May 27 2013

PRAIRIE FARMS DAIRY, Carlinville, next month will host numerous events to honor both the cooperative’s 75th anniversary and June Dairy Month. .............................5

SOUTHERN ILLINOIS Wheat Tour participants last week reported most of the state’s crop looks g ood, but it won’t quite measure up to last year’s crop. ......7

THE FARM COUPLE THAT hosted several Illinois Farm Families field moms recently didn’t try to convince their visitors to change their views. .......................................11

Could Senate action undermine conservation?

Monday, May 27, 2013

BY MARTIN ROSS FarmWeek

One of a volley of attacks on crop insurance landed last week as the Senate targeted premium subsidies for what Illinois’ senior senator termed the nation’s “wealthiest farmers.”

Work continued on a Senate farm bill package Friday, with completion expected next week. Congress must promptly enact “a five-year, stable government program that’s going to stabilize (ag) markets,”

Two sections Volume 41, No. 21

Belleville Democrat House Ag Committee member William Enyart told FarmWeek.

However, led by Springfield Democrat Sen. Dick Durbin and Sen. Tom Coburn (ROkla.), the Senate voted to limit federal crop premium subsidies available to farmers with three-year average adjusted gross incomes above $750,000. Sen. Mark Kirk, a Highland Park Republican, supported Durbin’s amendment.

Senate Ag Committee

BEGINNING BEANS

Chairman Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) warned the measure would reduce crop insurance participation and undermine new provisions that would link conservation compliance to crop insurance support.

“We are disappointed that the Durbin amendment passed, and that both Durbin and Senator Kirk voted in support of this in light of the concerns we have tried to convey about the importance of crop insurance as a risk management tool,” Illinois Farm

Bureau President Philip Nelson said. “We feel this could have a significant impact on crop insurance.”

Income-targeted producers would see a 15 percent reduction in premium subsidies, or, according to IFB National Legislative Director Adam Nielsen, a 40 percent increase in farmer-paid premiums.

“How could that not affect participation in the program?”

Nielsen posed.

Durbin argued that amid major cuts in entitlement and social programs in the farm bill, he was “asking a little bit of sacrifice from 20,000 of the wealthiest farmers out of 2 million.”

Senators earlier rejected a proposal to restore some $4 billion in proposed cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) “food stamp” program, at the expense of added funding meant to bolster crop insurance.

Farm Bureau reached agreement with environmental and

conservation groups to keep the income “means testing” amendment out of the Senate Ag Committee’s farm bill draft in exchange for supporting conservation compliance requirements. But Nielsen said “there was no talking (Durbin) out of his amendment” once the bill reached the Senate floor.

Nielsen suggests “there will be just as challenging an environment in the House in terms of (farm bill) amendments, if not more.” However, Enyart said he hopes his colleagues will recognize farmers’ need for crop insurance and “what it does for the stability of (commodity) pricing, what it does for markets as a whole.”

Crop insurance attacks are coming from “both the right and the left,” Nielsen said.

President Obama has recommended crop insurance cuts, and conservative budget hawks have eyed insurance spending for further deficit savings.

mise concealed-carry measure sponsored by Rep. Brandon Phelps (D-Harrisburg). Phelps’ proposal would address many concerns raised during the last several months.

IFB supports SB 2193 because IFB policy maintains qualified citizens should be granted permits to carry concealed firearms provided an appropriate application process is in place, Semlow noted.

As proposed, the bill would have the Illinois State Police

administer the program and issue carry permits for qualified applicants. The license would be issued within 90 days of a completed and approved application and would be valid for five years.

Applicants must be at least 21 years old, have a valid firearm owner’s identification (FOID) card, and have completed 16 or more hours of firearms education and training. That includes classroom

Illinois House passes concealed-carry bill

Bill Stoll checks his last pass as he begins planting soybeans in a field near Chestnut. Stoll of Mt. Pulaski in Logan County finished planting corn early last week. He farms with his son, Jacob. He said he had about 900 acres remaining to plant. (Photo by Ken Kashian)

Periodicals: Time Valued

Illinois Farm Bureau last week issued an action alert asking members to oppose Senate attempts to reduce crop insurance premium assistance, eliminate premium assistance for policies with a harvest price option, or publicize names of policyholders.

BY KAY SHIPMAN FarmWeek

The Illinois House Friday overwhelmingly passed legislation establishing requirements for legal carrying of concealed weapons in Illinois and sent the bill to the Senate. The compromise proposal passed with an 85-30 vote. One representative voted present.

Lawmakers face other pressures during the final scheduled week of session before adjournment Friday. At presstime, neither the House

nor the Senate had released any budget bills, and negotiations were ongoing, said Kevin Semlow, Illinois Farm Bureau director of state legislation.

Semlow said insiders speculate the two chambers’ budgets are getting close on restoring key areas that the governor originally proposed to be cut, such as education funding, but there would still be reductions.

Lawmakers are expected to agree on a budget plan by Friday, he added.

SB 2193 includes a compro-

FarmWeek on the web: FarmWeekNow.com

See Senate, page 4

See House, page 3

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

Quick Takes

MARKETS

FarmWeek Page 2 Monday, May 27, 2013

WEATHER BLAMED FOR TURKEY SEASON — Cold, wet weather was blamed for turkey hunters bag ging fewer birds this spring, according to Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) staff.

IDNR last week reported a preliminary count of 14,133 turkeys were shot compared with 15,941 the previous spring season. Jo Daviess County topped the list for the most turkeys bag ged with 552.

MILK PETITION — The federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is asking for public comments on a citizen petition to change labeling r ules for f lavored milk and 17 other milk and cream products. The petition was submitted by the National Milk Producers Federation and the International Dairy Foods Association.

It requests FDA amend its “milk standard of identity” to allow optional characterizing of flavoring ingredients used in milk, such as chocolate f lavoring, to be sweetened with any “safe and suitable” sweetener.

The change would not require milk with nonnutritive sweeteners to have to include a nutrient content claim, such as “low sugar” in the product name. Non-nutritive sweeteners still would be included in the list of ingredients on the product label.

ANTI-BIOTECH MARCH — Quad Cities critics of ag biotechnolog y participated over the weekend in a reportedly global “March Against Monsanto.”

Protestors in 36 countries planned a coordinated march against the St. Louis corporation. The Davenport march began at the Davenport Federal Building; co-org anizer Emily Skelton suppor ts national biotech food labeling, arguing “I don’t want to do hours of research to know what is safe to eat.”

Pa u l A n d e r s o n , e xe c u t ive d i r e c t o r w i t h t h e Danforth Plant Science Center Institute for International Crop Improvement, questions antibiotech sentiments.

He told Far mWeek “brainless anti-tech people” have contributed to stalling the release of products such as genetically engineered “golden rice,” which with elevated beta carotene levels c o u l d h e l p a l l e v i a t e j u ve n i l e b l i n d n e s s i n t h e developing world.

“They love beating on this one,” said Anderson, whose institute is looking at nutritional and agronomic improvements in Third World crops.

(ISSN0197-6680) Vol. 41 No. 21

May 27, 2013

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

FarmWeek is produced by the Illinois Farm Bureau.

FarmWeek is published each week, except the Mondays following Thanksgiving and Christmas, by the Illinois Agricultural Association, 1701 Towanda Avenue, P.O. Box 2901, Bloomington, IL 61701. Illinois Agricultural Association assumes no responsibility for statements by advertisers or for products or services advertised in FarmWeek.

FarmWeek is published by the Illinois Agricultural Association for farm operator members. $3 from the individual membership fee of each of those members go toward the production of FarmWeek.

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

Farmland prices moderate in Midwest after incredible three-year run

BY DANIEL GRANT FarmWeek

The drop in crop prices in recent months apparently took some steam out of the farmland market.

First quarter surveys of ag bankers conducted by the Federal Reserve Banks of Chicago and St. Louis showed slower growth and even a decline in farmland prices in some areas.

The value of good farmland in the northern twothirds of Illinois increased 5 percent in the first quarter.

Elsewhere, farmland values in the first quarter increased a modest 4 percent in Indiana and 3 percent in Iowa while values were flat in Wisconsin.

This comes just one year after the value of excellent farmland in Illinois jumped 21 percent (from 2011 to 2012) to a record-high average of $11,400 per acre, according to the Illinois Society of Professional Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers.

In fact, the value of prime farmland exhibited double-digit increases each of the previous three years in Illinois.

“There definitely is a feeling among bankers that lower crop prices are contributing to a moderation of farmland values,” David Oppedahl, business economist with the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, told FarmWeek.

The newfound pressure on

farmland values during the first quarter was most obvious in eastern Missouri and Southern Illinois.

‘We still could have bumper c r o p s. T h a t ’s weighing on the markets.’

— David Oppedahl Business economist

The St. Louis Federal Reserve Bank’s quarterly ag finance monitor showed quality farmland prices in the first quarter actually decreased 2.3 percent, to an average of $5,111 per acre, compared to the fourth quarter of 2012.

“It appears banker expectations for future land value increases have moderated somewhat,” authors of the report noted.

Lower crop prices are a major influence on farmland prices in Illinois as about 70 percent of farmland is purchased by farmers.

“There is some concern about late planting lowering potential yields,” Oppedahl said. “But with a large amount of acres, we still could have bumper crops. That’s weighing on the (crop) markets.”

Cash rental rates for agricultural land in 2013 were up 9 percent from 2012 in the northern two-thirds of the state, the Chicago Federal Reserve Bank reported.

But lower crop prices are expected to pressure cash rents in the future as well.

New swine virus confirmed in Illinois

The virus can be devastating to individual USDA last week announced cases of a new operations, but it’s not something to get overly swine virus were confirmed in Illinois. concerned about, according to The virus — porcine epiJohn Clifford, USDA chief vetdemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) erinarian.

— also has been confirmed in ‘ We d o n ’ t t h i n k “We don’t think that this swine herds in Iowa and Indiana. It is the first time the dis- that this should should be a disease that’s quarantined,” Clifford said. “And we ease has been found in the b e a d i s e a s e don’t think states should take U.S. t h a t ’ s q u a r a n - action against this.”

Mortality rates associated Clifford also believes the with PEDV are 1 to 3 percent tined.’ finding of PEDV shouldn’t disin feeder pigs but much higher rupt trade or domestic demand (50 to 80 percent) for baby pigs. for pork. PEDV is not a threat Symptoms for farmers to — John Clifford USDA chief veterinarian to food safety and does not watch for are vomiting and spread to humans or other anidiarrhea in baby pigs. mal species.

If the symptoms exist, farmers PEDV previously was found should contact a veterinarian as in Asia, Canada, and Europe. soon as possible.

Tuesday: • Ag weather with Chesapeake Meteorology.

• Ross Prough, at-large director for the Illinois Soybean Association.

• Mike Toohey, president and CEO of the Waterways Council • Dick Steffen, professor of agricultural education at Illinois State University.

Wednesday: • Tim Schweizer, Illinois Depart-

ment of Natural Resources.

• Sandra Miniutti, vice president of marketing and CFO for Charity Navigator.

• Susan Moore, director of the IAA Foundation.

• K e v i n Ya t e s , p r e s i d e n t o f Siemens’ low and medium voltage division.

Thursday: • Kay Carnes, president of the Illinois Herb Association.

• Joe Kath, Illinois’ endangered species manager.

Friday: • Sara Wyant, Agri-Pulse publisher.

• John Hagenbuch, livestock farmer from Utica.

• Doug Kamholz, Illinois State Fair Museum Foundation.

• Troy Frerichs, Country Financial’s senior investment officer in wealth management.

To find a radio station near you that carries the RFD Radio Network, go to FarmWeekNow.com, click on “Radio,” then click on “Affiliates.”

