 at the Farm Bureau office. Cost is $15 for members and $25 for nonmembers. Call the Farm Bureau office at 232-3186 to register by April 9. • Farm Bureau will take orders for Terri Lynn nuts and candies for delivery in early May. Order forms are available at {stephensoncfb.org} or at the Farm Bureau office. • Farm Bureau will sponsor a central Illinois adventure bus trip. It will include a tour of Springfield historic sites and attractions in the Peoria area. For details, visit {stephensoncfb.org} or call the Farm Bureau office at 232-3186. • Seats are available on the bus trip to Conklin’s Barn II Dinner Theatre on April 6.

For details, visit {stephensoncfb.org} or call the Farm Bureau office at 232-3186. AYNE — Farm Bureau 4-H project grant applications are available at {waynecfb.com}. Deadline to apply is March 31. For more information, call the Farm Bureau office at 8423342 or contact your 4-H leader. ILL — Farm Bureau will host a Viewpoint meeting at 6:45 p.m. April 1 at the Farm Bureau office. Ross Korves, economist and policy analyst, will speak. Call the Farm Bureau office at 7274811 to register by March 25. OODFORD — Farm Bureau will cosponsor an agronomy day from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 18 in the Farm Bureau auditorium. Call the Farm Bureau office at 467-2347 to register by March 17.

W W W

“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.

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PROFITABILITY

FarmWeek Page 10 Monday, March 10, 2014

Milk prices smash all-time high

The Class III price for milk adjusted to 3.5 percent butterfat for the month of February was announced at $23.35 per hundredweight. This marks the second straight month in which producers have seen a $2.20 jump from the previous month’s announcement, and the February price sets an all-time high for milk prices. This jump in price will not likely translate directly into higher prices at the supermarket. Retailers prefer to keep milk prices at a steady level, rather than raising or lowering the price of a gallon of milk. Prices will increase for dairy products in the grocer’s refrigerators, but consumers will not see that pound-forpound increase. For dairy producers, lower feed prices, high milk prices and all-time high cull cow prices have relieved some of the financial pressures experienced over the last three years.

Webinar focuses on children, tractors

Keeping children safe around tractors will be the focus of a National Childhood Agricultural Safety Network (CASN) webinar at noon Wednesday. Barbara Lee, Ph.D, director of the National Children’s Center for Rural and Agricultural Health and Safety, will present tips and safety statistics. Register for the

webinar at {agrisafe.org}. CASN is a coalition of 38 health, safety and youth organizations. During March, the group’s campaign, “Keep Kids Away from Tractors,” urges adults to think twice before allowing children under age 12 to operate tractors or ride on them.

M A R K E T FA C T S Feeder pig prices reported to USDA* Total Composite Weighted Average Receipts and Price (Formula and Cash): Weight Range Per Head Weighted Ave. Price 10-12 lbs. (formula) $38.77-$73.39 $51.39 40 lbs. (cash) $105.00-118.00 $114.03 Recipts

This Week 73,968 *Eastern Corn Belt prices picked up at seller’s farm

Last Week 81,527

Eastern Corn Belt direct hogs (plant delivered) Carcass Live

(Prices $ per hundredweight) This week Prev. week Change $103.08 $94.74 $8.34 $76.28 $70.11 $6.17

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

This week $148.45 $147.97

Prev. week $142.80 $142.54

Change $5.65 $5.43

CME feeder cattle index — 600-800 Lbs. This is a composite price of feeder cattle transactions in 27 states. (Prices $ per hundredweight) Prev. week Change This week $172.48 $171.03 $1.45

Lamb prices Negotiated, wooled and shorn, 134-164 lbs. for 146-176 $/cwt. (wtd. ave. 160.19); 175-177 lbs. for 153-157 $/cwt. (wtd. ave. 156.27)

Export inspections (Million bushels) Week ending Soybeans Wheat Corn 2/27/2014 36.2 22.4 41.1 2/20/2014 48.2 17.7 31.7 Last year 40.7 24.9 16.2 Season total 1355.2 879.4 708.6 Previous season total 1146.2 692.9 364.4 USDA projected total 1495 1125 1450 Crop marketing year began June 1 for wheat and Sept. 1 for corn and soybeans.

