Farmweek november 25 2013 by Illinois Farm Bureau

IFB members will debate a number of annual meeting policies, including one concerning data collection...............................7

Nineteen Young Leaders saw a record soybean crop growing in Brazil on a recent ag industry tour.........................8

Illinois’ bee industry is buzzing with a 38 percent increase in beekeeper numbers this year........................12

A service of

Illinois Farm Bureau mission: Improve the economic well-being of agriculture and enrich the quality of farm family life. Monday, November 25, 2013

Two sections Volume 41, No. 47

TORNADOES LEAVE SWATH OF DESTRUCTION Farm communities hit hard by historic November outbreak BY DANIEL GRANT FarmWeek

Pekin, Washington, Dana, Coal City and Frankfort. The largest was an EF-4 (with winds speeds of 190 mph) that devastated parts of Washington and left a trail of destruction 46 miles long. It was the strongest twister on record statewide in November since 1950.

Kent Hodel of Metamora holds a steering wheel torn from a tractor by a powerful tornado that struck Woodford County Nov. 17. While Hodel’s home was not severely damaged, rubble from a home belonging to his son, Kevin, lies in the background. The Illinois Farm Bureau Board of Directors Friday approved a $10,000 donation to the American Red Cross of the Heartland for tornado relief efforts. (Photo by Cyndi Cook)

The end of a productive harvest season took a violent turn at numerous locations Sunday (Nov. 17) as a rare outbreak of tornadoes, powerful winds, hail and heavy rain battered Illinois and surrounding states. The National Weather Service (NWS) late last week reported approximately 23 tornadoes struck the state in a matter of hours. Illinois prior to the outbreak recorded a total of 62 tornadoes in the month of November from 1950 to 2012. “This one outbreak on Sunday (Nov. 17) increased the count from 62 to 85 for November tornadoes, a 37 percent increase,” said Jim Angel, Illinois State Water Survey state climatologist. One supercell produced four tornadoes that impacted

“It took countless farmsteads completely down and scattered machine sheds, machinery and houses,” Bill Christ, a Woodford County farmer who also is a COUNTRY Financial agent and member of the Illinois Corn Marketing Board, told the RFD Radio Network®. “Farmsteads you can remember as a kid are completely gone,” he continued. See Historic, page 3

greenhouse gas emissions and drop corn prices below the cost of production,” said Nelson. “EPA’s decision to reduce the level of total renewable fuels for 2014 is unwarranted and disappointing. EPA’s action is not about the inability of oil companies to blend more ethanol into unleaded gasoline. Instead, it appears to be a response to the industry’s well-financed public relations and lobbying efforts and reflects the administration’s capitulation to the oil companies’ unwillingness to blend any more lower-cost ethanol.” EPA officials said the decision was based on the fact that nearly all gasoline sold in the U.S. contains up to 10 percent ethanol. Increased renewable fuel production coupled with advances in vehicle fuel economy has decreased gasoline consumption far below 2007 levels

when Congress passed the RFS, they noted. EPA officials further stated the nation has reached an “E10 blend wall,” the point at which the E10 fuel pool is saturated with ethanol. That means continued growth in ethanol use will require higher blends, they concluded. Matt Erickson, American Farm Bureau Federation economist, agreed the energy situation no longer mimics the 2007 marketplace. However, he noted current market structure includes E15 and E85 blends. “We have more than 11 million flex-fuel vehicles in this country, and it’s growing,” Erickson said. “We need to realize that potential and move forward, not backward.” Corn and soybean growers expressed outrage at the EPA proposal announcement. They

are gearing up for a concerted effort to defeat the proposal. “I think we can convince EPA they are wrong,” said Martin Barbre, National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) president. “We have a plan in place to fire up people during the comment period.” Barbre, a Carmi farmer, said farmers can provide a consistent message to EPA. Corn growers met national biofuel needs last year despite a serious drought, he noted. They have produced a near-record crop this year. “The other message is that agriculture has been the bright spot in America’s rural economy. The benefits are far-reaching – to the machinery dealer, to the local car dealer, to the schools. This proposal is a step backwards,” said Barbre. In January, NCGA plans to See Campaign, page 4

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More tornado coverage on page 3

Ag groups plan aggressive RFS campaign BY CHRIS ANDERSON FarmWeek

Farmers and biofuel groups plan to race into overdrive to prevent the national Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) from stalling. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) officials proposed a nearly 3 billion gallon reduction last week in the required amount of cornbased ethanol and soybeanbased biodiesel to be blended in motor fuels next year. Farm and biofuels representatives vowed they would strongly oppose the move. Philip Nelson, Illinois Farm Bureau (IFB) president, said members will be asked to submit comments once the EPA proposal gets published in the Federal Register. “This proposal has the potential to drive up gasoline prices for consumers, increase

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Quick Takes

STATE

FarmWeek Page 2 Monday, November 25, 2013

RADIO STUDIO UNVEILED

MASCHHOFFS ACQUIRE POULTRY PRODUCER — Carlyle-based pork producer The Maschhoffs, LLC, signed an agreement last week to acquire GNP Company, the Midwest’s leading provider of premium quality chicken under the Gold’n Plump®, Just BARE® and Sunny Roost® brands. GNP Company and The Maschhoffs’ pork production business will operate as separate business units following the close of the transaction. The transaction will have no immediate impact on GNP Company’s chicken business or The Maschhoffs’ pork production business. The Maschhoffs is the nation’s largest independent, family-owned swine operation with approximately 208,000 sows and associated market hog production in nine states. Based in St. Cloud, Minn., GNP Company is a family-owned provider of premium branded and custom chicken products to retail, deli and food service customers nationally. COUNTRY RETURNING CROP HAIL DIVIDENDS — COUNTRY Financial will return $1.9 million to more than 10,860 crop hail policyholders in Illinois during March. Policyholders will receive an 11.35 percent return of the premium they paid this year. The amount of each dividend check will vary depending on the amount of crop hail coverage each policyholder had on crops during the 2013 season. COUNTRY is the largest crop hail insurer in Illinois. The company provides crop hail protection to about 3.2 million acres of Illinois crops valued at about $2.1 billion.

BRIDGE AGREEMENT REACHED — A final court settlement in DeKalb County last week means adequate funding for complete repair of the Keslinger Road Bridge featured in a Nov. 11 FarmWeek story. The damaged bridge collapsed roughly five years ago, purportedly under the weight of ongoing pipeline construction traffic. It will be repaired at no cost to local government. Funds have already been transferred to the county and township by Enbridge Energy. Plans include completing repairs by the end of next year. A court case against Enbridge and its pipeline contractor, Welded Construction, was dismissed following the settlement agreement.

ILLINOIS FARMER ELECTED TO BIODIESEL BOARD — Mike Cunningham of Bismarck has been elected treasurer of the National Biodiesel Board (NBB). The Illinois Soybean Association member grows soybeans, corn and beef in east central Illinois. The seventh-generation farmer will help the board create sustainable biodiesel industry growth through education, communication, governmental affairs, technical and quality assurance programs.

(ISSN0197-6680) Vol. 41 No. 47 November 25, 2013 Dedicated to improving the profitability of farming, and a higher quality of life for Illinois farmers. FarmWeek is produced by the Illinois Farm Bureau. FarmWeek is published each week, except the Mondays following Thanksgiving and Christmas, by the Illinois Agricultural Association, 1701 Towanda Avenue, P.O. Box 2901, Bloomington, IL 61701. Illinois Agricultural Association assumes no responsibility for statements by advertisers or for products or services advertised in FarmWeek. FarmWeek is published by the Illinois Agricultural Association for farm operator members. $3 from the individual membership fee of each of those members goes toward the production of FarmWeek. “Farm, Family, Food” is used under license of the Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation.

Address subscription and advertising questions to FarmWeek, P.O. Box 2901, Bloomington, IL 61702-2901. Periodicals postage paid at Bloomington, Illinois, and at an additional mailing office. POSTMASTER: Send change of address notices on Form 3579 to FarmWeek, P.O. Box 2901, Bloomington, IL 61702-2901. Farm Bureau members should send change of addresses to their local county Farm Bureau. © 2013 Illinois Agricultural Association

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

Illinois Farm Bureau President Philip Nelson, left, unveils the new RFD Radio Network® (RFDRN) studio with state-of-the-art audio production and distribution technology in the IFB Building Friday with Alan Jarand, RFDRN radio director. On air for more than 45 years, research shows RFDRN has the largest audience of any Illinois farm radio network. (Photo by Ken Kashian)

IFB, county Farm Bureaus coordinating horizontal hydraulic fracturing comments BY KAY SHIPMAN FarmWeek

Farm Bureau’s views on proposed rules for high-volume horizontal hydraulic fracturing will be expressed through a coordinated effort of county Farm Bureau leaders and Illinois Farm Bureau, according to Bill Bodine, IFB associate director of state legislation. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) will accept public comments at five hearings starting Tuesday and concluding Dec. 19. Recently, IDNR pub-

lished its proposed rules to implement new regulations authorized in legislation passed this year. IFB supported the legislation based on the organization’s policy on hydraulic fracturing. The coordination will ensure that any issues with the rule proposal are expressed to IDNR, Bodine said. IFB also will submit written comments to IDNR by a Jan. 3 deadline. County Farm Bureau leaders are encouraged to contact Bodine with any questions.

IDOA promoting Illinois products for holiday gifts

The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) not only wants shoppers to think Illinois when buying holiday gifts, but also pledge to buy Illinois products all year. Starting Dec. 1, IDOA’s holiday marketing program “25 Days of Christmas” returns for a third year, said Jennifer Tiery, IDOA bureau chief of marketing, promotions and grants. Through Dec. 25, a different Illinois product will be featured daily online at {agr.state.il.us/25days/}.

