Farmweek may 11, 2015

Rollo Burnett knows how to control soil erosion on his Massac County farmland. page 3

A Western Illinois University study looks at the need for tornado debris cleanup plans for farms. page 4

Farmers can expect to see lower oil, gas and diesel fuel prices throughout the rest of the year. page 5

U.S. Senators urge EPA to stop delaying RFS Monday, May 11, 2015

BY DEANA STROISCH FarmWeek

Periodicals: Time Valued

Six U.S. Senators, including Illinois’ Dick Durbin, called on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) last week to stop delaying the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS).

The delays have prompted biodiesel plants to close or halt production, and put the country’s energy independence and environment at risk, the senators said.

“There’s no excuse for what we’ve been going through for the last how many years?

Two-and-ahalf, three years. It’s time for a decision,” said Durbin, DSpringfield.

“How can you Dick Durbin build an industry? How can you make capital investments? How can you create jobs with so much uncertainty?”

Joining Durbin at a press conference were Democratic Sens. Heidi Heitkamp of North Dakota, Maria Cantwell of Washington, Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire, Al Franken of Minnesota and Mazie Hirono of Hawaii.

Two sections Volume 43, No. 19

“We’ve been working on this a long time,” Heitkamp said.

“We can only express the height of our disappointment with delay after delay after delay.”

The EPA last month said it will announce proposed 2014, 2015 and 2016 RFS volume requirements by June 1 and make final rules on those obligations by Nov. 30.

EPA’s proposal to reduce 2014 renewable volume obligations by 1.4 billion gallons was met with widespread opposition. The proposal, first introduced in 2013, has yet to be finalized.

“2014 was poised to be a breakout year for biodiesel,” said Kent Engelbrecht, trade manager of biodiesel for Archer Daniels Midland (ADM).

Then came EPA’s 2014 proposal, he said.

“With a subsequent expiration of the biodiesel tax credit, we were forced to cease or slow production at all of our facilities,” he said.

ADM produces more than 200 million gallons of biodiesel per year at four facilities using soy and canola oil as feedstock. These plants directly support about 1,000 jobs, Engelbrecht said.

The delays only deter additional investment.

“Like many industries, American biodiesel requires

certainty in order to plan for production in the next year.

We believe the market can get back on track, but it needs a

JUST KIDDING AROUND

clear signal from the EPA that it can count on a reliable, consistently growing RFS,” he said.e

A friendly goat takes center stage among visiting elementary students during Olympia Community School District’s annual Ag Day last week at the high school in Stanford. About 240 elementary students from across the central Illinois school district learned about agriculture, livestock, plants and safety. Sixty high school agriculture and science students, including 35 FFA members, staffed learning stations and assisted students. Kathryn Justus teaches agriculture and serves as the FFA chapter adviser.

(Photo by Cyndi Cook)

Bird flu creeps closer to Illinois; farmers on alert

BY DANIEL GRANT FarmWeek

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), or bird flu, continues to hover around Illinois like waterfowl around a pond.

HPAI as of last week spread to 14 states, including bordering states Missouri, Iowa and Wisconsin.

But no cases of HPAI were reported in Illinois as of Thursday.

“Poultry and egg farmers are on high alert for any signs of the disease in their flocks,” said Ken Koelkebeck, state poultry specialist at the University of Illinois.

Poultry losses due to the virus last week escalated to an estimated 21 mil-

lion birds. Those not killed by the virus were euthanized in an attempt to contain HPAI. The virus spreads via migratory bird movements and also by human-to-bird contact such as manure, dust, equipment or feed trucks, among other vectors.

“It affects all poultry. The caveat is ducks and geese don’t show any symptoms,” Koelkebeck said. “In fact, they become carriers of the virus that eventually affects domestic poultry.”

Domestic poultry stricken by HPAI show signs ranging from various flu symptoms to discoloration or gasping for air.

“Once a flock contracts HPAI, 70 percent of the birds die within about

three days,” Koelkebeck said. “So, by the time you figure out what’s going on, three quarters of your birds are dead.”

The industry and state officials, therefore, continue to take steps to try to keep HPAI from spreading to Illinois.

Poultry producers are advised to restrict bird movements and interaction with wild birds, limit the number of people who enter poultry buildings, and sanitize facilities and equipment.

The Illinois Department of Agriculture continues to work with businesses, bird owners and zoos to reduce the risk of bird flu.

HPAI so far does not affect humans.

It also does not compromise food safety.

Quick Takes

FarmWeek • Page 2 • Monday, May 11, 2015

RADIO NETWORK FOCUSES ON FARM SAFETY — Listen to your favorite RFD Radio Network® affiliate and remain safe during spring planting season. The network features new farm safety public service announcements launched by the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA).

The announcements emphasize potential dangers for farmers and the public on the farm and on the road.

According to IDOA Director Philip Nelson, the farm safety campaign serves as one way the department reminds the public that safety will help Illinois’ farmers deliver products “From Our Farms to your Families.”

“Illinois farmers work with heavy machinery, livestock, hazardous materials, and in potentially dangerous environments like grain elevators and processing facilities,” said Nelson. “Safety is paramount each and every day because workplace injuries on a farm can be deadly.”

Senate OKs bill to improve transmission line notices

BY KAY SHIPMAN FarmWeek

On a 55-0 vote, the Illinois Senate last week passed legislation that will better inform impacted landowners about electric transmission line projects.

Illinois Farm Bureau supports SB 1726 sponsored by Sen. Chapin Rose, RMahomet.

The legislation changes the notification requirements and other protections for landowners whose property may be impacted by a transmission line project.

“These changes will better inform landowners and allow them to be more engaged in the Illinois Commerce Commission’s (ICC) review of proposed electric transmission lines that involve their private property rights. We are very appreciative of all the work Sen. Rose has done on this issue,” said Bill Bod-

(ISSN0197-6680) Vol. 43 No. 19 May 11, 2015 Dedicated to improving the profitability of farming, and a higher quality of life for Illinois farmers.

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ine, IFB associate director of state legislation.

“There’s still more to be done, but this is a definite step forward and an improvement in transparency,” Rose told FarmWeek. He called IFB “a driving force on this issue” and thanked the organization for its involvement to protect landowners.

The legislation proposes to improve notification of landowners in the proposed right-of-way of a transmission line under the normal and expedited review processes by requiring the ICC to send notices by registered mail.

After the ICC approves a project, the utility company would have to notify landowners between three and 15 days before starting survey work or land use studies on their land, allowing landowners to be aware and present during the activity.

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Earl Williams Jr., new District 2 Illinois Farm Bureau Board director, tunes up his bicycle for a spring training ride. The corn and soybean farmer has participated in at least 10 Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom bike rides. (Photo by Cyndi Cook)

New director pedals great lengths for agriculture In the Boundary Waters Canoe Area of northern Minnesota, farmer Earl Williams Jr. paddled 45 miles and portaged another four miles on a trip with his wife and friends.

He loves the tranquility in this national wilderness area, banned of motorized boats and hotels. The weeklong canoeing and camping retreat offers a level of peacefulness beyond the starry night sky above his Winnebago County farm.

“It’s so quiet that your ears almost hurt from the lack of noise,” he said. “It’s fun to do something different than what we would normally do on the farm.”

Williams serves as the new District 2 director on the Illinois Farm Bureau board. District 2 includes Boone, Carroll, Jo Daviess, Ogle, Stephenson and Winnebago counties. He farms 1,100 acres of corn and soybeans in the Cherry Valley area with his wife, Arlene.

They have three grown daughters, Emily, Megan and Lauren.

Williams comes to the board following a 10-year stint as president of the WinnebagoBoone Farm Bureau.

The University of Illinois agricultural engineering graduate first worked for Cargill in

Minneapolis before he returned to the farm in 1978.

They raised their daughters on the farmstead his parents started farming in 1947. Their farm weathered economic hardships in the 1980s; they raised hogs until disease and infrastructure concerns ended their livestock production in 1995.

“I still miss the hogs and appreciate what it means to be a livestock producer,” Williams said.

His engineering background has proved handy on the farm.

He constructed his own grain dryer, a story that follows the tune of the Johnny Cash song, “One Piece at a Time,” he said.

