FarmWeek October 31 2011

A LASALLE cOunty couple is doing its part to grow the livestock industry, going from a 100-sow operation to two facilities that will hold 2,400 head each. .....2

u. S . R E p. J O h n S h i m k u s vowed last week to move ahead with measures preventing EPA from regulating larger “coarse particulates” (dust). ..............................4

cOmmunity cOLLEgE students who perhaps would benefit most from high-speed Internet in many cases have the least access to it. ....................................8

Monday, October 31, 2011

Two sections Volume 39, No. 44

AFBF economist rejects program ‘means testing’

OFF TO A GOOD START

BY MARTIN ROSS FarmWeek

Farmers, such as this worker on the farm of Doug and Randy Fornoff near Havana, have gotten a good jump on fall tillage and other fieldwork due to a timely harvest and near-ideal conditions, with the exception of some recent scattered rains. Harvest in the state as of the first of last week was 79 percent complete for corn (16 percent ahead of the five-year average pace) and 84 percent complete for soybeans (10 percent ahead of average). Wheat planting (74 percent complete) also was slightly ahead of the average pace as of the first of last week. (Photo by Cyndi Cook).

RESOLVED: IFB, agencies’ efforts put Illinois farmers back on the road

BY KAY SHIPMAN FarmWeek

Periodicals: Time Valued

Iroquois County farmer Bob Tammen had one acre of soybeans left to combine and was starting fall fieldwork last week. Farming — not new federal safety requirements or transportation rules — was

foremost on his mind, but that wasn’t the case in August.

Tammen and 60-some other Illinois farmers were stymied then by new interpretations of motor carrier safety rules.

In Tammen’s case, he wondered how he would Steve Mattioli haul grain from his Danforth fields after the interpretations resulted in his failure to pass a government newentrant audit and caused the loss of required U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) numbers for his equipment.

Illinois Farm Bureau raised concerns about the problems with U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and the state’s congressional delegation. IFB submitted comments, supplied background

information, and organized an August tour of Illinois farms and ag facilities for federal transportation officials.

That tour and conversations with farmers and agribusinessmen provided learning opportunities for Anne Ferro, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) administrator, and several of her staff, including Steve Mattioli, FMCSA’s Illinois administrator who is based in Springfield.

“We (FMCSA) moved on it (the issue) fast — and IDOT (Illinois Department of Transportation) did, too — really dedicated a lot of resources” to addressing the situation, Mattioli told FarmWeek.

The two agencies addressed the issues of farmers with crop-share leases being considered “for-hire carriers” and of trucking regulations being applied to implements of husSee Resolved, page 3

FarmWeek on the web: FarmWeekNow.com

American Farm Bureau Federation Chief Economist Bob Young rejects the Senate’s notion of applying an income “means test” to commodity programs.

As ag lawmakers await a congressional “super committee’s” reaction to a proposed $23 billion, 10-year ag spending cut, the Senate has approved proposals to Bob Young eliminate farm subsidies for those with annual adjusted gross incomes (AGI) over $1 million.

Currently, program income eligibility is capped at $2.5 million AGI — gross income from taxable sources minus allowable tax deductions. Sens.

Dick Durbin, a Springfield Democrat, and Mark Kirk, a Highland Park Republican, were among the 84 senators supporting a $1 million cap.

Non-deductible production costs are not factored into AGI, and thus Illinois Farm Bureau economist Mike Doherty stressed current high corn and soybean prices and the incomes they produce “don’t tell the whole story.”

Young questions the justification for applying income criteria essentially to food production incentives.

“Our position is that these are commodity programs, not social welfare programs, and so they shouldn’t be means-tested,” Young told Far mWeek.

“They provide some risk protection to producers so they can keep producing a crop each spring.”

House and Senate ag committees recently devised a schedule of proposed cuts

for the 12-member super committee. House Ag Committee Chairman Frank Lucas (R-Okla.) last week related efforts to “turn that into real policy” for submission ideally this week.

The super committee is charged with drafting a deficit-reduction plan by Thanksgiving.

Lucas suggested direct payments are “in grave danger of going away.” In their absence, he argued, “obviously, you have to strengthen crop insurance” and devise some form of “revenue insurance” program that’s “equitable” for all commodities and regions.

Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack echoed that sentiment during a visit to John Deere’s Ankeny, Iowa, plant.

Vilsack maintained the farm safety net “needs to work for row crop farmers in Iowa and specialty crop farmers in upstate New York and cattle ranchers in Texas.”

The next farm bill must help producers affected by natural disasters, simplify farm programs, continue conservation programs, and increase funding for ag research, he said.

The Ag Committee’s proposed $6.5 billion, 10 percent reduction in long-term conservation spending has drawn fire from environmental groups and sparked a counterproposal for a consolidated “performancebased” conservation program sponsored by Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.) with support from the Environmental Working Group and Defenders of Wildlife.

“I sincerely hope we do not use research as a place of looking for reductions,” Vilsack added last week.

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

FarmWeek Page 2 Monday, October 31, 2011

livestock

Quick takes CAN DO — John Deere is attempting a world record at constructing a full-sized sculpture of its new S-Series combine from more than 300,000 cans of food at the John Deere Pavilion in downtown Moline.

According to Deere spokesman Nicole Schneider, the “Can Do” sculpture/food donation program is designed to raise awareness of the vital role farmers play in producing safe, healthy, and abundant food for a growing world population while supplying much-needed food to a local food bank during the holiday season.

The 300,000-plus cans needed to complete the sculpture are being donated by John Deere with delivery by Hy-Vee Food Stores. When complete, the sculpture will be 60 feet wide, 80 feet long, and 16 feet tall. It will weigh nearly 170 tons.

The sculpture will be on display at the John Deere Pavilion from mid-November to mid-December. All food will be donated to the River Bend Foodbank when it is dismantled.

Consumers also can help the project by “virtually” creating cans of food. To participate, go to the Deere Facebook page {www.facebook.com/johndeere} to submit a name and photo to be wrapped around a “virtual personalized food can” as part of a digital virtual sculpture.

SIMON TEACHES PUMPKIN LESSON — Lt. Gov. Sheila Simon team taught Carbondale third graders about pumpkins and the importance of agriculture in the state last week. Her visit to Giant City Elementary School was part of the Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom program. Illinois leads the nation in pumpkin production.

The lieutenant governor then discussed the challenges in recruiting and retaining trained personnel and other issues facing rural emergency service providers with Jackson County Ambulance Service staff. Simon also toured the county’s ambulance facility.

As the Governor’s Rural Affairs Council chairman, Simon has worked to expand offerings of locally grown food in schools and is creating a subcommittee to focus on barriers in providing rural residents with adequate emergency medical services.

BIOBASED INITIATIVE — U.S. Senate Ag Committee Chairman Deb Stabenow (D-Mich.) last week announced introduction of her “Grow it Here, Make it Here” initiative to advance the emerging biobased manufacturing industry. The proposal would provide a 30 percent tax cut for new, expanded, or re-equipped bio-manufacturing projects.

Stabenow announced the measure at Michigan’s Zeeland Farm Services, a family owned and operated business promoting research of 100 percent biodegradable soy-based products.

Earlier this year, Stabenow convened an ag committee hearing to examine the job potential of biobased manufacturing.

The American Soybean Association (ASA) was key in expanding the 2008 farm bill’s Biobased Markets Program and has worked with USDA on program improvements and development of a biobased label. Expansion of the Biobased Markets Program is a top priority for ASA in the next farm bill.

Biobased products represent an estimated 4 percent of the current market for the plastic and chemical industries.

(ISSN0197-6680) Vol. 39 No. 44

October 31, 2011

Dedicated to improving the profitability of farming, and a higher quality of life for Illinois farmers.

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STAFF Editor Dave McClelland (dmcclelland@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 Linda Goltz (Lgoltz@ilfb.org) Business Production Manager Bob Standard (bstandard@ilfb.org) Advertising Sales Manager

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John Hagenbuch demonstrates the environmental control system of a new grow-to-finish swine building in LaSalle County as his wife, Kate, looks on. The system controls and monitors the feed system, temperature in the building, water, fans, and curtains. It can be controlled by the Hagenbuchs off-site on their computer or smart phone, and the system sends out alarms when one of the controls requires attention. (Photo by Daniel Grant)

Contract opportunity boon to family’s hog business

BY DANIEL GRANT FarmWeek

Hagenbuch Family Farms in Utica (LaSalle County) has been family owned and operated since 1938.

But current operators, John and Kate Hagenbuch, knew it was time to update their pork production business to remain competitive in the highly volatile hog industry.

“We’ve had a 100-sow, farrow-to-finish operation since I’ve been involved the last 10 years,” John Hagenbuch told FarmWeek. “It was time to update or go a different route.”

The Hagenbuchs decided to go a different direction, yet remain in the hog business, by specializing in FarmWeekNow.com one phase of the pork proCheck out our photo gallery of duction cycle the Hagenbuch open house at via contract FarmWeekNow.com. production.

Last week the Hagenbuchs, who are members of the LaSalle County Farm Bureau, Illinois Pork Producers Association (IPPA), and Illinois Soybean Association, opened two new 2,400 head, grow-tofinish swine buildings in rural Utica just north of Interstate 80.