FarmWeekNow.com

Visit FarmWeekNow.com to learn more about IDOA’s 25 Days of Christmas promotion of Illinoisbased foods.

Consumers who join the Buy Illinois Challenge online at {buyillinoischallenge.com} will be eligible for a daily drawing. One winner will be selected each day to win the featured product. Consumers who join the challenge agree to spend $10 of their existing weekly grocery budget on Illinois products.

The holiday promotion has proven popular with Illinois companies, according to Tiery. She received “an overwhelming response” for participants and quickly filled all 25 spots with companies across the state. One company representative jokingly suggested a 50 Days of Christmas promotion, she said with a laugh. Tiery noted future Illinois product promotions are being planned around the Super Bowl and Valentine’s Day. Illinois companies participating in the Christmas promotion are: Giannotti’s Pasta Sauces Inc., Forest Park; Honey Wafer Baking Co., Crestwood; Simply Appetizers, Algonquin; Living Now Foods, Bloomingdale;

Plochman’s Mustard, Manteno; Java & Co., Henry; Jones Boys Market, Ashland; Grandpa G’s, Hamilton; and Hometown Bagel Inc., Alsip. Also: Ying’s Kitchen, Gurnee; Anderson’s Candy Shop, Richmond; Pigchaser BBQ, Grayslake; Esther’s Authentic Foods, Naperville; Hooray Puree, Park Ridge; One Hot Cookie, Murphysboro; Rolling Meadows Brewery, Cantrall; Black Swan Inc., Dundee; Forsee Vineyards, Coffeen; and Champion Pizza, Hebron. Chicago businesses: Bobak Sausage Co., Curry’s Kitchen, La Criolla, Bridgford Meats, Eli’s Cheesecake and Char Crust. — Kay Shipman

STATE

Page 3 Monday, November 25, 2013 FarmWeek

State marshals resources for tornado-damaged counties

FEMA assessments of damage begun BY KAY SHIPMAN FarmWeek

The state of Illinois joined local governments and volunteers who tackled tornado damage across the state last week. Meanwhile, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) began assessing damage in several counties hit by the storm. Gov. Pat Quinn designated 15 counties as state disaster areas and urged governments and residents to record damages for disaster assessments. The 15 counties are: Champaign, Douglas, Fayette, Grundy, Jasper, LaSalle, Massac, Pope, Tazewell, Vermilion, Wabash, Washington, Wayne, Woodford and Will counties. “Our state government is going to respond with every asset we have to make sure these communities and the people in them are able to recover,” the governor said. Quinn requested the federal assessments, which will include damage documentation provided from state and

G ov. Pat Quinn designated 15 counties as state disaster areas due to violent storms and tornadoes Nov. 17. The latest National Weather Service assessment of the tornadoes that struck Illinois is online at {crh.noaa.gov/ilx/?n=17nov13}.

A car frame filled with boards sits in the middle of a harvested cornfield near Washington. Damaged homes border the farmland in the aftermath of a Nov. 17 EF-4 tornado packing wind speeds of up to 190 mph. (Photo by Cyndi Cook)

Grundy, Massac, Pope, Tazewell and Will counties last week. They are to continue until damage in the 15 counties has been totaled. In early December, IEMA and FEMA teams will start meeting with local officials to gather information about disaster-related expenses. The state may use that information to request federal reimbursement of local gov-

ernments’ eligible expenses. The federal government may reimburse 75 percent of eligible disaster costs. For information on how to help or available assistance, go online to {Ready.Illinois.gov}. Rural communities and residents also may find assistance available from Illinois Rural Development, according to Colleen Callahan, director of the state USDA agency.

“We can complement what other federal agencies offer,” Callahan said. She noted assistance is available for eligible home repairs and other housing needs. Communities may apply for funding to rebuild community facilities or services, such as a damaged water tower. For information, call the state Rural Development office at 217-403-6202.

facility safe for workers. Miller said the tornado’s winds of 140 mph took down grain legs, a catwalk and conveying equipment. The roof was torn from one steel bin. “As soon as it (the facility) is safe, we will unload the facility. It was full,” Miller said. The facility holds 550,000 bushels. The National Weather Service reported the Gifford tornado traveled 29.7 miles with a half-mile wide path. Not only were all but one of the state’s grain elevators spared, but apparently so were commercial tarp-covered temporary storage facilities, Sellinger added. — Kay Shipman

Continued from page 1 “When you see there’s nothing left, it’s hard to put into words.” Leroy Getz, a Far mWeek CropWatcher from Carroll County, said a relative’s wedding party of 26 people was opening gifts Sunday in Washington when the tornado struck. Getz attend the wedding the previous night in Peoria. “The home (where the wedding party was opening gifts) was totaled as was the home where the newlyweds were to live. They lost everything,” he said. “It was a very special day that turned into a nightmare.” About 200 people were injured around the state and six deaths were reported, including one in Washington. Elsewhere, an EF-4 tornado slammed the small town of New Minden in Washington County and claimed the lives of two residents. Brookport in Massac County was hit by an EF-3 (with winds speeds of about 140 mph). That twister destroyed dozens of mobile homes, leveled a house, and damaged numerous homes, businesses and outbuild-

ings. Three people were killed by the storm in Massac County. In eastern Illinois, an EF-3 plowed through the peaceful farm community of Gifford. Numerous homes and businesses were destroyed and a local elevator was heavily damaged. Doug Godke, Tazewell County Farm Bureau manager, was having a barbecue on his back porch in Pekin when the storm approached. An EF-2 tornado, with wind speeds between 111 and 135 mph, touched down there. “I saw the clouds coming and heard a weird noise that sounded like continual thunder,” said Godke, who fortunately did not take a direct hit from the twister. COUNTRY, as of the middle of last week, received 3,610 claims (2,844 property and 766 auto claims). The overall path of destruction from the massive Nov. 17 storm was widespread as damage from wind or tornadoes was reported in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and western New York.

local sources. Five teams representing FEMA, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA), the U.S. Small Business Administration and local emergency management agencies began calculating damage in Champaign,

Champaign County elevator facing aftermath Historic Twisted grain legs and roofless bins illustrate the destructive power of a tornado that shredded much of Gifford in northeast Champaign County Sunday. Premier Cooperative Inc. appears to be the state’s only commercial grain facility damaged by tornadoes, said Stuart Sellinger, chief of the Illinois Department of Agriculture’s warehouse bureau. “The town of Gifford is a wreck,” Roger Miller, Premier general manager, told FarmWeek. Early in the week, structural engineers offered strategies to make the storm-damaged

BATTERED COMBINE

A mangled combine head blew into the middle of Kent Hodel’s field seven miles northeast of Washington. Woodford County Emergency Services and Disaster Agency said 90 rural structures were damaged in the Nov. 17 storm, causing six injuries. (Photo by Cyndi Cook)

RENEWABLE FUELS

FarmWeek Page 4 Monday, November 25, 2013

EPA’s biofuels proposal Many Congressmen to support farmer campaign could prompt legal action bolster opposing EPA’s proposal. Count on many Congressional members to In the House, Illinois Democrat Cheri Busthe farmer campaign opposing the BY DANIEL GRANT FarmWeek

The Environmental Protection Agency’s stunning reversal of biofuels policy proposed this month could fuel an ensuing round of legal action down the road. EPA proposed downsizing the required volume obligations of corn-based ethanol, soy-based biodiesel and advanced biofuels requirements under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). “Everyone associated with biofuels and the grain markets are losers to some degree (if EPA’s proposal becomes law),” said Scott Irwin, University of Illinois ag economist, who referred to the proposal as a major “policy uturn” by EPA and the Obama Administration. Biodiesel production could slip from about 1.7 billion gallons to a cap of 1.27 billion gallons under the proposal. Annual ethanol production also would be capped at a figure (13 billion gallons) below current production expectations. “What also would be lost is the possibility of additional expansion,” Irwin said. “I think the outcome of the current debate about the RFS is more important than the current debate about the farm bill for Midwest grain farmers, in terms of the direction of grain prices.” With so much on the line and laws currently in place that call for more biofuels

production, Irwin believes biofuels groups will take legal action if EPA slashes requirements as it proposed in the RFS. “I think biofuels groups will sue EPA over these rules,” he said. Most ethanol is used in 10 percent blends and EPA as a result has been wrestling what to do when E10 hit its “blend wall.” Irwin believes there is not enough infrastructure in place to significantly boost ethanol sales in higher formulations E15 or E85 any time soon. “There’s less than 20 gas stations, out of about 120,000, that currently offer E15,” he said. But ethanol producers and grain farmers, nonetheless, were shocked not only by EPA’s proposal but also the timing of the announcement. Corn prices have declined by 35 percent in recent months as USDA forecast a record crop. “What will it take to get beyond the 10 percent blend?” said Joe Glauber, USDA chief economist. “If corn remains cheap relative to oil, it will be an incentive to blend and export biofuels.” Irwin agreed that economics favor more biofuels production. “It looks like we’re going into an era of relatively high crude oil and gasoline prices and relatively low corn prices,” he added.