Williams combined parts from three grain dryers to build an efficient machine that keeps pace with his eight-row combine. Self-sufficiency spills into typical field applications as well. He operates a 100 percent no-till farm to reduce labor demands and preserve soil.

On the farm, his morning starts with coffee and the Washington Post online to stay politically aware. When time allows, he likes to bike and has participated in the Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom bike ride at least 10 times.

Without intention, his leadership experiences on several

boards involved multiple management mergers, such as the Illinois Soybean Association with the soybean checkoff board, and the combination of Boone County and Winnebago County Farm Bureaus. Even his small church merged with a larger church in Rockford during his tenure.

“Agriculture has been good to me, and I’d like to return some of the benefits I’ve received. I have had a lot of interesting experiences,” said Williams. “I have always felt that how successful farmers are depends not only what they do on their side of the farm gate, but also what they do on the other side of the farm gate. I hope to have a positive impact on those factors that affect how farmers operate.”

Illinois Farm Bureau President Richard Guebert Jr. recently urged members of Congress to support a U.S. House bill that would develop uniform, voluntary labeling standards for genetically modified food.

Guebert said H.R. 1599, the Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act, would make food labeling uniform and science-based.

“More than 30 state legislatures, including the Illinois Gen-

eral Assembly, are considering mandatory GMO food labeling bills,” Guebert wrote to members of Congress. “If passed, they would create a hodgepodge of confusing food labels that would add $500 per year to the average American family’s grocery bill.”

The bill could be discussed in the House before Memorial Day. A companion bill hasn’t been filed in the Senate.

U.S. Rep. Mike Pompeo, R-Kan., introduced a similar bill last year.

The legislation, if passed, would: • Ask food companies to notify the Food and Drug Administration before marketing any new genetically modified food products.

• Develop uniform voluntary labeling standards.

• Pre-empt state and local food labeling mandates.

• Establish a USDA certification program for non-genetically modified foods.

BY JOANIE STIERS FarmWeek

IFB urges passage of GMO labeling bill

BY DEANA STROISCH

Nelson names one director for both Illinois state fairs Page 3 • Monday, May 11, 2015 • FarmWeek

BY KAY SHIPMAN FarmWeek

Massac County Farm Bureau President Rollo Burnett controls soil erosion and retains nutrients with grassed waterways and dry dams, shown behind Burnett, on his highly erodible land near Metropolis. (Photos by Kay Shipman)

Keeping soil, nutrients in place on highly erodible land Editor’s note: FarmWeek’s ongoing series, entitled Nutrients Matter, shares farmers’ expertise and practices with a goal of enhancing nutrient management.

BY KAY SHIPMAN FarmWeek

Rollo Burnett controls water runoff and soil erosion with an extensive system of grassed waterways, terraces, dry dams, no-till and minimum tillage on his fields near Metropolis.

The Massac County Farm Bureau president’s stewardship restored highly erodible land once scarred by gullies as deep as 8 feet. Burnett shakes his head thinking of the topsoil, subsoil — and nutrients that once washed away.

“I know it looks like I’m terrace and dry dam crazy, but it works,” he said with a laugh. In fact, Burnett installed so many dry dams he reconsiders his first estimate of 30 could be “on the low side” after viewing eight dry dams installed on one 40-acre field. The system includes three miles of terraces.

Burnett considers nutrient

NUTRIENTS MATTER

plant several hundred acres of cover crops to protect the topsoil and retain nutrients.

He now monitors available nitrogen in his fields through GROWMARK Inc.’s participation in the N-Watch program.

Through N-Watch, nitrogen levels are measured over time in the upper and 2-foot soil profiles. Soil samples to inventory residual nitrogen are taken periodically after harvest, until the ground freezes, and then in the spring to measure residual nitrogen.

This year, Burnett also joined an on-farm nutrient loss and field tile study conducted by Rachel Cook, Southern Illinois University-Carbondale assistant soil fertility professor. The study includes measuring corn yield impacts of nitrogen rates

ranging from 150 to 250 pounds per acre.

Those newest practices and trials come on top of Burnett’s longtime use of no-till and minimum tillage “to increase organic matter in the topsoil, retain nutrients and not lose soil,” he noted.

Southern FS Inc. conducts regular soil fertility tests on 2acre grids. Those results determine variable rates of nutrients, which the Burnetts apply themselves. Burnett may explore other application methods, possibly injection, in the future. “We’re wanting to study and see the value,” he offered. “We want to see if we can improve our nutrient use, have it be more stable and have less loss.”

Driving by a field, Burnett mentions different management practices. “This is rented land, but I try to take care of everything I farm,” he said.

to hear an interview with Illinois Ag Director Philip Nelson.

Aug. 28 through Sep. 7.

As planning for both fairs is well under way, Buchen will step in immediately to oversee operations for both events, according to the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA).

Buchen holds certification in exposition management from the International Association of Exhibitions and Events.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from Monmouth College.

In the spring legislative session, IDOA seeks legislation that would allow corporate funding for capital improvements on the fairgrounds to fix aging facilities and to modernize both sites, Nelson said.

Buchen will be a guest Wednesday on RFD Radio Network’s “RFD Today” program.

ICC grants more time on transmission line project

to watch a video of Rollo Burnett’s soilsaving practices.

stewardship and management as farmers’ major issue. “It’s going to affect everybody,” he said.

“I’m concerned more people don’t want to be involved (in the voluntary statewide Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy). ‘Let somebody else do it. I’m not going to.’ This is the biggest issue facing modern agriculture,” he continued.

On the 5,500 acres Burnett farms, he layers conservation and best management practices — and continues to explore new ideas.

Last fall for the first time, he planted 50 acres of tillage radishes as a cover crop and was pleased the 1.5-inch diameter radishes grew a 10-inch tap root. This fall, Burnett may

For the first time, one person will manage the Illinois State Fair and the DuQuoin State Fair, Illinois Agriculture Director Philip Nelson announced last week.

A native of Fulton County, Patrick Buchen, 63, previously served as Indiana State Fair executive director, president of IndianapoPatrick Buchen lis-based HSI Show Productions and Texas Longhorn Cattle Breeders Association executive director.

Nelson told FarmWeek he focused on a state fair manager who had fair experience along with strong marketing and communication skills to market the fairs’ venues year round.

“Combining management of the two fairs makes sense,” Nelson said. “I think there are efficiencies to be gained in negotiating venues, such as the grandstand, in procurement for supplies.

“In addition, we think we have the expertise on staff here who can help on the nonfair side to try to keep facilities operated as much as we can away from the 10day (fair) events,” Nelson added.

As a farm youngster, Buchen and his family spent many hours in the Illinois State Fair livestock barns and his 4-H projects of

sheep, hogs and cattle.

“As an event professional, I have dealt with all facets of show management,” Buchen said in a prepared statement. “I truly believe to meet the demands of the event industry, creativity is paramount in order to present something new and fresh year after year while still delivering familiarity. I love agriculture and the fair business, so becoming manager of the state fairs in Illinois is a dream come true.”

The Illinois State Fair runs Aug. 13-23 followed by the DuQuoin State Fair

Burnett plants into soybean and wheat residue on his no-till corn and soybean fields. He applies nitrogen with variable rate technology and is monitoring remaining nitrogen levels in fields through the N-Watch program.

Nutrient notes Consider the following to control erosion and manage nutrients on highly erodible land: • Use grassed waterways, terraces and dry dams to control water runoff and soil erosion; • No-till and minimum tillage protects topsoil with residue and retains nutrients in fields; • Test soil to determine soil fertility needs and vary applications accordingly; and • Try new management practices and technology to explore the application for individual fields.

The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) last week granted a 75-day extension on a filing by Grain Belt Express Clean Line LLC, according to Laura Harmon, Illinois Farm Bureau Office of the General Counsel.

Grain Belt Express Clean Line proposes to build a 780-mile long transmission line that will transport wind energy from western Kansas to utilities and customers in Missouri, Illinois, Indiana and states farther east. In Illinois, the project would cover about 206 miles from west to east across central Illinois.

In April, the IFB Board voted to intervene in the case before the ICC. Last week, the ICC granted IFB’s petition to intervene as well as other parties’ petitions. Along the proposed Illinois route, several county Farm Bureau boards oppose the project. IFB will be a formal participant and will provide information to county Farm Bureau managers and leaders in impacted counties. — Kay Shipman

Do emergency plans cover urban tornado debris on farmland?

