Farmweek may 18, 2015

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.

Quick Takes

FarmWeek • Page 2 • Monday, May 18, 2015

DAIRY PARTNERSHIP AWARDED — A partnership between the Northern Illinois Food Bank and Prairie Farms Dairy won a 2015 U.S. Dairy Sustainability Award for Outstanding Achievement in Community Partnerships — Honorable Mention.

The Geneva-based food bank and the Carlinville-based dairy company partnered to create the Milk 2 My Plate program, which ensures a fresh supply of milk — ordinarily a rare offering at food pantries — for families who rely on the food pantry to make ends meet. Since 2012, the program has served up more than 3 million servings of milk to food pantries in its network.

To cover the costs, Northern Illinois Food Bank and its network of food pantries secure donations from corporate and individual supporters, such as FORWARD (Fighting Obesity, Reaching Healthy Weight Among Residents of DuPage).

ILLINOIS ATTRACTS VISITORS — A recordbreaking number of visitors traveled to Illinois last year, topping out at 107 million — a 3.8 percent increase compare to 2013, and the fourth consecutive year of recordbreaking visitor numbers.

One of the strongest growth sectors included leisure travel — an increase of 4.3 percent from 2013. The increase in visitors also resulted in an increase in the state’s hotel-motel tax revenue, up nearly 6.4 percent to more than $250.6 million.

HELP MAKE HISTORY COME TO LIFE — If you have Farm Bureau artifacts dating from 1912 to 1945, consider loaning them to the Illinois Farm Bureau Archives. The items will be displayed as part of IFB’s 2016 centennial celebration.

Items will be loaned from Aug. 1 through August 2016. Farm Bureau members can drop off items at a booth during the 2015 Commodities Conference July 2829 at the Marriott Hotel and Conference Center in Normal.

To participate or ask questions, contact Allison Carr at 309-557-3186 or email acarr@ilfb.org.

PROPANE SAFETY FOR CHILDREN — The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) has launched “Our Amazing Farm,” a series of three safety awareness videos designed for children and youth.

The video segments — “Propane Safety,” “Play it Safe on the Farm” and “Sustainability: Creating a Better Tomorrow” — focus on propane’s role on the farm, while integrating general and propane-related safety tips.

The videos feature a high-energy, kid-friendly host, Propane Paul, who interacts with children and other characters while teaching farm safety. To watch the videos, visit {propane.com/amazing-farm}.

(ISSN0197-6680) Vol. 43 No. 20 May 18, 2015 Dedicated to improving the profitability of farming, and a higher quality of life for Illinois farmers.

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Taylor Roosevelt of Albion received the Congressional Art Competition award from the Illinois 15th Congressional District. Roosevelt’s drawing, right, depicts her grandfather, Tom Moore of West Salem, a Vietnam War veteran.

Pictured left to right are Amy Bowser, Edwards County High School art teacher; Moore; Roosevelt; and Deb Detmers, U.S. Rep. John Shimkus’s district director. (Photo courtesy of Shimkus, R-Collinsville).

A tribute

Edwards County teenager’s ‘Flag with Grandpa’ sketch wins congressional art contest

BY DEANA STROISCH FarmWeek

Taylor Roosevelt spent countless hours sketching a photograph of her grandpa for a class assignment. And it earned her more than an “A.” The 18-year-old’s artwork, titled “Flag with Grandpa,” won top honors in the Congressional Art Competition for U.S. Rep. John Shimkus’, RCollinsville, district.

Her pencil sketch will be displayed for the next year in the pedestrian tunnel that connects the U.S. Capitol with the Cannon House Office Building. Hundreds of staff and visitors use the tunnel each day.

Roosevelt, daughter of past Edwards County Farm Bureau President Keith Roosevelt of Albion, said she was surprised and honored at the award. She will travel to Washington, D.C., next month to participate in an awards ceremony.

It all began as an assignment for her high school art class. The task: Find something patriotic to draw.

Roosevelt said she asked her grandpa, Tom Moore, for a few ideas of things to draw. Moore

served in the Navy during the Vietnam War. But the items he selected weren’t what she had in mind.

Unbeknownst to Moore, Roosevelt found a photograph of him taken during a West Salem Memorial Day observance. Moore belongs to the West Salem American Legion Honor Unit.

Roosevelt gave her grandpa the drawing as a gift for Christmas. The original photo, she said, hangs in her home in Albion.

He was speechless, she said.

Roosevelt, who graduated from Edwards County High School on Friday, didn’t realize her work was submitted into the congressional competition.

The Congressional Institute sponsors the national high school art competition each spring.

More than 650,000 high school students have participated since it began in 1982.

“This year’s entries were some of the finest my office has ever received,” Shimkus said.

“Among the 45 amazingly talented students who submitted their work, Taylor’s patriotic tribute to her grandfather really stood out to the judges.”

Senate votes to debate TPA legislation along with TPA. Hundreds of FB ACT memIllinois Farm Bureau plans to bers contacted Sens. Dick Durbin, continue lobbying for passage of D-Springfield, and Mark Kirk, RTrade Promotion Authority Highland Park, urging them to (TPA). begin debate and to ultimately On its second try, the U.S. Sen- support the bill. Durbin voted ate last week voted 65-33 to begin against beginning debate. Kirk debate on legislation that would voted in favor. allow President Barack Obama to “Our members are speaking negotiate trade deals without Con- with one voice on this important gress changing them. Congress issue, and that’s to get TPA would still be able to vote up or through the Senate and House as down on trade agreements, but soon as possible,” said Adam would not be able to amend them. Nielsen, Illinois Farm Bureau’s The Senate could vote on the national legislative director. bill this week.

In the most recent five-year Earlier in the week, the Senate period in which statistics are availvoted to block debate on the issue able, USDA says Illinois exported because of a dispute over what $40 billion in agricultural prodother bills would be considered ucts.

BY DEANA STROISCH FarmWeek

“Illinois agriculture always benefits from free trade,” Nielsen said.

American Farm Bureau Federation President Bob Stallman thanked the Senate for voting to debate the Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities and Accountability Act of 2015.

“This legislation is critical to making progress on pending negotiations and promises to expand opportunities for U.S. agricultural exports,” he said.

National Corn Growers Association also supports the bill.

“American farmers are stepping up to meet the growing demand for our products abroad,” said President Chip Bowling of Maryland.

House passes legislation to kill WOTUS rule

Page 3 • Monday, May 18, 2015 • FarmWeek

BY DEANA STROISCH FarmWeek

Illinois Farm Bureau and other agricultural groups last week urged U.S. Senators to pass legislation requiring a rewrite of the proposed “waters of the U.S.” rule.

The move comes after members of the U.S. House voted 261-155 in favor of HR 1732, the Regulatory Protection Act. The vote was 17 shy of the twothirds majority needed to override a threatened presidential veto.

“If finalized as it’s written, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Army Corps of Engineers’ proposed ‘waters of the U.S.’ rule will cause greater confusion and new regu-

latory liabilities for farmers and landowners, while providing both agencies with almost unlimited authority to regulate at their discretion,” said IFB President Richard Guebert Jr. “HR 1732 is the first important step in reining in the EPA and ensuring the Clean Water Act holds true to Congress’ original intent.”

IFB members contacted their congressional representative urging a “yes” vote.

IFB last week also encouraged Sens.

Dick Durbin, D-Springfield, and Mark Kirk, R-Highland Park, to co-sponsor S 1140, another bill that would force EPA to withdraw and rewrite the “waters of the U.S.” rule.

HR 1732, if approved by the Senate, would require the heads of the EPA and Army Corps to: • Withdraw the proposed rule within 30 days.

• Develop a new proposed rule to define the term “waters of the United States” as used in the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. • Initiate talks with state and local officials, stakeholders and other interested parties within three months.

• Also consider several reports and an economic analysis when defining the term “waters of the United States.”