Rochelle welcomes E15 fuel pumps

Northern Illinois motorists gained their first access to gasoline containing 15 percent ethanol last week. Rochelle-based Illinois River Energy teamed with Petro Travel Plaza to offer the fuel. E15 is approved by the Environmental Protection Agency for 2001 model vehicles and newer. The fuel has been available for more than a year with no known cases of engine damage. “The offering at Rochelle is another step forward in E15 use and expansion. I have seen firsthand the hard work and dedication from Illinois River Energy and Rochelle Petro Travel Plaza to get E15 into the local marketplace. As more companies follow this example, we will see the expansion of E15 across the country,” said Robert White, Renewable Fuels Association market development director. Illinois River Energy began operations seven months ago. The company employs more than 60 Rochelle-area residents producing more than 120 million gallons of ethanol annually. The company receives most of its corn from farmers within a 40-mile radius. Petro Travel Plaza is the largest full-service fuel plaza in northern Illinois. Opened in 1992, the facility also provides E85 fuel.

Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposal to reduce renewable fuel requirements. Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., had already been working behind the scenes prior to EPA’s announcement. He also signed a letter supported by 31 other senators last week to EPA opposing the proposal to decrease the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) by nearly 3 billion gallons next year. “RFS has long been a sucSen. Dick Durbin cessful driver of investment in the biofuels industry – a key tool in domestic energy independence – which supports more than 5,400 jobs in Illinois alone,” said Durbin. “I continue to oppose efforts to undermine the RFS and will work with my colleagues to protect these important Illinois jobs.” Senate Agriculture Committee Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., and Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, seconded Durbin’s statement. Stabenow and Grassley are actively

Campaign

tos leads an effort to “fight for the health of our region’s economy” on behalf of farmers and rural communities. Rep. Kristi Noem, RS.D., joined forces with Bustos last week to initiate a letter to House Agriculture Committee members urging them to oppose RFS mandate changes. “I hope the Congressional delegation will work with us to make their voices heard and put the necessary pressure on EPA. We can’t make this easy on EPA,” said Adam Nielsen, IFB national legislation director. “We have been successful in the past as an industry in defeating proposals to change the RFS. We will succeed this time if we call attention to the importance of the law and the value of ethanol in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, spurring rural economic growth and increasing energy independence. “In the meantime, we need our members to take a few moments and reflect on the importance of ethanol policy to their operations and communities, and be willing to communicate that when needed,” Nielsen concluded. — Chris Anderson

Continued from 1 launch a farmer call-in campaign to the White House, said Rick Tolman, NCGA chief executive officer. He urged every farmer to let EPA officials know the proposal is “ridiculous.” “The biodiesel industry is on track to produce at least 1.7 billion gallons of

biodiesel this year. By keeping the required volume obligation (RVO) at 1.28 billion gallons, EPA would be limiting an industry that is supporting jobs, providing a valuable market for soybean farmers and, in turn, lowering the price for protein-rich soybean meal used in animal feed,” said Mississippi soy-

bean grower Danny Murphy, American Soybean Association president. Murphy pledged soybean growers would work with industry stakeholders and the EPA during the public comment period to demonstrate the RVO should not be lower than 1.7 billion gallons.

Biofuels groups don’t intend to sue the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) over a renewable fuels proposal – yet. “It’s still a proposal. There’s no legal issue to litigate,” said Bob Dinneen, Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) president and chief executive officer. “HopefulBob Dinneen ly, EPA will not include the waiver in its final proposal following the comment period. That’s when we’ll examine our options. We’re a long way from there.” EPA’s proposal would reduce use of corn-based ethanol and soybean-based biodiesel by nearly 3 billion gallons next year. A 60-day public comment period will begin once the proposal gets published in the Federal Register. Dinneen noted no one knows how soon EPA will issue a final ruling after the comment period ends. He said he knows the

agency will hasten the process given the fact EPA did not issue its final 2013 renewable fuel requirements until August. “It’s difficult for the industry to plan under those circumstances,” Dinneen added. Legal issues surrounding EPA’s Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) proposal depend on interpretation of the law’s statutes, said Jonathan Coppess, University of Illinois clinical assistant law and policy professor. EPA must typically pass two tests to ratchet down the RFS — if biofuels cause severe economic damage and an inadequate domestic supply exists. Ethanol remains cheaper than gasoline, and farmers raised a near-record corn crop this year. “The entire intent of the RFS is to increase biofuels production. Within the law, the statute for oxygenated fuel requirements can be adjusted if an inadequate domestic supply exists or if inadequate distribution systems exist,” said Coppess. “RFS must be considered separately. The distribution supply factor is

not in the RFS.” EPA officials stated the nation has reached an “E10 blend wall,” the point at which the E10 fuel pool is saturated with ethanol. That means continued growth in ethanol use will require higher blends, they concluded. Dinneen argued infrastructure issues for higher blends aren’t the only factors involved in adequate biofuels distribution. He said oil companies who don’t want to provide consumers access to biofuels can erect barriers, such as claiming fuel stations are out of compliance with their supply agreements if they provide biofuels. “Only the RFS can force oil companies to offer more biofuels to consumers,” said Dinneen. “EPA is using tortured reasoning. They have dramatically overstepped their bounds.” The RFA leader added the biofuels industry will not pursue legislative action to thwart EPA’s proposal. He said the industry wants the proposal reevaluated during the 60-day comment. — Chris Anderson

Potential RFS lawsuits ‘long way off ’

IAA FOUNDATION / IFB ANNUAL MEETING

Page 5 Monday, November 25, 2013 FarmWeek

‘I truly appreciate this from the bottom of my heart’ Editor’s note: Erin Salz and Trisha Ferguson, both University of Illinois students, are among the IAA Foundation top scholars. Salz of Tonica will not be able to attend the Illinois Farm Bureau annual meeting due to prior commitments; Ferguson of Bushnell is planning to attend. They answered Kay Shipman’s questions about the value of their IAA Foundation scholarships.

FarmWeek readers and others donate to the IAA Foundation and raise money for scholarships. What do their efforts means to you as a scholarship recipient? Salz: As a veterinary student, statistics show I will have somewhere upwards of $120,000 in student debt by the time I am finished with school. I currently work two part-time jobs while enrolled Erin Salz fulltime at the and Millie U of I, and in the past I have worked up to four jobs at once. I inherited this work ethic from my parents, who have worked very hard their entire lives and set an example for myself and my siblings. Although I have worked and saved a lot, my savings are nothing compared to the cost of education. The money that FarmWeek readers have donated and helped raise goes to students like myself, students who know they cannot afford their schooling yet take on the burden anyway in order to chase their dreams and better the agricultural industry. Without scholarships such as these, our student debt would be unbearable. Ferguson: As a scholarship recipient, my own college expenses are definitely less and I am grateful. I do not have to worry about them, so I have been able to use my time Trisha Ferguson focusing on my studies and getting involved in organizations with my major. I am also looking forward to being able to participate in the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES) two-week study trip in January to the Dominican Republic for ACES freshmen. How do you hope to pay forward this opportunity and invest in your education to

the ag sector? Salz: I plan to become a livestock veterinarian, as well as a strong advocate for the food animal industry. I hope my service as well as my knowledge and voice will help to better the ag sector as a whole and better educate those not within the field. Ferguson: During my time at the U of I, I plan to incorporate my appreciation for agriculture with my passion for communications. I would like to pursue a communications internship with a major agricultural company. I would gain great experience from working with a successful company and be able to see for myself how the business operates. After I earn my undergraduate degree, I hope to work for an agricultural company by being a voice for agriculture to society. What words of advice do you have for high school or college students considering careers in agriculture and ag-related fields? Why do you believe people, and the farm community in particular, should invest in agricultural scholarships? Salz: Any student considering an ag-related field really should pursue that idea. Agriculture encompasses anything and everything from the food on our tables, to the clothes on our backs, to the products on our shelves, to the machines that do the work for us and to the research that makes all of these things better. The sky is the limit, and there will always be career opportunities in the field as long as mankind exists. I believe people — especially the farm community — should invest in agricultural scholarships because it is a way to give back and to ensure continued success for generations to come. Agriculture is all about producing resources to sustain our world; it is the reason we are all here today, and if we would like to continue providing for ourselves and for the rest of the world we must invest in the future. Ferguson: To high school students and college students considering careers in agriculture and ag-related fields, I strongly encourage you to become involved in ag organizations and learn as much as you can about agriculture so that you can be a future voice for agriculture. To scholarship donors, you are opening doors for

students to become tomorrow’s agriculture leaders and to benefit the agricultural industry. Thank you for your generous support. I encourage people and farm communities to invest in agricultural scholarships. With the increasing costs of college education, your generous contributions will help those who might not otherwise be able to pursue their dreams of a college degree in agriculture. You are investing in their future and the future of agriculture. When you write scholarship donors a thank you note, what would you most like them to know? Salz: I would like the scholarship donors to know that no matter how big or small the contribution they make, they really do make a difference in the lives of many, including me. Scholarships like this remind me there are people out there who truly support my generation and care about who I will become. My generation looks to older,

more experienced generations for support and advice. When a group of people can come together to help lift the weight off of my own shoulders a little bit, it makes a world of difference. The support I receive makes me want to work even harder to become a successful member of the ag sector, and in turn, assist future generations just as I myself was given assistance. Ferguson: I appreciate being given this scholarship, as it will help towards my college expenses at the U of I. I am honored to be a recipient of the scholarship,

and thank you for your generous support. I hope to represent the program in a positive manner as I pursue my degree in agriculture communications. Without your help, this would be more of a financial burden to me. I look forward to being a voice for agriculture in the future and because of your support this will be possible. With hard work and dedication, I hope to accomplish this goal. Kelcie Woker and Seely Sayre, two other IAA Foundation Scholars, will share their thoughts in the next issue of FarmWeek .