STATE

Page 3 Monday, May 27, 2013 FarmWeek

Federal aid approved for more counties

Disaster aid sought for local governments Federal disaster assistance last week was approved for 14 of 16 counties included in a second state request. Ongoing flood damage assessment is expected to conclude this week in 22 remaining counties, a spokesman for the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) told FarmWeek.

The 14 counties are: Bureau, Crawford, Henderson, Knox, Livingston, Marshall, Mason, McDonough, Peoria, Rock Island, Schuyler, Stark, Tazewell, and Woodford. They join 11 counties that were approved May 10.

Gov. Pat Quinn last week also applied for federal reimbursement of flood-related expenses for local governments in 25 counties.

Those counties are: Adams, Bureau, Clark, Cook, Crawford, DuPage, Fulton, Grundy, Henderson, Kendall,

Knox, Lake, LaSalle, Livingston, Marshall, Mason, McHenry, Mercer, Ogle, Pike, Putnam, Rock Island, Stark, Warren, and Woodford.

Local expenses totaled an estimated $40.4 million, and local governments may be reimbursed for 75 percent of eligible expenses, such as repair or replacement of damaged public property, if federal aid is approved.

State officials indicated they will try to learn why federal aid was not approved in the state’s initial request for Putnam and Warren counties and if anything further is needed, said Patti Thompson, IEMA spokesman.

Quinn’s request for federal assistance was supported by U.S. Sens. Dick Durbin, a Springfield Democrat, Mark Kirk, a Highland Park Republican, and the state’s entire congressional delegation.

In addition to the 14 counties above, federal assistance also is available for residents of Cook, DeKalb, DuPage, Fulton, Grundy, Kane,

Kendall, Lake, LaSalle, McHenry, and Will counties.

The widespread scope of the flood and number of counties impacted made damage assessment a major undertaking.

“It’s probably one of the largest (disaster assessments) I remember,” Thompson said. “We’ve been to 5,000 homes so far.”

She projected the teams of federal, state, and local officials would finish damage assessments this week.

Additional requests for federal assistance for those counties are expected.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency, which administers the assistance program, has a toll-free telephone number (800-621336) for assistance applications.

That number will operate from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. central time, seven days a week.

Applicants also are available online at {disasterassistance. gov}.

Continued from page 1 instruction and hands-on handgun training.

Applicants must never have been convicted of using or threating to use physical force or violence against another person and must not be subject to a pending arrest warrant or order of protection. During the five years preceding the application, applicants also must not have been convicted of driving under the influence more than once or having been treated for alcoholism or drug addiction.

The proposed $150 application fee would be used to fund the application process. Nonresidents would pay a $300 application fee.

Under SB 2193, a concealcarry permit would allow a licensed individual to carry a loaded handgun in most areas,

but does include limitations.

Prohibitions would include schools; day care centers; state government buildings; court buildings; bars; public entertainment venues such as stadiums, ball parks, and airports; and public transportation. Private property owners, such as businesses, could prohibit individuals from carrying a concealed handgun if a notice is posted as specified in the bill.

SB 2193 would not allow local governments to adopt their own regulations. It would allow a local law enforcement officer to object to a specific permit applicant; however, the bill would establish an independent review board that would consider the objection and determine if the individual in question is fit to have a license.

High-volume horizontal

hydraulic fracturing regulations would be established in SB 1715 that passed in the House Executive Committee last week. SB 1715 would create the most stringent and protective high-volume hydraulic fracturing regulations in the nation, said Bill Bodine, IFB associate director of state legislation.

IFB supports SB 1715 based on IFB policy that supports establishing regulations for hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling on site preparation, drilling, well casings, pipelines, waste storage, and other appropriate safeguards to protect land and water resources and establishes a severance tax that does not impede the development or operation of such wells.

The proposed regulations set standards for well construction

BY KAY SHIPMAN FarmWeek

House

and well casings. The legislation specifies numerous environmental regulations, including setbacks, waste management procedures, water testing, and other provisions designed to protect ground and surface water from contamination during drilling, operation, and afterward.

The bill also includes protections long sought by IFB for surface landowners. Bodine noted the legislation specifies how land should be repaired after a well has served its useful life.

The House and Senate are expected to vote on SB 1715 by the adjournment date.

SHALE OIL EXPLORATION

Ferro prevents ‘unintended consequences’ for farmers Anne Ferro, director of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), recently prevented farm vehicle operators from being impacted by “unintended consequences” of rule interpretation, according to Kevin Rund, Illinois Farm Bureau transportation specialist.

“We’re very appreciative of her recognizing the potential problem that could have resultAnne Ferro ed,” Rund said.

In March, FMCSA published an interpretation of a rule that regulates farm vehicle operators. The interpretation would have reversed a two-decades-long provision that allows farmers to haul placarded hazardous materials without a commercial driver’s license (CDL), according to Rund.

IFB along with Missouri and Kansas Farm Bureaus encouraged the American Farm Bureau Federation to raise the potential problem with FMCSA. On May 17, Ferro issued a clarification letter that settled the matter. The rule interpretation would have prohibited farm vehicle operators from transporting hazardous materials unless the operators had CDLs, according to Ferro. “This was not our intent,” she wrote.

This isn’t the first time Ferro’s actions resolved rule interpretations that impacted farmers. In 2011, she and several staff members toured Illinois farms and agribusinesses and learned about controversial interpretations of federal transportation rules.

“She took the time to see Midwestern agriculture in Illinois and learn first-hand about the impact of rule interpretation,” Rund noted. — Kay Shipman

Crews with Les Wilson Drilling Co. of Carmi drill a test oil well in Wayne County’s New Albany Shale formation near Johnsonville.

SM Energy of Denver, Colo., has the well lease, and the site of the hydraulic fracturing project is on land owned by Wayne County Farm Bureau member Walt Townsend of Geff. The vertical depth of the project is 4,500 feet with the horizontal leg measuring 4,300 feet. A photo gallery is posted on the Wayne County Farm Bureau Facebook page. (Photo by Doug Anderson, Wayne County Farm Bureau manager)

GOVERNMENT

FarmWeek Page 4 Monday, May 27, 2013

Senate Judiciary Committee moves labor proposal

BY MARTIN ROSS FarmWeek

Despite debate over roughly 200 amendments, the Farm Bureau-supported “Gang of Eight” immigration reform package cleared the Senate Judiciary Committee last week relatively unscathed.

Illinois Business Immigration Coalition Co-chairman Dave Bender called Senate markup of the 800-plus-page bill “a major step forward.”

American Farm Bureau Federation labor specialist Kristi Boswell reported Senate ag provisions developed by farm groups and the United Farm Workers came through virtually unchanged.

The bill offers a conditional “Blue Card” to current undocumented workers and temporary visas for seasonal contract or “at-will” workers.

Meanwhile, the House Judiciary Committee began work on reforms starting with Judiciary Chairman Bob Goodlatte’s (R-Va.) Agricultural Guestworker Act, which would create a new visa program that enables registered ag employers to hire either contract or temporary “at-will” workers.

National Council of Farmer Cooperatives spokesman Justin Darisse hailed what he called “a good and constructive” immigration debate. The Gang of Eight, a wide-ranging bipartisan collec-

tion of House-Senate reform advocates, “has been very receptive to amendments that would improve the legislation,” he said.

Senate Judiciary Chairman Pat Leahy (D-Vt.) withdrew a controversial amendment of his own after party colleagues suggested it would threaten Republican support.

“Clearly, the committee wants something that will be successful and not just to make political position statements,” Boswell told FarmWeek.

The House version of the gang’s comprehensive proposal is expected in June. Darisse suggested Goodlatte saw ag reforms as “a good way to kind of kick things off.”

Senators took up border security measures seen as a tradeoff for expanded visa opportunities, such as fingerprinting requirements at U.S. airports and clarification of individual offenses that “rise to the level” of restricting legal work status, Darisse noted.

The path from a temporary visa or Senate-proposed Blue Card to a general worker Green Card or citizenship is “a long process with a lot of requirements,” he stressed.

Goodlatte’s at-will visa option would allow workers to travel from one registered employer to another without a contract. To ensure workers do not seek non-ag employment, it

would be linked to implementation of mandatory “E-Verify,” a federal online worker identification system.

Darisse argued both Senate Judiciary proposals and Goodlatte’s proposed new H-2C ag visa program are “light years ahead” of the existing H-2A guestworker program. Because it does not allow for year-round labor, H-2A “writes off ” dairies and nursery operations, he told FarmWeek.

“It’s a bureaucratic nightmare,” Darisse added. “When you need a specialized consultant, a specialized lawyer, and an accountant to help you participate in this program, that just doesn’t pencil out for a lot of producers.”

IMMIGRATION: THE CONVERSATION In an attempt to help policymakers and farmers address concerns about proposed immigration reforms, the American Farm Bureau Federation has offered responses to several frequently asked questions.

Here are a few:

Don’t agricultural/congressional immigration reform proposals constitute “amnesty” for currently undocumented workers?

No. Under Senate proposals, farm workers could apply for a legal status only after proving that they have worked in agriculture for years, paid taxes, kept out of trouble, and paid a fine. This hardly lets anyone off the hook.

At the same time, farmers need to be able to keep their experienced workers — their trustworthy, righthand men and women who have worked for them for

years and know how to get the work of the farm done.

The reality is that a large percentage of farm workers are in the U.S. illegally, largely because Congress has failed to fix the shortcomings of the existing agricultural worker program. It’s time to deal with that reality.

Isn’t “E-Verify” the solution?

E-Verify is a federal, online system to determine workers’ authorization to work in the U.S. That seems like a good idea, and it is — if there are legal and sensible ways for enough workers to enter the U.S. and work on farms.

Unfortunately, that is not the case. Without a solution to that problem, simply cracking down on unauthorized workers leaves farmers in a lurch.

If agriculture has a workable visa program, E-Ver-

ify can work as an enforcement mechanism. We are not opposed to E-Verify, as long as farmers have access to a stable supply of workers. Access and enforcement must go hand-in-hand.

Don’t foreign farm workers take jobs away from American workers?

In fact, it’s the opposite. Immigrant workers take jobs that Americans don’t want. Agricultural work is hard, seasonal, and often transitory. Most American workers are unwilling to take these jobs. Therefore, we have come to rely on an immigrant labor force.

Without immigrant workers, U.S. economic output would decline. Each of the 1.6 million hired farm employees working on American farms and ranches supports two to three full-time jobs further down the value chain in food processing, transportation, farm equipment, marketing and retail, and other sectors.

Enyart: Bring river forecasting into 21st century This winter’s challenge on the Upper Mississippi now may be water under the bridge, but U.S. Rep. William Enyart sees better ways to monitor and keep barge traffic moving on those waters.

Enyart, a Belleville Democrat, is one of a trio of Illinois congressmen to spearhead key navigation measures now included in Senate Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) legislation.

He said he is encouraged

by Senate passage of the longdelayed water projects bill.

With the bill having been given a push by House Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman Bill Shuster (R-Pa.) and others, Enyart told FarmWeek he is “really optimistic we’re going to see some movement on WRDA this session.”

Enyart inspected recent federally contracted efforts to blast rock formations in the drought-choked Upper Mississippi channel. His Mississippi River Navigation Sustainment Act aims to

help the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and shippers respond more rapidly to low water or flooding issues.

The measRep. William Enyart ure, co-sponsored by Taylorville Republican Rep. Rodney Davis, seeks to update tools used for Mississippi River level forecasting.

During recent low-water conditions, some “manual” river gauges such as painted lines on bridges were rendered useless, making surveying and dredging difficult. Enyart stressed the need for high-tech automated gauges.