The state-of-the-art facilities will house breeding stock gilts through a contract with Illini Farms of Kingston in DeKalb County. The gilts will be distributed to a number of sow farms across the region once they reach about 275 pounds.

“We wouldn’t be doing this without a con-

tract producer,” Hagenbuch said about the arrangement with Illini Farms. “They’re a very good family farm.”

Expansion of the hog operation not only will increase the Hagenbuch’s profit potential in pork production, but it also will provide a commodity for their cropping operation in the form of manure/fertilizer.

They partnered with their cousins at Sundberg Farms to use the manure as a key source of nitrogen for crops.

“It’s a very sustainable cycle, and it makes sense,” said Tim Maiers, director of public relations for IPPA. “Raise the pigs here (where feed is readily available) and use the manure to fertilize the rich farmland.”

Illinois is the fourth-largest pork-producing state in the nation, but the number of farms has dwindled over the years. Illinois in 1996 had about 8,800 hogs farms, but in recent years that total dipped below 3,000.

“In Illinois in the last 10 years we’ve lost about $200 million because of the loss of livestock,” said Monty Whipple, president of the LaSalle County Farm Bureau. “Farm Bureau for a long time has supported rebuilding the industry” to generate more economic activity in the state and maintain a key market for local crops.

The Hagenbuchs also are building a sister facility at another location. They eventually will have 9,600 total spaces for hogs in their operation.

“We’re proud to carry on the tradition,” Kate Hagenbuch said.

Page 3 Monday, October 31, 2011 FarmWeek

Government

Lawmakers take up new, old issues in early veto session

BY KAY SHIPMAN FarmWeek

Money issues again were a common thread last week during the first of the two-week veto session.

“Some days it feels as if the General Assembly is on an issues merry-go-round. All the issues just keep swirling around,” said Kevin Semlow, Illinois Farm Bureau director of state legislation.

One new money issue centered around corporate income tax breaks for CME Group Inc., the parent company of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange and the Chicago Board of Trade.

The Senate Executive Committee passed amendments that would reduce the company’s state tax burden by taxing 100 percent of the income from open outcry trades made on the trading floors in Chicago, but only 27.54 percent of the income from electronic trades.

After the General Assembly raised the income tax rate in

the spring session, the CME Group began discussing the possibility of leaving Illinois, said Bill Bodine, IFB associate director of state legislation.

The increase cost the group an estimated $50 million in higher taxes.

The Senate likely will consider the amendments during the second week of veto session, according to Bodine.

One money issue that remains in limbo is expansion of the state’s gaming system after the bill was held in the Senate via a procedural rule. The expansion added five new casinos, authorized slot machines at race tracks, expanded existing casinos, and allowed off-track betting on the Illinois State Fairgrounds and other locations.

After Gov. Pat Quinn officially announced his plans to veto the gaming bill shortly before the veto session started, legislative leaders created new legislation that appears to address the governor’s con-

cerns, according to Semlow.

“There is widespread belief that the new legislation is designed to make the bill extremely difficult, if not impossible, to pass,” Semlow said. “Since the introduction of the new legislation, the governor and Senate leaders again are meeting to discuss the issue.”

Another funding hold-over issue was the salaries of the regional superintendents. In a line-item veto, Quinn eliminated $11.3 million in general revenue funds for the regional superintendents.

Last week, the Senate and the House did not attempt to override the budget line item or reduction vetoes.

“Those appropriations that were reduced or eliminated will stand for now,” Semlow explained.

Last Thursday, House supporters failed to gain enough votes to pass legislation that would have paid the regional superintendents and their assistants with money from the local Corporate Personal Property Replacement Tax, which is provided to local governments.

However, the bill’s sponsor, Rep. Frank Mautino (D-Spring

Resolved

Danforth farmer Bob Tammen, right, explains how he uses his grain wagon during harvest to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Administrator Anne Ferro, second from left, and her staff during an August farm tour. Information gained during the tour helped transportation agencies resolve regulatory issues for Tammen and other Illinois farmers. (FarmWeek file photo)

Continued from page 1 bandry. “As far as we’re (FMCSA) concerned, we’ve got it fixed,” Mattioli said of the two issues.

Recently, IFB President Philip Nelson and Ferro met to continue discussions about transportation regulations that impact farmers.

With assistance from FMCSA and IDOT, Tammen’s USDOT numbers were reinstated. “I’m able to keep

going,” he said.

Mattioli said federal and state transportation officials hope they have resolved the problems for the Illinois farmers who failed the new-entrant audits due to FMCSA interpretations. Mattioli recommended any farmers who think they still have a problem to contact Kevin Rund, IFB senior director of local government.

Both Mattioli and Tammen, who hosted the FMCSA offi-

cials on his farm, reflected on the unusual farm tour.

“That was a very good deal.

Those people were willing to listen,” Tammen said.

Mattioli agreed: “It was a very worthwhile experience, and the administrator has said so too. It helped me immensely as a regulator. Even today when I see one of those (implements of husbandry) on the road, I’ll say, ‘I know what that is.’”

Valley), used a procedure that will allow him another chance to pass the legislation.

Also resurfacing in the Senate was an attempt in the Senate to establish higher electric rates to create a cleancoal plant in Christian County.

The project, known as the Taylorville Energy Center (TEC), is backed by Tenaska Energy of Nebraska.

IFB opposes the legislation

that would directly increase farmers’ costs through higher electric rates and indirectly raise their other expenses because grain companies and processers, farm suppliers, and other agribusinesses would pay higher energy bills.

The bill failed in the Senate last week, but Senate President John Cullerton (D-Chicago) also used a procedure that would allow him another attempt to pass the legislation.

State Supreme Court rules lawmakers may take fees for emergencies, other uses The Illinois Supreme Court last week upheld the General Assembly’s practice of transferring special fees into the state’s general fund coffers. The ruling raises a question of what may happen to fees and assessments collected in Illinois for special purposes, including ag-related ones.

The decision centered on a 2006 case by A.B.A.T.E., a nonprofit motorcycle organization, and one of its members, challenging the legislature’s transferring money from a motorcycle fund that came from a portion of motorcycle registration fees.

The fund paid for motorcycle safety training programs.

In 1992, the legislature began authorizing transfer of money from the motorcycle fund and numerous others into the general revenue fund. In 2004, the legislature amended state law to specifically authorize the governor to transfer such funds held by the treasurer.

The justices rejected A.B.A.T.E.’s argument that the motorcycle funds should not be used for state budget emergencies and it was unconstitutional for the state to take the funds, which were private.

The justices wrote they found no evidence that the motorcycle funds were private, and that General Assemblies can transfer the funds without changing the legislation that authorized the fee collection.

“One General Assembly cannot control the actions of a subsequent elected body,” the justices wrote. “It has long been recognized that the legislature has the authority to order monies collected in one fund to be transferred to a different fund.”

Kevin Semlow, Illinois Farm Bureau director of state legislation, noted that many ag funds have been swept over the past seven years, and that IFB has policy opposing fund sweeps.

“There have been numerous attempts on several issues to place clauses in law to prevent funds from being swept,” Semlow noted. — Kay Shipman

FarmWeek Page 4 Monday, October 31, 2011

government

Shimkus: Biofuels can compete in ‘open fuel’ market

BY MARTIN ROSS FarmWeek

To some, NASCAR ace Kenny Wallace may have seemed odd man out at last week’s Washington Energy Security Roundtable.

To others, Wallace’s presence may have symbolized the ethanol industry’s commitment to stay in the race amid anticipated loss of federal biofuels incentives and potentially rising industry cost margins (see page 10).

House Energy and Commerce member John Shimkus, a Collinsville Republican, sees ethanol as a key player under his bipartisan Open Fuel Standard Act — the focus of last week’s roundtable sponsored by the House Open Fuel Coalition.

The bill would require that

by 2017 95 percent of new cars be warranted to operate on “non-petroleum” fuels or fuel blends.

The standard, which would Rep. John Shimkus kick in with a 50 percent new car requirement in 2014, would encourage use of ethanol, biodiesel, natural gas or other fossil-fuel-derived energy sources, hydrogen, plugin electricity, or fuel cells.

Shimkus anticipates elimination of the 45-cent-per-gallon federal ethanol fuel blenders excise tax credit with its expiration on Dec. 31. But he argued

research even into cellulosic biofuels production is “much further advanced” than development of other “new” liquid fuel sources.

“My ethanol friends are just going to have to tighten their belts and be in competition with other basic commodity products,” he told FarmWeek. “That could be coal, it could be methanol, it could be oil sands crude, it could be Southern Illinois crude oil, it could be natural gas.

“We shouldn’t care about what the commodity product is. We should care about having a standard by which any product can compete for consumer purchase at the pump.

And what’s the only sector prepared to take advantage of this standard? The corn-based ethanol sector. Can ethanol

Aherin: Further input needed on youth ag labor proposals Now that Illinois growers are emerging from the fields, federal officials need their input on proposed “child labor” regulations that could significantly impact future farmers, according to University of Illinois ag safety specialist Robert Aherin.

Tuesday (Nov. 1) is deadline for public comments on U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) proposals aimed at bolstering safety requirements for young workers in farming and related fields. DOL issued draft proposals last August.

American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) and other ag groups seek extension of the comment period through Jan. 1.

In a letter to DOL, the groups expressed concern about “the breadth of the proposed changes” and “our ability to comment in a meaningful way

on the proposal in the time period allowed.”