FarmWeek • Page 4 • Monday, May 11, 2015

BY KAY SHIPMAN FarmWeek

When a tornado spreads urban debris across farmland, local officials and emergency responders would benefit from farm-specific strategies apparently missing from emergency management plans, according to a Western Illinois University (WIU) researcher. Two central Illinois emergency management directors, both state emergency association leaders, offered different views on that gap in tornado response plans.

WIU professor Jack Rozdilsky and graduate student Devin Wombles developed an eightstep strategy for cleaning tornado debris from farmland based on the aftermath of the 2012 Harrisburg and 2013 Washington tornadoes. Rozdilsky added what occurred “was not purposeful oversight or ... anyone making a mistake; there was so much to deal with.”

With a strategy, “at least we have a start to make order from disorder,” said Rozdilsky, who also coordinates WIU’s emergency management program.

Rozdilsky and Wombles presented their research and strategy (see accompanying story) at a February National Torna-

Strategy for farmland debris cleanup

Tornado debris scattered in a cornfield near a Washington housing development in 2013. Western Illinois University researchers found emergency management plans lack strategies to remove urban tornado debris from farmland, despite contingencies for other debris removal.

(FarmWeek file photo)

do Summit in Oklahoma City, where a tornado hit last week.

Rozdilsky said he and Wombles searched, but couldn’t find guidance or debris management plans outlining tornado debris removal from farmland. “The argument we are making is the emergency management community needs greater awareness of farmers and their debris after a tornado,” he added.

Dawn Cook, Tazewell County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) director and second vice president of

the Illinois Emergency Services Management Association (IESMA), supports farm-specific debris plans. “It’s (a tornado) something that doesn’t happen every day nor is it at the forefront of their (local officials’) minds. I think it’s great they put this (farm strategy) together, especially for rural communities ... It’s great to have something to go by,” said Cook.

Although the county EMA doesn’t “get down to the details of each municipality’s plans,” Cook said she didn’t think Washington had such a strategy

Protecting your field is our scout’s honor.

Western Illinois University professor Jack Rozdilsky and graduate student Devin Wombles developed an eight-step strategy for removing tornado debris from farmland.

Initial impact: The immediate focus involves helping victims and damage to farm home, farmstead and equipment.

Damage estimate: Start analysis on extent of tornado damage to farmland to guide cleanup efforts. Collect data, such as the extent of debris on the farm, volume of debris and considerations needed related to the farming season.

Designate collection points: Isolate and collect very large debris, such as roof trusses, parts of walls and damaged vehicles. Designate centralized collection points with piles or dumpsters to minimize travel across fields and compaction.

Reduce volume: Truck dumpsters to landfills, burn debris where appropriate and recycle to reduce debris volume and get debris off-site.

Sweep: Focus shifts to removing medium-sized debris that fits in a 5-gallon bucket. Use tractors pulling landscape rakes and teams of individuals walking fields to collect and remove debris.

Designate graze zoning: Use survey flags to mark zones, about the size of a city lot, for collection of smaller “litter-sized” debris.

Intensive graze collection: Intensive labor to collect such small dangerous debris as nails, glass fragments, shingles and metal. Workers may need magnets and hand rakes.

Final close inspection: The farmer completes a close inspection of smaller zone areas to ensure fields are suitable to resume farming.

in place before a massive tornado hit, but believes one was developed.

However, McLean County EMA Director Curtis Hawk, new IESMA president, noted every county and some municipalities write management plans for debris removal and separation. “Most counties should have that written into their plans,” Hawk said of plans to remove housing development debris from neighboring farmland.

When an EF-4 tornado severely damaged both the Gallatin and Saline County Farm Bureau buildings, local officials and residents seemed confused about who to call and what steps to take, according to Livingston County Farm Bureau Manager Jody Hughes, who managed both county Farm Bureaus in 2012. “Kids from two or three schools walked the fields (collecting debris). I think that was the only help.

Our situation was just FFA groups (helping),” Hughes recalled.

“If there’s a plan in place, it would help calm people. I think

having a plan in place would be helpful,” she said, adding a plan would direct volunteer efforts.

Rozdilsky, who has a background in crop and soil science and Extension work, points out farmland presents a different type of debris field compared to urban ones. He said the greatest need for strategic plans surfaces in areas where urban development and farm fields exist side by side. “In farming and urban interface issues, this may be a new category,” he said.

“When we look at rural communities, they help themselves and find a way to deal with problems,” Rozdilsky said.

“When we have an EF-4 tornado (as in Washington and Harrisburg), it’s out of the ordinary, and above and beyond what an individual” can resolve.

Rozdilsky offered to speak to county Farm Bureaus, local officials and emergency responders about farm-specific tornado debris planning. He may be contacted by emailing JL-Rozdilsky@wiu.edu.

Miller Farms of Campbell Hill, a Jackson County specialty farm, kicks off the summer twilight series May 18 from 6 to 8 p.m. Participants may attend free, but must register in advance by Friday.

Register online at {https:// web.extension.illinois.edu/reg istration/?RegistrationID=122 24} or by calling 618-382-2662.

The University of Illinois Extension and area farmers plan four twilight meetings to highlight diverse farm enter-

prises in southern Illinois.

John Miller planted his first plasticulture strawberries in the fall of 2008 and has continued to develop and diversify his operation. He sells products on the wholesale market as well as direct marketing via an on-farm stand.

Miller will discuss his marketing strategies and production practices for plasticulture strawberries, blueberries, low-tunnel tomatoes and eggs.

Jackson County farm hosting twilight meeting

At FS, we’re focused on crop performance. Our certified crop specialists will identify environmental conditions, crop growth stage and plant development to make agronomically sound recommendationss for each of your fields. It’’ss our goal goa to maximize every acre you farm and protect the local environment nment so you’re ready for what’’ss next. ne

www w.fssystem.com

TM

©2013 GROWMARK, Inc. A14140

Analyst expects fuel, oil prices to remain flat

Page 5 • Monday, May 11, 2015 • FarmWeek

BY DANIEL GRANT FarmWeek

Crude oil prices garnered attention in recent weeks by rallying to a high near $60 per barrel so far this year.

and listen to energy analyst Tim Hess’ outlook for fuel prices.

But that’s still a drop in the bucket compared to prices the previous five years.

And it appears the recent price trend for oil, along with gasoline and diesel fuel, will hold this year and continue to provide relief for motorists, farmers, truckers and other industrial users.

“We have seen some strength

(in the oil market) recently, but it’s still well below levels of the previous five years,” Tim Hess, analyst with the Energy Information Administration (EIA), told FarmWeek.

“We expect crude oil prices will stay relatively flat at the current levels through summer and then rise slightly into 2016.”

EIA projects oil prices could average $52.48 per barrel this year, down considerably from last year’s average price of $93.26 per barrel.

Gasoline prices in recent months increased from previous lows and are expected to average between $2.50 and $2.60 per gallon nationwide this summer, still down considerably from last summer’s average price of $3.59 per gallon.

“(Gasoline) prices are higher than earlier this year but still lower than in the past few years,” Hess said. “Diesel (prices) are a little bit higher, but generally the same story.”

EIA expects diesel prices nationwide could average between $2.70 and $2.80 per gallon from June through August compared to $3.83 last year.

Fuel and oil prices could creep higher into 2016 as production dips slightly and demand continues to grow, according to Hess.

Weekly crude oil stocks recently declined for the first time since November.

“We had large global inventory builds (that led to the sharp decline in oil prices),” Hess said.

“We look for supplies to drop

a bit and for demand to come up.”

EIA projects prices next year could rise to $70 per barrel for oil, $2.73 per gallon for gasoline and back above $3 for diesel fuel.

Meanwhile, EIA also expects the use of natural gas for power generation will continue to displace the use of coal.

Production of electricity from coal could slip 7 percent in the coming year.

“We are expecting natural gas use for electricity to increase this year by 11 to 12 percent,” Hess said.

Long term, EIA projects U.S. energy imports and exports could come into balance in the next decade for the first time since the 1950s.

cific exemption amounts under which a farmer can self-certify plans or be completely exempt from compliance within a year.

The exemption would be no less than 2,500 gallons and no more than 6,000 gallons. Previously, only farms with capacity of less than 1,320 gallons were exempt.