New solar-powered, radarbased gauges allow officials to check river levels around the clock via the Internet.

“We’re using 19th century technology in the 21st century,” Enyart proclaimed.

“We need to move into the 21st century. And it’s not a

tough fix to get that done.”

In addition, his bill would: • Authorize the Corps to conduct a Greater Mississippi River Basin Severe Flooding and Drought Management Study focused on ways to better coordinate management of the world’s third largest watershed. Today, the Mississippi and the Missouri Rivers are managed as separate entities, despite the systemwide impact of drought or flooding.

Senate

• Grant Corps flexibility in dealing with weather-related issues. Current law prevents the agency from maintaining areas outside authorized river channels. Enyart’s bill would enable the Corps to ensure adequate depths in barge “fleeting areas” and conduct limited activities deemed crucial to maintaining navigation.

• Create a new Environmental Pilot Program that

Continued from page 1 American Farm Bureau Federation Senior Economist Bob Young confirmed Durbin’s estimate of the number of U.S. farmers likely affected by subsidy limits. However, in terms of potential conservation compliance, “what he didn’t say was how many acres we’re talking about,” Young told FarmWeek.

He noted “high-income generating operations are large operations,” covering more acres — and, ostensibly, more conservation acres.

“That being the case, if they do decide to opt out of crop insurance, you are going to have … potentially larger tracts of land that are not subject to (Senate-proposed) conservation compliance,” Young suggested.

would help the Corps restore and protect fish and wildlife habitat in the middle Mississippi during navigation projects.

“By taking these actions, we wind up mitigating flood damage,” Enyart stressed.

“Letting some of this (habitat) ground act as a sponge, soaking up the water, lessens the pressure on levees elsewhere. It’s a commonsense solution.” — Martin Ross

The Senate also approved an amendment by Rep. Kay Hagan (D-N.C.) to devote $5 million in new funding to bolster crop insurance fraud prevention. Proponents of Senate nutrition program cuts argue at least $400 million in annual savings could be achieved by reducing food stamp abuse and waste — Enyart emphasized efforts to “tighten the focus on any kind of wasteful government spending while not hurting folks.”

Meanwhile, senators overwhelmingly rejected an amendment that would more easily allow states to require labeling of foods with biotech ingredients. The Vermont House and Connecticut Senate voted this month to force food companies in their respective states to label genetically modified ingredients.

PRODUCTION

Page 5 Monday, May 27, 2013 FarmWeek

Illinois farmers making up for lost planting time

Set new record

BY DANIEL GRANT FarmWeek

If the planting season were a sport, what farmers accomplished from May 13 to May 20 would go down as one of the greatest comebacks in modern history.

Farmers in Illinois in that one week erased a major gap in planting progress by seeding a record 57 percent of the corn crop as well as 18 percent of the soybean crop.

Planting progress as of the first of last week statewide was 74 percent complete for

corn, which was in line with the five-year average of 77 percent. The portion of corn planted the previous week was just 17 percent.

“Last week’s planting progress is the largest we have measured (in data going back to 1979),” said Mark Schleusener, state statistician with the National Agricultural Statistics Service.

Illinois farmers the second week of this month planted 7 percent more corn than in any other week on record. Illinois farmers on two separate occasions in the past (1987 and

1999) planted 50 percent of the corn crop in one week.

Tractors for a Cure seeks participants, donations A Will County farmer’s effort to raise money for cancer research continues for the third annual Tractors for a Cure fundraiser on July 13. Dean Bettenhausen, a Will County Farm Bureau member who has had family members who have battled cancer, chairs the event that will be held at Fireman’s Park, Beecher.

Several activities will occur throughout the day, including a pedal tractor pull, performances by several bands, a tractor parade and a cancer-ribbon formation, silent and live auctions, and an evening candlelight and tribute ceremony for survivors and victims.

Bettenhausen is accepting donations for both auctions. Donations must be registered by June 29.

Tractors for a Cure T-shirts, hats, and magnets will be sold in advance until June 15.

Order forms are available through the Will County Farm Bureau or by contacting Joan Meier at meierfarm@aol.com or Debbie Werner at dwerner815@aol.com.

A schedule and information are available by going online to {tractorsforacure.com}, emailing tractorsforacure@gmail.com, or calling Bettenhausen at 708-243-8877.

Schleusener said he believes it was not possible for farmers to plant that much corn in one week prior to 1979 because of the inferior machinery and technology farmers had then compared to today’s 24- and 36-row planters and guidance systems.

“There are a lot of new 24row planters going around,” said Earl Williams, a long-time farmer from Winnebago County. “It was amazing how much ground got planted in one week (earlier this month).”

Williams completed his corn and soybean planting last Wednesday. He estimated that as of late last week there were about 5 percent of corn acres and 50 percent of bean acres

left to plant in his area.

“I feel a lot better,” he said.

“It’s good to have the corn in the ground. It obviously was not going to grow in the bag.”

Leroy Krone of Effingham County also was relieved that his son, Doug, finished planting corn last week.

“It was nice to get finished after the wet spring,” he said.

But farmers know weather this growing season ultimately will determine how their crops turn out, regardless of the late start.

“The planting date is important, but what happens during the summer still has a bigger impact on yields,” Williams said.

“With late planting, there will be concerns of an early frost.”

Krone added, “the ideal time to plant (corn) always has been (the last half of April). But we’re still capable of good corn yields.”

Planting progress varied around the state the first of last week as 88 percent of corn and 51 percent of beans were in the ground in Northeastern Illinois. Elsewhere, just 56 percent of corn and 4 percent of soybeans were planted the first of last week in Southwestern and Southeastern Illinois, respectively.

Prairie Farms hosting events for 75th anniversary, Dairy Month

Prairie Farms Dairy, Carlinville, next month will host numerous events to honor the cooperative’s 75th anniversary and June Dairy Month.

The events, which will be open to the public and free of charge, will feature a variety of activities and giveaways.

Activities include a sampling station of Prairie Farms products, an education area set up to inform attendees about dairy-related topics, and an area where attendees can interact with farm families.

“June Dairy Month is a great time to celebrate our cooperative’s rich history, our farm families, and employees,” said Ed Mullins, executive vice president and CEO of Prairie Farms.

“Attendees will be able to see what Prairie Farms is all about, serving the community and bringing quality products from our farms to their tables.”

Each family that attends one of the community events can register to win a trip for four to Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and a year’s supply of Prairie Farms Dairy products.

Attendees at the events also can sign a section of the “World’s Largest Anniversary Card.”

Illinois event times and locations are as follows: June 1 - Knights Action Park (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.), Springfield, and Quincy Mall (10 a.m. to 1 p.m.), Quincy. June 8 - Expo Gardens (10 a.m. to noon), Peoria; River Rec Bike Path (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.), Rockford; and Olney White Squirrel Park (1 to 3 p.m.), Olney.

June 15 – Macon County Fairgrounds (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.), Decatur, and Wilson Park Ball Fields (noon to 3 p.m.), Granite City.

June 22 – Turley Park (9 a.m. to noon), Carbondale, and O’Fallon City Park (10 a.m. to 1 p.m.), O’Fallon.

June 23 - National River Museum and Aquarium Plaza (6 to 9 p.m.), Dubuque, Iowa.

June 29 – St. Louis Zoo (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.), St. Louis.

For more information about an event, contact Rebecca Leinenbach at 314-513-3580.

FarmWeek Page 6 Monday, May 27, 2013

CROPWATCHERS Bernie Walsh, Durand, Winnebago County: There was a lot of soybean planting last week because, believe it or not, the rains have been going around us. It was the third week that we did not have more than about 0.1 of an inch at any one time.

The lack of rain allowed almost all of the wet spots to dry out and be planted. Now we could use some rain. Most of the corn stands look very good, and the early-planted beans are all coming up. I hope Friday morning’s light frost didn’t hurt anything that was already up. The alfalfa has been slow to blossom, but some farmers are getting short on feed. Hope everyone had a great Memorial day weekend.

Pete Tekampe, Grayslake, Lake County: The beginning of last week was great for planting, and then we got 1.2 inches in a nice, needed shower on Wednesday and Thursday.

Unfortunately, cool weather came with the rain. Our plans were to get back in the field later Friday.

Corn is almost all planted with the early corn looking great. Most of the corn already is up. Beans are about 50 percent planted, but I haven’t seen any up yet. Hope everyone had a great Memorial Day weekend and thanked our veterans. Remember to be safe and careful.

Leroy Getz, Savanna, Carroll County: Tornadic winds came through Carroll County on Sunday evening, May 19, destroying several farm buildings and downing trees and power lines. No injuries and no homes were involved. We received only 0.3 of an inch of rain from it all.

Planting is nearly complete. Corn stands look good. I have seen some soybeans that are up. Alfalfa weevil damage is bad in some fields. The hay needs to be cut once the weather permits and then we need to scout the fields to see if treatment is needed on the regrowth. We have 402 growing degree units at this time.

Larry Hummel, Dixon, Lee County: Sometimes you get what you ask for. Last week, I was looking for a shower to help get crops off to a good start. We got a total of 0.5 of an inch of rain in two different events. The only problem was, we also had a lot of windy days to go along with it that severely restricted our chances of spraying. Now we have fallen behind, and more rain is in the forecast.

Maybe there is a ring of truth to all of those jokes about farmers always complaining about the weather.

Ken Reinhardt, Seaton, Mercer County: Despite persistent, almost daily showers, most have finished corn planting. Corn has been emerging rapidly. Some areas that caught heavier rains a week ago (such as where I’m working in Rock Island County) are just getting fit to plant and the forecast was for a wet holiday weekend.

Mark Kerber, Chatsworth, Livingston County: Much of the crop was planted before rains slowed us down. Our end of the county was getting very dry as we received a welcomed 0.7 of an inch of rain. The west and north end of the county received up to 2 inches.

Stands of corn look very good and beans are just emerging. There is just a few beans left to plant. Have you noticed all of the inflatable balloons in your field this year? It appears to have been a good year for the greeting balloon business, as they trash up our fields. There has been a big change in the last couple of years to bulk seed tenders. I see more tenders running around than wagons carrying soybean seed. A great labor-saving trend.

Ron Haase, Gilman, Iroquois County: We were in the field for only one and a half days this past week. We are waiting to return to the field to finish planting our corn after receiving from 1.4 to 2 inches on our farms. Many area farmers are done planting corn and some are even done planting soybeans, while many are still trying to get soybeans planted. Some corn has reached the V3 growth stage while some soybean fields are at the VC growth stage with their unifoliolate leaves unfolded. Corn took less than seven days to emergence this past week. The local closing bids for May 23: nearby corn, $6.92; new-crop corn, $5.15; nearby soybeans, $15.43; new-crop soybeans, $12.21.

Brian Schaumburg, Chenoa, McLean County: We matched a record for planting progress last week before 0.2 to 1-inch of rain fell on the Tuesday. Our area is 98 percent planted on corn and 70 percent on beans. Corn is at VE to V3 and soybeans are VE to VC. Crops emerged with no stress, no insect pressure, and with uniform stands.

Growing degree units since planting began are at 285, +71 from normal. Corn, $6.95, fall, $5.18; soybeans, $15.29, fall, $12.13; wheat, $6.63.

Steve Ayers, Champaign, Champaign County: “Fiery horsepower with the speed of light, a cloud of dust, and a hearty Hi Ho Silver, away!” Wow, what a week!

We went from record low planting progress to a record 41.8 million acres of corn planted in one week, shattering the old record of 34.1 million acres! We finished planting corn Saturday evening, May 18, and 0.6 of an inch of rain fell Monday evening, May 20.

