Farmweek march 24, 2014

Keep a coat and hat handy.

Weather forecasters say wintry conditions will likely occur during the next two weeks..................................5

NCAA bracket watchers can thank Sangamon County Farm Bureau member Arthur Ehrat for inventing the breakaway rim..........8

Second-generation Woodford County Farm Bureau President Wayne Blunier traces his farm history to the 1850s............10

A service of

Ag traffic to face challenges this spring Illinois Farm Bureau mission: Improve the economic well-being of agriculture and enrich the quality of farm family life.

Monday, March 24, 2014

®

Two sections Volume 42, No. 12

BY DEANA STROISCH FarmWeek

Whether it’s on roads, rivers or rails, winter took its toll on the nation’s transportation systems.

Shipping on rivers was reduced, delaying fertilizer deliveries. The volume of grain on railways increased, creating a backlog. Road conditions worsened with the freeze-and-thaw cycles of winter.

But spring brings some hope.

“The extreme weather that caused many of these issues will also delay spring field work,” said Bill Taft, GROWMARK’s logistics division manager. “In central and southern Illinois, March can be a very busy month for fertilizer application and even some planting. That won’t happen to any great degree this year. This delay will enable more product to get positioned in time for spring activity.”

Taft said most seed is already in place with retailers. But fertilizer needs, he said, are tougher to project.

“At GROWMARK, we work closely with the Plant Food Division to understand where product is positioned and

Lower crop prices impacting farmland market Please see Traffic, page 2

BY DANIEL GRANT FarmWeek

Periodicals: Time Valued

The upward trend in farmland prices came to a halt, at least for the time being, as lower crop prices reduced earning potential on U.S. farms.

Floyd Melvin, left, Mason County Highway Department foreman, and Gary Thomas, maintenance staff, fill a pothole on a rural road near Easton. Thomas estimated the county would nearly triple the amount of cold patch used this year compared to the last three to four years.

(Photo by Ken Kashian)

The 19th survey and farmland values and lease trends report produced by the Illinois Society of Professional Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers (ISPFMRA) showed average land values around the state last year declined 2 to 7 percent.

ISPFMRA unveiled results of the latest farmland report last week at a meeting in Bloomington.

“Sharply lower grain prices diminished earnings prospects and put the brakes on the uptrend we’ve seen (in the farmland market),” said Dale Aupperle, of Heartland Ag Group in Forsyth and general chairman Dale Aupperle of the ISPFMRA report.

Farmland prices in Illinois the previous four years increased 66 percent.

USDA, however, recently predicted farm income this year will decline

26 percent due in large part to lower crop prices.

“The land market has entered a pause mode,” said Brent Gloy, Purdue University ag economist. “We won’t see as many records at auctions.”

The situation already impacted the land market. The averBrent Gloy age value of excellent quality ground in the state last year declined 2 percent, from $13,100 to $12,800 per acre.

The average price of fair quality ground took an even bigger hit (4 percent) as it slipped from $9,100 to $8,700. The average price of poor quality ground tumbled 7 percent, according to the ISPFMRA report.

“What we’re seeing is a widening of premiums for high quality farmland,” Aupperle said. “Big farmers are staying away from less desirable tracts.”

The report showed farm additions

FarmWeek on the web: FarmWeekNow.com

such as drainage tile and irrigation added greatly to farmland values, while wind turbines provided modest support to the market.

Please see Farmland, page 4

IFB plans April farm bill webinars Mark April 2, 9 and 17 on your calendars! Illinois Farm Bureau plans to host three, 8 a.m. webinars.

Doug Yoder, IFB director of affiliate and risk management, will share information April 2 about commodity title options, including price loss coverage and agricultural risk coverage.

Crop insurance and the supplemental coverage option will be discussed April 9.

Jim Fraley, IFB livestock program director, will host the April 17 webinar regarding farm bill dairy and livestock disaster provisions.

Check for registration details available soon at {www.ilfb.org/farmbill} and {FarmWeekNow.com}.

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

Quick Takes

GOVERNMENT

FarmWeek Page 2 Monday, March 24, 2014

ACCREDITED SOIL LAB LISTED — If you’re looking for an accredited soil lab in southern Illinois, add Southern Illinois Ag Solutions in Centralia to your list.

The lab is one of 17 in the state meeting standards established through the Illinois Soil Testing Association’s Lab Accreditation Program. The facility was inadvertently omitted from the list at the association’s website {soiltesting.org}.

SOLBERG ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT — Jeff Solberg, GROWMARK CEO, announced last week he will retire in September.

John Reifsteck, GROWMARK board chairman and president, thanked Solberg for positioning the cooperative for long-term growth.

“Over the next few months, the GROWMARK board will follow a well-established process for hiring a successor,” said Reifsteck. “We look forward to working with Jeff through the end of the fiscal year, and to beginning the process of management leadership transition.”

Solberg assumed CEO duties in January 2011. He began his career at GROWMARK in 1976.

“I have spent my entire working life with GROWMARK. The privilege of serving as CEO of such a great company greatly exceeded my dreams of a successful career,” Solberg said. “I deeply appreciate the opportunity to have served this strong, loyal and unique cooperative system for 38 years.”

FSA PROVIDES FARM BILL WEBSITE — Get the latest information about the 2014 farm bill online at {fsa.usda.gov/farmbill}.

USDA’s Farm Service Agency, in charge of administering programs contained in the Agricultural Act of 2014, also provides an online fact sheet titled, “What’s in the 2014 Farm Bill for Farm Service Agency Customers.”

For more information, please contact your local USDA service center.

AMERICANS’ MONEY KNOWLEDGE FALLS SHORT — Many Americans failed to obtain a passing grade in a COUNTRY Financial Security Index test of personal finance knowledge.

Survey respondents answered six questions, including ones about the recommended percentage of income needed for housing and whether it’s better to get a large tax refund or have fewer taxes withheld from your paycheck.

Only 31 percent of respondents knew to set aside 30 percent of their income for housing needs. Fifty-nine percent knew it’s better to have fewer taxes withheld.

“Knowing the basics of how to prioritize your spending and savings can go a long way in achieving your short- and long-term financial goals,” said Troy Frerichs, COUNTRY director of investments-wealth management.

Want to see how you fare on the Personal Finance 101 Quiz? Visit {countryfinancialsecurityblog.com}.

(ISSN0197-6680) Vol. 42 No. 12 March 24, 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.

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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

Voters determine fall election candidates, decide referendums

BY KAY SHIPMAN FarmWeek

Illinois voters set the stage for the gubernatorial and several congressional races by voting in primary races last week.

Republican venture capitalist Bruce Rauner and incumbent Democrat Gov. Pat Quinn will vie for governor.

In the 13th Congressional District, incumbent Republican Rep. Rodney Davis will face former Democrat Judge Ann Callis.

In 16 counties, voters determined the outcome of proposed countywide sales tax referendums to raise revenue for school

districts within the county.

Sales tax referendums passed in Fulton, Hamilton, Mason, Pike, Randolph and Shelby counties. Voters defeated sales tax referendums in Carroll, Coles, DeWitt, Effingham, Gallatin, McLean, Peoria, Rock Island, Stephenson and Whiteside counties.

In Johnson County, the Johnson County Farm Bureau worked to successfully defeat a nonbinding resolution that essentially would have banned hydraulic fracturing in the county. Voters defeated the measure by a 58 percent to 42 percent margin.

Bill would eliminate federal pesticide permit requirement

BY DEANA STROISCH FarmWeek

A bill that eliminates the need for some farmers and many commercial applicators to get National Pesticide Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits before applying federally-approved pesticides in, over and near waters of the United States continues to navigate through Congress.

Illinois Farm Bureau supports HR 935, called “Reducing Regulatory Burdens Act of 2013.”

More than 60 FB ACT members recently called Rep. Cheri Bustos, D-East Moline — a member of the U.S. House Agriculture Committee — to encourage her to support the bill.

The following day, the bill advanced out of the ag committee on a unanimous voice vote.

It’s unclear when the full House will take up the measure, which originated in the transportation committee.

No Senate companion bill exists.

Following a federal court decision and since October 2011, a general permit must be

Traffic

Continued from page 1 develop a plan for the truck transportation requirements,” he said. “Our goal in transportation is provide perfect service delivering product to our customers. While product may be positioned differently this spring, we will be able to meet our customers’ needs.”

Repair work and ice prompted the Illinois River to close at times north of Peoria. Taft said the upper Mississippi River is opening later than usual, which could further delay shipments into those areas.

Marty Hettle of AEP River Operations said he expects some normal river rising to occur once the snow and ice melts.

“The harsh winter we’ve had, that froze the upper Mississippi up, will take a little longer than normal to thaw out,” he said. “That’s

obtained from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to legally apply pesticides in and near navigable waters, including lakes and ponds, and over forest canopies.

The proposed legislation would amend the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act so that NPDES permits wouldn’t be needed for federally approved pesticides.

Adam Nielsen, IFB director of national legislation and policy, said the NPDES permits represent “duplicative regulation.”

“We feel it’s unneeded because each of the pesticides used undergoes very lengthy, scientific scrutiny by EPA,” Nielsen said.

“The NPDES permit doesn’t make our food any safer or our water any cleaner, nor does it provide any environmental benefits beyond what farmers already achieve on their operations,” Nielsen said.

The bill is co-sponsored by nearly 60 members of Congress, including four from Illinois: Reps. Rodney Davis, R-Taylorville; Bill Enyart, D-Belleville; Randy Hultgren, R-Winfield; and Adam Kinzinger, R-Manteno.

about the only thing we see on the horizon that could cause any problems.”

Barge and rail transportation problems during the winter months prompted many companies to transport products by truck, increasing traffic on the roads. The situation proved no different for GROWMARK. “We are preparing to truck product longer distances this year due to disruptions experienced positioning product for the spring,” Taft said.

And the roads will make for a bumpy ride.

“Due to prolonged cold and freezing this year, there is going to be a tremendous amount of road repair and patching to do,” said Matt Wells of Mid-West Truckers Association.

