Farmweek september 22, 2014

Farmers wanting to diversify their crops will soon find new opportunities to seize. page 3

Protecting what matters gets added emphasis during National Farm Safety and Health Week. page 4

Meet Thomas Titus, one of eight finalists for USFRA’s Faces of Farming and Ranching. page 5

‘Call to action’ noticed on Capitol Hill Monday, September 22, 2014

BY DEANA STROISCH FarmWeek

Illinois Farm Bureau members made about 900 calls to members of Congress recently, urging them to support a bill temporarily blocking the proposed “waters of the U.S.” rule.

And the calls made a difference, according to participants of IFB’s September Leaders to Washington trip.

“Every one of them mentioned that their phones were ringing off the hook,” said Chris Otten of St. Clair County. “And that made our message that much more powerful.”

About a dozen IFB members went on the annual trip.

Their mission: Lobby support for Section 179 small business expense deductions at the $500,000 level and oppose the “waters of the U.S.” rule proposed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and

Two sections Volume 42, No. 38

Army Corps of Engineers.

Otten said the group of farmers explained how their operations would be affected by the proposed rule.

“I think that really sends a message to them when they get to hear from their constituents versus just outside sources,” he said.

Stan Crites of Richland County attended the D.C. trip for the second year in a row.

“It’s kind of exciting when you’re right there, right before the vote,” he said. “Hopefully, you can make a good impression on them and get them to vote the way we feel it should be.

“I think all the calls from Illinois at the same time went perfectly.”

While the group was in Washington, D.C., the U.S. House of Representatives voted 262-152 to temporarily block the proposed EPA rule for two years.

Under the bill, the agencies must consult with state and local officials, and draft an agreeable proposal, which must be submitted to Congress within two years.

The Senate has no plans to take action on HR 5078. Even if it did pass the Senate, White House senior advisers have said they would recommend President Obama veto the measure.

“Passage of HR 5078 allowed a bipartisan majority of ‘the People’s House’ to reassert itself on Clean Water Act regulation and helped send a strong message to the administration,” said Illinois Farm Bureau’s National Legislative Director Adam Nielsen.

“Obviously, they don’t like what they see coming out of EPA and would like to send the agency back to square one in the rulemaking process.”

Nielsen said he was proud of the way members of the

leaders group held the delegation’s feet to the fire.

“I have no doubt our meetings helped push members

into the ‘yes column’ on the waters bill or at the very least caused them to raise questions about it.”

Opposition to a proposed rule defining ‘waters of the U.S.’ continues to grow

The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) unanimously called on the Environmental Protection Agency and the Army Corps of Engineers to withdraw the “waters of the U.S.” rule.

The nonprofit association, which represents elected and appointed commissioners, secretaries and directors of departments of agriculture, also urged the agencies to initiate “robust, meaningful and collaborative consultations” with other agencies before initiating further rulemaking.

“As it stands, this proposed rule dramatically expands EPA’s jurisdiction and creates too much uncertainty for our farmers and ranchers. This rule must be withdrawn,” said Barbara Glenn, NASDA CEO. The association also backed Section 179 tax deduction limits for small business at the 2010-13 levels.

“Farmers and ranchers need an expensing limit that allows them to deduct costs on expensive assets like equipment and machinery,” the approved policy reads. “Additionally, NASDA supports the bonus depreciation provision that allows for deductions specifically on new equipment.” — Deana Stroisch

Harvest 2014 activity perks up after slow, rainy start

BY DANIEL GRANT FarmWeek

Periodicals: Time Valued

Record crop yield estimates remain just that — estimates — for the time being on most farms as rain delayed harvest again early last week.

Rainfall the first two weeks of the month ranged from 6-8

inches in western Illinois, 4-6 inches in much of central Illinois and 3-4 inches in the east to 1-3 inches in the northern and southernmost portions of the state.

As a result, just 2 percent of corn harvest was complete the first of last week compared to the five-year average of 13 percent in Illinois.

Nationwide, just 4 percent of the corn crop was in the bin a week ago, 5 points behind average. Farmers, understandably, got a little more anxious last week as they wait to harvest what could be the largest corn and soybean crops on record.

USDA this month projected farmers nationwide could harvest 14.395 billion bushels of corn and 3.913 billion bushels of beans. The highest

See Harvest, page 2

Butch Pickett, left, of Business Communications in Pawnee, helps Dennis Seiz and his son, Andrew, rebuild a grain dryer fan. The Seiz’, who farm near Pawnee, expect above average yields. (Photo by Ken Kashian)

www.facebook.com/illfarmbureau

Quick Takes

FarmWeek • Page 2 • Monday, September 22, 2014

SHUTDOWN AVOIDED — Congress avoided another government shutdown last week with both chambers passing a $1 trillion emergency spending bill.

The continued spending resolution provides government funding after Sept. 30, the end of the budget year.

At the request of President Barack Obama, it also allows the military to train Syrian rebels in the Middle East.

RIGHT TO FARM VOTE STANDS — Missouri state officials confirmed last week that a vote recount on a right to farm amendment confirmed its passage.

Missouri Secretary of State Jason Kander said the recount showed the measure passed by 2,375 votes versus 2,490 votes recorded during the Aug. 5 primary election in which voters cast more than 1 million ballots.

The amendment creates a constitutional right to engage in farming and ranching. Missouri joins North Dakota as the only state with farm rights in their constitutions.

AMMONIA TOOLBAR WORKSHOPS SET — The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDA) in conjunction with the ammonia equipment industry will host three workshops on proper installation and maintenance of quick couplers on ammonia toolbars.

To attend the free workshops, call IDA at 217-782-3817 to register for the class. Workshops begin at 9 a.m. and conclude at noon at the following locations: • Tuesday (Sept. 23) at Mount Vernon Holiday Inn, • Wednesday at Asmark Agricenter, Bloomington, and • Thursday at the Mendota Civic Center.

POWER PLANT DEADLINE EXTENDED — The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) last week announced a 45-day extension to submit comments on proposed new regulations for coal-fired power plants.

EPA set the new deadline for Dec. 1.

In June, EPA released proposed rules to cut carbon dioxide emissions from power plants nationwide by 30 percent by 2030. Illinois received a goal to lower emissions by 33 percent from 2012 levels. Each state selects how to meet its goal, and develops and submits a state implementation plan to EPA in 2016.

Opponents are concerned the proposal could increase energy prices on the farm and the price of ag inputs.

JCAR EXTENDS RULE REVIEW — A bipartisan legislative oversight committee last week asked for more time to review proposed hydraulic fracturing rules. The state Joint Committee on Administrative Rules (JCAR) will take an allowed additional 45-day extension to review rules from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

Illinois Farm Bureau has asked for changes in the proposed rules to align them with the law passed by the General Assembly.

JCAR members may approve the rules, object and require the agency to respond to members’ concerns, or prohibit filing of the rules, which causes the rulemaking process to start over.

(ISSN0197-6680) Vol. 42 No. 38 September 22, 2014 Dedicated to improving the profitability of farming, and a higher quality of life for Illinois farmers.

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ASA, NCGA: Channel biotech crops

BY DANIEL GRANT FarmWeek

The American Soybean Association (ASA) and National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) remind farmers this harvest to properly channel biotech crops not approved for some export markets.

China, a key market for U.S. crop exports, does not allow the import of Syngenta’s Agrisure Duracade or Viptera MIR 162 corn technology.

“China is U.S. soy’s biggest customer, buying more U.S. soybeans than all other foreign customers combined,” said Ray Gaesser, an Iowa farmer and ASA president. “Farmers growing biotech corn traits that aren’t yet approved in China need to follow stewardship agreements carefully, ensure thorough equipment clean out and only market their grain in approved domestic channels.”

The National Grain and Feed Association earlier this year estimated U.S. corn, distillers grain and soy sectors sustained $1 billion to $2.9 billion in economic losses due to China’s zero-tolerance policy of the two biotech corn traits.

And the margin of error for

Harvest

Continued from page 1 state yield estimates reside in Illinois at a record 194 bushels per acre for corn and 56.3 bushels per acre for beans.

“Anytime you get a late start, it’s a concern,” said Martin Barbre, a farmer from Carmi (White County) and president of the National Corn Growers Association.

“There could be (stalk standability) issues later in the season,” he noted. “Transportation also is a concern (due in part to recent railcar and barge shortages that led to grain movement bottlenecks).”

Some farmers in the southern two-thirds of the state returned to the field last week.

Early corn harvest reports reveal stout yields and high moisture levels.

“We started (corn harvest) Monday (Sept. 15),” Barbre said. “We’re seeing above average yield and above average moisture. Some earlyplanted corn is as low as 18 to 19 percent moisture, but most is in the 22 to 27 percent range.”

Earl Williams, a farmer from Cherry Valley (Winnebago County) south of Rockford near the Boone County line, reported a field test in his area last week revealed corn moisture as high as 38 percent.

‘As an association, we strongly recommend farmers follow the plan (to market unapproved corn traits domestically).’

— Martin Barbre NCGA president

U.S. farmers who must channel grain remains slim. Just a few kernels of corn with unapproved traits are enough to reject an entire shipment in some markets.

“As American farmers, we are particularly fortunate to work with so many innovative technology partners, each of whom provides us with revolutionary technology in the field,” Gaesser said.

“Unfortunately, some approval systems around the world, including China and the European Union, aren’t working as timely as we’d like.”

Estimates indicate U.S. farmers planted around 500,000 acres of Duracade corn this year, a drop in the bucket compared to about 84 million total corn acres expected to be harvested in coming weeks. Farmers who planted Duracade can market that corn

domestically to Nebraskabased Gavilon Grain.

“As an association, we strongly recommend farmers follow the plan (to market unapproved corn traits domestically),” said Martin Barbre, an Illinois farmer and NCGA president. “As long as growers follow it, I think we’ll be fine.”

A lot rides on proper grain channeling this fall as farmers prepare to harvest record corn and soybean crops.

USDA this month raised 2014-15 export estimates for corn and beans by 25 million bushels for each crop to a record 1.7 billion bushels of beans and 1.75 billion bushels of corn.

In the current marketing year, soybean sales to China account for about one-third of all U.S. soybeans produced at a value of more than $14 billion, according to ASA.

“The corn is still green,” Williams said. “In northern Illinois, we normally don’t get started (with harvest) much before Oct. 1. This year it will be later than normal.”

Local elevators are moving as much corn as possible to make room for the gigantic crop, Williams reported.

“But people are still concerned where we’re going to put it all,” he said. “It’s going to be a late fall with wet

corn. Propane and drying will be expensive.”

The wet start to the month continues a recent trend. Rainfall for June, July and August in Illinois averaged 14.96 inches, 3.09 inches above normal, which made it the 10th wettest summer on record.

The wettest Illinois summer was 1993 when statewide rainfall averaged 18.51 inches, according to Jim Angel, state climatologist with the Illinois State Water Survey.

Illinois farmers elected to WISHH

Three Illinois Soybean Association directors have been elected to the American Soybean Association’s World Initiative for Soy in Human Health (WISHH) Board for the upcoming year.

Gary Berg of St. Elmo, Daryl Cates of Columbia and Jeff Lynn of Oakford join 16 soybean farmers from 11 states on the WISHH board.