Perfect timing. Corn spiked out of the ground in six days and looks good. Light showers fell around noon both Wednesday and Thursday for totals of 0.2 and 0.07 of an inch. Our little corner of the world in the eastern crop reporting district is 83 percent planted and 27 percent emerged.

A total of 23 percent of the soybeans are planted. There was a slight chance of rain through Memorial Day. Bug of the week was the black cutworm, so scout for cut plants on the emerging corn TODAY. Weed of the week was the beautiful (if it’s not your field) yellow flowered cressleaf groundsel that is covering many fields.

Thank you to those who attended the Memorial Day services honoring the men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

Ron Moore, Roseville, Warren County: We received 0.6 of an inch of rain last week, causing more planting delays. We started again on Thursday and have about five days of planting left. We can’t seem to get that many in a row. The early-planted corn looks pretty good. It is too early to tell if we have lost much nitrogen in the areas that had standing water for a few days.

Some of those areas were replanted due to crusting, but they are now emerging. I have not seen any soybeans emerged yet. Mowing hay will have to wait until we get finished with planting.

Wilfred Dittmer, Quincy, Adams County: Welcome to Western Illinois where if you don’t like the weather today, just hang around awhile and it will be something different. During the weekend of May 19-20, we received 0.5 of an inch of rain. Then on Monday, May 20, the skies darkened and violent weather came through the area fast and furious. Damage to buildings was minor to major, empty grain bins caved in, and a lot of trees had broken limbs or were uprooted in an area about 20 miles southwest of us. Our gauge showed 1.3 inches of rain for the week. Corn planting may be at 60 percent done and bean planting is just off to a good start. No hay has been cut yet.

Jacob Streitmatter, Princeville, Peoria County: Most of the corn was planted and many were able to start on soybeans before the rain came late Monday night, May 20. Total rain averaged about 1.4 inches. Some severe weather also followed this storm, but I did not receive any damage.

All the damaging winds were northwest of me. With the warm weather, the corn emerged quickly, some as soon as four and five days.

Carrie Winkelmann, Tallula, Menard County: We finished planting corn May 18. I would say Menard County is about 84 percent planted.

We have less than half our beans left to plant. A significant amount of beans will get planted at the next opportunity.

We received 1.5 inches of rain last week, and that kept us from doing too much work. After getting rained out while spraying three times Thursday, it was nice to see the sun Friday morning. Hopefully, we were able to spray all day.

Tom Ritter, Blue Mound, Macon County: We had a stretch of a little over a week for fieldwork. Rain on Tuesday evening brought work to a halt with most areas getting 1 to 1.5 inches.

More than 80 percent of the corn has been planted in southern Macon County. We are probably approaching 50 percent on soybeans. Some people have finished both crops. It was definitely a late start, but the emergence has been good and rapid with the warmer soil temperatures. Possibly could get back in to do more fieldwork over Memorial Day weekend, but that is also the time the next round of showers are expected.

Hopefully, farmers can get at least the corn finished up.

Todd Easton, Charleston, Coles County: Corn planting is starting to wrap up and soybean planting is getting into full swing.

Corn planted a week earlier emerged quickly in the warmer temperatures, dotting the countryside with nice-looking stands of V1 corn plants. Showers were expected throughout all of the weekend of May 18 and 19 but did not show up until Monday afternoon, May 20, leaving us with 1.4 inches of rain in the gauge. That was followed by a very spotty tenth or two Wednesday in the north half of the county.

Cooler temperatures and more chances for rain were in the forecast for the weekend. I think it is safe to say this spring will be remembered for the turbulent weather and the extra mile everyone has had to go to combat it.

Jimmy Ayers, New City, Sangamon County: We received 2 inches of rain Monday evening, May 20, which brought things to a halt. Rainfall measured anywhere from 0.7 of an inch in northwest Sangamon County to 4.5 inches in the southeast. Some of the early corn is in the V2 and V3 stage. There was a tremendous amount of corn planted last week. Corn planted May 15 was up on May 20. It looks really good. We have 63 percent of our corn planted, and the area probably is at that stage or a little bit better. Some beans have been planted, and some are up.

Doug Uphoff, Shelbyville, Shelby County: I think it is important to go out of your way to thank a veteran this week. We are approximately 85 percent planted based on a survey of farmers from the south and north ends of the county. Soybeans are somewhere in the 5-percent-planted range. We made great progress in corn after above-normal temps and wind dried things out rather quickly. Corn emerged five to six days after it was planted. The ground was really hard in places and soft in others, making it hard to set tillage equipment. Some ground had to be worked twice. Worries of not getting moisture in those spots were remedied when 0.5 to 0.9 of an inch of rain fell in the county.

That put us at 5.5 inches of rain in May. I heard Carlinville had 6 inches. Haven’t heard of any cutworms yet, but I’d say there is the possibility of some infestations. We sprayed wheat fungicide last week. Hay needs mowed, and leaf hoppers are prevalent. This affected quality, but the rain helped to remedy that problem.

One other note: Agronomists are recommending an increase in soybean population of 10 to 15 percent and that the rows be as narrow as possible to make up for the days we are behind in planting.

Dave Hankammer, Millstadt, St. Clair County: This past week farmers made great progress with corn planting. Many of them have finished or are nearly finished. Some switched to soybeans and have several acres planted. During the weekend of May 18-19 tillage tools and planters ran late into the night.

There was little to no rain until Monday evening, May 20, bringing fieldwork to a halt.

We had 0.8 of an inch of rain. Cool temperatures and overcast skies slowed the drying process. Corn planted in early April before the heavy rains is about 4-5 inches tall. A weekend drive through the river bottoms revealed that most of the water has receded, leaving pools of water in some low areas.

Wheat fields in general appear to be in good condition, and the plants have fully headed out and are in the blooming stage.

Page 7 Monday, May 27, 2013 FarmWeek

CROPWATCHERS David Schaal, St. Peter, Fayette County: It was a busy week.

A lot of corn went into the ground.

Rains on Monday night, May 20, shut things down for a couple of days. We received 0.8 to 0.9 of an inch. It was pretty warm up until Thursday and now is on the cool side again. Woke up Friday morning to temperatures in the low 40s.

Corn seems to be emerging fairly quickly. The cooler weather, no doubt, will slow it down.

Some are done with corn planting. Some soybeans are being put in the ground. Stay safe.

Kevin Raber, Browns, Wabash County: Rainfall of about 1 inch kept fieldwork to a minimum last week. The rain fell in small amounts at a time, so a lot of it soaked in, leaving very little ponding in the fields. Corn is looking good right now. The beans that are planted are emerging quickly. Warmer temperatures and warmer soils are helping all of the crops. Wheat is looking good, but no yield estimates yet. With no problems, it should be an above-average crop.

Jeff Guilander, Jerseyville, Jersey County: Well the rain we needed to fix our mistakes came as a 3-plus-inch flood. It fixed some mistakes and pretty much washed the rest away. Ponding was not an issue as the rain cut its own ditches out of the field.

Widespread flooding in the bottoms also was common. Not a great ending to our first good week of planting, but at least it was good practice.

Dean Shields, Murphysboro, Jackson County: The weather was pretty good last week. We finished corn and started planting soybeans. Corn planting is probably 80-90 percent complete and beans are approximately a third to half done. Wheat in the area looks good. A few have been complaining of disease and other things, but the wheat crop seems pretty good for now. Time will tell. Everyone have a safe planting season.

Rick Corners, Centralia, Jefferson County: SOS. Same ole, ole, ole, story. Well, we got bragging rights on the rain again, or maybe it’s griping rights. We got one day of planting in and then Monday night, May 20, another 1.3 inches of rain fell. Of course, many places got less. At this rate, we will finish up by about Labor Day. Those in the area that have dodged the rains are done, or nearly done, planting corn. Those in the wet areas are still fighting it. The nice, cold mist we had Thursday afternoon didn’t help any. Wheat is mostly all headed out and looks good.

Randy Anderson, Galatia, Saline County: Since my last report, we closed in on about 90 percent of corn planted, and the county is 75 to 80 percent done.

As far as soybeans go, the county is around 20 percent. I will start as soon as we have some dry ground. For the past week, I received around 1.5 inches in three different rains. So we’re just waiting to see which field drys out enough to plant first.

On a political note, I hope everyone called our senators and expressed to them that some things need to be left alone with the farm bill!

Dan Meinhart, Montrose, Jasper County: Planters finally got into the field on Friday, May 17, and continued through Monday, May 20, until rains came, leaving 0.75 to 1 inch.

More light showers came on Thursday. Hopefully, the planters were able to return to the fields last Friday. A few farmers have finished planting corn while others have not been able to start. The majority is somewhere in between. Some of the corn has emerged, otherwise field preparations continue with application of preplant anhydrous, dry fertilizer, and chemicals. The second application of fungicide and insecticide has been applied to the wheat. So far, the wheat looks good. Hopefully, planting continued through the weekend even though there was a chance of showers.

Friday morning we woke up to 41-degree temperatures.

Ken Taake, Ullin, Pulaski County: We had a break in planting activities last week as rains started Monday night, May 20, and continuing to Tuesday.

We had about 2 inches total.

Before the rain, we managed to get down to about 70 acres of corn left to plant. These basically are fields in the creek bottoms that are going to be too wet to plant for awhile. We were hoping it dried out enough so we could start planting soybeans Saturday. We have not planted any soybeans yet. Please take time to be careful in this busy season.

Short spring requires caution when using burndown applications

Due to the compressed spring, the application of all phenoxy and benzoic acid herbicides (ie, 2,4-D and dicamba) should be carefully considered.

Depending on the exact product and for mulations of these herbiBarry Nash cides, planting restrictions to both corn and soybeans could range from seven to 30 days after application.

BY BARRY NASH

Both the phenoxy and benzoic herbicides degrade rapidly due to microbial degradation under warm soil temperatures.

H owe ve r, t h e d e g r a d a t i o n process can be considerably delayed under cool, wet soil conditions such as what was experienced earlier this spring. Additionally, soil saturation also can impact degradation of these herbicides.

Our experience suggests that both corn and soybean burndown herbicide programs should be void of products containing 2,4-D and dicamba. The chances of extended residual

activity on both crops have greatly increased, resulting in the potential for considerable crop injury.

In corn, these herbicides generally will result in corkscrewed mesocotyls and leaves unfurling underground, as well as swollen hypocotyls and considerable root inhibition in soybeans. It also is critical to maintain your weed management system. This

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

is the “playbook” you developed with your crop specialist late last fall or early winter.

Experience sug gests that years such as this generally result in corn and soybeans being planted in less-than-ideal conditions. It also may seem compelling to omit your residual herbicide program in order to save time. We highly discourage this.

Common water hemp has the word “water” in its name for a reason, and we all know we have received plenty of that this year.

Also, Palmer Amaranth can easily grow twice as fast and produce twice as many seeds as

water hemp. These are two key reasons why we need to maintain our weed management system.

The bottom line? It is critical that you contact your FS crop specialist prior to planting to ensure that you have the right weed management system in place — including burndown and residual weed control. Best of luck to you during this planting season.

Ba r r y N a sh is GROW MARK’s weed science technical manager. His email addr ess is bnash@growmark.com.

Wheat yield estimate slightly lower than last year

BY DANIEL GRANT FarmWeek

Participants of the Southern Illinois Wheat Tour last week reported most of the state’s crop looks good.

But it won’t quite measure up to last year’s average bushels per acre, based on the latest yield estimate.

Participants of the Illinois Wheat Association tour projected this year’s wheat crop in Southern Illinois will produce an average yield of 61.5 bushels per acre. If realized, this year’s yield would be down 1.5 bushels per acre from last year’s averag e yield of 63 bushels.