It’s time to check stored grain

ture at least in these locations to determine when to operate the aeration fan. Bin temperaWe’d like to share this stored grain advice ture cables help monitor grain temperature, but from Ken Hellevang, North Dakota State Unionly detect the temperature of the grain next to versity Extension Service agricultural engineer. the cable. Grain has an insulation value of “Search for small changes that are indicators of potential problems. Grain that went into stor- about R-1 per inch, so grain insulates the cable from hot spots just a few feet from the cable. age at higher than recommended moisture conDo not operate the fan during rain, fog or tent has a high likelihood of storage problems.” snow to minimize blowing moisture into Check to assure the grain temperature the bin. Bin vents may frost or ice over is at 20 to 30 degrees in northern states if fans are operated when the outdoor and below 40 degrees in warmer regions air temperature is near or below freezof the country. The allowable storage ing, which may damage the bin roof. time approximately doubles for each 10 Open the fill cap or manhole during fan degrees that the grain is cooled. operation to serve as a pressure relief Also insects are dormant below about valve if operating at cold temperatures. 50 degrees. Cooling corn below about 20 Hellevang recommends collecting degrees has no benefit and may increase grain samples and checking the moisture the potential for condensation on the Randy Holthaus content to assure it is at the desired levgrain when aerating with warmer air. el. However, many grain moisture meters are Solar radiation can warm stored grain, creatnot accurate at grain temperatures below about ing an environment for grain storage problems. 40 degrees. When the grain is cold, it should be The daily total solar energy heating the south place in a sealed container, such as a plastic bag, side of a grain bin on Feb. 21 is more than and warmed to room temperature before checktwice the amount as on June 21. Therefore, ing the moisture content. grain next to the bin wall may be warmer than the average outdoor air temperature. Randy Holthaus is GROWMARK’s grain systems Grain warming normally will be limited to a operations manager. His email address is couple of feet near the bin wall and a few feet rholthaus@growmark.com. at the top of the bin. Monitor grain temperaBY RANDY HOLTHAUS

Fourth-coldest winter on record; wheat ratings decline BY DANIEL GRANT FarmWeek

This winter officially ranks as one of the coldest on record. The statewide temperature during the climatological winter (December through February) averaged just 20.8 degrees, 8.2 degrees below average, Jim Angel, state climatologist with the Illinois State Water Survey, reported. The most recent threemonth average temperature comprises the fourth-coldest on record. The coldest winters on record occurred in back-toback years (1977-78 and 197879) when the temperature from December through February averaged just 19.6 and 19.9 degrees, respectively. Meanwhile, snowfall totals are above average across much of the state with totals so far this season ranging from around 10 inches in the southernmost counties to 60-plus inches in northeast Illinois. “It will take some time for the snow to melt and the soils to warm up and dry out,” Angel said. “A slow melt is desirable at this point in order to reduce the risk of flooding on rivers and streams.” The arctic temperatures have been a challenge for livestock producers. Some farmers also are concerned about damage to winter wheat and some forage crops. Snow insulated the wheat crop from some of the frigid temperatures. But wheat that was exposed could be damaged. “The cold burned back the green tissue (in some wheat fields),” Steve Stallman, president of the Illinois Wheat

Association, recently told FarmWeek. Crop condition ratings for the wheat crop subsequently declined a bit this month compared to February. The portion of the wheat crop rated good declined from 53 to 50 percent while the por-

tion of the crop rated poor increased from 3 to 5 percent, the National Agricultural Statistics Service Illinois field office reported. The rest of the wheat crop in Illinois last week was rated 40 percent fair, 4 percent excellent and 1 percent very poor.

Ag scholarship digest

Murray Wise Associates Foundation – The foundation will award several merit-based scholarships to agriculture students. The online application deadline is March 31. Required information includes a questionnaire, transcripts and reference letters. Eligible applicants include current college students and high school seniors accepted at an accredited college, university or community college in an ag-related field. Scholarships will be a minimum of $1,000 and may be renewed yearly for up to four years. For information and applications, visit {app.murraywiseassociates.com}.

PROFITABILITY

Page 11 Monday, March 10, 2014 FarmWeek

CASH STRATEGIST

Russia/Ukraine tension impacts markets

Politics proved the big driver in grain markets last week. Russian/Ukrainian tensions exploded across the trade after Russia sent troops into Crimea. As the week ended, the situation was still far from resolved, but emotions had calmed down from where they started the week. As far as grains were concerned, the immediate uncertainty surrounded how the situation would affect corn and wheat Ukraine still has to ship from last summer’s crop. Data indicates they still have about 2.5 million metric tons (mmt) of wheat and 3 mmt of corn to ship yet this year. At the end of the week, their ports were said to be operating relatively normally. If the situation doesn’t escalate and export activity continues, the two countries will supply about 15 to 18 percent of the corn and wheat to the total world trade. In truth, the remainder yet to be shipped is relatively small — equivalent to 92 million bushels of wheat and 118 million bushels of corn. There’s plenty of grain around the world, including the U.S. to easily accommodate any significant disruption. To put