“By requiring EPA and the Corp of Engineers to work with state and local stakeholders to develop a new rule that

considers the public comments they’ve already received, as well as the economic and scientific analysis of the first proposed rule, HR 1732 creates an opportunity to better define the scope of federal jurisdiction under the Clean Water Act,” said Rep. John Shimkus, R-Collinsville.

Speaking on the House floor, Rep. Rodney Davis, R-Taylorville, called the proposed rule an “overreach” and “more evidence of the haste with which the proposed rule was developed.”

He pointed out that the rule would require the EPA and Corps to start over, and involve all stakeholders.

“Frankly, this is what they should have done in the first place,” he said.

Heart of state’s wine country underscores value of pesticide-sensitive map

BY KAY SHIPMAN FarmWeek From one of Illinois’ oldest vineyards, agriculture officials and grape industry leaders last week reminded growers, farmers and pesticide applicators about the value of an interactive web-based map of pesticide-sensitive locations.

DriftWatch provides registered, mapped locations of beehives, grapes and other pesticide-sensitive crops at no charge. Pesticide applicators may register and receive electronic notification when locations are registered within their service areas. Visit {driftwatch.org}.

Kenton Thomas, Illinois Farm Bureau director from Thebes (Alexander County), attended the news conference at Alto Vineyards, Alto Pass. “In Kenton Thomas my (IFB) district there’s all kinds of diversity — grapes, apples, peaches, truck crops, plus commercial beans and corn,” Thomas told FarmWeek. “Everybody needs

to be aware of DriftWatch.”

Thomas pointed out DriftWatch’s success in raising awareness of pesticide-sensitive crops and beehives since 2010 and encouraged fellow farmers to use it: “It’s better to be ahead of the game.”

“Applicators are encouraged to be good neighbors and utilize this program to protect specialty crops, which cover more than 106,000 acres of Illinois farmland,” said Illinois Agriculture Director Philip Nelson. He added farmers and growers also must enter accurate field locations for the system to be effective.

To date, 128 pesticide applicators, 936 apiaries and 1,034 farmers and growers are registered on DriftWatch.

“The Illinois Grape Growers and Vintners Association is a strong proponent of DriftWatch and urges all of our growers to register,” added Jennifer Montgomery, the association’s executive director.

“As our industry continues to grow, it becomes increasingly more important to be good neighbors, and communicate and raise awareness of the locations of our vineyards.

DriftWatch is an excellent tool to help us do that.”

Despite all the information DriftWatch offers, it only works when used, said Warren Goetsch, chief of IDOA’s environmental programs bureau. Farmers and growers

well as those who know little about it, according to Lurkins.

“They will learn what they can do on their individual farms,” she added.

The statewide voluntary strategy offers a suite of practices and programs to reduce nutrient losses in rural and urban areas from point sources and diffuse nonpoint sources, such as farm fields, residential and urban areas.

Farmers may bring water samples from their farms for quick tests that will be conducted during the meeting and provide a snapshot of that day’s nutrient levels. County Farm Bureaus have information about the proper steps for

collecting samples.

Dates, times, locations and watersheds include: June 2, 6 p.m., John A Logan College, Carterville (Big Muddy River); June 8, 8 a.m., Knox County Farm Bureau, Galesburg (Spoon River); June 9, 6 p.m., Bureau County Metro Center, Princeton (Illinois River); June 12, 9 a.m., Lake Shelbyville Visitors Center, Shelbyville (Kaskaskia River, Lake Shelbyville); June 16, 9 a.m., Hamilton’s Fireside Room, Jacksonville (Illinois River, Lake Mauvaisterre); June 17, 10 a.m., Herrmann Integrated Agronomy, Princeville (Illinois River); June 18, 9:30 a.m., Warner Library,

must be willing to share information and work with pesticide applicators, and applicators, likewise, must review site information and consider adjustments when

IN AN AG EDUCATION JAM

possible, he emphasized.

“Both groups have to communicate and find common ground,” Goetsch said.

“Everybody’s got to do a little for the common good of all.”

Tri-Valley Elementary School fourth graders make strawberry jam with their teacher, Sarah Johnson, as part of an Illinois Ag in the Classroom (IAITC) project. The school in Downs received one of 220 IAITC container gardens distributed around the state, thanks to financial support from the IAA Foundation and Archer Daniels Midland Co. Students grew strawberries and other plants in the container to learn more about plants, seeds and soil. (Photo by Cyndi Cook)

Region-specific strategies key to watershed nutrient meetings

BY KAY SHIPMAN FarmWeek

Farmers and others interested in managing nutrients and enhancing water quality will find a “one-stop shop” at June meetings across Illinois, according to Lauren Lurkins, Illinois Farm Bureau director of natural and environmental resources.

County Farm Bureaus and the Illinois Council on Best Management Practices (CBMP) will host 11 meetings in different watersheds to discuss the state Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy.

Each program offers something for individuals familiar with the statewide strategy as

Clinton (Sangamon River, Clinton Lake); June 22, 6 p.m., National Sequestration Education Center, Richland College, Decatur (Sangamon River, Lake Decatur); June 23, 6 p.m., Fayette County Farm Bureau, Vandalia (Kaskaskia River, Carlyle Lake); June 24, 10 a.m., McLean County Fairgrounds, Bloomington (Mackinaw River, Lake Bloomington, Lake Evergreen); and June 29, 7:30 p.m., Pike County Farm Bureau, Pittsfield (Illinois River).

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

During each meeting, speakers will give a general overview of the statewide strategy and agriculture’s role, science-based nutrient challenges in that specific region and best management practices to address those, ongoing programs and projects within the watershed, to learn more about Illinois Council on Best Management Practices strategies.

and potential cost-share funding and other resources.

Lurkins envisioned discussions among farmers and other participants about successful practices as well as challenges.

USDA projects buildup of crop supplies, lower prices FarmWeek • Page 4 • Monday, May 18, 2015

BY DANIEL GRANT FarmWeek

USDA’s first assessment of the 2015-16 crop supply and demand picture generally proved bearish for Illinois’ top three crops.

The Ag Department projects large beginning stocks, combined with another big harvest this year, could boost total U.S. supplies by 3.4 percent for beans and 6 percent for wheat.

Corn supplies in 2015-16, meanwhile, could reach a record 15.5 billion bushels.

“The most interesting thing (in USDA’s world supply and demand report last week) was ending stocks for soybeans, which were good and high,” Jack Scoville, vice president of The PRICE Futures Group, said during a webinar hosted

by CME Group. “Along with a reduction of export demand by 25 million bushels, it’s not a good sign.”

USDA estimates ending stocks of soybeans could grow from 350 million bushels this year to 500 million bushels in 2015-16.

U.S. ending stocks of wheat also could grow by 84 million bushels to a five-year high of 793 million bushels in the coming year. USDA pegs end-

ing stocks of corn for 2015-16 at 1.7 billion bushels, down 105 million bushels from 2014-15.

The large ending stocks estimates were driven by a fairly bullish crop production forecast this season.

USDA estimates U.S. farmers this year will produce 13.63 billion bushels of corn, down 586 million bushels from last year’s record, and 3.85 billion bushels of beans, down 119 million bushels from last year’s record.

The large crops were based on average yield estimates of

166.8 bushels per acre for corn and 46 bushels per acre for soybeans nationwide.

Concerns of a late start to corn planting apparently were mitigated by a recent surge in fieldwork activity.

“The Corn Belt was so wet, you couldn’t even think about planting (a few weeks ago),” said Virginia McGathey, president of McGathey Commodities. “But once it warmed up and dried out, they (farmers) got a lot of (the corn crop) in. It lends itself (to the idea) not a lot of

acreage will be moving over to soybeans.”

Corn planting the first of last week was 75 percent complete nationwide, 18 percent ahead of the five-year average pace.