IFB supported the change.

“A number of farmers store significant amounts of fuel and oil on their farm,” said Lauren Lurkins, IFB’s director of environmental and natural resources. “Under the old rules, they were required to comply with the SPCC plans. Under the new rules, likely many peo-

ple no longer have to have one.

“Farmers will have to look more closely at this criteria to see if they need a plan.”

EPA issued a three-page fact sheet to help farmers determine if their farm must comply with SPCC. Go to FarmWeekNow.com to access the fact sheet.

‘We have seen some strength recently, but it’s still well below levels of the previous five years.’

— Tim Hess Energy Information Administration analyst

New rules for aboveground fuel storage tanks in works

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) plans to revamp regulations for farmers with aboveground fuel storage tanks, as authorized by the Water Resources Reform and Development Act (WRRDA).

A study to determine which farms will be exempt from the Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasures (SPCC) should be finished next month.

SPCC rules require farms that meet certain storage capacity to develop plans to prevent spills and to clean up

after one, among other requirements.

The rules didn’t apply to farms until 2013. Illinois Farm Bureau and the American Farm Bureau Federation raised concerns about the effect the new rules would have on farmers.

WRRDA, signed into law a year ago, relaxed the rules.

Under WRRDA, EPA and USDA must determine the spe-

While consumer demand for edamame or vegetable soybean continues to increase in the U.S., it’s not widely grown in this country.

Edamame imported from Asia appears to dominate the American market.

Marty Williams, an ecologist with USDA’s Agricultural Research Service, discovered one reason Illinois farmers may not want to plant edamame.

During three years of field trials using 136 edamame lines from 22 different commercial and private sources, Williams observed that seed germination and emergence of edamame is poorer than that of grain-type soybeans.

“That’s a real challenge,” Williams said. “What makes a seed delicious to eat can make for a miserable seed to produce a plant.”

The researchers also found that seedlings of edamame, once or “if ” emerged, tend to grow quicker than grain-type soybeans. “This is also good to know as it may have implications related to weeds,” Williams said.

Along with emergence, plant size and seed traits, the edamame lines also underwent a basic “sensory evaluation.”

This included characteristics essential to keeping the discriminating consumer happy: two to three seeds per pod, green pods and seeds, no blemishes, a smooth seed texture and seeds with a sweet, nutty flavor.

Of the 136 lines tested, twelve lines from eight sources passed all criteria.

Williams said his team will continue to work on the emergence issue. “Emergence must be improved,” he said. “Some of that may require efforts in plant breeding, but it may also mean we need to grow the crop a bit differently than grain-type soybeans, too.”

Edamame seeds contain all the essential amino acids, which is unique to a vegetable crop.

It ranks high in dietary fiber, and most of the fats in edamame are unsaturated.

Often marketed as a healthy snack food, edamame requires minimal processing and preparation.

BY DEANA STROISCH FarmWeek

Edamame challenges studied

FarmWeek • Page 6 • Monday, May 11, 2015 Brian Sisson, Belvidere, Boone County: After the fast and furious week last week, planting for the 2015 crop has come to a halt after last Sunday and Monday night’s rains. We received just less than 2.5 inches of rain at the farm during the two rainfalls. Most of the area appears to be about 80 percent done with corn planting, and a few guys did get a start on soybeans last weekend (May 2-3). I expect to see a lot of corn start to emerge over the weekend. It looks like planting will stay at a standstill by the looks of the seven-day forecast. Stay safe this spring.

Pete Tekampe, Grayslake, Lake County: We received almost 2 inches of rain Monday (May 4) and Tuesday. Corn is about 75 percent planted with the early corn starting to spike. I finished Saturday (May 2), along with several others. Not many beans are planted yet because of cool ground temperatures. Last week, we had frost four of the seven days and even the grass was white. Winter wheat really looks good due to the warm weather the last few days. Oats are also looking good. Hay and grass really grew with the heat. They are calling for rain five of the next seven days. I hope they are wrong.

Remember to be safe.

Leroy Getz, Savanna, Carroll County: All planting and fieldwork came to a halt before noon Sunday (May 3). We received 2.3 inches of rain and we received an additional 2.5 inches Tuesday. Soils are now saturated. Temperatures in the 80-degree range have the hay and pastures growing fast. With more rain in the forecast, it doesn’t look like any planting will happen for several more days.

Ryan Frieders, Waterman, DeKalb County: After 1.4 inches of rain last Monday night, fieldwork stopped. Field conditions are just getting favorable again, but rain is in the forecast.

Corn planting is about 50 percent complete. The earliest planted corn is finally emerging from the soil. We have not started planting any soybeans yet.

Larry Hummel, Dixon, Lee County: Rain, rain, rain.

Sunday and Monday (May 3 and 4) totaled more than 3 inches. By Thursday evening, rain settled in for what is forecast to be five days of showers and thunderstorms. Needless to say, there wasn’t any fieldwork done, except for the long process Thursday afternoon of trying to get some narrow rows planted in a seed corn field. Earlyplanted corn has emerged and looks good.

I even have some soybeans that are just about to poke through.

Ken Reinhardt, Seaton, Mercer County: A rainy week. I planted some corn and soybeans Thursday afternoon until more rain moved in.

Corn is emerging nicely and taking about eight days to do so. The first soybeans are close to emerging.

Ron Moore, Roseville, Warren County: We received more than 1 inch of rain last week. It really helped pasture conditions and corn emergence. The stand is very good at this point. We did finish planting soybeans Saturday (May 2). The soybeans should be up by this week. Planting is almost done in this area and post spraying should begin in a week or so. More rain is forecast again for the weekend and prospects for excellent yields in this area are very bright.

Jacob Streitmatter, Princeville, Peoria County: Corn planting should be around 90 percent complete around the area, and soybean progress is being made. Scattered rain fell across the area this week being too wet in the northern part of my territory to plant beans, but southern Peoria County was dry enough to plant on Thursday. The first goaround of corn has emerged and is looking pretty decent considering the cold weather it went through.

Tim Green, Wyoming, Stark County: Planting progress came to a halt this week. We had a nice rain. Some places on the west side of the county got a little more than a nice rain — they got a couple of inches in a very fast time and a little bit of flooding. Corn planting in the area is about 90 percent complete. Beans are just getting a good start, and I would guess probably in the 30 to 35 percent range. Soil conditions and moisture levels have been very good. Be safe.

Mark Kerber, Chatsworth, Livingston County: A few days of rain slowed down fieldwork last week. Rain amounts varied from heavy to very light in some areas. It was nice to see 80-degree temperatures help dry the soils and accelerate growth. Early-planted corn is up with great stands, and the lateplanted corn has yet to emerge.

Some beans have been planted. Rain is forecast for the weekend and then cooler temperatures. Our baby chickens are growing.

Ron Haase, Gilman, Iroquois County: We got all of our soybean fields planted before the rain arrived Monday and Tuesday (May 4-5). Most of our farms received 1 to 1.1 inches of rain being about equally divided between those two days.

With the 80-degree weather, all of corn has emerged, and the field planted one week ago appeared Thursday. Crops are growing fast. Most cornfields in the local area are at the V1 growth stage. Some fields were being planted Thursday afternoon. Our soybean fields are about to start emerging. This may cause us to switch herbicide plans as we can no longer spray a pre-emergence herbicide if we can’t get into the field to apply it. We are hoping to begin application Friday if the rain holds off long enough. The local closing prices for May 7 were nearby corn, $3.41; new-crop corn, $3.41; nearby soybeans, $9.65; new-crop soybeans, $9.13.

Brian Schaumburg, Chenoa, McLean County: Variable rainfall amounts from .3 of an inch to 1.3 inches and mid-80 degree heat has been very favorable for crop progress. Planting of corn is finished, and soybeans are more than 70 percent complete. Beans were finished Saturday (May 2), and all are emerged and looking great.

After this rain event, there will be a lot of post spraying ready to go. This is one of the best starts to a growing season and could lead to good vegetative growth for soybeans and early pollination for corn. Corn, $3.43, fall, $3.43; soybeans, $9.61, fall, $9.14; wheat, $4.13.