their portion of world trade in perspective, the U.S. supplies about 25 percent of the wheat traded in the world and 41 percent of the world’s corn needs. Nevertheless, any disruption would cause some shifts in world trade flow. If their shipments are disrupted, wheat could easily be sourced out of the U.S., European Union, Australia or even Canada. Late word on the latter suggests the government is finally putting pressure on railroads to expedite grain shipments. It’s thought that India’s new wheat crop could be well over 100 mmt. Given the large stocks they are thought to already control, pressure would be put on them to get serious about selling wheat to the world. There are fewer places to source corn or other coarse grains, but there will be corn available to ship out of South America and South Africa. And it’s possible some buyers might look to India to buy feed quality wheat to replace any lost corn from Ukraine. The bigger concern might be how the situation impacts availability from the new crop. But past political conflicts like this haven’t tended to have lasting implications. The Falkland Island war between Great Britain and Argentina comes to mind.

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Corn Strategy

ü2013 crop: Get sales up to 20 percent now, taking your total to 80 percent. If the corn is stored on farm, consider using a hedge-to-arrive contract for a May/June delivery. Basis should improve with the Mississippi River re-opening, along with demand to fill export orders. A close under $4.78 on May futures would indicate a short-term top has been seen. Futures could decline into late May once a top has been seen. ü2014 crop: Price 15 percent of your new crop now. If December futures close under $4.80, sell another 10 percent, boosting the total to 25 percent. The next good chance to price corn at these levels may not come until summer. vFundamentals: Emotion has ruled the market this week more than reality. The political tension between Russia and Ukraine could undermine Ukraine’s ability to continue exporting, but so far, loadings have not been impacted. And USDA has already built increasing exports through summer into its forecasts.

Cents per bu.

Soybean Strategy

ü2013 crop: China continues to take soybean shipments, despite reports that their ports are congested and they have requested delays in shipments. While there’s still a chance for nearby futures to run toward $15, this market is overpriced given the harvest of a large South American crop. We do not recommend owning inventory. ü2014 crop: Use strength to get sales up to recommended levels. Even though oldcrop prices are still moving up, new-crop prices have not been inclined to follow willingly. vFundamentals: The trade is again talking the export pace potentially pulling soybean inventories under pipeline levels. At the same time, soybean premiums at Brazilian ports are declining enough to push the differential with the U.S. close to making soybean imports justifiable. If the Chinese succeed in delaying shipments, the action could have more impact on prices at their ports than

those in the U.S. Brazil’s crop is still record large with harvest 52 percent complete.

Wheat Strategy

ü2013 crop: The complex gained sharply for the week after Russian troops entered Ukraine’s Crimea peninsula. Chicago futures posted their largest weekly jump since 2012, trading at a three-month high Friday. Use the strength to make needed catch-up sales. ü2014 crop: For now, the reaction to geopolitical tensions seems overblown. However, the situation has provided sellers an

opportunity. Price another 15 percent of new-crop bushels now. Consider pricing more if you plan to sell wheat off the combine this harvest. vFundamentals: As traders await the March 31 quarterly stocks and prospective plantings reports, managed funds have been the dominant buyers, liquidating the remainder of their short positions. USDA will release its monthly supply and demand report Monday. Analysts estimate ending stocks near 570 million bushels.

Pig

PERSPECTIVES

FarmWeek Page 12 Monday, March 10, 2014

You ready for change?

de resistance

Bringing home the s part of a field mom bacon takes study, I was taken to on new some pig farms so I could where our bacon is meaning see coming from, literally. The funny part is I’m a after field vegetarian. Blasphemy on a pig farm. mom tours So as an undercover agent, I visited these farms farms. a little skeptical about what

I would see. Little did I know I would get handson, elbow-deep experience. In the birthing center (Middle Creek Sow Farm), pigs are cared for much as humans are in a hospital. Maybe not clean to hospital standards, but there is a ‘shower in, JEN REEKIE shower out’ policy that guest columnist forged friendships that may last a lifetime. There’s no going back after seeing someone in chest high underwear. The pigs escape the showering process. The ones that are birthing are ‘confined’ to cells while in labor to protect them from one another and to stop them from rolling over on their young. The young can get to the mom and feed and cuddle, but the mom can’t roll on them. Ingenious, I thought. Most of the pigs seemed quite comfortable and the people there seemed very attentive while checking on each pig’s progress. Like I said, not unlike humans in a hospital. We had a veterinarian with us. And when he asked if I’d like a shot at delivering, strangely enough, I was excited and willing. I can honestly say I have a new perspective on things. At one point, I may have burst into song welcoming piglets to this new, big world. The farm hands were in awe — I think at my singing abilities. Henceforth, I referred to myself as ‘Pig-doula.’ I believe one hog owes her life to me, but I won’t hold that over her head. Our second stop was Randrose Farms where they raise adolescent pigs to adulthood. I actually climbed in a pen with young sows, and sensing that I was a ‘Pig-doula,’ they accepted me as one of their own.

