YOUR SOURCE FOR INSEASON SEED NEEDS. AGRONOMY, PRODUCTS AND SUPPORT.
April 24, 2020
www.agrinews-pubs.com
800.937.2325 SM-LA1772384
$19 billion in ag aid COVID-19 impact relief payments to farmers, ranchers By Jeannine Otto
AGRINEWS PUBLICATIONS
WASHINGTON — U.S. grain and livestock farmers will be getting their checks in the mail in late May or early June as a major part of a plan to help farmers hard hit by the economic consequences of coronavirus mitigation efforts. The program includes $16 billion in direct payments to farmers and ranchers, including the grain, livestock and specialty crop sectors, and $3 billion in purchases of ag products, includ-
Details of relief payments
ing fruits and vegetables, dairy and meat. “When you think about the fact that half of our calories are consumed outside the home, that’s been a dramatic shift in our consumption patterns. The misalignment of production and supply has created some real challenges,” said U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue. Those challenges include oversupplies of some products, including milk, that had been destined for the food-service market. With restaurants, schools and large venues largely
closed a nd major events canceled, food-service demand for ag products has dropped off sharply. “As a result, farmers are seeing prices Perdue and their market supply chain affected by the virus like they never could have expected,” Perdue said. He said the first part of the
program, the $16 billion in direct payments, will go out in checks starting in May. The livestock industry will receive $5.1 billion for cattle, $2.9 billion for dairy and $1.6 billion for hogs. Row crop producers will receive $3.9 billion. Specialty crop producers will receive $2.1 billion and $500 million will go to producers of other crops. “This program is open to farmers and ranchers regardless of size or market outlet, if they suffered an eligible loss,” Perdue said. The second part of the pro-
AGRINEWS PUBLICATIONS
PAYMENT BREAKDOWN The $16 billion in direct payments will be broken down: $9.6 billion for the livestock industry, including $5.1 billion for cattle, $2.9 billion for dairy and $1.6 billion for hogs; $3.9 billion for row crop producers; $2.1 billion for specialty crop producers; and $500 million for other crops. Hoeven said producers will receive a single payment. That payment will be determined using two calculations including price losses that occurred between Jan.1 and April 15, for which they will be compensated for 85% of price loss during that period, and expected losses from April 15 through the next two quarters, for which they will be compensated for 30% of their expected losses. The payment limit is $125,000 per commodity with an overall limit of $250,000 per individual or entity. Hoeven said qualified commodities must have experienced a 5% price decrease between January and April. See DETAILS, Page A2
CLASSIFIEDS SEE A11
Vol. 42 No. 30
CONTACT AGRINEWS: 800-426-9438
See AID, Page A2
Finding ‘a new normal’
PURDUE AG WEEK
By Jeannine Otto
BISMARCK, N.D. — Producers who want to receive direct payments will face payment and overall limits and will only be compensated for a portion of their losses. “We know the disruption of markets and demand is significant and these payments will only cover a portion of the impacts on farmers and ranchers,” said Sonny Perdue, the U.S. secretary of agriculture, as he announced the $19 billion Coronavirus Food Assistance Program, on April 17. Sen. John Hoeven, R-N.D., chairman of the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee, released details on the direct payment program for farmers and ranchers. “We appreciate the president and USDA Secretary Perdue working to get this round of assistance out quickly, and we will continue our efforts to ensure that these resources are used to assist our producers as effectively as possible,” Hoeven said.
gram involves the U.S. Department of Agriculture purchasing, through local and regional distributors, such as SYSCO, $3 billion in meat, dairy and produce. That produce will be distributed to food banks and non-profit and faithbased charities. “If you don’t mind the pun, this is an out-of-the-box example of what we’re trying to do. It is new and different, we’ve never done this before,” Perdue said.
COVID-19 ‘salt in the wound’ for agriculture: Braun By Erica Quinlan
AGRINEWS PUBLICATIONS
PURDUE UNIVERSITY PHOTO/ TOM CAMPBELL
Students interact with livestock at last year’s Purdue Ag Week. Due to COVID-19, the event was held online this year.
The show must go on University’s celebration of agriculture presented online By Ashley Langreck
AGRINEWS PUBLICATIONS
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Even though Purdue University’s College of Agriculture couldn’t host its ninth annual Purdue Ag Week in its normal fashion due to restrictions and regulations put on face-to-face gatherings to help stop the spread of COVID-19, the event was still able to take place virtually. Student members of the Purdue Ag Week Task Force and College of Agriculture clubs came together to find a
way to transform the normal daily activities that take place during Purdue’s Ag Week a nd found a way to still make them hap - Dougherty pen through the help of technology and social media. Emily Dougherty, a junior at Purdue and the Purdue Ag Week Task Force media cochair, said that when it was
announced that all classes and events on Purdue’s campus would be canceled, she along with the rest of the Purdue Ag Week Task Force realized they had to decide whether they should postpone the week or hold it virtually. Dougherty said the task force decided to go ahead and hold the week virtually and find a way to still do the annual activities that occur during the week such as Milk Monday and Hammer Down Hunger in a different way. See SHOW, Page A5
Top takeaways from Purdue Ag Week By Erica Quinlan
dairy industry with free grilled cheese and milk on campus. This year Kylei Klein, a WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Purdue Dairy Club and Ag Students celebrated the ag inWeek Task Force member, dustry in the first ever Purdue introduced a calf to the online Ag Week held online. audience. Each day featured a new “Bonnie is a 2-week-old topic to encourage agricultural Holstein cow,” she said. education via outlets such as “She drinks about a gallon Facebook and Instagram. of milk a day. Right now she Here is a highlight reel of weighs about 100 pounds. the week’s events: When she gets older, she’ll stand at 58 inches tall and MILK MONDAY weigh about 1,500 pounds, Any other year, Purdue eat 100 pounds of feed a day students would celebrate the and drink a bathtub full of AGRINEWS PUBLICATIONS
water. “In the milking parlor, when she gets bigger, she will produce over nine gallons of milk per day.” HAMMER DOWN HUNGER Instead of its annual service meal-packing event, the Ag Week Task Force encouraged viewers to donate to Lifeline Giving in an effort to combat food insecurity. Learn more at https://lifeline.org/projectministries. See TOP, Page A5
INSIDE
U.S. food supply system remains strong A3
Grain handling safety tips A4
Dairy farmers hard hit by pandemic A12
INDIANAPOLIS – U.S. Sen. Mike Braun discussed COVID19 and the needs of the agriculture industry during a virtual shop talk April 16. The online discussion was hosted by the Indiana Soybean Alliance and the Indiana Corn Growers Association. “Agriculture has probably been hit as hard as any sector, simply because it was the only part of the economy structurally struggling with chronBraun ically low commodity prices, stubbornly high input prices and the China dynamic,” said Braun, R-Ind. “When it comes to some of the carnage I’m hearing from dairy farmers, and what’s recently happened with meat packing companies, it’s kind of salt in the wound.” Agriculture will still have its core demand, Braun said, unlike other parts of the economy, because people will always need to eat. However, disruptions in the restaurant chain are causing problems. “I think we’ll find our way through it,” Braun said. “We have many issues across a broad spectrum of agriculture — my main concern is how we not only get through coronavirus, but how we find a new normal that’s sustainable for agriculture.” Braun commended Hoosiers for following shelter at home and other guidelines put in place by Gov. Eric Holcomb. “I think the great national anxiety that we’ve all been enduring has a chance of lessening, even though we know there could be a resurgence in the fall,” Braun said. “We know that we don’t have it completely at bay until we have a vaccine.”
AgriTrucker A8
Jerry Welch A10
Alan Guebert A9
Lifestyle A7
Auction Calendar A7
Livestock A12
Business A10
Markets A10
Classifieds A11
Opinion A9
Farms For Sale A8
Weather A6
A2 Friday, April 24, 2020
| INDIANA AGRINEWS | www.agrinews-pubs.com
Reaction mixed to ag payment plan By Jeannine Otto
AGRINEWS PUBLICATIONS
WASHINGTON — Describing it as a “missed opportunity,” Geoff Cooper, the president and CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association expressed disappointment that the U.S. ethanol industry wasn’t included in the round of financial assistance to the U.S. agriculture industry impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. Reactions to the announcement of the $19 billion Coronavirus Food Assistance Program, which includes $16 billion in direct payments to farmers and ranchers and a $3 billion food purchase program, were mixed, with ag groups applauding the intent of the program, but making it clear that their members will need more to make up for financial losses. “USDA missed a crucial opportunity to lend a helping hand to an indus-
AID
FROM PAGE ONE
The USDA intends to purchase, through distribution companies, $100 million per month of fresh fruits and vegetables, $100 million per month of dairy products and $100 million per month of meat products. The distributors and wholesalers involved in the purchases will provide a box of those products to food banks and other feeding programs. Perdue said farmers will be required to sign up for the direct payment program. He indicated that
try that is suffering the worst economic crisis in its history. Roughly half of the ethanol industry is shut down today, as fuel demand has collapsed in response to COVID-19. Corn demand and prices have plummeted as plants across the country are idling. Jobs are being lost, grain markets are being ravaged, rural communities are being destabilized, and the long-term future of homegrown renewable fuels hangs in the balance,” Cooper said. The failure to be included in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s financial assistance program was the second hit for the U.S. ethanol industry in less than a week. Five governors of oil industry-rich states, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah and Wyoming, sent letters to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency requesting that the agency waive oil refineries’ obligation to comply
with the Renewable Fuel Standard. With Sonny Perdue, U.S. secretary of agriculture, indicating that there could be more financial assistance coming, Cooper urged that the ethanol industry be included in that. “We implore Congress and the administration to ensure that the ethanol industry is included in the next round of emergency relief,” Cooper said. The direct payments will help the nation’s hog farmers, but the plan, which includes payment limitations and lower amounts than expected, falls short of what the National Pork Producers Council wanted. Earlier in the week, during a teleconference, NPPC officials called for direct payments with no eligibility restrictions. “While the direct payments to hog farmers will offset some losses for some farmers, they are not sufficient to sustain the var-
ied market participants, including those who own hogs as well as thousands of contract growers who care for pigs. Unlike other industries that have received COVID relief without restrictions, many of our hog farmers have been left behind,” said Howard “A.V.” Roth, president of the NPPC. Pork industry economists estimate that U.S. pork producers could lose $5 billion collectively due to impacts from the coronavirus pandemic. The U.S. cattle industry also expressed concern that the announced amounts fall short of actual needs. “America’s cattle producers are facing unprecedented crisis after two market disruptions in less than a year, and this funding will provide the certainty needed to move forward with their work. While the relief funds that have been allocated to USDA
by Congress represent a start to stabilizing the industry, there is much more work to be done to protect the cattle producers who are an essential component of the agriculture industry and the anchor for rural America,” said Marty Smith, president of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. A study commissioned by NCBA released findings earlier in the week that showed cow-calf producers could lose $8.1 billion, the stocker/backgrounder sector could lose some $2.5 billion and feedlot operators could lose $3 billion as a result of the economic consequences of COVID-19. The National Milk Producers Federation welcomed the USDA disaster assistance program. “Dairy’s fortunes have been especially grim, given the perishability of our product, its daily harvest and the fact that the vir-
tual shutdown of the food service market has wiped out more than one third of our product demand. After five years of poor prices, many producers faced financial difficulties even before the coronavirus crisis,” said Jim Mulhern, president and CEO of the NMPF. Mulhern echoed the other group leaders in calling for more assistance for farmers hard hit by the sudden loss of markets for their products due to shutdowns from COVID-19. “We hope to work with USDA and members of Congress on implementing the plan and on the further assistance that will inevitably be needed due to this deepening crisis,” Mulhern said.
program could take a little while to get up and running. “Frankly, by the time the rule gets published and software gets developed and everything, I am hoping we can get checks by the end of May. It’s an arduous process but we are committed to move out on this as quickly and expeditiously as possible,” he said. Perdue indicated that additional payments could be a possibility. “We’ve also looked ahead to provide additional
assistance with cost and disruption of markets in the months ahead, not really knowing what the demand destruction would be,” he said. One sector that will not receive any funds is the U.S. ethanol industry. Perdue indicated there are not enough funds right now to include ethanol plants in the aid package. “It’s not included at this
time. Obviously, there are huge challenges in the biofuel, ethanol industry that will affect our farmer corn growers and producers that supply that. Frankly, at this point, there’s just not enough money to go around. The demand from all of the sectors was even more than we could accommodate at this time,” Perdue said. Perdue said the funds
will come from a combination of $9.5 billion appropriated to agriculture via the CARES Act and residual funds in the Commodity Credit Corp. “We are free to use the $9.5 billion for really all situations,” he said. He added that the USDA decided to combine the $9.5 billion with a $6.5 billion residual in the CCC account for the direct payment pro-
gram. The agency requested at least $20 billion with a $30 billion replenishment of the CCC funds. Perdue said that language was removed after the CARES Act arrived in the Senate. The final bill appropriated $14 billion to replenish the CCC. Those funds won’t be available to the agency until July 2020.
AGRINEWS INDIANA EDITION USPS694-470 ISSN0745-7103 Serving Farm Families Throughout Indiana
DETAILS FROM PAGE ONE
Perdue said April 17 that sign-up for the program will be announced and that farmers who have Farm Service Agency accounts will be able to sign up using those accounts. Others who do not have FSA accounts will sign up with the Agricultural Marketing Service. Jeannine Otto
Indiana AgriNews is published weekly for $30 per year by AgriNews Publications, 420 Second St., La Salle, Ill. Periodicals postage is paid at La Salle, IL 61301. Postmaster: Send address changes to Indiana AgriNews, 420 Second St., La Salle, IL 61301. Copyright 2020, AgriNews Publications, Illinois AgriNews and Indiana AgriNews agricultural weekly newspapers. No part of these publications may be reproduced in any form or by any means, mechanical, photocopying, or otherwise, without the express written permission of AgriNews Publications.
Huge In Stock Inventory!
Non-GMO Soybean
Premium Opportunity
$2.0iu0m
ay! Call us tod 00 0
765.938.3
Prem
SM-LA1772805
SM-LA1772403
Need to Grow Working Capital??
Warner Farm Equipment
2014 Case IH 470 Rowtrac
2049 Hours, 563 HP, 24” Tracks, 3 PT, PTO, 120” Spacing, 5 Remotes, Hi-Flow, PWR Beyond, Monitor, Leather, Serviced, Clean IL Planter Tractor
Call about our SALE-LEASE BACK Program
New Planters Moving Fast! CALL TODAY!
* Creates Instant Cash For Your Operation * Re-Structure Existing Equipment Payments * Tax Deductible Lease Payments Through LSI’s “True Tax Lease” Program * Write-Off Your Lease Payments On Previously Depreciated Equipment * Flexible 3-5 Year Terms * Single or Multiple Unit Leases * Improve Balance Sheet Debt
We Buy It You Lease It!
www.warnerfarmequip.com
SM-LA1771960
INNOVATION: IN THE PLANTER BOX.
6-Ton High Output Montag Dry Fertilizer, Dual Raven NH3 Coolers, Spring Reset Units, Rear Hitch, Rear Camera, Microtrak Controller For Dry Fertilizer, 1-Owner Unit, Less Than 8000 Acres
$64,900 3-5 Year Lease Options
• 3-5 Year Terms On Used Equipment • 3-7 Year Terms On New Equipment *Agricultural Equipment *Trucks & Trailers *Construction Equipment *Grain Bins
Download an application from our website lease-today.com
On-Site Service • Galesburg, IL (309) 343-2099
SM-LA1772875
2011 Kuhn Krause 1200-1630 Gladiator
New or Used - All Brands
Serving Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Missouri, Wisconsin
217-643-7950
Why use
$198,500 Lease From $28,500/YR
2016 Case IH 240 Magnum-CVT
Member of
1254 Co. Rd. 2700 N., Rantoul, IL
Jeannine Otto
Market got you down?
READY TO PLANT? WE CAN HELP! WE ARE THE LARGEST KINZE PARTS DEALER IN ILLINOIS!
Jeannine Otto can be reached at 815-2232558, ext. 211, or jotto@ agrinews-pubs.com. Follow her on Twitter at: @AgNews_Otto.