“I was hopeful to see a number in the 60s,” said Dave DeVore of Siemer Milling in Teutopolis, who led one portion of this year’s tour. “But I hope it’s a little better than that (the

61.5-bushel estimate) when the combines start rolling.”

USDA earlier this month estimated the wheat yield in Illinois would match last year’s mark of 63 bushels per acre.

The crop as of the first of last week was rated 75 percent good to excellent, 22 percent fair, and 3 percent poor.

“The overall condition of the crop, for the most part, is above average,” said Larry Cooper, owner of Crop Vision Consulting in Albion.

Wheat tour participants last week scouted fields in 16 wheatproducing counties in Southern Illinois. Yield estimates ranged from 40 bushels per acre in a field in Macoupin County to 94.3 bushels per acre in a Clay County field.

A challenge for crop scouts this year is development of the wheat crop which last week

Larry Cooper, left, owner of Crop Vision Consulting, Albion, scouts the quality of a wheat head with his son, Brandon, in a field near the Effingham/Jasper county line during the Southern Illinois Wheat Tour.

Participants of the tour, which is hosted annually by the Illinois Wheat Association, projected an average state yield of 61.5 bushels per acre.

(Photo by Daniel Grant)

was a week to 10 days behind normal and nearly three weeks behind last year’s pace due to abnormally cold temperatures this spring.

“The crop is still a little immature,” DeVore said last Wednesday. “The next seven to 10 days will be very important to determine quality. It might be 10

days to two weeks before we can tell if diseases are a problem.”

Many far mers have been aggressively protecting the crop due in part to extremely wet conditions this spring. That wetness, combined with warm/humid conditions, could produce an outbreak of wheat scab.

“A lot of fungicides have been applied, at least on the intensively managed acres,” Cooper said. “I think things are on track for an above-average yield.”

It at least appears certain, barring a major weather catastrophe, that total wheat production in the state will be up from last year.

Wheat acres in Illinois this year, 830,000, are up 26 percent from a year ago.

Harvest this year is expected to begin by the second or third week of June.

TRADE

FarmWeek Page 8 Monday, May 27, 2013

Ag groups seek to knock down EU barriers

BY MARTIN ROSS FarmWeek

A broad collection of U.S. farm interests has urged the nation’s likely next top trade official to leave nothing off the table in talks with the European Union (EU).

In a letter to White House Deputy National Security Adviser for International Economic Affairs Michael Froman — President Obama’s pick for U.S. trade representative — American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) and others stressed the need for “comprehensive and ambitious” U.S.-EU trade talks that squarely address key sanitary-

phytosanitary issues.

Negotiations toward a Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) are slated to begin next month.

In an April statement, the European Parliament emphasized “the sensitivity of certain fields of negotiations such as the agricultural sector, where the perception of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), cloning, and consumer health is divergent between the U.S. and the EU.” European lawmakers defended the EU’s “precautionary principle” — policy that enables EU member

nations to block imports based on suspected risks, even if there is no scientific evidence of that risk. Exclusion of selected sectors or issues from TTIP talks would threaten ag/food sector support “needed to ensure final passage of this agreement,” U.S. ag groups warned.

AFBF trade specialist David Salmonsen noted key TTIP ag issues are “the ones with a lot of history.” U.S. farmers face barriers to beef from hormone-treated animals, pork from swine raised with ractopamine-supplemented feed to promote leanness, and processed poultry given a

chlorine wash to reduce pathogen risks.

“This is just a way of stopping competition,” Salmonsen told FarmWeek. “What we’ll really be testing in this negotiation is if the EU is willing to make a move — if it thinks this idea of a trade agreement with the U.S. is so important that it’s willing to make a move on some of these longstanding issues.”

In the case of the beef hormone ban, the World Trade Organization sanctioned the EU, which “paid off ” in the form of retaliatory tariffs to the U.S. “so it could keep doing what it’s doing,”

Salmonsen said.

Meanwhile, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Taiwan, and Canada have affirmed the safety of meat from ractopamine-fed animals.

Last year, the international Codex Alimentarius food standards body adopted a ractopamine safety standard over what Salmonsen deemed “vehement opposition” especially from the EU and Russia.

“You could look at these negotiations as part of an effort to enforce standards against a group of nations that hasn’t wanted to follow international standards,” he suggested.

Soy sector making strides AFBF-backed coalition seeks TPA toward EU acceptance to promote an ‘ambitious’ agenda Sustainability is a major watchword in modern ag policy and, increasingly, in international markets.

Amid heightened public pressure across the Atlantic, key European Union feed and food manufacturers plan by 2015 to source solely “certified sustainable” soy and other imported products, noted Tiskilwa grower and United Soybean Board (USB) Customer Focus Action Team Chairman Sharon Covert, who met Sharon Covert recently with European buyers.

Covert argues “different people have different ideas about exactly what sustainability is,” and USB has worked to develop an economically feasible, market-friendly “sustainable protocol” for U.S. soybean production.

That’s encompassed exhaustive analysis of the soybean “life cycle” from field to market, focusing on the impact of production, processing, and transportation on land use, water resources, and greenhouse gas emissions.

By July, USB hopes to be able to offer foreign buyers a sustainability certificate.

EU feed/food producers have been unable to meet processor demands under stringent European-style sustainability requirements based on social as well as economic and environmental criteria and requiring on-farm audits.

Because some 95 percent of U.S. beans are grown under the farm program, audits should be unnecessary except in the case of growers seeking a premium for identity-preserved beans.

Covert said she is hopeful U.S. farmers, known for soil-saving/carbon-trapping conservation practices and higher-yieldper-acre crop technologies, can become lead suppliers of sustainably “equivalent” products.

Proposed U.S. protocols have been reviewed by European consumer goods giant Unilever and other major commodity customers, she reported. An estimated 44 percent of Illinois soybeans move into export channels.

“We need to be sure the soybeans we grow in the United States are considered sustainable,” Covert told FarmWeek.

“This first came to our attention because a purchaser in Malaysia who buys 100 percent U.S. soy and supplies (soy) oil for a European food manufacturer was told he had to have a certified sustainable supply by 2015.

“USB wants to meet our customers’ needs. We certainly don’t want to lose our customers around the world because they’re supplying some European food manufacturer who requires a sustainability certificate with each shipment.”

One potential issue is the role of biotechnology in meeting sustainability requirements. Covert argues genetic crop improvements have helped intensify minimum and no-till conservation practices by alleviating weed pressures through use of safer pesticides.

While the biotech approval process continues to grind slowly in the EU, U.S. farmers heavily reliant on biotech varieties recently received some promising news. Three more British supermarket chains — Sainsbury’s, Co-operative, and Marks and Spencer — are ending a longstanding ban on selling poultry and eggs from chickens fed biotech soy. — Martin Ross

Administration “trade promotion authority” (TPA) would strengthen, not weaken, Congress’ role in an aggressive U.S. trade agenda, according to David Thomas, vice president for trade policy with the national Business Roundtable.

The Roundtable has joined American Farm Bureau Federation, the National Association of Manufacturers, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and others in a new Trade Benefits America coalition focused on passage of updated TPA legislation.

TPA, which expired in 2007, holds Congress to a straight upor-down vote on U.S.-negotiated agreements. Thomas sees “solid and building momentum” for TPA approval, citing support from Senate Finance Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.) and House Ways and Means Chairman David Camp (R-Mich.).

The administration’s March trade agenda report to Congress ‘ Trade promotion emphasized the need for TPA to “guide current and future negoti- authority can help ations, and will thus support a get these trade jobs-focused trade agenda movdeals done.’ ing forward.”

Thomas noted “we have a very ambitious and diverse set of — David Thomas trade negotiations going right Business Roundtable now,” including Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and U.S.-EU talks (see accompanying story).

President Obama said he deems TPA crucial to a successful TPP accord between Asian and Western Hemisphere nations.

While it might appear to limit legislative influence, TPA actually improves the trade partnership between lawmakers and the administration “before, during, and after trade negotiations,” Thomas argued.

TPA provides for increased congressional input and requires administration consultation with lawmakers throughout negotiations.

“Trade promotion authority can help get these trade deals done so that we can further support U.S. economic growth and jobs,” he told FarmWeek.

“These trade negotiations take time — they often can take a number of years, depending on their complexity and the number of countries involved. TPA’s a tool that helps ensure Congress has a voice while a trade agreement’s negotiated.

“It also makes sure that when the negotiations are done, there will be an up-or-down vote in Congress — what’s been negotiated will not be subjected to amendment.”

Trade accounts for some one in five Illinois jobs, Thomas said. The roundtable is focused on “getting ambitious outcomes” from EU and TPP negotiations, and Japan’s admittance into TPP talks should make the agreement’s export/investment gains “even more significant,” he said.

For information on the Trade Benefits America coalition, visit {tradebenefitsamerica.org}. — Martin Ross

TRADE AND ILLINOIS

1.6 million Illinois jobs supported by trade. Those jobs are distributed among farms, factories, and large and small companies throughout the state. Illinois’ trade-related employment grew 19 percent from 2004 to 2011, while total statewide job growth stagnated.

219 Countries that buy Illinois grown or manufactured goods and services. Canada, Mexico, and China are top customers.

$5.4 billion The value of Illinois oilseed and grain exports in 2012. That was the second highest category of Illinois exports in dollar terms, after ag/construction machinery. Illinois ranks second nationwide in corn and soybean sales.

16.6 U.S. free trade agreement (FTA) partners purchased 16.6 times more goods per capita from Illinois in 2012 than nonFTA countries.

EDUCATION

Page 9 Monday, May 27, 2013 FarmWeek

IAITC adapting to meet new math, science, English standards

BY KAY SHIPMAN FarmWeek

Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom (IAITC) is prepared to help teachers and students with new education learning standards, Kevin Daugherty, Illinois Farm Bureau education director, told about 80 ag literacy coordinators last week. “Remember, we’re all going through this together,� Daugherty said during a coordinator meeting in Bloomington. “You’re going through this the same time as the teachers.�

The state will use new education standards for students in kindergarten through high school.

One set of standards, known as “common core,� address math, English, and language arts requirements.

Science standards for kindergarten through high school students are contained in “Next Generation Science Standards� (NGSS). “There are several examples, especially for third grade, that fit with what IAITC already does and has the materials,� Daugherty said.

He offered ideas on how existing IAITC materials and education kits could be applied to teach subject concepts that are specified in each grade standard. For example, an existing education kit about the seasons could be used to help kindergarteners understand how sunlight heats the earth. He challenged the coordinators to think of other ideas and to share them with each other.

Daugherty showed the educators online materials being used to promote and outline the new standards. The materials included several images of students studying chicks, plants, and other ag-related items.

Science curriculum is going to “reflect the real world,�

Daugherty said. “We’re already there, bringing it to them (students) with ag.�

He speculated IAITC resources and materials will be even more important because NGSS will require science to be taught in every grade from kindergarten through high school. In addition, school districts face tighter budgets

Teresa Sanford, left, Knox County ag literacy coordinator, and Marcia Delp, Edgar County ag literacy coordinator, examine dissected parts of a corn kernel during an Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom meeting last week in Bloomington. (Photo by Kay Shipman)

with less state funding, he noted. “We’re going to do the science — that’s going to be your mantra,� Daugherty quipped.

New state education standards ahead

Educators are preparing for new state standards that specify what concepts and skills students will be expected to have gained in each grade level, starting with kindergarten.

The Common Core State Standards, commonly referred to as common core, address math, English, and language arts standards for students in kindergarten through high school.

The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) will establish the science standards for students in kindergarten through high school.