A rainy spring could prompt local road closings — more so than usual, Wells

said.

Travel could be a challenge for farm equipment, as well.

“Some of these potholes are going to be big enough to affect them,” he said.

He said other potential bottlenecks for ag traffic this spring will be along Interstate 55 near the Des Plaines River bridge in Channahon. One side of the bridge will be closed for repairs.

“That will be a major traffic impediment in the northeastern part of the state that will have some effect on farm operations in those areas,” Wells said.

Down south, additional work near the newly opened Stan Musial Veterans Memorial Bridge will cause some traffic headaches near the east St. Louis area.

Crews plan to construct on and off-ramps for the new bridge.

RESOURCES

Page 3 Monday, March 24, 2014 FarmWeek

Well owners advised to test water annually

BY KAY SHIPMAN FarmWeek

Rural well owners should test their well water for bacteria and nitrate each year, a hydrologist advised Illinois Farm Bureau’s Conservation and Natural Resources Strength With Advisory Team (SWAT).

Recently, Steven Wilson with the Illinois State Water Survey answered team members questions about rural well water testing and discussed a free online class (See accompanying story.)

Most local health departments can test well water for coliform bacteria and nitrates.

Coliform bacteria don’t usually cause disease, but their presence indicates contaminants entered the well and harmful disease organisms may be present, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). When coliform bacteria are found in well water, the water should be boiled before being used for drinking or

cooking and the well should be disinfected.

High nitrate levels may be caused by septic systems or contamination from manure or nitrogen applications near the well. Well water containing nitrate levels above the maximum contaminant level established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency should not be given to infants younger than 6 months.

Well owners wanting more extensive tests for chemicals, metals and contaminants will need to work with a private laboratory.

The Illinois Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program accredits laboratories for chemical analysis, while IDPH accredits laboratories for microbiological analysis. For a list of accredited labs, visit {epa.state.il.us/labs/combinedlist.html}.

More information about water testing is available from your local health department or the IDPH at 217-782-5830.

Class helps well owners care for drinking water

Well owners may enroll in a free class to help ensure their drinking water remains safe.

The Private Well Class helps participants extend the life of their wells and better protect their drinking water.

Individuals may enroll online by providing a first name and email address on the enrollment form at {privatewellclass.org}.

The Illinois State Water Survey and the Illinois Water Resources Center at the University of Illinois developed the curriculum for the class.

Enrolled individuals will receive 10 lessons via email and test their knowledge on the first and last weeks.

Topics covered include well construction basics and your type of well, testing well water and understanding test results, fixing water quality problems, maintenance for wells, pumps and infrastructure, and local sources of help and answers.

EPA accepting comments on Mahomet Aquifer designation Two public hearings scheduled in May

The public may comment through June 12 on a proposal to designate the Mahomet Aquifer as a sole source aquifer. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently approved a petition asking for the designation and is accepting comments.

The agency also scheduled two public hearings on the matter in May.

EPA has authority to designate an aquifer as a sole or principal source of drinking water for a specified area.

Within such a designated area, EPA would be allowed to review all federally funded projects to ensure the aquifer would not be contaminated.

The Mahomet Aquifer provides about 53 million gallons of water annually for 120 public water systems and thousands of rural wells.

Proposed designation would cover all or parts of 14 east-central Illinois counties. Those counties are Cass, Champaign, DeWitt, Ford, Iroquois, Logan, Macon, Mason, McLean, Menard, Piatt, Tazewell, Vermilion and Woodford.

A large map of the proposed sole-source aquifer boundaries may be viewed online by visiting {epa.gov/ region5/water/gwdw/mahom et/index.htm}.

EPA will hold two 7:30 p.m.

public hearings May 13 in the Hilton Garden Inn, Champaign, and May 14 in the Morton Park District’s Freedom Hall, Morton. Oral and written comments will be accepted at the hearings.

On both evenings, informational sessions also will run from 6:30 to 7:15 p.m.

Documents and maps of the proposed boundaries also may be viewed at public libraries in Bloomington, Champaign, Havana, Pekin and Watseka, and EPA’s Region 5

Office, 77 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago.

Through June 12, written comments may be submitted to EPA and should be addressed to William Spaulding, U.S. EPA (WG-15J), 77 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL 60604-3590 or emailed to spaulding.william@epa.gov.

Questions should be directed to Spaulding at 312-8869262 or EPA’s toll-free line at 800-621-8431 weekdays from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. — Kay Shipman

IFB president: OADA is worth exploring

BY DEANA STROISCH FarmWeek

Illinois Farm Bureau President Rich Guebert Jr. said a newly formed ag industry data alliance shows merit.

“Farm Bureau does have an interest in it,” Guebert said, following an IFB board presentation about Open Ag Data Alliance (OADA). “I think it would be good for our members to be a part of it. There’s a lot to sort through, but I think what he presented to us today makes a lot of sense to me. I think it’ll definitely be worth our while to ... at least investigate it more.”

OADA was formed by Monsanto’s The Climate Corporation and launched earlier this month. Members include CNH Industrial, GROWMARK, Purdue University’s Open Ag Technology Group, Valley Irrigation and other ag seed and technology companies. Another 15 to 20 members are expected to join the alliance in the next few weeks, said Aaron Ault, who leads on the OADA project.

“One of the things that ... has

been holding us back for years is the fact that there aren’t open source things in agriculture that anybody can take and use for their own purposes,” Ault said. “Most other industries have things where you can just go download a piece of software for free, it solves some particular problem for you and you can build value on top of that. Ag does not have that ... and that’s what our group is trying to do.”

Ault, Purdue University senior research engineer, said open source tools in agriculture are needed to “break the hold of the current large players that keep us from innovating and keep us from accessing our data, owning our data and doing what we want with it.”

Currently, data collection can be a “huge hassle” for farmers, he said, and questions remain over who owns the data.

“The solution: We’re going to build a volunteer-built, open-source cloud storage system,” he said.

Most iPads and computers, he said, are largely built on top of open source

software created by volunteers.

“We’re trying to bring that to ag,” he said.

OADA also will provide an open industry standard for secure data sharing.

“We’re going to develop actual guidelines for the industry to use,” he said. “It’s going to be the language that farmers and industry can communicate, ‘These are the privacy terms we need ...’”

Why can’t this be done today? Farmers usually don’t own the data, he said.

“As much as we think we own the data ... All the contracts we’ve signed said otherwise,” he said.

IFB District 4 Director Brad Temple of Serena called it a “really interesting presentation.”

“I like the idea of it being open, free and unbiased maybe, and not just related to one company storing the data,” he said. “That part of it interests me. But I think it’ll take everybody — even the ones that haven’t committed to it yet — it’ll take all the different players in the field to come together to really make it work like

they want to make it work.”

District 10 Director Dale Hadden of Jacksonville said he thinks the software could make data easier to manage, and allow farmers to give access to certain people for a specified amount of time.

“Those who are on the cutting edge of technology, it’s important to be sure to honor the ability of a farmer to contain and own their data with the understanding that a lot of farmers don’t understand all the things that can happen to data through piracy. Typically, we’re trusting people,” said Hadden.

“Big Data” will continue to be a hot topic in the ag community. American Farm Bureau Federation plans to host a meeting on the subject April 10 in Kansas City, Mo. IFB policy states that farm data should remain the property of farmers.

Agribusinesses should provide full disclosure of intended use of farm data and farmers who share data should be entitled to fair compensation.

IFB policy also calls for the development of industrywide protocols for data use.

LAND PRICES

FarmWeek Page 4 Monday, March 24, 2014

Farm management specialists: Time to renegotiate cash rents

BY DANIEL GRANT FarmWeek

Crop prices and land values declined since harvest.

Cash rental rates, therefore, should be next in line for a correction as farmers adjust to tighter margins, according to farm management specialists last week at a farmland meeting in Bloomington hosted by the Illinois Society of Professional Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers (ISPFMRA). “(Farmland) prices are at a crossroad,” said Gary Schnitkey, University of Illinois farm management specialist and secretary/treasurer of ISPFMRA. “We’re moving from a rising price environment to a more stable market that’s leveled off.”

Land prices last year declined 2 to 7 percent in Illinois, according to ISPFMRA’s annual farmland values

and lease trends survey and report.

Cash rental rates followed suit. The midpoint of average cash rents from 2013 to 2014

FarmWeekNow.com

We have comments from Dale Aupperle about Illinois farmland values at FarmWeekNow.com.

declined $19 per acre for excellent ground, $16 per acre for good ground, $8 per acre for average ground and $16 per acre for fair ground across the state.

“I suspect the high end of cash rents is coming down,” Schnitkey said. “We’ve had some moderation.”

Cash rental rates still vary wildly across the state, from an average of $163 per acre for the bottom third of leases on fair ground to an average of $408 per acre on the top third of leases on excellent ground.

Steven Johnson, farm and ag business management specialist at Iowa State University, encouraged farmers to renegotiate rental rates for next year if they haven’t already.

USDA recently forecast farm income this year could decline 26 percent.

“You’ve got to start renegotiating 2015 cash rents.

Don’t wait until Sept. 1 to do it,” Johnson advised farmers and farm managers. “In all likelihood, cash rents will follow land values down.”

The majority of ISPFMRA survey respondents (79 percent) predicted cash rental rates will decrease in 2015.

Cash rents, though, could remain artificially high at some locations through 2015.

“Farmers will do it to themselves,” Johnson said.

“Some don’t want to let any ground go.”

Brent Gloy, Purdue University ag economist, reported the land value to cash rent multiple recently increased to an all-time high of $35. The value to cash rent multiple illustrates how much buyers are willing to pay for each dollar of cash rental income.

“Rents have caught up (to land values), especially now that crop prices are down,” Gloy added.

Farmland

Continued from page 1 The overall plateauing or downtrend in the farmland market wasn’t reflected at all locations, though. Recent rallies in the crop markets and increased profitability on livestock farms contributed to record prices at some locations in recent months.