One Owner, 450 Hours, Susp Front, Cab Susp., Twin Flow Hyd, 540/1000 PTO, Front and Rear Michelin Duals, F&R Weights, 360HID Lights, Lux. Cab, Full Guidance, CMI’d & Serviced/ Detailed, Does not get nicer than this!
$169,900 Lease From $21,900/YR 3-7 Year Lease Options
2015 John Deere 9570RT
1548 Hours, 30” Tracks, 59GPM Pump, Wide Swing Drawbar, 26 Frt Weights,1800LB Idler Weights, Deluxe Lights, Prem.Cab w/10” Display, Refrigerator, AT Act., Very Clean IL. Tractor
$259,900 Lease From $34,900/YR
Leaders in Buying and Selling Quality Used Equipment.
One Less Thing for You to Stress About.
iinstead of talc or graphite?
This new innovative patent pending seed lubricant: RReplaces talc and graphite for seed lubrication and meter performance CCleaner option than what you currently use
Always the Best Service. Always There. Always Quality.
Easy to use
Call your dealer today to order!
SM-LA1771936
Or Call 844-GET-DUST ext. 702
SM-LA1772236
1100% Soybean Product - Use what you Grow!
1340 N 2300 E Rd • Shelbyville, IL 62565 • 217-774-4508 821 S O’Bannon St • Raymond, IL 62560 • 217-229-4217 barkerimp.com • barkerimplementco@yahoo.com
www.agrinews-pubs.com | INDIANA AGRINEWS | Friday, April 24, 2020
A3
U.S. SOY CONNECTION: GLOBAL DIGITAL CONFERENCE
U.S. soy industry ‘open for business’ By Tom C. Doran
the marketplace, as well as the resilience of the human condition is really quite impressive CHESTERFIELD, Mo. — during this time.” The stay-at-home environment didn’t thwart interest in the DIET CHANGE U.S. Soybean Export Council’s Consumers in Babb’s trade two-day conference as 2,000 region are turning more toward global customers from nearly poultry, pork and eggs for their 100 countries joined in digi- diets. That’s also good for soytally. bean demand. The U.S. Soy Connection: Glo“The supply chain is working. bal Digital Conference and Sit- Of course, there’s some anxiety uation Report “showcased that about ports and supplies maindespite the global impact of the taining good working order, but novel COVID-19 virus, the U.S. so far they have with minor exsoy industry is open for busi- ceptions here and there,” Babb ness,” Jim Sutter, USSEC CEO, said. said to open a media teleconfer“It’s been a very busy time for ence April 15. the feed industry. Supplies have “USSEC has swiftly adapted been OK. The feed industry has to the current circumstances actually increased from earlier and evolved our focus to con- in the year, especially in animal nect with customers virtually agriculture as poultry, eggs and and demonstrate that our en- pork in Europe have continued tire supply chain is working to to increase the production and ensure a sustainable, safe and consumption of those prodreliable supply of soy for global ucts. Higher priced red meat, customers. beef and lamb products have “As we continue to navigate decreased. these unprecedented times, it’s “It’s very similar in the Mimore important than ever that ddle East/North Africa region. we demonstrate to current and Food security is a big issue potential international custom- there, as well, and supplies have ers the strength of our farmers increased both in the homes and the benefits of buying U.S. and for the feed and animal soy.” producers. Homeland Security deemed “In general, there are some agriculture as critical infra- minor anxieties about the supstructure amid the pandemic, ply chain, but they know and and Sutter noted that farmers have been in touch with us on take their job very seriously the supply availability from the to globally provide food, feed, U.S. and continue to buy.” fuel and fiber, along with the whole export supply chain that ‘PHASE 1’ USSEC also represents. Sutter turned to the “Phase 1” “Collectively, the farmers and agreement between the United the exporters create a wonder- States and China that was unful opportunity to be able to veiled in mid-January, noting supply the global industry, and that Thomas Mielke, Oil World that’s what we’ve been talking editor and CEO, and Emily to them about on these two French, ConsiliAgra managing days of conferences that we’ve director, addressed the situabeen conducting,” Sutter said. tion during the conference and both were reasonably optimisFARMER PERSPECTIVE tic that China would meet their Monte Peterson, USSEC ch- obligations. airman and Valley City, North “When the ‘Phase 1’ agreeDakota, farmer, said it is busi- ment was made in mid-Januness as usual for farmers as ary, I think there was a great they moved toward planting expectation that all of a sudden season. purchases will start happening. “I’m just so thankful that Well, there were several more we have this opportunity with things that needed to happen, the technology that we have in and fortunately those addiplace to engage with our cus- tional steps have been taking tomers and our trading part- place,” Sutter said. ners all around the world,” An important first step is rePeterson said. moving the tariff on U.S. soy“What has lent to the success beans. for U.S. soy has been our abil“The purchases that China is ity to engage and put together making these days are coming relationships with our trading from Brazil because that’s the partners around the world, market that is really trying to and at a time like this I can’t push out their crop. I think it think of anything more import- was the opinion of the experts ant than trying to stay engaged that we had at our conference with our customers, our trading that by the middle of this year, partners around the world and and we got varying dates decommunicate because it is an pending on the expert, but uncertain time. sometime between May and “Obviously, agriculture has August is when we should see been under some uncertainty the Chinese move to the U.S. probably for the last few years, and start sourcing soybeans but this is something com- here,” Sutter said. pletely new, and we’re just There are reports from thankful for the opportunity USSEC’s boots on the ground to put this conference together in China that the African swine to reengage with customer and fever situation is improving, also to seek our relationships maybe even improving faster with new customers.” than anticipated. Soybean meal feedings and TRADE REGIONS the incorporation into rations Brent Babb, USSEC regional have increased. China also director, Greater Europe and drew down its soybean stocks. Middle East/North Africa, “We are still optimistic that and Roz Leeck, USSEC senior China will live up to the ‘Phase director, market access and 1’ agreements. It will be heavregional director North Asia ily done in the last half of this Region, provided insight into calendar year because it was a those soybean markets. calendar-year shipment period. “The overall demand situa- Whereas, the U.S. oftentimes tion in Japan and South Korea look at our marketing year, is largely unchanged from last which ends the end of August year. We haven’t seen any sig- for soybeans, so we won’t fulnificant demand destruction, fill the ‘Phase 1’ quantity in this and Japan is right on target marketing year, but in this calyear-over-year,” Leeck said. endar year is what we need to “South Korea is down a little look at,” Sutter said. bit, and that is largely a result of very inexpensive Brazilian soy- CONTAINERS beans that are competing with us There’s been talk about shipa little bit more. However, we ex- ping container availability due pect that as we get to the end of to the pandemic. the marketing year that we will During a panel discussion at see a similar type market share the conference, a representative demand as in previous years.” of an Illinois grain company The soybean oil sector in said it hasn’t had a problem getJapan and South Korea is strug- ting containers. gling due to reduced use in the “We have heard about worhotel, restaurant and industrial ries about container supplies use sectors. Leeck estimates from people. I don’t know how a 5% to 10% decline in use in severe the actual constraint is both countries as a result of on our ability to ship with containers,” Sutter said. COVID-19. “I’m not really sure how draHowever, Japan and South Korea are significant soy food matically it is affecting shipmarkets, and the United States ments. I know it’s a big worry has over 70% market share for people.” with those nations combined. “Certainly, there have been “That’s been actually a very some delays, but nothing that has bright spot because particu- truly caused a major supply issue larly in Japan and Korea they for our importers,” Leeck added. perceive soy foods as having a lot of health benefits,” Leeck Tom C. Doran can be reached added. at 815-780-7894 or tdoran@ “There have been some op- agrinews-pubs.com. Follow portunities that we continue to him on Twitter at: @AgNews_ see emerge and the resilience of Doran. AGRINEWS PUBLICATIONS
USDA PHOTO
City Harvest Mobile Market staffers in Queens, New York City, use gloved hands to place bags of food on transfer tables that help people keep their 6-foot distance during the COVID-19 pandemic.
From farm to table America’s food supply system remains strong By Erica Quinlan
AGRINEWS PUBLICATIONS
LENEXA, Kan. — Empty grocery shelves have consumers worried about their food supply, and the agriculture industry is ready to answer their questions. Frank Yiannas, deputy commissioner for food policy and response at U.S. Food and Drug Administration, discussed the nation’s food supply during the Farm Country Forum April 16. Here are a few highlights from his discussion. Supply chain optimism: “Having worked at the world’s largest retailer before joining FDA, I always thought that the U.S. food system was the best food system in the world. This crisis, while extremely difficult, has just reaffirmed that belief. “The American agriculture system, the American farmer, is simply amazing. This nation owes a ton of gratitude for all that you’re doing to provide safe, available, high quality food for consumers at this critical time.” The food supply remains safe: “I want to ensure you that the U.S. food supply remains safe for both people and animals. There’s no evidence of food or meat packaging being associated with the transmission of COVID-19.” Food recalls not expected: “The FDA does not anticipate that food products will be recalled or withdrawn from the market, should a person that works on a
farm or a processing facility be determined positive for COVID-19.” Plenty to go around: “I also want to emphasize that there is no Yiannas widespread or nationwide shortage of food, despite local reports of outages. “Speaking personally, I’ve had the same experience as many of you. I’ve gone to the local grocery store and seen empty shelves. “Based on ongoing communication with industry leaders of some of the world’s largest food manufacturers, as well as retailers, this has been an unprecedented issue of demand — not a lack of capacity to produce, process or deliver. “Manufacturers and retailers alike are working around the clock, 24-7, to replenish shelves. And they will.” Hitting home: “I’d like to acknowledge how hard this pandemic has hit America’s farmers financially — with the closures of schools, restaurants and other retail establishments. “The FDA has taken steps to provide flexibility with packaging and labeling requirements in an effort to ensure that safe food is available for consumers and doesn’t go to waste.” Food safety perceptions: “Consumers are going to be more interested in food safety post COVID-19 than pre. The reality is that, as long as foodborne disease and infectious disease occur somewhere in the world,
people will want to know how their food is produced. “Before this crisis, the FDA was talking about this new era of smarter food safety. We were talking about the need to create a digital, transparent and traceable food system. We see, through this crisis, if we had grander supply chain intelligence, we might be a little more nimble in how we respond.” Getting eggs to consumers: “We’re providing flexibility with the packaging and labeling for certain shell eggs intended for use in food service to be sold in retail establishments. “These eggs are generally just packaged to go to institutions like restaurants, many of which are closed at this time, and are needed to meet consumer demand for eggs. “Another action we’ve taken to meet the demand for shell eggs is to provide producers of shell eggs that would normally go to further processing, like pasteurization, the flexibility they need to sell their eggs to distribution, to retail and supermarkets, as table eggs.” Monitoring the supply chain: “We are closely monitoring both the human and animal supply chains for signs of shortages and determining if there’s anything we can do to help.” Farm inspection changes: “We’ve postponed routine inspections of farms and food facilities, both in this country and abroad. We will, however, conduct ‘for cause’ inspections if we think there’s a potential threat to public health. “We’re equally concerned with the health and safety of workers at every point of the supply chain, from farm to table.”
Economic consequences Administration urged to support rural America By Erica Quinlan
AGRINEWS PUBLICATIONS
ALBIA, Iowa — Leaders of several agricultural organizations encouraged the Trump administration to consider measures that support rural America. “No matter what we do, coronavirus and social distancing will have economic consequences,” said Patty Judge, co-founder of Focus on Rural America, which hosted an online press conference April 16. “We can already see that. It’s critical that our nation’s leaders work together to contain this virus and to prevent disastrous, long-term consequences.” It’s crucial to avoid an outbreak in rural communities, Judge said. “We have already seen the impact of limited resources on metropolitan hospitals across our country,” she said. “Our rural towns and counties face an entirely different system in terms of care. For years, rural hospitals across the nation have been closing — 166 since 2005. “Those remaining hospitals function with a physician shortage. … Our rural hospitals and clinics are accustomed to sending emergency patients elsewhere. How will those communities fare without resources nearby?” Here are highlights from the press conference: “Spring is normally a very optimistic time, a hopeful time for farmers as they prepare the fields. But this is no ordinary spring. This is coming on the heels of some really tough years. Farmers are financially
stressed to the brink across all commodities and livestock. “The recent disruptions and market changes are sending those operations Larew to more dire straits. That said, farmers continue to produce food, and abundant supply of it. Although there have been reports about concerns about grocery shelves, the fact is the supply is strong. “The food is available. Products continue to be produced. The disruptions in the supply chain should be worked out in short order. We also know there are ongoing challenges with connecting that surplus of food to those in most need. But again, we expect those situations to be remedied. “That said, what these disruptions have shown us is that the markets still have room to go down.” Rob Larew, president
“If the president is going to invite oil executives to the White House, I believe he should do the same for the biofuel industry and for medical Judge leaders, service industry and labor. Everyone should be represented. We cannot provide a bailout to airlines, cruise ships and oil companies and expect that our rural economic engine will get back in order.” Patty Judge, co-founder FOCUS ON RURAL AMERICA
“The folks producing, processing, retailing or transporting our food are on the frontlines of maintaining the health and welfare of our Vilsack families. NATIONAL FARMERS UNION “This is a difficult circumstance and situ“What we ation that the ethanol industry need is strong and American agriculture finds government itself in. It’s going to be importleadership ant for the administration and and support. USDA to be very forthright We need about the assistance it can proUSDA to be vide, and very creative. right there “It’s time for USDA to minialong with mize the barriers to getting food us. We need supplies out to people in need and immediate as- maximize creativity in terms of asSkor sistance, we sistance and help it can provide.” need lifting of Tom Vilsack, former secretary regulatory burdens that prohibit USDA the momentum and growth behind higher blends of ethanol Erica Quinlan can be reached and then we need regulatory at 800-426-9438, ext. 193, or certainty.” equinlan@agrinews-pubs.com. Emily Skor, CEO Follow her on Twitter at: GROWTH ENERGY @AgNews_Quinlan.
A4 Friday, April 24, 2020
| INDIANA AGRINEWS | www.agrinews-pubs.com
A YEAR IN THE LIFE OF A FARMER
STAND UP 4 GRAIN SAFETY WEEK
Keys to enhancing grain handling safety By Erica Quinlan
AGRINEWS PUBLICATIONS
AGRINEWS PHOTOS/TOM C. DORAN
Kathy Duffy and Mike Haag show the boxes of food and other household necessities that were distributed at the St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry in Pontiac, Illinois, on April 16. Duffy is a food pantry board member, and Haag is board president. The items were packed into bags by numerous volunteers and placed in vehicles in a drive-through system. Since the drive-through service began, about 100 are served weekly.
Weathering the storm Local food pantry volunteers helping neighbors in need
By the numbers
According to data collected by Feeding America, there are nearly 1.4 million Illinois residents struggling with hunger, including over 453,000 children.
Follow the Haag family throughout the entire year. Each month, look for updates about the family members and the decisions they make on their farm. By Tom C. Doran
AGRINEWS PUBLICATIONS
PONTIAC, Ill. — A line of cars, pickup trucks and even a lawnmower circled around the building and out into Water Street as volunteers with protective masks enthusiastically delivered bags of groceries to each vehicle. It’s a common scene at food banks across the nation as the services transitioned from visitors picking up their food and household needs indoors to drive-through services as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. Emington farmer Mike Haag and his wife, Trisha, are among the many volunteers who work at the St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry in the Livingston County seat. He’s served on the food pantry board for five years, including the past three as president. Trisha joined the board last year. The food pantry serves all county residents and is a ministry of St. Mary’s Parish in Pontiac. Evelyn Ribordy is a long-time volunteer who oversees the day-to-day operations. INCREASED NEED As with many food pantries, St. Vincent de Paul is also seeing an up-tick in clients due to rising unemployment. “We’re probably seeing 10 new families that we haven’t seen before this,” Mike Haag said. About 100 to 125 people shopped at the facility each Thursday when the doors were open to the public, and 220 to 250 unique households are served monthly. Since the drive-through service began, about 100 are served weekly. They represent households ranging from one to eight people. The pantry was moved to a larger facility last fall after previously being housed at St. Mary’s Parish Hall. The former doctor’s office building was donated by the Bank of Pontiac. The space was opened up by removing some of the smaller offices, and a walk-in cooler was added.