Gubernatorial candidates at IFB annual meeting

Illinois’ five gubernatorial candidates will speak at the Illinois Farm Bureau annual meeting in Chicago. Democrat candidate Gov. Pat Quinn will speak Dec. 8 in the afternoon. The four Republican candidates will speak Dec. 9. Bruce Rauner, Illinois Treasurer Dan Rutherford and state Sen. Bill Brady will speak in the morning. State Sen. Kirk Dillard will speak in the afternoon.

IFB ELECTIONS

FarmWeek Page 6 Monday, November 25, 2013

Candidate for president of Illinois Farm Bureau Richard Guebert Jr.

Richard Guebert Jr. and his wife, Nancy, live in Ellis Grove. Guebert, 62, operates a corn, soybean and wheat farm with his son, Kyle.

Statement of candidacy

I am a candidate for president of the Illinois Farm Bureau because I believe in the future of agriculture as a way of life, and accept the rewards and the challenges it offers. Since being a young farmer many years ago, I have had the opportunity to be involved in many Farm Bureau activities and leadership roles. It has been my privilege to work with many farmer leaders throughout the state building consensus on a number of issues facing agriculture, and I would like to continue as a spokesman for Illinois farmers and represent membership

throughout the state of Illinois. Almost 100 years ago, farmers joined together to improve farm fertility and to take positions on local, state and federal issues. The point then and still today is that member involvement is key to a prosperous organization. And, as Illinois Farm Bureau prepares for the years ahead, we need to encourage our youth to choose a career path in agriculture. They are our future agricultural leaders and our future farmers. Communication is key. Building relationships with consumers and with our legislators continues to be

the groundwork in local marketing of the products we raise. It is important that we continue having conversations with urban mothers and provide them the opportunity to visit our farms and answer their questions. It is equally important that we, as agricultural leaders, keep our legislators informed of emerging issues and their effects on existing and new regulations. It is important that Illinois Farm Bureau be innovative, effective and responsive to members in the years ahead. Informed, involved members have made this organization strong.

Candidates for vice president of Illinois Farm Bureau David Erickson

David Erickson, 54, and his wife, Nancy, farm and operate a farm management business near Altona. They have one son, Adam.

Terry Pope

Terry Pope, 62, lives near Burnside where he operates an 850-acre grain farm. He and his wife, Gayle, have six grown children.

Candidates are listed alphabetically

Statement of candidacy

I am David C. Erickson, current president of Knox County Farm Bureau, and a candidate for the position of vice president of Illinois Farm Bureau. I want to serve our organization and can provide experienced, effective leadership with a broad perspective on issues to meet the present and future needs of our members. I have extensive and diverse leadership and service experiences from a lifetime of involvement in many organizations and businesses. Each experience has provided a unique perspective to develop me personally and professionally to build a strong foundation to serve Illinois Farm Bureau and our members.

I know the importance of developing leaders in Farm Bureau to serve agriculture, and I am a strong advocate for the team leadership approach to build our organization. We must continue to expand and promote the leadership capacity of our members to serve the agriculture industry and the Illinois Farm Bureau. Illinois Farm Bureau is involved in a wide array of issues, activities and programs. We must be able to focus our efforts in the future on those endeavors which build our organization, reach new audiences for our issues and strengthen the confidence of our members. We need to prioritize our efforts to create predictable future successes,

while limiting excessive pressure on our resources. Illinois Farm Bureau is a wellrespected organization because our members are honest about their interests, care about the issues and work passionately to achieve success. Our greatest organizational resource is our members. We must continue to develop opportunities for our members to grow through involvement and be challenged by new leadership opportunities. As Illinois Farm Bureau vice president, I will challenge us to go beyond conventional thinking, build beyond our historical perspective and encourage members to grow beyond their current commitment.

Illinois Farm Bureau is a strong, respected farm organization because of its members and its policy. I want to be part of a leadership team that builds on that reputation and is a voice for agriculture. We as farmers are continually being challenged by laws, rules and regulations from local, state, national and international influences. As vice president chairing the resolutions committee, I look forward to working with our members in developing and implementing the policy that directs our organization. We are a diverse state with many interests and we need to represent agriculture with a united voice.

The vice president serves at the pleasure of the president and should support the president, the IAA board, and you, the member. Our priority is to further our mission of improving the economic well-being of agriculture and enriching the quality of farm family life. I believe in the importance of being engaged with our legislature and the consuming public. We must tell our story and be able to answer their questions. Working with other commodity groups, we need to continue to strengthen programs like Illinois Farm Families and Ag in the Classroom. Our organization needs

to empower you, our members, with the resources, information and tools you need to be strong advocates as farmers. I believe in being proactive and in leading, not being reactive and following. I believe in Farm Bureau and its beliefs and values. We can be successful as we face the challenges of the farm bill, trade, EPA, transportation, livestock issues, labor and many other issues. I would like to put my experience to work for you. Given the opportunity to serve as your vice president, I look forward to working with you and being a voice for Farm Bureau and agriculture.

Statement of candidacy

IFB ANNUAL MEETING

Page 7 Monday, November 25, 2013 FarmWeek

Policy resolutions 2014: Data, dairy, nutrients and 911

After extended research and discussions with key agribusiness interests, Illinois Farm Bureau Resolutions Committee (RC) is asking statewide delegates to consider new policy on farm data collection, privacy and ownership policy. At its fall 2014 policy development session earlier this month, the RC agreed that “data collected from farming and agricultural operations is valuable, should remain the property of the individual and warrants protection.” Of particular concern to IFB is protection of electronic data as well as personal data that may be submitted along with operational information to state or federal agencies or ag companies. During debate at IFB’s Dec. 7-10 annual meeting in Chicago, member delegates will review a proposed policy covering major concerns raised by farmer input on this topic. Those concerns include the value of data collected from agricultural operations, and that the data should remain the property of the individual and warrants protection. “Technology is changing so fast, and we just need to be present in the room when they’re discussing who is going

to use this technology, who gains from it, what is the value of it, and what does the farmer, the landowner stand to glean from it,” RC Ag Production/National Issues Subcommittee Chairman Mark Tuttle said. Biofuels: The RC adopted a proposal to continue Illinois’ state sales tax incentive for purchase of standard 10 percent ethanol gasoline (E10), while creating a new incentive for E15. Earl Williams, chair of the RC’s Natural Resources Subcommittee, noted hopes of expanding consumer use of higher-blend fuels — a move the industry sees as crucial to boosting demand in line with expanding ethanol production. Environmental compliance: Recognizing U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) efforts to expand the definition of federally regulated waters and, potentially, to extend Chesapeake Bay-style nutrient standards to the Mississippi River Basin, Williams’ subcommittee has asked delegates to urge farmers to adopt best management practices designed to maximize nutrient use and “minimize environmental impact.” “We know we’re trying to do a good job, and we want to continue that way,” Williams said.

Current farm bill proposals could help producers and shippers chug toward greater freight equity, according to a coalition of rail reform advocates. The group Consumers United for Rail Equity (CURE) joined nationwide producer, ag input and rural utility groups in supporting inclusion of two key updates in the final farm bill package currently under House-Senate conference negotiation. As part of the 2008 farm bill, Congress authorized a joint USDA-U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) study of rural transportation, including freight rail. That study, issued in April 2010, focused on what CURE characterized as “the dramatic effect” of deregulation on rural America. The study concluded that “rail consolidation has increased the market power of railroads over shippers and many rail consolidations have resulted in service disruptions, which have been costly to agricultural shippers.” Producer “inability to costeffectively market to numerous potential buyers can also result in lower prices,” the intera-

gency report stated. CURE now seeks an updated study “to reflect the current rail transportation situation in and effects on rural America.” That provision is included in both House and Senate measures, “and we want it in the final bill,” CURE Executive Director Bob Szabo told FarmWeek. Since partial rail deregulation in 1980 and subsequent industry consolidation through 2001, most rural areas have not had access to more than one major carrier, CURE noted. Thus, shippers and their customers are subject to “freight rail monopoly power” and, in turn, a “take-it-or leave it” price and “often take-it-or-leave-it service,” CURE and allies argued. Szabo believes ag producers and shippers “are strong enough to beat the railroads” in price/competitiveness disputes — if they learn to address concerns with a unified voice. “The ag community could win if it could just get organized,” Szabo argued. “But the ag community consists of a whole lot of duchies and fiefdoms, as are other shipper groups.” — Martin Ross

BY MARTIN ROSS FarmWeek

Ag/energy rail users seek updated farm bill provisions

The RC meanwhile approved a Pike County-sponsored proposal aimed at preserving Illinois Department of Natural Resources Office of Water Resources statewide permits for specified construction, transportation and infrastructure maintenance projects in floodplains, “at no cost to individuals, businesses or units of government.” Aflatoxin: Following recent concerns about mycotoxins and grain quality, and potential impact on producer marketing, the RC reemphasized the need for standardization and certification of aflatoxin testing equipment and operators. Tuttle was hopeful elevators could arrive at consistent methodologies that nonetheless would meet their individual needs. “There doesn’t need to be a bottleneck come fall, but aflatoxin is a Class I carcinogen, and it’s important that we have good testing,” he said. Raw milk: New dairy policy would support pasteurization of raw milk for sale to the public. It would seek to confine sale of unpasteurized milk

to willing consumers to direct on-farm sales under an Illinois Department of Public Health Grade A permit. Education funding: The RC approved policy supporting making the state’s temporary income tax increase (from an original 3 percent to a current 5 percent) permanent at 2013 levels, under the condition that a significant portion of the added revenue generated would be used to re-establish general state aid for schools at or above 2008 state aid baseline funding levels. In addition, the policy proposal specifies current revenue being used for educational purposes would not be

reduced or diverted. RC State and Local Government Subcommittee Chairman Lin Warfel noted “the horrible state that many of the school districts are in in Illinois.” “There are something like 846 school districts right now, and more than half of them are in really serious financial straits,” Warfel said. Rural/farm safety: Delegates will consider support for legislation designed to ensure funding intended for local 911 emergency phone systems is used for those systems and to boost the 911 surcharge on cellphones to adequately support community services amid technological changes.