“Livestock farmers are enjoying enhanced profitability (due to record beef, milk, and hog prices),” Aupperle said. “They’ve been vigorously bidding for farmland.”

A recent sale brought $16,250 per acre near Aledo in northwest Illinois, while a sale near Clinton in central Illinois brought $14,361 per acre for one tract.

Other sales, however, didn’t meet expectations, depending on the area and soil type. A recent auction in the state was projected to bring about $9,000 per acre, but achieved the minimum of about $7,400 per acre.

“We’re seeing fewer bidders at auctions,” said Aupperle, who noted that more than half of farmland sold in Illinois occurs at auctions.

Last year, the majority (68 percent) of farmland sold in Illinois was purchased by farmers. Investors purchased 23 percent of farmland, institutions bought 6 percent and all others bought the remaining 3 percent of ground that traded hands in 2013.

‘Broken immigration system’ leading to more imports, study finds

BY DEANA STROISCH FarmWeek

Americans eat more imported fresh fruits and vegetables, partially the result of a “broken immigration system,” according to a study released last week.

Between 1998 and 2012, American consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables increased, while the amount of fruits grown in the United

States increased only slightly and production of vegetables dropped, the study found.

“American’s broken immigration system has made it particularly difficult for U.S. growers to find the labor they need to harvest their crops and expand production — a reality that has come at a major cost to the U.S. economy and job creation,” according to the report initiated by the Partner-

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The findings of the 28-page report renewed calls for immigration reform.

In conjunction with the report’s release, four farmers from across the United States participated in a panel discussion on immigration reform in Washington, D.C. Get your limited edition print by Illinois Farm Bureau photographer Ken Kashian.

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“We’ve got to have comprehensive immigration reform,” said Chalmers Carr, president and CEO of South Carolinabased Titan Farms. “The time is now. Our industry cannot wait any longer.’

Among the report’s key findings: • Consumer interest in fresh food has increased. The study showed that by 2003-05, the average American family ate 63 more pounds of fresh produce a year compared to 20 years ago.

• Consumers are buying more imported produce.

Between 1998-2000, 15.7 percent of the fresh produce Americans consumed was imported. That figure rose to 28.2 percent by 2010-12, according to the study.

The study called that a “major lost opportunity for the American economy.”

“The added production needed to stave off rising imports would have created more than 89,000 additional jobs in the U.S. economy by 2012. It also would have grown American GDP (gross domestic product) by almost $12.44 billion that year and

produced almost $4.9 billion more in annual farm revenues,” according to the report.

• American producers can’t keep up with demand largely because of labor shortages.

“Under the current immigration system, it is little surprise that U.S. farmers would face so many struggles finding sufficient workers to harvest crops and expand production,” the report stated.

“Few U.S. workers are willing to work on fresh produce farms due to the seasonal, temporary and arduous nature of the work. The H-2A visa program designed to allow farmers to bring in temporary workers is also unworkable and expensive for many American farms.”

• Congress can fix the problem. “Any reform that creates a reliable, viable source of workers for U.S. farms to draw from would go a long way towards helping growers reclaim their share of the domestic market,” the study concludes.

Daniel Grant contributed to this story.

PRODUCTION

Page 5 Monday, March 24, 2014 FarmWeek

Early spring might feel more like late winter

BY DANIEL GRANT FarmWeek

Spring officially arrived last week (March 20) and got off to a pleasant start with high temperatures in the 60s Friday.

But conditions could be more winter-like for at least the next couple weeks.

Eric Apel, ag meteorologist with Mobile Weather Team in Washington (Tazewell County), predicted temperatures around the state generally will remain below normal into the first week of April.

“We’ve got more cold air moving into Illinois this week,” Apel said.

“It looks like we’ll see below-normal temperatures through the end of March into April,” he continued. “By the second to third week of April, I think it will start to warm up on a consistent basis.”

Apel also forecast the continuation of an active precipitation pattern, including the possibility of more white stuff before the landscape greens up.

The forecast as of Friday called for chances of snow the first of this week.

“It looks like we’ll have a pretty active weather pattern through at least the first week of April, with a scattered

shower here and there,” Apel said. “And one or two minor snowfalls are not out of the question.”

Some portions of the state set new snowfall records this year. But much of the moisture simply ran off fields due to frozen soils.

The frost layer in some fields, particularly in the northern half of Illinois, was still 24 to 30 inches thick last week.

“That (frost layer) is something we’ll have to overcome before there’s any real progress with fieldwork,” Apel said.

“Our feeling (at Mobile Weather Team) is spring will be slow to get here,” he continued. “If there’s a concern this season, it’s going to be planting and getting things in the ground.”

Apel also predicted a possibility of a late frost in Illinois this spring, which could further complicate planting and the start of the growing season.

The last frost generally occurs around the first week of April in southern Illinois, mid-April in central Illinois and late April in northern Illinois, according to Jim Angel, state climatologist with the Illinois State Water Survey.

Countdown to planting

The first day of spring last week ushered in an annual seed pickup day at Ag-Land FS in Armington. Doug Lowry, left, plant operator, talks about seed corn with Tazewell County farmer Jacob Schmidgall. Nearly 4,000 bags of corn and 10,000 bags of soybeans were distributed to growers. (Photo by Cyndi Cook)

Looking ahead, models currently suggest El Nino — warmer than normal temperatures in the Pacific Ocean — could develop this summer. If realized, the chance of another drought could be minimized this summer.

“El Nino is something to watch for by June or July,” Apel said. “Typically, conditions lean toward slightly cooler and slightly wetter (in Illi-

CropWatchers hope to be in fields by mid-April

Snow still covered parts of Ryan Frieders’ farm in DeKalb County last week.

But he and other FarmWeek CropWatchers remain hopeful the return of more spring-like weather will allow farmers to begin fieldwork by mid-April.

A new season of CropWatchers’ reports begins next week in the March 31 issue of FarmWeek.

“We still have quite a bit of snow in ditches, low spots and in piles,” Frieders said last week. “The ground is really, really wet.

All the creeks are running close to capacity.”

The extreme wetness was caused by heavy snowfall and recent rains. This winter was the third-snowiest on record at Ryan Frieders Frieders’ farm as about 6 feet of snow covered the area.

Snowfall also was heavy on the farm of CropWatcher Doug Uphoff in Shelby County.

But much of the melted snow ran off his fields.

“The ground was frozen so long, most of it (melted snow) wasn’t able to soak in,” Uphoff said.

“But the weather can change in a hurry.”

Uphoff noted the Farmers’ Almanac calls for a wet May this year.

The subsoil moisture in Illinois as of March 3 was rated 38 percent short or very Doug Uphoff short, 60 percent adequate and 2 percent surplus, the National Agricul-

tural Statistics Service Illinois field office reported.

The soil as of last week also was rather cold for this time of year. The topsoil temperature last week averaged between 30.6 and 32.5 degrees in northern Illinois, 32.7 to 34.6 degrees in central Illinois and 35.3 to 37.7 degrees in southern Illinois.

Farmers typically wait until the soil temperature warms to at least 50 degrees, with a favorable forecast, before planting.

“I think we’re going to be at least three weeks behind schedule,” Frieders said. “A lot of fieldwork (tillage and fertilizer applications) didn’t get done last fall because it got really cold and snowy at the end of harvest.”

Mark Kerber, a CropWatcher from Livingston County, hired custom farmers to disk and chisel his farms during harvest last year to get a head start this season.

He prefers this year’s cold and snowy March as opposed to two years ago when March temperatures reached 80 Mark Kerber degrees and prompted early planting.

“I’m not concerned a bit (about the recent cold conditions),” Kerber said. “It’s just March.

We do so much better when we plant at the end of April.”

A delayed start to the growing season also provides farmers with more time to receive seed deliveries and prepare machinery, Kerber added.

— Daniel Grant

nois) when El Nino develops.”

The Climate Prediction Center this month predicted

a 50 percent chance of El Nino developing by summer or fall.

Crisis in Ukraine could open U.S. export opportunities

Political instability in the Black Sea region hasn’t impacted grain flow from that area — yet.

Ports remain open in Crimea, which separated from Ukraine and last week was annexed by Russia despite opposition from the U.S. and European Union. Grain continues to flow from the region to other destinations.

In fact, recent devaluation of currency in Russia and Ukraine promotes ag exports.

Ukraine exported 700,000 bushels of corn during the second week of March. Overall, Ukraine ranks as the third-largest exporter of corn (730 million bushels) and wheat (367 million bushels) in the world.

“There’s been no impact yet of the crisis on export activity,” Olivier Bouillet, executive director of Agritel International, said last week during a webinar hosted by DTN/The Progressive Farmer. “Exporters (in the Black Sea region) are more than compensated for the devaluation of currency.”

About 10 percent of exports in the region pass through ports in Crimea, situated on the north coast of the Black Sea. The tide could turn this year, though, on the export front as political unrest, economic uncertainty and weather challenges could dent crop production in the Black Sea region.

A severe cold snap this winter, with lows of minus-20 to minus-25 degrees, could cut winter wheat production in Ukraine and Russia. However, much of the crop was blanketed by snow, according to Bouillet.

The planted area of wheat could decline 6 to 7 percent, he noted.

Meanwhile, Russian and Ukrainian farmers this year could switch crop rotations or reduce plantings due to higher input costs. Yields also could be sapped by a worsening water deficit in the region.

“The devaluating currency makes them more competitive on the world market, but at the same time it hurts local producers (in the Black Sea region by raising input costs),” Michael Browne, DTN vice president of trading and risk management, told FarmWeek. “I think it could push plantings (from corn) to other crops” such as wheat, oats and barley.

Bouillet agreed crop production this year in the Black Sea region could decline.

“The outlook for 2014 harvest is not as good as 2013,” he said. “Low margin levels will impact crop management in 2014.”

The situation down the road could open market opportunities for U.S. crop exporters.