The 2013-2014 schoolyear will mark a second year of pilot/field tests for the common core standards, which are all supposed to be offered online, according to Kevin Daugherty, Illinois Farm Bureau education director. “Some districts are starting to practice these (common core) questions now,� Daugherty said. “Core is about (emphasizing) a deeper under-

June 13, 2013 Elks Country Club & Wolf Creek *ROI &OXE ‡ 3RQWLDF ,/

County ag literacy coordinators Julie Zeiger, left, of Monroe County and Susan Kleiboeker of Clinton and Marion counties examine their milk experiment during last week’s Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom meeting in Bloomington. The hands-on activity may be used to teach students a cheese-making lesson.

standing of math, English, and language arts.�

NGSS will set science standards that are to build comprehensively from one grade to the next. Information is available online at {nextgenscience .org}.

“T h is (NGSS) is ch a n gi n g h ow we tea ch sci en ce a n d ch a n gi n g wh a t we d o,� Da ugh er ty to ld a b o ut 80 a g litera cy co o rd in a to rs la st week in Blo o mi n gto n . — K ay S h i p ma n

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Wild horse adoption set June 22 The U.S. Bureau of Land Management will host a wild horse and burrow adoption from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 22, at the Ewing Wild Horse Facility, Ewing, Ill. A preview of animals will be from 2 to 7 p.m. June 21.

Animals may be adopted for a nominal fee

on a first-come, first-served basis.

The center is located about 20 miles south of Mt. Vernon at 22295 Sheep Farm Road, Ewing. The facility is at the intersection of Sheep Farm Road and Bobtail Road.

For more information, call 866-468-7826.

Reservation Form & event details online at:

iaafoundation.org or by calling 309.557.2230

COMMODITIES

FarmWeek Page 10 Monday, May 27, 2013

A DAY ON THE FARM

Weather doubts expected to hang over crop markets

BY DANIEL GRANT FarmWeek

Roughly 300 kindergarten through third grade students from North Greene School District visited the Chad Schutz farm in rural White Hall earlier this month. Children learned about hogs, cattle, and horses. North Greene FFA members assisted with horse and wagon rides. At right, FFA member Austin Hallock leads a horse. At left, FFA’er Katie Norris assists a young rider, and FFA member Nathan Early is in far background. This is the fifth year the Schutzes have hosted the students at their farm. He is an Illinois Farm Bureau director from District 15. (Photo by Dee Dee Gellerman, Region 3 manager)

The large jump in crop plantings a week ago was a relief for many farmers but temporarily bearish for crop markets.

U.S. farmers from May 13 to May 20 planted 43 percent of the corn crop and 18 percent of soybeans to boost overall planting progress as of May 20 to 71 percent complete for corn and 24 percent complete for beans nationwide.

“The market was expecting (corn planting) to be around 60 to 65 percent complete (as of the first of last week), so 71 percent

was bearish to some degree,” said Nick Klump, AgriVisor risk management specialist.

Darrel Good, University of Illinois ag economist, agreed the big boost in crop plantings took some pressure off the markets.

Illinois farmers from May 13 to May 20 planted 57 percent of the corn crop, a new single-week record.

“This past week of rapid corn planting progress reduced some of the concern about acreage and yield prospects,” Good said last week.

However, the late start to the

growing season coupled with a continuing wet pattern in the eastern Corn Belt and drought in the West and Southern Plains likely will keep pressure on markets.

Illinois from May 1 to May 21 received 3 to 6 inches of rain in the southern two-thirds of the state, with a patch of 6 to 8 inches in the southwest. Northeastern Illinois during that time was a little drier with 1.5 to 3 inches of rain.

“It’s a daily situation (with the weather) right now,” Klump said. “(Heavy rains late last week) provided a little support” to the crop markets.

Good noted July futures last week were down from yearly peaks by $1.74 per bushel for corn and $1.45 per bushel for beans. But the prices last week, $6.50 for corn and $14.60 for beans, still were well above predrought levels of last year.

“Old-crop corn and soybean prices are expected to be supported until sufficient rationing has been confirmed,” Good said.

As for new crops, Klump suggested farmers wait for pricing opportunities.

“There are going to be opportunities to price higher,” he said. “Just be patient and you will get weather opportunities.”

Farmer selling of old crops is expected to put downward pressure on basis levels, though.

Decatur soybean basis during a one-week period this month declined 35 cents.

For marketing information, visit {agrivisor.com}.

World Pork Expo scheduled June 5-7

The World Pork Expo, the world’s largest pork-specific trade show, is June 5-7 at Des Moines’ Iowa State Fairgrounds.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the annual event.

“If you’re a pork producer looking for products, technology, or information, World Pork Expo is the best place to spend your time,” said Randy Spronk, president of the National Pork Producers Council.

More than 400 commercial exhibits will be on display from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 5-6 and from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on June 7. There also will be business seminars at the event.

For information, visit the website {worldpork.org} or for regular updates, connect with World Pork Expo on Facebook, follow World Pork Expo on Twitter {#NPPCWPX}, or download the official app by searching for “World Pork” in the Apple Store, Android Market, or Blackberry’s App World.

OUTREACH

Page 11 Monday, May 27, 2013 FarmWeek

Field mom hosts:

Farmers should not force their views on visitors

BY KAY SHIPMAN FarmWeek

Conversation — not debate — remains key when Paul and Donna Jeschke welcome visitors to their Grundy County farm near Mazon. Recently, the Jeschkes hosted 20-some field moms with Illinois Farm Families (IFF) for a daylong tour and conversation.

“I don’t have to convince these folks to believe the way I do,” Paul told FarmWeek.

“That’s not the way to have a conversation.”

The Jeschkes frequently welcome visitors, ranging from international trade delegations to students. “Everybody comes with lots of questions,”

Donna added.

The Jeschkes said they tailor their focus to suit their visitors’ interests. “We do … try to help them understand who we are,” Paul said.

The field moms particularly were interested in biotechnology. The Jeschkes said they understood the women wouldn’t understand all the science but wanted to give them an overview and help them understand why and how they use biotechnology on their farm.

“We want the conversation to go where they have interests,” Paul said.

Those messages resonated with two field moms who

Howard Brown, GROWMARK agronomy services manager, examines corn seedling roots with Illinois Farm Families field moms during their recent tour of the Paul and Donna Jeschke farm near Mazon in Grundy County. (Photos by Cyndi Cook)

spoke with FarmWeek.

Samantha Schultz of Indian Head Park said the Jeschkes were “very transparent.”

Schultz related several moms said after the tour that even if they did not agree with the biotechnology uses that “Paul represented his position well ... was very knowledgeable, and knew what he was talking about.”

The moms’ discussion with the farmers “definitely felt like a conversation,” said Diane Letson of Chicago.

Initially, Letson was curious about biotechnology, but “going forward, I have no concerns (about biotechnology),” she said.

The Jeschkes encouraged other farmers considering hosting similar urban visitors not to believe they have to convince

Illinois Far m Families is a coalition of commodity groups for beef, corn, soybeans, pork, and the Illinois Farm Bureau.

visitors to change their views.

“Share your views; why you believe the way you do and why you do certain practices,” Paul said.

They also encouraged farmers to be open to visitors’ questions. Paul said he tells visitors, “There’s nothing you can ask that would insult me.”

“We never make light or make fun of any question,”

Donna added. “We try to identify their concern; that’s important to them.”

“Don’t hesitate to mention similarities ... We shop at the same places. Just those simple kinds of things. They want to know,” Donna said.

Multi-generational farm families also should highlight their heritage, which fascinates visitors to the Jeschkes’ farm.

“Everybody seems to like the idea our ancestors were farmers, too,” Donna said.

The Jeschkes’ commitment to future generations impressed Letson.

“It’s in their best interest for the land and the environment for them to be careful stewards ... that continues to impress me — how committed they are.

They care for everything,” she said.

Grundy County farmers Paul and Donna Jeschke listen to questions from Illinois Farm Families field moms during a recent tour of their farm near Mazon. The Jeschkes said they share their views on their farming practices but don’t try to convert visitors who have different opinions.

Auction Calendar Fri., May 31. 10 a.m. LaSalle Co. Land Auc. Robert Anderson, UTICA, IL. Marty McConville, Dick McConville and Joe McConville, Auctioneers. mcconvillerealty.com Fri., May 31. 10 a.m. Piatt Co. Land Auc. FARMER CITY, IL. Hertz Real Estate Services. www.hertz.ag Sat., June 1. 9 a.m. Summer Consignment Auc. MURPHYSBORO, IL . Canning Auction Service. www.canningauctions.com or auctionzip.com Sat., June 1. 9:30 a.m. Personal Property Auc. Joanne Clark, BIG ROCK, IL. Rediger Auction Service. www.rickrediger.com Sat., June 1. 9 a.m. Equipment Auc. Finley Family, MATTOON, IL. Auctions/Realty By Schackmann Inc. www.schackmann.com Sat., June 1. 9 a.m. Farm Eq. Estate of Wendell Smith, CISNE, IL. Barnard Auctions. www.auctionzip.com id #2008 Sat., June 1. 9:30 a.m. Farm machinery. Muhs Sales and Service, ELDORADO, IL. Jamie Scherrer Auction Co. www.jamiescherrerauction.com Sat., June 8. 9 a. m. Consignment Auc. BALDWIN, IA. Powers Auction Service.

www.powersauction.com or www.hwy64auctions.org Tues., June 11. 6 p.m. Benton Co., IN Land Auc. OXFORD, IN. Schrader Real Estate and Auc. Co., Inc. schraderauction.com Thurs., June 13. 10 a.m.

Livingston Co. Land Auc. Remmers Family, CULLOM, IL. Immke and Bradley Auction Service. www.biddersandbuyers.com/immke Tues., June 18. 10 a.m. Vermilion Co. Land Auc. ROYAL, IL. www.hertz.ag Tues., June 18. 7 p.m. Bureau and Lee Co.’s Land Auc. Lorena Wallace Est., DEER GROVE, IL. Wallace Land Co. www.wallaceland.com Thurs., June 20. 2 p.m. Edgar Co. Farmland Auc. Hickman Farm, CHRISMAN, IL. Halderman Real Estate Services. www.halderman.com Fri., June 21. 10 a.m. Piatt Co. Land Auc. MONTICELLO, IL. Hertz Real Estate Services. www.hertz.ag Sat., June 22. 10:30 a.m. Ogle Co., IL Est. Auc. Loren and Elsie Richolson Est., DAVIS JUNCTION, IL. Lenny Bryson and Todd Wills, Auctioneers. www.lennybrysonauctioneer or www.toddwillsauctioneering.com

GETTING PUMPED UP ON

BIODIESEL

ADDS VALUE

TO YOUR SOYBEAN CROP.

ilsoy.org

WEATHER

FarmWeek Page 12 Monday, May 27, 2013

HOW IT WORKS

Brown County Fire Chief Brian Gallaher, right, and EMT Patrick Dunn, left, demonstrate to a group of first grade students how they use the Hurst Air Bag. The two participated in the annual Brown County Farm Bureau Farm Safety Day earlier this month. The air bag is designed to lift 70 tons and is used to free individuals from machinery and fallen trees. More than 400 students pre-K through fourth grade from public and private schools in the county participated. The students had 10 different safety stations they could attend. A grant from Illinois Farm Bureau and Country Financial helped make the day possible. (Photo submitted by Glenna Dormire, manager of Brown County Farm Bureau)

Illinois farms hit by high winds

Severe storms last Sunday and Monday (May 19 and 20) damaged some Western and Northwestern Illinois farm structures but caused no human injuries.