Steve Ayers, Champaign, Champaign County: We finished beans last Sunday (May 3) just ahead of what was supposed to be up to 1 inch of rain that turned out to be .09 Monday morning and .2 of an inch Monday night. Corn finally spiked through the ground Friday (May 1) when the temperatures soared into the 80s. We have been able to row corn quite well the last couple of days. Beans popped through the ground in a week, so we are off to a great start for the season. Rain is again in the forecast for Friday through Monday. After this week, most of the corn and beans in the neighborhood have been planted and are emerging. Let’s be careful out there!

Wilfred Dittmer, Quincy, Adams County: No, we have not floated away yet, but we received some much-needed rain Thursday afternoon. The gauge was showing at least 1 inch Thursday and it was still raining, so we can row the corn that is planted and get some population counts. I think corn planting would probably be at or near 80 percent locally. There have been a few soybeans put in the ground since last report. This little rain will bring that to a halt, too, as I never like to plant beans right before a rain. Seems like if you plant them at a correct depth of approximately ¾ of an inch, a rain will take them down too deep, and they will break their necks trying to get through. So, that’s about the latest for this week.

Carrie Winkelmann, Tallula, Menard County: Good weather conditions for the past week have almost put bean planting behind us. Ninety percent of soybeans are planted in our area and 100 percent of the corn is planted, and most of it will be up by the time you read this report. Things are looking green! Wet weather and lightning drove us out of the field Thursday night and looks to give everyone a nice break over the weekend. Hope you readers all treated your wives, mothers and grandmothers well for Mother’s Day! Tom Ritter, Blue Mound, Macon County: A lot of corn and beans went in the ground. Corn planting is virtually complete in this area. Soybean planting is more than 80 percent complete. The major concern has been the lack of moisture after struggling with wet conditions in April, at least in southern Macon County. May has become too dry. A lot of soybeans planted in marginal moisture. Rains forecast for this weekend could bring much-needed precipitation. Corn is two- to four-leaf stage and looking healthy, but it did have slower than normal emergence, taking 10 days to two weeks to come through the ground with the cooler soil temperatures.

The 80-degree temperatures this week solved the soil temperature problems, but the biggest fear is still the dry conditions. But we are off to a good and early start, and it won’t take long for farmers to wrap up what little remains to be planted.

Todd Easton, Charleston, Coles County: The hard run that we started last week is still going at the moment, but weather forecasters are predicting a likely end as storm fronts are predicted to come in with the weekend. But while it lasted, a lot of progress has been made and the corn crop seems to be all but finished. With the corn done, many producers have moved focus to soybean planting, which is already approaching half done in many parts of the county. We also have emergence of cornfields planted one week to three weeks ago. The warm weather encouraged them to all come out at once and for the most part stands look good.

A reasonable, slow rain would do some good for what is in the ground. Hopefully, that’s what we get.

Jimmy Ayers, New City, Sangamon County: We received anywhere from .3 to .8 of an inch of rain Thursday. It was a tremendous week for planting beans. The majority of the corn is finished. There was quite a few rotary hoes running in the area working on the corn that was struggling to get out of the ground. It had gotten pretty dry.

There are a few beans coming up that were planted early. There was actually some corn being replanted because it just didn’t have a good enough stand to make it. Overall, it was a very active week in Sangamon County.

Dave Hankammer, Millstadt, St. Clair County: What a difference warmer, drier weather can make in a week’s time. Despite forecasts of showers and storms, we received a trace of rain last week.

Daytime temperatures reached into the upper 80s aiding in the drying of damp fields and making fieldwork easier. Corn planters throughout the area could be seen working late into the night as farmers worked to catch up on corn plantings. The earliest planted corn can easily be seen down the row. Majority of the corn is planted with some farmers switching to soybean plantings. Hay making was successful due to the warmer, drier weather. Wheat fields continue to look good as the plants are extending the seed head and soon will be in the blooming stage. Local grain bids are corn, $3.59; soybeans, $9.86; wheat, $4.32. Have a safe week.

David Schaal, St. Peter, Fayette County: It’s been a warm week here, and humidity has increased. Many farmers finished with corn, and soybeans are entering the soil at a rapid pace. With all the sunshine and windy conditions, moisture is disappearing in a hurry.

Ground that gets broke open has to be worked to save the moisture ahead of the planter. Corn seems to be emerging quite well within six to seven days after planting. We are not totally begging for rain, but a slow inch would be welcome. Have a good week and keep safe.

Page 7 • Monday, May 11, 2015 • FarmWeek Doug Uphoff, Shelbyville, Shelby County: Corn planting is done, so I did a little dance with my grandson after I delivered a sandbox I made that he could farm in.

He said, “Papa, you have a cute little dance!” I’m afraid my wife and daughter disagreed. We are working on getting beans planted. Some are waiting for moisture before they plant. The ground is working terribly because of the dry spell we’ve been going through. Be careful out there and have a great week.

Dan Meinhart, Montrose, Jasper County: It has been a warm, dry week with highs in the 80s. Corn planting is getting close to being wrapped up. A few fields have even emerged. If there is any truth to the old saying “an abundance of maple seeds brings a good corn crop,” we should have quite a corn crop this fall as the maple seeds are super abundant. A lot of beans have gone into the ground. Some fields are getting pretty dry and could use a shower.

The wheat is looking good and is really growing. The flag leaf is coming out and will need to be sprayed with fungicide in the near future.

Showers are in the forecast for the weekend.

Kevin Raber, Browns, Wabash County: Fieldwork has progressed rapidly in the last two weeks. Dry, warm conditions have allowed most of the corn to be planted here locally. Early corn looks to have good emergence, even though it fought through colder air and soil temperatures.

Warmer temperatures have allowed later-planted corn to germinate quickly. There have also been several beans put in the ground. Soil conditions are getting a little dry, so hopefully, we will get some rain this weekend.

Randy Anderson, Galatia, Saline County: Corn planting is anywhere from done to almost wrapping up. Bean planting is starting to crank up, too. Hopefully, we get a shower this weekend. Some of the light dirt is getting dry and hard. No beans to be planted until it rains. Corn is emerging in six to seven days. The one thing each year that gets worse is drivers on the roads you meet when moving from farm to the field.

Just remind your friends that we’re trying to get to work, too, and we have a family at home just like they do.

Dean Shields, Murphysboro, Jackson County: I started planting beans Monday (May 4) along with the other farmers in Jackson County. The first corn that was planted is up, and the stands are good. Some of the farms switched from corn to milo. The wheat looks goods, and I saw a helicopter putting fungicide on.

Even though we had rain at first, Mother Nature has given us a good spring and no rain this week. Take care and have a safe planting season.

Ken Taake, Ullin, Pulaski County: It was a beautiful week for fieldwork in deep southern Illinois.

There has been no weather to keep us out of the field at all. The first time I can remember we had no breaks for weather from the start of planting corn until we finished. I think there have been a lot of crops planted in Pulaski County this past week. It is getting dry, and the hills are getting hard and dry and getting to the point where we could sure use a shower. Please be careful as we are in this busy season.

Farmers make up lost ground; forecast cooler and wet

BY DANIEL GRANT FarmWeek

So much for the slow start to corn planting.

A wa r m , d r y s t r e t ch o f weather the last week of April into the first part of this month provided farmers with an excell e n t o p p o r t u n i t y t o wo r k ground.

And did they ever pounce at the chance.

Fa r m e r s i n a o n e - w e e k stretch from April 27 to May 4 planted more than one-third of the corn crop in Illinois and nationwide.

“Minimal rain and war m temperatures allowed producers to advance corn planting 38 percentage points last week,” noted authors of the Illinois crop

progress and condition report issued by the National Agricultural Statistics Service.

Farmers during that same week also planted more than one-tenth of the soybean crop.

Corn planting as of the first of last week was 69 percent complete in Illinois, 22 points above average, and 55 percent complete nationwide, well above the average of 38 percent.

Soybean planting as of the first of last week was 12 percent complete in Illinois and 13 percent complete nationwide, 5 and 4 points ahead of the average pace, respectively.

Planting progress advanced the most in western Illinois, where it was dry until scattered but some heavy downpours of

Disease issues intensify in continuous crops

Farmers who plant continuous corn are used to risks such as increased disease and pest pressure.

The same principles apply to growers who shift to a somewhat new rotation, continuous soybeans, according to Randy Myers, Bayer CropScience fungicides product development manager.