“We’ve still got a whole lot of growing season ahead of us,” Scoville said. “Keep a close eye on the weather as we go through summer.”

Farmers are expected to begin winter wheat harvest next month. USDA estimates winter wheat harvest could total 1.47 billion bushels, up 7 percent, with an average yield

of 43.5 bushels per acre.

A 16 percent boost in hard red wheat production should more than offset a 9 percent reduction in soft red wheat production, the type grown in Illinois, according to USDA. If another big harvest comes to fruition this season, crop prices could tail off.

USDA, as of last week, estimates 2015-16 season average price ranges of $3.20 to $3.80 per bushel for corn, $8.25 to $9.75 per bushel for beans and $4.50 to $5.50 per bushel for all wheat.

USDA’s world supply and demand report last week points to another year of massive crop production.

Global ending stocks could increase 2.1 percent for corn,

demand should remain strong through 2015-16.

“Overall, the report was not overly bearish,” said Joe Camp, AgriVisor risk management specialist. “It features numbers well known to the trade already. The focus will quickly return to the weather (and its impact on crop conditions).”

USDA, in its latest supply/demand report, raised corn exports by 25 million bushels for 2014-15 and 75 million bushels for 2015-16.

Estimates indicate corn use for 2015-16 could reach a

record 13.8 billion bushels.

USDA last week also raised estimates of wheat exports 65 million bushels in 2015-16 compared to the previous year.

“We’ve had the head wind of a strong dollar (which drives up the price of American commodities on the world market) and strong competition,” Joe Camp Camp said.

“But we still have high targets for grain exports going forward.”

USDA lowered soy exports 25 million bushels to 1.775 billion bushels due to competition from record supplies in South America.

But soy crush for 2015-16

was projected to increase, while soy meal use also could rise by an estimated 3.2 percent.

“Demand is still very robust for soybeans,” Camp said. “It does lend some support.”

Camp also looks for continued expansion of the hog and beef cow herds in the U.S. “We have had expansion of the hog herd. I expect that to continue,” he said. “And cattle herd expansion is slow, but it is ongoing. That bodes well for feed demand.”

USDA projects feed and residual demand of corn could increase 50 million bushels in 2015-16.

Overall, though, USDA expects crop prices could decline, particularly for soybeans, in 2015-16 if the massive crop production estimates come to fruition. — Daniel Grant

The PrivateWellClass.org will host a webinar about caring for septic systems and protecting water supplies from contamination from 1 to 2:30 p.m. May 28, according to the Illinois State Water Survey.

Participants may submit questions in advance or ask them during the webinar. The program will be recorded.

Questions beyond the scope of the topic will be accepted as time allows; however, all questions may not be answered live due to time constraints and availability of technical expertise.

Email questions about private wells for this webinar to info@privatewellclass.org. To register for the webinar, visit {http://bit.ly/1EHJky6}.

Can robust world demand hold crop prices up?

to watch a CME Group video about crop demand prospects.

while global soybean output could expand by a hefty 10 percent.

But the situation may not be totally bearish, though, as

Septic system, water protection webinar focus

New definition of ‘superweed’ takes root

Does the murderous plant Audrey in “Little Shop of Horrors” come to mind when you hear the word “superweed?”

The Weed Science Society of America (WSSA) along with six sister organizations wants to change that image.

They’ve recommended a new definition based on scientific fact.

Most online dictionaries associate superweeds with herbicide resistance caused by the suspected transfer of resistance genes from crops to weeds. To date, WSSA members said there is no scientific evidence to indicate that crop-to-weed gene transfer contributes to herbicide resistance issues faced by farmers.

So, WSSA proposes this definition — Superweed: Slang used to describe a weed that has evolved characteristics which make it more difficult to manage due to repeated use of the same management tactic. Over-dependence on a single tactic as opposed to using diverse approaches can lead to such adaptations.

Wheat growers must control disease to reach record yield

Page 5 • Monday, May 18, 2015 • FarmWeek

BY DANIEL GRANT FarmWeek

The winter wheat crop in Illinois took some knocks in recent months, including patchy frost and areas of heavy rain this spring.

But the crop still has enough production potential to possibly tie the state yield record of 67 bushels per acre, based on USDA’s May crop production report.

USDA estimates Illinois farmers this spring will harvest 570,000 acres of wheat, down 100,000 acres from last year, with an average yield of 67 bushels per acre.

If realized, the average yield would tie last year’s state record, although total wheat production would slip from 44.9 million to 38.2 million bushels due to fewer acres.

Kyle Brase, a farmer from Madison County and president of the Illinois

Wheat Association (IWA), believes the crop has good potential. But he doesn’t foresee another record yield at this point.

“I think we have good wheat in some places, but there’s too many thin spots,” Brase said. “I don’t see it averaging what we had last year.”

USDA last week rated the condition of the wheat crop in Illinois as 10 percent poor to very poor, 33 percent fair, 49 percent good and just 8 Kyle Brase percent excellent.

If farmers want to maximize the potential of the crop and make a run at last year’s record yield, they must scout soon, if they haven’t already, and consider fungicide applications.

“Right now is the time to scout,”

Brase said last week as he treated his wheat. “If you don’t put on a fungicide (near the beginning of the flowering stage), you can’t do much about Fusarium head blight (scab).”

Wheat scab represents the greatest threat to the crop in Illinois, according to Carl Bradley, University of Illinois Extension plant pathologist.

And conditions so far this spring appear favorable for another outbreak of scab, which last year devasCarl Bradley tated wheat quality in some portions of southern Illinois and led to severe price dockage at delivery.

“In years in which weather is favorable for infection (frequent rains, moderate temperatures and cloudy weather), this disease can wreak havoc,”

Bradley said. “Infection of the scab fungus occurs when wheat heads begin to flower.”

Research indicates the Fusarium head blight, which produces deoxynivalenol (DON, also known as vomitoxin) in the grain, can be reduced by 40 to 60 percent with the use of Prosaro or Caramba, according to Bradley.

He urges farmers to also scout wheat for Septoria leaf blotch, virus diseases — such as Barley yellow dwarf — and stripe rust, which started to creep north into Illinois as of last week.

IWA members will scout fields Thursday for disease and insect pressure, evaluate stands and estimate yields during the annual Southern Illinois Wheat Tour.

More information about that event can be found at the IWA website {illinoiswheat.org} or by calling 309-557-3619.

Corn emerges ahead of average pace; cool weather not optimal

BY DANIEL GRANT FarmWeek

Illinois farmers last week wrapped up most of corn planting and made significant progress planting beans.

Planting as of the first of last week was 88 percent complete for corn, while one-third of beans were in the ground, 24 percent and 14 percent ahead of the average pace, respectively.

Sorghum planting, at 19 percent complete last week, also was ahead of the five-year average pace by 6 percent.

“Everything is getting bigger and more efficient (in Rob Shaffer terms of farm machinery), and we had some good planting

windows,” said Rob Shaffer, a farmer from El Paso (Woodford County) and Illinois Soybean Association board member. “(With that combination of factors), guys can plant a lot of stuff.”

Illinois farmers the past two weeks planted 57 percent of the corn crop and 33 percent of soybeans.

In fact, nearly half the corn crop (42 percent) emerged as of the first of last week, 6 percent head of the average pace.

“Most the corn is in, and it’s up,” Shaffer said. “But it’s a little yellow. We need some heat and sun.”

Temperatures last week nosedived with lows in the 40s and highs in the 60s.

Unfortunately, a brief but potentially wet warm-up during the weekend could be followed by another shot of cool air this week.

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Hawaii Four-Island Agricultural Tour

The forecast late last week called for four straight days of rain chances last Thursday through Sunday followed by high temperatures this week in the 60s, with lows in the 40s and 50s, before a potential weekend warm-up.

More rain could result in additional drowned out

spots in some fields.

“There’s some drowned out spots, but nothing terrible,” Shaffer said while spraying on a cloudy afternoon last week. “Hopefully, we get a window (this) week to get our beans in.”