“It’s a global market,” Browne added. “Any time there’s a reduction in exports from one area it opens opportunities for others.” — Daniel Grant

FARM SAFETY

FarmWeek Page 6 Monday, March 24, 2014

Ag industry strives to improve grain bin safety

BY DANIEL GRANT FarmWeek

A recent string of grain bin entrapments serves as a haunting reminder that farmers and elevator personnel should make safety their No. 1 priority when moving crops.

Farm groups last week discussed the situation and learned about life-saving components for new and existing bins at the Grain Operations and Entrapment Prevention Symposium in Bloomington.

The event was hosted by the Grain and Feed Association of Illinois (GFAI), Grain Elevator and Processing Society, Grain Handling Safety Coalition and the Grain Entrapment Prevention Committee. Illinois Farm Bureau was one of the sponsors.

“Based on how much grain is in storage and the condition of that grain, 2014’s (grain entrapment) numbers could sadly eclipse those of 2013 and 2012,” said Wayne Bauer, of Star of the West Milling.

“We’ve had 10 entrapments and five fatalities in the last 10 weeks.”

The number of grain entrapment cases nationwide declined from 59 in 2010 to 32 in 2011 and 20 in 2012.

However, the number of grain entrapment cases

climbed to 33 last year.

“We’re seeing (the number of cases) trend back up,” said Bill Field, director of ag and biological engineering at Purdue University.

The uptick in grain entrapment cases is due in part to the record large Bill Field corn crop (nearly 14 billion bushels) harvested last year, spoilage issues and outdated grain management practices at some locations, according to Field.

U.S. grain storage capacity increased from 19.9 billion bushels in 2005 to 23 billion bushels. About 55 percent of the storage capacity is on farms.

“We have a large number of farmers who have gone from storing 100,000 bushels of grain to 1 million bushels,” Field said. “But they’re still using management practices for 15,000- to 35,000-bushel bins and trying to apply it to 500,000-bushel bins.”

Field and Bauer said a key to prevent grain entrapments lies in maintaining grain quality. Bauer said all farmers and other grain handlers should

Wayne Bauer, of Star of the West Milling, displays a knot-passing pulley and anchor designed to improve grain bin safety during the Grain Operations and Entrapment Prevention Symposium in Bloomington.

(Photo by Daniel Grant)

receive hands-on training to properly use aeration and temperature systems.

One challenge with main-

taining grain quality is the fact that some corn hybrids bred for greater yield potential produce softer kernels, Field noted.

Hands-on training also is crucial for proper bin entry with a secure lifeline. Grain bin manufacturers in recent years redesigned roofs to include anchors and knot-passing pulleys as well as larger walk decks. Eventually, roofs will have anchors that handle a standard load.

“We’re going to start testing systems and applications to measure the forces most systems are seeing,” Bauer said.

Improvements to grain handling systems will be crucial as farmers and commercial elevators handle more grain in the future.

Global crop consumption the last decade increased 44 percent for soybeans, 43 percent for corn and 20 percent for wheat, Neal Hoss, technical services manager for DuPont Pioneer’s Heartland Business Unit, reported.

Annual yield gains could increase from 1.5 bushels to 2 bushels per acre in the near future, Hoss said.

“Keep in the back of your mind what kind of facility changes you need to do differently to handle the projected volume of grain and soybeans in the future,” Jeff Adkisson, GFAI executive vice president, told grain industry representatives at the symposium.

First responder training available for large animal emergencies Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs), or first responders, prepare to handle all types of emergency situations involving humans and vehicles.

But what if an accident victim or a stranded traveler happens to be a cow, horse, pig or other large animal?

The situation occurs on a fairly regular basis along Illinois roadways. More than 5 million animals travel across the state each year, which increases the likelihood of large animals, their owners’ trailers and tow vehicles being involved in an accident.

The University of Illinois Fire Service Institute (FSI)

responded to One of the main challenges two grain bin the situation of offering extensive ag trainentrapments in last year by ‘Most of the stuff (for animal emer- the state in Feb- ing for first responders is developing a funding, according to Dennis ruary. One gencies) we already have on a fire resulted in a Large Animal Spice, FSI director of corpotruck. We have the techniques. They farmer death in rate relations and developRescue Awareness (first responders) just need to adapt southern Illinois, ment. About 70 percent of (LARA) profirefighters in the state are volwhile the other them.’ gram. unteers. situation near Classes He therefore encouraged Rockton ended began in with a successful people to donate to the Ag — Dave Newcomb rescue. recent Resource Training Fund in IlliUniversity of Illinois Fire Service Institute months. nois.

“People are “Our goal More information about moving a lot of is to answer grain right now,” the ag emergency training the needs of first responders programs and rescue fund can Newcomb said. “Awareness cies) we already have on a fire in Illinois,” Dave Newcomb, be found online at {fsi.illi is critical. Let’s not get in a truck,” said Newcomb, who FSI program manager, told nois.edu}. — Daniel Grant hurry.” noted that fire hose can be FarmWeek. “We want to give used to make a sling for a large them information (about a animal. “We have the techpossible situation) niques. They (first responders) before they get into it.” just need to adapt them.”

The new class teachTraining for the LARA Farm families take note — the 18th edition of “Farm Estate es first responders program currently takes place and Business Planning” is now available. about large animal in classrooms around the The 496-page book by Neil Harl, a retired professor from behavior, humane hanstate. Newcomb hopes to Iowa State University, provides detailed advice on estate plandling techniques, and eventually offer real-world ning tools, such as wills and trusts. The book also explains how to contain, capture training exercises as part of employment taxes, federal farm payments, annuities and other or euthanize large anithe training. tax-related matters. It further discusses effects of the 2014 mals on the loose after FSI offers a full complean accident. ment of classes to prepare first farm bill.

The book updates 26 chapters to reflect changes in farm and Most of the animal responders to meet the chalranch business planning since the 17th edition. handling techniques for lenges of ag rescues including Nearly 176,000 copies of the book, first published in 1973, first responders were farm fires, grain bin rescues, are in circulation. adapted to current anhydrous ammonia emergenThe book is available in print and PDF files, which are reademergency equipment. cies and ethanol production able on all digital devices. To purchase, go to {www.agrilaw“Most of the stuff plant awareness. press.com} or {amazon.com}. (for animal emergenNewcomb noted there were

New edition of farm estate planning guide available

IFB IN ACTION

Page 7 Monday, March 24, 2014 FarmWeek

Value chain tour focus: ag relationships Illinois Farm Bureau President Rich Guebert Jr. and several Farm Bureau members representing Illinois commodity groups participated in a value chain tour earlier this month in the St. Louis area.

Periodically, IFB arranges value chain tours to give leaders and members an opportunity to see various sides of the ag sector they normally wouldn’t.

Agriculture science came first with a meeting and demonstration of St. Louis Science Center’s plans to build a 50,000-square-foot indoor/outdoor farm exhibit.

“I’m really excited about

BY RYAN TRACY

IAITC releases SAI schedule

Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom (IAITC) recently released the schedule for 33 Summer Agricultural Institutes. The programs designed for educators offer graduate credit and or certification units, free teaching materials, hands-on experiences, field trips and information from agriculture experts.

The institutes start in late May and continue through late July across the state. Some will focus on special topics, such as science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).

For more information and a schedule, visit {agintheclassroom.org}. Click on the Teacher Workshops icon on the left side of the page and scroll down to 2014 Summer Ag Institute. Click on SAI brochure.

SWCDs seeking conservation teachers

The Association of Illinois Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs) seeks nominees in two categories for conservation teacher of the year. The nomination deadline is April 30.

One winner will be named for kindergarten through eighth grade teachers and another for high school teachers.

Eligible nominees must be full-time teachers in public, parochial or private schools; incorporate Illinois-specific conservation, environment or agriculture lessons into their curriculum; and may be part of a team, but only one award would be presented.

An electronic nomination form should be submitted to your local SWCD. For more details or a nomination form, visit {aiswcd.org/programs/awards/}.

the impact this exhibit could make in reaching consumers,” Guebert said.

The tour group then visited Monsanto in Chesterfield.

They heard about the research and development used to create Monsanto products.

IFB organized an ag sector tour for IFB leaders and members.

The final tour stop was Prairie Farms Dairy in Hazelwood. Attendees received detailed information about the facility and Prairie Farms’ production. While touring the production line, Farm Bureau visitors saw milk, juice and

drink products, and cultured products made at the plant.

The second day’s agenda began with a meeting and tour of Lange-Stegmann, a large fertilizer terminal located on the Mississippi River. During the tour, the group viewed much of the 140,000 ton fertilizer storage capacity and witnessed work in the rail yard as fertilizer moved from the river to storage and then onto rail to points north and west of St. Louis.

The group then headed down the river to Italgrani, a domestic and international grain trading, grain milling and grain elevator business.

The St. Louis facility features a 4-million-bushel grain eleva-

tor next to one of the largest durum wheat milling operations in the country.

The value chain tour ended at DuPont Nutrition & Health. DuPont conducts much of its research and development of biobased ingredients there. The tour provided an eye-opening glimpse into the capabilities of using biotechnology and food system ingredients.

“Farmers need to work closely with other members of the ag value chain to meet the needs of consumers,” Guebert said. “We have a lot to Members of Illinois Farm Bureau’s recent valgain from working together.” ue chain tour explore the Lange-Stegmann Ryan Tracy is IFB director of external relations.

fertilizer terminal located on the Mississippi River in the St. Louis area. (Photo by Ryan Tracy, IFB director of external relations)

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So set a new goal for your yields and make this YOUR year! Take the 2014 Yield Challenge today.

AROUND ILLINOIS

Farm ingenuity leads to slam-dunk invention FarmWeek Page 8 Monday, March 24, 2014

BY KAY SHIPMAN FarmWeek

In March, a basketball fan’s fancy turns to tournament brackets. But few caught up in the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s March Madness or the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) basketball playoffs know to thank a farmbred inventor and a John Deere cultivator spring.