Heavy storms and a tornado hit Hannibal, Mo., and then moved east into Illinois, according to Blake Roderick, Pike County Farm Bureau manager.

Roderick reported the storm “took out barns, knocked down and pushed over grain bins, and took shed roofs and doors off.”

Pike County Farm Bureau members Ted Schwartz and Rodney and Carol Bushmeyer reported damage to their farms near Hull.

Additional damage was reported in the Adams County area.

Country Financial reported 96 claims in the Quincy area.

Cropwatcher Leroy Getz at Savanna in Carroll County reported tornadic winds destroyed several farm buildings and downed trees and power lines but caused no injuries.

In another weather-related event, the Illinois Farm Bureau Board of Directors voted last week to donate $2,500 to the Oklahoma Farming and Ranching Foundation for disaster relief for victims of the killer tornado that struck that state earlier in the week.

IBA summer conference To be held June 24-26

The Illinois Beef Association (IBA) will host its annual summer conference June 24-26 at Rend Lake Resort in Whittington.

Highlights of the annual event include an awards dinner on June 24, the IBA annual meeting and Zoetis Cattlemen’s College on June 25, and farm tours on June 26.

The tours will visit Dale Beasley and Sons Livestock in Creal Springs, the Dixon Springs Agricultural Center in Simpson, and Slykhuis Farms in Raleigh.

For more information, contact IBA at 217-787-4280 or visit the website {illinois-

beef.com}. Early room reservations can be made by contacting Rend Lake Resort at 618-629-2211 or by going online to {rendlakeresort.com}.

Clarification

Any county or group of counties within a multi-county unit may seek approval from the county Extension director to use the 4-H clover and name for youth livestock auction promotions. State 4-H office authorization is required when the counties involved in the auction are part of different multi-county units.

FROM THE COUNTIES

Page 13 Monday, May 27, 2013 FarmWeek

B

UREAU — Farm Bureau and other area county Farm Bureaus will sponsor “Celebrate Agriculture” night with the Quad City River Bandits at 7 p.m. Friday, June 14, at Modern Woodmen Park. Tickets may be purchased through the River Bandits box office or by calling the Farm Bureau office at 8756468. Members will receive a $3 discount.

• Bureau and Lee County Farm Bureaus will host a golf outing to benefit Agriculture in the Classroom beginning at 9 a.m. Friday, June 28, at Hunters Ridge Golf Course in Princeton. Cost is $200 for basic registration, $225 for super registration, and $250 for premium registration. Call the Farm Bureau office at 8756468 to register by June 21.

• Farm Bureau will sponsor a tractor trek Saturday, June 22.

All proceeds will benefit the Farm Bureau Foundation. Cost is $50. Call the Farm Bureau office at 875-6468 or Dave Doty at 739-5983 by June 7 to register.

OLES — Farm Bureau Foundation will sponsor a ball drop fundraiser at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 23 at Morton Park. Call the Farm Bureau office or a foundation director to purchase tickets. Proceeds will benefit the foundation scholarship/education fund.

• Illinois Farm Bureau and the Grain Handling Safety

C

Coalition will co-sponsor a farm safety training from 1 to 5 p.m. Friday, June 28, at the Lumpkin Health Center in Mattoon. Call the Farm Bureau office at 345-3276 by June 24 to register.

OOK — Farm Bureau will sponsor a tour of The Plant, Chicago’s vertical farm and food business incubator, from 1 to 2 p.m. Thursday, June 20. Cost is $10 for adults; $7 for seniors and college and high school students; and free for all Back of the Yard neighborhood residents.

Call 708-354-3276 by June 17 for reservations or more information.

• Farm Bureau members are eligible to purchase discounted Marcus Theatre tickets. Call the Farm Bureau office at 708354-3276 to purchase tickets or for more information.

ULTON — The Young Leader Committee will sponsor a showmanship clinic from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday at the Farm Bureau building. Call the Farm Bureau office at 5473011 or email fultonfb@att.net for more information.

ANKAKEE — Farm Bureau will host an informational meeting for members affected by the proposed Line 78 Enbridge pipeline project at 7 p.m.

Tuesday, June 4, at the Dwight Emmanuel Lutheran Church. Rae Payne, Illinois Farm Bureau senior director

C

F

K

TALKING TRANSITION

John Marcoot, owner of Marcoot Creamery in Greenville (Bond County), discusses the farm’s seven generations of dairy farmers and its transition from a 130-cow dairy to a 65-cow pasture-based operation. The family has brought several younger family members into the operation and now processes its milk into ice cream and highquality artisan cheeses. Temple Grandin, professor of animal science at Colorado State University, spoke to a group at the dairy. She was hosted by the Illinois Agri-Women organization and spoke later at Greenville College at a fundraiser to assist adults with disabilities integrate into daily life in downstate Illinois. (Photo by Jim Fraley)

of business and regulatory affairs; Ryan Gammelgard, attorney with the Illinois Farm Bureau Office of the General Counsel; and Terry Savko, Illinois Department of Agriculture Bureau of Land and Water Resources, will speak. Call the Farm Bureau office at 932-7471 for reservations.

EE — Farm Bureau will sponsor a marketing workshop at 7 p.m.

Wednesday, June 19, at the Dixon Comfort Inn. Dr. Steve Johnson, Iowa State University Extension farm management specialist, will be the speaker.

Call 857-3531 or email leecfb@comcast.net by June 14 to register or for more information.

IVINGSTON — Farm Bureau will host an informational meeting for members affected by the proposed Line 78 Enbridge pipeline project at 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 4, at the Dwight Emmanuel Lutheran Church.

Ray Payne, Illinois Farm Bureau senior director of business and regulatory affairs; Ryan Gammelgard, attorney with the Illinois Farm Bureau

L L

Office of the General Counsel; and Terry Savko, Illinois Department of Agriculture Bureau of Land and Water Resources, will speak. Call 8421103 or email livcfbmgr@yahoo.com for reservations.

• Farm Bureau will co-sponsor a safety camp for kids from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 12, at the Livingston County 4-H Park in Pontiac.

Children entering grades three to six in the fall are eligible to attend. Cost is $5 per child or $10 per family. Call the Farm Bureau office at 842-1103, email livcfbmgr@yahoo.com, or call the Livingston County Soil and Water Conservation District at 844-6127, ext. 3, to register or for more information.

ACON — Farm Bureau will sell tickets to grandstand events at the Macon County Fair. Discounted tickets will be available to members for the truck and tractor pulls. Fair information is available at {maconcountyfair.com}.

• Farm Bureau will sponsor a Picture Macon County photo contest this summer. Members

M

are encouraged to participate.

Contest details are available at {maconcfb.org}.

ERCER — Farm Bureau will sponsor “Celebrate Agriculture” night with the Quad City River Bandits at 7 p.m. Friday, June 14, at Modern Woodmen Park. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. Members with a Farm Bureau card will receive a $3 admission discount at the gate. Call the Farm Bureau office at 582-5116 to purchase $7 upper box tickets or for more information.

TARK — Stark and Henry County Farm Bureaus will host a golf outing Friday, June 14, at Baker Park in Kewanee. All proceeds will benefit each county’s Ag in the Classroom program. Cost is $35 for members and $55 for non-members. Call 286-7481 to register.

M S

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

PROFITABILITY

FarmWeek Page 14 Monday, May 27, 2013

Use your farm information to help you succeed

As all of us who work in agriculture are keenly aware, no two growing seasons are the same. This makes the challenge of farming more exciting and challenging.

It keeps us on our toes when it comes to diagnosing issues, developing theoLance Ruppert ries, and formulating strategies to combat those issues.

In 2012, planting started early and was completed in record time. This year has proven to be the complete

BY LANCE RUPPERT

opposite, with some of the latest starts ever recorded. To add to this complicated equation, the monetary risk associated with farming has increased over the last few years with higher input prices.

Many things change, but one basic aspect of a farming business that remains the same is the need to maintain accurate records. Those records are imperative for analyzing your overall business and minimizing your risk. As you finetune your business management, being able to analyze costs and revenues by farm are very important.

The ultimate goal is to be able to look at soil types, agronomic practices, and seed

Three Illinois projects selected for Rural Development funding Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack last week announced three projects in Illinois were among those selected to receive funding through USDA’s Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant program.

Western Illinois Electrical Cooperative, based in Carthage, will use economic development funds to help construct a medical clinic for the town’s Memorial Hospital.

The hospital’s long-term plan is to create a state-of-the-art medical campus. The clinic will create 25 jobs and save 20 existing ones. The co-op is to receive a $1 million loan and a $300,000 grant for the project.

The co-op also will receive a $1 million loan and a $300,000 grant to help build a memory care/dementia facility for the Hancock County Senior Services Association.

The co-op also is to receive a $1 million loan for business renovation and expansion.

M A R K E T FA C T S Feeder pig prices reported to USDA* Weight 10-12 lbs.

40 lbs.

Range Per Head $28.77-$48.00 NA

Weighted Ave. Price $36.44 NA

‘Many things change, but one basic aspect of a far ming business that remains the same is the need to maintain accurate records. Those records are imperative for analyzing your overall business and minimizing your risk.’ genetics over various periods of time to determine what has given you the best success rate.

This will give you the ability to better predict what will provide the best chance for future success.

Procurement, storage, and analysis of records will need to evolve in the future. Many industries today use the term “big data.”

What does that really mean?

Think about a company collecting information on consumer purchasing trends of everyday products such as laundry detergent or potato chips. Walmart handles more than 1 million customer transactions every hour. Think about that. That is a lot of people, transactions, and data.

From that data the retailer

manages inventories, analyzes what products need to be discontinued, evaluates where products should be placed in the store to generate greater sales, and analyzes purchasing trends to predict the future.

How can growers use their own data to better manage and analyze the things that increase their chances to succeed? This is a complex issue and a huge opportunity for those who strive to understand and perfect their business operations. Engage with your local FS member company personnel to see how they can help you collect and use your data to your advantage.

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

USDA

DCP AND ACRE DEADLINES — The Illinois Farm Service Agency (FSA) encourages farmers to enroll in the 2013 Direct and Countercyclical Payment Program (DCP) or the Average Crop Revenue Election Program (ACRE) before the deadlines. The deadline for ACRE is June 3, and DCP sign up ends Aug. 2.

Those who wait until the last minute could face increased waiting time in FSA county offices, said Scherrie Giamanco, FSA state executive director.

“We understand that producers have become very busy, but they can’t forget to visit

Farm Service Agency

their county office and sign up for DCP or ACRE,” she said. She encouraged farmers to schedule an appointment to visit their USDA Service Center as soon as possible.

The 2013 DCP and ACRE program provisions are unchanged from 2012, except that all eligible participants in 2013 may choose to enroll in either DCP or ACRE for the 2013 crop year.

This means eligible farmers who were enrolled in ACRE in 2012 may elect to enroll in DCP in 2013 or may re-enroll in ACRE in 2013 and vice versa.

ack r t n o t e G with your SUMMER FUN!

This Week Last Week 121,246 81,123 *Eastern Corn Belt prices picked up at seller’s farm Receipts

Eastern Corn Belt direct hogs (plant delivered) Carcass Live

(Prices $ per hundredweight) This week Prev. week Change $90.20 $90.31 -$0.11 $66.75 $66.83 -$0.08

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

This week $124.04 $123.90

Prev. week $125.00 $124.94

Change -$0.96 -$1.04

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 $131.67 $135.40 -$3.73

…with discounts to th these hese popular 2013 Theme Parks!