Rainfall totals May 6-12 ranged from 2 to 3 inches in southern Illinois with a pocket

of 3 to 4 inches, and from 1.5 to 3 inches in much of the northern half of the state, except the northwest sector which received less than an inch.

Topsoil moisture in the state last week was rated 76 percent adequate, 15 percent surplus and 9 percent short.

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FarmWeek • Page 6 • Monday, May 18, 2015 Brian Sisson, Belvidere, Boone County: Planting progress has basically been at a standstill in Boone County since May 3. Some finally were able to start planting again Wednesday and Thursday; however, it looks like rain starting Thursday evening will stall planting yet again. We have good chances of rain through Sunday evening, but appears we will finally get into a drier weather pattern starting this week. This year’s wheat crop looks outstanding so far.

We are about 85 percent planted on corn and about 25 percent planted on soybeans. The majority of the corn crop has emerged and stands look to be very uniform. We could use sunny and warmer weather to improve the yellowing in the corn. The cool, cloudy weather has really limited chlorophyll production.

Hopefully, rainfall amounts this weekend will be low, so we can come close to finishing up planting this week.

Pete Tekampe, Grayslake, Lake County: We received 2.5 inches of rain Monday (May 11) and Tuesday. About 80 percent of corn is planted. Most of the corn is up, but looks very yellow from the cool night temperatures. Luckily, no frost. Very few beans are planted.

Hopefully, beans will be poking out in another warm day. Hay fields are growing fast and reaching knee-high already.

Winter wheat also has a deep, green color and looks good. Oats are growing, but also need some heat. Rain is in the forecast for the next four days with temperatures in the low 80s the next three days, and then back to the 50s for a high. Haven’t been in the fields for more than a week.

Leroy Getz, Savanna, Carroll County: Rain Sunday and Monday (May 10-11) amounted to .5 of an inch, and that kept all fieldwork at a standstill. Some planters started Tuesday, and then corn and soybean planting was going on down south Wednesday and Thursday. We finished our corn Wednesday. Corn planted before all the rain has emerged and stands look good, but it lacks any color. We had some frost Wednesday morning. As I called this report in Thursday, we were receiving more rain of nearly .5 of an inch so far.

Ryan Frieders, Waterman, DeKalb County: It’s been another week of little activity in the fields.

After a few inches of rain, fields were just starting to dry out, but it started raining again. Corn that has emerged is slow to develop. Plant stress is showing up dramatically.

Nighttime temperatures have been dipping into the 30s. Daytime highs have been in the 50s accompanied by little sunshine. A few neighbors were trying to plant Thursday before the rain started. The forecast is calling for day after day of weather like this. Where did our beautiful spring weather go?

Larry Hummel, Dixon, Lee County: Not a very productive week. Fields are slow to dry out, and they are getting wetter. I was able to plant soybeans on the north farm Tuesday, but the cornfields that are left to plant didn’t dry out until Wednesday afternoon. By Thursday afternoon, showers started again. It doesn’t look like it’s going to get any better soon. The 15-day forecast has seven days with more than a 40 percent chance of precipitation. That’s better than the odds at Vegas.

Ken Reinhardt, Seaton, Mercer County: We got in three days of fieldwork last week, which was much better than the one hour I got in the week before. There is still some corn being planted. I ran all Wednesday night to get finished.

I’ve got a half day of soybeans left, then some custom work. Most corn has emerged with full stands.

Ron Moore, Roseville, Warren County: We received .6 of an inch of rain last week, .2 of an inch May 9 and .4 of an inch Thursday. More planting in between. Not all of the soybeans have been planted in this area, but almost. Most of the early-planted soybeans are up, and the stand looks very good, just like the corn.

Some post spraying of corn has started as well. Pasture conditions are getting better with the rains. We should be able to mow hay this week, weather permitting.

Wilfred Dittmer, Quincy, Adams County: The planters are in park mode again after light showers Sunday evening (May 10) and again Thursday, but the rain was very welcome. Corn is looking good and ready to grow. I don’t think any beans have gone in the ground since last week. Some are busy emptying grain bins and doing general farm jobs, besides keeping up with the mowing. Be careful and have a good week.

Jacob Streitmatter, Princeville, Peoria County: Corn planting is pretty much wrapped up in my area. Soybean planting has just started, but it is not going very well. The soybeans that have been planted have been put in mud, and the rest of them are in the bag. With a week of rain forecast (rained out Thursday), it is getting late for the bumper bean yield the government says we are going to have.

Tim Green, Wyoming, Stark County: It was a frustrating week with small periods of rain.

Some were able to plant a few beans and possibly finish corn.

Fields were marginal in spots.

Farmers were moving to other fields trying to figure out what to do.

Everyone keeps saying it is not late yet, so don’t get rammy. Corn that is up looks fairly decent with a yellow look to it.

It is growing, but slowly, so it needs some heat and sun. The weeds are growing, so that is probably our next job after we get the beans planted.

Mark Kerber, Chatsworth, Livingston County: Wet, cold weather has slowed planting progress. An early spring is now getting later. Corn is yellowish in color as cold, cloudy weather has slowed growth. The 80-degree warmth during the weekend should help. With all of this downtime, many projects are getting done. I see many of us still fixing tile holes. We have greased the planter now two times. Grass is growing well as we are kept busy mowing yards.

Ron Haase, Gilman, Iroquois County: We have not been in the field during the past week, but I did manage to plant our sweet corn. I did see some acres that were worked, and I heard of some corn planting taking place. We are still waiting for the right conditions to get herbicides applied to our soybean fields. Rain fell Friday through Sunday (May 8-10) totaling 1.65 to 3 inches, so that kept farmers out of the fields.

Most cornfields in the local area are at the V2 growth stage. Most soybean fields that were planted are in the VE growth stage. Crop growth slowed down with the cooler temperatures. The local closing prices for May 14 were nearby corn, $3.49; new-crop corn, $3.49; nearby soybeans, $9.50; new-crop soybeans, $8.99.

Brian Schaumburg, Chenoa, McLean County: We received nearly 2 inches of rain since my last report, which has slowed soybean planting progress.

A few were able to get in the fields Thursday. Beans that got in by May 2 are VE to VC with great stand counts. Post spraying got a start this week, and some sidedressing of N occurred. Crop rating is excellent. Corn, $3.58, fall, $3.58; soybeans, $9.45, fall, $9.07; wheat, $4.79.

Jimmy Ayers, New City, Sangamon County: It has been a relatively wet week. It started raining last weekend (May 9-10), and we received anywhere from 2.5 to 4.2 inches of rain. It rained again Thursday. Very little activity has taken place. Corn seems to keep coming up, but it is still struggling.

It seems to be a little too cool.

Quite a few soybeans were planted last week, and many are coming up slow because of the coolness. Quite a bit of ponding. There are a lot of guys running around with rubber boots and shovels.

There wasn’t any hay activity. You want to check your planter’s spacings. Check each row to be sure it is properly placing the seed. Try to make sure you have no skips and no doubles. Now is the easiest time to check to see if your planter did what you wanted it to do.

Carrie Winkelmann, Tallula, Menard County: The 2.2 inches of rain we received last weekend was wonderfully timed for crops in the ground. We spent a little time ditching out some wet spots, but for the most part, the rain came gradually enough not to be a problem. The earliest planted corn we have is staging at V4, but there is some in the area ahead of that. The stand looks wonderful. Beans in the area are up and looking good, but still some acres left to plant.

Tom Ritter, Blue Mound, Macon County: Rainfall the weekend before last totaled a little more than 2 inches and put a stop to all of the fieldwork. With the slow drying conditions and some cooler temperatures, there still hasn’t been any field activity. We had rain Thursday evening with more forecast for late in the week. Doubtful we will see any field operations until the middle of this week. Corn planting is virtually complete in this area. Soybean planting remains a little more than 80 percent complete. Emergence of soybeans has been very slow with the cooler temperatures.