Pork, beef, bread, vegetables, pasta, milk and toilet paper are among the items distributed weekly at the St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry. SUPPORT Products for this and other food pantries are provided through food banks, government commodities and food and cash donations. “We get deliveries from the Eastern Illinois Food Bank twice a month and pick up supplies once a month at Midwest Food Bank in Bloomington at no cost. We get donations from the community all of the time. Walmart, through the Feeding America initiative, donates bread, meat and other items that are close to the expiration date, and Aldi also donates bread that’s close to being out of date,” Haag said. “If we don’t have something, if we’re missing some key part, then we go buy that wherever we can get it the cheapest. Being able to get all of this other food from all these other places really helps us leverage those costs down.” They’ve even been successful in securing hard-to-find toilet paper. “These volunteers have found ways to get toilet paper to these people every week. We’re trying to come up with ways to better serve them over time if this is going to be a while. I’m hoping that we can get back to serving inside in a few weeks,” Haag continued. USDA COMMODITIES Food pantries also benefit from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s commodity subsidy program, including shipments of peanut butter, chicken, pork and other items. “You never know what commodities you’re going to get. I have noticed with this administration that the poundage coming through that USDA program has really increased. They do a lot more commodity buying. Every once and a while we get milk through the commodities program,” Haag said. Haag foresees a shortfall in the next few months but remains optimistic. “I think our numbers are
going to go up and our dollars are going to go down just because we don’t have people in church to donate and people may not be able to donate as much, too. I do see that being a problem in the next few months but we’re sure going to try to weather the storm,” he said. PORK POWER Haag’s connection to food pantry program traces back to his years serving on the Illinois Pork Producers Association board and then as president. IPPA’s Pork Power program has provided more than 821,000 pounds of pork to food banks, amounting to more than 2.7 million servings, to Illinois residents since the program began in 2008. “IPPA has pushed the Pork Power program forward, and we really thought it was important to get out there right now. So, pork producers have already provided 20,000 pounds of meat to the different distribution centers in the state since the first of the year,” Haag explained. “I really enjoy this because when I was president of the Pork Producers I was handing those meat donations and picked up awards on behalf of the Pork Producers from the Central Illinois Food Bank in Springfield and Eastern Illinois Food Bank in Urbana for what we’ve done as pork producers. “But then you come to this side and you see the people who actually donate their time, give to this organization and just watching it through the process is very humbling.” FARMER EXTENSION Mike and Trisha’s children, Kaleb, Brooke and Kacie, also enjoy volunteering at the food pantry, and Mike believes this work is an extension of the family’s crop and swine production. “I just feel this is an extension as an agricultural producer here in the United States. Making sure people are fed is just natural for agricultural producers. It’s not only important that we provide food for the grocery stores, but that we also make sure people have food in our communities,” Haag said. Tom C. Doran can be reached at 815-780-7894 or tdoran@ agrinews-pubs.com. Follow him on Twitter at: @AgNews_Doran.
Water quality at forefront of project NRCS accepting applications for watershed funding By Ashley Langreck
AGRINEWS PUBLICATIONS
INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Natural Resources Conservation Service is currently accepting applications for targeted funding that would be used to help improve water quality in the Upper Sinking-Blue River watershed, which is in Washington and Harrison counties. Jill Reinhart, assistant state conser vationist for Indiana NRCS, said the funding comes from the NRCS National Water Quality Initiative and is targeted funding that is meant to help address water quality concerns in small watersheds. Reinhart said that the fund-
ing for this initiative is a twostep process that started last year with assessing the Upper Sinking-Blue River watershed and prioritizing the areas in the watershed that need the most attention and what practices can be implemented to help improve the water quality. The second part of the process, Reinhart said, which is the one going on now, is for farmers and individuals to fill out an application for funding, which is due by May 11. “Applications are due by May 11 for farmers in the watershed that want to do practices to help water quality,” Reinhart said. Reinhart said while the Upper Sinking-Blue River watershed has not had funding from the NWQI before, the watershed has had funding from other conservation programs in the farm bill, such as the Environmental Quality Incentives Program.
Reinhart said the watershed is an active area where experts are working with farmers to improve conservation practices. The assistant state conservationist said that one of the good things about the NWQI is that it is typically less competitive because since it is targeted funding, applicants are not competing statewide for funding and were already identified in the first step of the process of people who wanted to improve their water quality. For more information about Indiana watersheds, visit www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/ nrcs/in/programs/landscape/ nrcs144p2_031016. Ashley Langreck can be reached at 800-426-9438, ext. 192, or alangreck@ agrinews-pubs.com. Follow her on Twitter at: @AgNews_ Langreck.
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Preventive maintenance and housekeeping in grain handling environments can have a huge impact on safety. John Lee, director of safety, health and environmental services for the Grain and Feed Association of Illinois, discussed the importance of maintenance during a webinar. The event was held as part of Stand Up 4 Grain Safety Week. “The definition of preventative maintenance is the planned inspection, monitoring, cleaning, adjusting and/or servicing performed to maintain and restore the equipment before failure occurs, and to maintain optimum performance,” he said. “The key part of all that is to restore the equipment before failure occurs.” Benefits of a preventative maintenance program include: n Avoiding disasters. n Controlling costs. n Controlling product and process safety. n Optimizing performance of machinery. n Maintaining compliance. n Avoiding a breakdown during busy times. “The grain industry is considered a special hazard industry and has its own (OSHA) standard,” Lee said. “This standard was written to prevent grain dust explosions. “For maintenance, it says ‘regularly scheduled inspections of at least the mechanical and safety control equipment associated with dryers, grain stream processing equipment, dust collection equipment including filter collectors and bucket elevators.’ “Lubrication and other appropriate maintenance is in accordance with manufacturers’
By the numbers
14.65 billion — Bushels of stored corn and soybeans in 2019 8,378 — Commercial off-farm storage facilities in 2019 27 — Increase in grain entrapments from 2018 to 2019 61 — Fatality rate of grain entrapments Source: www. standup4grainsafety.org
recommendations, or as determined necessary by prior operating records.” The OSHA regulations are the minimum standards, Lee said. Many companies go above and beyond that. Common OSHA citations include failure to keep certification records, lubrication and maintenance not to manufactures specifications, lack of regular inspections and lack of lock out, tag out procedures. “A good maintenance program will save you money, and you’ll have less down time and less expensive repairs,” Lee said. “Oil and grease is less expensive than gearboxes and bearings, but you have to know what you’re doing. “Follow your preventative maintenance program. Record your findings and document everything. If you do these things, your equipment will run at peak capacity when you need it the most.” For more information about the OSHA standard, visit www. o s h a . g o v/ S LT C /g r a i n h a n dling/. Learn more at www. standup4grainsafety.org. Erica Quinlan can be reached at 800-426-9438, ext. 193, or equinlan@agrinews-pubs.com. Follow her on Twitter at: @AgNews_Quinlan.
CENTRAL STATES CENTER FOR AGRICULTURAL SAFETY AND HEALTH PHOTO
Stand Up 4 Grain Safety Week was held April 13-17 to raise awareness about the hazards in the grain handling industry.
Safety tips when working around grain stored in bins By Ashley Langreck
AGRINEWS PUBLICATIONS
INDIANAPOLIS — With warmer days right around the corner, Hoosier farmers are itching to get in the field and start planting their 2020 crops. However, as activities on farms begin to ramp up, it’s important for individuals to remember the importance of farm safety, especially when working with or around grain that is stored in a confined space. Bruce Kettler, director of the Indiana State Department of Agriculture, said that issues related to grain safety are always a top concern, but even more so this year. “Last fall, a lot of grain was not brought in during ideal conditions,” said Kettler, adding that a lot of grain was brought in still wet and had to be dried very quickly. Kettler said farmers and individuals who store grain in bins on their operation need to keep the following safety tips in mind before they go working on or near a grain bin: n Establish a plan. A plan needs to be in place, the director of agriculture said, in case a situ-
ation arises where going inside the grain bin to check or fix something is unavoidable. n Never work alone. Practice the buddy system and never enter a grain bin alone or without informing someone else of your plan and where you will be. n Prepare an emergency response plan. Farm owners and employees should all know what actions need to be taken if an accident involving grain in a confined space occurs and what immediate steps need to be taken. n Wear proper personal protective equipment. Always make sure to have working, equipment on hand and wear it at the appropriate times. Kettler said that the number of grain-bin-related incidents is on the rise in the Midwest and has increased from where it was just a few years ago. “Don’t go into a grain bin if at all possible. Don’t put yourself in that situation,” Kettler said. Ashley Langreck can be reached at 800-426-9438, ext. 192, or alangreck@ agrinews-pubs.com. Follow her on Twitter at: @AgNews_ Langreck.
www.agrinews-pubs.com | INDIANA AGRINEWS | Friday, April 24, 2020
SHOW
FROM PAGE ONE
“We wanted to recreate all the events to the best of our ability with the resources we had,” Dougherty said, adding that in order to accomplish this they had individuals involved in the agriculture industry record video messages to share during the week to help everyone still feel connected. Dougherty said that the response to the event has been good and that doing it virtually allowed the task force to engage with Purdue alumni, members of Indiana agriculture and Purdue students. Molly Grotjan, a sophomore at Purdue and the other Purdue Ag Week Task Force media co-chair, said that the goal of the task force was to replicate the mission and vision of Purdue Ag Week online. “The response has been great,” Grotjan said, adding that by doing it virtually instead of on campus, the task force was able to reach a larger number of people associated with the agriculture industry. Ashley Langreck
TOP
Student Farm donates produce Helping keep shelves stocked at food pantries By Ashley Langreck
AGRINEWS PUBLICATIONS
WEST LAFAYET TE, Ind. — To help keep the shelves of local food pantries in the West Lafayette area stocked, the Purdue University Student Farm has been donating a variety of fresh produce grown on the farm to help those in need. Chris Adair, who is the manager of the Purdue University Student Farm, said that to help feed those in need in the community
during tough times the state and much of the nation is facing due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Student Farm is sending dozens of pounds of fresh produce it harvests to Food Finders in Lafayette and ACE Food Pantry, which is located on campus. Adair said that right now the farm is picking spinach, which is grown in a high tunnel, two times a week and is donating close to 150 halfpound servings with each harvest. However, he noted that the spinach has almost run its course and soon lettuce will be growing in its place in the high tunnel.
Adair said the farm is currently planting cabbage, turnips, kale and onions that will be ready for harvest in a little over a month. The student farm manager said they are starting to plant spring crops now and are trying to keep a normal planting season so that when classes and campus activities resume, students can come back to the farm and get their hands dirty. Ashley Langreck can be reached at 800-4269438, ext. 192, or alangreck@agrinews-pubs. com. Follow her on Twitter at: @AgNews_ Langreck.
A5
MONEY NEWS BRENNEMAN ENTERPRISES L-SHAPED Concrete Foundation Wall Blocks Quick to Install Reinforced With 1/2" Rebar Available in 4', 6', and 8' Lengths Ideal Hoop Building Dry Storage & Retaining Walls (Footer & Foundation Wall in One)
Stanley Brenneman 1117 Puxico Road Percy IL 62272, 618-317-0602
JUST IN
JUST IN
Claas Disco 4000TRC 12’6” Working Width, Center Pivot, Roller Conditioner . . . . . Call
Claas Volto 55TH 17’1” Working Width, 4 Rotors. Call
Kuhn GA4220TH 13’5”Work Width, Gyro Rake . . . . . . Call
Claas Liner 500T 15’9” Working Width . . . . . . . . Call
Claas Rollant 520RC Short Crop Feed Plate,MPS,Net Only . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Call
Claas Rollant 255RC Uniwrap, Bale Density Valve, Short Crop Feed Plate . . . . . . . $25,000
Claas Variant 380RC 1103 Bales, Net Only, 540 PTO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $39,900
Claas Rollant 260 Net Only, 5667 Bales. . . . . . . $21,900
Claas Liner 2700 22’4” – 24’3”Working Width $21,000
Kemco 355 Pro 2 Dual Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Call
Unverferth 1400 NutriMax 1400 Gal, 40’, 30” Sp, Dual Delivery, ISO . . . . . . . . . Call
Buffalo 5030 8R30”,NoTill, 3 Pt, Kinze Corn Meter $5,500
Great Plains 1300 End Wheel Drill 13’,7.5”Spacing, 21 Row,AcreMeter. . . Call
Great Plains 1500 CPH,15’, 8” Sp, 2x12 PW, 5586 Acres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $8,900
Great Plains PL5700-CH-1630 16R30,Grnd Dr,600 Gal FertTank, 3 Bu Hoppers . . . . . . . . . . .Call
2009 MacDon FD70 35’, Been Thru Our Shop ..... Call
(9) Used MacDon FD70 40’, Been Thru Our Shop ..... Call
(4) Used MacDon FD70 45’, Been Thru Our Shop ..... Call
(6) Used CIH 2162 40’,Been Thru Our Shop ..... Call
2013 CIH 2162 45’, Been Thru Our Shop ..... Call
2015 MacDon FD75 35’, New Sections & Guards, Been Thru Our Shop . . . . $64,000
2013 MacDon FD75 40’, New Guards & Sections, Been Thru Our Shop . . . . $59,000
2013 MacDon FD75 45’, New Sections & Guards, Been Thru Our Shop . . . . $58,000
New MacDon FD130, FD135, FD140, FD145. Call
Demo MacDon C3008C CIH, Chopping, End Row Augers, 3 Sensor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Call
Great Plains Turbo Max 12’, 18’,30’,Rolling Reel & Harrow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Call
Great Plains MC5109 9 Shank,ChopperWheel & Roller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Call
Great Plains 3000TT 30’, Rolling Reel & Harrow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $27,500
Great Plains 2400TM 24’, New Blades, Rolling Reel & Harrow. . . . . . . . . . $44,000
Case 4300 32’, 7” Shovels, 3 Bar SpringTooth Harrow,Rear Hitch . . . . . . . . . . . $10,500
FROM PAGE ONE
Ted McKinney, undersecretary for trade and foreign agricultural affairs at U.S. Department of Agriculture, discussed the importance of technology in agriculture via a video. “We have 7.3 billion people on the planet right now,” McKinney said. “We’re on our way to about 9 billion or 10 billion. If we don’t adopt technologies, that rise in population is not going to get the food (they need).” WELLNESS WEDNESDAY Wellness Wednesday focused on advocating for farm safety, wellness and support within the agricultural community. They shared information about the National AgrAbility Project — a USDA-sponsored program that assists farmers, ranchers and other agricultural workers with disabilities. Michael Williams, safety and risk management coordinator with Co-Alliance, talked about the company’s grain bin entrapment simulator. “The biggest thing I’ve noticed is, there are people who have been on farms their entire lives that have never experienced it before and have no idea how strong the pull is,” Williams said. “Whether it was an 80-year-old man or a 15-year-old boy — just getting in there and thinking about it being that powerful.” BURGER BASH Since burgers couldn’t be served on Memorial Mall, the task force highlighted how consumer products relate to agricultural commodities. From the cheese melted on top of the burger to the wheat used to make the bun, each element of a hamburger starts on a farm. COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE LEADERSHIP DAY The Purdue Agricultural Council, Purdue College of Agriculture Ambassadors and Purdue Ag Week Task Force work together to support the College of Agriculture. “Our job is to tell our story and share that Purdue is the place for leadership development inside and outside the College of Agriculture,” said Cole Pearson, sophomore in ag business management and ag ambassador representative. “We try to learn as much as we can about a variety of organizations on campus so that, when we’re given the chance, we can speak on them. Our ambassadors are highly involved in their organizations, which contributes to our ability to share the greatness of Purdue.” Erica Quinlan can be reached at 800-426-9438, ext. 193, or equinlan@ agrinews-pubs.com. Follow her on Twitter at: @AgNews_Quinlan.
736W SR 32, Veedersburg, IN 47987 765-722-7040 For More Info & Pictures Visit:
gesales.com SM-LA1772395
* Subject to Credit Approval
A6 Friday, April 24, 2020
| INDIANA AGRINEWS | www.agrinews-pubs.com
REGIONAL WEATHER
Outlook for April 24 - April 30
Shown is Friday’s weather. Temperatures are Friday’s highs and Friday night’s lows.