Lamb prices Slaughter Prices - Negotiated, Live, wooled and shorn 127-166 lbs. for 100-137 $/cwt. (wtd. ave. 116.78); 172-192 lbs. for 112-117 $/cwt. (wtd. ave. 115.07)

Export inspections (Million bushels) Week ending Soybeans Wheat Corn 5/16/2013 3.3 21.1 14.6 5/09/2013 3.4 24.0 12.7 Last year 13.1 25.1 26.8 Season total 1259.2 966.1 516.2 Previous season total 1136.4 997.4 1164.6 USDA projected total 1350 1025 750 Crop marketing year began June 1 for wheat and Sept. 1 for corn and soybeans.

IIllinois llinois Far F Farm arm Bureau Bureau Is ...Gr Great eat MM910g3

Deals for for Members M

Contact ct your local county Farm Bur Bureau reau eau for tickets!

PROFITABILITY

Page 15 Monday, May 27, 2013 FarmWeek

Corn Strategy

CASH STRATEGIST

ü2012 crop: In light of the aggressive weekly planting number, we would recommend selling any remaining inventory other than “gambling stocks” you want to carry into summer. ü2013 crop: Unless weather becomes an extreme problem, and it doesn’t look like it will, new-crop prices look destined to move lower into early July. Use rallies above $5.36 on December futures for catch-up sales. vFundamentals: Last week’s weekly crop progress report indicated 71 percent of the U.S. corn crop was planted, which was a significant jump over the previous week when only 28 percent of the crop had been planted. However, minimal progress likely was accomplished this past week, as once again rains developed across the Midwest. However, the trade continues to be generally optimistic about conditions for remaining planting and early development. Export business last week was friendly, as China stepped back into the market and made two separate purchases of U.S. corn.

Cents per bu.

Soybean Strategy

Export business holds steady

Soybean export shipments earlier this year matched those of the 2010/2011 marketing year (see graphic). However, since the early spring months, shipments have started to lag but still continue to exceed USDA expectations.

As anticipated, demand finally started to shift toward South America, after the ag industry there ironed out some logistical problems earlier in the season.

Corn export shipments pretty much matched USDA expecta-

tions since the start of the marketing year. They recently dipped slightly due to limited demand out of China. However, just last week China stepped back into the market and made two separate purchases of U.S. corn, which could be a sign that demand could improve in the near-term.

Wheat export shipments have lagged since last October, but finally are showing signs of improving. U.S. wheat has struggled to compete in the international market, but recently there was a pick-up in demand. This was confirmed in weekly export sales coming in at 952,600 metric tons vs. trade expectations for 400,000 to 700,000 metric tons (a metric ton equals 36.74 bushels of wheat).

AgriVisor endorses crop insurance by

AgriVisor LLC 1701 N. Towanda Avenue PO Box 2500 Bloomington IL 61702-2901 309-557-3147 AgriVisor LLC is not liable for any damages which anyone may sustain by reason of inaccuracy or inadequacy of information provided herein, any error of judgment involving any projections, recommendations, or advice or any other act of omission.

Policies issued by COUNTRY Mutual Insurance Company®, Bloomington, Illinois AgriVisor Hotline Number

309-557-2274

ü2012 crop: The soybean basis is showing initial signs of softening, which typically is an early indication futures are headed lower. Sell any remaining bushels other than “gambling” inventories you want to carry into summer. ü2013 crop: Old-crop prices are the biggest feature supporting new-crop prices. New-crop export buying is slow and steady but not strong enough to give prices a lift. Use any bounce to make catch-up sales. vFundamentals: The trade remains a little uneasy about the current weather conditions across the Midwest.

Once again, excessive rains are keeping producers out of the fields. The most recent weekly crop progress report indicated 24 percent of the U.S. soybean crop was planted vs. the fiveyear average of 42 percent.

Weekly export sales proved to be a bright spot, exceeding expectations by coming in at 1,022,400 metric tons (1 metric ton of beans equals 36.74

bushels). In addition, 115,000 metric tons of U.S. soybeans were sold to China.

Wheat Strategy

ü2012 crop: The shortterm trend in wheat turned higher. However, we remain cautious as the seasonal tendency is for prices to weaken as harvest approaches. Old-crop sales should have been wrapped up when Chicago July traded above $7. Wait for a recovery bounce for making catch-up sales. ü2013 crop: New-crop sales were increased 20 percent when Chicago July traded above $7.09, bringing sales to 55 per-

cent complete. If you plan on selling wheat directly off the combine, you may want to be more aggressive in making additional sales on bounces, as prices will be vulnerable to seasonal pressure going forward. vFundamentals: The strength in the wheat market recently has been attributed to deteriorating conditions in the Southern Plains, as some key regions recently missed the beneficial rainfall. Also, spring wheat planting continues to be hampered because of the extremely wet conditions throughout the Midwest.

PERSPECTIVES

FarmWeek Page 16 Monday, May 27, 2013

NRCS standards: dynamic, science-based, and solid

For more than 75 years USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has developed and maintained standards for hundreds of conservation practices.

Illinois NRCS recently announced changes to our nutrient management (commonly referred to as 590) and cover crop (commonly referred to as 340) standards.

These two practices garnered attention lately, IVAN mainly because there has DOZIER been an intensified focus on the Midwest agricultural landscape as a source of excess nutrients in our nation’s waters. With these recent high-profile changes, I thought I would explain how NRCS establishes and maintains standards.

Our agency was born out of the Dust Bowl. Our technical specialists consolidated knowledge of soils, agronomy, forestry, biology, engineering, and environmental interaction to teach others how to use soil management techniques and build conservation structures — mainly to reduce erosion.

NRCS still considers these technical skills as the foundation of our agency today. Because we base our practice standards on both scientific research and practical application, they are considered the standard for conservation worldwide.

Agriculture is not static; it is always

changing. Our standards must change, too.

In addition to soil erosion, we now have standards for water quality and quantity, air quality, energy, wildlife, livestock, forestry, and even some urban issues. Meeting NRCS standards not only makes sense from a quality standpoint, it also is required to qualify for most USDA conservation program payments.

As a federal agency, NRCS standards are uniform throughout the country. However, at the state level, NRCS can make adjustments for specific conditions.

While states cannot make a standard less restrictive than the national standard, they can make them more restrictive if there is a need.

For example, if a state has water quality regulations that call for a higher level of evaluation or record-keeping, NRCS can add those requirements to the state standard to ensure it remains meaningful and effective.

The update to Illinois’ nutrient management standard is a good example of why we keep pace with technology and regulation. Not only have we seen equipment advancements that allow more precise nutrient placement, we experienced technological breakthroughs in measuring

nutrients in plant tissue.

And we’ve made great strides in understanding how the timing, form, and placement can be just as important as the amount of nutrients we apply.

Some states adopt new nutrient management regulations to improve water quality. Illinois does not have new water quality regulations for row-crop production that are cause for any immediate attention, but there are other effective ways to better manage nutrient inputs, including those from animal agriculture, with far greater precision.

Here in Illinois, we are not quite ready to throw away the tables with projected yield goals and recommended fertilizer application rates. But for farmers who transitioned to new precision technology, the updated 590 standard allows them to justify a variation from the charts and tables and still meet the standard.

Our new cover crop standard allows more flexibility. We used to prescribe cover crops primarily for erosion control or to extend the livestock grazing season.

We now know cover crops offer even greater benefits, such as sequestering nutrients, preventing excess greenhouse gases, and improving overall soil health.

Decisions about NRCS standards are never made in a vacuum. As we prepare for updates, we consult with internal agency specialists, other federal and state agencies, university specialists, environmental groups, and commodity groups.

We listen to presentations on current technology and management techniques — what’s practical and what’s not, what is available to all growers and what’s not.

We forecast the regulatory future to ensure any adopted change is in line with the regulatory climate and realities of Illinois.

NRCS is always willing to listen when it comes to getting conservation on the land and making sure it fits. Even though we’ve updated nearly two dozen standards already this year, the 590 and 340 updates are generating interest statewide.

The attention is probably well deserved because the updates have a great potential to affect our environment. Thanks to all who helped provide input and participated in the discussions.

I’m encouraged by the multidisciplinary cooperation and participation we saw.

We can be proud of our updated nutrient management and cover crop standards, and I am confident the end results will be good.

Ivan Dozier is the state conservationist for USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service for the State of Illinois and is based in Champaign.

USDA following Europe’s lead with precautionary principle?

When Americans speculate that the United States is “becoming Europe,” we don’t mean that our art museums are getting a lot better.

Instead, we worry about the encroachments of a growing bureaucracy that is smothering freedom TIM BURRACK and innovaguest columnist tion.

Recently, in an unexpected announcement, USDA took an unfortunate step toward Europeanization when it delayed the approval of crops that will help farmers control weeds and produce more food.

The decision didn’t receive much immediate attention outside the agricultural press, but it sent a troubling signal about the future of farm technology that

Editor’s note: Kay Shipman asked county ag literacy coordinators last week to describe their most challenging issue.

ingly want to hold it back.

We’re watching a major slowdown in new crop approvals.

Europe already has traveled far down this fateful path. Its embrace of the “precautionary principle” has made it all but impossible to approve agricultural innovations, stifling the continent’s biotech industry.

European farmers envy Americans, who can plant crops enhanced through biotechnology. USDA’s decision on herbicide-resistant plants suggests that they may not be so envious in the future.

should concern all Americans.

At the heart of the controversy lie a couple of time-tested herbicides: dicamba and 2,4-D. Scientists have figured out a way for staple crops, such as corn, soybeans, and cotton, to resist these chemicals, which means that farmers can control weeds without hurting the plants they’re trying to grow.

This is hardly a radical development. As USDA acknowledged recently, these herbicides “have been safely and widely used across the country since the 1960s.”

My father was using 2,4-D even before that, in the 1950s.

So why the sudden delay?

Environmentalists complained the introduction of these new crops will lead to the overuse of the two herbicides.

This claim is at best unproven.

Farmers certainly must pay attention to the development of herbicide resistance in weeds, but the answer to this problem is the advent of new technologies that keep us one step ahead of weed adaptations.

Farmers rely on effective methods of crop protection, including weed control. With them, we can grow more food on less land — and thereby reduce the pressure to convert wilderness into farmland. Environmentalists ought to join farmers in search of new conservation technologies, not oppose us in their safe implementation.

Of greater concern to me is the fact that the Center for Food Safety had threatened to sue USDA if it didn’t perform an environmental impact study on its own initiative.

These traits had already been under review by USDA for three years with no evidence of potential harm to humans or the environment. Using litigation to slow down or ban a safe product should concern all of us!

Farmers lose either way.

USDA’s bad decision means that these new crops won’t go on the market and be available to me and other farmers next year, as previously planned.

Now we’ll have to wait until 2015 at the soonest.

This postponement may not sound like much, but it contributes to a disturbing trend. In the United States, it’s becoming harder and harder to introduce new agricultural technologies.

America has led the world in boosting crop yields. Rather than cheering on our ingenuity, however, bureaucrats increas-

“Teachers who believe agriculture doesn’t have relevance to their education. (But once) they come to a workshop, they see it touches everything.”

”In the last decade there’s been a huge decrease in the people who know a farmer. One of my challenges is to teach children where their food comes from.”

“Educating a non-agricultural audience about the value of science and technology in modern agricultural production.”

“Time restraints to really share what I want to share with the boys and girls. We have oodles of materials.”

Martha Ebbesmeyer Conservation and Agriculture Partners Foundation Stephenson County

Margaret Harn McDonough County Farm Bureau

Maridy Tso Saline and Gallatin County Farm Bureaus

Suzi Myers Kane County Farm Bureau

Tim Burrack raises corn, soybeans, and pork on an Iowa family farm.

He serves as vice chairman and as a board member of Truth About Trade and Technology (www.truth abouttrade.org).