WISHH is a trade development organization founded by U.S. soybean farmers in 2000. The organization has worked in 24 developing countries to establish long-term markets for U.S. soybean farmers, while fueling economic growth and value chain development.

Meet the Buyer event

‘Ground to consumer’ fresh produce opportunities growing

Page 3 • Monday, September 22, 2014 • FarmWeek

tation; and Todd Rusk, U of I urban and regional planning department.

Fruit and vegetable production “is a growing part of agriculture,” Uken said. “We, as an organization, need to look at how Farm Bureau can play a part and have a role in helping farmers who grow this produce. It’s also another opportunity to connect with consumers.”

BY KAY SHIPMAN FarmWeek

Opportunities to grow, process and sell vegetables and fruit are sprouting in Champaign County.

“These are unique opportunities,” said Brad Uken, Champaign County Farm Bureau manager. “We’re talking from ground to consumer.”

Three major components — land access, processing and marketing — are coming to fruition and removing potential barriers to new farmers or existing ones who want to diversify their crops.

A Meet the Buyer event is planned from 2 to 3:30 p.m.

Sept. 30 in the Champaign County Farm Bureau office, Champaign. To register, call the county Farm Bureau at 217-352-5235 by Sept. 28.

Buyers planning to attend represent retail grocery stores, catering services, restaurants and foodservice distributors, according to Cynthia Haskins, Illinois Farm Bureau, manager of business development and compliance.

Meeting participants will hear information about a new micro food hub in Rantoul, and possible formation of a fruit and vegetable farmer cooperative.

The village of Rantoul allo-

IFB, Rural Development organize conference

Champaign County Farm Bureau Manager Brad Uken, right, and Steve Ayers, University of Illinois Extension local foods educator, check out a cooler within a new micro food hub in Rantoul. Uken and Ayers serve on the micro food hub steering committee. (Photo by Ken Kashian)

cated 1,500 feet within the Rantoul Business Center for washing, sorting and grading fresh fruits and vegetables, Haskins explained. A newly constructed cooler allows growers to remove field heat.

In addition to processing and cooling space, Rantoul will lease land for vegetable and fruit production at the former Chanute Air Force Base. Forty acres of land is available in quarter-acre to acre parcels to

prospective growers.

To provide additional support, a local fruit and vegetable farmer cooperative for east central Illinois may form. IFB, Champaign County Farm Bureau and the village of Rantoul are hosting a preliminary meeting to discuss a cooperative at 7 p.m. Oct. 14 in the Rantoul Business Center. Interested growers should register by Oct. 13 by calling 217-352-5235.

In addition to Haskins and Uken, members of the micro food hub steering committee include: Martin Alblinger, Peter Passarelli and Charles Smith, representing the village of Rantoul; Stephen Ayers, University of Illinois Extension; Cassie Carroll, Illinois Green Business Association; Roman Fox, Rantoul Township High School; Seamus Reilly, Parkland College; Mike Royse, Center for Community Adap-

and offer students more classroom opportunities.

“Ultimately, my goal is to build the program to where we offer a full schedule of agbased courses and have an established ag department as well,” Hemmer added.

High school educators across the state share those goals based on the latest avail-

growth in the number of middle school and high school students who took an agriculture class. Middle school students increased to 3,605, an increase of 181 students. High school students grew to 25,858, a slight increase of 80 students.

Not surprising, fewer students in agriculture classes live on farms and have families who earn at least half their income from farming. Only 11 percent of ag students live on farms. (See accompanying graphic).

For the first time, FCAE determined 11 percent of all nonfarm students live in cities with populations of 20,000 or more. The vast majority of students in ag classes, 78 percent, are nonfarm residents.

Boosting the state’s urban student trend, Cook County is experiencing an influx of agriculture education and FFA programs, according to Luke Allen, FCAE urban program adviser. A new charter school, Gary Comer Youth Center, is starting an FFA chapter, raising the county’s total FFA chapters to seven.

Work-based learning continues to be a strong component of high school ag education in Illinois.

The percent of students with a supervised agricultural experience (SAE) project increased slightly to 43 percent of all ag students in the state.

Students with an SAE reported total net earnings of $11.81 million by Dec. 31, 2013, a $346,000-plus increase.

Illinois Farm Bureau, Illinois Rural Development, the Food and Nutrition Service Midwest Region and Fresh Taste are hosting a Know Your Farmer and Know Your Farm Bill meeting Tuesday at the Union League Club, Chicago.

Through presentations and breakout sessions, participants will learn about new and existing USDA programs and grants.

Cynthia Haskins, IFB manager of business development and compliance, will discuss Illinois Homegrown

by Heroes program to support military and veteran farmers. Brad Uken, Champaign County Farm Bureau manager, will discuss a new food hub project in Rantoul.

Illinois high school ag classes reflect student and school needs

BY KAY SHIPMAN FarmWeek

Agriculture students at Belleville West High School reflect an emerging trend in agriculture education at Illinois high schools. They’re more likely to live in a city than on a farm. Increasingly, they also earn science credits by studying agriculture.

“It’s very exciting to get the (agriculture) program up and running. There are many opportunities for students related to agriculture,” said Superintendent Jeff Dosier of Belleville Township High School District 201, Belleville.

Agriculture classes returned to Belleville West after decades, probably the early- to mid-1970s, according to Dean Dittmar, a program adviser with Facilitating Coordination in Agricultural Education (FCAE).

At Belleville West, Jared Hemmer teaches an agricultural science course with 23 students. Hemmer’s science education background in chemistry and physical science strengthens the ag students’ comprehension of science and ag principles, he said.

Dosier said Belleville hopes to grow its agriculture program

‘There are many opportunities for students related to agriculture.’

— Jeff Dosier Superintendent Belleville Township High School District 201

able data from the 2013-14 school year compiled by FCAE. Of the state’s 321 high school ag education programs, 71 percent fulfill graduation science requirements with another 24 percent fulfilling consumer education graduation requirements. Those percentages remained steady compared to the previous year.

Illinois continues to see

Illinois agriculture educators are completing the third and final year of a federal education career readiness grant.

“Our primary focus is to improve SAE, work-based learning in agriculture education,” reported Jess Smithers, FCAE coordinator.

Farmers can ‘stretch’ careers via prevention

FarmWeek • Page 4 • Monday, September 22, 2014

BY DANIEL GRANT FarmWeek

A few minutes of stretching each day and other preventive measures can reduce the physical and mental stress on farmers this harvest and for the rest of their careers.

Dr. Scott Nowak, a chiropractor from Fairbury (Livingston County), recently offered farmers tips to reduce harvest stress and potentially extend their careers.

His tips prove timely as this is National Farm Safety and Health Week.

“There are three main things someone getting into a combine and working long hours this fall should consider; posture, stretches and biomechanics,” Nowak told FarmWeek.

Maintaining proper posture can be challenging but critical for farmers to reduce the load on their joints and backs.

Nowak recommends farmers driving combines, tractors or other harvest equipment make sure to put their heads back on the headrest with their chins down slightly to maintain proper posture.

“By keeping your head back (against the headrest), you’re letting the muscles relax and putting the spine in the proper position,” Nowak said.

If the seat to a combine or tractor tilts at a downward angle, farmers with poor posture could feel joint or back stiffness after a number of hours.

Nowak in that case recommends farmers put a pillow in the space at the back of the seat to make it straighter and more like a bench.

Farmers, prior to climbing in the cabs of their harvest

Safety webinar series slated

AgriSafe Network, a national nonprofit membership organization representing health professionals and educators, will mark National Farm Safety & Health Week with daily online webinars.

Beginning Monday through Friday, webinars will be conducted from noon to 1 p.m.

Topics include: Monday, roadway safety; Tuesday, occupational health (health assessment and prevention programs); Wednesday, child safety; Thursday, grain bin safety; and Friday, tractor safety.

To register for one or more of the webinars, visit {agrisafe.org/nfshw2014/}.

Chenoa farmer Brian Schaumburg, left, discusses ways to maintain proper posture in the combine cab with Dr. Scott Nowak of Fairbury Chiropractic Clinic. Nowak said proper posture can reduce back and joint stress. (Photo by Cyndi Cook)

equipment, should take a few minutes to stretch. Farmers should pay particular attention to their hamstrings, Nowak noted.

People who work physical jobs with tight hamstrings could put extra pressure on their joints and increase the curve of their spine as tightness in the hamstrings tilts the pelvic angle.

Nowak recommends farmers stretch their hamstrings by laying on their backs in a doorway and stretch each leg on the door jam continuously for at least a minute.

“A long, static stretch is much better than short stretches,” Nowak said. “The longer you hold a stretch, the more permanent it becomes.”

Good times to stretch include right after a warm shower or once ready for work.

“Don’t roll out of bed and stretch,” he said.

“Stretching a cold muscle

could be counterproductive.”

Another key to save joints and back pain at harvest revolves around biomechanics.

Nowak emphasizes lifting be done by squatting with the legs.

“Try to eliminate bending at the waist,” Nowak said.

“Pretend you have books on your head and maintain good posture.”

A last tip for proper biomechanics involves taking your time and properly climbing up and down ladders on combines, grain carts, bins, etc.

“Most farmers always are in a hurry,” Nowak said.

“They jump off ladders, and don’t use the last rung or two, or jump off the back of their pickup. That stuff adds wear and tear on knees.

“I see a lot of farmers with arthritis in their knees,” he added. “Taking your time could save your back and knees.”

Twenty-one Illinois residents died in farm-related accidents from July 1, 2013, through June — an increase of nine deaths compared to the preceding year.

COUNTRY Financial, the No. 1 Illinois farm insurer, tracks farm-related deaths in conjunction with the Illinois Press Association through newspaper clippings and releases findings in conjunction with National Farm Safety and Health Week.

The annual observance continues through Saturday. This year’s theme focuses on “Safety Counts: Protecting What Matters.”

COUNTRY survey findings showed farmers age 65 and older comprised about 57 percent of Illinois’ farm death victims in 2013-14. Nearly 80 percent of deaths occurred among farmers age 50 and older, who make up the majority of Illinois farmers, according to the latest

U.S. Ag Census.

Tractor rollovers and run overs remained the leading cause of death. Seven of the nine victims were 65 and older.

“This year’s numbers seem to prove that while experience is key with almost any job, it isn’t a bulletproof vest,” said Eric Vanasdale, COUNTRY senior loss control representative.

Roadway collision deaths ranked second with two of the four victims age 65 or older.

Grain bin suffocation claimed three lives of which one victim exceeded age 65.

According to Bob Aherin, University of Illinois safety specialist, promotion of farm safety practices needs to continue in addition to evaluation of effective ways to reduce farmer injury rates.

“Fatigue is a significant issue as are effects of medications on reaction time,” Aherin said.

“We also need to encourage

Use your judgment on escort vehicles

As harvest gets under way, road safety concerns become paramount. But does that mean you need an escort vehicle every time you move from one field to the next?

It’s a matter of judgment, according to Kevin Rund, Illinois Farm Bureau senior director of local government.

“A lead escort is one thing; a trailing escort is an entirely different matter. Whether the road is two lanes or four also makes a difference,” Rund said.