Rockford 57/40 Rock Island 63/41
Chicago 56/41
©2020; forecasts and graphics provided by
SUNRISE/SUNSET Rise 6:08 a.m. 6:06 a.m. 6:05 a.m. 6:04 a.m. 6:02 a.m. 6:01 a.m. 6:00 a.m.
Decatur 66/44
Quincy 66/45
Springfield Date April 24 April 25 April 26 April 27 April 28 April 29 April 30
Peoria 65/41
Set 7:46 p.m. 7:47 p.m. 7:48 p.m. 7:49 p.m. 7:50 p.m. 7:51 p.m. 7:52 p.m.
Gary 54/42
Champaign 66/41 Lafayette 66/46
Springfield 66/46 Terre Haute 67/46
Fort Wayne 59/42
Muncie 64/47
Southern Illinois: Friday: thunderstorms possible in the north and west. Winds west-southwest 4-8 mph. Expect two-four hours of sun with a 35% chance of precipitation and fair-drying conditions. Average humidity 65%.
Vevay 68/51
Evansville 70/52
PRECIPITATION
MOON PHASES New
Apr 22
First
Apr 30
Full
May 7
Last
May 14
GROWING DEGREE DAYS Illinois Week ending April 20 Month through April 20 Season through April 20 Normal month to date Normal season to date
6 67 111 28 28
Indiana Week ending April 20 Month through April 20 Season through April 20 Normal month to date Normal season to date
7 67 125 5 5
Anna 69/51
Today Hi/Lo/W 66/41/c 56/41/sh 66/44/sh 67/49/t 54/41/sh 64/43/sh 68/49/c 65/41/t 66/45/t 57/40/r 63/41/r 66/46/t
Tom. Hi/Lo/W 56/36/sh 51/39/r 57/38/sh 61/40/t 46/39/r 52/37/sh 60/39/t 57/38/sh 59/39/sh 55/37/r 57/40/sh 58/39/c
Sun. Hi/Lo/W 58/35/sh 53/38/sh 59/39/sh 62/42/sh 45/38/sh 52/37/sh 60/39/sh 59/39/c 61/40/pc 57/37/pc 55/37/c 61/40/sh
Indiana Bloomington Carmel Evansville Fishers Fort Wayne Gary Lafayette Indianapolis Muncie South Bend Terre Haute Vevay
Today Hi/Lo/W 68/47/c 65/49/c 70/52/c 66/49/c 59/42/c 54/42/sh 66/46/c 66/47/c 64/47/c 60/41/sh 67/46/c 68/51/c
Tom. Hi/Lo/W 59/40/t 54/36/sh 59/42/t 55/37/r 53/36/r 50/39/r 57/39/sh 58/39/sh 56/39/r 49/36/r 58/39/sh 60/39/t
Northern Indiana: Friday: a couple of afternoon showers possible in the north and west. Winds east-southeast becoming south-southeast at 4-8 mph. Expect less than two hours of sunshine with a 30% chance of precipitation. Central Indiana: Friday: mostly cloudy. Winds south-southeast 6-12 mph. Expect less than two hours of sunshine with fair-drying conditions and average relative humidity 65%. Saturday: chance of rain; cooler in the west.
For 24-hour weather updates, check out www.agrinews-pubs.com Illinois Champaign Chicago Decatur E. St. Louis Evanston Joliet Mt. Vernon Peoria Quincy Rockford Rock Island Springfield
Northern Illinois: Friday: rain and a thunderstorm all day, but a couple of afternoon showers possible to the east. Winds south at 7-14 mph. Expect less than two hours of sunshine with a 65% chance of precipitation. Central Illinois: Friday: a shower and thunderstorm in spots. Winds southwest at 7-14 mph. Expect less than two hours of sunshine with a 60% chance of precipitation and poor-drying conditions. Average humidity 70%.
Indianapolis 66/47
Mt. Vernon 68/49
East St. Louis 67/49
TEMPERATURES
Evanston 54/41 South Bend 60/41
AGRICULTURE FORECASTS
Sun. Hi/Lo/W 58/38/sh 53/36/r 61/40/sh 53/36/r 53/35/sh 50/39/sh 58/38/sh 57/37/sh 57/38/r 52/35/sh 59/37/sh 56/37/r
Southern Indiana: Friday: mostly cloudy. Winds east-southeast becoming southeast at 4-8 mph. Expect two to four hours of sunshine with fair-drying conditions and average relative humidity 70%.
SOUTH AMERICA A front will slowly spread scattered showers and thunderstorms from northern Argentina and Uruguay to southern Brazil this weekend into early next week.
Weather (W): s–sunny, pc–partly cloudy, c–cloudy, sh–showers, t–thunderstorms, r–rain, sf–snow flurries, sn–snow, i–ice
Fungus application thwarts major soybean pest CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — The soybean cyst nematode sucks the nutrients out of soybean roots, causing more than $1 billion in soybean yield losses in the United States each year. A new study finds that one type of fungus can cut the nematodes’ reproductive success by more than half. “Soybean cyst nematodes survive in the soil as eggs in cysts,” said Glen Hartman, a researcher for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service in the department of crop sciences at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Hartman led the study with postdoctoral researcher Michelle Pawlowski. “The eggs hatch at the start of the growing season, and the
juveniles penetrate root tissue and migrate into the plant’s vascular system. The females find a feeding site and stay there for the rest of their lives. They take nutrients away from the soybean plant, which reduces plant productivity,” Hartman said. Previous studies have found that fungi in the soil that form mutually beneficial relationships with soybeans and other plants can influence the success of plant parasitic nematodes, including SCN. But the effectiveness of using these “arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi” to thwart plant parasitic fungi varies from study to study, making growers reluctant to embrace this as a method of control, Hartman said.
USDA-ARS PHOTO
The soybean cyst nematode is a major pathogen of soybeans. A juvenile nematode is pictured here with an egg.
“In this study, we focused on five different species of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi to see if they differed in their ability to
protect soybeans against SCN,” Pawlowski said. The researchers inoculated young soybean plants with fungi and SCN in greenhouse experiments. By the end of the experiment, all five fungal species had reduced the number of SCN cysts in the roots. The lowest number of cysts occurred on plants inoculated with the fungus Funneliformis mosseae. These averaged 10 cysts per plant. Soybean plants that were not inoculated with fungi accumulated 75 or more cysts per plant. “Each cyst may contain hundreds of nematode eggs,” Hartman said. Further experiments with F. mosseae revealed that exposure
to the fungus reduced the number of juvenile nematodes on the plants by more than half. “We found that as early as seven days after inoculation, roots that were inoculated with F. mosseae were colonized with significantly fewer nematode juveniles,” Pawlowski said. “To see if this interaction and suppression might occur even earlier, we incubated SCN eggs in sterile water alone, with fungal spores or with exudates of the fungal spores. These exudates are microbes and molecules secreted by the spores,” she said. This experiment revealed that the fungal spores and their exudates undermine nematode egg hatching, Pawlowski said.
www.agrinews-pubs.com | INDIANA AGRINEWS | Friday, April 24, 2020
A7
Lifestyle Q&A: CASEY MULL
New program leader for 4-H Youth Development By Ashley Langreck
AGRINEWS PUBLICATIONS
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Purdue Extension recently announced the hiring of Casey Mull as the new assistant director and program leader for Indiana 4-H Youth Development. “We’re really excited to have Casey on board. He comes from outside our program a brings fresh perspective to Indiana 4-H,” said Jason Henderson, director of Purdue Extension and senior associate dean for Purdue’s College of Agriculture. Mull, who officially started the job on April 1, previously served as an Extension military specialist for 4-H Youth Development at the University of Georgia. Tell us a little a bit about yourself in the background in the agriculture industry.
“I’m the grandson of a dairy farmer, and a toilet paper salesman, on my mother’s side, and of a cabbage farmer on my dad’s side. My grandpa helped coordinate the local county fair in upstate New York on either side of World War II. “Our family business is a wholesale nursery, located in Athens, Georgia. We sell over 100 varieties of quality groundcovers and perennials across the United States. “Classic Groundcovers is viewed as a marketing pioneer across the industry and has been in business for over 57 years. What this all means is that I grew up digging holes for sprigs of liriope.” Were you a 4-H member yourself? If so, how many years were you in 4-H and what were some of the projects you participated? “A lady named Marilyn
Poole changed my life when she entered my fifthgrade classroom and opened the door to 4-H. I began in fifth grade, and I continued in 4-H through 12th grade. Mull “In Georgia, winners at the state level become Master 4-H’ers. I mastered in the general recreation project and the dean’s award or citizenship. My general project included a presentation on social dance and etiquette. “After high school, I was a 4-H camp counselor for three summers at Rock Eagle 4-H Center, where we served 1,000 fifth- and sixth-graders every week.” What will some of your roles and responsibilities be as a program leader for 4-H Youth Development in
Indiana? “I see my primary role as an advocate for young people in the state and their needs, hopes and aspirations. I’ll carry their thoughts and ideas to others at Purdue University in order to identify ways for them to bring change, strengthening their own clubs and communities. “I am able to accomplish this by stewarding strategic collaborations across the teaching, research and Extension areas of Purdue University and equipping our Extension educators with the skills to empower volunteers and youth in their community.”
with Indiana 4-H? “Over the past decade, I have served as one of two individuals on loan from the land-grant university system to the Air Force. In that role, I was able to see the successes of 4-H in a variety of states and communities. “I feel I can bring those strengths of multiple states to share in Indiana. There is nothing traditional about 4-H. Every 4-H community has their own traditions. “Additionally, I served as the president of the 4-H professionals association and the 10,000-member association of all Extension professionals. That allowed me to engage with countless leaders and mentors who lead Extension and 4-H programming nationwide.”
How has your past work in the 4-H organization prepared you for this new role
What are some of the goals you hope to achieve as the new program leader
of Indiana for 4-H Youth Development? “I want all youth to feel they belong in Indiana 4-H regardless of their ZIP code or interests. I want to engage new and historic partners to bring agricultural literacy to communities where young people don’t understand from where their food and fiber comes from. “I want young people to be engaged with the resources of Purdue University, seeing higher education as a viable option. The Purdue Fast Start and Klinsky Scholars program is one way we can engage more youth with a longterm, accessible Purdue University experience.” Ashley Langreck can be reached at 800-426-9438, ext. 192, or alangreck@ agrinews-pubs.com. Follow her on Twitter at: @AgNews_Langreck.
SENIOR NEWS LINE
Trip to supermarket brings new dangers By Matilda Charles
Tomatoes are an easy crop for home gardeners to grow until something goes wrong. In addition to diseases, several other problems can impact the production of tomatoes.
Tips for growing tomatoes Scout plants for problems By Martha Blum
AGRINEWS PUBLICATIONS
ST ER LING, Il l. — Tomatoes are the No. 1 grown crop for home gardeners. “Tomatoes are really easy to grow until something goes wrong,” said Bruce Black, University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator for Carroll, Lee and Whiteside counties. “Getting the red, juicy tomato can sometimes be a challenge,” Black said during a webinar. “There are a number of potential problems like sun scald, blossom end rot and zippering that are not caused by an insect or disease.” Sun scald is caused by a lack of leaf cover. “You will see the fruit develop yellowish or white patches and usually this happens on the side of the tomato facing the south or west,” Black said. “Some tomato varieties that have more leaf cover through the season are resistant and we can use fungicides or insecticides to prevent leaf loss due to insects and diseases.” Blossom end rot is very common for tomatoes and it is a result of calcium deficiency. “Calcium is used in the creation of cell walls in plants, and during water stress periods not enough calcium gets to the growing point, so the cell walls are built without the calcium to fortify the walls,” Black said. “It can affect fruit at all stages of development.” Adding mulch to retain water can help avoid blossom end rot. “Foliar applications of calcium can be used to supplement the calcium in the soil,” Black said. Catfacing is a deformity caused during flowering. “Oftentimes, we see this when we get a late spring frost or really cold weather
during the blossom time,” Black said. “A common cultivar that this happens to is Brandywine.” Zippering are thin scars that start at the stem end and can go all the way to the blossom end. “You may also see cracking of the tomato due to the rapid development of the fruit with the fluctuating water,” Black said. Failure to set fruit can be due to high day and night temperatures that reduce flower production. “Night temperatures above 70 degrees can reduce flower production and pollination,” Black said. “And plants will sometimes drop flowers if it gets too cold at night under 55 degrees. The most favorable night range for tomatoes to set fruit is 58 to 68 degrees.” Black talked about a few of the numerous diseases that can cause harm to tomato production. Bacterial spot causes dark brown water soaked spots on the leaves and on the tomatoes it causes black, raised specks. “Good sanitation practices really help during the growing season and good weed control to help prevent disease buildup is going to be key,” Black said. Symptoms of bacterial speck may appear on any part of the plant. “You will see a small dark brow n irregular patch of dead tissue that will be surrounded by a yellow halo, and the severity of the disease is increased by irrigation, rain or heavy morning dews,” Black said. “To control this minimize the wetting of the leaves by using drip irrigation or a wand attachment on your hose.” Buckeye rot results in grayish-green to brown water soaked spots that develop where tomatoes have touched soil. “If you eliminate tomatoes touching the soil, you will not have an issue with this,” Black said.
“Anthracnose is one of the diseases that everybody has seen on tomatoes, and it primarily affects ripe fruits,” he said. “Water splashed on fruit from rain or irrigation will carry fungal spores from plant to plant so good sanitation, removing diseased fruit, crop rotation and fungicides will help control this disease.” A tomato plant with septoria leaf spot will have circular water soaked lesions that occur on older leaves and those leaves will die. “This fungus can over inter on debris so it is good to start every year with a clean planting area,” Black said. “It can also be controlled with fungicides.” It is important, Black said, to avoid planting members of the tomato family in the same area of the garden year after year. “Tomatoes are in the same family as peppers, egg plant and potatoes, so it’s good to plant these crops on a three-year rotation,” Black said. “Start with the proper soil fertility levels and delay planning tomatoes until temperatures stay above 58 degrees unless you’re giving them some type of protection like a hoop house or high tunnel,” Black said. “Plant your tomatoes in raised beds if you have issues with drainage.” Trellising and caging of plants will help keep tomatoes off the ground. Straw or plastic mulch under the plants will help retain soil moisture and also keep the tomatoes from touching the ground. Black encourages gardeners to scout their tomato plants frequently. “Make sure you are looking at your tomatoes at least every couple of days,” he said. Martha Blum can be reached at 815-223-2558, ext. 117, or marthablum@ agrinews-pubs.com. Follow her on Twitter at: @AgNews_Blum.
It occurred to me the other day that I haven’t been eating right. It’s been difficult to find food in my stores, and it’s been difficult to work up the courage to go out, fearing I might get too close to someone who is sick. It also occurred to me that not eating right was bad for my immune system, should I need to fight off an illness. I began going out just before my nearest store closed at night, dashing in for one or two items, using the self-checkout and fleeing out the door with my haul. That’s assuming my two items were actually on the shelves. The store began holding “senior hours” early in the morning. Theoretically that would allow seniors to shop more safely and be able to find items on the freshly stocked shelves. In reality, said the store manager, it was likely more dangerous. He’d watched the security tapes of a few early morning openings and had seen no less than 80 seniors pushing through the doors when they opened, with no sign of social distancing any-
Confirm with your local grocery store that the senior hours are being enforced during the times listed. where. But now, in the nick of time, two stores have restarted pick-up service, after having canceled it for over a month. I place the pick-up order online, select a time slot two days in advance and drive there to have my groceries put in the car. It works, even if there are a lot of substitutions of items and a few items out of stock. Here’s a thought: Do you have a supplemen-
tal Medicare policy or Medicare Advantage? Does it cover meal delivery service, perhaps Meals on Wheels? Some do. Coverage might only apply at certain times — if you’ve just had surgery or have a medical condition — but a lot of rules are changing now. It wouldn’t hurt to check your policy. © 2020 King Features Synd., Inc.
Auction Calendar Wed., May 27
TERRE HAUTE, IND.: 39.63 Acres, 2 p.m., Clomeyer Farm, LLC, Johnny Swalls Auction Inc., 812-495-6119.