Revisions in ag “hazardous occupations” standards under the U.S. Fair Labor Standards Act would not apply to children working on farms owned by their parents. But other young family members could be affected by new rules for on-farm safety, along with unrelated/forhire workers under 16.

Aherin argued some proposals still need exact interpretation, raising concerns about younger family members operating machinery or working with animals within incorporated multi-family operations. That alone requires added industry input and clarification, he said.

“The proposal’s only been out about two months, and it came out at a time when farmers around most parts of the coun-

try — and definitely in Illinois — were getting quite busy with harvest,” Aherin told FarmWeek.

“They haven’t had time, really, to review the proposed changes or have the opportunity to make comments. I’d think it would be very important for the Department of Labor to get that input. I think the department should extend comment at least into November.”

AFBF and others warned DOL officials the proposal would entail “sweeping changes in current private and commercial agricultural practices, coupled with an increase in legal liability to farm and ranch families.”

In addition, Sens. Ben Nelson (D-Neb.) and Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) sent a letter to Labor Secretary Hilda Solis last week seeking, “at a minimum,” a 60day extension of comments.

Thirty-two senators signed the letter, including Senate Ag Chairman Deb Stabenow (DMich.), and Rep. Denny Rehberg (R-Mont.) has spearheaded a similar request.

Child labor provisions as written would “greatly impact the structure of family farms and rural communities in the states we represent,” the senators warned. They suggested the proposals would pose “far-reaching effects” for ag education programs that train future producers.

DOL proposes to revise exemptions which currently permit employment of 14- and 15year-olds to perform otherwiseprohibited ag duties — including machinery operation — after they’ve successfully completed a formal 21- to 23-hour “student learner” training course.

“The issue is, are we doing things that put youth at risk beyond their abilities?” Aherin posed. — Martin Ross

refineries and growers compete given that head start? I think they can.”

While his industry faces a challenging “transition,” Renewable Fuels Association Chairman Chuck Woodside said he was “confident we can compete with gasoline without the tax credit.”

Meanwhile, a new USDA report affirms ethanol’s growing economic efficiency, concluding nearly 40 percent of corn used for fuel returns to the feed supply via distillers dried grains (DDGs), with a metric ton of DDGS on average replacing 1.22 metric tons of corn and soybean meal.

Wallace told lawmakers ethanol is “safe, we use it in NASCAR, and there’s no reason we can’t use more of it in our vehicles.”

Shimkus hopes “open fuel”

supporters can kick-start an energy dialogue that has stalled amid deficit debate. The broad nature of Shimkus’ open fuel proposal raises hopes for political consensus on energy issues — while some New England and Middle Atlantic markets have resisted ethanol adoption, the Open Fuel Standard has backing from East Coast lawmakers including co-sponsor Rep. Eliot Engel (D-N.Y.).

Shimkus notes a current House environment that balks at new federal mandates, and expects some skepticism over a plan that places the auto industry under “open fuel” deadlines.

“Right now, we’re mandated based on a lack of choice to use gasoline from crude oil,” he nonetheless countered. “We have a mandate already. We want to open up the free, competitive market.”

Lawmakers holding firm against pesticide, dust regs As lawmakers seek a stay in new pesticide permit requirements set to kick in this week, an Illinois congressman emphasized the need to hold the line against potential farm dust regulation.

Last week, ag interests were hoping for an agreement that would break Senate Environment Chairman Barbara Boxer’s (D-Calif.) lock on a bill that would block National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) pesticide permits.

Barring legislative intervention, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) starting Tuesday will require permits for applications on or near water. Farmers fear EPA could expand requirements to strictly land-based applications.

Sen. Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) has championed House-passed legislation that would amend the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) and the Clean Water Act (CWA) to clarify that permits are not needed when a pesticide is applied in accordance with its FIFRA-approved label.

Boxer has blocked a vote on the measure, but senators reportedly were discussing a bipartisan agreement that instead might allow action on a proposed two-year delay in NPDES permits.

Illinois Fertilizer and Chemical Association President Jean Payne said the ag industry “continues to work diligently at all possibilities including with Congress, with EPA, and with the individual state agencies to delay the Oct. 31 compliance date.”

“I think the Senate was very close to having 70 votes for (Roberts’) bill, and they still couldn’t get it voted on,” Payne said.

“I think that’s why there’s so much willingness to look at a delay.”

Even if EPA issues permit guidelines next week, the industry plans to continue to seek a retroactive hold on permits.

Meanwhile, U.S. Rep. John Shimkus, a Collinsville Republican, insisted last week “we’re going to” move ahead with measures aimed at staying EPA’s hand in regulating larger “coarse particulates” (dust).

Legislation sponsored by Rep. Kristi Noem (R-S.D.) would prohibit EPA from revising particulate standards for at least a year and exempt dust caused by “normal” rural activities.

That’s despite EPA assurances it will not seek to impose new dust regulations. In House Energy and Commerce Committee testimony, EPA Assistant Administrator Gina McCarthy said there were no plans for new rules “as of now,” Shimkus noted.

“What does ‘as of now’ mean?” he asked when interviewed

by FarmWeek. “What about tomorrow? Agricultural dust is different from ‘urban dust’ — different components, different issues, different concerns. I can understand where dust might be an issue when you’re in a highly centralized urbanized area.

“Kristi Noem drives eight miles off a paved road to get to her farm. That’s a long way. If you had (an air) monitor on the side of that road and a Hemi 4-by-4 truck hauling a horse trailer on a dry August day, would that monitor alert you? You bet. But those dust particles aren’t going to reach anybody eight miles away. They’ll fall back to earth.” — Martin Ross

Page 5 Monday, October 31, 2011 FarmWeek

farm safety

Farmer turns catastrophe into community service

BY MARTIN ROSS FarmWeek

After a catastrophic farm accident took part of his right leg two years ago, Russell Hallemann vowed he would stand for his family’s Christmas photo. He did.

By April 2010, equipped with a prosthetic limb, the New Douglas producer/construction contractor was standing on a local diamond, back in play with his local softball team.

Today, Hallemann stands up for his community, telling his story in the interest of safety.

Over the past two years, he’s shared insights at Clinton County ag safety events, incorporating a vividly effective prop: the silage chopper that changed his life.

“Stay focused on what you’re doing in front of you and not worry about what’s coming up later in the day or what you have to do next,” the grain-and-cattle producer advises.

“Everything’s so fast-paced anymore, the machinery’s so big, and everybody seems to be in such a hurry because they have so much ground to cover, that we try to multi-task.

“I think that’s what happened to me. I wasn’t paying attention to what I was doing right in front of me.”

Hallemann’s story began in November 2009, in a muddy 80-

acre field of corn. A late harvest had challenged many growers, and some had delayed chopping corn “to get as much growth as they could.” Then, a killing frost struck.

The frosted corn had grown drier each passing day, making it tough to feed into the chopper.

water; it was turned 180 degrees. I realized what I’d done. I’d heard the crunch. I knew I had to get help, but my cell phone and my flannel shirt were in the chopper cab.

“So I bounced on one foot around to the steps of the

Russell Hallemann demonstrates the agility he has developed with his prosthesis during the recent second annual Progressive Ag Farm Safety Day at Carlyle, which was sponsored by the Clinton County Ag Literacy Coalition. Some 350 sixth graders participated in the event, which highlighted Hallemann’s story and his insights on rural and farm safety.

(Photo by Cyndi Cook)

Hallemann, alone in the field, was attempting to clear a clog when, he assumes, the leg of his jeans was pulled into the chopper head.

“It cut the bone completely through, but it didn’t cut all the skin, all the meat off,” he related. “My foot was hanging kind of like a rubber boot full of

Post-harvest prevention Illinois’ harvest may be drawing to an end, but many producers are exposed to a whole new set of postharvest risks both in the field and on country roads.

Anhydrous application. Anhydrous ammonia is “one of the most dangerous chemicals we use,” University of Illinois farm safety specialist Robert Aherin warns. He stressed the need to wear eye protection and ammonia-approved gloves while handling tanks and hoses.

A leak or equipment break can result in caustic burns (anhydrous draws moisture from the skin) or severe eye injury. Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) lead anhydrous ammonia inspector John Rebholz suggests a long-sleeved shirt also may reduce dangerous exposure.

Soil temperatures of 50 degrees or lower are recommended to help prevent leaching.

“Now’s a good time to inspect (anhydrous) applicators prior to applying the ammonia — checking those quick couplers, checking anhydrous hoses for any type of cut, rub, soft spot or slippage between the hose and coupler,” Rebholz said. “They want to make sure all ammonia is purged (from tanks and hoses) prior to service.”

Protective gear, as well as a personal water bottle, are recommended for equipment inspection or maintenance, to avoid contact with potentially trapped anhydrous. Nurse tanks are equipped to carry five gallons of clean water — according to Rebholz, “your best course for first aid treatment.”

Immediate medical attention also is crucial, he said. And because anhydrous ammonia is a publicly hazardous chemical, producers are required to contact their local fire department or other emergency response agency, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency, their local emergency planning committee, and the National Response Center within 15 minutes of a spill involving at least 100 pounds or 18 gallons.