The Illinois Vehicle Code does not require or encourage use of an escort vehicle to accompany farm equipment moving on public highways.

Certain over-width farm equipment loaded on a truck or trailer, however, must be escorted.

Rund noted that it makes sense to use a lead escort vehicle with flashing amber lights and a wide vehicle warning attached when moving farm equipment in areas of limited sight distance. Those situations might include areas with hilly, winding roads, or where surrounding trees, shrubs or crops block the ability of a driver to see approaching farm implements from a distance of 1,000 feet or more.

Will County farmer John Kiefner can attest to the value of a lead escort vehicle. Whenever the family moved equipment across a two-lane overpass, Kiefner would park an escort vehicle 1,000 feet ahead to stop traffic.

“In the 30 or 40 times we did this, several times a vehicle would swerve around us while we flagged them to stop. Of

course, they would have to back up all the way once they saw what was coming,” said Kiefner.

The Manhattan farmer noted he prefers driving tractors and combines equipped with a flashing, yellow strobe on top. He thinks the strobe significantly increases visibility.

Typically, a rear escort obscures farm equipment lighting and slow moving vehicle emblems, Rund said.

A rear escort vehicle might, however, make sense on fourlane roads or in Kiefner’s overpass example.

“A rear escort vehicle at an overpass could prevent motorists from charging full speed to the top only to meet a slow-moving piece of farm equipment,” said Rund. “A narrow bridge at the bottom of a valley can pose a similar situation.”

When using an escort vehicle, use walkie-talkies to keep farm equipment and escort vehicle drivers informed, Rund added. Hand-held cellphone use is banned while on the road, even for farm equipment operators.

older farmers to operate tractors with ROPS when doing activities that have a high

rollover risk such as mowing roadsides, ditches and fields with significant slopes.”

Illinois farm-related deaths jump among farmers age 65 and older

2014 farm bill implementation rules expected soon

Page 5 • Monday, September 22, 2014 • FarmWeek

BY DEANA STROISCH FarmWeek

Illinois Farm Bureau’s Doug Yoder will wrap up a summer of meetings on the 2014 farm bill this week — just in time for USDA to publish the rules.

Yoder said he expects implementation rules to be released in the next week or so, although it’s unclear how the information will be disseminated. The rules could amount to as many as 20,000 pages.

Yoder, IFB’s senior director of marketing and affiliate management, has provided 27 presentations on the farm bill since July. The biggest concern among farmers: the delay in the rules.

“This farm bill covers this crop that they are going to have planted, harvested and have in a bin somewhere before they know the rules covering the crop,” Yoder said. “That’s frustrating and of concern to them. But that’s also a big advantage.

They’re going to know exactly the crop size and have a very good handle on the first year, and even the second year’s prices these programs will use. That gives

them a head start in calculating which of these programs may give them the best coverage and possible payments.”

Once the rules are out, IFB will review them and put together fact sheets and handouts for farmers. A series of webinars and winter meetings across the state also will be planned, Yoder said.

Signed into law in February, the Agricultural Act of 2014 sets agricultural and nutrition policy for the next five years.

The bill eliminates direct payments and modifies the target price program, replacing the Counter-Cyclical Payment (CCP) program with Price Loss Coverage (PLC). The bill also changes the revenue safety nets, replacing Average Crop Revenue Election (ACRE) with two Agricultural Risk Coverage (ARC) options — County ARC and Individual Farm ARC. Yoder encouraged farmers to pay attention to two key timelines — when farmers can update their yields and base acres, and when they can sign up for the safety net options.

“Not every farm bill lets them update

their base and yield.

They don’t want to miss that opportunity,” he said.

He expects farmers to make that decision — a one-time, irrevocable choice — this fall.

All programs make payments on base acres.

Doug Yoder A farm’s total base acres cannot be increased, but farmers can keep the current base acreage or reallocate base acres across program crops based on proportion planted in 2009-12.

Farmers also can update payment yields to 90 percent of the average yields from 2008-12 or keep their current payment yields at levels used in 2008 farm bill counter-cyclical payments. Updated payment yields are only used to calculate PLC. Both revenue safety net options will use the payment yields established in the 2008 farm bill.

In January, Yoder said, farmers may be able to choose between ARC and PLC.

He says it’s too early for farmers to make a decision.

Starting in 2015, farmers can receive additional crop insurance through a new Supplemental Coverage Option (SCO).

But it’s only available to farmers who select PLC. SCO will be available for corn and soybeans in all Illinois counties. Wheat coverage will be limited to 28 counties in Illinois.

Yoder said SCO will have limited impact in Illinois.

“Illinois farmers are good at buying high crop insurance coverage,” he said.

“And if you do that, you have limited impact from SCO.” Wheat farmers, he said, could benefit more from the additional crop insurance than corn farmers.

“Wheat crop insurance has maximum coverage level at 75 percent,” Yoder said.

“SCO starts at 86 percent. They have at least 11 percent more coverage they can get from SCO. As a corn farmer, if I buy 85 percent coverage level, I only get 1 percent extra from SCO.”

Logan County farmer named Faces of Farming finalist Thomas Titus, a 31-year-old farmer from Elkhart, could become the next national farm spokesman. He joins seven other farmers as finalists for the U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance (USFRA) Faces of Farming and Ranching.

“USFRA is doing an exceptional job putting a face on the family farmer and trying to bridge the gap from the consumer back to agriculture,” said Titus, who raises grain, beef, hogs and goats with his fatherin-law, Dave Conrady, and brother-in-law, Brett, in Logan County.

“As farmers, we need to step outside the shed more frequently and talk about what we do on a daily basis. So many times we become consumed with the dayto-day of producing a crop and

livestock that we forget to tell our story.”

Titus is no stranger to telling agriculture’s story. He served as an Illinois Pork Thomas Titus Producers Association ambassador. He’s currently an active participant in the National Pork Board’s Real Pig Farming social media campaign and serves as a Pork Checkoff Operation Main Street speaker.

“We’re just beginning to bridge the gap between the consuming public and agriculture.

It is extremely important to tell our story so the consuming public trusts that we are doing the right things and have some

Each harvest brings concerns regarding storage options for hay. Farmers need to find ways to prevent shrink losses in their bunkers and storage systems, according to Karla Hernandez, South Dakota State University Extension forage specialist.

Hay storage losses can total about 5 percent when it is harvested at 15 percent moisture and stored under dry conditions, she said.

Round bales usually suffer greater losses than small rectangular bales because they tend to remain outside uncovered between baling and feeding.

By following the recommended storage methods and careful handling, losses can be minimized, saving farmers time and money.

Consider the following factors to minimize storage losses.

For outside storage of dry hay at 10 to 20 percent moisture, the denser the bale, the less spoilage that occurs. The minimum density of round bales should be 10 pounds of hay per cubic foot.

Uniform swaths, sized to match the recommendations of the baler being used, help produce uniform and dense hay bales.

Large round bales should be stored in rows separated from each other to allow for moisture dissipation. Leave at least 3 feet between bale rows to ensure good air circulation.

If possible, orient rows north to south to allow more hours of sun exposure to bales’ sides.

Minimize hay storage losses

relationship with how their food is produced,” said Titus, son of Phil and Pat Titus of Arcola.

After earning an ag education degree from the University of Illinois, Titus worked for Cargill Meat Solutions in Wichita, Kan. He and his wife, Breann, returned to her family’s farm in 2012.

To become a finalist, Titus completed a questionnaire and submitted a brief video. Voting

FarmWeekNow.com

Visit learn Faces Logan

FarmWeekNow.com to more about USFRA’s of Farming finalist from County.

among the finalists will begin Oct. 24-Nov. 2 on the USFRA website or Facebook page. Winners will be named Nov. 12.

Other finalists include Erin Brenneman of Iowa, Jay Hill of New Mexico, Carrie Mess of

Wisconsin, Darrell Glaser and Brian Jones of Texas, Jessica Potter of Colorado and Carla Wardin of Michigan.

If selected as a face of farming, Titus will be the second Illinois farmer to serve in the role.

Katie Pratt of Dixon has served as one of four inaugural USFRA Faces of Farming and Ranching.

Mike Orso, Illinois Farm Bureau director of news and communications, contributed to this article.

How Does Farm Credit Promote Ag Safety?

One Meal and One Safety Kit at a Time.

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FarmWeek • Page 6 • Monday, September 22, 2014 Bernie Walsh, Durand, Winnebago County: We have had another week of below average temperatures with some scattered light frost three out of seven mornings. It really wasn’t cold enough to hurt anything, though. There were two days of light rain, amounting to only .2 of an inch. Soybean leaves are really turning color and dropping more each day as we get closer to harvest. Lots of corn silage has been chopped, but that has been the only harvest in Winnebago County. They were some Group II maturity beans planted early that are yielding very, very well.

Pete Tekampe, Grayslake, Lake County: It was another cool, wet week in Lake County. We received almost 1 inch in three events. Corn is coming fast, but I noticed ears dropping while cutting some bundles. Beans are also turning fast and not just from SDS. Those spots are still grass green.

Cut some hay Tuesday, and hopefully I will have baled it Friday or Saturday before rain hits. We are still two to three weeks from harvest.

Leroy Getz, Savanna, Carroll County: We escaped any frost last week. Rain of .2 of an inch for the week brings September totals to 2.7 inches. Crops are slowly maturing. Corn is testing near or above 30 percent.

Soybeans are dropping leaves, but not nearly ready for harvest yet.

Second-crop green snap beans were harvested last week. Hay making continues with some third, fourth and even fifth cuttings being taken. We mowed our new seeding in the oat fields. I was surprised how few volunteer oats came up.

Larry Hummel, Dixon, Lee County: Fall weather arrived well before the official beginning of autumn. Highs were mostly in the 60s and the lows in the 40s with several nights dipping into the 30s.

It’s been great sleeping weather, but it has done little to push this year’s crop maturity. The only corn being harvested around here is seed corn. We saw one soybean field harvested, but I think ours are a good two weeks away from harvest.

Ken Reinhardt, Seaton, Mercer County: A few producers started on corn. Many more will be going in a few days. Some 103-day corn was coming out at 22 percent moisture. The nonGMO corn is not looking very sound in many cases, so that is what is being harvested first. Some very early beans have been cut, and some of the midGroup II beans are getting close.

Ron Moore, Roseville, Warren County: We received 4.5 inches of rain two weeks ago. Tiles are now running, and the creeks overflowed their banks. We have enough rain until after harvest. We started chopping silage last week and should be done this week. The corn crop looks very good. Some have harvested early corn. We will start this week. Soybeans will not be ready until the last part of September. My feeder cattle have been moved to a feedlot in Kansas. We will start purchasing next year’s grass cattle in November.

Tim Green, Wyoming, Stark County: It was a very pleasant week with temperatures warming towards the end of the week. Crops are coming on pretty fast. There have been a few soybeans and corn harvested. Corn moisture levels seem to be pretty high and coming down pretty slowly. We are hoping to get a few days of nice, warm weather. Early yield reports have been very good. Be safe.