Written Farm Bureau stories sought

Dan Leifel, Farm Bureau author and retired Illinois Farm Bureau attorney, is collecting written recollections for a centennial IFB history book. He is interested in members’ earliest recollection of their families’ involvement in Farm Bureau. Members coming to the IFB annual meeting in Chicago Dec. 7-10 may bring written copies for Leifel, who will attend the meeting. He will consider a few of the most compelling memories for the book. Stories also may be emailed to dleifel@frontier.com.

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YOUNG LEADERS

FarmWeek Page 8 Monday, November 25, 2013

Young Leaders tour Brazil’s bustling ag industry

BY DANIEL GRANT FarmWeek

Brazilian farmers could be set to produce a record soybean crop in 2014 and remain very competitive with their U.S. counterparts for years to come based on what Illinois Farm Bureau Young Leaders witnessed this month. Nineteen young farmers

FarmWeekNow.com

Check our photo gallery and comments from Kirk Liefer about Brazilian agriculture at FarmWeekNow.com.

from around the state toured the ag industry in southern Brazil Nov. 9-17 during the Young Leaders Ag Industry Tour. They saw an ag industry that’s heavily reliant on a cooperative system, the expansion of soybean acres and a focus on upgrading infrastructure to increase efficiencies and competitiveness in the world market. “They (Brazilian farmers and ag industry representa-

tives) said they’re planting a lot of soybeans and it’s progressing very well,” John Klemm, a DeWitt County Young Leader, told FarmWeek. “In the southern part of Brazil there’s better than 50 percent of soybeans planted,” he continued. “Conditions looked good.” Brazilian farmers as of last week were harvesting wheat and planting more beans behind that crop. Some corn is currently in the V-5 stage and appeared to have good uniformity and color. “I thought the corn and beans there looked really good,” said Kirk Liefer, a Randolph County Young Leader. Liefer and Klemm said they were surprised by the rolling terrain and light soils in southern Brazil. They expected to see the iconic images of vast, flat fields that are found in some areas to the north. “They have very light soil,” Klemm said. “But they receive anywhere from 70 to 80 inches of rain per year, which allows them to get the production

Illinois Farm Bureau Young Leaders learn of the challenges faced by Brazilian farmers during an ag industry tour stop at Fazenda Curralinho, a 2,875-acre wheat farm in the Castro region of southern Brazil. Pictured are, left to right, Kirk Liefer (Randolph County), Chris Otten (St. Clair), Sean Arians (Woodford), John Herzing (St. Clair), Jared Finegan (Ford-Iroquois), Nadiel Kowlalski (tour guide), Willibrordus Sleutjes (member of Batavo Agroindustrial Cooperative) and Heath Basnett (Wayne). (Photo courtesy of Jennifer Smith, program manager, IAA Foundation)

numbers (comparable to the U.S.).” But infrastructure issues in Brazil are a major obstacle for farmers. Most crops produced there are transported in trucks, which slows delivery times and increases costs, the Young Leaders reported.

“We talk about our infrastructure problems here, but I still think we have an advantage (in the U.S. compared to Brazil),” Liefer said. “They still have a long way to go on infra-

structure improvements.” A project to double the capacity of a port in southern Brazil originally was scheduled to be completed by next year. But it likely will be several more years before that project is complete, Klemm noted. Young Leaders also were surprised by Brazilian farmers’ reliance on the country’s cooperative system. “A lot of farmers there were really reliant on cooperatives to bring them technology, seed, fertilizer and advice,” Liefer said. “They don’t have to be in a cooperative,” Klemm said of Brazilian farmers. “But we did not see or feel there was another option.” The IFB Young Leaders next Ag Industry Tour is scheduled for July 2014 in North Carolina. For more information or to view photos of the recent tour visit the Young Leaders’ Facebook page at {facebook.com/ilfbyl}.

Harvest winds down across state; some remaining fields flattened

Harvest is complete for the majority of farmers in Illinois. The National Agricultural Statistics Service Illinois field office the first of last week reported 95 percent of corn and 98 percent of soybeans were in the bin. The pace of harvest was 7 percent ahead of the five-year average for corn and in line with the average for beans. “A lot of guys wrapped up (harvest) this past week,” said Kirk Liefer, a farmer and Illinois Farm Bureau Young Leader from Randolph County. “There is a little corn still standing in my area.” A significant amount of corn left to be harvested is not standing, however, as powerful wind gusts and tornadoes from Nov. 17 storm flattened it. ‘ I ’ d s a y o u t o f theDale Pitstick, a farmer and what (corn) is left, Young Leader from Kane probably 40 per- County, last week harvested downed corn on his father’s cent is down.’ farm. “I’d say out of what’s left, probably 40 percent is down,” — Dale Pitstick Pitstick said. Kane County farmer Pitstick painstakingly IFB Young Leader reduced his combine speed by more than half to pick up as much of the downed corn as possible. “Usually, I can combine about 10 to 12 acres per hour,” he said. “I’m maybe doing 5 acres per hour. We’re picking it up pretty good.” Pitstick estimated he was able to pick up about 90 percent of the flattened corn without the use of reels or any other attachments on the corn head. He said there was about 5 to 10 percent of corn left to harvest in his area as of last week, most of which should be in the bin by Thanksgiving. FarmWeek CropWatchers Carrie Winkelmann (Menard County) and Todd Easton (Cole County) also reported downed corn in their areas. “I saw a lot of corn blown down,” Winkelmann said. Easton noted, “less than 5 percent of corn is left (to be harvested), but it did receive some damage.” The winter wheat crop was off to a good start as 86 percent of it had emerged as of last week, 2 percent ahead of average. The condition of the state’s wheat crop last week was rated 78 percent good to excellent, 20 percent fair and 2 percent poor. — Daniel Grant

POLICY

Page 9 Monday, November 25, 2013 FarmWeek

Illinois conferees optimistic about waterways legislation BY MARTIN ROSS FarmWeek

If House-Senate conferees can reach agreement on expediting and funding future lock projects, future “Olmsteds” will fuel river commerce rather than scathing headlines, U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis, R-Taylorville, told FarmWeek. Davis and Rep. Cheri Bustos, D-East Moline, are part of a largely Midwest House Water Resources Reform and Development Act (WRRDA) conference team. Most Senate conferees represent East or West Coast states.

In opening remarks at the initial conference session, Bustos hailed WRRDA as “an example of what Congress can accomplish when it puts politics aside.” She was hopeful conference success “can help us gain momentum on other priRep. Cheri Bustos orities that are in the best interest of our country.” Davis anticipates consensus on both Midwest waterways

Davis: Conferees must focus on SNAP policies, not $$

Farm bill conferees should be able to settle the food stamp debate if they focus on policies rather than dollars, Illinois’ representative to the House-Senate panel argued last week. House Ag Committee member Rodney Davis, R-Taylorville, told FarmWeek he was “very optimistic we can come up with an agreement” before Christmas. Davis cited general consensus on the bill’s proposed long-term ag savings “and the policy changes that put those cost savings forward.” “I think we can work out the differences on the ag side,” said Davis, who met with farm bill conferees Thursday. More contentious is the continued debate over proposed cuts in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The Senate’s plan would cut SNAP funding by $4 billion over a 10year period; the House proposes cutting nearly 10 times that amount. Davis urged colleagues to end “the hysterics of ‘food being taken out of people’s mouths,’” and focus on measures that can restore previous program efficiencies and “put food in the ‘ T h e ( S N A P ) mouths of those who truly need program is going it.” the policies we enact to be unsustain- that“It’s set the amount of savable, it’s growing ings,” he said. “You can’t just automatically talk about an so much .’ immediate amount of savings without talking about the policy drivers that get you to those — Rep. Rodney Davis Taylorville Republican savings. We have to discuss seriously getting SNAP program rules and policies back to those of the very successful Clinton-era program that was in place before (President Obama) took over. “The program is going to be unsustainable, it’s growing so much. I don’t think we’re asking too much for an ablebodied adult who has no dependent children, who is not enrolled in school or a training program, who does not meet certain other conditions such as being disabled, to work. If they can’t work, I don’t think it’s too much to ask them to provide community or volunteer service.” The Senate’s $4 billion cut comes largely from reducing the automatic SNAP eligibility threshold for households that receive state utility assistance. The House would further reduce the “heat-and-eat” threshold for an $8 billion savings alone. Meanwhile, Davis objects to proposed crop insurance “means testing” — reducing federal premium subsidies to farms with more than $750,000 in adjusted gross income (AGI). That either “will make a lot of attorneys and accountants wealthier” as producers restructure to come in under AGI caps or spur defection of larger farms from the insurance “risk pool,” thus raising remaining policyholders’ premiums, he warned. — Martin Ross

and coastal port issues. He predicts “virtually unanimous” bipartisan support for a final

maintained “innovative” House provisions would enable the Corps to identify

‘Conferees face two key issues — determining the federal share of funding for completion of the costly, long-delayed Olmstead Lock and Dam project on the Ohio River, and the extent to which the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Congress share authority over river projects.’ conference bill. Conferees face two key issues — determining the federal share of funding for completion of the costly, longdelayed Olmsted Lock and Dam project on the Ohio River, and the extent to which the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Congress share authority over river projects. The recent congressional push against so-called “earmarked” regional projects moved lawmakers to propose shifting more project prioritysetting to the Corps. Davis

and prioritize lock needs, while requiring it to seek congressional project approval “so we can do the job we are supposed to do, which is oversight.” “We’re not asking for money in this bill,” he said. Authorizing language just develops the money that could be spent — not that will be spent. Davis argues the Olmsted “boondoggle” has taken up way too much of the Inland Waterways Trust Fund — a repository for barge fuel tax

revenues normally tapped to fund 50 percent of major lock projects. The House bill proposes to reduce future Olmsted costs paid from the trust fund from 50 percent to 25 percent of remaining construction costs. According to Davis, Rep. Rodney Davis Olmsted underlines the benefits of expanded publicprivate partnerships promoted under provisions he and Bustos co-sponsored. He cited extensive international infrastructure improvements expedited by private investment — investment that domestically could complete work “taxpayers are not going to be able to fund.” “Let’s figure out who wants to come in and finish (Olmsted),” Davis suggested. “It’s still going to be an integral part of our waterways system, and it can’t sit incomplete.”