Corn is in the four- to six-leaf stage with a little bit of yellow, but hopefully, it can get some heat before the next week of cooling comes.

Todd Easton, Charleston, Coles County: Rainfall came on schedule last Friday afternoon (May 8) for at least part of the county and caught up with the rest of the area that evening. By this time, planters had already worked into the short rows with most all of the cornfields planted and more than half of the soybean crop planted. Virtually all of the corn has emerged and is looking good except in some very isolated wet places. The majority of planted soybean fields are also emerged with good looking stands. Forecasters are predicting more rain again this weekend just when fields are getting dried out. Right now, we can just hope that the rainfall amount is reasonable instead of a pond filler on these small crops.

Steve Ayers, Champaign, Champaign County: Last weekend’s rainy spell resulted in a welcome 1 to 2.25 inches of rain in the neighborhood. A cool, dry week until Thursday evening when another rainy spell began about 5:30 p.m.

Corn and soybeans are leaping out of the ground and looking great.

This week, we expect .5 of an inch Wednesday with another 1 inch next weekend. We also expect a cold front to move through Monday with a 40 to 70 degree range.

Equine herpes virus (EHV-1) was confirmed at the Gordyville Event Center at Gifford this week that closed the facility for horse shows until the disease subsides. Let’s be careful out there!

Dave Hankammer, Millstadt, St. Clair County: Very little fieldwork was done last week, thanks to the 4 inches of rain the area received during Mothers’ Day weekend. Starting on the Friday prior to, and ending Monday morning (May 11), periodic showers and storms passed through the region leaving saturated fields. Coolerthan-normal temperatures did little to dry the fields. Most farmers seem to be done or close to done planting corn. Emergence of the newly seeded fields has been good due to the warm temps we had. Some soybean fields were planted prior to the rains. I observed a field with plants a couple inches tall. Any additional plantings will be delayed for more than a week because more rain is predicted for the weekend. Strawberry picking is starting to get under way as produce farms are starting to promote their pick-yourown berries. Local grain bids are corn, $3.64; soybeans, $9.72; wheat, $4.42. Have a good week.

Page 7 • Monday, May 18, 2015 • FarmWeek Doug Uphoff, Shelbyville, Shelby County: We were almost done planting beans and then we received 3 inches of rain. We had only .1 of an inch since we started planting corn, so the rain was needed. Near Windsor, they received 4 inches of rain. Ours soaked in pretty quick, but some were digging ditches to try to remove ponds in the fields. Some beans have emerged, but things slowed down with the cooler weather. Corn that has emerged is at two-leaf stage, and some stands are very spotty because of dry conditions and anhydrous tracks. We have spent the wet period making repairs and mowing. Have a good week and be careful!

Jeff Guilander, Jerseyville, Jersey County: After three weeks of solid fieldwork, the widespread rains last week were just what the doctor ordered.

According to Climate Corp, the amounts were from 1 to 3 inches and varied greatly within the same area. The majority of the corn is up and running along with several of the soybean fields. Another week to 10 days and planting should be finishing up, and spraying will become the top priority with a lot of fields having no chemicals down. With this kind of start, it is hard to guess what the next three weeks will bring.

Rick Corners, Centralia, Jefferson County: We had about 3 inches of rain last weekend (May 9-10), although some areas had 4 to 5+ inches. I think most of the corn is planted. It came up very well, and it was looking really good until the heavy rains and cool nights. Now, it is kind of a sick, yellow color.

Several started planting beans, although now we wish they were back in the sack because I think a lot of them will have to be replanted. I don’t know what has changed, but years ago, we never had to replant anything. Wheat is heading and blooming and, of course, here comes the chance of rain every day.

David Schaal, St. Peter, Fayette County: It has been cool here after almost 3 inches of rain that came Friday (May 8). The rain finally moved out Monday (May 11).

No fieldwork occurred last week.

Most of the corn has been planted and a lot of it has emerged. Stands look good to excellent. The soybeans planted several days ahead of the rains have emerged also. The beans that entered the ground just a day or two before Friday’s rain seem to be struggling. The cool weather has not helped them at all. Hopefully, the rain in the upcoming forecast won’t materialize. Have a good week and stay safe.

Dan Meinhart, Montrose, Jasper County: It has been a very wet and cool week. The area received a 3 to 4 inches of rain during a several day period; therefore, no planting has taken place in the last week. Corn and beans planted after May 3 are emerging very slowly and may need to be replanted. Fungicides and insecticides have been applied to wheat the last few days, and it is beginning to head out.

The wheat looks good at this time, but it does not like wet weather in May, so it is too early to tell how it will yield. Rain and cool weather is in the forecast for the next four days.

Randy Anderson, Galatia, Saline County: It was a cool, damp week for us down south.

Corn planting is 98 percent complete. I see the possibility of a little spotting in some low areas. Bean planting is 15 to 20 percent complete. Beans are struggling to come up with the cool, wet soils. Went to our school’s FFA banquet last week. Gives me a great feeling of pride when the young people have an interest in agriculture and all the opportunities that ag offers.

exports, and could affect domestic pork and beef demand as well. A number of countries, including Russia and China, banned imports of U.S. poultry.

“With the export restrictions, there’s the potential of a flood of white meat on the domestic market,” said Joe Camp, AgriVisor risk management specialist.

“We’re still looking at a very small part of the poultry sector (that’s suffered HPAI losses).”

U.S. poultry farmers last year produced 8.54 billion broilers, 99.8 billion eggs and 238 million turkeys, which dwarfs the combined total (32 million) of chickens and turkeys lost or culled due to the virus thus far.

Largest bird flu outbreak spreads to Indiana, Nebraska Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) spread to two more states last week.

The presence of HPAI, or bird flu, last week was confirmed in a backyard poultry flock in Indiana and a commercial poultry operation in Nebraska.

The latest findings bring the total number of states with HPAI to 16. More than 32 million birds have been culled, which makes the current outbreak the largest on record in the U.S. In 2007, an outbreak of low pathogenic H5N2 resulted in the loss of 25,600 poultry in West Virginia.

Prior to that, a bird flu outbreak in 1983-84 in Pennsylvania and Virginia took out about 17 million poultry.

Illinois, as of late last week, had no reported cases of HPAI. But it could be just a matter of time. The state last week was surrounded by bird flu cases in Indiana, Iowa, Missouri and Wisconsin.

Illinois poultry farmers and state officials continue to take measures, such as tighten biosecurity, to reduce the risk of infection to birds.

HPAI to date represents no threat to human health or food safety. It spreads via migratory waterfowl movement and contact with domestic birds.

USDA recently initiated an epidemiological investigation to better understand how the virus spreads to closed poultry operations.

The outbreak has slowed the flow of U.S. poultry

BY DANIEL GRANT

Boar conference set for U of I

For the first time in 15 years, the VIIIth International Conference on Boar Semen Preservation w i l l b e h o s t e d by t h e U n ive r s i t y o f I l l i n o i s Department of Animal Sciences Aug. 9-12.

Conducted ever y four years since 1985, the conference will feature more than 30 internationally recognized speakers. Subjects will include boar health and disease transmission; technologies for sperm preservation and evaluation; physiolog y and factors impacting sper m production and fertility; biotechnology and frontiers in fertility; and application of technology for improved fertility in pigs. There will also be more than 30 research displays on developments from around the world.

Social events for registrants include a welcome reception at the Hilton Garden Inn in Champaign Aug. 9 from 6 to 9 p.m.

“The goal of the conference has always been to bring scientists, practitioners, producers and companies together from all over the world,” said Rob Knox, an associate U of I animal science professor and conference chair.

Early registration ends May 31. Registration will continue at an increased rate after that date. For more information and to register, visit {boarsemen2015.com}.