Mark Kerber, Chatsworth, Livingston County: Dry weather last week was nice to see after all the rain. Farmers are finishing getting machinery ready and trying to mow roadsides with water still standing. Corn moistures are coming down with a few producers opening fields, but not much activity yet. No soybeans are harvested yet, and they will be late.

Let’s hope for a dry and hot October. We flew on some radishes for a cover crop this year. We will see how that turns out. Be safe as we get busy.

Ron Haase, Gilman, Iroquois County: We received .5 to .6 of an inch of rain Monday (Sept.

15). Soils started the week saturated and have been drying out since. Most cornfields have reached black layer and are at R6, or physiological maturity. The hand samples I tested Thursday were at 32 percent moisture. Kernel size varied from 70,000 to 87,000 per bushel in the samples. The yield varied, but was more than 200 bushels per acre. Our corn planted at the end of May has the milk line about 75 percent of the way down the kernel, which is R5, or dent stage. Many soybean fields have been turning yellowish-brown at R7 growth stage, which is the beginning maturity stage.

Maturity development is being pushed by disease. Local prices for Sept. 18 closed at nearby corn, $3.10; new-crop corn, $3.00; nearby soybeans, $11.12; new-crop soybeans, $9.38.

Brian Schaumburg, Chenoa, McLean County: Harvest started in earnest on our farm last week with opening fields, calibrating and doing a test plot. Yields are what we projected them to be, ranging from 230 to 260 so far.

Moistures are from 22 to 30 percent with corn-on-corn being drier.

Fungicides helped plant health and yield. Most soybeans are two weeks away, but a few early varieties will be combined late next week. Corn, $3.20, $3.07 fall, $3.48 fall ’15; soybeans, $11.16, $9.36 fall, $9.41 fall ’15; wheat, $4.63.

Steve Ayers, Champaign, Champaign County: After Monday’s (Sept. 16) .55 of an inch of rain, fields dried out. We were able to take advantage of a couple days of half-price drying with moisture ranging from 26 to 29 percent. Looks like we may have a field or two of beans ready for harvest next week. In our crop reporting district, corn is 89 percent dented, 22 percent mature and 2 percent harvested with 50 percent of soybeans turning color and 14 percent dropping leaves. This is National Farm Safety and Health Week with the theme of “Protect What Matters,” so let’s be careful out there!

Wilfred Dittmer, Quincy, Adams County: Yes, it is still soggy in many places, but some combines are testing the patience of the operators and starting anyway on some fields. Yields are all over the place, passing the 200 mark onward to 300 on the good soils. So, maybe we will hear the familiar clunking again of large ears as the machines start digesting this estimated “large” crop of 2014.

Soybeans are still mostly green, except where SDS made inroads in no particular pattern. As for the rain gauge report, ours picked up 1.7 inches Monday (Sept. 15) and Tuesday. Have a safe week, and remember that safety comes first. Be careful!

Carrie Winkelmann, Tallula, Menard County: We received .54 of an inch of rain last week. The weather hasn’t been very good for drying anything, but some are getting into cornfields, and I have even seen some beans out. We were hoping to try over the weekend, but rain was in the forecast.

Tom Ritter, Blue Mound, Macon County: Harvest got under way last week, but in a slow manner. The biggest problem was saturated fields from rains last weekend (Sept. 14-15). Saw very few auger wagons or trucks in the field. We are hearing a few reports of corn under 25 percent, but nothing below 20 at this time.

Definitely less than 10 percent of the corn is harvested. Soybeans continue to mature. There may be a few people cutting some soybeans late this week, but the majority are two to three weeks off.

Hearing a wide range of reports on corn, but all of them are positive. Most people are having yields that will probably be a record at least to date.

Todd Easton, Charleston, Coles County: As I mentioned last week, several early birds officially began corn harvest in Coles County. With most local elevators offering a discounted drying rate, many others were planning to join them at the beginning of this week.

After the .5 of an inch plus of rain that came across the area Monday and dried out by Wednesday, combines were all over the countryside. Reports are truly record breaking. Yields in the 230s, 240s and 250s are common so far. It’s going to a busy fall for truck drivers and a year to remember.

Jimmy Ayers, New City, Sangamon County: We had anywhere from .4 of an inch to 1.5 inches of rain scattered across the county. Thirty percent of our corn has been harvested. Soybeans are holding their own with no harvesting that I’m aware of. The hot sun and dry weather this week may help out quite a bit. Several are wanting to make their last run at hay. The cover crop planes have been working the last week. You may want to double-check your air conditioners in your trucks. You are probably going to sit in line this fall. Don’t need to be uncomfortable.

Doug Uphoff, Shelbyville, Shelby County: We started corn harvest last week, and moisture levels were 22 to 24 percent. There are still a few wet spots from rain we had during the last two weeks, amounting to approximately 3 inches. We worked on getting everything ready and dryers all worked till we put corn in the bins. A mouse cut some wires under the floor, so corn had to be taken out. Repairs cost $700. Going fine now and all is going well. This harvest is awesome because my oldest son, Elliott, who is farming full time now, and Dad are going to make it an enjoyable harvest. Beans are turning slowly, and corn is standing and yielding well. Have a great week and be careful out there.

David Schaal, St. Peter, Fayette County: A few combines have entered the cornfields here in the area. Moisture levels are running from low 20s up to 27 percent.

There will also be some soybean harvest occurring this week as the soybean crop seems to be coming on in a hurry. Hoping for good harvest weather. Be safe.

Jeff Guilander, Jerseyville, Jersey County: Another damp week has kept combines idle for the most part. This week should bring some much needed sun, but a little more heat would not hurt. Corn still running high teens to mid-twenties.

The dampness has slowed the beans ripening some, but we could see some early beans harvested by next week. Time to hurry up and wait.

Kevin Raber, Browns, Wabash County: After a few glitches with getting everything to work properly, I started corn harvest. My yields have been good, but I’ve started on some of my better soils.

There has been some damage in my samples, but not as bad as I had feared. Moistures are running from 23 to 26 percent. So, with good yields and high moistures, it doesn’t take long to catch up with the dryer.

Randy Anderson, Galatia, Saline County: Harvest is picking up steam, but it’s like the train — I think I can, I think I can. Once it goes over the hump, it picks up some speed. Yields are very good.

Bean harvest is at a snail’s pace, and elevators are showing it with basis running high for nearby cash sales. Processors are starting to run short on beans.

Ken Taake, Ullin, Pulaski County: Last week felt like fall here in deep southern Illinois. We had lows in the upper 40s to lower 50s and highs in the low 70s. It has really been nice weather for a change.

We finally started our corn harvest Tuesday. Our moistures have been running anywhere from 19 to 22 percent on our earliest-planted corn. Our yields have been good, but you can certainly tell how the early season stress has affected our populations so far. I saw some soybeans being harvested Thursday, but we are probably two weeks from having any beans ready to cut. Please have a safe week.

Strong demand, record pork prices promote heavier hogs

Page 7 • Monday, September 22, 2014 • FarmWeek

BY DANIEL GRANT Farmweek

Many hog far mers didn’t h ave t h e h e r d nu m b e r s t o respond to record prices in recent months.

Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) reduced annual production on some farms by 15 to 20 Ron Plain percent due to substantial baby pig losses.

So, many producers adjusted to the situation by keeping

healthy pigs on the far m longer to take advantage of the extra space in barns and feed the animals to heavier weights.

“The trend in hogs is the average market weight goes up an average of 1 pound per year,” Ron Plain, ag economist at the University of Missouri, told the RFD® Radio Network at the 24 th annual Carthage Veterinary Service swine conference at Wester n Illinois University in Macomb.

“We’re up 10 pounds this year compared to a year ago,” he continued. “It’s to fill in

for the lack of hogs. Producers and packers see the need to supply customers with product.”

Meat demand remains robust around the world despite tight supplies and record prices, in some cases.

U.S. pork exports the first half of this year tallied 1.15 million metric tons valued at about $3.4 billion, according to the U.S. Meat Export Federation. Both totals set new records.

The jump in hog weights could begin a downward trend in coming months, though.

P E DV b e c a m e l e s s o f a n issue in the summer months as the coronavir us doesn’t survive or spread as well in warmer temperatures.

“It looks like PEDV will be a seasonal problem. It’s more of a problem in winter than s u m m e r,” P l a i n s a i d . “ M y guess is we’ll see those weights move back closer to year ago levels (as reduced PEDV death losses over the summer mean many hog barns are fuller than last winter).”

U S DA n e x t w e e k w i l l update the national swine

inventor y numbers with release of its quarterly hogs and pigs re por t on Friday (Sept. 26).

Plain believes the current run of profitability will continue in the hog industry.

“Hog farmers are making money this year and it looks like that will continue,” he said. “Certainly the reduction in corn (feed) prices p l a y s a b i g f a c t o r, a n d i t looks like we’ll have another record (corn) crop this year.

O n t h e f l i p s i d e, we h ave higher hog and cattle prices this year.”

-62 to +48 bushels. At yields above 250 bushels per acre, 42,000 plants yielded a half bushel less than 34,000 plants in a range of -24 to +24 bushels.

“Because we don’t know what conditions will be at the

beginning of the season, it makes no sense to push populations above 40,000 in hopes that we’ll get the weather to make this pay off.

In fact, the response of yield to population tends to be fairly flat over the range of

the lower to the upper 30,000s, regardless of yield level or conditions,” he said.

“The 2014 growing season has been so outstanding that this could be one of those times. But such increases tend to be modest, and they don’t

always pay for the additional seed,” he said. “Today, it takes nearly a bushel of added yield to pay for 1,000 more seeds.

While responses of this size are possible, they are not common at population levels most producers already use.”

Tis the season — for late summer cor n and soybean crop tour yield estimates.

According to a trio of University of Illinois ag economists, most crop tours do not provide information on the degree of accuracy targeted or the confidence level assumed. So, it becomes difficult to for mally assess the reliability of the yield estimates.

Scott Irwin, Darrel Good and Gar y Schnitkey noted the accuracy of crop tour estimates may be compromised by nonrandom sample selection and nonsample

measurement errors.

However, the trio believes most crop tour estimates p r ov i d e u s e f u l q u a l i t a t ive information about crop prospects, such as average, g ood or bad. Quantitative estimates, though, such as establishing a statewide avera g e y i e l d , a r e n’t l i k e l y t o have a high degree of reliability.

They suggested yield tour organizers obser ve the following guidelines: • Sample size. The sample size needs to be large enough to represent the region and to provide a reasonable level

of confidence in the accuracy of the estimates. Larger sample sizes are required for narrower ranges of yield estimates and for areas with large yield variability. In addition, larger sample sizes are required for higher levels of confidence in the estimates.

The key point? The number of fields that need to be sampled is relatively large in order to ensure variability across the targ et region is adequately reflected.

• Standard statistical procedures. Samples should be drawn randomly within the entire region and in a prede-

ter mined random area of the sample fields. Potential errors can occur if all measurements are not done corr e c t l y, i f t h e a p p r o p r i a t e factor is not used in conver ting ker nel counts to g rain weight, if yield estimates are based on various moisture levels or if some adjustment for harvest loss is not made.

To r e a d t h e t r i o ’s c o m plete analysis of yield tour e s t i m a t e s, v i s i t { f a r m d o c daily.illinois.edu/2014/08/l e a r n - a b o u t - c o r n - a n d - s oy bean-yields-from-croptours.html}.