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OUTREACH

FarmWeek Page 10 Monday, November 25, 2013

FIELD MOMS FOCUS ON NUTRITION

Nutrition took top billing at the recent and final 2013 Illinois Farm Families Field Moms tour in Chicago. Upper left: Ultra Foods Store Manager Michelle Tartaglia, right, discussed store changes matching consumer needs, including an enlarged produce department and organic aisle. Lower left: Field Moms Amy Buffardi of Darien, from left, and Natasha Nicholes of Chicago help Illinois Farm Bureau Education Director Kevin

Daugherty mix pumpkin pie ingredients. Upper right: Jammie Esker Schaer of Elmhurst, left, and Helen Kolodynski of Chicago volunteer at Northern Illinois Food Bank. The moms donated 760 pounds of ground pork to the food bank as part of their Field Moms’ Pen project. Pork farmer Jen Sturtevant of Lanark raised a pen of pigs for the project, while the moms tracked their growth. (Photos by Ken Kashian)

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LAND MARKET

Page 11 Monday, November 25, 2013 FarmWeek

Global trends contribute to run-up in farmland prices BY DANIEL GRANT FarmWeek

The jump in farmland prices in recent years was driven in large part by historically high commodity prices and increased investor interest. But a number of other global factors played a part as well and could help keep land values from plummeting similar to what happened from the 1970s to the mid-1980s. Tim Hopper, chief economist for the University of Illinois’ new TIAA-CREF Center for Farmland Research, this month discussed the “Top 10 global dynamics that make your farm what it is worth” at

a farmland market conference in Champaign. The global factors most important to land prices, according to Hopper, are global population growth, global trade, the rise of China, wine, regulations, foreign exchange rates, the shale energy revolution, interest rates, Wall Street and water. “Consumer preferences are changing,” Hopper said. “The volatility in prices (of ag products) the past 10 to 15 years tells us the demand mix is changing.” Hopper believes demand for grain and oilseeds will continue to rise in the future due to global population growth

Farmland values rise; rate of gain slows

Farmland values in the third quarter rose again, although the increase was much lower than in previous quarters. A survey of 195 agricultural bankers, conducted by the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, reported the value of good farmland in the northern two-thirds of Illinois increased 1 percent from July 1 to Oct. 1. The increase in farmland values dating back to Oct. 1, 2012, was much larger at 16 percent. The trend was the same for the entire district, which includes all or parts of Iowa, Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin as farmland values in the most recent quarter increased just 1 percent compared to 14 percent the past year. “Better-than-expected crop yields may have contributed to the momentum of rising farmland values,” authors of the Federal Reserve Bank’s Agricultural Newsletter reported. “However, in many areas affected by back-to-back droughts, the loss of revenue from declines in crop prices and yields may have constrained farmland value gains.” A similar survey of 47 agricultural banks conducted by the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis found farmland values from the second quarter to the third quarter actually decreased in that region, although year-over-year farmland prices increased 9.1 percent. Quality farmland values in the St. Louis district, which includes southern Illinois, Indiana and Missouri along with northeast Arkansas, western Kentucky and northern Mississippi averaged $5,332 per acre in the third quarter, down 6 percent from the second quarter average of $5,672. The survey reported that more funds were available for prospective borrowers in the third quarter than at the same time last year and that a similar condition is expected to prevail through the end of the year.

Conservation cropping seminars set

Farmers seeking information on cover crops, nutrient management and soil health should consider upcoming conservation cropping seminars in three Illinois locations. The new seminars are an outgrowth of the popular tillage seminars. To register and see detailed agendas, visit the Champaign County Soil and Water Conservation District website {ccswcd.com} and click on the seminar logo. The registration fee is $20, payable by check or credit card. Each seminar will start about 8 a.m. and end at 3 p.m. Dates, locations and contacts are: Jan. 28, Civic Center, Mendota, call Marty McManus at 309-738-7227; Feb. 27, Holiday Inn Convention Center, Mount Vernon, call Gary Albers at 618-476-7230; and March 13, Heartland Community College, Normal, call Joe Bybee at 815-787-5480. The seminars will be organized by the Illinois Department of Agriculture, American Farmland Trust, Illinois Stewardship Alliance, local Soil and Water Conservation Districts, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and many state and local partners.

and rising incomes. “The distribution of population is not even. It’s causing a disproportionate shift in demand,” he said. “As incomes increased, world trade has increased.” China will be the dominant force in the world market for the foreseeable future, according to Hopper. China has about 20 percent of the world’s population, but just 6 percent of the land mass.

Elsewhere, changing consumer demands have changed some farmers’ product mix, which has affected farmland values. About 2 million acres of cropland in California were converted to the production of fruit, nuts and grapes for wine production, Hopper noted. Wine consumption is increasing about 14 percent annually in the U.S. “If you change consumer

preferences, it drives what we plant and it drives the value of land,” Hopper said. “There’s only so much arable land.” Regulations and foreign exchange rates also weigh heavily on land prices as it competes with other assets. The proposed changes to the Renewable Fuel Standard, for example, could have a negative impact on land prices while the shale energy revolution is a positive factor for land values. Meanwhile, the possibility of rising interest rates could dampen demand for farmland as investors could find other alternatives. But the top global factor that could help shape land values the most moving forward is water. “Just like population, water is not distributed evenly around the globe,” Hopper said. “Trade allows us to get products from where we have water to where we need water.” That should bode well for Midwest farmers.

APICULTURE

FarmWeek Page 12 Monday, November 25, 2013

Honey of a deal: Illinois reports jump in beekeeper numbers honeybees has declined in recent years. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Experts have warned that the continued high annual loss of wild honeybees puts tremendous pressure on the sustainability of honeybee populations,â&#x20AC;? Flider said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The cause of these losses hasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t been deter mined, which is why meetings like this, where infor mation is shared, are so critically important.â&#x20AC;? Honeybees pollinate about a third of all foodproducing plants, including Illinoisâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; nation-leading pumpkin crop. Many specialty crop growers now hire beekeepers to pollinate their crops to make up for the loss of wild honeybee populations. The stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s beekeepers currently manage more than 24,000 colonies. IDOAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s apiary inspectors assist them by periodically checking their honeybees for pests and diseases.

The stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s beekeeping community created quite a buzz this year. The number of registered Illinois beekeepers increased 38 percent, the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) reported. The Illinois State Beekeepers Association this month held its 122nd annual fall meeting at IDOA headquarters in Springfield. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Things are definitely looking up in the beekeeping community,â&#x20AC;? Agriculture Director Bob Flider said at the meeting. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Almost 700 beekeepers registered with the department for the first time this past year,â&#x20AC;? he continued. â&#x20AC;&#x153;As a result, the number of active, registered beekeepers in the state now totals more than 2,500.â&#x20AC;? Domestic apiaries have become even more important to the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ag industry as the number of wild

Steve Mayes, owner of Mackinaw Valley Apiaries, checks a beehive at one of his central Illinois locations. Business buzzes for Illinois beekeepers with a 38 percent increase in their numbers this year, according to the Illinois Department of Agriculture. (File photo by Ken Kashian)

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FROM THE COUNTIES

Page 13 Monday, November 25, 2013 FarmWeek

UREAU — Young Leader Committee members will host an ugly sweater party at 6 p.m. Dec. 13 at the Ye Olde Underground Inn in Princeton for members 18 to 35 years of age. Cost is $15. Call the Farm Bureau office for reservations by Dec. 5 or more information. OOK — Farm Bureau will sponsor a trimthe-tree contest. Participants must purchase a fresh Christmas tree from a participating Farm Bureau tree stand, trim it, photograph it and email a picture of it with an entry form to membershipdebbie@cookcfb.org. A list of Farm Bureau tree stands and entry forms are available at {cookcfb.org/Buy-Local/Programs}. Deadline for public voting is Dec. 18.