A wallet-sized card with those numbers is available from local anhydrous suppliers, IDOA, or the Illinois Fertilizer and Chemical Association. Further, producers may ask IDOA to inspect questionable nurse tanks or application equipment by calling 217-782-3817.

Fall tillage. One of the more crucial safety issues associated with late fall field preparations is movement of equipment on local roads, especially as daylight hours begin to wane.

Operators should ensure machinery includes adequate lighting and markings to provide maximum visibility especially for oncoming motorists, as well as appropriate slow-moving vehicle emblems with working reflective material.

“We encourage not moving at night, if possible, and if you’re moving on roads that have hills and curves or have less than 1,000 feet of visibility anywhere on that road, use an escort vehicle,” Aherin advised. — Martin Ross

chopper and jumped onto the landing. But when it came to climbing the steps, I had to swing that foot to the side and

set that (severed right leg bone) on that step.”

In the cab, Hallemann used the flannel shirt as a tourniquet to control blood loss and called Kurt Bizenberger, whose corn he’d been chopping. He considered driving the chopper out of the field, but with shock setting in, he feared he’d pass out “and the chopper’d be running wild.”

He shut the machine down, struggled to the ground, and crawled toward field’s edge in an effort to remain conscious.

Bizenberger quickly arrived with a Trenton emergency crew, which stabilized Hallemann for helicopter transport to St. Louis’ Barnes Jewish Hospital.

Doctors pondered treatment as Hallemann lay for nearly 10 hours in the Barnes emergency room, finally reattaching his lower leg. However, the accident had severed two of three major blood vessels feeding the appendage, and after three days at Barnes, Hallemann realized “something was dying.”

He agreed to amputation and a prosthesis after a doctor suggested she could have him walking in six weeks. Hallemann set and met a goal of standing for

Christmas photos with his 11year-old son and 8-year-old daughter — “I wanted them to know Old Dad wasn’t going to lay down on them.”

In April 2010, Hallemann took the field for the opening game of his over-40 softball league. Clinton-Marion County Farm Bureau Ag Literacy Coordinator Susan Kleiboeker approached him about sharing his story, noting that severely injured accident victims often “can’t talk about it.”

Following a 2010 safety day demonstration, Kleiboeker and Hallemann decided on a more “one-on-one” approach with local school groups for Clinton County’s recent second annual Progressive Ag Farm Safety Day. He emphasizes “general communications” — keeping family, employees, or others informed of daily farm activities and whereabouts.

“I just want to help people realize that you can live and go on,” Hallemann added. “We have a lot of fun — kids are very inquisitive. Fifth and sixth graders are at that age where if they want to know something, parents tell them to ask.”

FarmWeek Page 6 Monday, October 31, 2011

CROPWATCHERS Bernie Walsh, Durand, Winnebago County: Harvest continued at full speed here in Winnebago County last week.

We had 0.2 of an inch of rain early Monday morning (Oct. 24) and some light showers on Tuesday and Wednesday, but not enough to stop the combines.

Soybean harvest is 99 percent complete and the corn is about 60 percent harvested. The corn yields are still good, except for the corn that blew down in July.

Some of the really good fields are our highest yields ever, with 230 to 240 bushels per acre in some fields. Some growers planted higher populations, used higher rates of nitrogen, applied micronutrients and fungicides, all because of higher commodity prices. But most important of all, we received timely rains before it got too dry in July. All of those inputs and good rains resulted in the higher yields.

Have a good week.

Pete Tekampe, Grayslake, Lake County: I think we finally got a killing frost Friday morning.

Everything was white. Ninety percent of the beans are combined.

It seems the later-planted beans did better than the earlier-planted ones. Probably 30 percent of the corn is picked, with the later-planted corn still in the mid20s for moisture. No one is bragging about the yields. Rain was forecast for the weekend. Slow down and be careful.

Leroy Getz, Savanna, Carroll County: Rain on Sunday, Oct. 23, of 0.2 of an inch and then a few sprinkles during the rest of the week brought October’s total to 1.6 inches. Bean harvest is 99.9 percent complete. Corn in this area is going fast, but there is more yet to harvest to the north.

Perhaps 70 percent complete in that area. Fertilizer and lime are being spread and more cornstalks are being baled.

There are a few anhydrous wagons moving on the road.

Ryan Frieders, Waterman, DeKalb County: The weather last week was more like the end of November rather than October.

Periods of rain and a lack of sunshine slowed harvest. Corn moisture levels continue to decline, which helps with drying costs, but corn yields are below average for our area. The high winds, flooding rains, disease pressure, and warm temperatures during the growing season all combined to hurt corn yields. Harvest progress is nearing 75 percent complete and tillage is being done.

Larry Hummel, Dixon, Lee County: It seems as though this year everything made a difference. Seed treatment on soybeans resulted in up to a 10-bushel increase. Corn planted in the soybean stubble is yielding up to 30 bushels better than cornon-corn. Wind damage in some fields caused anywhere from a 20- to 30-bushel loss. It also looks as if the fungicide treatment on corn is paying off nicely. If you haven’t already noticed, only one of them wasn’t a management decision — wind damage — and that was somewhat controllable with hybrid selection. Soybean harvest is pretty much wrapped up around here. Our yields were 14 percent higher than our five-year average. There is a lot of corn that needs to be harvested yet. The good news is the moisture levels are down to 18 percent.

The bad news is that yields will also be down.

Depending on what we find from here on out, I am estimating about a 10 percent decrease.

Ron Moore, Roseville, Warren County: We did not receive any rain last week.

Harvest is winding down in this area now and fall tillage and fertilizer application are picking up.

With the dry conditions, a lot of fieldwork is being done to eliminate any ruts and compaction the wet spring may have caused.

There also is a lot of tiling going on this fall.

One area tile system is going to drain several thousand acres of land that has been extremely wet over the last two or three years. Even though this year has been filled with lots of challenges, farmers in this area are generally pleased with the yields for corn and soybeans.

Ken Reinhardt, Seaton, Mercer County: Another nice harvest week. There still are soybeans being cut. Some were planted after wheat or after flooding in the Edwards River bottom. We were fortunate to have four new or heavily renovated grain ele vators come online here this fall.

Jacob Streitmatter, Princeville, Peoria County: Most soybeans around the area are complete and the corn has disappeared fast. So far this season, I have harvested the majority of my corn off of the ground. Only a few fields were standing great.

Yields so far have been disappointing, but there have been a few fields that yielded well.

Tim Green, Wyoming, Stark County: Harvest here is starting to wind down. Beans in general are pretty well done, but a few fields remain. Bean yields are probably a little above people’s expectations.

A lot of 65-bushel beans. Corn yields are all over the place. I heard one guy talking about how one of his corn-on-corn fields was his best field and another was his worst. I hear a lot of 190s and some 130s.

Depends if water stood on that field or if the water drained off and if you put extra nitrogen on it. Seems fungicide paid pretty well this year, too. One thing is for sure — next year will be different.

Mark Kerber, Chatsworth, Livingston County: It was a nice week to harvest. Looks as if about 20 percent of the corn is left to go, mostly in the northern area of the county. Hope for good weather to continue.

Although, some day I will take a whole day to find my desk again and figure out yields and FCIC (federal crop insurance) business. Our corn ranged from 120 to 210 bushels to the acre and soybeans from 44 to 57 bushels. Quite a variance. All commodities are higher, with stabilizing economies and weakness in the dollar.

Ron Haase, Gilman, Iroquois County: Twice during the week, we had a light shower that took away half of a day of combining each time. We also lost another half day to a combine repair. Probably 90 percent or more of the local crops have harvested. We are one of the few farmers with corn remaining to harvest — many are done. The moisture of our corn is running from 16 percent up to 22 percent. The yields have been near our 10-year average. We hope the bestyielding fields are those we have not harvested yet. Local closing bids for Oct. 27: nearby corn, $6.47 (4.5 cents below CBOT); fall 2012 corn, $5.74; nearby soybeans, $12.18; fall 2012 soybeans, $12.09.

Brian Schaumburg, Chenoa, McLean County: Fall tillage is nearly done and 2012 cropping decisions are being made.

As usual, timely planting, rainfall, soil types, fungicides, and hybrid selection all were key factors in how crops fared this season. Good practices are still good practices and controlling the things you can control made for a good year, considering the extreme weather. We are truly blessed. Corn, $6.50; $6.56 January; $5.78 fall 2012; soybeans, $12.15; $12.22 January; $12.11 fall 2012; wheat, $6.43.

Wilfred Dittmer, Quincy, Adams County: Another week of this year is history and there still are a few unharvested acres scattered around the area. But by and large harvest is probably 95 percent complete and many combines have been parked for yet another year. Some tillage is being done, while others are waiting for some moisture. A little tiling work is being done, and the ground is very dry all the way down. Not much wheat has been sown nearby. Rainfall for the month so far here measures 1.85 inches. Have a good week.

Steve Ayers, Champaign, Champaign County: Most farmers are done or down to the “short rows.” USDA has our crop reporting district at 90 percent corn harvested and 88 percent soybeans harvested.

Weather hasn’t been much of a problem as we caught only a few traces of precipitation throughout the week.

Looks like a textbook fall weekend for the high school playoffs, but there may be a little snow at Happy Valley for the U of I game. Halloween looks perfect with a 40- to 60-degree range. Let’s be careful out there!