Plant population, higher yields not always sure bet Though some g rowers may be wondering if they took full advantage of this year’s high-yielding conditions, a University of Illinois crop scientist said data does not necessarily show that increasing plant population would have translated into bigger yields this year.

Emerson Nafziger said more than 277 comparisons from the last three years show the difference in yield between a plant population of 34,000 and 42,000 amounted to only about a tenth of a bushel.

“Since 2011, we have been running trials at a dozen sites around Illinois in which we plant six to eight hybrids at a range of populations, including planting rates of 34,000 and 42,000,” Nafziger explained.

At yield levels less than 150 bushels per acre, Nafziger said 42,000 plants yielded 9 bushels more than 34,000 plants with a range of

Yield tour estimates: reliable or just a pile of corn?

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Shorter season, higher prices could reduce fall N applications

FarmWeek • Page 8 • Monday, September 22, 2014

BY DANIEL GRANT FarmWeek

Fall fertilizer applications could be a moving target this season.

A late start to harvest and a big change in farm economics this year compared to recent years likely will delay applications and possibly persuade some farmers to reduce nitrogen rates.

“A lot will depend on when harvest happens,” Joe Dillier, director of plant food at GROWMARK Inc. told FarmWeek. “We like to see a longer (application) season. I wouldn’t wait too long (to

secure fertilizer supplies) once you make the decision.”

Anhydrous ammonia prices moved up in recent months. A Rabobank third quarter fertilizer outlook predicted fertilizer prices will remain strong, but likely won’t exhibit major upside potential.

In Illinois, anhydrous ammonia prices last week ranged form $670 to $775 per ton, according to the Illinois Production Cost Report.

Diammonium phosphate prices in the state averaged $566 per ton while potash prices nudged up $1.92 to $477.69 per ton.

“The main issue is ammonia prices have been moving up. They look to stay strong this fall, with more modest prices for other products,” Dillier said.

The recent rise in anhydrous ammonia prices Joe Dillier occurred due in part to low spring inventories, production disruptions in some parts of the world and logistics issues in the U.S., Dillier noted.

New group to offer resources for agritourism businesses

BY KAY SHIPMAN FarmWeek

New resources soon may be available for farmers and rural entrepreneurs with new agritourism businesses or those thinking about starting one.

The National Agritourism Professionals Association (NAPA) recently organized, and plans to formally elect board members and pass bylaws in late January, according to Diane Handley, Illinois Farm Bureau affiliate association manager. Handley serves as IFB’s representative to NAPA and as one of the group’s organizers.

NAPA’s list of goals includes providing education and resources about a wide range of top-

ics for farmers starting an agritourism business.

Those topics include zoning, farm and food safety, insurance, regulations and advocacy.

“I hope to build upon information we currently have on the Farm Bureau website,” Handley said.

NAPA “will be active giving farmers the tools to help them have successful businesses,” she added.

Membership will be open to professionals who work with or advise agritourism businesses as well as agritourism operators.

More information about NAPA will be provided during the Illinois Specialty Crops, Agritourism and Organic Conference Jan. 7-9 at the Crowne Plaza, Springfield.

Risk averse sentiment in global commodities currently leans toward a reluctance in stock accumulation across fertilizer chains, according to the Rabobank fertilizer outlook.

Significantly lower crop prices this fall compared to last year also give rise to the notion that farmers may reduce fertilizer rates for the upcoming season.

“A key question is how big will demand be and the other key question is how long of an application window will we have this fall,” Dillier said. “There’s a lot of moving parts. You want to stay close to your retailer (to maintain a handle on local fertil-

izer supplies and prices).”

Rabobank believes bearish commodity prices will have limited impact on input use short term. But longer term, farmers could reduce fertilizer applications as margin pressure increases.

“My guess is we’ll see (fertilizer) demand down a little bit,” Dillier said.

But farmers may be unwilling to slash nitrogen rates a great deal.

“It looks like we’ll have very good (crop) yields, which pulls a lot of nutrients off (the soil),” Dillier added. “So, there’s a real need to rebuild nutrient levels out there.”

Fall nutrient applications benefit pork producers, grain farmers

As farmers prepare for fall field nutrient applications, the Illinois Pork Producers Association reminds pork producers to pay attention to details when they pump manure that will be field applied as a sustainable fertilizer option.

“Manure is a good crop fertilizer product. We have better tools, better methods and training, and better science than ever for using this valuable resource,” said Ted Funk, retired University of Illinois Extension specialist and pork industry consultant.

In addition to supplying nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium for crops, manure also supplies micronutrients and organic matter that enhance crop production, Funk noted.

“Water holding capacity in the soil increases and infiltration rates improve, combining to reduce water runoff,” he said.

Those benefits add up when manure is applied at the right time with the right method and at the right amount, he added.

Funk offered the following fall tips to pork producers: • Prepare manure sample kits. Manure should be sampled annually, so contact labs early to obtain the paperwork and kits.

Use the results to update manure management plans during the winter.

• Soon after harvest, record moisture-adjusted crop yields on fields where manure regularly is spread, so those yields are entered into updated nutrient management plans.

• Work safely. Prior to pumping, Funk recommended agitating the manure to mix for uniformity. Be careful of gases that may be released. Avoid “rooster tails” above the surface when agitation first starts. Take pigs out of the building, if possible, and run ventilation fans and fresh air into the building. Watch foam for methane explosion hazards.

• Review emergency response plans before making applications. Know the process, and have phone numbers and a response pocket guide easily accessible to everyone involved with manure pumping.

• Observe biosecurity protocols when pumping and transporting manure. Equipment can carry pathogens, such as porcine epidemic diarrhea virus, so use caution when moving from farm to farm.

• Streamline the application process. Print out one field map per page, indicating where setbacks exist and what rates to use.

Drivers can sketch where applications start and stop in each field. In case of a farm inspection, regulators appreciate simple maps with clear indications of such information.

• Calibrate spreaders and record the results. Do an equipment check early in the application process. A volume/area check is good, especially if foam at the top prevents filling of tanks. Adjust and keep track of volume spread on a complete field to calculate gallons per acre used.

• Spread carcass compost once compost bins are empty. Fall is a good time to repair any leaky joints in the back of bins.

Secure compost carbon supplies for the winter, including cornstalk bales or other sources.

• Get a convenient depth measurement instrument for manure storage. Consider mapping the solids depth in pits with a laser device. For example, a pocket laser on a PVC pipe stand may be carried through the building to measure in between the slats.

• Consider installing water meters on buildings to track water use for early detection of disease or to monitor leaks related to manure storage.

For more information on manure use, visit {manurecentral.illinois.edu}.

Bond County hosts farm bill roundtable Farm Bureau members sought for advisory teams

Page 9 • Monday, September 22, 2014 • FarmWeek

Farm bill funding became the major focus of a recent Farm Bureau members roundtable discussion at interested in emerging issues Schaufine Farms, owned by have until Oct. 21 to submit Boyd Schaufelberger of applications for the Illinois Greenville in Bond County.

Farm Bureau Strength with U.S. House Ag Committee Advisory Teams (SWAT).

Chairman Frank Lucas, RThe three SWAT advisory IFB board member and a Okla., joined U.S. Reps. Rodteams are: Farming Production county Farm Bureau manager. ney Davis, R-Taylorville, and and Marketing, Local and State The manager serves in an adviJohn Shimkus, R-Collinsville, Government, and Conservasory capacity. Team members to discuss the farm bill and tion and Natural Resources. will be appointed to two-year other issues.

Teams will identify emergterms.

Lucas noted legislators ing issues and provide input to The teams meet four times faced a major issue in deterthe IFB Board of Directors on a year for one-day meetings. mining the farm bill budget. issues related to farmers, proThe first meeting will be Jan. The nation’s current debt duction practices, rural life and 29. load prompted the agriculture other agricultural-related areas.

Applicants who aren’t committee to make cuts in the The three teams will guide selected for a team may partic- farm bill to enable its passage, and direct IFB as the members ipate in an advisory capacity as he said. become experts on specific indicated by selecting specific The House cut $8 billion issues, regulations and legislaissues on the application form. from the nutrition side and tion on which they are For information, contact $15 billion from the agriculfocused. your county Farm Bureau, call ture portion of the bill.

Each team is comprised of IFB at 309-557-3929 or visit Farmers and legislators also 12 Farm Bureau members, an {www.ilfb.org/swat}. talked about the potential of separating the agricultural portion of the farm bill from nutrition programs.

Lucas said the agricultural portion of the bill would not Ticket prices before Sept. 29 have had enough support The Chicago Farmers will from urban representatives to are $30 for members and discuss economic and ecologipass, given demographic cal benefits of cover crops dur- spouses, and $50 for guests.

After that date, prices increase changes in the U.S. population. ing an Oct. 6 meeting. Dave Robison, forage and cover crop to $40 for members and manager for Legacy Seeds Inc. spouses, and $60 for guests.

To pay by check, mail payand a founding member of the ment to: The Chicago FarmMidwest Cover Crop Council, ers, c/o: Administrative will outline short- and longOffices, 19244 S. Blackhawk term benefits of cover crops.

Parkway, Unit 73, Mokena, Ill., Registration starts at 11:30 60448. a.m. followed by a noon meal Direct questions to 312and 12:30 p.m. presentation.

388-3276 or via email at The early registration deadline info@chicagofarmers.org. is Sept. 29.

BY STEPHANIE KRAUS

Chicago Farmers to focus on cover crop benefits

Get ready to report corn yields

If you’ve entered the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) 2014 National Corn Yield Contest, remember to report yields within seven days of your final yield check or by Nov. 21, whichever comes first.

NCGA moved to an online entry platform this year, but all entrants must complete one final step after submitting the online harvest form. Yields can be reported at {membership.ncga.com/Mobile/CYC/Login.html}.

Following online submission, contestants must submit a printed copy of the harvest confirmation form with the appropriate weight tickets attached for verification. Failure to do so will void entry.

Forms and other required documentation must be sent by mail to NCGA and postmarked no later than seven days after the final yield check or by Nov. 21, whichever is earlier. See complete rules at {ncga.com/for-farmers/national-corn-yieldcontest}.

Winners receive cash trips and other awards from participating sponsoring seed, chemical and crop protection companies.

Winners will also be honored in February during the 2015 Commodity Classic in Phoenix.

NREC needs your grain samples

The Illinois Nutrient Research & Education Council (NREC) funded a University of Illinois research project to assess how much nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium gets removed in harvested corn, soybeans and wheat.

U of I researchers seek harvested grain samples from around the state. Farmers may be asked to provide samples of 6 to 8 ounces of grain by grain elevators or their certified crop advisers.

This vital research project aims to ensure land-grant universities’ nutrient recommendations remain as accurate as possible to assure soil fertility and farmers’ long-term profitability.

Illinois Farm Bureau President Richard Guebert Jr., left, talks with dairy farmer Boyd Schaufelberger of Greenville and U.S. Ag Committee Chairman Frank Lucas, R-Okla. Schaufelberger recently hosted a legislative roundtable at his Bond County farm. (Photo by Adam Nielsen, IFB national legislation and policy development director)

Prior to the farm visit, Lucas and Davis toured the Mel Price Lock and Dam near Alton.