Black Hawk College grain handling students in harnesses and helmets prepare to rescue a submerged mannequin during a mock grain bin rescue at the Asmark Institute Agricenter, Bloomington. Their fellow students and professor Andrew Larson watch the training sponsored by the Grain and Feed Association of Illinois. (Photo by Kay Shipman)

Community college class schooled in grain safety BY KAY SHIPMAN FarmWeek

Secured with safety harnesses and helmets, Black Hawk College students scrambled to free a victim submerged up to his neck in a grain bin. Many minutes passed before they hoisted the mannequin out of the grain-like pellets — even under the best conditions and with easily accessible equipment. Welcome to the first grain handling safety training for community college students sponsored by the Grain and Feed Association of Illinois (GFAI) at the Asmark Institute Agricenter, Bloomington. “This is the first time we’ve ever done something like this for community college students. Everyone in the industry sees the need for training with this age group,” said Jodie Brooks, GFAI director of member services. Before attempting a rescue and watching grain dust explode, the students viewed images of grain facility accidents and learned the danger factors. Black Hawk College

Agronomy Professor Andrew Larson described several benefits of safety training for his grain handling class. “Some will go back to the farm; some will go to industry to work. They will be aware of what is right and what is wrong,” Larson said. “There’s a trend for more awareness of safety in agriculture.” Callie Anderson, an ag production major from Bishop Hill, speculated most people don’t realize the danger or the weight posed by thousands of bushels of grain. “Most people don’t realize how dangerous it is,” Anderson said. Larson learned about an opportunity for grain safety training when Brooks gave a presentation at a community college ag instructor meeting. His grain handling students also have toured farm facilities, a grain elevator and an ethanol plant. However, the agricenter offers special hands-on training with state-of-the-art technology. “We’re happy this facility is available,” Larson said. He would like to return with his students for anhydrous ammonia safety training.

ULTON — The Farm Bureau Foundation will sell “That’s My Pan” merchandise. To see a full line of merchandise or place orders, visit {thatsmypan.biz/fril10219}. Call the Farm Bureau office at 547-3011 to request a brochure. Order deadline is Dec. 2. ANE — Farm Bureau will host a farmland drainage and stormwater management workshop at noon Dec. 12 at the Farm Bureau office. Call the Farm Bureau office at 584-8660 or email info@kanecfb.com by Dec. 9 for reservations. ACOUPIN — Farm Bureau will co-sponsor a workshop on the Affordable Care Act from 1 to 2:30 p.m. in the Farm Bureau auditorium. Rep. Rodney Davis, R-

Taylorville, will be available to answer questions. ONTGOMERY — Prime Timers will meet at noon Dec. 18 at the Farm Bureau building. Cost is $9. Hillsboro High School choir will perform. Call the Farm Bureau office at 5326171 by Dec. 13 for reservations or more information. EORIA — Farm Bureau will sponsor a farm toy show Dec. 3-5 at the Peoria Civic Center during the Greater Peoria Farm Show. For more information visit {peoriafarmshow.com}.

“From the Counties” items are submitted by County Farm Bureau managers. If you have an event or activity that is open to all members, contact your county Farm Bureau manager.

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PROFITABILITY

FarmWeek Page 14 Monday, November 25, 2013

Volatile commodity prices weigh on 2014 crop plans

As the holiday season approaches and harvest is completed, now is the time to start looking toward the 2014 growing season. An interesting place to start is, of course, commodity prices. With outstanding yields experienced by most farmers this growing season, prices have dropped and BY LANCE RUPPERT

look to be staying put for the foreseeable future. With that in mind, revenue per acre will be down from the historically high level of the last few years. How will that situation change your cropping plans for 2014? Controlling costs is an important aspect of managing any business and with the mul-

Cattle prices should remain strong BY DANIEL GRANT FarmWeek

The number of cattle placed in feedlots (2.39 million head) increased 10 percent last month from a year ago, USDA reported Friday in its monthly cattle on feed report. But cattle prices should remain strong in coming months despite the seemingly bearish FarmWeekNow.com news due to supply issues, according to Rich Nelson, direc- Listen to Rich Nelson’s comtor of research at Allendale Inc. ments about last week’s cat“Placements were higher than tle on feed report at FarmWeekNow.com. last year, which stops a string of losses in numbers since about May,” Nelson told FarmWeek. “But I’d caution against getting too bearish.” Placements last year were at a record low, so an increase in placements was expected during October. Meanwhile, many of the cattle placed in feedlots likely won’t finish out until the May through July time frame. “We still have a significant supply deficit lined up December through February (2014),” Nelson said. Nelson predicted the cash cattle market will be mixed for another few weeks and average around $130 to $131 per hundredweight through November before ratcheting up to a possible peak near $140 by February. A wild card in the market is demand, Nelson noted. Analysts are curious to see how consumers respond to tighter beef supplies and higher prices. USDA on Friday estimated the number of cattle and calves on feed as of Nov. 1 totaled 10.61 million head, down 6 percent from last year. Marketing of fed cattle totaled 1.86 million head, up 1 percent.

M A R K E T FA C T S Feeder pig prices reported to USDA* Total Composite Weighted Average Receipts and Price (Formula and Cash): Weight Range Per Head Weighted Ave. Price 10-12 lbs. (formula) $38.00-$78.26 $51.17 40 lbs. (cash) $67.00-$84.00 $80.43 Recipts

This Week 85,141 *Eastern Corn Belt prices picked up at seller’s farm

Last Week 77,124

Eastern Corn Belt direct hogs (plant delivered) Carcass Live

(Prices $ per hundredweight) This week Prev. week Change $75.82 $79.72 -$3.90 $56.11 $58.99 -$2.88

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

This week $130.47 $130.53

Prev. week $131.58 $131.56

Change -$1.11 -$1.03

CME feeder cattle index — 600-800 Lbs. This is a composite price of feeder cattle transactions in 27 states. (Prices $ per hundredweight) Prev. week Change This week $164.85 $164.96 -$0.11

titude of costs that farmers encounter, being on top of costs per acre is important. But continuing agronomic practices that help drive yield, which drives income, is still essential for a profitable business. As you Lance Ruppert begin to plan your 2014 cropping needs this prepay season, here are a few key items to consider. Selecting the best hybrid and varieties to place on your farm with value-added traits is a huge first step in your 2014 success. Genetics set the yield potential for your farm and proper seed selection is

the first step to success. Protecting that seed investment, especially in soybeans, with seed treatments will allow you to have a higher percentage of emerged plants versus planted population, lower replants and more potential in every acre you plant. Managing and hopefully eliminating early weed competition with pre-emergent residual products gives you a better yield foundation and allows you a broader window for post herbicide applications. With more resistant weeds in more areas, multiple modes of action and varied application timing are important. Fungicide applications can gain you big returns in corn and soybeans. Significant yield gains have been measured and docu-

mented for many years, but don’t neglect the benefits of better standability and harvest efficiency. How multiple applications of nitrogen and micro-nutrients may help unlock yield potential might be options to consider and visit about. Challenge your crop specialist to discuss new innovations to maximize every acre. Cost control is important, but be wary of focusing on only one side of the profit equation. Working on growing revenue is also important. Best wishes for a Happy Holiday season and a prosperous 2014.

U.S. beef exports could set another record this year as sales to Japan escalated after it eased trade restrictions. Japan eased its restriction on the purchase of U.S. beef Feb. 1 by increasing the age requirement for cattle from 20 to 30 months. U.S. beef exports to Japan since Feb. 1 subsequently increased nearly 50 percent. In fact, exports in May, June and July reached the highest points since Oct. 2003, just prior to the discovery of BSE in the U.S., according to the CME Group’s Daily Livestock report. The age restriction of cattle was put in place as a safeguard against BSE. “Since (Feb. 1) we’ve seen exports increase to Japan,” Mark Jengels, newly-elected chairman of the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF), told the RFD Radio Network(R). “We came off a record year last year and through the first eight months beef exports are up 1 percent (in volume) this year,” he continued. “Hopefully, we’ll finish with another record.” Pork exports this year got off to a slow start but the pace recently increased, Jengels noted. Exports of pork currently are projected to be 4.3 percent higher than a year ago.

“Pork exports will likely remain a wild card, with China demand a key factor should (the Chinese) decide to become more active in the U.S. market,” authors of the Daily Livestock Report noted. Beef exports, on the other hand, are expected to slow next year due to a smaller beef supply and higher prices. The Livestock Marketing Information Center recently predicted 2014 beef exports could dip 7.3 percent. Exports will remain a critical driver of demand, though, as per capita consumption is expected to decrease 1.6 percent for beef, with a modest 1 percent increase for pork. Total pork production is projected to increase 2.6 percent as producers respond to lower

feed costs and the return of profitability in the industry. “The global demand for meat is growing, especially for developing countries, and U.S. exports are satisfying that appetite,” said John Hagenbuch, a farmer from Utica who this month was elected to the USMEF executive board. A representative from USMEF will highlight “International Buyers in a U.S. Economy” on Tuesday, during a presentation at the Illinois Commodity Conference. The annual event will be held at the Marriott Hotel and Conference Center in Normal. More information about the event is available online at {ilcommodityconf.org}. — Daniel Grant

Record pace of beef exports could slow in 2014

Lamb prices NA

Export inspections (Million bushels) Week ending Soybeans Wheat Corn 11/14/2013 87.8 18.1 30.8 11/07/2013 82.6 12.5 17.2 Last year 69.1 11.4 14.4 Season total 508.9 629.0 254.7 Previous season total 504.9 438.7 182.6 USDA projected total 1450 1100 1400 Crop marketing year began June 1 for wheat and Sept. 1 for corn and soybeans.

Lance Ruppert is GROWMARK’s agronomy marketing and implementation manager. His email address is lruppert@growmark.com.