“Last year we had a pullback in some corn acres and soybeans filled the gap,” Myers told FarmWeek. “Now we’re seeing more and more interest in continuous soybeans. It hasn’t been a widespread practice in the past.”

USDA expects U.S. farmers this spring will plant 89.2 million acres of corn, down 2 percent from last year, and a record 84.6 million acres of beans.

If realized, this will be the third straight year corn plantings decline nationwide.

Crop and input prices play a key role in determining what farmers plant. But there also have been reports of considerable yield losses on some continuous corn acres in recent years.

Some farmers, therefore, responded by planting more soybeans.

“Agronomic practices have shifted (to more fields of narrow rows, increased planting rates and reduced tillage),” Myers said. “All of this increases the ability of diseases to survive in a particular field.”

And many diseases survive on the residue of prior crops. So, fields with continuous crops typically increase the risk of at least some diseases.

But farmers should make informed decisions before applying fungicides to their crops.

“The most important thing is (farmers) should use products with multiple modes of action,” Myers said. “It helps protect the chemistry from resistance development and it broadens the performance on crops.”

A fungicide-resistant strain of frogeye leafspot has been verified in 12 states, he noted. This season, Myers looks for disease activity to ramp up as soils warm and crop growth speeds up.

Later-planted corn could be more vulnerable to infections, he added. — Daniel Grant

rain fell last week. Corn planting was 89 percent complete in

that portion of the state last week, while 25 percent of beans

were in the ground.

The least amount planted last week occurred in southeast and southwest Illinois, a wet part of the state, where just 33 percent of corn (southeast) and 5 percent of beans (southwest) got seeded.

Fieldwork activity could slow this week as a cooler, wetter pattern was forecast.

Accuweather.com as of Saturday put chances of rain in the forecast for four of the seven days this week.

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IFB urges FAA to rewrite proposed UAV rule

FarmWeek • Page 8 • Monday, May 11, 2015

BY DEANA STROISCH FarmWeek

Illinois Farm Bureau urged the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recently to revise its proposed rule governing the commercial use of small Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs).

IFB President Richard Guebert Jr. asked the FAA to allow UAVs to be flown at night and over people, and require operators to receive writRichard Guebert Jr. ten consent of the landowner or tenant, among other things. Guebert submitted three pages of comments on the FAA’s proposed rule.

“The responsible use of (UAVs) within a comprehensive, yet flexible, regulatory framework should not only be manageable and provide for continued air traffic safety, it would also enable farmers, ranchers and agribusiness professionals to take advantage of (UAV) technology that has the potential to revolutionize modern agriculture and more affordably feed the world, while safeguarding our natural resources,” he wrote.

Under the proposed rule, UAVs must weigh less than 55 pounds, can’t be operated at night and must be kept in the operator’s line of sight at all times. They cannot be flown faster than 87 knots or higher than 500 feet above ground level. They also cannot be flown over people, except

those directly involved with the flight. They also must be kept out of airport flight paths and restricted airspace areas.

Guebert addressed the following issues: • Visual line of sight requirements. IFB requested the requirement be changed for agricultural use if the UAV has “risk mitigation technologies,” such as firstperson view, flight termination or geomapping technology.

“We believe modified rules can be justified in certain situations in which (UAV) use would be over remote, relatively flat topographic areas, far from population bases,” he wrote.

• Daylight operation. IFB asked the requirement be lift-

ed for agriculture if the UAVs have sufficient lighting systems and are used in uncongested areas. Certain crop treatments also work best when applied after sunset, Guebert noted.

• Operating over people.

IFB requested the FAA allow UAV flights over farm workers in the same field as long as the workers know about the UAV use.

• Micro UA Classification.

IFB supports FAA’s consideration of a micro UA classification in which flying directly over persons not involved in the flight operation, such as farmhands, would be permitted. IFB also supports the development of micro UA classification in which a knowledge test, license and medical cer-

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tification would not be required.

• Operating limitations.

IFB requested an exemption for the proposed 500-foot flying height limit in remote farming areas.

• Operator certification.

IFB agrees a pilot license and medical certificate shouldn’t be required to operate a UAV. “However, we request that the FAA treat age eligibility to operate a (UAVs) in the same manner as farm equipment is governed, allowing individual state labor laws to take precedence.”

• Privacy and data collection. IFB says the UAV operator should be required to gain written consent of the landowner or tenant if surveying or gathering data above private property.

NRCS releases MRBI sign-up in priority watersheds

Farmers and forest landowners in two priority Illinois watersheds may apply for funds through the Mississippi River Basin Watersheds Initiative (MRBI), according to Ivan Dozier, state conservationist with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Illinois.

Interested applicants face two cutoff deadlines, June 19 and July 17, to compete for funding. The Crow Creek West-Clear Creek Watershed covers 74,693 acres in parts of Bureau, LaSalle, Marshall, Putnam and Stark counties.

The Vermilion Headwaters Watershed covers 254,319 acres in parts of Ford, Iroquois, Livingston and McLean counties.

Eligible farmers may apply for Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) funds, which may be used to install such conservation practices as cover crops, grassed waterways, terraces, and water and sediment control basins.

“MRBI offers the chance for us to really focus practices on land where it’s needed most,” Dozier said. “Applications within these watersheds have an improved chance of receiving funds. So if you’re in one of these areas and want some conservation work on your land, now is the time to do it.”

Eligible farmers should contact their local NRCS staff for details.

B

UREAU — Foundation Tractor Trek, 8 a.m. June 20 starting at the Farm Bureau office. Cost is $50. Call 875-6468 to register.

Proceeds will benefit the Ag in the Classroom program (AITC).

OOK — Food and Farm Forum May topic: Hops, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

May 18 at the Farm Bureau office. The Food and Farm Forum highlights topics focused on growing crops, raising animals, marketing and consumption of locally grown food products in Cook County agriculture. Cost is $5 for members and $10 for nonmembers. Email membershipdebbie@ cookcfb.org or call 708-354-3276 to register or for more information.

ENRY — AITC golf outing, 8 a.m. June 12 at Baker Park Golf Course, Kewanee. Foursomes are preferred. Call 937-2411 to register.

EE — Centennial celebration, 4:30 p.m. June 13 at the Elks Lodge in Dixon. Social hour, historic exhibits, dinner and a program will be included. Gerald Salzman and Katie Pratt will speak. Cost is $5. Call 8573531 by May 25 to register.

• AITC golf outing, 9 a.m.

June 26 at Chapel Hill Golf Course in Princeton. The tournament will be a shotgun start, four-person scramble.

Proceeds will benefit Bureau and Lee County AITC programs. Call 875-6468 for reservations by June 5.

ONTGOMERY — Prime Timers luncheon and meeting, noon May 20 at the Farm Bureau building for members 55 and older.

Heather Hampton-Knodle, Montgomery County Board member, will speak. Cost is $10.50. Call 532-6171 by May 19 for reservations.

C

H L

M

Page 9 • Monday, May 11, 2015 • FarmWeek

‘AG-CITEMENT’ ON THE FARM

Left, Cass-Morgan Farm Bureau member Bob Hadden introduces fourthgrade students to a donkey. More than 450 students visited Hadden Farms near Jacksonville during a weeklong Ag in the Classroom “AgCited” program last week. Right, Farm Bureau Board member Gary

Hadden talks about his beef cow, Jasmine. Other topics included machinery, seed, grain bins, farm safety and a variety of livestock. Students enjoyed a sack lunch with ag products emphasized on each food item.

(Photos by Lindsay McQueen, Cass-Morgan Farm Bureau manager)

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FarmWeek • Page 10 • Monday, May 11, 2015

Hog prices rebound; meat exports still face challenges

Hog prices posted respectable gains in recent weeks, and that trend could continue based on seasonal patterns.

The Iowa/Minnesota lean hog carcass price last week topped $71 per hundredweight as slaughter weights declined from previous months.

“The last five weeks, weights have come down,” said Ron Plain, University of Missouri ag economist. “That means tighter supplies, and it raises hog prices.”

Pork exports also picked up steam in March and possibly surpassed monthly sales in April by an estimated 2 percent compared to last year.

U.S. pork exports the past four weeks were robust in Canada, China and Mexico, among other locations.