Multiple Dates
SEE AD: Upcoming Auctions & Featured Farms, Schrader Real Estate & Auction Company, Inc., 800-451-2709. See p. A7
Upcoming AUCTIONS
REAL ESTATE
Tillable Acres • Wooded Acres. Contact Jerry Ehle 866-340-0445. 26 – 42 ACRES IN 1 TRACT. Marshall APRIL 30 – 516± ACRES IN 9 TRACTS. Fayette County County (Bourbon, IN). Contact Gary Bailey (Washington Court House, OH). 430± FSA Tillable 260-417-4838. Acres • Large Fields for Ease of Farming Operation JUNE • Quality Soils in Top Agricultural Area • Great Location! Only 1 Mile South of the US 35/ US 62 10 – 250± ACRES IN 10 TRACTS. Franklin Interchange • Abundant Frontage on (3) Roads • (4) County (Brookville, IN). Picturesque SouthHomes Including Picturesque Farmstead w/Barns ern Indiana Farm • Abundant WHITETAIL & • 37,000 Bushel of Storage w/Nice 60’x80’ Machine TURKEY • Rolling Pastures with Beautiful Shed • Potential Wooded and Open Land Building Elevated Views • GREAT LOCATION within Tracts. Contact Andy Walther 765-969-0401 or Travis 30 minutes to Cincinnati • Impressive Country Home with Picturesque Barns • 2020 Crop Kelley 740-572-1525. Rights to BUYER, 68± FSA Crop Acres • Potential Building Sites. Contact Andy Walther MAY 6 – 115± ACRES IN 4 TRACTS. Williams County 765-969-0401. (Montpelier, OH). 2020 Crop Rights • Immediate Get our new iOS App Follow us on: Possession Available • Productive Tillable Land • 105± Tillable Acres per FSA. Contact 800-45127097 – 30± ACRES IN 1 TRACT. Delaware County (Albany, IN). 2,244 SF 1 1/2 -Story Farmhouse with Out- NEWTONCOUNTY,IN.392.4±ACRESwith 355± buildings•22±AcresTillableperFSA•About5miles EastofMuncie•3½MilesNorthofSelmaandSR32 Acres cropland of which 17.1 are in CRP. Woods, • Delaware Community School System. Contact stocked pond, 48’ x 96’ Machine Shed with c/c floor. Beautiful setting for home or cabin and Mark Smithson 765-744-1846. 9 – 13.07± ACRES IN 2 TRACTS. Allen County hunting/recreational opportunities. Northeast (New Haven, IN). 2955 sq. ft. custom home with of Morocco. Call Jim Hayworth 765-427-1913 or an 18’ x 36’ shop • Wildlife is prevalent • Soils are Matt Wiseman 219-689-4373. (JH/MWW06N) mostly Nappanee silty clay loam, eel silt loam, also 82.78 ACRE PARCEL OF LAND WITH 82.24 with some St. Clair clay loam and Hoytville silty CROPLAND ACRES. This tract has excellent clay. Contact Dennis Bennett 260-433-2159. soils and frontage on CR 325 South. Call Jim 11 – 85± ACRES IN 4 TRACTS. Lenawee County Hayworth at 1-888-808-8680 or 1-765-427-1913 (Hudson, MI). Home and Buildings • Productive, or Jimmy Hayworth at 1-219-869-0329 (JH43C) 800-451-2709 MANY OTHER LISTINGS AVAILABLE
Featured Farms
SchraderAuction.com
A8 Friday, April 24, 2020
| INDIANA AGRINEWS | www.agrinews-pubs.com
FARMS FOR SALE
ADVERTISE YOUR FARMLAND FOR SALE
FEATURED LISTINGS Bartholomew County, IN: 60.25+/- Acres Contact: Dave Bonnell 812.343.4313 or Michael Bonnell 812.343.6036
Clinton County, IN: 14.5+/- Acres • 2 Tracts Contact: Sam Clark 317.442.0251 or Jim Clark 765.659.4841
Decatur County, IN: 80+/- Acres • Contact: Dave Bonnell 812.343.4313 or Michael Bonnell 812.343.6036
Delaware County, IN: 295.51+/- Acres Contact: Chris Peacock 765.546.0592 or Lauren Peacock 765.546.7359
Marshall County, IN: 31.72+/- Acres • Contact: Julie Matthys 574.310.5189
Call Your Local AgriNews Representative or 800-426-9438 Ext. 113
FOR SALE
Fenced Pasture | Lakes/Ponds | Equipment Barn | Recreation Cattle Barn | Loafing Shed | Wooded Acreage
LaPorte County, IN: 18.48+/- Acres • 2 Tracts • 2,496 sq. ft. Home Contact: Larry Smith 219.716.4041 or Kelsey Sampson 219.608.4341
LAND FOR SALE IN INDIANA
Contact: Julie Matthys 574.310.5189
Newton County
Porter County, IN: 115.30+/- Acres • 4 Tracts
• 137.08 A, 130.75 Tillable, 3.7 CRP, W of Brook.
Contact: Julie Matthys 574.310.5189
Boone County
Contact: Todd Litten 812.327.2466 or Pat Karst 260.563.8888
• 28.95 Ac, 21.85 Tillable, 4 miles north of Lebanon, includes home and outbuildings - Farmland Sales - Farmland Investments & Management
Vermillion County, IN: 979.89+/- Acres
“I appreciate all that you did regarding my Mom and Dad’s farm. Your team was very professional and ‘Top-Notch’ all the way through the process.” Tim Busald
- Sale Leaseback Options
172 acres acres 710+/+/-
For more information go to hagemanrealty.com
Multiple Parcel Possibility
800.424.2324 www.halderman.com HLS# PJK-12343 (20)
SM-LA1772793
Todd Litten: 812.327.2466 | Pat Karst: 260.563.8888 OWNER: Krieger Farms
For more information, visit halderman.com
HAGEMAN REALTY
Clinton Township | Vermillion County
SM-LA1772405
LaPorte County, IN: 60+/- Acres • Galena Township 58.26+/- Acres • Coolspring Township 30.22+/-Acres • Springfield Township
18390 S. 480 W. Remington, IN 47977 219-261-2000
HRES IN Auct. Lic. #AC69200019, IL Lic. #417.013288 MI Lic. #6505264076 AUCTIONEER: RUSSELL D. HARMEYER, IN Auct. Lic. #AU10000277, IL Auct. Lic #441.002337 SM-LA1772791
Winnebago to reopen RV plants MIDDLEBURY, Ind. (AP) — Iowa-based recreational vehicle manufacturer Winnebago Industries plans to begin reopening its nor ther n Indiana plants in May after closing them in March amid the coronavirus pandemic. Winnebago and other RV manufacturers temporarily idled their manufacturing plants last month after stay-at-home orders were issued in Indiana and other states where RVs are produced.
Gov. Eric Holcomb has issued stay-at-home orders that extend through at least May 1 for all but essential Indiana workers. While Forest City, Iowabased Winnebago will reopen some of its plants in other states earlier, it isn’t planning to reopen its operations in northern Indiana’s Elkhart County until May 4 or later, company spokesman Sam Jefson told the South Bend Tribune. The company has said that its employees will ad-
here to safety protocols, including social distancing, daily health checks and strict sanitizing practices. Winnebago makes motor homes, travel trailers and boats at plants in several states under the Winnebago, Grand Design, Newmar and Chris-Craft brands. The company employs about 3,500 workers at Winnebago Towables and Grand Design RV in Middlebury and at Newmar in Nappanee.
Partnering with our customers has always been a priority Our service technicians play a vital role in these partnerships
China auto sales sink 48.4% as virus hurts demand BEIJING (AP) — China’s auto sales sank 48.4% in March from a year ago as the economy reeled from the coronavirus, according to an industry group, adding to strains for the struggling industry in its biggest global market. Sales of SUVs, sedans
and minivans totaled just over 1 million, the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers said. Total vehicle sales, including trucks and buses, declined 43.3% to 1.4 million. The decline was an improvement over February’s record-setting 81.7% sales
plunge after auto dealerships and other businesses were shut down to fight the try to stop the virus’s spread. The ruling Communist Party started reopening factories, restaurants and stores in March after declaring victory over the outbreak.
The The benefit benefit of of working working for for Bane-Welker Bane-Welker is is you’re you’re not not on on your your own. own. You’re You’re part part of of aa community. community. Being Being employee employee owned owned means means you you give give aa better better quality quality of of service service because because it’s it’s reflecting reflecting directly directly upon upon yourself. yourself. -Rick -Rick Francis Francis
Check Out Our Used Equipment Inventory! TRACTORS
PLANTERS
2013 JD 8360R, IVT, ILS, 2500 HRS 2008 JD 8530, IVT, ILS, 5200 HRS 2006 JD 8230, PS, MFD, 3750 HRS 2006 JD 7220, IVT, TLS, 2700 HRS 2018 JD 6130R, 24SPD PQ, MFD, LDR, 500 HRS 2016 JD 6110R, 24SPD PQ, MFD, LDR, 650 HRS 2009 JD 6330, CAH, PQ, TWD, 2600 HRS 2007 JD 6715, CAH, PQ, TWD, 1300 HRS 2014 CIH 450 ROWTRAC, PTO, GUIDANCE, 1800 HRS 2015 CIH MAGNUM 340, CVT, MFD, 1865 HRS 2008 CIH MAGNUM 335, PS, MFD, 3350 HRS 1995 CIH 7220 MAGNUM, PS, MFD, 6550 HRS 1993 CIH 7110 MAGNUM, PS, TWD, 5800 HRS 1996 CIH 5230, CAH, TWD, 3800 HRS MCCORMICK C70L, OS, TWD, 970 HRS 2009 NH T8050, PS, MFD, 2780 HRS KUBOTA L3710, OS, HST, MFD, LDR, 1200 HRS 2018 TS GATOR 4X2 200 HRS EQUIPMENT
2014 KUHN-KRAUSE 5635 24FT FIELD CULTIVATOR 2016 CIH 335 28FT VT SUNFLOWER 6631 29 & 40FT VT MCFARLANE QUADRA-TIL 11 SH CHISEL BRILLION WL-1 25FT MULCHER CIH 2500 5 SH RIPPER, NO-TIL 2000 NH BB940 BIG SQUARE BALER 2005 NH 570 SQUARE BALER NEW IDEA 3709 MANURE SPREADER SCHULTE RS320 JUMBO ROCK PICKER PENTA 3020-SD TMR MIXER KUHN KNIGHT VT180 TMR MIXER KUHN KNIGHT VT 168 TMR MIXER
2007 JD 1790 12/23 LIQ FERT 2001 KINZE 3000 4/7, 38” SPACING JD 7000 4 ROW MALE PLANTER, 40FT. COMBINES
2013 JD S680, 4WD, CM, CHPPR, BIN EXT, 1800/1250 HRS 2010 CIH 6088, 4WD, FT, RT, CHPPR, PWR BIN, 1400/1000 HRS HEADS
2012 MAC DON FD70S 30FT DRAPER, JD ADAPTER 2013 CIH 2162 35FT DRAPER, IH WIDE THROAT 2011 CIH 2161 30FT DRAPER, IH WIDE THROAT 2005 CIH 1020 25FT GRAIN HEAD 2003 CIH 1020 30FT GRAIN HEAD 2010 JD 625F HYDRAFLEX GRAIN HEAD 2003 JD 925F GRAIN HEAD CIH 3408, HD, KR, IH WIDE THROAT 2012 JD 606C KR, HD, HH, RS, SINGLE POINT 2002 JD 893, HD, HH, SINGLE POINT 2012 GERINGHOFF RD800B, 8R30, HD, HH, JD ADAPTER MISC HEAD TRAILERS CONSTRUCTION
2017 BOBCAT E45, CAH, HYD THUMB, 1100 HRS 2016 BOBCAT E42, OS, E-HOE, 850 HRS 2018 DEERE 314G, OS, 1 SPD, 3 HRS 2014 BOBCAT S570, CAH, 2SPD, 755 HRS 2019 DEERE 317G, CAH, 1 SPD, 138 HRS 2017 BOBCAT T770, CAH, 2SPD, 2000 HRS KUBOTA SVL90-2, CAH, 2 SPD, HIGH-FLOW, 1275 HRS 2018 NH C232, CAH, 2 SPD, 600 HRS VIRNIG PWR90 POWER RAKE, SKID STEER MOUNT JD 570A ROAD GRADER, 1500 HRS
Sunflower • Wil-Rich • Killbros • Woods • Maurer Trailers • McFarlane 6407 North St. Rd. 15 Leesburg, IN 46538
SM-LA1772557
Further your career today at bane-welker.com/careers Connect with us!
Tim Polk | Jeremiah Polk | Curtis Hatfield (574) 453-2411 | Fax: 574-453-2515 polkequipmentinc.com
Crawfordsville, IN (765) 866.0253
Eaton, OH (937) 456.6281
Georgetown, OH (937) 378.4880
La Crosse, IN (219) 754.2423
Lebanon, IN (765) 482.2303
Pendleton, IN (765) 778.1991
Plymouth, IN (574) 936.2523
Remington, IN (219) 261.4221
Terre Haute, IN (812) 234.2627
Wilmington, OH (937) 382.0941
Winamac, IN (574) 946.6168
Wingate, IN (765) 275.2270
www.Bane-Welker.com SM-LA1772389
SEE US TODAY!
OPINION
www.agrinews-pubs.com | INDIANA AGRINEWS | Friday, April 24, 2020
A9
What’s trending
These are this week’s most read stories on the AgriNews website: 1. Rach: We need a national milk marketing order, and we need it now 2. FarmHouse ‘three-peats’ as award-win-
ning fraternity 3. Johnson: IBA focuses on protecting cattle producers during pandemic
4. Deere begins production of protective face shields for healthcare workers 5. Experts say food supply chain is strong
What’s your opinion? Send correspondence to: Letters, Indiana AgriNews, 420 Second St., La Salle, IL 61301; or email: editorial@agrinews-pubs.com
Farm Bureaus answer the call While there’s a long road ahead in the health crisis we’re facing nationally and globally with COVID-19, I can’t help but be uplifted when I Zippy Duvall hear the stories of how farmers and ranchers American and local Farm Farm Bureau Bureaus are answering the call to community and country. For some that could mean doing all you can to hold on till we get to the other side of this crisis. It also means all of us sharing stories of how we are still farming to put our fellow Americans’ minds at ease about the security of our food supply. And for others, it may mean adjusting the way you do business for a time, to meet the needs of today. For Chad Butters, founder of Eight Oaks Distillery in Pennsylvania, answering the call meant changing over his distillery to produce hand sanitizer when he heard about the shortage in his community and across the country. At Holesinsky Winery in Idaho, they can barely keep up with demand for the hand sanitizer they’re producing. These are just a couple of examples of family farmers who are stepping up to meet a need and solve a problem, often donating their new product to medical workers and community members at highest risk. Farm Bureau staff are answering the call, too, working tirelessly for members and finding ways to get food from the farm to local customers. Hawaii Farm Bureau has set up a “Farm to Car” service to get food safely to the community, while helping members continue to sell their products. Customers can place orders online and simply drive up to the farmers market where staff will load orders right into the car. U-pick farms across the country are getting into the drivethrough business, including Butler’s Orchard in Maryland. And thanks to creative solutions like the online direct-buy, farm finder from the Maryland Farmers Market Association, customers can easily find safe ways to get their fresh produce, meat and dairy products while supporting local farmers and relieving some of the burden from grocery stores. For so many, answering the call means giving with no expectation of return, or selling products at a reduced cost to prevent waste. This has taken on many forms, and I am sure there are more acts of sacrifice across our rural communities than we can ever fully know. Members across the country, like in Champaign County, Illinois, donated face masks to healthcare workers to help protect them on the frontlines of this fight. Others, like Oregon Farm Bureau President Barb Iverson, are bringing a little extra joy to others in a tough time. When Barb and her family had to make the tough decision to cancel their annual Tulip Festival at Wooden Shoe Farm, they found a way to deliver tulips to seniors under stay-at-home orders in their state, bringing a bit of the colorful festival home to those who could use a little spring the most. Here at the American Farm Bureau, we continue to work with our grassroots members and state Farm Bureaus, doing all we can to help you and your families make it through this crises. I know we are all praying for relief to come soon, and as we wait, hope and work amid all we are facing, we will continue to be stronger together. Zippy Duvall is the president of the American Farm Bureau Federation.