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

Grain market volatility poses rail challenges FarmWeek • Page 8 • Monday, May 18, 2015

BY CHRIS ANDERSON FarmWeek

How many bushels of corn and soybeans will U.S. farmers produce this year? What level will grain prices reach? Will export markets prove strong?

If those questions occupy your thoughts as you plant, you’re not alone. Increasing grain market volatility poses the No. 1 challenge for transportation planners like Greg Guthrie.

The BNSF Railway agricultural commodities marketing director manages about 28,000 rail cars moving grain across the U.S. “The continued decline in corn exports means we have 8,000 to 9,000 rail cars parked at any time. We get busy in September, and we’re done by March,” Guthrie told American Ag Editors Association members during a recent regional conference.

“The size of the crop and when it moves presents a challenge. We think half of the corn raised last year is still in the bin.”

Guthrie noted BNSF ships 70 percent more industrial products, 29 percent additional

consumer products and 3 percent more ag products than it did six years ago. A shift toward increased container shipments also occurred, he said.

“That requires more people and more locomotives. It’s capital intensive,” Guthrie explained. “We invested $4 billion in 2013. Our 2015 budget is $6 billion.”

Boosting investment demands increased efficiencies by BNSF. Guthrie said BNSF uses new rail cars that measure 5 feet shorter, but hold the same amount of grain as traditional rail cars pulled in 110-car unit trains.

As a result, 117-car trains will become the norm.

Efficiencies aside, decreasing corn exports pose an even greater challenge for rail, Guthrie noted. The U.S. remains a residual world supplier as an increasing amount of U.S. corn becomes ethanol fuel, he said.

Mike Steenhoek, Soy Transportation Coalition executive director, pointed to BNSF’s investment as a definite positive in “a spending, not an investing nation.” U.S.

debt accumulation poses a problem for maintaining critical rail, roads, bridges, and inland waterways and ports, Steenhoek said.

“We scored some wins with WRRDA (Water Resources Reform and Development Act). Funding increased for ports and inland waterways by increasing the barge diesel fuel tax,” he noted.

“We export half of our soybeans. It costs $102 per metric ton to ship soybeans from Davenport (Iowa) to Shanghai (China). It costs $122 per metric ton to ship soybeans from Matto Grasso (Brazil) to Shanghai,” Steenhoek said. “Transportation is a political football, yet it’s integral to profitability. We must have connectivity.”

Randy Blankenhor n.

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), in conjunction with the Illinois Capitol Development Board, continues its listening sessions across the state this month. A list of dates and locations may be viewed by visiting {idot.illinois.gov}.

Guebert commended Blankenhorn for gathering input on the state’s infrastructure needs. Transportation remains “a key factor in supporting the state’s $25 billion in agricultural farm gate sales and its more than $7.9 billion in annual exports of agricultural products,” he noted.

IFB views user fees as the basis for funding state and local highway systems, Guebert wrote. The organization could support an increase in the state’s motor fuel tax to improve the highway system, but that revenue “must be used only for road construction and maintenance” and not diverted for nonhighway purposes, he stated.

Improved locks and dams on the Mississippi and Illinois rivers play a critical role in maintaining Illinois agriculture’s competitiveness in international commodity markets, he added. “We ask the State of Illinois and its agencies —

especially IDOT — to give strong support for inland waterway navigation efforts,” Guebert wrote, adding “our state has much to gain — or lose — in the management of our extensive waterway navigation system.”

Guebert lobbied IDOT to maintain safe, convenient public access across rail corridors in rural areas and small towns, and to ensure that private crossings remain open across rail corridors.

IFB supports more crossing signals with warning lights and gates marking at-grade, highway-railroad crossings.

Those warning signals and other safety features should accommodate modern farm equipment that is wide and long, he noted.

“Transportation makes up approximately 14 percent of consumers’ cost for agricultural goods, a larger share than for almost any other industry,” Guebert pointed out.

“That’s one reason we urge the (transportation) department to seek greater efficiency in the transportation system with an emphasis on those modes that are most efficient at moving commodity freight — water and rail.”

IFB backs long-term and holistic transportation in IDOT comments

BY KAY SHIPMAN FarmWeek The state’s ag riculture industr y needs a holistic transpor tation system to maintain its competitiveness, Illinois Far m Bureau President Richard Gueber t Jr. wrote in comments to acting Richard Guebert Jr. Illinois Transpor tation Secretar y

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On the other hand, Steenhoek said he does not expect Congress to enact a highway bill by May 31 aimed at financing road repair. “They’ll probably just kick the can down the road,” he said.

Despite challenges, the U.S. remains the most economical grain choice of foreign buyers due to the power of its transportation system.

TM

©2013 GROWMARK, Inc. A14129

Tuesday: • FarmWeek: “The Early Word” • Laura Gundrum, U.S. Department of the Interior: trails program • Cynthia Haskins, Illinois Farm Bureau manager of business development and compliance: Homegrown By Heroes • David St. Pierre, Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago: Accelerate Illinois • Eric Schmidt, EJS Weather Wednesday: • Richard Guebert Jr., IFB president • Frank Keating, American

Bankers Association: financial issues update • Jim Bower, Bower Trading • Robert Clark, Stone Seed Group: planting conditions Thursday: • Kraig McPeek, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: pollinator conference • Andy Jackson, Putnam County Emergency Medical Services: EMS funding • Reid Blossom, Illinois Beef Association: summer conference Friday: • Larry Altenbaumer, Economic Development Corporation of Decatur-Macon County: Midwest Inland Port studies • Sherri Brown, Monsanto: Insect Management Knowledge Program

Page 9 • Monday, May 18, 2015 • FarmWeek

B

UREAU — Foundation golf outing, 9 a.m. June 26 at Chapel Hill Golf Course in Princeton.

The tournament will be a shotgun start, four-person scramble. Call 875-6468 for reservations and pricing.

Proceeds will benefit the Bureau and Lee County Ag in the Classroom (AITC) programs.

OOK — Rescheduled Food and Farm webinar on Hops, 7 p.m. June 15 at the Farm Bureau building.

To register and learn more about the forums, visit cookcfb.org/buy-local/pro grams, email membership debbie@cookcfb.org or call 708-354-3276.

ASALLE — Defensive driving course, 10 a.m. June 2-3 in the Farm Bureau auditorium. Cost is $15 for members and $20 for nonmembers. Doug Sommer will instruct. Call 433-0371 for reservations by May 26.

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 857-3531 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 815-875-6468 for reservations by June 5.

ASSAC — Local agricultural irrigators meeting, 8 a.m. June 2 at Shawnee Community College Campus River Room, Ullin.

Lauren Lurkins, Illinois Farm Bureau director of natural and environmental resources, will speak. Call 524-5811 for reservations by May 29.

ONTGOMERY — Prime Timers luncheon and meeting, noon Wednesday 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 Tuesday for reservations.

EORIA — Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) training class, 9 a.m.

June 10 at the Farm Bureau building. Joe Varda, Mid Illini Educational Consultants, will instruct. Participants will be required to take the CDL test at the driver’s license facility. Cost is $45 for members and $55 for nonmembers. Call 686-7070 by June 5 for reservations.

RACING FOR AG EDUCATION

C L L

M

Runners bolt from the starting line and crest a hill during the 5th 5K Grow & Go hosted recently by the IAA Foundation. The event, held at the IAA Building in Bloomington, attracted more than 420 runners, walkers, kid dashers, families and volunteers. The fundraiser for Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom remains on track to raise more than $16,500 to further ag literacy. Visit FarmWeekNow.com to watch a video of the event. (Photos by Cyndi Cook and Ken Kashian)

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FarmWeek • Page 10 • Monday, May 18, 2015

Going, going, gone: Stored grain shrinking, upkeep remains

BY KAY SHIPMAN FarmWeek

Farmers need to ensure grain stored on their farms remains in condition even as grain facilities remove millions of bushels in temporary storage, Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) officials reminded farmers.