Editor’s note: Kay Shipman and Deana Stroisch asked members attending the Governmental Affairs Leadership Conference why Farm Bureau members should make their voices heard regarding state and federal issues.

Jennifer Reekie, left, and her fellow field mom, Jessica Moon, both of Quincy. (Photo courtesy Western Illinois Farm Families)

The touching part here was a caring farmer who didn’t want to put a sick pig down. He told the vet, he would give it a few more days to see if the pig in question made any progess. He even put off giving it antibiotics it needed until absolutely necessary. I showed my concern for the use of antibiotics, but was informed that these antibiotics — the ones we are so afraid of — are actually out of their system long before the pigs are ‘harvested’ and that not treating them for being sick would be the real cruelty. I also asked why they couldn’t euthanize, or find a ‘nicer’ way to kill the sick ones, as they do, in fact, shoot them. The vet says they have to do it that way because if they put drugs in their system, other animals might get a hold of them and become sick or die. It’s actually more natural that way and won’t harm the environment with chemicals. So here’s my conclusion: These farmers work damn hard and they care about their livestock. Do they slaughter animals? Yes. But they also raise them from birth and care for them. I believe it teaches them a respect for life that most people can’t grasp. It’s so easy to criticize and spout off tidbits from gossip about hormones and chemicals of which we have very little actual knowledge. Our organic living, alternative, health-conscious society says ‘no’ to everything. The bottom line is until everyone decides they don’t want bacon, fat chance. Farmers need to do what they are doing. Even a vegetarian must concede this. I have to admit I am much more comfortable about animal treatment and what is in my family’s food after this study. This is the circle of life and what is on my table. I will keep eating salad, but my four bacon-loving children will continue to be happy. The only unanswered question I have: How much bacon is too much bacon? The world may never know.

Jen Reekie, Quincy, was a field mom with Western Illinois Farm Families. She is a stay-at-home mom with four children. This column appeared Feb. 17 on Reekie’s blog {mumstheword2407.blogspot.com}. Reprinted here with permission. “With shrinking numbers of farmers, our vote is less and less ... our vote is a minority.” and farms.”

Henry Kessler Clay County

“If we don’t, nobody will. It’s important to express your voice on subjects. It benefits farmers

Charles Meisenheimer Bureau County

Two weeks until the first of April rolls around. Is your planter ready? While conditions outside may be giving conflicting signals, time does seem to creep up on us, and without proper preparation we may be surprised when the starting whistle blows. In the same way, many of us within agriculture are dismayed by the now common surprise stories or attacks, which seem to surface with increasing frequency. It is easy for me to become discouraged about the future when taking all of these negative comments into consideration, and I began to wonder how many of us are thinking in the back of our minds that the cause is lost. Often times we hear or read phrases pertaining to our industry such as “never before has” or “now more than ever.” Many changes seem to be on the horizon and much work needs to be done. However, change is not a bad thing and a little historical perspective may help perk our spirits. As I was thinking how bleak the picture can seem, I began to think about MATTHEW some changes that have happened to STARR agriculture over the last 50 years. Think of the changes your grandfather has seen when it comes to this lifestyle that we love. From farming with horses to 325-horsepower machines that steer themselves, from outside livestock to fully automatic temperature-controlled barns — the list could literally go on without end. Looking back, I think we tend to view these changes as necessary, progressive and able to happen without pain. However, I can assure you when the choice was being made all across the country to trade in horses for tractors, it was a much debated and heated topic. I know there are many farmers who have felt pushed to either build modern livestock barns or exit the market. As it turns out, the benefits of a climate-controlled barn are well worth the effort, even if the political climate that caused the change was undesirable. The point is, change is inevitable and has been happening within our industry for years. What I want to remember — when the hill seems too steep to see over — are the hundreds of hot-button topics over the last 50 years that we have already overcome. Yes, the future may seem cloudy at times and the conditions around us may be giving conflicting signals, but remember we’ve been through this before. Get your preparations done now, and don’t be surprised when the muck dries up. Matthew Starr of Nauvoo represents District 9 on the Illinois Farm Bureau Young Leader Committee. Stay on top of Young Leader news by visiting {ilfbyl.wordpress.com}.

“We are becoming a minority in society and if we don’t stand up for issues that affect our farm operation, then we could have issues brought up that will be detrimental to our farming operations.” Randy Anderson Saline County

“We have to promote what we raise. No one else is going to do it for us.”

Jan Weber Henry County