Stephanie Kraus serves as manager of Bond and Fayette County Farm Bureaus.

Cook County Exchange builds farm, food awareness FarmWeek • Page 10 • Monday, September 22, 2014

Thirty-four Cook County Farm Bureau Staff Exchange Program participants recently increased their understanding of farmers, farm businesses and food processers in the county.

The group, made up of staff members from the offices of state and county public officials, also learned about the economic impact of farming and food industries in the county.

In August, participants visited FarmedHere in Bedford Park — the nation’s only USDA-certified organic commercial vertical farm. Using aquaponics and aeroponic technology, FarmedHere grows petite salad greens, basil, mint, baby arugula and baby kale. Mariano’s, Whole Foods, Pete’s Fresh Market, Sunset Foods, Peapod and other Chicagoland stores offer produce and vinaigrettes from the farm.

Recently, the group toured Testa Produce in Chicago, a Platinum LEED-certified facility.

BY BONA HEINSOHN

The family-owned company includes four of five generations engaged in day-to-day operations.

Testa’s current facility was constructed on a brownfield site in the old Chicago Stockyards. The facility contains 180 solar panels, two bioswales (landscape elements designed to remove silt and pollution from surface runoff water) and Chicago’s first wind turbine.

The facility, which stores and distributes produce, generates 35 percent of its electrical power from renewable sources.

Participants also visited Eataly Chicago, home of the latest food craze in Chicago and the Midwest.

Founded in 2003 by Oscar Farinetti in Turin, Italy, Eataly Chicago houses 18 restaurants, three cafes and 11 “counters.� Fresh meat,

fish, cheeses, fruits and vegetables are available at the “counters.�

Participants sampled fresh produce, vegetables, salami and cheeses while discussing Eataly’s commitment to sourcing ingredients from local farmers, fishermen, butchers, bakers and cheese makers.

Since the program was founded two years ago, 75 people have participated.

Twelve of this year’s 34 participants joined the program for the first time.

Offices participating in the program included: Sen. Michael Hastings; Rep. Elaine Nekritz; County Commissioners Gregg Goslin, Elizabeth Gorman and Peter Silvestri; Board of Review Commissioner Michael Cabonargi; Water Reclamation District Commissioners Debra Shore, Kari Steele and Patrick Thompson; Sheriff Tom Dart and the Forest Preserve District.

Bona Heinsohn serves as Cook County Farm Bureau governmental affairs and public relations director.

HOW DO OUR SOYBEANS

STACK UP?

HELP US MEASURE ILLINOIS SOYBEAN COMPOSITIONAL QUALITY. We need your help with an important study on soybean value.

The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) is asking farmers in every Illinois county to provide 1 or 2 soybean samples from this year’s harvest to test protein and oil levels throughout the state. Your samples will help develop a better baseline of the compositional quality (protein and oil levels) of our soybeans that are going into the marketplace.

It’s easy and free for farmers to get involved: r *4" BTLT GPS PS TBNQMFT GSPN ZPVS GBMM IBSWFTU‡BOE BMM JOEJWJEVBM SFTVMUT XJMM CF LFQU strictly confidential r 5IFSF JT OP DPTU UP UIF GBSNFS‡BMM NBUFSJBMT SFUVSO QPTUBHF BOE UFTUJOH XJMM CF QSPWJEFE CZ *4" r 8F MM QSPWJEF ZPVS DPOãEFOUJBM JOEJWJEVBM SFTVMUT‡DPNQBSF IPX ZPVS CFBOT TUBDL VQ BHBJOTU *MMJOPJT CFBOT BU TUBUF SFHJPOBM BOE DPVOUZ MFWFMT To participate: 4JHO VQ BU *MTPZ PSH DPNQPTJUJPO RVBMJUZTVSWFZ PS DPOUBDU 1BU )FSSPO QIFSSPO!DFOUSFD DPN or (217) 352-1190).

8IFO ZPV SFHJTUFS XF MM TFOE ZPV B QBDLFU XJUI FWFSZUIJOH ZPV OFFE UP DPMMFDU BOE SFUVSO ZPVS TBNQMF T GPS UFTUJOH 8F MM SFUVSO ZPVS SFTVMUT CZ +BOVBSZ 'PS RVFTUJPOT BCPVU UIF TVSWFZ QMFBTF DPOUBDU 4IBSPO #BSE TCBSE!DFOUSFD DPN PS -FF 4JOHMFUPO (lsingleton@centrec.com) or call (217) 352-1190.

We know harvest is a busy time and sincerely appreciate your help with this important effort.

LEARN MORE: ILSOY.ORG/COMPOSITION/QUALITYSURVEY

Don Bettenhausen, Cook County Farm Bureau Public Policy Team member, samples food at Eataly Chicago, home to 18 restaurants, three cafes and 11 “counters.� Emily Ripp, Eataly’s education and events director, hosted Bettenhausen and 33 additional Cook County Farm Bureau Staff Exchange Program participants earlier this month. (Photo by Bona Heinsohn, Cook County Farm Bureau)

Early termination for certain CRP contracts — Farmers with acres under Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) contract may apply for early contract termination. Jan. 30 marks the deadline to request early CRP contract termination.

The effective date for early termination is no earlier than Oct. 1. The CRP contract must have been in effect for at least five years and other conditions must be met.

The 2014 farm bill identifies 10 exceptions in which land will not be eligible for the early-out provisions. For a list of exceptions, view the fact sheet online at {fsa. usda.gov/Internet/FSA_File /crp_opt_out_fact_sht.pdf}.

Once the Farm Service Agency (FSA) county committee approves a CRP contract termination request, that decision cannot be reversed and the contract cannot be reinstated. Farmers must meet conservation compliance provisions for all land that will be returned to production.

For information or to

Farm Service Agency

deter mine eligibility, contact your local FSA office.

NAP application closing dates — Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) applications are due at different times, depending on the crop being insured.

Remaining 2014 application deadlines include: • Sept. 30 for mechanically harvested forage, grazed forage and fall-seeded small grains; • Nov. 20 for biannual and perennial crops, such as apples, asparagus, blueberries, caneberries, cherries, grapes, nectarines, peaches, pears, plums, rhubarb and strawberries; and • Dec. 1 for honey.

Farmers should apply for NAP coverage using form CCC-471 (Application for Coverage). Related service fees are due when the application is filed, and the application and service fee must be filed by the crop sales closing date.

Contact your local FSA office for the filing dates for specific crops.

Page 11 • Monday, September 22, 2014 • FarmWeek

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Nelson, Kelley receive Illinois 4-H alumni awards

FarmWeek • Page 12 • Monday, September 22, 2014

Two Illinois Farm Bureau members recently earned Illinois 4-H Alumni Awards.

Philip Nelson, immediate past Illinois Farm Bureau president, and Dan Kelley, immediate past GROWMARK Inc. president, received the honors from the Illinois 4-H Foundation for exceptional contributions to 4-H. Nelson belonged to the Miller Township 4-H Club in LaSalle County for 10 years. A fourth-generation

owner and operator of the grain and livestock farm where he grew up, Nelson’s early 4-H experiences provided him with valuable leadership skills and laid the foundation for his life of service to the agri- Philip Nelson culture industry.

He served as Illinois Farm Bureau

Cancer patients receive 1,600 hats Wayne County Farm Bureau Young Leader Committee members recently teamed with Fairfield Memorial Hospital (FMH) to collect 1,600 hats for area cancer patients.

The “Hats On for Cancer” project began in early summer with a goal of collecting 1,000 hats by Aug. 15.

“Many people have extra hats hanging in their closet that they do not wear, and most likely will never wear,” commented Jamie Jones, Young Leader committee chairman. “We thought it was time we put those unused hats to good use.”

Volunteers at FMH collected hats at information desks in the Medical Arts Complex as well as the main entrance to the hospital. The Wayne County Farm Bureau office also served as a collection site.

Hats will be distributed to those in need through Cancer Care Specialists located in FMH’s Medical Arts Complex.

Patients can look through the blue totes, and find a hat or cap that suits them.

“Fairfield Memorial Hospital was pleased to partner in this venture to support patients in their need while going through treatments. Our community is always giving when there is a need, and the success of this collection is a testimonial of how supportive our community truly is,” said Katherine BuntingWilliams, Ph.D., FMH CEO.

BY DOUG ANDERSON

Doug Anderson serves as Wayne County Farm Bureau manager.

We

d e e N

! u Yo

See

Great

Things

For Agriculture!

Illinois Farm Bureau

ACTION TEAMs Don’t have a crystal ball? You don’t need one! The special skills you bring to the table can create great things for agriculture. Twice a year, you meet with team members from around the state to develop a plan for a statewide project. If approved, your idea is set into action to produce results for Farm Bureau and agriculture.

Work magic with a team that matches your interests.

Choose from Quality of Life, Consumer Outreach, Membership Promotion, or Leadership Development.

Applications are available at your county Farm Bureau. Return by Nov. 24.

MA333T4

president from 200313 and as IFB vice president from 1999 to 2003.

Nelson used his IFB leadership roles to serve as a tireless advocate for 4-H. Kelley of Normal belonged to the LinDan Kelley den Lead ‘Em 4-H Club in McLean County for 10 years.

A grain farmer, Kelley served as GROWMARK president from 1995 to 2013.

He said he clearly remembers the inspiration and insight of his 4-H leader, Clarence Ropp.

Upon Ropps’ retirement, Kelley volunteered to serve as an assistant leader, a role he filled for 23 years.

Kelley said he is proud to have been a part of 86-year-old Linden Lead ‘Em’s legacy.

Quincy-based group receives USDA grant

USDA Rural Development awarded the Great River Economic Development Foundation, based in Quincy, a $58,900 Rural Business Enterprise Grant to provide technical assistance services to rural small businesses within a recently designated USDA Great Region.

The foundation will use grant funds on services to retain and expand existing businesses, attract new businesses, and stimulate and help small businesses and entrepreneurship development.

Those services include business counseling and help with business plans, financial analysis, planning and site selection, developing and coordinating business education and training opportunities with regional education and economic development partners, introductions to investors, industry contacts and potential service providers, and networking regionally

between businesses.

“Every community, every county has unique assets and strengths,” said Colleen Callahan, Illinois Rural Development director. “Focusing on shared goals and working together to overcome shared challenges is the best way to achieve the highest level of success.”

To qualify for a Great Region designation, a region must have an economic development plan in place or be developing one. In addition, the region must demonstrate an interest in increasing collaboration across counties and institutions.

In 2013, the Tri-State Development Summit that serves 35 counties in Illinois, Iowa and Missouri was named a Great Region by those states’ Rural Development state directors.

The foundation became eligible for the Great Regions support because Adams County is part of the Tri-State Development Summit.

Page 13 • Monday, September 22, 2014 • FarmWeek

C

OOK — Farm Bureau will sponsor a giant pumpkin contest from 9 to 11 a.m. Oct. 25 at Puckerville Farms in Lemont. Full details and registration are available at {cookcfb.org/events}.