“Farmers should check their own bins — and always be safe,” stressed Chuck Cawley, manager of IDOA’s industry regulation division.

All 15 million bushels of permitted emergency grain storage has been moved, according to Rick Boyd, IDOA warehouse examiner supervisor, and Stuart Selinger, head

of IDOA’s warehouse bureau.

Emergency storage entails putting grain on the ground.

Elevator operators and warehousemen also made great progress in removing permitted temporary storage. As of May 6, 71.773 million bushels of temporary storage remained from a peak 147 million

bushels, Boyd noted.

Temporary storage structures must include a permanent base, rigid sidewalls, a tarp, and aeration fans and ducts.

“The next few weeks, it (temporary storage) will change dramatically,” Selinger added.

Selinger explained IDOA permits temporary storage

Illinois grain storage stats Illinois ranks No. 1 nationwide in commercial grain storage capacity at 1.438 billion bushels. That total includes 18.7 million bushels of storage added in 2014.

For the 2014 crop, the Illi-

nois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) granted temporary storage of 147 million bushels and emergency storage of another 15 million bushels.

have jumped from 31 percent of the corn planted in Illinois up to 69 percent. Technology and larger equipment sure make the planting process go so much faster.

Spring is also a great time to confirm your seed purchasing decisions. As you are going to the field, check early emergence and take stand counts.

Did the hybrid emerge as expected? Does it have the early vigor that you wanted? Make sure the hybrid/variety lives up to your expectations.

The yield potential received in the fall is half determined by the stand that emerges in

the spring. There are many factors that will affect emergence and stand counts, most not directly related to the seed itself. That is why it is so important to be in the field watching what’s affecting the crop.

The emerging crop is like a newborn baby. It needs lots of attention and you have to be around all the time making observations.

Your local FS Crop Specialist is a great resource to help in making evaluations and observations. Our Crop Specialists are continually trained and updated on the latest technolo-

until May 15 or six months from the time a permit is issued. A licensed grain elevator or warehouse may request an extension, but IDOA inspectors ensure the grain’s quality remains sufficient and the facility demonstrates a need for the extension, he added.

Farmers, too, need to “keep an eye on their grain” stored on the farm, but do so safely, Selinger said.

Selinger reminded farmers about the insurance coverage offered by the state at 258 licensed grain companies and warehouses in 975 locations.

Currently, the grain insurance fund equity totals $7.5

million, he said.

Farmers with warehouse receipts for grain stored in a licensed facility are guaranteed a prorated portion of a facility’s liquidated assets should the business fail, plus up to $1 million after the prorata distribution for the remainder of their claim.

After grain is sold, a farmer who has not received payment is guaranteed up to $1 million per claimant for the next 21 days.

Between 22 and 160 days, farmers are guaranteed only 85 percent coverage, up to $250,000.

They receive no coverage after 160 days.

gies and products; they are the experts when it comes to understanding how to nurture and take care of your crops.

They are the best resource in selecting the right hybrids and varieties to match your farm, the soil types in each field and the genetics needed to maximize productivity. FS InVISION Corn and FS HiSOY Soybeans are our own proprietary brands that are specifically selected from local research, matched to Midwest soils and sold through local Crop Specialists.

A customized recommendation from a local Crop Special-

ist who knows your farms and their own seed brands that will maximize grower profitability is a prescription for a great partnership. FS Seed Division and our local member cooperatives are committed to providing the best seed products coupled with the best agronomic expertise for our farmer owners. Ask your local Crop Specialist to help select the best seed for your farming operation.

Know your fields’ yield potential and find production success Spring has finally sprung.

After a long, hard winter like we just had, it’s so good to see the new life that spring brings — grass greening, flowers blooming and temperatures increasing.

Another sure sign that spring is here — corn and soybeans are being planted.

This past Matt Hynes week was a big one for corn planting progress. We

BY MATT HYNES

Source: Stuart Selinger, IDOA warehouse bureau

Matt Hynes serves as GROWMARK’s seed sales and marketing manager. His email address is mhynes@growmark.com.

Four-state dairy conference planned

Dairy farmers can learn about the latest research on feed management, animal behavior and technology at the 2015 Four-State Dairy Nutrition and Management Conference June 10-11 at the Grand River Center in Dubuque, Iowa.

Iowa State University Extension, University of Illinois Extension, University of Minnesota Extension and University of Wisconsin Extension sponsor the conference.

Conference topics will include effectiveness of practical transition interventions, nutritional influences on health and immunity and effects of yeast on gut health. Speakers will also discuss the perfect dining experience for cows and how to move beyond 90 pounds of milk per cow per day.

For more information and to register, visit {z.umn.edu/ 4state}, or contact Wisconsin Agri-Service Association, 608223-1111, or Jim Salfer at salfe001@umn.edu or 320-203-6093.

The conference registration fee costs $150 until May 31 and $175 after that date.

U.S. report: global food prices to drop 12 percent in 2015

Nations will pay 12 percent, or $153 billion, less for food in 2015, the lowest decline in five years. An oversupply of wheat, a strong U.S. dollar and lower freight costs will fuel the decrease, according to the United Nation’s Food and Agriculture Organization’s biannual Food Outlook report.

Economists anticipate the greatest declines in the cost of importing cereals, fruits and vegetables. Grain costs fell 1.3

percent in April, the lowest since July 2010, according to the agency. Global production could drop 1.5 percent to 2.51 billion tons this year, although that will still be 5 percent above the five-year average.

Despite falling costs, the global import tab for buying food this year will be $1.13 trillion, the agency stated. The report also suggests dairy, soybean and sugar production will increase.

Corn Strategy

Planting pace and soybean yields

The soybean planting pace, like the mid-May counterpart for corn, has a slightly positive bias concerning potential yields. When the soybean planting pace is 60 percent or more complete by May 25, there’s a slightly larger incidence of seeing yields come in at trend or higher.

Based on an expected planting number of 60 percent by May 25, the relationship would imply a yield of 98.5 to 99 percent of trend. The trend we use points to a 46-bushel yield, the same projection USDA is currently using. The combination implies a 45.3- to 45.5-bushel yield potential this year.

Using the current USDA acreage forecast, 84.6 million acres planted and 83.7 million harvested, it implies a 3.79 to 3.81 billion bushel crop. That’s slightly smaller than the 3.85 billion bushel crop USDA projected last week, but still a very large crop.

Ultimately though, the key lies with the number of acres that get planted, the summer weather and the final yield.

Last week, Informa Econom-

ics continued to forecast a significantly larger planting than USDA forecast in the March 31 prospective planting report. Informa expects this year’s planting to reach 87.19 million acres, 2.55 more than USDA’s forecast.

That is inconsistent with what we learned in 2009 and 2010 when low prices discouraged planting of all the available acres. The combination of plantings and prevented plantings of all crops declined significantly those two years with the low prices in the wake of the late 2008 economic collapse.

At the same time, this year’s pace of plantings in the northern and western parts of the Corn Belt are well ahead of the recent years. With spring wheat, corn and other small grain planting occurring before soybeans, it doesn’t suggest an increase in soybean acres is likely.

The biggest possibility of seeing an acreage increase might be in the southern Corn Belt and Mid-South, but modest delays may force more acres into prevent planting. And if prices remain weak and conditions wet, it may cut into double-crop plantings, too.

Ultimately, there’s a lot of changes that can unfold during the next several weeks. But even though the structure looks negative at the moment, don’t discount other possibilities.

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ü2014 crop: After last week’s rally, prices may be set up to complete the correction with origins at the late December high. The final low isn’t likely to be much lower than the current $3.56 low on July futures. Once complete, the market should be positioned for an extended period of stronger prices. 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 constructive. Hold off making sales. vFundamentals: USDA didn’t offer any new insightful revelations in the initial newcrop supply/demand forecasts. The world ending stocks were larger than anticipated, but that was due to adjustments in inventories for the marketing year coming to a close. Planting was bogged down a little by weather last week, but forecasts for what’s ahead suggest it will get wrapped up in a timely fashion. Moisture conditions have improved a little in northern/western areas, too.