Tom Ritter, Blue Mound, Macon County: It was a week in which harvest was virtually completed. We are down to the last 1 or 2 percent of corn and beans. Most of the tillage is done at this time and anhydrous tanks are just starting to roll, even though soil temperature still indicates the soil is a little too warm.

Todd Easton, Charleston, Coles County: Work resumed at a frantic pace over the weekend and the beginning of the week with fields just dry enough to work and a strong chance of rain in the forecast.

As producers worked feverishly ahead of the forecasted storm to clear out their last standing cornfields and get a good start on fall fieldwork, something funny happened. It didn’t rain. So everyone just kept on working. With a clear weather forecast as far as anyone can see right now, the wrap-up of this fall is looking very good and conditions for the 2012 crops should be in great shape going into next spring. In spite of the good fall working window, wheat planting seems to be very sparse in the area. As we get into the home stretch of this year, remember to stay safe.

Jimmy Ayers, Rochester, Sangamon County: We woke up Friday morning to 31 degrees with a frost warning throughout the area.

The later-planted beans should come out now.

Most harvesting is done around here. It’s hard to find a field that is left. A lot of fieldwork is going on. A lot of guys have started putting on anhydrous and some fertilizer is being applied.

Doug Uphoff, Shelbyville, Shelby County: We finished chisel plowing last week and started anhydrous on Thursday. It has been one of the best falls we have had for fieldwork in the last three years. We have had about 2.5 inches of rain for the month.

Not that I’m ungrateful, but sure wish we could of had that in July or August. Corn yields ranged from 75 to 152. Bean yields averaged from 29 to 40. We had some farm land sell next to us Oct. 20.

36 acres of which 26 was tillable (actually 22, which was good) it brought $7,500 per acre.

David Schaal, St. Peter, Fayette County: Most producers around here have wrapped up harvest. There still is a little later-planted corn in areas to be shelled. Corn is running in the low-20s on moisture.

Fall tillage, spreading of fertilizer, and fall spraying are the events going on here. There also was a small amount of wheat going in during the week. Cash corn, $6.54; beans, $12.20; wheat, $6.52. Have a good week.

Ted Kuebrich, Jerseyville, Jersey County: Jersey County was wrapping up harvest last week with most of the corn and beans harvested. Farmers still are sowing wheat and applying fertilizer. Most are doing fall tillage, except for those who notill. I have not seen anybody applying nitrogen yet this fall.

The last couple of days were rainy, so no bean harvesting was going on. Prices at Jersey County Grain, Hardin: October corn, $6.36; January 2012 corn, $6.45; March 2012 corn, $6.54; October beans, $12.15; January 2012 beans, $12.36; March 2012 beans $12.31.

Page 7 Monday, October 31, 2011 FarmWeek

CROPWATCHERS Dan Meinhart, Montrose, Jasper County: Harvest was moving along rapidly until Wednesday afternoon when rains set in. Most areas received 0.25 to 0.75 of an inch with some isolated areas receiving up to 1.5 inches. Most of the crops are harvested, except in the area where it was extremely wet last spring and they could not get in the field to plant until June. Fall tillage and application of fertilizer are taking place. The little wheat that was sowed has emerged. A mostly cool and clear week is forecast, with slight chances of showers on Wednesday.

Dave Hankammer, Millstadt, St. Clair County: Most of the first-crop soybeans were harvested in the area last week.

Some farmers are about to finish up this harvest season. There are still some corn and double-crop soybeans and milo to be harvested. Most of the wheat has been planted, and emergence of this crop is better since the rain from the previous week. This past week we had 0.2 of an inch of rain on Wednesday slowing down field activities.

Cooler temperatures, with the lows in the 40s and highs in the 60s, have become the norm. Local grain bids: corn, $6.34; soybeans, $12.15; wheat, $6.09. Have a safe week.

Reports received Friday morning. Expanded crop and weather information available at {www.farmweeknow.com}.

Rick Corners, Centralia, Jefferson County: Harvest is almost over here in Racehorse Flats junior, except for a few of us stragglers. Yields were all determined by timing this year.

Parts of the county that had their stuff planted a few weeks earlier had some very good yields. But where planting was delayed this spring and a July wind storm struck, the yield monitor sure plummeted. There are still quite a few corn and beans in the fields between here and St. Louis.

Kevin Raber, Browns, Wabash County: Another month almost gone. Rain again last week slowed harvest. I would guess harvest is 75 to 80 percent complete. A good week would probably finish harvest.

The wheat crop is off to a good start. Most fields look to have a good stand, even in the low spots.

Dean Shields, Murphysboro, Jackson County: The weather last week was a little cloudy and rainy — not very good for harvest, at least for soybeans. It slowed us down.

Several guys are finishing up.

Fall tillage has started. A lot of ditch cleaning and things like that are going on. A lot of the wheat is up and looking pretty good right now. I think we will have more acres than normal.

Randy Anderson, Galatia, Saline County: Harvest is winding down quite rapidly around here. Still a few area producers who need another week or so while some finished up last week. Here on our farm we just lack our June-planted corn. We have shelled a little bit of it, and it is coming in about what I anticipated it would, but it does have a lot of severe water damage from being stressed during the year. I just have a few acres of double crops to get out. We received about 0.9 of an inch of rain this past Wednesday, so we were knocked out a few days and hoped to get back in over the weekend. Everybody have a safe weekend and watch out for the little goblins and spooks that come around to trick or treat!

Ken Taake, Ullin, Pulaski County: Harvest is progressing. It was a pretty good week until Wednesday when a nice slow, easy rain started and lasted until Thursday morning, knocking us out of the fields. The weather has been kind of cloudy and cool and it will just take awhile for the fields to dry. Some winter wheat has emerged and the stands, at least from the road, look good. Please do take time and be careful during this busy season.

Open houses help public understand modern pork production facility in August 2006 and last week co-hosted its 15th overall tour in the state Modern pork production when it celebrated the facilities often are closed to recent opening of two the public for good reasons: 2,400-head, grow-to-finish to control the indoor enviswine buildings at Hagenronment and reduce the risk buch Family Farms in of disease introduction to LaSalle County. the herd.

“We had the idea that But this closed-door poliwhen (a pork producer) cy may have helped fuel opens a new facility, we misunderstandings and misshould have a ribbon-cutconceptions about pork ting and celebrate the fact production among a growthat a new business is opening consumer base that has ing in the community,” no ties to production agriMaiers said. “Plus it allows culture. people to come in and see “Fear of the unknown is what’s inside.”

A common misconception is that pigs raised indoors have less-ideal living conditions than their outdoor counterparts.

But visitors to new facilities can see the pigs inside have room to move around, a steady supply of food and water, and are protected from weather extremes, disease, and predators.

The open houses “help the public understand environmentally controlled buildings used for modern pork production not only are good for humans but to maintain the health and well-being of the animals,” said Nic Anderson, business developer for the Illinois Livestock Development Group.

The open house program has been so successful IPPA developed a template proTim Maiers, left, director of public relations for the Illinois Pork Produc- ducers can use at each ers Association, explains technology used in modern pork production to event. The National Pork Diana Owens, right, and Campbell Chisholm, center, during an open Board has adopted that temhouse at a newly constructed, grow-to-finish swine building at Hagen- plate and encourages probuch Family Farms in Utica. (Photo by Daniel Grant) ducers in other states to

BY DANIEL GRANT FarmWeek

what drives a lot of the misinformation and misconceptions,” said Tim Maiers, director of public relations for the Illinois Pork Producers Association (IPPA).

IPPA decided to address the public’s fear of the unknown about pork production by sug gesting producers in the state roll out welcome mats and invite the public in for hands-on tours of new facilities rather than keep the openings private.

IPPA co-hosted its first open house of a new hog

host open houses, according to Maiers.

“We make this option available, but it’s a producer’s decision to do it,” Maiers said. “There’s always a story behind these buildings and these (open houses) allow us to tell that story.”

John and Kate Hagenbuch certainly welcomed the idea.

“I think it’s important to let neighbors know what you’re doing and it’s good to put a face (on the business),” John said. “We start-

ed this project with nothing to hide, and that’s the way we want to keep it.”

More than 200 people visited the Hagenbuch’s farm to tour the facility and enjoy a free pork chop sandwich. The open house program the past five years has hosted an estimated 3,000 people at 15 different locations around the state.

“It’s neat to see people eating a pork chop inside a hog building,” Maiers added. “You can’t make a more direct connection than that.”

Tips offered to control weeds after harvest Some farmers are applying herbicides now to control winter annual weeds. University of Illinois Extension weed specialist Aaron Hager offered the following tips for consideration before a fall herbicide is applied: • Scout fields to determine what weeds are present and if they are dense enough to warrant treatment.

• Check the herbicide label to see if a fall application is allowed. Atrazine, for example, is not labeled for fall application.

Some herbicides approved for fall application have timing restrictions on their labels. If you are considering a herbicide, such as glyphosate, that does not have much soil-residual activity, time the application after the majority of winter annual species have emerged, Hager said.

Herbicide combinations can broaden the weed control spectrum, which can be important if winter annuals have emerged before the herbicide is applied, Hager said. Include the appropriate spray additives with all applications.

The region of state can influence fall herbicide applications, which seem to fit better in Central and Southern Illinois, according to Hager. Labels may indicate fall applications may be made only in certain geographical regions.