• Farm Bureau will host “Thank the Farmer” events from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 5 at Culver’s in Tinley Park and Matteson. Meet local farmers and help support the Foundation. For more information, visit {culvers.com}.

ANCOCK — Members may register to win a farm first aid kit during National Farm Safety and Health Week from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. this Monday through Friday at the Farm Bureau office. For more information call the Farm Bureau office at 357-3141.

ERCER — Farm Bureau will co-sponsor a women’s marketing workshop from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 3 at Monsanto Agronomy Center in Monmouth. Naomi Blohm, Stewart-Peterson, will speak. Call the Farm Bureau office at 582-5116 for reservations by

H

M

P

Saturday. Space is limited.

IKE — Farm Bureau is accepting applications for a part-time position in Pike and Scott County as agriculture literacy coordinator. A bachelor’s degree is required.

Email pikecfb@pikecfb.org for more information.

COTT — Farm Bureau is accepting applications for a part-time position in Pike and Scott County as agriculture literacy coordinator. A bachelor’s degree is required.

Email pikecfb@pikecfb.org for more information.

AYNE — Farm Bureau will co-sponsor a flu shot clinic from 1 to 3 p.m. Tuesday at the Farm Bureau office. Most insurance, Medicare and Medicaid will be accepted. Members will receive a free gift for participating. No appointment is needed. Call the Farm Bureau office at 8423342 for more information.

S

W

“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.

FARM FIELD TRIP

Moline farm hosts Vilsack for conservation announcement

Rock Island County farmers David and Tamara Erickson apply Conservation Stewardship Program practices on their Moline farm. Last week, they discussed those benefits with U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, whom the Ericksons hosted for an announcement of $15.7 million in Conservation Innovation Grants.

Two of 47 grant recipients nationwide may work with Illinois farmers. The National Corn Growers Association received $998,000 to develop soil management recommendations for farmers and to increase their use through demonstration farms.

The National Association of Conservation Districts received $750,000 to document and promote the benefits of soil health management.

USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service funds the grants through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program.

Recipients must work with farmers and forestland owners to develop and demonstrate new conservation technologies

Milan farmer Nick Erickson, far left, shows U.S. Rep. Cheri Bustos, DEast Moline, Illinois Department of Agriculture director Bob Flider and U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack soil cores from the Erickson farm last week. Vilsack announced funding of conservation innovation grants nationwide during a visit to the Rock Island County farm. (Photo courtesy of The Dispatch/Rock Island Argus)

and practices. At least half of projects’ total cost must come

from nonfederal matching funds.

Looking for a Convenient Supply of DEF?

Farmer Jeff O’Connor, center, talks about his corn crop with nonfarm guests at his Kankakee County farm. He recently hosted 15 people as part of a tour aimed at sharing information about crop production, conservation methods, advanced technology, and differences between GMO and nonGMO crops. Tour participants also visited with John Lilienthal, a Pioneer seed sales representative, and Paula Karlock, Kankakee County Farm Bureau vice president and Agriculture in the Classroom Committee chairperson. (Photo by Chad Miller, Kankakee County Farm Bureau manager)

When it comes to the success of your operation, you can rely on your local FS energy specialists. If your new equipment uses diesel exhaust fluid (DEF), your local FS Co-op and participating FAST STOP® locations have just what you need – convenient supply. From packaged or bulk DEF to even the dispensing equipment, FS has the products and the knowledgeable experts to help you go further.

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Tuesday: • FarmWeek: “The Early Word” • Jim Angel, Illinois State Water Survey • Lauren Lurkins, Illinois Farm Bureau director of natural and environmental resources: CAFO rules Wednesday: • Jennifer Tirey, Illinois Department of Agriculture: TriNational Accord • Linda Drendel, Illinois Farm Families host, and Heather Guido, Field Mom: Field Mom tour • Sabrina Burkiewicz, IFB

promotion manager: Social Media Day Thursday: • Harry Cooney, GROWMARK: energy update • Tom Kelley, Syngenta: Clinton research and development facility field research Friday: • Sara Wyant, Agri-Pulse • Marsha Salzwedel, National Children’s Center for Rural and Agricultural Health and Safety: debunking myths of children on the farm • “Horse Talk” To find a radio station near you that carries RFD Radio Network, go to FarmWeek Now.com, click on “Radio,” then click on “Affiliates.”

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Go further. ©2012 GROWMARK, Inc. A13242

Scan the QR code to visit us on the web or go to www.GofurtherwithFS.com

FarmWeek • Page 14 • Monday, September 22, 2014

Soy/corn ratio to dictate marketing plans going forward

Row crop harvest is upon us, and crops are yielding record bounties. As stocks begin to swell, it looks as if corn production will easily clear 14 billion bushels and soybean output will approach the 4 billion bushel mark.

Prices were guided by the anticipation of big crops and sagged steadily through the summer. Even with the promise of a bumper bean crop, the oilseed has maintained a hefty premium over corn. More than ever, marketing plans should take into account commodity-specific influences as producers adjust to manage a set of structurally lower value ranges for both corn and soybeans.

Joe Camp Producers responded in a big way to a lofty soybean/corn price ratio when they planted this year’s crops. A record 84.8 million acres were planted to soybeans, while corn acres were reduced by 4 million acres from the previous year.

Analysts are already calling for additional acreage to switch in 2015. As soybean acres continue to grow not only in the U.S. but also in South America, we

BY JOE CAMP

may see a string of consecutive planting records.

Planting intentions for the next crop may weigh on soybean prices down the road, but near-term price guidance will be dictated by harvest progress and the pace of sales made by producers. Soybeans are likely to be marketed promptly at harvest as producers fill their bins to capacity with corn.

While supply-side influences are working to adjust the bean/corn ratio downward, demand is competing to prop up the premium paid to soy. For corn, domestic usage has featured some plateauing as of late; for soybeans, demand is seemingly insatiable.

With the ethanol industry having matured and livestock inventories slumping, exports are left to make up for a potentially burdensome growth of corn stocks.

Soybeans benefit from an expanding domestic crush industry and solid demand from China. U.S. meal sales are already running nearly triple the pace of recent years.

In respect to commodity-specific marketing considerations, look for record stocks to keep a lid on corn and soybean prices through the calendar year.

Corn will fill bins as producers dig in and wait for better prices, so expect to see corn hold up better relative to soybeans as harvest winds down.

In the long-run, keep in mind soybeans will enjoy support from a strong demand profile. Corn usage will remain tentative as ethanol production peaks and livestock herds begin the slow rebuilding process.

Remember, the window is likely closing as far as the potential for better corn basis goes. We may see some slight improvement into the year’s end if producers remain stingy with corn sales. Comfortable stocks ultimately keep a lid on big basis gains.

Good export demand may continue to prop up soybean basis in the near term, but selling pressure will continue to run heavy and weigh on basis. Freight congestion this fall may be a savior for cash prices, but export sales will have to keep their strong pace.

The recent decoupling of corn and soybean prices is not an aberration. Marketing decisions must be made in the reflection of a historically sturdy soybean/corn ratio.

That ratio is likely to give in some as a result of harvest pressures and storage considerations, but the era of soy is here to stay, and the market will continue to reward the commodity with relative premium. Plan accordingly.

Joe Camp serves as AgriVisor risk management specialist.

His email address is jcamp@mid-co.com.

USDA cattle on feed report neutral; price gains still possible

BY DANIEL GRANT FarmWeek Cattle inventory estimates released Friday proved generally in line with trade expectations.

But cattle prices, which already hit record levels in recent months, still could climb higher in the fourth quarter based on seasonal patterns, according to Derrell Peel, Oklahoma State University ag economist.

“This has been an incredible year. The market continues to defy all expectations,” Peel told FarmWeek. “Typically, we see season strength in the fourth

quarter. I think that’s very possible (this year).”

October live cattle prices Friday hovered around $155 per hundredweight. A key driver of the high prices centers on historically low inventory levels.

The inventory of cattle and calves on feed as of Sept. 1 totaled 9.799 million head, down 1 percent from a year ago.

Placements in feedlots (1.72 million head) declined 3 percent in August, while marketings of fed cattle for the month

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) $38.50-$55.86 $45.54 40 lbs. (cash) $73.00-$88.50 $81.54 Receipts

This Week 102,771 *Eastern Corn Belt prices picked up at seller’s farm

Last Week 91,213

Eastern Corn Belt direct hogs (plant delivered) Carcass Live

(Prices $ per hundredweight) This week Prev. week Change $99.77 $96.38 $3.39 $73.83 $71.32 $2.51

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

Steers Heifers

This week $153.75 $153.75

Prev. week $157.91 $158.12

Change -$4.16 -$4.37

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 $230.28 $227.74 $2.54

Lamb prices Negotiated, wooled and shorn, 80-160 lbs. for 143-169.97 $/cwt. (wtd. ave. 156.74)

Export inspections (Million bushels) Week ending Soybeans Wheat Corn 9/11/2014 9.4 20.0 29.2 9/04/2014 6.4 19.6 47.1 Last year 3.0 46.5 20.2 Season total 12.3 279.8 57.7 Previous season total 4.8 421.6 28.4 USDA projected total 1700 900 1750 Crop marketing year began June 1 for wheat and Sept. 1 for corn and soybeans.

FarmWeekNow.com

Go to FarmWeekNow.com for analysis and details of the latest cattle on feed report.

totaled 1.69 million head, down 10 percent from the same time last year.

Both the marketings and feedlot placement estimates were the lowest in August since the USDA statistical series began in 1996.

Imports of beef, particularly from Australia, increased 15.6 percent through mid-August compared to a year ago to help offset lower beef production in the U.S. Most of the imported product was lean grinding beef for hamburgers.

Meanwhile, consumers seem

unfazed by historically high beef prices. The value of U.S. beef exports the first half of the year reached a record $3.27 billion.

“Retail prices continue to be very, very strong,” Peel said.

“But indications are beef demand is holding up well.

“Export demand remains strong,” he continued. “Most price-sensitive people who switched from beef to a cheaper protein probably did so some time ago,” so replacement meats probably aren’t a big factor in the current beef market.

Overall, most estimates in Friday’s cattle report were in line with trade expectations except placements, which were expected to be about 1 percent lower.

“I don’t expect much of a (market) reaction” to the report, Peel added.

Harvest losses let food fall through the cracks With all the effort it takes to grow a food crop from seed to sale, it may be surprising that some Brazilian farmers lose 10 to 12 percent of their yield at various points along the post-harvest route.

According to a University of Illinois agricultural economist, when it comes to meeting the needs of the world’s growing population that’s a lot of food falling through the cracks.

Peter Goldsmith found that farm managers who are aware of the factors which contribute to post-harvest grain loss actually lose less grain.

“Clearly there are things that you can do to reduce loss — you can put bed liners in trucks, you can adjust your combine, you can harvest more slowly — but for farmers in Mato Grosso, it’s not a high priority,” said Goldsmith. “It doesn’t seem rational. If you see soybeans bouncing off your windshield from the truck ahead of you, why wouldn’t you try to prevent it? It appears farm managers in Brazil actually allow loss to happen because the cost of reducing loss is greater than the benefits.”