Sangamon County Farm Bureau member Arthur Ehrat of Virden and his patented breakaway basket rim ushered in an era of slam dunks.

No more shattered backboards, bent rims or injured wrists — just high-flying theatrics.

Ehrat managed the former Farmers Elevator Co. in Lowder for 30 years and also invented two field spreaders in addition to his basketball claim to fame.

In 1975, his nephew, Randy Albrecht, an assistant basketball coach at St. Louis

1

University, asked his uncle for ideas to make a rim that would withstand dunks without injuring players or damaging equipment.

Ehrat recalled he first thought a spring was needed to snap the rim back into place. But what kind?

“I tried car valve springs, but none of them seemed too strong,” he said.

His search for the perfect spring continued to a Greenville manufacturer of car hood and trunk springs.

He tested 20 or 30 of those without any luck.

“One day I had a spring from a cultivator ... It had strength and quality,” he said.

“Lots of times (other springs) lost strength. That’s why (I tried) John Deere. I thought it would be the right size and diameter.”

Thus, a prototype dubbed “The Rebounder” launched into basketball history. Ehrat received a patent for his invention on Dec. 28, 1982,

scan

after years of legal work. He licensed his invention to 18 manufacturers.

Both the Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Mass., and the Smithsonian Institute’s National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C., house information about Ehrat’s breakaway rim invention.

Ironically, Ehrat didn’t play basketball, but as the father of several high school cheerleaders he attended many games. Occasionally, he receives a call from a curiosity seeker asking about his basketball invention or the name of a patent lawyer.

Ehrat keeps up with IHSA state championship games.

After watching the Class 1A and 2A games, he looked forward to returning to Peoria for the big schools and their high-flying moves. He hoped to sit near the court.

No doubt to get a better view of the slam dunks.

2

click

Arthur Ehrat of Virden displays his patented breakaway basketball rim that incorporated a John Deere cultivator spring. Ehrat’s invention allowed basketball players to dunk without injuring their wrists or breaking backboards. (Photo by Cyndi Cook)

3

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All Ag. All Illinois. All Now.

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EDUCATION

Page 9 Monday, March 24, 2014 FarmWeek

Exploring ACES

The University of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES) hosted 2,000 high school students, their teachers and families March 14-15 on the Urbana campus.

(Top left) Chelsie Parr, a research associate in animal sciences, introduces 4-year-old Keira Ulick, Champaign, to poultry at one of several exhibits in the Stock Pavilion.

(Top right) Illini Foresters Colin Nemec, left, a senior in Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences (NRES), and Liz Miernicki, an NRES junior, show their sawing skills with help from Vince Conte, an NRES junior, and Jennifer Woodyard, an NRES sophomore, both seated on log, during an ExplorACES demonstration outside the University of Illinois’ Turner Hall.

(Right) Anna Dilger with the U of I meat science program explains the science of grilling during a classroom session in the Animal Sciences Lab. Students and faculty offered more than 125 mini-classes and exhibits. (Photos by David Riecks, U of I information technology and communication services)

TRADITION

FarmWeek Page 10 Monday, March 24, 2014

All in the family: Woodford County home to second-generation president

BY DEANA STROISCH FarmWeek

Wayne Blunier always wanted to farm.

His family’s farm history in Woodford County traces back to the 1850s.

The sixth-generation farmer also represents the second generation of Bluniers to serve as president of the Woodford County Farm Bureau Board. Blunier has been president since 2006.

His father, Harold, served a one-year term as president in 1975. He died in 2001.

Blunier remembers his father talking about Illinois Farm Bureau’s annual meeting. And he recalls a picture of his parents at one annual meeting that hung in the kitchen.

But Blunier called it “happenstance” that he followed his father’s footsteps in becoming president of the Woodford County Farm Bureau.

“I’ve always believed in the organization,” he said of Farm Bureau. “I think it rep-

resents farmers very well.”

The 160-acre farm Blunier grew up on was very different than it is today, he recalled recently.

Growing up, there were 800 laying hens, hogs, beef cows and hay that had to be baled. The family also had five to eight cows that had to be milked twice a day — his dad milked the cows in the morning; Blunier at night.

With the farm under control with the help of his siblings, Blunier Wayne Blunier, a sixth-generation farmer, repreaccepted an ag scholarship to the sents the second generation of Bluniers to serve as University of Illi- president of the Woodford County Farm Bureau Board. Blunier has been president since 2006. nois. During his junior year there, (Photo by Ken Kashian) He retired in 1995 after spendhe declared ag education his ing 33 years in education, includmajor.

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ing serving as the Livingston County Superintendent of Schools.

In between, Blunier farmed on a part-time basis.

In 1975, he bought 40 acres about two miles from his family’s farm. After his dad retired, Blunier and his brother, Melvin, farmed the land.

By then, Blunier said, the farm animals were gone. The brothers both kept their fulltime jobs since they couldn’t afford to farm the land without them.

After Blunier retired, he bought more farmland. In all, the family owns 365 acres in Woodford County and farms 670 acres of corn and soybeans. He lives in Roanoke with his wife, Marjorie. The two have been married 51 years.

The Bluniers have four children. Each helped on the farm as well.

“They know how to walk soybeans to cut weeds,” he said.

But he didn’t know any of them had an interest in farming until he read a paper that his son, Mark, wrote for college. In the paper, Mark wrote that he wanted to be a parttime farmer like his dad.

In 1998, Mark joined the farming operation.

Blunier, 73, says he plans to continue farming as long as he can.

“I honestly feel close to God when I’m farming,” he said. “I put a seed in the ground. I can put it at the right depth, I can put it in just right,” he said. “I can fertilize it. I can do a lot of things. But I cannot make it grow. Only God can do that.

And it’s a miracle that I see every year.”

Are you part of a multi-generation of Farm Bureau leaders?

FarmWeek wants to tell your story.

Please email CAnderson@ilfb.org or call 309-557-3156.

Herbicides labeled for edamame could grow production of the crop Two herbicides recently labeled for use on edamame provide new additions for weed management of the crop, which is growing in popularity in the United States, according to Marty Williams, a University of Illinois crop scientist.

Williams said not only do the herbicides add two new modes of action in edamame-approved products, but they also represent the first post-emergence herbicides with activity of broadleaf weeds.

Recently, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registered herbicides imazamox (Raptor, BASF) and fomesafen (Reflex, Syngenta), both used in soybean for years, for use on edamame (vegetable soybean).

“Right now hand weeding costs can exceed $500 per acre, so more cost-effective weed management tools are critical,” Williams said. “More diverse weed management systems in edamame ultimately will reduce the cost of hand weeding, potentially allowing it to be grown on more acres.”

In 2010, the U.S. imported an estimated 100,000 tons of edamame, mostly from China, with some imported from Taiwan.

“Although not everyone is the U.S. is familiar with edamame, demand is growing strongly,” Williams said. “We are the No. 1 soybean producer in the world, so why don’t we grow more edamame here?”

Before registration of imazamox in late 2013 and fomesafen in March 2014 for use on edamame, EPA had approved the use of only a few other products since July 2011.

Unlike soybeans, edamame harvest occurs at the full-seed stage (R6) while the plant is entirely green and the seeds are large in the pod. Because of this contrast, the EPA treats edamame as a different crop regarding pesticide use.

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FB IN ACTION

Page 11 Monday, March 24, 2014 FarmWeek

Sangamon County schools receive agriculture book

Fourth graders in 44 public and parochial schools in Sangamon County celebrated National Ag Week with a new book donated by the Sangamon County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee.

Each fourth grade received a copy of “Farmer George Plants a Nation.” Lesson plans accompanied the books in an effort to promote agriculture. The book is based on George Washington’s role in advancing agriculture long before he was elected the first president of the United States.

Upon completion of the lesson plans, teachers were asked to put the book into circulation at their school libraries. Children also have access to the book at public libraries in New Berlin, Pleasant Plains, Sherman and Williamsville.

BY ASHLEY ETHERTON-BEUTKE

Ashley Etherton-Beutke serves as Sangamon County Farm Bureau assistant manager/communications specialist.

Poultry workshop slated April 10

A workshop covering issues related to raising poultry will run from 9 a.m. to noon April 10 at the Kankakee County University of Illinois Extension Office, Bourbonnais. The registration deadline is April 7.

U of I Extension poultry specialists Ken Koelkebeck and Pam Utterback will present information and answer questions.

Topics will include breeds and breed identification, housing and equipment, disease and biosecurity, nutrition and feeding, handling and brooding chicks, and free-range, organic chickens.

The registration fee is $10 per person and includes handouts and refreshments.

Register online by visiting {http://web.extension.illinois. edu/gkw}. Online credit card payment immediately confirms registration. When paying by check, registration is tentative until a check is received in the Kankakee County Extension office.

Registration may be done over the phone by calling 815933-8337 with credit card or in person at the Extension office.

Farm Service Agency

Farm storage facility loans — USDA recently announced the expansion of the Farm Storage and Facility Loan program, which provides low-interest financing to farmers. The enhanced program now includes 22 new categories of eligible equipment for fruit and vegetable growers, and makes it easier for farmers to finance the equipment they need to grow and expand.

Farmers with small and mid-sized operations, and specialty crop fruit and vegetable growers, may access needed capital for various equipment, including sorting bins, wash stations and other food safety-related equipment, according to the Farm Service Agency (FSA).

In addition, farm storage and facility loan security requirements have been eased for loans of $50,000 to $100,000. Now loans up to $100,000 can only be secured by a promissory note.

The low-interest loans may be used to build or upgrade permanent facilities to store commodities, including grains, oilseeds, peanuts, pulse crops, hay, honey, renewable biomass commodities, fruits and vegetables. Qualified facilities include grain bins, hay barns and cold storage facilities for fruits and vegetables.

Other changes to the Farm Storage and Facility Loan program will allow FSA State Committees to subordinate Commodity Credit Corp.’s lien position. These changes were issued via an official notice to state and county FSA offices and are effective immediately.

Contact a county FSA office for more information.