Laughter no longer the best medicine One reason — there were others — for my departure from farm magazine writing was laughter. Let me explain. In the early Farm & Food 1980s, the File world, like now, was Alan Guebert headed to hell in a hurry and agriculture was leading the parade. U.S. interest rates were a crushing 14%, farmland prices were on their way to plunging 40% in just five years and grain prices were poised to fall off a cliff. In the middle of this calamity, I suggested to Successful Farming’s managing editor, a devoted pipe smoker, that I write a story on the aching need for “a national coordinated food policy.” My words hit his brain just as a drag of tobacco smoke hit his lungs, and his laughter and coughing were so convulsive that all he could do was wave me out of his office. He then laughed every time he saw me the following week. The joke, as it turns out, was on us.
around the world and helped plant peace in some of its darkest corners. But that cheap abundance isn’t looking cheap anymore. Foreign companies, some tied to domestic corruption or unfriendly governments, sit atop our meat, seed, fertilizer and chemical supply chains. As such, they shackle us to their corporate needs, not our national interests. At the same time, those remnants of rural America that haven’t been run over, paved over, or turned over to corporate ag — local butchers, small flour mills and community supported ag groups and farmers — are now overwhelmed with new business during the COVID-19 crisis. The lesson here is obvious. Meanwhile, Congress and USDA, their lessons still unlearned, are gearing up to spend another $30 billion — and maybe far more — to remodel, repaint and rename more boom-and-bust ag policies from the past. No one, however, is laughing anymore. Farm & Food File is published weekly through the U.S. and Canada. Source material and contact information are posted at www.farmandfoodfile.com.
Keeping food, families safe
By Kim Baldwin
By Dr. Sarah Ison
The poem is about all of the hard work a small mouse When I was in high school, has done to prepare its nest I was introduced to John for winter, only to have the Steinbeck’s work. As a high nest destroyed by Burns as he schooler, I devoured “The plowed a field. Grapes of Wrath” while on a In the original Scotsroad trip across west Texas language poem, Burns reflects and made an extreme effort that oftentimes “the best-laid to go see a production of “Of schemes o’mice an’ men Gang Mice and Men.” aft agley.” Translated, it means Perhaps it was because I had that the best laid plans of mice been exposed to black-andand men often go awry. white images of my grandfaAs the kids and I have ther as a small boy during the transitioned to remote learnGreat Depression, or because ing and working, Burns and I was interested in the agricul- Steinbeck have popped into ture represented in his works, my mind many times. In fact, or perhaps it was because I have told myself on more Steinbeck’s words became than one occasion, “Gang aft vivid images in my mind. agley,” as a reminder that I I embraced Steinbeck’s need to approach each day characters, his themes and the with flexibility. lessons presented. By the time Did I anticipate my daughI left home for college I had ter would use a Sharpie declared Steinbeck as one of marker on my dry erase board my favorite authors. one hour into our new learnLike many families, we have ing environment? No. converted to conducting our Did I plan that the online day-to-day operations from platform my son’s teacher is home these days. The kids using to communicate with and I are both completing our her students would crash the learning and working from first day we started our new home as my husband prepares schooling? No. to begin our spring planting. Did I expect Rosie our farm While the majority of my dog to come into the office husband’s days are generally during lunch and steal my spent in isolation in a tractor daughter’s sandwich on our cab, my days are spent in our first day of school from home? farm office with our two chilNope. dren attempting to be as proDid I think my children ductive as possible with both would forget they’ve been work and school. raised as civilized individuals As we prepared for the kids and skip using the toilet in to begin their continuous learn- our house and instead “go” ing plan from home because of outside on the first day of COVID-19, many well-meanour new home schooling? ing people began sharing a Absolutely not. colorful, detailed schedule on Yet, here we are. Facebook for parents to impleAs we continue day by day, ment and children to follow to I am reminded — thanks to keep order and organization Steinbeck and Burns — that during our days at home. my best laid plans can be afI know how important roufected by outside factors and tines are. I was a public school the plan has to be modified. teacher for 16 years and know May we all remember that the value of good routines. a mix of grace, flexibility and However, I’ve also learned humor will go a long way as over the years that sometimes we move forward into this things don’t go as planned. new, temporary normal. And Aside from getting lost within may we remind ourselves his stories, Steinbeck served there still are blessings to be as a gateway to other literary found even if our best laid works. “Of Mice and Men” is a plans have gone awry. prime example of this. The title of this work by Steinbeck refer- Kim Baldwin is a farmer ences the poem “To a Mouse,” and Farm Bureau member in by Robert Burns. Kansas.
INDIANA EDITION — USPS694-470 ISSN0745-7103
Serving Farm Families Throughout The State of Indiana Publisher — Dan Goetz dgoetz@shawmedia.com | 815-431-4014 Published weekly by: AGRINEWS PUBLICATIONS A division of: SHAW MEDIA
Periodicals postage is paid at: La Salle, IL 61301. Postmaster: Send address changes to Indiana AgriNews, 420 Second St., La Salle, IL 61301.
use it. What was left out, critics warned, was an effective tool to lift farm income should a big production-low price spiral hit. Relax, Congress said; this’ll work. And it did until it didn’t. By 2016, net farm income had collapsed 30% from just three years prior. Without an escape hatch, farmers did the only thing they could: they grew more to boost gross revenue. That, in turn, pushed commodity prices even lower and the downward spiral steepened. Which is where we are today despite, according to the U.S. of Department of Agriculture statistics, having spent $1.067 trillion (in 2019 dollars) on federal farm programs since 1933, when they were institutionalized. More surprising, one-third of that total, or $364 billion, has been spent in just the last two decades, despite 2011 through 2015 having been one of the most profitable five-year periods ever in American agriculture. On the plus side, the money has underwritten the cheapest, safest, most abundant food supply in the history of the world. No small achievement. It has also fed millions more
Best laid plans gone awry
AGRINEWS
Indiana AgriNews is published weekly for $30 per year by AgriNews Publications, 420 Second St., La Salle, Ill.
In 1985, federal policymakers, led by Big Ag, responded to the crisis as they always had: they spent billions to remodel and repaint old policies instead of daring to create new ones. Two were genuine golden oldies, ethanol and the CRP, or Conservation Reserve Program. CRP was sold as a 10-year soil conservation tool and ethanol as a short-term alternative to use up an enormous corn carryover. Thirty-five years later, both temporary programs remain. In the 1990s, more market woes delivered the “revolutionary” Freedom to Farm law. The revolutionary part, it turned out, was that it suspended economic reality. Under F2F, farmers received government checks to, literally, outbid, outspend and out-produce their neighbors. And, boy, did they. F2F went from being a seven-year, $50-billion concept to being a six-year, $143-billion farm policy train wreck. In the 2000s, Congress really jumped into the breach with crop insurance, another worn tire from the past. This time, though, they supercharged it with enormous subsidies to entice farmers to
Copyright 2020, AgriNews Publications, Illinois AgriNews and Indiana AgriNews agricultural weekly newspapers. No part of these publications may be reproduced in any form or by any means, mechanical, photocopying, or otherwise, without the express written permission of AgriNews Publications.
CONTACT US
ADVERTISING
420 Second St. La Salle, IL 61301 Phone: 815-223-3206 Toll-Free Want Ads: 800-426-9438 Fax: 815-223-5997 Website: www.agrinews-pubs.com Email: editorial@agrinews-pubs.com advertising@agrinews-pubs.com circulation@agrinews-pubs.com
Mary Nona 800-426-9438, Ext. 113
EDITORIAL James Henry, Executive Editor Chris Cashman, Design & Copy Editor Martha Blum, Field Editor Tom Doran, Field Editor Ashley Langreck, Field Editor Jeannine Otto, Field Editor Erica Quinlan, Field Editor
Information and guidance regarding COVID-19 is continually evolving. Although this can be frustrating and confusing, especially when recommendations change or are expanded, we can expect these changes with anything that is new or unknown. The good news is that when it comes to this virus, the risk of contracting it through fresh or prepared food is low to none when following proper food safety and public health practices. If we look at past data and investigations of previous coronavirus outbreaks, such as MERS and SARS, the World Health Organization determined that there was no disease transmission through food. My family’s ranch raises meat shipped directly to families across the United States, and we have implemented social distancing practices in all areas of our business. Local customers are asked to pre-order and remain in their cars during pick-up. We wear personal protective equipment, including masks and gloves, and provide access to proper hand-washing stations, in order to protect our family, our workers and our customers. Keep in mind that gloves and masks alone will not prevent you from contracting COVID-19. You must implement the correct practices even with this gear to stop cross-contamination. In fact, if you are not used to properly wearing gloves, they can create a false sense of security and lead to unintentional cross-contamination. Remember: wearing gloves does not replace the need to wash your hands properly. When we need to travel off the farm, we take time to plan and ensure that anyone we work with who brings food to families takes the same care and precautions. For example, our dry-ice supplier now leaves my order on the loading dock, and I load it myself. Our local feed
Barb Sweger 800-426-9438, Ext. 114
DISPLAY ADVERTISING
Beth Bassett 1681 E. 1100S Brook, IN 47922 Phone: 815-579-1462 BethBassett@agrinews-pubs.com
NATIONAL SALES REPRESENTATIVE J.L. Farmakis Inc. • 24 East Avenue #1350 New Canaan, CT 06840 Phone: 203-834-8832 • 1232 635th Ave. Lovilia, IA 50150 Phone: 641-946-7646 • 901 Lands End Circle St. Charles, MO 63304 Phone: 636-238-8548
store has call-ahead options that allow us to stay fully in our vehicles and limit direct contact. Commercial shipping carriers, like UPS and FedEx, pick up meat boxes from the ranch store porch and we limit the number of customers allowed inside the store for drop offs. Consumers can rest assured that fresh fruits and vegetables purchased at the grocery store or from the local farmers market are safe. There is no need to implement extra steps in washing your produce, especially with soap or detergents that are not labeled for human consumption and can cause adverse side effects. The best at-home food safety practices are simple: rinse produce immediately prior to eating or cooking and wash your hands properly prior to preparing or eating food. Also, families and business alike must continue to sanitize high-contact surfaces, such as handles, doorknobs and counters, to reduce the risk of exposure. Keeping your hands clean in the kitchen is the most important step you can take to stop the spread of germs and COVID-19. There are still many unknowns surrounding COVID-19, but we can work with what we do know. We can all do our part to stop the spread through social distancing and good public health practices. That’s just what farms like mine around this country are doing every day to ensure we can continue to keep the food supply strong. For more information and to stay updated on best practices visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s coronavirus resource page: www.cdc.gov/ coronavirus/2019-ncov/index. html. Dr. Sarah Ison is a participant in American Farm Bureau Federation’s Partners in Advocacy Leadership Program and beef producer with her family in Ohio. She holds a doctorate in food safety and epidemiology.
• 8209 N.W. 81st Ct., Kansas City, MO 64152 Phone: 816-746-8814 • 6388 N. Whitetale Way Parkville, MO 64152 Phone: 816-912-2804
SUBSCRIBER SERVICES
Cyndi Sondgeroth Phone: 800-426-9438, Ext. 122
All advertising copy must be in the AgriNews office by 5 p.m. Friday one week prior to publication. Indiana AgriNews is not responsible for more than one incorrect insertion of an advertisement and will rerun in a later edition or cancel charges on the incorrect part of the ad which is in error only. No copy of a questionable nature knowingly will be printed. Also, this publication will not be responsible for any misunderstanding or losses which may develop through its advertisement. We reserve the right to censor or reject and to determine what is questionable or objectionable advertising.
A10 Friday, April 24, 2020
| INDIANA AGRINEWS | www.agrinews-pubs.com
Business
Market data FOR WEEK ENDING APRIL 17, 2020
Futures Prices This Last This week week Chg. week CATTLE HOGS APR 20 94.65 94.00 0.65 MAY 20 37.92 JUN 20 86.30 84.37 1.93 JUN 20 43.72 AUG 20 91.10 90.75 0.35 JUL 20 51.92 OCT 20 96.12 96.65 -0.53 AUG 20 56.40 DEC 20 99.87 100.30 -0.43 OCT 20 52.15 FEB 21 104.50 104.27 0.23 DEC 20 51.02
FEEDER CATTLE APR 20 119.52 MAY 20 119.27 AUG 20 128.40 SEP 20 129.95 OCT 20 130.82 NOV 20 131.27
MILK CLASS III 119.52 0.00 APR 20 13.41 118.95 0.32 MAY 20 11.10 128.87 -0.47 JUN 20 12.16 14.03 129.37 0.58 JUL 20 129.90 0.92 AUG 20 15.16 129.95 1.32 SEP 20 15.58
Last week Chg. 43.42 48.67 54.75 57.00 52.27 51.77
-5.50 -4.95 -2.83 -0.60 -0.12 -0.75
13.56 12.18 12.82 14.49 15.64 15.89
-0.15 -1.08 -0.66 -0.46 -0.48 -0.31
CORN MAY 20 3222 3316 -94 JUL 20 3292 3366 -74 SEP 20 3336 3416 -80 DEC 20 3434 3506 -72 MAR 21 3552 3622 -70 MAY 21 3620 3690 -70
SOYBEANS MAY 20 8324 JUL 20 8422 AUG 20 8444 SEP 20 8464 NOV 20 8510 JAN 21 8536
8634 8710 8734 8722 8756 8786
-310 -288 -290 -258 -246 -250
CHICAGO WHEAT MAY 20 5334 5564 -230 JUL 20 5336 5574 -238 SEP 20 5386 5612 -226 DEC 20 5470 5676 -206 MAR 21 5544 5724 -180 MAY 21 5552 5726 -174
K.C. WHEAT MAY 20 4786 JUL 20 4852 SEP 20 4916 DEC 20 5014 MAR 21 5112 MAY 21 5164
4920 4990 5056 5154 5242 5304
-134 -138 -140 -140 -130 -140
BRENT CRUDE OIL 28.08 31.48 -3.40 JUN 20 JUL 20 31.58 34.18 -2.06 AUG 20 33.47 35.66 -2.19 34.87 36.66 -1.79 SEP 20 OCT 20 35.95 37.44 -1.49 36.67 38.00 -1.33 NOV 20
ETHANOL MAY 20 JUN 20 JUL 20 AUG 20 SEP 20 OCT 20
0.938 0.969 0.972 0.972 0.972 0.972
0.034 0.024 0.034 0.034 0.034 0.034
0.972 0.993 1.006 1.006 1.006 1.006
Stocks of Agricultural Interest
This Last 52-wk week week high
This Last 52-wk week week high
ADM 37.19 37.58 47.20 Corteva 25.51 27.93 32.78 AGCO 49.49 52.10 81.39 Dupont 38.36 40.78 83.72 BASF 12.43 12.95 20.98 Deere 138.46 145.75 181.99 Bunge 40.09 40.83 59.65 FMC 86.10 90.00 108.77 CF 28.29 31.01 55.15 Mosaic 11.45 12.97 28.01
Export Inspections (MIL BU.) This Year Cumulative Cumulative Cml. week ago this year year ago % diff. WHEAT 608.709 528.714 21442.02 19935.798 7.56 CORN 1029.886 1191.442 20371.97 31933.828 -36.21 SOYBEANS 442.024 476.305 32338.33 30645.028 5.53
Livestock Summary % diff. This Last Year week year week week ago ago ago Hog Slaughter-est 11000 HD 2236 2407 2384 -7.10 -6.21 Cattle slaughter-est 1000 HD 502 536 642 -6.34 -21.81 MEAT PRICES This week Last week Change Pork Cutout 51.93 8.73 60.66 Bellies 62.02 29.12 32.90 Loins 92.43 89.46 2.97 Hams 39.53 37.42 2.11 Yld Gr 3 Choice Beef 238.07 224.39 13.68 Select Beef 229.60 207.53 22.07 5-Mkt Fed Cattle Live 96.77 105.00 -8.23 5-Mkt Fed Cattle Carcass 154.33 168.00 -13.67 OKLAHOMA CITY This week Last week Change Low High Low High Low High FEEDER STEER 4-5 Wt Mf 1’S 5-6 Wt Mf 1’S 6-7 Wt Mf 1’S 7-8 Wt Mf 1’S 8-10 Wt Mf 1’S
136.25 179.50 143.00 171.00 135.25 149.75 122.50 151.00 113.50 135.50 119.00 137.75 108.50 124.25 105.50 123.50 93.75 111.50 92.50 111.50
-6.75 8.50 12.75 -1.25 -5.50 -2.25 3.00 0.75 1.25 0.00
CASH HOGS, CARCASS PRICES, WEIGHTED AVERAGE BASE PRICE This week Last week Change National
32.28 39.03 -6.75
Eastern Corn Belt Direct Feeder Cattle Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Kentucky and Ohio Reported sales this week, 3,233; last week, 834; last year, 0. Supply included 38% over 600 pounds, 58% heifers. Feeder Steers Medium, Large 1 Avg. Avg. Delivery Head Wt. Price (FOB) 58 850 110.00 Current Feeder Steers Medium, Large 1-2 1000 400 152.00 Current 295 850 104.61 Current
Feeder Heifers Medium, Large 1-2 Avg. Avg. Delivery Head Wt. Price (FOB) 1000 400 142.00 Current 650 750 98.00 Current 230 725 105.15 July
USDA National Grain Market Review Compared to last week, cash bids for corn, sorghum and soybeans were lower; wheat was mostly lower. For the week ending April 9, an increase of 35.7 million bushels of corn export sales for 2019-20 were reported, with an increase of 9 million bushels of soybean exports sales, and an increase of 6.6 million bushels of wheat export sales. Sorghum export sales showed an increase of 2.9 million bushels. Ethanol production for the week ending April 10 reported a decrease of 102,000 barrels per day to 0.570 million barrels a day. Ethanol stocks increased 0.378 million barrels at 27.5 million barrels. Corn used for ethanol production decreased to 57.7 million bushels. Soybean crush for March was pegged at 181.4 million bushels. For the week ending April 12, corn planted was at 3% and sorghum was at 18%. Wheat was 31 1/4 cents lower to 2 cents higher. Corn was 10 to 18 cents lower. Sorghum was 21 cents lower. Soybeans were 16 3/4 cents lower to 26 3/4 cents lower.