He reminded farmers that fall applications with soil-residual herbicides may not always result in a clean field by planting time next spring. Delays in spring fieldwork may allow the fields to green up before the crop can be planted. Occasionally, if winter annual weed species are controlled, summer annual weeds may emerge earlier.

Don’t use a fall herbicide to provide residual control for summer annual weeds, Hager added. Control of summer annual species, such as waterhemp, often is improved when soil-residual herbicide applications are made closer to planting instead of several weeks or months before planting.

Fall months also may offer a good opportunity to improve control of certain biennial and perennial weeds.

FarmWeek Page 8 Monday, October 31, 2011

EmErging iSSUES

Digital divide separating state’s community colleges

BY KAY SHIPMAN FarmWeek

High-speed Internet could be one money-saving solution for community college students, but slow Internet speeds

and areas with little to no Internet services are hindering the very students who might benefit the most.

“The rural irony is that (community college) districts

that could benefit the most by reducing commuter costs have the lowest” percentage of territory with Internet access and the slowest broadband speeds, said Mike Rudibaugh, a Lake Land Community College instructor and mapping director for Partnership for a Connected Illinois (PCI).

“This should be a key question at the state level,” Rudibaugh added.

But the issue of broadband haves and have-nots is not a widespread concern among community colleges, according to Rudibaugh.

He spoke about the community college digital divide at the Illinois Community College Faculty Association (ICCFA) meeting. A geography and earth science instructor, Rudibaugh was named ICCFA instructor of the year.

Instead of addressing key broadband access concerns, community colleges are designing curriculum and services as if “everybody gets online and is online,” Rudibaugh said. “They’re put-

ting information online as if everyone is seeing what they’re putting up.”

Rudibaugh compared a map of community college districts with one that ranks broadband services using April 2011 data (see accompanying graphic).

He based his rankings on a combination of the percentage of a district’s territory with Internet coverage and available Internet speeds.

Rudibaugh reasoned both Internet speeds and the percentage of land with Internet coverage impact community college students’ ability to do class work or access college resources.

He said speeds and the percentage of coverage must be considered simultaneously.

Even in two districts with the

same percentage of coverage, students in a district with much slower Internet speeds are at a disadvantage, he maintained.

In Rudibaugh’s analysis, Southern and Western Illinois fare the worst followed by the central and northwestern regions of the state.

Broadband and online courses offer community college students an opportunity to drive fewer miles and reduce commuting expenses and to have flexible class schedules that fit their work schedules, Rudibaugh noted.

“We’re in the middle of a recession. Cost has to be an issue,” he said.

Statewide access to broadband “should be stirring community colleges into acting,” Rudibaugh said.

Experts: Options available to address food demand

BY DANIEL GRANT FarmWeek

The challenge for farmers to grow enough food in coming years to satisfy booming demand will be difficult but not impossible, according to experts this month at the Doane Advisory Services annual outlook conference in St. Louis.

Rich Pottorff, an analyst with Doane, and James Carrington, president of the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center in St. Louis, projected farmers in the future can expand crop acres around the world and boost yields via new technology to help feed the world.

The world’s population is estimated to surpass 9 billion people by 2050. It currently is slightly less than 7 billion people.

In fact, Pottorff believes it is possible current tight grain stocks could be rebuilt in the near future to the point that there is a glut of grain.

“Seed companies claim we can double yields by 2030,” Pottorff said. If realized, “we could face the opposite of a world grain shortage.”

Pottorff projected the amount of corn used for ethanol will begin to level off in coming years.

Meanwhile, he believes there are thousands of acres around the world, particularly in South America and the former Soviet Union, that could be available for crop farming.

“South America could have another 100 million to 200 million acres suitable for crop

farming,” Pottorff said.

In the U.S., about 10.4 million acres contracted in the Conservation Reserve Program expired this fall or are set to expire by September 2012.

“It would seem most of it would come back into production this year or next year,” Pottorff said.

Doane this month projected planted corn acres in 2012 will reach 93 million acres, up from 91.9 million this year. If the acreage projection is realized and crop yields return to trend (about 164 bushels per acre), Doane projected U.S. corn production next year could challenge the 14-billion-bushel mark.

Elsewhere, Carrington believes technology will be the key to increasing crop yields in coming years.

The average corn yield since 1990 has increased each year by about 2.3 bushels per year.

“The amount of corn (produced) per plant hasn’t increased much. What’s increased is our ability to grow more plants per acre,” Carrington said. “That has a limit.

“We don’t think we’ll be able to double our plant populations again,” Carrington continued. “We think genetics will play a more dominant role (in boosting yields).”

Researchers at the Danforth Center are working on increasing the level of protein and vitamins in crops, virus-resistant crops through gene silencing, and identifying the most useful crop traits through genome sequencing, Carrington said.

Page 9 Monday, October 31, 2011 FarmWeek

frOm ThE COuNTIES

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ASS-MORGAN — Farm Bureau and Twin Rivers Agency will sponsor an estate and retirement planning and long term care seminar and dinner at 5:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 7, at Hamilton’s, Jacksonville. Call the Farm Bureau office at 245-6833 for reservations or more information.

OOK — The annual meeting will be at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 9, at the Farm Bureau office. Proxies for voting members are available online at {www.cookcfb.org} or call 708354-3276 to have one mailed.

• The Commodities and Marketing Team will sponsor from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Nov. 19, a beekeeping seminar at the Farm Bureau office.

Call the Farm Bureau office at 708-354-3276 for reservations or more information.

• The Member Relations Team will sponsor a member appreciation banquet Wednesday, Nov. 16, beginning with a silent auction at 5:30 p.m. at the Cotillion, Palatine. Cost is $12.

Call the Farm Bureau office at 708-354-3276 by Thursday, Nov. 10, for reservations or more information.

FFINGHAM — Farm Bureau and St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital will sponsor a health fair from 3 to 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Farm Bureau office. Complimentary health screenings include blood pressure, blood cholesterol, and blood glucose. Skin cancer screenings will be from 4 to 6 p.m. by appointment only. Call the Farm Bureau office at 3422103 for an appointment or more information.

• Farm Bureau will sponsor a planning meeting for the leg-

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Notice of Annual Meeting Illinois Agricultural Association Notice is hereby given that the annual meeting of the members of the Illinois Agricultural Association will be held in the Palmer House Hotel, 17 East Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois, 60603, on Saturday, December 3, Sunday, December 4, Monday, December 5, and Tuesday, December 6, 2011 with the official meeting of voting delegates convening at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, December 5, for the following purposes: To receive, consider and, if approved, ratify and confirm the reports of the officers and the acts and proceedings of the Board of Directors and officers in furtherance of the matters therein set forth since the last annual meeting of the Association.

To elect a President and a Vice President, who shall also serve as directors, for a term of two years.

To elect nine (9) members of the Board of Directors to serve for a term of two years.

To consider and act upon such proposed amendments to the Articles of Incorporation or to the Bylaws of the Illinois Agricultural Association and upon such policy resolutions as may be properly submitted.

For the transaction of such other business as may properly come before the meeting.

James M. Jacobs Secretary

islative, commodities and marketing, and local affairs Action Teams at 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 7, at the Farm Bureau office.

Dinner will be served. All members may serve on the teams and provide suggestions for project ideas. Call the Farm Bureau office at 217-342-2103

by Friday for reservations or more information.

EE — Lee, Ogle, and Whiteside County Farm Bureaus, along with Sauk Valley Bank, will sponsor a harvest crop marketing workshop at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 22, at the Comfort Inn, Dixon. Steve Johnson, Iowa State University Extension farm management specialist, will be the speaker.

Call the Farm Bureau office at 815-857-3531 by Monday, Nov. 14, for reservations or more information.

ERCER — The Women’s Committee will sponsor a “Putting your House in Order — A Special Program for Women” at 6 p.m.

Tuesday, Nov. 29, at Doug’s Town and Country Restaurant, Aledo. Cost is $5 for a sandwich, soup, and pie dinner. Tracy Bigham, Country Financial representative, will speak on “Financial Issues from a Women’s Perspective.” Mona Brantly, owner of Organize That, will speak on “Organizing your Home for Winter.” Reservations and payment are due to the Farm Bureau office by Tuesday, Nov. 15. Call the Farm Bureau office at 309-582-5116 for more information.

ONTGOMERY — The annual meeting will be at 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 10, at the Knights of Columbus Hall, Taylor Springs. Dinner will be served. Cost is $2.

Call the Farm Bureau office at 217-532-6171 for reservations or more information.

• The Prime Timers monthly luncheon and meeting will be at noon Wednesday, Nov. 20, at the Lion’s Club, Hillsboro. A turkey dinner will be served. Cost is $8. An “Antiques Road Show” with auctioneers Dan Matthews and Gavin Pope will follow the lunch. They will appraise small items. Call the Farm Bureau office at 217-532-6171 by Thursday, Nov. 10, for reservations or more information.

EORIA — A symposium, “The Future of Midwest Agriculture and Environmental Sustainability” will be at 7 a.m. Thursday at HaydenClark Alumni Center ballroom, Bradley University. Tom Vilsack, U.S. secretary of agriculture, will speak on the next farm bill. Cost is $25. To register, call 677-2820 or go online to {www.bradley.edu/continue}.