Marion County Farm Bureau members, from left, Eileen Chitwood, Vicki Charlton, Evelyn Bartley and Pat Gilliland mix biscuit and pancake batter for the 9th Farmers Breakfast in Salem last week. The quartet joined about 30 other volunteers to feed 350 people. (Photo by Rita Frazer)

Masses flock to Marion County farmer breakfast

Where can you eat a robust breakfast of eggs, pancakes, biscuits and gravy for just 50 cents? Marion County Farm Bureau members just completed their 9th Farmers Breakfast in Salem last week.

“The meal actually costs about $6.50, but we only charge people 50 cents. We’re

trying to send a message of the value of food and what the farmer’s portion of that is,” said Gary Kennedy, Marion County Farm Bureau manager.

Thirty-two volunteers fed 350 hungry people. Members not only tell diners about food value but also how farmers help feed the world.

The breakfast further attracts people to the county Farm Bureau office to learn more about the organization and its mission, Kennedy noted.

Rita Frazer contributed to this report. She serves as RFD Radio Network® anchor.

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RESEARCH

FarmWeek Page 12 Monday, March 24, 2014

Garlic, spices boost pigs’ immune systems Garlic, ginger and pepper, commonly added to human food, add spice to pig diets and even boost the animals’ immune systems.

University of Illinois animal science researchers found the plant extracts particularly effective in controlling porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) and E. coli infections.

“Either disease can sweep through a farm, so their alleviation would substantially reduce production costs.

Even though many management practices have been used in the swine industry, these practices cannot guarantee freedom from disease for pigs,” said researcher James Pettigrew.

Consumer concerns about bacterial resistance to antibiotics have prompted the swine industry to seek additional methods to protect the health of pigs, including special feed additives. This interest led Pettigrew and his team to explore the potential benefits of select-

ed plant extracts.

The researchers conducted two experiments using four diets in weanling pigs, including a control diet and three additional diets of garlic, ginger and pepper

efficient in feed use the second week compared to pigs fed the control diet.

Pettigrew believes the benefits resulted from the effects on the pigs’ immune systems because feeding

ILLINOIS AG POPS ON TRAY LINER

‘We want to know the big picture of how these plant extracts affected the challenged and nonchallenged pigs.’

— Yanhong Liu extract.

The pigs in the study challenged with E. coli who ate any of the three plant extracts had a 20 percent lower frequency of diarrhea compared to pigs eating the control diet. Pigs fed the plant extracts were also more efficient in feed use.

Similar results occurred in pigs challenged with PRRS. Pigs eating the plant extracts were 55 percent more efficient in the first week and 40 percent more

U of I doctoral student

plant extracts reduced the inflammation caused by E. coli and PRRS. U of I researchers will continue to study the mechanisms behind the beneficial effects they observed, including conducting gene expression studies.

“We want to know the big picture of how these plant extracts affected the challenged and nonchallenged pigs,” said Yanhong Liu, a doctoral student who led the study.

Callie Neely, a fourth grader at Wells Elementar y School in Grayville, right, won the Edwards County Farm Bureau Ag in the Classroom tray liner contest. Megan Raber, a McDonald’s employee at the Albion restaurant, displays the winning design. Neely designed an outline of the state to resemble a popcorn bag, signifying popcorn as the Illinois state snack. More than 800 winning tray liners will be used by McDonald’s during National Ag Week March 23-20. (Photo by Rebecca Perry, Edwards County Farm Bureau manager)

Datebook

March 26 Cover crop tour, 8 a.m. to noon, starting at McLean County Soil and Water Conservation District office, Normal. Register by March 21.

Call 309-452-0830, ext. 3.

March 27 Cover crop workshop, 9 a.m. to noon, Fast Lanes Bowling Alley, Hoopeston.

Register by March 25. Call

217-442-8511, ext. 3.

March 28 Cover crop field day, 10 a.m., Ewing Demonstration Center, Ewing. To register, call 618-439-3178.

March 31 Cover crop education meeting, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., fife Opera House, Palestine.

Register by March 12. Call 618-544-7515, ext.3.

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FROM THE COUNTIES

Page 13 Monday, March 24, 2014 FarmWeek

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ROWN — Farm Bureau will co-sponsor a fuel day from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday at the Mount Sterling Fuel 24 Fast Stop. The event will include children’s activities and refreshments. Nonperishable food donations will be accepted to help “Fill A Ford,” which will benefit a local food pantry.

UREAU — The Prime Timers Committee will sponsor a Stroke Detection Plus screening from 9 a.m. to 4:40 p.m. Tuesday at the Farm Bureau building. Members will receive a discount. Call 877732-8258 for an appointment.

HRISTIAN — Farm Bureau will co-sponsor a workshop to explore the 2014 farm bill at 6 p.m. April 3 at the University of Illinois Extension office in Taylorville.

Jonathan Coppess, U of I, will highlight changes that will affect farmers in Central Illinois. Call the Farm Bureau office at 824-2940 for reservations by April 1.

UPAGE — General Foundation scholarships are available to high school seniors graduating this spring who plan to pursue a degree in an ag-related field of study. Call the Farm Bureau office at 668-8161 for more information. Deadline to apply is April 1.

FFINGHAM — Farm Bureau will sponsor agricultural quizzes on local radio stations including 97.9

XFM and KJ Country 102.3 Monday through Saturday. Call the Farm Bureau office for more information.

AMILTON — Farm Bureau will co-sponsor an on-the-road seminar at 9 a.m. April 1 at the White County Farm Bureau office in Carmi. Kevin Rund, Illinois Farm Bureau, will speak. Call the Farm Bureau office at 6432347 to register by March 31.

ACKSON — Farm Bureau will sponsor an “Agriculture — A World of Opportunity”-themed essay contest and an “Agriculture in Jackson County”-themed photo contest for ages 6-9, 10-13 and 14-17. Mail entries to Jackson County Farm Bureau, 220 N. 10th Street, Murphysboro, IL 62966, email to jacksonmgr@frontier.com or deliver to the Farm Bureau office by April 11.

ASALLE — Farm Bureau will sponsor an ag display Monday through Saturday in the courtyard of the Peru Mall in recognition of National Agriculture Week.

ERCER — The Foundation will offer scholarships to students who are Farm Bureau members or a dependent of a Farm Bureau member and will be attending a post-secondary school during the 2014-15 school year. Visit {mercercfb.org} or call the Farm Bureau office at 582-5116 for more information. Applica-

Randy Krotz became the first chief executive officer in the three-year history of the U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance (USFRA) last week.

Krotz joined USFRA in 2013 as vice president of development. He most recently served as executive director.

USFRA consists of nearly 80 farmer and rancher-led organizations and agricultural partners, including Illinois Farm Bureau. Krotz helped build the

national prominence of USFRA with specific focus on consumer-facing initiatives, such as its signature series, The Food Dialogues.

Krotz has nearly 25 years of experience with many wellknown food and agribusiness companies and associations across the industry. He is a Kansas State University graduate and continues to play a role on his family farm in north central Kansas.

Tuesday: • “FarmWeek: The Early Word” • Jim Angel, Illinois State Water Survey: ag weather • Heather Wolfe, Monsanto: Monsanto Fund • Stu Ellis, AgEngage: Decatur ag show • Morgan Duggan, Monsanto: 2013 summary and 2014 product preview Wednesdsay: • Delayne Reeves, Illinois Department of Agriculture: Specialty Crop Grant Program • Colleen Callahan, Illinois

Director of USDA Rural Development: Made in Rural America Thursday: • Illinois Soybean Association representative • Sen. Tom Cullerton, D-Villa Park: Adopt-a-legislator Program Friday: • Don Schafer, Mid-West Truckers • Harry Cooney, GROWMARK • Doug Yoder, Illinois Farm Bureau: farm bill webinar To find a radio station near you that carries the RFD Radio Network®, go to FarmWeekNow.com, click on “Radio,” then click on “Affiliates.”

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USFRA names new CEO

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tion deadline is March 31.

EORIA — Young Leaders will co-sponsor an Echo Valley Meats tour at 7 p.m. Thursday in Bartonville.

Members will meet at 1st Farm Credit Services, Kickapoo, at 6:30 p.m. to carpool. Dave Alwan, Echo Valley Meats, will speak. Call the Farm Bureau office at 686-7070 for more information.

ICHLAND — The Young Leader Committee will co-sponsor an agricultural spelling bee for middle school students at 6 p.m. April 1 at the East Richland Middle School cafeteria. Visit {rich landcountyfarmbureau.com} or call the Farm Bureau office at 393-4116 for registration forms, word list or more information.

HELBY — Young Farmers will co-host a farm-city breakfast from 6 to 8 a.m. Thursday at the Shelby County 4-H Center, Shelbyville. Cost is $1. Call 7742151 or email shelbycofb@ consolidated.net for reservations.

NION — Farm Bureau will sponsor an “Agriculture in Union Coun-

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ty”-themed photo contest and an “Agriculture — A World of Opportunity”-themed essay contest for ages 6-9, 10-13 and 14-17. Mail entries to Union County Farm Bureau, 104 W. Broad, P.O. Box F, Jonesboro, IL 62952, email to union mgr@frontier.com or deliver to the Farm Bureau office by April 11.

ABASH — Farm Bureau will co-sponsor an agriculture appreciation lunch from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Thursday at the Farm Bureau building.

• Farm Bureau will sponsor a farmer’s share breakfast from 7 to 9 a.m. Tuesday at Hogg Heaven BBQ in Mount Carmel. Cost is 25 cents.

ASHINGTON — Farm Bureau will sponsor a legislative breakfast at 8:30 a.m. April 5 at Little Nashville Restaurant in Nashville. U.S. Rep. John Shimkus, R-Collinsville; Sen. David Luechtefeld, ROkawville; Sen. Kyle McCarter, R-Lebanon; Rep. Charles Meier, R-Okawville; and Rep. Mike Bost, R-Murphysboro, will be present to provide updates and answer

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questions. Call the Farm Bureau office at 327-3081 for reservations or more information by Friday.