CORN Kansas City US No 2 truck Yellow Corn was 10 to 12 cents lower from 3.14 3/4-3.21 3/4 per bushel. Omaha US No 2 Yellow Corn was 11 cents lower from 2.983.06 per bushel. Chicago US No 2 Yellow Corn was 12 to 16 cents lower from 3.19 3/4-3.21 3/4 per bushel. Toledo US No 2 rail Yellow corn was 12 cents lower at 3.09 3/4 per bushel. Minneapolis US No 2 Yellow corn rail was 18 cents lower at 2.87 3/4 per bushel.
OILSEEDS Minneapolis Yellow truck soybeans were 23 3/4 cents lower at 8.15 3/4 per bushel. Illinois Processors US No 1 Yellow truck soybeans were 24 3/4 to 26 3/4 cents lower from 8.41 3/4-8.53 3/4 per bushel. Kansas City US No 2 Yellow truck soybeans were 16 3/4 to 26 3/4 cents lower from 8.16 3/48.41 3/4 per bushel. Illinois 48 percent soybean meal, processor rail bid was 0.60 to 2.60 points higher from 295.10-296.10 per bushel. Central Illinois Crude Soybean oil processor bid was 1.31 to 1.86 lower from 25.50-25.80 per cwt.
WHEAT Kansas City US No 1 Hard Red Winter, ordinary protein rail bid was 26 cents lower from 5.515.61 per bushel. St. Louis truck US No 2 Soft Red Winter terminal bid was 27 cents lower at 5.45 per bushel. Minneapolis and Duluth US No 1 Dark Northern Spring, 14.0 to 14.5 percent protein rail, was 21 1/4 to 31 1/4 cents lower from 6.01 1/4-6.26 1/4 per bushel. Portland US Soft White wheat rail was steady to 2 cents higher from 6.07-6.10 per bushel.
SORGHUM US No 2 yellow truck, Kansas City was 21 cents lower from 5.71-6.25 per cwt. Texas High Plains US No 2 yellow sorghum (prices paid or bid to the farmer, fob elevator) was 21 cents lower from 5.00-5.62 per cwt.
OATS US 2 or Better oats, rail bid to arrive at Minneapolis 20 day was 15 cents higher from 2.89 1/43.59 1/4 per bushel.
‘Helicopter money’ will help economy wreaked havoc The Fed, the on the economy White House in the Great and Congress reRecession of cently passed an 2009, and corounprecedented navirus is doing $2 trillion emerthe same to the gency bill to help U.S. economy workers, families today. And, beand businesses, me, the Fed as well as the Commodity lieve fears deflation far healthcare sysInsight more than inflatem slammed tion. hard by coronaThough a “helivirus. The rescue Jerry Welch copter drop” was package is the first mentioned by leglargest in history. endary and noted econoThe package came mist Milton Friedman in in the form of an 8801969, it gained worldwide page bill entitled the popularity after Ben Coronavirus Aid, Relief Bernanke made a passing and Economic Security reference to it when he Act and signed into law. was a new Fed governor. The CARES Act is unprecedented in scope. From Investopedia. The only other time in com: “Bernanke’s referhistory the Fed, White ence to ‘helicopter drop’ House and Congress occurred in a speech that came together to support he made to the National a woefully ailing economy Economists Club, about was during the Great measures that could be Recession of 2009 amid used to combat deflation. the most severe economic In that speech, Bernanke downturn since the Great defined deflation as a side Depression of the 1930s. effect of a collapse in agThe Emergency gregate demand, or such Economic Stabilization a severe curtailment in Act of 2008, the Asset consumer spending that Relief Program and the producers would have to stimulus package under cut prices on an ongoing the American Recovery basis to find buyers. He and Reinvestment Act also said the effectiveness of 2009 cost a combined of anti-deflation policy is roughly $1.5 trillion. ... essentially equivalent And that was less than to Milton Friedman’s famous ‘helicopter drop’ of the CARES Act, which money.” also means the Fed is doing far more for Main There is no doubt the Street than for Wall coronavirus crisis has led Street. The money is to “deflation,” “a collapse going into the hands of in aggregate demand” individuals and families. and “a severe curtailment in consumer spending.” In 1976, Milton If you doubt for a moFriedman, an American ment that massive deflaeconomist, received the Nobel Memorial Prize in tion is not underway, ask any livestock or grain Economic Sciences for his research on consump- producer about the prices they now receive for their tion analysis, the history products. Go ask them. of money and theory Can helicopter money and the complexity of help today’s economy stabilization policy. In hammered by corona1969, Friedman wrote a virus as it helped the parable about dropping economy back in the money from a helicopter Great Recession of 2009? to prevent deflation. Yes, helicopter money It was deflation that
will work once more to reverse the forces of deflation and help revitalize the economy before the end of this year, or not much later than the first quarter of next year. After watching the Fed, the White House and Congress back in 2009 basically drop money from helicopters and witnessing the good it did to the economy was an eyeopener. And because history tends to repeat itself, I am a loud, enthusiastic fan of helicopter money to reverse the forces of deflation and demand destruction plaguing our economy. Of course, being in favor of helicopter money places me firmly in the same camp as Helicopter Ben. And that is perfectly fine with me as I predict deflation will be defeated, the economy will turn higher and upward spikes in a host of commodity markets such as livestock will unfold. Helicopter Ben & Helicopter Jerry are on the same page about what should unfold in the months ahead. And when the helicopter money cures the ills brought about by coronavirus — and it will — I predict a renown ice cream producer launches a new and exciting product. It will be called “Ben & Jerry’s Helicopter” ice cream. The flavor, naturally, will be huckleberry and pint-size only. But that may change, depending on gross sales and social distancing. Watch for “Ben & Jerry’s Helicopter” ice cream in a store nearby, but be careful and wear a face mask when shopping. Not the kind the Lone Ranger was always wearing because you will scare the bejeebers out of the clerk.
County Farm Bureaus’ innovative programs receive grants from INFB INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana Farm Bureau awarded development grants to five county Farm Bureaus to support new or expanded county Farm Bureau programs or events that promote or provide education about agriculture. The county Farm Bureaus that will receive financial assistance for programming this year are Benton, Clinton, Fulton, Huntington and Putnam counties. Each awarded county Farm Bureau presented a new or expanded programming idea to INFB. The grant committee reviewed and approved the funds based on financial need and the potential impact of the program in reaching organizational goals. “Our county Farm Bureaus across the state put much of their focus each year on educating their communities about agriculture,” said Isabella Chism, INFB second vice president. This year’s INFB county program grants will support the following programs: n Benton County Farm Bureau was awarded $1,500 to launch an agriculture awareness campaign for movie-goers in their community. The goal of the program is to promote agriculture with video spots before
each showing of a movie at the Fowler Theater in Fowler. Benton County Farm Bureau will engage other local agriculture organizations in this project in an effort to promote the entire agriculture industry in Benton County. n Clinton County Farm Bureau was awarded $1,500 to launch a Rural Safety Education program. The goal is to host an interactive safety clinic at the Clinton County Fairgrounds, covering on-farm and off-farm dangers and security procedures, such as grain bin safety, ATV safety, livestock handling safety, farm pond and water safety and safe chemical handling. Clinton County Farm Bureau is also interested in using this opportunity to discuss opioid and alcohol abuse signs with their community. n Fulton County Farm Bureau was awarded $1,500 to bring a family-fun, interactive game show about agriculture to fairgoers at their county fair this summer. The trivia-based game, Wheels of Agriculture, is designed to educate the players and the audience about agriculture — covering the basics of animal and plant agriculture — to teach the community about the origins of their food. Fulton County
Farm Bureau is hoping to host the game show each evening of the fair. n Huntington County Farm Bureau was awarded $1,000 to host its second “Breakfast on the Farm” event. This year’s event will focus on the local dairy farmer. The community will be invited to visit a working dairy farm to have breakfast and learn how a modern farm operates. The goal of the breakfast is to demonstrate how agriculture plays a crucial role in the everyday lives of each member of the community. n Putnam County Farm Bureau was awarded $1,500 to initiate a training program for the county volunteer fire departments to prepare them to appropriately handle a grain bin emergency in Putnam County. The county Farm Bureau also is working to secure the proper equipment for the fire departments to have on hand in the event of a grain bin accident. This training is an important step toward safety for crop farmers, their families and their employees. INFB’s program development grants are issued annually. All Indiana county Farm Bureaus are eligible to apply for up to $1,500 in funding each year.
Farm Bureau president named to Economic Revival Group WASHINGTON — American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall will join the Great American Economic Revival Industry Group focused on agriculture. President Donald Trump created 17 groups to help
shape plans to reopen the economy following the COVID-19 pandemic. “I’m honored to have been chosen by President Trump to join the Great Economic Revival Industry group focusing on agriculture. A merica’s
farmers and ranchers are deeply committed to feeding the nation during this crisis, but there are mou nt i ng cha l lenges threatening their ability to keep putting food on Americans’ tables,” Duvall said.
INFB AgELECT PAC endorses 11 candidates INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana Farm Bureau AgELECT, the organization’s state-level, nonpartisan political action committee, has endorsed 11 candidates running for Statehouse seats in the 2020 primary election. “At the state level, many legislative decisions are made each year that can impact Hoosier farmers and the agriculture industry as a whole,” said Katrina Hall, INFB director of public policy. “The goal of AgELECT is to support ag-friendly candidates running for elected office, and these endorsements recognize those individuals who are willing to listen and advocate on behalf of Indiana’s agricultural and rural communities”. INFB endorsed the following candidates: n Brian Buchanan (R) for Senate District 7 n Susan Glick (R) for Senate District 13 n Carolyn Jackson (D) for House District 1 n Ragen Hatcher (D) for House District 3 n Craig Snow (R) for House District 18 n Brandon Dothager (D) for House District 12 n Tom Wichlinski (R) for House District 12 n J.D. Prescott (R) for House District 33 n Jeff Gormong (R) for House District 45 n Peggy Mayfield (R) for House District 60 n Leah McGrath (R) for House District 88 AgELECT endorsements are made through a multi-step process, starting with recommendations from Indiana Farm Bureau members who live in the district. This format stays true to the grassroots nature of the organization. AgELECT’s endorsements are recognition of candidates’ support of policies that will foster a positive environment for agriculture and rural communities across the state.
Indiana Crop Progress for week ending April 12 A relatively warm and dry week allowed for fieldwork throughout much of the state as farmers prepared for planting, according to USDA NASS, Great Lakes Regional Field Office. Soil moisture levels dropped slightly from the previous week. The average temperature for the week was 52.9 degrees, 5.5 degrees above normal. The amount of rainfall varied from 0.06 inches to 1.40 inches over the week. The statewide average precipitation was 0.63 inches. There were 4.2 days suitable for fieldwork for the week ending April 12. Growers focused primarily on tillage and fertilizer applications last week. Most held off planting corn as cooler temperatures returned in the latter half of the week. Winter wheatcrop conditions remained stable, with percent jointing lagging the previous year. Livestock were reported to be in goodcondition, and most producers were still feeding hay while waiting on pastures to green up. Other activities for the week included potato planting, herbicide applications, tile installation, and preparing equipment for planting. Source: USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service, Great Lakes Regional Field Office.
Indiana Crop Progress Week ending April 12, 2020 (% completed) 4/12 Last 5-yr. 2020 year avg. Corn planted 1 1 1 Winter wheat jointing 7 17 NA
www.agrinews-pubs.com | INDIANA AGRINEWS | Friday, April 24, 2020
BEEF CATTLE (2) Registered Yearling Polled Hereford Bulls, good genetic docile. 217-543-3259 217-543-3063 3 LINE 1 Registered Hereford Bulls. Calving Ease, Production Tested, Semen Tested, Gentle Disposition, Ready to go to Work. EPDs available. $2,000 & up. Call 765-652-3558
INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT
INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT
66 REG. BLACK Angus cows, 24 spring calving, 17 w/calves now, 42 fall calving beginning end of aug., $2,200 for fall calving, $2,600 for spring calving, 1 Reg black angus bull, 2 yrs old, $2,500 Call 502-9051833 or 812-596-4348 ANGUS YEARLING BULLS. Performance tested with exc EPDs. Work on heifers and cows. Guaranteed. Also one proven herd bull.
Sunnyhill Angus. 309-338-2957 BULLS FOR SALE! Purebred Angus & Composite Simmentals, Performance EPDs,Yearling & aged Bulls. Runner Farms, Blandinsville, IL (405)334-2653 or (309)255-1727 runnerfarms@mtcnow.net
FARMS FOR SALE/RENT 39+/- AC. MARSHALL Cnty, IL.1872 Cnty Rd. 900 N. Varna, IL., Surveyed, 2 creeks, partial timber, $7,800/ac. Call Ray 417-217-9688 PLANTERS 1998 CIH-955 SOLID stand, 23 row planter, bean drums, corn drums and milo drums. $13,000 Call 217-825-3670.