• The annual meeting will be at 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12, at the Dunlap High School. Jay Hendren, an Ohio comedian,

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will provide the entertainment.

Cost is $10. Call the Farm Bureau office by Wednesday for reservations or more information.

OCK ISLAND — Tickets are available for the annual Harvest Gala Saturday, Nov. 12, at the iWireless Center, Moline. Proceeds will benefit the Rock Island County Farm Bureau Foundation. Cost is $50, which includes appetizers and dinner. A silent and live auction will be held. The first Hall of Fame award winner will be announced. Reservations and payment are due to the Farm Bureau office by Wednesday, Nov. 9. Call the Farm Bureau office at 309-736-7432 for more information.

NION — The Young Farmers Committee will host a “farmer feed” from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Farm Bureau office. The event is open to the community. Cost for a cheeseburger, chips, soda, and cookie is $5. Call 833-2125 to order or for more information.

SOYBEAN INSPECTION

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

State Rep. Tom Morrison (R-Palatine), center, inspects soybeans during a recent Williamson County farm tour. Looking on left to right are Williamson County Farm Bureau board member Pat Henry and his wife, Jane; fellow county Farm Bureau board member James Tanner; and county Farm Bureau manager Garry Jenkins. A newly “adopted” legislator, Morrison, his wife, Bethany, and children, Tyler and Susanna, toured Jeff Beasley’s cattle farm and feedlot, the Henry’s family farm, and Phil Anderson’s grain farm. The legislator and farmers discussed livestock and legislative issues that directly impact farmers. Morrison and his family spent their day in the county learning about modern agriculture and rural life. They hope to join the county Farm Bureau leaders in December during the IFB annual meeting in Chicago. (Photo by Christina Nourie, Illinois Farm Bureau northeast legislative coordinator)

FarmWeek Page 10 Monday, October 31, 2011

proFitability

Fertilizer market: A different déjà vu this time?

BY JOE DILLIER

No matter the commodity, the worry in markets today is the same: Are we headed over the economic abyss ... again?

Fertilizer markets saw “cliff-drop” declines back then, as prices fell by at least 2/3 in the months between the Joe Dillier summer of 2008 and late-spring 2009.

Volatility for sure.

It is interesting that in the recent run up, in spite of grain markets spiking last summer to close to the peak levels attained in the summer of 2008 (even higher in some cases), fertilizers remained 40-60 percent below 2008’s highs.

ence the “August swoon” witIn recent years, too, we’ve Why the difference? nessed in grain and other marboosted fertilizer production The last time there was a 1kets, either. capacity around the globe, to-1 lock step correlation Fertilizer prices, which are between grain markets and fer- which has helped mute price up substantially tilizers, when year-over-year, grains moved remain at their higher, fertilizer prices followed.

The last time there was a 1-to-1 lock recent highs generally, even The principle step correlation between grain mar- today. reason was the k e t s a n d fe r t i l i z e r s , w h e n g r a i n s All this boils supply chain stayed full as the moved higher, fer tilizer pr ices fol- down to the fact that fertilexpectation of lowed. izer markets ever-higher ferare now tradtilizer prices led ing more on to more “stay increases even though fertiliz- their own supply/demand full” buying. fundamentals; strong grain er demand has been very This time around has been markets are fundamental for strong worldwide because of very different. Memories of strong demand, but supply strong farm production ecothe last experience, and the and risk aversion are now big nomics. bad outcome it produced for While fertilizer markets did- “watch factors” day to day a many in the supply chain, lot more so than in the last mean that risk aversion is a big n’t experience the relative cycle. And because of risk peaks seen in grain markets, factor in fertilizer markets they interestingly didn’t experi- aversion, there is nothing like today.

the “storage overhang” in the market today as there was then.

This is very important to the outlook. For the fall season there is good supply in place. But the fact that the market for fertilizers is not “bought ahead” generally means that even if we had a replay of the 2008 economic meltdown, fertilizer prices now would not fall nearly as much as they did then. And barring that kind of “disasterscenario event,” demand and the need to rebuild inventories more, mean fertilizer prices look to be mostly stable near current levels into next spring.

Joe Dillier is GROWMARK’s director of plant food. His e-mail address is jdillier@growmark.com.

Crude oil outlook bearish; ethanol margins could shrink

BY DANIEL GRANT FarmWeek

Farmers the next three to six months may have some good opportunities to lock in fuel purchases for the 2012 growing season, based on recent oil price projections.

Bill O’Grady, analyst with Confluence Investment Management, recently projected oil prices in coming months could bottom out in the low $70s or even high $60s after topping out near

FarmWeekNow.com Go to FarmWeekNow.com. to see the latest energy outlook from O’Grady and the Energy Information Administration.

$110 this past summer.

“The next three to six months I’m bearish on oil prices,” O’Grady said this month at Doane Advisory Services’ annual outlook conference in St. Louis.

“I don’t think we’re in a

M A R K E T FA C T S Feeder pig prices reported to USDA* Weight 10 lbs.

40 lbs.

50 lbs.

Receipts

Range Per Head Weighted Ave. Price $31.11-$47.15 $38.49 $43.00-$45.00 $44.33 n/a n/a This Week Last Week 17,602 11,951 *Eastern Corn Belt prices picked up at seller’s farm

Eastern Corn Belt direct hogs (plant delivered) Carcass Live

(Prices $ per hundredweight) This week Prev. week $87.11 $90.76 $64.46 $67.16

Change -3.65 -2.70

USDA five-state area slaughter cattle price Steers Heifers

(Thursday’s price) Prev. week This week 120.36 120.61 120.34 120.85

Change -0.25 -0.51

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 138.18 1.92

This week $140.10

Lamb prices n/a

Export inspections (Million bushels) Week ending Soybeans Wheat Corn 10-20-11 41.2 17.4 29.4 10-13-11 45.3 16.5 21.2 Last year 71.8 23.9 24.6 Season total 155.7 440.9 194.5 Previous season total 257.1 454.8 259.4 USDA projected total 1375 975 1600 Crop marketing year began June 1 for wheat and Sept. 1 for corn and soybeans.

recession yet, but the probability is high,” he continued.

“The forecasts rise or fall based on how the possible recession unfolds.”

O’Grady believes two key factors — previously high oil prices and fears of another recession — played a key role in the recent moderation of oil/fuel prices.

“Two elements drop demand: high prices and global recession,” he said. “And we (in the U.S.) are driving significantly less” as a result.

The Energy Information Administration (EIA) this month reduced its oil price forecasts from $100 to $99 per barrel for 2011 and from $103 to $98 per barrel for 2012.

Average annual fuel costs were projected to decline from 2011 to 2012 by 9 cents per gallon for regular gasoline and 7 cents per gallon for diesel.

EIA projected prices will average $3.52 per gallon for gas and $3.80 for diesel this

year before modestly decreasing to $3.43 per gallon for gas and $3.73 for diesel in 2012.

Those prices would provide some relief to consumers but still would be well above the 2010 prices averages of $2.78 per gallon for gas and $2.99 per gallon for diesel, according to EIA. The oil and fuel price fore-

Illinois FSA, partners win governor’s home town award

Illinois Farm Service Agency (FSA) Land of Lincoln and its partners last week received a governor’s home town award for its community garden and donations of fresh produce to a local food bank.

The group donated 4,096 pounds of garden produce to the Central Illinois Food Bank, Springfield. Volunteers from FSA and the Risk Management Agency worked in the garden during their lunch time and early in the day.

A number of local ag groups and businesses were partners with FSA on the community garden project. Those included: Siegrist Builders, Knob Hill Landscaping, Brandt Inc., Pioneer, ID Sign, Farm Credit Services, Noonan Grand Rental, Greenview Nursery, University of Illinois Extension of Sangamon and Menard counties, Athens FFA, Talkington 4-H Club of Waverly, Risk Management Agency, and the Illinois Grain and Feed Association.

A total of 28 home town awards were presented based on size of community and type of project. Winning projects received a plaque and a road sign.

casts, if realized, also could squeeze ethanol margins.

Marty Foreman, senior economist at Doane Advisory Services, reported the current ethanol production margin, about 65 cents per gallon, could drop significantly if demand wanes.

“Forward margins are less favorable,” he said.

Rich Pottorff, market analyst with Doane, said annual expansion in the ethanol industry could drop from about 700 million gallons in recent years to about 100 million gallons in coming years due to the expiration of the blenders’ credit at year’s end and the fact production is closing in on federally mandated levels.

“Most of the growth in ethanol is behind us,” he said.

In other energy-related news, EIA this month projected U.S. consumers will spend more to heat their homes this winter due to year-over-year price increases of 4 percent for natural gas, 5 percent for propane, and 33 cents per gallon for heating oil.

Page 11 Monday, October 31, 2011 FarmWeek

PROFITABILITY Corn Strategy

C AS H ST RAT E GI S T

Crop report ahead could surprise Harvest is winding down, and there’s still a lot of debate about the size of the corn and soybean crops. Even though ear samples were taken from 80 percent of the fields for the October corn estimate, talk of disappointing yields on some of the late crops has some thinking USDA might lower the corn yield in its November estimate.

A couple of trade analysts are looking for USDA to drop the corn yield to 145-146 bushels. In the October report, USDA estimated the yield at 148.1 bushels, the same as in September.

But it’s understanding the USDA process that leads us to the conclusion the corn yield could be revised up slightly.