Goldsmith said one of the basic research questions of the ADM Institute for the Prevention of Post-harvest Loss, which funded this study, focused on why loss occurs. A discrepancy exists between the reality of the post-harvest loss and what managers believe to be acceptable loss.

For the study, an initial focus group of seven farmers was conducted to help frame the ques-

tions for an online survey. The survey respondents represent some of the largest farmers, not just in Mato Grosso, but in the world.

In tropical systems where the farming season lasts much longer than in the United States, intensive production results in two crops a year on the same plot of ground — soybeans followed by corn.

“Because they are in such a hurry to get the soybean crop harvested so they can get the maize crop planted before the rainy season, they may harvest too fast, desiccate green soybeans to advance harvest or expose soybeans to the weather during transport — all of which results in a 10 percent loss,” Goldsmith said.

“The loss isn’t intentional, but rather a level that the farm manager is willing to live with in order to get that second crop of corn.”

In addition to harvest speed, the study identified several other factors contributing to grain loss: lack of regular truck maintenance, lack of combine platform adjustment, bad weather, poor road conditions and a lack of employee training.

Goldsmith believes tropical farmers have a variety of issues at hand that trump loss.

“We may think of Brazil as sunshine and beautiful all the time, but farming is really tough in the tropics. There are pest pressures 24/7. Soils are poor. There’s an extreme rainy season. Distance to markets is great, and road conditions are very rough,” said Goldsmith.

Corn Strategy

FSA acreage data met with disbelief

It is well known that USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) uses Farm Service Agency (FSA) acreage data to adjust its acreage forecasts in the October crop report.

While the FSA data accounts for all the acres of crops within the government’s farm programs, there is still a moderate amount of acreage planted to crops not in the farm program. Hence, FSA acreage is still only a guideline to gauge total plantings.

The agency started releasing this data in 2011, offering a preliminary report the middle of every month with the final report coming in January. It did provide the final data for four earlier years when it started issuing these monthly reports in 2011.

Which brings us to the Sept.

16 FSA preliminary acreage report. It was roundly met with disbelief because the numbers were so far below conceivable expectations (see chart).

NASS forecast the planting of all crops in major corn states to increase this year. The September FSA report projected them to decline.

During the few years we have available, the difference has mostly been 60 to 62 million acres. The difference from NASS’ June 30 report and this year’s September FSA report was 68 million acres.

Talk that circulated suggested the FSA data input may be lagging this year with its focus on administration of livestock disaster relief, mostly in western states. But the number of farms reported in September was more than the number put in the last two years, although it’s not clear how accurate that data is either.

Nevertheless, we do know the NASS June 30 forecast of the total acreage planted to all crops, along with CRP and preliminary prevent plant data, was 2 million more than it was last year.

Given this year’s lower insurance guarantees, for corn in particular, and high input costs, one would expect more of the marginal acres might not have been planted. That would suggest total acreage should have declined somewhat, not increased.

One widely followed private analyst believes corn acreage could still come down 2 million with soybean plantings dropping more than 1.25 million. It takes a 2-bushel increase in corn yields and more than a half-bushel increase in soybean yields to offset that level of change.

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ü2013 crop: Prices appear to be starting the process of building a base. In a few months, they will be significantly higher. At this point, if you still have old crop, storing it for the long haul will pay dividends. ü2014 crop: With each passing day, the move down only gets more overdone. At this point, it’s a situation of changing the emotional makeup of the market. It should pay to store corn commercially unless the storage rates available to you are unreasonably high. Next winter/spring, we expect to see some $4 cash corn. If you need to price corn by early post-harvest, use a move to $3.65 to make needed sales. If you need to move corn at harvest, make sure you have the basis locked up. vFundamentals: The belief that yields will get bigger, but acres cannot decline much illustrates how entrenched negative psychology has become. Still, traditional buyers are starting to acknowledge the value. Mexico bought 375,936 tons of corn last week.

Page 15 • Monday, September 22, 2014 • FarmWeek Cents per bu.

Soybean Strategy

ü2013 crop: There were still some big old-crop premiums last week, but they started to dissipate fast with the weather. By this week, they may be all but gone. ü2014 crop: November futures may not have seen a low yet, but downside risk has gotten very small. While the big crop may cap upside potential, demand should still pull prices up into winter. Target a move at $10.50 to $10.80 on November futures to resume sales. Basis may be at its best over the next month. As futures rally, basis may weaken somewhat. ü2015 crop: The first 15 percent of the 2015 crop was priced at $12.07 basis November 2015 futures. vFundamentals: The trade wants to talk up the big crop, and possible problems storing all the grain this fall. But for soybeans, demand for exports and processing should be more aggressive than ever before to fill orders for soybean and soybean meal exports. Historically, soybean demand tends to outpace early forecasts.

Wheat Strategy

ü2014 crop: Chicago wheat has failed to maintain support at $5. Consider making catch-up sales if the December contract rebounds to the $5.40 to $5.50 range. ü2015 crop: A whole growing season is ahead for the winter crop. Better opportunities are likely for 2015 sales. vFundamentals: World prices continue to slide lower and U.S. wheat remains uncompetitive. A strengthening dollar is making matters worse for exporters. Trade

business is back in the European Union where wheat prices have also dropped to new lows. Exporters, like France, are competing not with the U.S., but rather with weak currencies in Ukraine and Russia. Analysts are projecting total wheat production in the EU to rise to a record 153 million metric tons (mmt) compared to USDA’s estimate of 151 mmt. The market is still in the process of pricing in expectations for a big world wheat crop. When selling pressures subside, users will find value and sales will pick up again.

FarmWeek • Page 16 • Monday, September 22, 2014

A message to EPA: Ditch the Rule

Tornado debris dotted a cornfield near Washington last November. This month, the Farm Service Agency encourages farmers to prepare for natural disasters and other emergencies. (FarmWeek file photo)

Best time to prepare for emergency is now

As state executive director of Illinois Farm Service Agency (FSA), I have traveled around this great state and have personally seen the resilience of our farmers. I have watched them rebuild from natural disasters and bounce back from the harsh blows dealt by Mother Nature.

FSA plays an active role in aiding farmers during such hardships. We do a good job of caring for the constituents we serve.

However, we all should do a better job of preparing for disasters, especially the ones that put our families at serious risk.

September is National Preparedness Month, and FSA is participating in America’s PrepareAthon by sharing tips to educate local communities about the importance of emergency preparedness. Sept. 30 is a national day of action.

The event, hosted by the Ready Campaign and SCHERRIE GIAMANCO Citizen Corps, is a monthlong effort to encourage households, businesses and communities to prepare and plan for emergencies.

You must be prepared for an emergency that may force you to be self-reliant for three or more days because of lost electricity, contaminated water supplies or cutoff roads. At times, you may not have access to police, fire or rescue. What will you do in those situations?

During this month, our focus is turning awareness into action by encouraging communities and individuals nationwide to make an emergency preparedness plan. In 2012, the U.S. suffered more than 450 weather-related fatalities and nearly 2,600 injuries, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency. However, as few as 39 percent of individuals reported having an adequate household emergency plan.

Start preparing with four important steps.

1. Stay informed. Information is available from federal, state and local resources. Access the {Ready.gov} website to learn what to do before, during and after an emergency.

2. Make a plan. Discuss, agree on and document an emergency plan with those in your care. Visit {Ready.gov} for sample plans. Work together with neighbors and others to build community resilience.

3. Build a kit. Keep enough emergency supplies — water, nonperishable food, first aid, prescriptions, flashlight and battery-powered radio on hand — for you and those in your care.

4. Get involved. You’ll find many ways to get involved especially before a disaster occurs. A whole community can participate in programs and activities to make their families, homes and churches safer from risks and threats. Community leaders agree the formula consists of volunteers, a trained and informed public, and increased support of emergency responders during disasters.

We know all too often that emergency situations do not wait for us to be ready. Prepare now. Take action. Make plans so your family, neighbors and communities will be ready for any natural disaster.

Scherrie Giamanco serves as Illinois FSA state executive director.

A comedian once asked why we drive on parkways and park on driveways. Let me tell you about another semantic mystery: waterways.

They aren’t always what they seem either — and yet they’re at the center of a new push by federal regulators to gain more control over farmland and other pieces of private property.

The confusion began earlier this year. “We’re proposing a Clean Water Act rule that clarifies which waters are protected — with an eye toward those critical waters upstream,” wrote Gina McCarthy, head of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in March.

DAN Whether the proposed rule KELLEY clarifies anything is an open question. Presented jointly by the EPA and the Army Corps of Engineers, it takes up 88 pages of small print in the Federal Register.

Those 88 pages of obscure technicalities and administrative legalisms may provide clarity for bureaucrats. For the rest of us, however, they’re as murky as a swamp.

And that brings us to “waterways.”

When people read that word, they think of moving bodies of water: rivers, streams, creeks and so on. Yet this is not what they are, or at least not what farmers mean when we use the word. To us, “waterways” are intermittent channels that fill and flow during torrential downpours.

So, that’s the first thing to know about “waterways.”

They’re almost always dry.

They become wet only once or twice a year when the rain falls so heavily that the soil can’t absorb all of the moisture. The result is runoff — and the rise of a temporary “waterway” that carries the water downstream before drying up again.

A well-maintained “waterway” is an important part of sustainable agriculture. It prevents soil erosion and helps us grow more food on less land. We work hard to make our “waterways” work well, mowing them several times each summer and reshaping them with earthmoving equipment every three to five years.

Most start out as natural features that follow the contours of the land, but almost all are improved by human intervention.

Out of habit, we continue to call them “waterways,” but they are probably better understood as “erosion-control structures.”

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The main objective of the proposed rule is to let the EPA and Army Corps of Engineers exert greater authority over the country’s water supply, including seasonal streams and wetlands.

Officials insist their aims are limited, but farmers like me are skeptical. We’re worried that as regulators apply their new rules, they’ll define “waterways” in a manner that allows them to reach onto our farms, disrupting our safe practices and making it more costly to grow food.

This could become a case study in the law of unintended consequences: Well-meaning regulators try to clarify the meaning of “waterways,” but wind up raising the price of food without improving anybody’s health or safety. Moreover, if the regulatory burden of “waterways” grows too heavy, it will create perverse incentives for farmers to become less concerned about the threat of soil erosion.

A couple of weeks ago, Sen. Mark Kirk of Illinois met with a group of farmers in my area to learn more about the proposed rule, and I showed him one of the “waterways” on my farm. As we stood in the middle of this “waterway,” I explained its purpose. Our feet stayed dry the whole time.

There’s nothing like firsthand observation.

With that in mind, I’d like to invite regulators from the EPA and the Army Corps of Engi-

neers to visit my farm as well — and to discover that “waterways” may not be what they imagine them to be when they write their rules from their offices in Washington, D.C. We all want clean water. We also want common sense regulations that allow farmers and others to go about their work in ways that are both economically and environmentally sustainable.

Joining others across the U.S., I am adding my voice in a direct message to the EPA: “Ditch the Rule.” Let’s have rules that protect our lakes and rivers and other important bodies of water — and let’s leave these “waterways” out of it.

Dan Kelley grows corn and soybeans on a family farm near Normal. He volunteers as a board member for Truth About Trade & Technology (www.truthabout trade.org).

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