Taylor Roosevelt’s sketch of her grandfather won a congressional art competition. page 2
Join one of 11 IFB watershed meetings in June about the Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy. page 3
Conservation compliance deadline approaching fast Monday, May 18, 2015
BY DEANA STROISCH FarmWeek
Periodicals: Time Valued
Farmers could lose their federal crop insurance discounts if they don’t turn in required paperwork by June 1. And with just weeks left to file a Highly Erodible Land Conservation and Wetland Conservation Certification form (AD-1026), a “significant” number of farmers still haven’t turned in the form to their local USDA office, said Doug Yoder, Illinois Farm Bureau’s senior director of Affiliate and Risk Management. “These discounts are significant,” Yoder said. “They really add up, allowing our farmers and landowners to be able to afford adequate amounts of coverage. If they are found to be out of compliance, they can still buy crop insurance. They just may not be able to afford it or certainly not afford the good coverage they have now.” The average discount for Illinois farmers in the last four years was 55 percent for corn and 57 percent for soybeans, Yoder said. Nationally, the average totaled 62 percent for all policies. Requirements for highly erodible lands and wetlands must be met to receive any
USDA benefits — including loans, disaster assistance or conservation assistance. The 2014 farm bill tied conservation compliance to farmers’ eligibility for crop insurance premium discounts. Now, farmers, such as specialty crop growers who receive federal crop insurance premium support but may not participate in other USDA programs, must file a certification form to keep their discount. Yoder said those who have catastrophic coverage (CAT) still must sign an AD-1026 to be eligible for the premium subsidy. “Even though they only pay an administrative fee, there is a premium associated with CAT coverage and the producer will be responsible for the full premium if they don’t comply with conservation compliance,” he said. For more information, contact your local FSA office or visit {nrcs.usda.gov/compliance}.
Stripe rust appeared in southern Illinois wheat, prompting growers to keep a close eye on the crop. page 5
HONORING THE TROOPS
Two sections Volume 43, No. 20
Above, Tazewell County Farm Bureau Prime Timers Doris Rodgers and Joann and Vic DeCroix, from left, tie yellow ribbons to honor people serving in the military. Last week, 18 volunteers tied more than 1,000 ribbons to be displayed in Pekin. Prime Timers have made the ribbons since 2010. Right, Farm Bureau member Rick Gebhardt with Peoria Area Troop Support ties a ribbon on a fence in Pekin. Gebhardt planned to distribute about 1,200 ribbons made by the Prime Timers and Miller Senior Center residents in Pekin. (Photos by Cyndi Cook)
Fairs’ new manager views revenue potential, ag promotion BY KAY SHIPMAN FarmWeek
Illinois’ two state fairgrounds in Springfield and DuQuoin offer revenue-generating potential separate from the signature 10-day state fairs that “break even,” said Patrick Buchen, new state fair manager with the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA). In his financial assessment of the fairs, Buchen separated the 10-day events from nonfair activities and the state’s assets of land, buildings and facilities in central and southern Illinois. “Our growth area is in nonfair events and growing nonfair revenue,” the Avon native said last week. He pointed to “an absolutely gorgeous” 115,000square-foot exposition center on the DuQuoin fairgrounds and suggested the Springfield fairgrounds could use basic exposition space. Given the state’s dire financial situation, Buchen and his staff
State fairground facts Illinois State Fairgrounds: more than 360 acres of land, about 150 buildings, grandstand with a mile track, half-mile track, four indoor arenas, a covered outdoor arena, barns with more than 1,000 stalls and campgrounds. DuQuoin State Fairgrounds: 780 tillable acres, 200 acres in hay and parking; exhibition building, grandstand with a mile track, half-mile track, facilities with about 600 stalls and campgrounds. Source: Illinois Department of Agriculture
“will do everything we can” to reduce the need for taxpayer support, he said, adding, “It’s a huge ship that will take a while to turn around.” However, the fairgrounds and facilities represent a huge taxpayer investment and a multimilliondollar state asset, Buchen noted. If taxpayers and the state don’t invest in maintenance, those
assets’ value will decline, he said. As for joint management of the two fairgrounds and fairs, Buchen mentioned the synergy of booking performers for multiple shows, securing sponsors, and even printing tickets, programs and other paraphernalia for two fairs instead of each individually. “I just know they’ll win ... There was a real split between Springfield and DuQuoin, but we’re one family,” Buchen said. Even family members differ, and Illinois’ state fairs and fairgrounds follow that rule. Buchen acknowledged the fairs’ different cultures. For example, the DuQuoin State Fair promotes agriculture more than its northern counterpart, according to Buchen. “We can learn from DuQuoin about ag,” he added. The DuQuoin fairgrounds also offer more open green space compared to Springfield’s; however, it’s a shortage Buchen seeks
to remedy with landscaping and other amenities. Both state fairs share the common goal of promoting and supporting agriculture in educational, interactive and fun settings, Buchen said. He views the huge nonfarm population in Chicago and its suburbs as potential fair visitors, and plans to reach out via social media, promotions and advertising. With much of the 2015 fairs’ and listen to a RFD® Radio interview with Patrick Buchen.
planning completed, Buchen said he intends to assist this year, but his No. 1 goal will be observing and learning. “My footprint will be next year,” he said. Looking ahead to August, Buchen encouraged Illinoisans to support and enjoy the fairs, and to share their thoughts and ideas with him.