“The (U.S.) West Coast dock (workers’ labor dispute) problem really slowed movement of exports” before it was resolved this spring, Plain said. “We’re exporting more pork now.”

Plain forecast hog prices could continue to march upward

heading into Memorial Day celebrations/cookouts.

“Seasonally, we tend to have the highest price of the year in early summer, and it looks like that will be the case this year,” Plain said. “The carcass price could make it into the low-$80s, or possibly higher, for a peak this summer.”

The market, however, likely won’t challenge record hog prices of a year ago due in part to greater supplies, competition from chicken and export issues.

Reports indicate Russia plans to extend its ban on food

imports from the U.S., European Union and other countries. The ban, set to expire Aug. 7, was imposed as retaliation for western sanctions on Russia that stem from the Ukraine crisis.

“In this case, the embargoed meat is from so many countries they (the Russians) are getting by on less meat, they’re not sourcing it from elsewhere,” Plain said. “Since (Russia) is importing less, there is more meat on the world market.”

Elsewhere, U.S. beef exports last month slowed down to key markets in Asia.

During the course of the winter and early spring, I’m sure many have been nervously watching the price of corn for 2015, and making crop protection decisions, notably fungicides and foliar Tom Whalen nutritional products based

on their perception of profitability. There is an obvious correlation with commodity prices and the use of plant health products, such as fungicide, in both corn and soybeans.

It’s apparent that an application of fungicide may become the first thing canceled in a crop protection plan. However, reducing the cost per bushel, and lowering risk, may be more important with lower commodity prices than when we have higher prices.

Many fungicide manufacturers boast a yield benefit of 12 bushels or more per acre versus an untreated acre. To add, there has been much more interest in an early application of fungicide during the V3 to V7 growth stages, and rightfully so. If we’re already making the application across the field with an herbicide at this timing, why not incorporate the fungicide or foliar nutritional product with the potential of an additional five or more bushels?

The goal in measuring profitability of a plant health or fungicide application is obviously obtaining a yield benefit that outweighs the investment in the cost of the product and application. However, there may be some other benefits that add to the profitability equation when evaluating the benefit of using a fungicide. For instance, increased harvest efficiency.

Assuming some standard costs associated with harvesting corn, we can see a reduced cost per acre in harvesting by covering more acres in less time. This, in turn, can reduce fuel consumption and costs by a substantial amount.

As we look at this challenge, I encourage everyone to invest in opportunities that offer higher production potential, such as a fungicide application. After all, if commodity prices are lower, we don’t plan on producing lower yields.

By investing in fungicides and other plant health products for higher production, we look for the end result to obviously be increased yield, but also a lower production cost per bushel.

Your local FS crop specialist can guide you through the various options that exist and help you choose the right ones for your acres.

BY DANIEL GRANT FarmWeek

Farmers, don’t rule out that fungicide just yet

BY TOM WHALEN

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Tuesday: • FarmWeek: “The Early Word” • Steve Hershner, city of Cedar Rapids, Iowa: working with farmers on water quality • Harvey Freese, Freese-Notis Weather Wednesday: • Lauren Lurkins, Illinois Farm Bureau director of natural and environmental

U.S. beef production also declined in recent months.

U.S. beef production the first four months this year declined 5 percent as slaughter numbers dropped 7 percent, but market weights increased 2 percent, according to Chris Hurt, Purdue University Extension economist.

“The reduction is the result of a beef cow herd that had been in decline from 2006, reaching its low point in 2014,” Hurt said. “Expansion of the beef cow herd began in the last half of 2014, and current indications are that the expansion continues.”

Live cattle futures suggest a return to a more normal seasonal price pattern this year after stampeding to record prices last year.

“Peak finished steer prices in 2015 to date came in early April in the mid-$160s and have declined since,” Hurt said. “The futures tone stays weak through summer with prices falling to the middle-$140s by the end of the summer and then rallying to the low-$150s toward the end of the year.”

IFB, IDOA hosting farmer veteran summit

The Illinois Farm Bureau and Illinois Department of Agriculture will host a first-ofits-kind Homegrown By Heroes® statewide gathering May 28 for groups that wish to serve military veterans desiring to pursue food, farming and ag careers. Free registration is required due to limited seating.

The meeting will run from 1 to 4:30 p.m. in the IAA Building, Bloomington. Lt. Gov. Evelyn Sanguinetti will formally launch the statewide collaboration.

Attendees include veterans, nonprofit groups, academia, government agencies, municipalities, volunteer organizations and farmer-veteran stakeholders. Participants will identify available resources, form partnerships and work collaboratively.

To register, visit {http:// form.jotformpro.com/form/ 50984381072963}. resources: irrigator reporting • Patrick Buchen, Illinois State Fair: 2015 state fairs Thursday: • Terry Denison, Illinois Economic Development Association: workers’ compensation reform Friday: • Amanda McKay, Helen Matthes Library: library funding and modernization • Dan Adcock, WinField: planting update

Corn Strategy

Early planting ... high corn yield?

During the last couple of weeks, there’s been a lot of discussion about the fast pace of corn planting and the implications it might have on the USDA yield projection, and this year’s yield in general. But as you see on the accompanying graphic, there’s not good correlation between extremely early planting and the final corn yield.

We did adjust the planting progress forward one week for the years prior to 1990 in response to the practice of planting earlier today than in years past. Even without that, there’s still little correlation between April planting and the final yield.

The extremely poor yield years, as you can imagine, were drought years. But even if those are discounted, there’s not much correlation between early planting and yield potential. The number of years below trend is about the same as those above trend.

But if one goes back to the old rule of thumb of wanting to have corn planted by mid-May, there is a slightly positive correlation between the planting pace

and yield. So, early planting does have positive implications, just not real early planting.

There’s been a lot of talk about what USDA might do with the corn yield on the May 12 new-crop supply/demand forecast. The agency now uses a weather-adjusted trend yield in developing production forecasts until survey based yields are available starting in August.

But their model assumes an 80 percent mid-May completion, the average during the 24 years the model was based on.

Given the 55 percent completion on May 3, with another week added when they develop the report, we doubt USDA departs from the 166.8 bushel yield projection provided at its February Outlook Forum.

Commentary about the USDA weather-adjusted trend yield model does offer some guidance on how the agency might adjust yield before it has the first survey based sample in August.

The model does not adjust for weather in June, but does use temperature and precipitation in July.

Given this, the forecast may be static in June. But in July, USDA might use temperature and precipitation, along with short range forecasts for both to make an adjustment. Even here, dry weather and warm temperatures have stronger negative implications than their opposite counterparts.

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ü2014 crop: Corn prices remain generally defensive, and price cycles suggest that may be the case until June.

But the weakness presents an opportunity to lock in basis with various tools for oldcrop inventories. The sideways-to-lower trend should end as summer begins, giving way to better levels again.

Other than locking in basis, we are not interested in pricing corn. ü2015 crop: Given the larger cyclic parameters, the longterm outlook continues to look more constructive than it does now. Hold off making sales. vFundamentals: If anything was born out of last week’s drop to a new low, it was that downside price risk is limited at these levels. For prices to take on a more negative tone, there will need to be better assurance of large new crops both in the U.S. and elsewhere in the world. That won’t develop until midsummer at the soonest. Meanwhile, the second consecutive week of good export sales is confirmation that buyers believe current prices offer good value.

Page 11 • Monday, May 11, 2015 • FarmWeek Cents per bu.

Soybean Strategy

ü2014 crop: Soybean prices have eroded somewhat this month, but the ability to sustain important supports indicates downside risk is limited.

Demand tends to reassert itself when futures dip near $9.50.

While there are no guarantees, timing indicators suggest prices should strengthen this summer. ü2015 crop: Price action tends to suggest supply and demand remain relatively well balanced, even worldwide.

Given that, and little risk premium in current prices, better marketing opportunities should come. vFundamentals: The persistence of modest export interest is going a long way to reassuring the industry the current USDA forecast is achievable, and might be exceeded.

South American crops are record large, but labor issues in Brazil and Argentina are keeping those supplies from overwhelming the world. Maybe the biggest concern is the EPA’s new delay on releasing

RFS standards until fall. They have bigger implications for soybean oil than they do for ethanol.