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 842-3342 or contact your 4-H leader.

• Farm Bureau will co-sponsor an on-the-road seminar at 9 a.m. April 1 at the White County Farm Bureau office in Carmi. Kevin Rund, IFB, will speak. Call the Farm Bureau office at 842-3342 to register

by March 31.

HITE — Farm Bureau will co-sponsor an on-the-road seminar at 9 a.m. April 1 at the White County Farm Bureau office. Kevin Rund, IFB, will speak. Call the Farm Bureau office at 3828512 to register by March 31.

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“Fr om the counties” items ar e submitted by county Far m Bur eau managers. If you have an event or activity that is open to all members, contact your county Far m Bur eau manager.

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PROFITABILITY

FarmWeek Page 14 Monday, March 24, 2014

More corn or soybeans on planting horizon?

The time has come again for the highly anticipated planting intentions report.

Analysts feel we will lose corn acres and gain bean acres. The numbers vary, but the range is a 2 to 6 million acre decline in corn and a 2 to 6 million acre increase Cory Winstead for soybeans.

Many factors go into determining these numbers, including price (ratio), input costs and demand. Given current conditions, I believe we will see a small decrease in corn acres and a slight increase in bean acres. However, I do not expect these changes to be acre for acre.

The market from a futures and fundamental standpoint does not point to a large bean increase. If you look at the corn to bean price ratio, it typically runs around 2.2 to 2.5 to 1 as an average. This equates to 2.5 bushels of corn for every bushel of soybeans.

This year’s nearby ratio stands at a whopping 2.91 to 1. However, the ratio we need to look at exists on the December and November 2014 contracts, respectively. The reasoning is

BY CORY WINSTEAD

simple: U.S. farmers use December corn and November soybean contracts as key pricing mechanisms to determine how much their corn will be worth when they harvest during those time periods. This ratio is back at the normal average of 2.46 to 1.

This tells me fewer acres will switch to soybeans than what some predict.

The main driver of old crop prices has come from the very strong demand we have seen so far this marketing year. Current bean sales are at 103 percent of USDA projections for exports. Our current shipments — grain that has been sold and actually shipped — stand at 70 percent.

There are two factors I believe we need to review.

First, although ahead of average pace (5-year average is 57 percent shipped), shipments remain much lower than the percentage sold. The danger of cancelations arises. We already see cancelations coming in and orders being pushed back to the next crop year or shifting origins to South America. China is the main buyer of beans. They will slow their buying pace, especially from the U.S., and South America has begun filling the export pipeline.

South America comprises the other factor which needs to be addressed. Their farmers are going to harvest

another record crop and potentially double-crop another crop of beans behind it. This is due to the economics of their own corn inputs increasing and our corn prices being competitive with theirs.

If they double-crop more beans, this will flush the world bean stocks and drive prices lower. This increased supply would cause our nearby and new-crop bean prices to fall.

South America has proven the ability to export at a pace sufficient to meet demand even with logistic issues. So, although prices could see rallies due to logistical problems in South America, the increased supply could slow

our export numbers, if not shut them down.

The discussion has remained the same during the last two years — we are going to run out of beans at the current demand pace. Last year, we did not run out of beans as South America came on line and met world demand, taking pressure away from the U.S. This year appears it will play out the same, and bean prices will not be at levels come planting time to make it more attractive to grow them over corn.

BY DANIEL GRANT FarmWeek

tions, Rich Nelson, director of research at Allendale, Inc. in McHenry, told FarmWeek.

cattle supplies next winter.

“Prices probably made their peak with cash cattle at $150 (per hundredweight) in the Southern Plains and $152 in the Northern Plains,” Nelson said.

“From here on out, we’ll probably start our seasonal slide.”

Nelson predicted cattle prices could bottom out late this summer at around $128 per hundredweight. Then the market could begin another bullish run, he said.

Cattle prices likely will be buoyed by strong demand despite record retail beef prices.

U.S. beef exports in 2013 eclipsed the $6 billion mark for the first time despite the closure of the Russian market and absence from the Chinese market, according to the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF).

“USMEF is targeting markets where we have the best chance of succeeding and cre-

ating a positive return for American producers and exporters,” said Philip Seng, USMEF president and CEO. U.S. beef sales to Japan last year increased 54 percent, while sales to Hong Kong doubled and set a new annual record.

Cattle placements rise; prices projected to slide A big jump in cattle placements last month could help corral runaway prices.

U.S. cattle farmers last month placed 1.65 million head of cattle in feedlots, up 15 percent from last year, USDA reported Friday in its monthly cattle on feed report.

“We certainly had cattle feeders reacting to tremendous profits on outgoing cattle and also to dry conditions in the Plains,” which discouraged grazing due to challenging pasture condi-

M A R K E T FA C T S Feeder pig prices reported to USDA* Total Composite Weighted Average Receipts and Price (Formula and Cash): Weight Range Per Head Weighted Ave. Price 10-12 lbs. (formula) $37.50-$88.65 $50.00 40 lbs. (cash) $113.00-$128.00 $118.10 Recipts

This Week 99,127 *Eastern Corn Belt prices picked up at seller’s farm

Last Week 59,118

Eastern Corn Belt direct hogs (plant delivered) Carcass Live

(Prices $ per hundredweight) This week Prev. week Change $119.35 $110.43 $8.92 $88.32 $81.72 $6.60

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

This week $150.10 $150.11

Prev. week $147.96 $148.05

Cory Winstead is the manager of AgriVisor LLC. His email address is cwinstead@agrivisor. com.

Change $2.14 $2.06

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 $173.93 $173.88 $0.05

Lamb prices Negotiated, wooled and shorn, 132-167 lbs. for 140-178 $/cwt. (wtd. ave. 162.72); 171-189 lbs. for 150-160 $/cwt. (wtd. ave. 156.27)

Export inspections (Million bushels) Week ending Soybeans Wheat Corn 3/13/2014 34.5 18.2 38.5 3/06/2014 40.0 16.1 36.9 Last year 10.0 24.0 15.9 Season total 1429.8 913.8 784.4 Previous season total 1174.0 745.6 394.9 USDA projected total 1495 1125 1450 Crop marketing year began June 1 for wheat and Sept. 1 for corn and soybeans.

FarmWeekNow.com

Full details and analysts’ comments on the cattle-on-feed report can be found at FarmWeekNow.com.

Cattle producers from September to February placed an extra 5.3 percent cattle into feedlots, compared to the previous time frame, even though there’s a smaller supply of cattle and calves in the U.S. Cattle and calves on feed as of March 1 totaled 10.79 million head, down 1 percent from last year, USDA reported. Marketings of fed cattle last month (1.55 million head) declined 3 percent.

The jump in placements, however, could lead to a supply glut by late summer followed by a return to extremely tight

Dairy specialist: Milk prices near peak

Milk prices likely peaked in recent weeks.

But don’t look for a major drop in dairy prices any time soon, according to Mike Hutjens, University of Illinois Extension dairy specialist.

“I think milk prices possibly peaked and could soften now,” Hutjens said.

But prices aren’t expected to drop much below $20 per hundredweight, after recently jumping to nearly $24, in the near future.

“It’s a good time for dairymen,” Hutjens said. “With more modest feed prices (and record milk prices), they’re certainly building some equity back.”

Milk prices in recent weeks raced to new highs on the back of strong exports and tight supplies.

The U.S. currently exports about 16 percent of dairy Mike Hutjens products, more than double what it exported the previous decade.

Meanwhile, milk supplies tightened in recent months. Some producers took advan-

tage of record beef prices and culled dairy cows, while other operations experienced a decline in milk produced per cow due to forage quality issues and possibly the extremely cold winter, Hutjens noted.

The dairy specialist doesn’t believe milk prices will surpass recent highs, though. Exports to China slowed, the “spring flush” could boost supplies in coming months, and milk demand could soften when the school year ends.

“Our product no longer is cheaper than other areas of the world,” Hutjens said. “That (economic) edge might be disappearing.”

Recent estimates suggest domestic milk production could grow about 2 percent this year.

Expansion of the dairy industry could be bolstered by the new farm bill as well.

“The new dairy bill can help guarantee a profit,” Hutjens said. “All signals say it’s a go (to increase production).”

The Agricultural Act of 2014 repealed dairy programs that focus on price supports and replaced them with two new margin insurance programs. — Daniel Grant

PROFITABILITY

Page 15 Monday, March 24, 2014 FarmWeek

CASH STRATEGIST

Federal Reserve changes policy

In some quarters, they were calling this past week’s Federal Reserve Board meeting historic.

And it was, given it was the first meeting chaired by new Chairman Janet Yellen, and the first meeting presided over by a woman at the helm.

But this meeting may have been just as important because it only reinforced the notion that Federal Reserve policy is slowly shifting away from being as accommodative as it has been since the 2008 economic collapse.

At the top of the heap of changes, was the announcement the Fed was cutting its asset buying program another $10 billion per month to $55 billion. For most of 2013, it had been purchasing $85 billion each month of mortgagebacked and longer-term Treasury securities.

This week’s announced reduction followed $10 billion reductions announced in both December 2013 and January 2014. After the meeting, Chairman Yellen suggested the asset buying program could end as soon as this fall.

Amid this, the Fed shifted its policy on the guidance for changing its stance on basic monetary policy, a policy which has held the overnight Fed funds rate at one-quarter percent since the end of 2008.

The board had long said it was targeting a 6.5 percent unemployment rate as a threshold level before it would consider raising the Fed funds rate.

Now board members are going to take in a wider range of information, including labor, inflation, inflation expectations

and financial developments in making that decision.

Having said that, economists familiar with the nuances of Fed policy and statements see a change within striking distance.

A number of economists talked about it coming in 2015 with others thinking it may not come until 2016.

In the wake of the announcement and the following press conference, yields for instruments in the middle of the interest rate yield curve moved higher. The dollar index rose nearly 1 point Wednesday/Thursday, only to soften slightly Friday on end-of-week profit taking.