Page 11 • Monday, May 18, 2015 • FarmWeek Cents per bu.

Soybean Strategy

ü2014 crop: Prices remain weak, but the absence of new selling at key supports continues to indicate downside risk is limited. Demand picks up when futures dip near $9.50.

While there are no guarantees, timing indicators point to a late May low, suggesting prices should improve this summer. ü2015 crop: Even though the short-term trend is still down, action tends to suggest supply and demand are better balanced than indicated. That, and limited risk premium, implies better marketing opportunities should come this summer. vFundamentals: Of all the USDA numbers, the ones for the soybean complex were considered most negative. The 500 million bushel new-crop ending stocks projection was higher than anticipated along with the 96.22 million metric ton world ending stocks number. Still, the trade is aware the final ending stocks are often below these early forecasts, some-

times significantly below. But planting is going well, leaving little reason for new-crop concern.

Wheat Strategy

ü2014 crop: Look to wrap up 2014 sales when opportunities arise for new-crop pricing. ü2015 crop: Recommended sales stand at 25 percent. We believe holding wheat for late summer sales will pay dividends this year. vFundamentals: Wheat was the star last week, rallying more than 30 cents Thursday.

Fund traders were forced out of a portion of their record net-short position when weather carried prices higher.

An El Nino was confirmed for this year and threatens wheat in Australia, among other growing regions. Drought worries dissipated in the Southern Plains, but have been replaced by wet weather and quality concerns. Talk about Russian exports added fuel to the lateweek rally. The country will no longer impose export duties on wheat, but officials may raise the price paid on intervention purchases. A softer dollar boosts U.S. export prospects and is also encouraging a return of speculative interest in the commodity space with grain futures a potential beneficiary.

FarmWeek • Page 12 • Monday, May 18, 2015

Illinois positioned to serve as food, agriculture epicenter

I

left the office shortly after a FARM Illinois conference call in April and spent the remainder of the daylight hours planting my “early” garden — lettuce, spinach, beets, Swiss chard, mustard greens and turnips, among others.

This must be my 54th or 55th garden. I took up initial responsibilities for the family garden at age 10, and except for four years at Texas A&M and time in the Army, I have always produced a portion of my food. My wife came from a similar hardscrabble background, and during our early, lean years we “canned” a fair share of our food supply. By the end of May our garden will grow to more than a quarter acre, and we’ll nurROBERT ture that EASTER along with the fruits on our 40 or so trees.

Why, one might ask, do we do it?

I really enjoy fresh vegetables and fruit. And I identify strongly with those who advocate for local foods. In part, I garden to maintain my legitimacy when I travel to other places around the globe; I can sit down with a group of small farmers and identify with their challenges in ways that I could never do otherwise. My hands are callused in the same places as theirs and I understand their world.

As much as I love my garden, I thoroughly enjoy the banana (possibly from Honduras) and the Honeycrisp apple (possibly from Chile) that I regularly have for breakfast. And with that enjoyment comes the realization that the world today is reliant on a food supply that is global in nature, just as the modern world derives its energy supply from an interconnected web that spans the planet.

My points are obvious: There is no question that all tiers of the food system — local, regional and global — are essential for our collective well-being. The benefits of local food go far beyond great flavor, and include

Editor’s note: Kay Shipman asked high school students competing in the state Envirothon (a natural resource academic contest) for their opinion on the importance of teens learning about natural resources and the environment.

societal values and employment opportunities that simply don’t emerge from a sealed container of food delivered from halfway around the world. But there is a place and need for both local and global.

It is simply reality that there will be a global city where those who manage the internationally integrated food supply will cluster and develop innovative production, processing, marketing, distribution, management and other technologies. Chicago, drawing on an incredible and unique network of Illinois’ assets statewide, has to be that place.

We begin from a position of strength as Chicago and Illinois have long been leaders of innovation throughout the food and agriculture system.

But to borrow a phrase from Daniel Burnham, this is a time “to make no small plans.”

And so FARM Illinois was conceived to do just that, to develop an inspiring, forwardthinking vision and, most important, to make it a reality.

This plan lays out a comprehensive set of recommendations centered on coordinated leadership, including the creation of the Illinois Council for Food and Agriculture.

I have been honored to chair the FARM Illinois Leadership Council. Our members worked together for the better part of a year to understand the challenges we face and the strategies that will position Illinois and Chicago as the epicenter of the global, national, regional and local food and agriculture systems for generations to come.

This plan represents not an end, but a beginning. I look forward to continuing to work alongside stakeholders across the state, including farmers, business owners, manufacturers, researchers, policymakers and nonprofit leaders, to build on the progress we’ve made in developing this plan and to bring its recommendations to fruition.

Robert Easter retired recently as University of Illinois president. As FARM Illinois Leadership Council chairman, he wrote the preceding words as a foreword for FARM Illinois’ report scheduled for release this week. FarmWeek will continue its coverage of FARM Illinois in upcoming editions.

“The growing trend is for people (teens) to play video games inside, and they don’t know (about natural resources). It’s important for people to know what they’re doing. We learned about conserving things.”

Colin Wisinski Junior Murphysboro High School

“We, as young adults and the next generation, are responsible for natural resources and the environment as a whole. It’s important we learn, so we leave this world a better place for future generations.”

Matthew Runyon Junior East Richland High School

Letters to the editor

Urging estate tax support

Editor: It’s all a matter of planning. Because there is no such thing as a “death tax.” Some wealthier than we distort words to make estate taxes seem a major threat so they can hide behind us.

Most of us older farm owners (I’m mid-80s with farm land in Illinois) are more open to estate planning than our parents’ generation. Revocable living trusts, LLCs and FLPs (Family Limited Partnerships) now enable us older folks to retain control of assets and management, and avoid estate taxes while heirs benefit from those assets. Today, many resource people can help us work on estate tax issues.

Our COUNTRY Financial representatives are “first responders” to help as we discuss and design estate plans. They offer various financial products, but even better, they help us develop an asset inventory and ideas about asset distribution to heirs — both those active on-farm and off-farm. Then, if we decide to consult an attorney about trusts, LLCs, FLPs, etc., we already have data which makes that consultation fast and economical.

Our resource people can enable us to transfer several multiple millions to heirs with no estate tax. They’ve helped our family.

Further, there’s no real “death tax” because 99.7 percent of people die without paying any estate tax. In 2012, Missouri Farm Bureau tried and failed to find any farm family in the state who had to sell any land or livestock to cover estate taxes.

We need an estate tax system. Why should John Kerry, Darrel Issa, Mitt Romney, Al Gore and unnamed billionaires evade $246 billion in taxes and fail to support our nation that enabled them to prosper?

Keep the estate tax. Reform it as needed to benefit farms and small businesses. But don’t repeal it. Call your senators.

ELDON C. MCKIE St. Louis, Mo.

IDOA belt tightening praised

Editor: Most individuals recognize that Illinois has a serious budget deficit of about $6 billion short term and $111 billion long term.

But most public entities have gone on record opposing fiscal responsibility if it involves them.

There may be exceptions. The only one I have read about is Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA). Their recent press release simply stated that they are planning the needed spending reductions and will carry on.

I commend the IDOA and Director Phil Nelson for helping the state get back on track.

DAVID SCHAEFER Beecher City

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“It’s important we take care of what we have. It’s important to learn best management practices and learn how to deal with current and

“Kids have a bunch of technology, and I think they need to get out and see what’s about them.

It’s more fun seeing what’s outside.”

Aaron Field Senior Fulton High School

Clay Herron Sophomore West Prairie High School

future diseases.”