Wheat Strategy

ü2014 crop: Look to wrap up 2014 sales when opportunities arise for new-crop pricing. ü2015 crop: There remains little follow-through to the downside since new lows were carved out two weeks ago.

Recommended sales stand at 25 percent. We even believe holding wheat for late summer sale will pay dividends this year. vFundamentals: The Kansas Wheat Tour wrapped up with yield findings lower

than anticipated. Hard red winter wheat is in better shape this year, but drought, frost and disease have had an impact. Trade expectations seem a bit high for total winter wheat output, but the May USDA production estimate coming Tuesday, along with new-crop supply/demand estimates will offer better insight.

Carryout for 2014-15 could increase on weak exports with major buyers continuing to turn to competitors for wheat.

But the current global inventories and poor U.S. export performance are stories that are already priced into the market.

FarmWeek • Page 12 • Monday, May 11, 2015

Ensuring a bright future for agriculture My understanding of farming “I believe in the future of agriculture.” These farmer, I had little knowledge of the agriculture industry. I have found myself fascinated about words written by E.M. Tiffany are the first how we use agriculture as so much more than words we speak and act upon as FFA members.

As freshmen, we believe in the future of agricul- food. I especially appreciate the history behind ture because we know that those agriculture. I have also had the chance to learn about more varied agriculture across the of us wearing corduroy jackets will be that future in a few short nation.”

I also asked if he felt his job had taught him years. However, if you look past anything about himself, and he said, “I think it a few more rising suns, you will has taught me more about the human resources find that the future of agriculture lies in the hands of students side of management. I work with a wide range of people.”

RHIANNON much younger than the required Later, he informed me that his work reflects age to be an FFA member.

BRANCH This is where the Illinois Agri- the work of the 80 percent female, 55 percent culture in the Classroom (AITC) white, 30 percent African American and 15 percent Hispanic population of elementary teachprogram has its eyes focused. According to ers across the state. {agclassroom.org}, the mission of AITC is “to I ended the interview by asking Kevin to rank increase agricultural literacy through K-12 eduhis job on a scale of one to 10, based on how cation.” An agriculturally literate person is important it is to the agriculture industry. He defined as “one who understands and can comreplied, “Ten! So much of agriculture today is municate the source and value of agriculture as about informing consumers about agriculture. it affects quality of life.”

AITC is the original consumer outreach proAITC programs seek to improve student achievement by applying authentic, agriculturalbased content as the context to teach core curriculum concepts in science, social studies, language arts and nutrition. By encouraging teachers to embed agriculture into their classrooms, AITC cultivates an gram. We have been informing consumers in the understanding and appreciation of the food and classroom for decades and most importantly, these students go home and tell their parents fiber system that we all rely on every day. what they learned.”

I took a few minutes to interview Kevin Another important point Kevin made is, Daugherty, Illinois Farm Bureau education “With fewer and fewer farmers, especially in the director for the Illinois AITC program. I assumed before the interview that Kevin had an statehouse or Congress, we need to make sure agricultural background and that is what led him that all the population has an agriculture literacy component!” to this position, but my research proved me The thing Kevin said that really sparked my wrong.

Kevin ended high school wanting to pursue a interest was, “My favorite part about my job is that it changes every day. I could be developing pre-law degree, but decided to have an undernew curricular resources, writing a graduate major in new lesson or learning more about education to “fall agriculture myself.” This is what back on.” He endmakes me more excited about my ed college with a journey to pursue a career like Kevin’s.

B.S. in secondary Rhiannon Branch, Iuka, won the I know the significance of agriculeducation and an 2015 GROWMARK essay contest for ture, and believe it is just as important M.S. in adult edu- Illinois FFA members. The year’s for elementary school kids to learn cation, none of contest theme was “Exploring about agriculture as it is math or Engwhich were directly Careers in Agriculture.” related to agriculFour runners-up also were named: lish. After all, AITC teaches them that agriculture is something they will use ture.

Natalie Carlson, Byron FFA, Byron; every day for the rest of their lives.

He “fell into” Shirley Estes, Heyworth FFA, HeyBetween this interview and attending his job with IFB worth; Haleigh Graham, Central one of Kevin’s minisessions at the when it was Burlington FFA, Elgin; and Amy 2014 IFB annual meeting, I have searching for Newell, Williamsfield FFA, Williamsgained enough information to make someone with his field. Each runner-up will receive a me seriously consider a position like experience of both $125 award. his as my future career. education and pubThe GROWMARK System and Dedicated employees to the AITC lishing, which he FS member cooperatives have spongained from previ- sored the contest for 22 years in con- program devote their time to teaching future generations the importance of ous employment. junction with the state FFA. agriculture. Informing young students Now, Kevin overof the opportunities and general sees the developknowledge of agriculture is essential to the ment and implementation of curricular resources for the program and plays a big role in development of our industry and advancement training the county coordinators throughout the of our world.

One day, I hope to secure a position such as state.

Kevin’s and make it “my part in that inspiring I found it intriguing that Kevin stumbled task,” as E.M. Tiffany said, so I can help ensure upon his position and is now thriving in it. many more rising suns for agriculture.

Through this job, he has served as president of the National AITC program and currently Rhiannon Branch of Iuka, a member of the Salem serves as the chairman of the National AITC FFA Chapter, attends Salem Community School. Her Conference Committee, where he plans nationFFA adviser is Matt Pokojski. She will receive a $500 wide conferences. award from GROWMARK at the Illinois State FFA I asked Kevin if his job had taught him anyConvention in June. The Salem FFA chapter also will thing about agriculture. He replied, “Although I receive a $300 award. grew up in a small town, and my uncle is a

GROWMARK names FFA essay winners

changed after I met farmers I am a food science and human nutrition major with an AAS (associated in applied science degree) in culinary arts, who previously served almost nine years in the U.S. Navy.

Even with all of that, I had absolutely no idea about production farming.

Everything I knew about REGINA farming was CORTEZ whatever I had read or seen on the Internet or TV. This, of course, includes movies like, “Food Inc.” My perceptions of farmers were that they were only nice farmers if they were organic farmers and bad if they weren’t. I assumed that because of what I had seen, via various forms of media, that enormous multinational corporations owned the majority of farms in the U.S. I thought farmers were exactly the way they are often depicted on TV, simple characters lacking any kind of sophistication without any regard for the environment or animals.

This was not something that I thought was specific to any region; I just thought all farmers were this way. In the case of Illinois farmers, well, I just thought they really liked corn and soybeans.

I had no idea. I suppose the reason for this is that I had never really been on a farm, nor did I know any farmers, except for the inner-city hipster, “strictly organic” variety.

This past semester, all of that changed when I decided to enroll in a class on “farm, food and environmental policy.” The whole point of the class was to compare and contrast the differences between farms and farming practices in California to those of Illinois.

Our class toured farms and talked to farmers in both states, and I can tell you everything I thought I knew about farmers was what someone else wanted me to think. After going to meet and talk with these fine men and women, I was finally able to make my

own decisions and come to my own conclusions.

I found myself to be completely wrong about my assumptions. Farmers are very sophisticated. The technology that farmers use is mind-blowing to me! I found out they use GPS-navigated equipment to get within 2 inches of accuracy when applying fertilizer and planting seeds. They use drones to survey their fields, which allows them to detect soil issues and identify weed species. To accommodate the needs of their customers, they use different varieties of seeds and are involved in commodity trading.

Farming is neither a yokel’s business nor some large industrial machine. Illinois farms are, I have learned, for the most part (97 percent) familyowned businesses.

In talking to these farmers, I have realized their way of life is something that has been passed down to them by their elders from generation to generation, and that they have an intense interest in conservation. For them, taking care of their land and animals means that they will have something to give to their children. This way of life is a source of pride for them.

The biggest takeaway that I’ve gained from this experience is that misinformation about these people and their businesses spreads through conventional media, and especially social media, like wildfire.

I believed it, and so do many others.

I’m not sure what exactly motivates all of this misinformation, but I would highly recommend to anyone that’s interested in learning about their food go to a local farm and ask for a tour. Talk to your local farmers. Ask them questions, get to know them and find out what they do. I’m sure you will be pleasantly surprised.

Regina Cortez of Chicago, a University of Illinois student, recently toured two Champaign County farms, a grain elevator, an implement dealership and an ag supply business though a pilot First Link program.

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