Interestingly, the dollar has a long history of putting in a low about every three years. The calendar is now at the midpoint of that window, suggesting the trend should be close to turning higher again.

One of the key features that often strengthens the dollar is higher interest rates. With more Fed officials starting to expect interest rates could rise more quickly, one should start to expect more sustained strength in the dollar.

Generally, soft inflation would only enhance the potential by keeping real returns on U.S. financial instruments relatively high. That would bolster the movement of money into dollar-denominated instruments, a shift that would help sustain dollar gains.

In the end, the subtle shift in policy could be pointing toward a period of sustained dollar strength like the early 1980s and the late 1990s, albeit likely not as strong. And a stronger dollar is typically accompanied by weaker commodity prices.

Going forward, it’s going to be more important to monitor how this situation might unfold.

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Corn Strategy

ü2013 crop: Use strength to make catch-up sales. If 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 $4.75 on May futures would indicate the short-term trend has turned down. Timing counts suggest prices could decline into late May once the trend changes. ü2014 crop: Price another 10 percent if December futures drop under $4.78. That will boost new-crop sales to 35 percent. vFundamentals: Tensions in the Ukrainian situation continue to ease. So far, they have had little impact on their export loadings with government officials indicating 1.7 million metric tons (mmt) were loaded so far this month. That only leaves another 2 mmt yet to load. That should bolster demand for U.S. corn this spring/summer from our normal customers. Egypt bought 340,000 tons of corn from us this week.

Cents per bu.

Soybean Strategy

ü2013 crop: Last week’s action reinforced recent indications that soybean prices have peaked. We do not recommend owning inventory. ü2014 crop: Use strength to get sales to recommendation.

The turn down in old-crop prices and prospects for expanded plantings may have capped upside potential on November futures at $12 for now. vFundamentals: Chinese talk continues to dominate the complex. Last week, there were indications a Chinese crusher had sold Brazilian soybean cargoes to a U.S. processor. Talk also indicates China is seeking to cancel or delay shipment on as many as 30 more cargoes. FOB soybean basis at Paranagua, Brazil, fell further, ending the week at 40 cents under Chicago futures. The slowdown in demand for their soybeans is coming at a time when harvest is moving a lot of soybeans to ports. That should continue to pressure basis, adding to the downward drag on our prices.

Wheat Strategy

ü2013 crop: Now is the time to make catch-up sales if you are not at least 85 percent sold on old-crop bushels. The Black Sea region, including Ukraine, will provide U.S. exporters with stiff competition for the rest of the marketing year. ü2014 crop: Up to half of new-crop bushels should be priced now that Chicago wheat futures have traded north of $7. Those that move wheat at harvest should consider being a little more aggressive. Premium from turmoil in Ukraine

seems to be fading and so too will the weather premium if April brings sufficient rains.

vFundamentals: Rumors have circulated about cancellations of U.S. wheat shipments, but most in the trade doubt that any switch of origin would benefit Brazil. Nigerian cancellations are possible, but of less consequence if true.

Exports for 2013-14 have paced well above the five-year average. A stronger dollar will follow future interest rate hikes and could be a headwind for the 2014-15 export program.

Refusing to join the ‘food fight’ PERSPECTIVES

FarmWeek Page 16 Monday, March 24, 2014

Recently a woman who I like and respect quite a bit posted a rather lengthy Facebook status. Tammy and I met several years ago at the farmers’ market where I’m a vendor and she is a regular customer. She’s a mom of two and is making all of the food choices for her family.

Her post centered around her feelings of being torn between “seemingly opposing sides” of the “local, heirloom, organic, grass-fed, humanely raised, sustainable, nonGMO, antibiotic-free, freeMICHELE range” farmers and AAVANG those who farm using conventional methods.

Tammy, you don’t have to choose a side. The recent round of fear-based marketing, most prominently displayed by Chipotle’s new advertising campaign, will have you believe there is only one correct choice and that it must be the one with the most adjectives attached.

It’s beyond annoying to me when one method of production is misrepresented and put down to make another look good. This tactic is being used not only by major food retailers like the burrito purveyor, but by farmers against one another.

I would suggest that there is room for all types of production methods in today’s agriculture and that they can peacefully coexist.

The reality is there are plenty of

markets for farmers today.

Consumers have a variety of desires and demands, from budget to niche related. We also can’t overlook the fact that we’re facing a very real global population explosion. It will take all farmers, large and small, organic and conventional, doing what they do best, to feed it.

A farmer makes the decision on what kind of crop to grow and how to grow it based on a multitude of factors, which include location, facilities, resources, market opportunities, availability of labor, personal preference, etc.

Here we have a herd of 60 beef cows. It’s that size because of the amount of land and the quality of land we have available.

The decision about how to market our beef, which is directly to consumers, was made based on the fact that we’re physically located in a fairly populous and prosperous area between two major population centers, Chicago and Rockford.

I have friends who raise cattle in North Dakota in a remote rural area literally 100 miles from the nearest Starbucks and 80 miles from a McDonald’s.

Marketing direct to consumers is not an option for them.

They also have about 10 times the number of cows I have because they have more land and more labor available. It’s not better or worse than what we’re doing here.

I choose not to use growth promotants in my beef because my cus-

tomers tell me they want it that way. My cattle grow a little slower and require more feed. The cost of that feed is passed along to the consumer.

I’m very aware there are people who can’t afford my beef. That’s OK and I’m happy there is more affordable beef in large retail stores available to them. I would never suggest that there’s anything wrong with the less expensive beef raised in a different manner.

The bottom line is that I have found a market for my beef, while other farmers have a market for less expensive, efficiently-raised beef. Yet another group finds buyers who are willing to pay extra for the organic label. We find what works best for our own farms.

I also market my beef as “natural.”

I’m able to fit my production methods to the demands of my clientele. They tell me that “local” and “natural” are important to them; they don’t have strong feelings about “organic.”

They do like to know the money they’re spending is staying in the county. They want to have a relationship with their farmer and to know how and where their food is raised. I’m happy to comply.

If things change and price or something else should become the priority, I will have to adapt my production methods accordingly.

To consumers who are struggling with food choices, I say pick whatever works best for YOU. Buy what you want given your own budget and preferences.

Delving into state policy, working with legislators

This winter provided me with lots of time on my hands — too much according to my wife.

I took advantage of the extra time this winter to get better acquainted with the governmental affairs side of Illinois Farm Bureau.

I was taken aback by all the policies making their way through the Illinois statehouse that IFB has taken a JIM stance on.

HOPKINS Some of them are harmful to Illinois agriculture, while others will help benefit Illinois ag.

While many of those bills will not make it to the floor for a vote, it is still so important to stay in contact with your state and federal representatives to make sure that you stay informed on bills, and to let them know how you feel about the bills and how they

can affect you.

Recently our Kendall County Farm Bureau Young Leaders invited our local state Rep. John Anthony, R-Morris, to our meeting. He appreciated being invited and was very impressed with our involvement in the community. He also was impressed with our understanding of local government and the current issues we face.

I believe the most important thing our group took from the meeting was the significance of making those contacts and the power of one phone call or email.

While IFB talks to representatives at the state and fed-

eral level all the time and explains our position as a whole, one contact by one person from a representative’s district will trump or solidify the IFB position. One phone call or email from someone in a representative’s district is very powerful because it is from a real person he or she represents.

That is why FB Act is so important. I’ll admit it, I used to think that I did not need to contact my legislators because IFB was speaking for me, explaining my thoughts and feelings.

Now I know the only way to support everything IFB does in the political arena is to contact my representative and back IFB up on its position.

Then I call everyone I know and ask them to do the same.

Jim Hopkins of Yorkville represents District 5 on the Illinois Farm Bureau Young Leader Committee.

Stay on top of Young Leader news by visiting {ilfbyl.wordpress.com}.

I start my day the same way farmers and ranchers all across the country do. Getting up and checking our animals, making sure they’re comfortable and secure with plenty of feed, water and a dry place to rest.

Our livestock comes first no matter the adjectives attached to the label. No choice there.

Michele Aavang of Woodstock serves as president of the McHenry County Farm Bureau.

A longer version appeared Feb. 21 on her blog Willow Lea Stock Farm online at {willowleastockfarm.wordpress.com}. Reprinted with permission.

Dietary guidelines blur sustainability Congress directed the secretaries of agriculture and health and human services to publish dietary guidelines containing “nutritional and dietary information and guidelines for the general public.”

In developing the 2015 Dietary Guidelines, the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (DGAC) decided to incorporate the concept of sustainability into the JOHN guidelines.

BLOCK Sustainability in food production is an important issue. However, dietary guidelines are not the place for it -– sustainability is outside of the mandate from Congress.

Not to be deterred, however, the DGAC created a subcommittee on food sustainability and safety to “develop and maintain a food system that is safe and sustainable to ensure current and future food security.”

Here they come. The socially elite foodies intent on telling us how to farm.

Predictably, at the most recent DGAC meeting, the sole presenter on sustainability wast-

ed no time in pushing the vegetarian and organic agenda, and overlooked all of the benefits science and technology in agriculture bring to reduce water and pesticide use, and address volatile weather conditions.

The presenter barely mentioned future food security, and conveniently ignored the inconvenient truth that the world faces an immense food security challenge — feeding an additional 2 billion people by 2050.

It is sad and ironic that while the U.S. Congress prepares to unveil a statue of Norman Borlaug (scheduled for Tuesday), who pioneered and championed agricultural research to spur the Green Revolution that saved hundreds of millions of lives, the DGAC has veered off course and is attempting to turn back the clock to the day of small-scale, insufficient farming.

The DGAC would best serve the American public by focusing on its mission of providing the American people with nutrition and dietary information.

John Block, former U.S. agriculture secretary from Gilson and a hog farmer from Knox County, serves as a senior policy adviser with the Washington, D.C., firm of Olsson, Frank, Weeda and Terman.