The forecast is a combination of two distinct data streams, one from the field data, and one from a farmer survey.

From the August report, and the “implied” ear weight (not shown), it was apparent producers were expecting an unusually poor crop this year.

And even though the implied ear weight was slightly lower in September, one could determine expectations were still unusually low.

Early harvest reports were a little better than expected, resulting in a slight increase in the ear weight in the October report. And even though there were reports of extremely poor crops, by a large measure harvest yields were reported to be a little better than expected. Even some of the late-harvested fields were not as poor as feared.

More often than not, when ear weight starts low as it did this year, it rises a little in November. Even allowing for a modest decline in the ear population, a nominal increase in weight points to a possible increase in yield in the November report of 0.5 to 1.5 bushels.

Because each report is a standalone set of data, anything is possible. But the technical structure of the market hints there could be a negative surprise, pushing prices lower.

Soybean yields are a more difficult call, but it seems pod counts have a tendency to go up a little in the November report, with pod weights coming in the same or slightly higher than they were in the October report. Again, that would be consistent with most of the yield reports we have heard during harvest.

Just like last month, though, it may be the demand forecasts on the accompanying supply/demand reports that are the most important features.

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Cents per bu.

ü2011 crop: Leave an order to sell another 10 percent if December reaches $6.80.

Hedge-to-arrive (HTA) sales for late winter/spring delivery are still the best tool for sales of farm-stored grain. Changing spread relationships have diminished the economics of storing corn commercially. Plan sales around tax considerations. ü2012 crop: Use rallies to $6.20 on December 2012 futures for catch-up sales. We may add another increment at that level. Check the Hotline frequently. vFundamentals: The market surged following the release of the framework of a plan to resolve European financial problems. Uncertainty over the details is capping gains. Chinese export demand will be key going forward, but that demand could be filled by other countries.

Corn and feed wheat from the Black Sea are still priced below U.S. corn, as is feed wheat from Australia. Feed wheat from the latter was bought by China last week at more than a $1 per bushel discount to U.S. corn.

Soybean Strategy

ü2011 crop: European financial concern has abated, but the underlying fundamentals are leaving the complex with a weak tone. We still prefer to give the market time before making catch-up sales or adding to them. Use a move to $13 on January futures for catch up sales, and one to $13.15 to sell another 10 percent. A HTA for winter/spring delivery may pay if you store soybeans on the farm. Commercial storage is a closer call. ü2012 crop: Wait for a rally to $12.70 on November 2012 futures for catch-up sales. We may add to them at that level. Check the Hotline. vFundamentals: Soybean export sales are accumulating slower than anticipated. In part, that may be tied to a Chinese response to the Senate’s passage of a currency retaliation bill. The slower sales accumulate now, the more it puts a burden on the need for a South American crop problem to rally prices. Product

sales are slow as well, with soybean oil sales dismal. Domestic crush margins remain uncharacteristically weak.

Wheat Strategy

ü2011 crop: Wheat is tracing out a sideways to higher trend, but has difficulty sustaining upside momentum.

Make catch-up sales if the Chicago December contract trades to $6.50. We may recommend another 20 percent sale if it rebounds to $6.70.

Check the Hotline daily. The carry in futures still pays for commercial storage, making a HTA contract for winter or spring delivery the best tool.

ü2012 crop: Remain close to advice; we are considering an initial sale. Check the Hotline daily. vFundamentals: The modest rebound in wheat prices was linked to support from outside markets. However, wheat fundamentals remain weak with the supply in the world starting to become burdensome. This is reflected in export sales, with the majority of business being sourced from the Black Sea region. The U.S. Plains got more moisture relief, but generally remains in a drought situation.

FarmWeek Page 12 Monday, October 31, 2011

perspectives

Meet home invaders of six-legged kind

CAPTURING COOL Illustration by Sharon Newton

Use teens’ ideas to pitch ag careers Illinois students aren’t the only ones learning what interests them about agriculture.

Adults are learning, too — and need to apply that information, “How do we attract the best and the brightest students to agricultural careers?

How do we capitalize on students’ interests and guide them toward ag classes in high school and college? How do we inform students and their parents that agriculture is a growing industry with many opportunities?”

I’ve lost track of how many times I’ve heard those questions from groups, committees, and task forces representing the ag industry, educators, and economic development.

But adults shouldn’t ask other adults how to reach teenagers.

KAY We need to ask — and SHIPMAN many are asking — the kids themselves. Once we gain those answers, we need to close the loop by applying those student ideas, images, and technologies to share the information we know.

Adults know agriculture is tied to more than 300 careers. Jobs are available even for new graduates with associate and bachelor’s degrees in spite of an overall economic recession.

We’re aware the ag industry will continue to expand as new technologies are developed.

And the demand will continue to grow for educated and trained individuals as the industry expands and baby boomers retire.

We also know high school ag classes help students apply their knowledge outside the classroom and gain real-world experience.

Some FFA members even become entrepreneurs.

But “careers” and “future jobs” are words that excite adults — not teens. That’s why some career videos produced by FFA chapters will be vital and informative. Who knows better what interests a teen than fellow teenagers?

For the second year, the Illinois Farm Bureau and Affiliates Youth Education Committee is hosting an ag career video contest for FFA chapters across the state. The goal is for the students to use their imaginations and technology skills to create videos showing that ag careers are fun, rewarding, and profitable.

After the contest ends on Feb. 1, prizes will be awarded to the top three videos. A separate viewer’s choice award will be given to the video that receives the most votes on YouTube, a video-sharing website.

Isn’t it obvious? If you want to know how to appeal to students, ask them. It’s also obvious that once they tell us, we should apply those ideas, images, and technologies to spread the message about agriculture careers.

Plus, we need to be flexible and prepared to adapt that message to appeal to teens’ changing interests and tastes. What’s popular today will lose its luster tomorrow although the underlying message about the ag industry’s future will remain constant.

The popularity of electronic media, and its flexibility, is perfect to appeal to students’ interests and provide them with solid information. That technology also makes it easier to adapt and appeal to teens. Teens react to what is cool, but cool keeps changing.

The ag industry wants to attract the best and brightest young people, so let’s educate ourselves about what appeals to them.

You may see that for yourself by going online to {www.youtube.com/user/ILFarmBureauYouthEd}. Last year’s winning video by the Galva FFA Chapter is posted. This year’s contest videos will be online between Feb. 18-25.

The ag industry now is asking the right people about how to appeal to teens. Let’s use what they tell us.

Kay Shipman is the legislative affairs editor for FarmWeek. She is a member of the Illinois Leadership Council for Agriculture Education and a nominee to the Illinois Committee for Agricultural Education. Her e-mail address is kayship@ilfb.org.

winter protection in our homes.

It happens every year about It can become a nuisance somethis time. I refer, of course, to the arrival of fall. Leaves fall and times because of the high poputemperatures fall lations.

Another home invader is the from the highs attic fly, sometimes called a clusof summer. All ter fly. This fly, about the size of this falling stuff means that and color of the well-known housefly, is called such because it winter is on the frequently hibernates in the way. home attics. It also may be But there are TOM found in the corners of garages, other signs.

TURPIN wall voids and chimney flues.

Some birds Paper wasp queens hibernate bid our fields and also will take up winter resifarewell and head south. Other dence in unused portions of creatures hunker down for the cold season and hibernate. Cold- human dwellings. These socialinsect queens spend the winter blooded frogs, toads, salamanders, and snakes burrow into the in hibernation. With the arrival of spring and warmer temperasoil for winter insulation.

Insects also are cold blooded, tures, they will try to establish a nest under the eves of a house, and they don’t do winter, either. barn, or shed.

A few insects build winter proA number of true bugs also tection. For instance, some giant try to share our domiciles during silkworm moths spin a cocoon winter. These include stink bugs, for their winter quarters. Other squash bugs — and that notorimoths wrap themselves in a leaf blanket. In these cases the insect ous home invader — the boxelder bug. whiles away the days of ice and True bugs are called that snow as a pupa inside a winter because scientists agree that cover.

Some insect species are much these insects classified in the like frogs and toads because they order Hemiptera are the only insects that are bugs. Their name seek shelter as winter approaches. Those insects crawl into piles is based on one of the group called the bed bug, but that is of leaves, beneath the soil, or another story. under the bark of trees. A few In general, the bugs produce insects, such as the monarch, migrate to warmer climes for the an odor. That means you can generally use your winter. nose to tell some Still other bugs are hiding in insects do a short the garage corner migration from in the fall. their summer The marmorathabitats and seek ed stink bug is shelter in our another insect that homes. These behaves as if our six-legged home houses were built invaders do not for the purpose of receive warm providing it a winwelcomes. So Brown marmorated stink bug ter sanctuary. who are these This stink bug is dastardly demons becoming more of a pest on of the insect world? fruits in the eastern part of the First, there is the Asian lady United States. In the fall, just like beetle. This insect was introlady beetles, paper wasps, and duced to the United States attic flies, this insect tries to because, like all lady beetles, it move into our homes. feeds on pest aphids. Like other species of lady beetles, this one Tom Turpin is an entomology profesalso spends the winter in shelsor at Purdue University, West tered sites.

Lafayette, Ind. His e-mail address is But it is more likely than othturpin@purdue.edu. er lady beetle species to seek

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