Tuesday: • Jim Angel, Illinois State Water Survey • Rita Frazer, live from Illinois Commodities Conference in Normal • Amy Rossi, Illinois Farm Families Field Mom: what women want • Mike Stokke, Farm Credit Administration: connect with your Congress Wednesday: • Tim Schweizer, Illinois Department of Natural

Resources: firearm deer hunting results • Rick Myroup, DeKalb • Steve Myers, Busey Ag Services: land prices Thursday: • Diane Handley, Illinois Farm Bureau: Illinois Specialty Crops, Agritourism and Organic Conference • Kevin Williams, National Wild Turkey Federation: Thanksgiving meal prices • Robert Widmer, Heartland Community College: enrollment and programming • Paul Obertino, Ameren Illinois: energy needs

Friday: • Harry Cooney, GROWMARK • Ivan Dozier, Illinois Natural Resources Conservation Service: storm assistance • Matt Snyder, DuPont Pioneer: digital marketing platforms • Cindy Langenberg, DuPont Pioneer: talent acquisition • Dave Copple, Peoria County Farm Bureau: Peoria farm toy show To find a radio station near you that carries the RFD Radio Network, go to FarmWeekNow.com, click on “Radio,” then click on “Affiliates.”

PROFITABILITY

Page 15 Monday, November 25, 2013 FarmWeek

CASH STRATEGIST

Ethanol is in focus

First, the market received the expected announcement from EPA regarding a change in the RFS mandate for 2014. The structure of that announcement was not drastically different from the “leaked” EPA proposal first noted two to three weeks ago. Then the market was jolted last week by a surge in the price of ethanol. The result was a whipsaw for observers of the ethanol industry, first bearish, then bullish. According to the USDA analysts, the EPA proposal suggests a corn ethanol mandate just over 13 billion gallons for 2014. At 2.76 gallons/bushel, it implies a corn grind of 4.72 billion bushels. Some in the trade use a 2.8 gallon yield, implying a 4.65 billion bushel grind. For reference, last year’s corn ethanol grind was 4.648 billion bushels, while this year’s forecast is 4.9 billion. Of the proposed 15.21-billion-gallon mandate for all biofuels for 2014, the USDA analysts imply there’s a 460 million gallon window of uncertainty in which the type of biofuels consumed could swing any way. That implies a swing of 88 million bushels either way for the corn ethanol grind, depending on how

market conditions through the year favor the different biofuels. Amid the negative fears, the one important thing to recognize is that corn ethanol plants are making money in the present environment. And as long as they make money, they are going to grind corn. A part of the profit is also coming from stronger demand for dried distillers grains (DDGS), from both domestic and export sectors. That’s a function of the high price of protein relative to corn. More often than not we had been feeding DDGS as a substitute for corn, but in the present price structure the protein attribute has become more important, helping keep DDGS prices relatively high. Clearly though, the reduction in the ethanol mandate for 2014 is going to put pressure on the ability to export ethanol at higher volumes than last year to help sustain the grind rate through the year. Any significant decline from current prices for crude oil and gasoline would have repercussions as well. It would pressure the spread between gasoline and ethanol, inhibit blending, weaken ethanol’s price, undermine the grind profitability, and as a result, the pace of grinding. In the end, the proposed change in the mandate is not a killer, but the proposal potentially undermines corn demand.

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Corn Strategy

ü2013 crop: There’s a possibility this past week’s low was the six- to seven-week low, laying the framework for a modest rally. But with the 20-week low still due at year’s end, or shortly after, there’s more risk of lower prices than higher ones during the next few weeks. Make sure you have sales made to cover cash flow needs to accommodate that possibility. ü2014 crop: Even with fewer acres next year, the ending stocks could grow further if yields are near trend. Prices may slip further in the short term, but should rebound after the 20-week cycle bottoms. There’s still a good chance of seeing a move over $4.75 on December futures to initiate pricing. vFundamentals: Low prices are having an impact. End users, domestic and worldwide, are taking advantage of the lower prices to continue extending coverage. And, we are hearing more indications Brazil’s second crop plantings are going to decline. But rallies will be capped by producers selling rallies.

Cents per bu.

Soybean Strategy

ü2013 crop: Use this rebound on January soybeans to make catch-up sales. Even though prices have stopped their move lower for now, there’s no reason to think prices are poised to enjoy sustained strength. ü2014 crop: The soybean/ corn price ration continues to encourage a shift in acreage to soybeans in South America and the U.S. next spring. We don’t believe the situation warrants chasing prices lower at this time; wait for November futures to hit our $11.90 target. vFundamentals: Demand for soybeans continues to remain good, but we are starting to note a fall off in export demand for soybean meal. If that persists, it could increasingly weaken the demand cornerstone that has supported the soybean complex during the last four years. South America looms large as a makeor-break for the market during the next few months. For now though, crop conditions are good. Brazil is said to be 70 per-

cent planted with Argentina 37 percent done. Argentine farmers are still holding a third of last year’s crop.

Wheat Strategy

ü2013 crop: Lower prices appear to be invigorating wheat demand, but the steady slippage of corn is keeping a lid on them. Until the 20-week cycle at year’s end is put behind, the market may have a sideways to lower trend. After that, prices should have a better chance of seeing a sustained rebound with Chicago May futures potentially reaching $6.85. ü2014 crop: Even though

prices should slip lower in the short term, we aren’t interested in chasing the market lower at this time. vFundamentals: Of the three primary grains, wheat may have the most balanced fundamentals and the least downside price risk. It continues to enjoy reasonably good demand at current prices. Egypt even bought some wheat out of the U.S. — wheat that wasn’t listed in the official tender results last week. But until corn prices find a bottom, wheat prices may struggle to sustain small rallies. The new winter crop around the world is in generally good condition.

PERSPECTIVES

FarmWeek Page 16 Monday, November 25, 2013

Quick! What do you do if you lose your wallet?

Many of us know that dreadful feeling of realizing our wallet is lost. What do you do? Your first concern is to stop the potential for identity theft by someone using the information in your wallet. Then, take steps to replace your identification, insurance and KATHY SWEEDLER other cards in your wallet. If you have a debit card, contact the bank or credit union that issued the card immediately. Your liability for losses is higher with a debit card than a credit card. Federal laws limit your liability with a credit card to $50. If you report a lost debit card within two days, your liability is $50, but your liability increases as time passes until you risk losing everything in your account. Next, report the loss to local police. Ask for the report number and a hard copy of the report. Even with limited dollar liability for lost credit cards, report them to the financial institutions and companies that issued them as soon as possible. Those businesses will change your account numbers and send you new cards.

Place a fraud alert on your credit reports so someone can’t use your identity to open new accounts. Contact one of the three credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian or TransUnion) and request a free fraud alert. A fraud alert means lenders must take extra precautions to verify your identity before granting credit in your name. If you place a fraud alert with one of the credit reporting companies, then it will notify the other two agencies. Once you place the alert, you will receive a free credit report from each of the bureaus. Check that information to be sure it is accurate. Then you can recheck your reports in a few weeks to be sure there has been no identity theft activity. You also may want to protect your identity by putting a freeze on your credit reports. A freeze would not allow any new credit to be issued — not to someone pretending to be you or to you. To place a credit freeze, you need to contact each of the three credit reporting companies. There is a small charge for this service. You may end the freeze, but it will take up to three days to happen. Hopefully, you didn’t lose your Social Security card along with your wallet. Social Security numbers are the most useful

Tip for faster fire response

Editor: I read your article about the tractor fire in Chenoa. I’ve talked about possible problems getting firemen to certain farms. Years ago, a friend had a tractor burn trying to give directions to the fire. To try and fix the problem, I started a list of 911 addresses of the closest residence to our fields.

Editor’s note: Kay Shipman asked Black Hawk College agriculture students about the importance of college students having grain safety education.

number to identify thieves. Protect your Social Security number. If your card is missing, contact your local Social Security office or go online to {ssa.gov}. Social Security offices also replace lost Medicare cards. Lost driver’s licenses can be replaced at any state driver services facility. You will need acceptable identification and have to pay a fee.

Don’t forget to report missing insurance cards to your insurance companies. Before your wallet is lost, you may want to make a list of the contents and/or copy both sides of all the cards, so you know who to contact just in case. Many times, the customer service phone number is printed on the back of a card. A lost wallet means report-

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Turn in the addresses to the 911 operator and then tell them to go 1/2 mile east, 1/4 mile north or whatever the direction. Put a list of addresses in every tractor, combine or truck. When they get close, just tell them to look for the smoke. GARY COFFEY Ashmore

Letter policy

Letters are limited to 300 words and must include a name and address. FarmWeek reserves the right to reject any letter and will not publish political endorsements. All letters are subject to editing, and only an original with a written signature and complete address will be accepted.

ing losses. It’s a chore, but don’t panic. Just make a contact list and work your way through it. A reader suggested this topic. If you have a topic you’d like covered, please email suggestions to sweedler@illinois.edu.

Kathy Sweedler is a consumer economics educator with University of Illinois Extension.

A daytime telephone number is required for verification, but will not be published. Only one letter per writer will be accepted in a 60-day period. Typed letters are preferred. Send letters to: FarmWeek Letters 1701 Towanda Ave. Bloomington, Ill., 61701

“A lot of ag students might work at a grain terminal. It is good to know about the dangers. Anyone in the ag industry should have grain safety information.”

”Most people don’t realize how dangerous it is.”

“It’s important to learn so you don’t get killed. I’m more susceptible to getting hurt because I haven’t been around it.”

“We are going to be the next generation of farmers. It is important we know the risks and teach others about them.”

Tanner Carlson Roseville Ag business

Callie Anderson Bishop Hill Ag production

Jessica Hamilton Coal City, Ind. Ag business

Jacob Samuelson Geneseo Ag business-ag production