SWINE EQUIPMENT D&M portable loading chute, 36 SS double drinkers, 4ft., Winpower pressure washer 2000 psi 4 gal/min. 217-756-8268 MISC. LIVESTOCK EQUIP MISC JAMESWAY CATTLE feed conveyors, Call 815-252-7117 SEED CORN EQUIPMENT WANTED REVERSABLE GEAR seed corn conveyer, ear seed corn converyor on outside of drying shed, 60' or longer Call 815-449-2668 COMBINES/PLATFORMS/ HEADS 1984 GLEANER F3 diesel hydro, 315 grain table, 4x30 corn head 2836 eng. Hrs., Exc. shape, $11,000 in recent repairs - $12,000 Call 260-623-2209 25ft 925 John Deere grain platform w/30ft head mover, $8900. 618-927-7858, 618-927-7857 640 V8 Perkins turbo diesel, $2500. 3.9 Cummins turbo, $3000. Both in good condition, 618-214-2194 SEED OPEN POLLINATED SEED corn, out produces Hybrids for silage. $67 per bu. Plus shipping. 217-857-3377
Check out our Auction Section in today's AgriNews TRACTORS 1972 JD 4320, dual wheel weights, 6630-hours, rebuilt engine, hyd pumps, lots of new parts, 184-38 fenders,very good cond., $14,550. 765-278-4483 1997 MF-8150, FWA, 4530 hrs, rebuilt hyd., 380/90 R46 rears @ 75%, 380/85 R30 Fronts @ 95%, Well maintained. $39,500. (765)366-2914
Crawfordsville, IN (765) 866.0253 Eaton, OH (937) 456.6281 Georgetown, OH (937) 378.4880 La Crosse, IN (219) 754.2423 Lebanon, IN (765) 482.2303 Leb. Spray Center, IN (765) 481.2044 Pendleton, IN (765) 778.1991 Plymouth, IN (574) 936.2523 Remington, IN (219) 261.4221 Terre Haute, IN (812) 234.2627 Wilmington, OH (937) 382.0941 Winamac, IN (574) 946.6168 Wingate, IN (765) 275.2270 LS-779039
Bane-Welker.com SM-LA1767406
greendrills.com (740)756-4810 Hizey Farm Service LLC
150 to 15,000 GPM *Electric Motors * *Farm Drainage Pumps * * Generator Sets * Shoemaker Welding North Liberty, IN 574-656-4412
GSI FLOORING New-Weather: 18' , 21' , 24' Floor. 50% off. While They Last. Call Place Order. Brush Enterprises, Bethany, IL 1-800-373-0654
IRRIGATION EQUIPMENT
TANKS: STAINLESS. PIPE For Culverts 10-inch to 10ft DIA. 618-553-7549, 618-562-4544, www.dktanks.com WANTED: 4 USED Y drops, Call 708-921-3484 LOANS/ FINANCIAL SERVICES FARM LOANS. We have the Best term/interest rates avail. Fixed rates, 5-25 yrs. 618-5282264 c, 618-643-2264, The BelRay Co, Don Welch and Jeff Welch, McLeansboro, IL MANURE EQUIPMENT BETTERBILT-2600 VAC. SPREADER, 3 knife plow down, 1000 RPM pump, good paint & tires, Call 217-756-8268 PARTS & SALVAGE
JD MULCH MASTER, MODEL 550, 25-FT., EXTRA SWEEPS, GOOD COND., $4,750. 812-204-4587 JD-2210 30'-6” FIELD cultivator 6” spacing, 7” knock on sweeps, 3 bar spike drag w/roller, $32,500. 815-482-5960 Landoll 30ft 876 tilloll good blades and beaters needs sweeps, $8500 obo. 618-562-9485 SUNFLOWER 26' SOIL finisher, 300 ac. Since complete rebuild, new 20” blades & Bearings, 10” hard serface shovels, rolling basket, 5 bar harrow on rear. Call 217-725-5236 FEED & GRAIN
SM-LA1767388
AUGER High capacity Westfield Augers Early Season Pricing Bunker Hill Supply Co Hutsonville, IL 618-563-4464
REPAIR FLIGHTING
Helicoid Super Edge & Sectional. For Grain Augers, Dryers, & Grain Carts, Feed Wagons, Mixers, Combines, Sweeps and Stirring Machine. Down Minimum
Same Day Shipment Perry Equipment, Inc. 115 West 580 North Crawfordsville, IN 765-362-4495 800-433-8783
www.perry-equip.com GRAIN VACS New& Used REM & Kongskilde grain vacs. Used Kongskilde 1000 & 500 grain vacs. Cornwell Equipment, Arthur, IL 217-543-2631
Don't Need it? Sell it Here! BINS & DRYERS
Want Ads Get Attention! MISC GRAIN HANDLING 2016 UNVERFERTH GRAIN conveyor, 21-ft. x 8 in., hyd. drive, remote on & off, on wheels, like new, $5,900. Call 260-623-2209 WAGONS & GEARS JD-716A SILAGE WAGON, 3 beaters, roof, wood floor, unloading apron ext., PTO shaft, variable floor spd. On a JD-1075 4 wheel running gear, with tongue ext., trails straight, well maintained and shedded, Asking $4,500. Wanatah IN. 219-252-0510
Buy Sell Trade It Works!! ELEC. MOTORS/GENERATORS
Generators: used, low hr takeouts. 20KW to 2000KW. Dsl, Propane, Nat. Gas. 701-3719526. abrahamindustrial.com Winco Generators. PTO portables & eng. sets avail., Large Inventory. Albion, IL. Waters Equip. 618-445-2816 CARS/TRUCKS/TRAILERS 1976 PROGRESS, SS 4800 gal. tanker, Call 309-224-9186 2007 International 8600, AR, tandem axle, 10-spd. transmission, C13 Cat eng., 167-wb, Nice Truck, $19,500. 217-924-4405 8-5pm.
FORAGE We Repair Baler Knotters on your Farm! Service Calls also available for farm equipment! Used Rakes & New Tedders for Sale! Kings Repair, Marshall IN 765-597-2015
2013 Freightliner Cascadia 125, Air Ride susp., tandem axle, Detroit engine, 241,000 miles, auto, Very Nice truck Call for price. 217-924-4405 8-5pm.
SPRAYERS
JD-6700, 3-WHEEL, 60-ft. boom, triple nozzles, w/drops 2375 hrs, spray star monitor, Trimble light bar, foamer, Good Cond., $41,000. 815-260-0249, can text pics.
SM-LA1767343
Try AgriNews Classifieds
HAY & STRAW
5TH WHEEL SPRAYER trailer, duel tandems brakes, lights, $6,700 obo, 1600 Yetter 4 wheel steer Call 309-531-7576 HARDI NAVIGATOR 1000, 60/90 axle, foamer, chem inductor, 60' hyd. Fold boom, triple nozzles, 540 RPM 361 pump, w/1000 RPM reduction kit, 2500 rate controller, 3 section shut off, 13.6/38 tires, flush & rinse, road lights, asking $6,000 Call 815-822-3565
We Manufacture All Steel Irrigation Bridges! Abbott Fabrication Winamac, IN 574-225-1326 Shop: 574-946-6566
Lincolnland Agri-Energy, LLC Buying Corn Clint Davidson Commodity Mgr 10406 N 1725th St Palestine, IL 618-586-2321 or 888-586-2321
Kinze 3650 16-31, 3-bushel boxes, mechanical drive, liquid fertilizer, recent disk openers, pivot transport, $39,000. 217-808-2772
HAY AND STRAW, Pandemic Sale, existing inventory 10% off plus 50% off delivery cost for qualified orders, Call David 815-685-5344, Mike 815-685-9646
* Tile Lift Pumps *
CIH-16 ROW CULTIVATOR, danish tine, like new, $4,900; JD-400 30ft rotary hoe, end transport, nice for age, $950. Call 309-657-9099
Kinze 3600, 16/31 row, great shape, ready to go, no-till, insecticide, corn & bean meters, KPM II monitor, 815-712-3703
2009 CIH Magnum 245 MFD 3510 hours, PS, field ready, Guidance Equipment, very nice, 217-304-1937 2010 FARMALL-95C, 97 hp., 540 PTO, 1830 hrs., MFD, A/C, Heat, CD radio, quick attach loader, Like New, $35,000 obo. (309)883-6340 JD 4640, 18.4x42 tires, quad range, 8228 hours, 50 series engine, good condition,$18,500. Call 217-430-4023
INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT
SCHABEN LA9000 LIQ. Fert applicator, 60', exc. Cond., 20” coulters w/knives, hyd. Pump, 3” fill, 1500 gal. Tank, JD rate controller, Call 309-303-3858
JD-1780 BEAN PLANTER, 15x15, 3 bu. boxes, pneumatic down presure, new iron, 250 monitor, ready to go, $25,000 obo Call 419-348-4764
5X6 NET WRAPPED Grass hay or large squares of alfalfa for horses and dairy cows. Delivery to your farm. (217)370-4342
MF-265 W/MF LOADER, 95% rear tires, approx. 2500 total hrs. New Tach. shows 510 hrs. Mechanically sound. Needs paint. $7,500. (765)366-2914
6-Row corn liquid nitrogen applicator, 3pt hitch, red ball monitor, PTO pump, includes tractor tanks, can also spray herbicide, Delivery possible, $4500. 814-322-8090 MISC PARTS FOR Gandy Orbit Air, Call 815-252-7117 New Steel Storage tanks available Capacity up to 50,000 gal. 618-553-7549, 562-4544 www.dktanks.com NH3 APPLICATOR, 11-SHANK, Good Condition, Continental regulator, $1,500.obo. Call 260-623-2209 PROGRESSIVE MODEL 2600 sidedress toolbar, 36 row, 30in w/2300 gal. tank, Coulter injection, asking $35,000. OBO Exc. Shape. 309-275-2424
Harms Land-Rollers, Brand New! 12 - $6,800, 14 -7,300, 16 - $8,000 , 24 - $14,800, 32 - $17,500, 42-$21,500 Any size Available. 715-234-1993
2004 VERSATILE-2425, 3300hours., N14, PS, bare-back, Exc cond., $67,500, OBO Retiring. 563-357-4300
JD-619 ENGINE, ONLY 675 original hours, Call 920-229-5286
SPRAYERS MILLER SELF-PROPELLED SPRAYER, Model 4240, 1000gallon tank, 90ft booms, Ag Leader Integra Monitor, lots of options, 720-hours, like new cond., $160,000-obo. Delivery Possible. 814-322-8090 SPRA-COUPE 3440, PERKINS, 60-ft. straight booms, 300 gal, foamer, EZ Guide 250, 1998, 3600 hrs, Exc. Cond., $12,500. 309-303-1292. FERTILIZER EQUIPMENT 16 ROW DAWN PLURIBUS on B&D tool bar w/liquid, $40,000; Call 815-252-7117
PRESCOTT ANGUS Yearling Angus Bulls For Sale Richard Prescott 815-228-2069 prescottangus.com
POULTRY/RABBITS Wanting 1 white female peacock, 765-618-7948
BINS & DRYERS FOR SALE GRAIN Bin Drying System, 42' Shivvers Drying System w/level dry & computer system & Cross Augers, 2 turbo Fans & Burners, 26hp a piece, Call 217-821-6232 for price
CIH-700, HIGH CLEARANCE 8 bottom 16” pull type on land plow, $3,000; CIH-516 720 plow, 3 pt. $1,500. Call 217-456-7641
POLLED SHORTHORN BULLS, 2-yr. olds & yearlings, calving ease genetics, prices to sell, Call 217-737-1023
REG. YRLG SIM. Ang bulls, BSE, and DNA tested, docile, blk, & bwf, $3,000 free del. In IL. River Bend Farm 815-674-8090
TILLAGE EQUIPMENT/ PLOWS ETC. Case IH 25ft 3950 disk, w/271/2ft Case IH Crumbler, both in very good condition, field ready, $22,900. 618-927-7858, 618-927-7857
A11
2015 Timpte 40-ft. super Hopper trailer, auto tarp, alum wheels, good tires & brakes, min.use, 815-257-3288 or 815-368-3288 MISC. FARM EQUIPMENT TILLAGE EQUIPMENT/ PLOWS ETC. 32ft JD 630 disk, $13,500; 2007 M&W BF10 hay rake, $6000. Both been shedded. 618-508-2808 33-FT. LANDOLL 9800 field cultivator, rear hitch and hydraulics, 4 bar coil tine harrow, like new sweeps, $4,900-obo. 309-264-7843
MISC. FARM EQUIPMENT
Iroquois Equipment Bush Hog Dealer Onarga, IL. 815-351-8124 *New/used Bush Hog mowers on hand. *Full line of Bush Hog parts.
SM-LA1767383
*Fast, low rate shipping. We can help keep your Bush Hog mower running like new!
A12 Friday, April 24, 2020
| INDIANA AGRINEWS | www.agrinews-pubs.com
Livestock
Pandemic delivers gut punch to dairy farmers By Martha Blum
AGRINEWS PUBLICATIONS
ROSEMONT, Ill. — The impact of the COVID-19 virus has delivered a gut punch to American commodity prices. “The impact has probably been the most significant to the dairy industry and dairy farmers with milk prices declining by 26%,” said Tom Vilsack, U.S. Dairy Export Council CEO and president, during a news conference. “The dairy industry was recovering from a long period of difficulty with a lot of momentum on exports at the end of 2019 and beginning of 2020,” Vilsack said. “Our February numbers showed dairy was exporting at a rate better than last year, and we had six consecutive months of growth despite the port issues at the onset of the virus.” However, the coronavi-
“Farmers are viewed as heroes, so we’re trying to connect heroes with consumers with some of our programs,” he said. “We believe it’s time to remove the disconnect with the consumer who is interested in the value chain back to the farmer.” “Every day is new in terms of challenges,” said Barb O’Brien, president of Dairy Management Inc. “We are ensuring kids have access to school meals since it represents 7% of the milk supply so we are working to ensure it’s operational.” In partnership with Feeding America, O’Brien said, the dairy checkoff is focused on marrying excess supply of dairy products with hunger programs. “It is a very serious situation for the dairy industry, and this industry is in a unique circumstance compared to other commodities,” Vilsack said. “It’s not
just about purchasing commodities and putting them in a warehouse — it’s purchasing commodities and delivering them to food banks that are in desperate need.” “At retail we are helping to address the pinches in the supply chain to get the product out of the warehouse and into the store,” O’Brien said. “We are looking at what we can do as we understand consumer behavior.” In Southeast Asia, Vilsack said, the Dairy Export Council made an investment to locate a Center for Dairy Excellence in Singapore. “The team is working to plan a series of webinars and virtual classes to show how to use U.S. cheeses in a variety of ways and recipes,” he said. “They are on a curve to recover from the virus quicker than in the U.S., so we hope by maintaining these contacts U.S. dairy products will be on
time for other chores. I’ve finally gotten caught up on hauling all the composted manure piles from the last year and cleaning barns, and I just finished spreading the last of the chicken litter. Roger drilled the oats and peas for me last week, so that job is out of the way. Now Ruth tells me she needs another 40 foot greenhouse put up real soon since she’s opening up on the April 15. It seems by the calls she’s been getting that there is increased interest in gardening this spring. So, she’s running out of room with her expanded planting. After last year’s terrible planting season, that’s a welcome change for her. Hopefully, we can get planting done earlier than last year. A few area farmers started last week, and BELVIDERE, ILL. weather permitting, more will start after this upChores to do coming cold spell is over. Our meat and egg sales Hello have been stimulated from by the crisis, and I was Grazefortunate to take in two N-Grow. “beeves” to the locker with I hope most already spoken for. I this artihope these local abattoirs cle finds are able to keep their operyou all ations going so local supwell. For many of us on plies can keep pace with the farm, this “shelter demand. This crisis, while in place” is business as serious for us all, has been usual, except that now, without the trip to church a wakeup call to many consumers who have been each Sunday, it’s hard to frustrated by the shortages remember the day of the week. Since the sheep and in the supermarkets that their “just in time” stockcows are out on pasture ing policy created. While now, the hay feeding is finally over and there’s more this farmer’s regional view
is limited, I see a renewed interest in local food markets. It makes no sense to me how some states can ban open air farmers markets while big box stores remain open. I just read where Michigan’s governor closed all greenhouse and landscaping businesses. With our schools shut down and the state parks closed to biking, fishing or walking, the kids are being discouraged from going outside and getting the fresh air and sunshine that are known to build our immunities. If we can learn to distance ourselves in the stores, can’t we also do it out in the fresh air? I guess I’m just spoiled since I’ve been distancing all my life. I sympathize with those having more limited opportunities to keep healthy. When we get past this virus, and we will, maybe we can encourage those who have endured a difficult “shelter in place” to come out to the farm and share with them our little slice of heaven on earth. What do you think? Happy trails. Jim Draper
rus had the same impact on export markets as it has had in the United States. “With food service and schools closed, the milk that would have been consumed in those places now has to find a different home,” Vilsack said. “And that product is in competition with the exports we would have otherwise been able to do.” “On the retail front, we saw initial panic buying with fluid milk consumption going up 55%,” said Tom Gallagher, CEO of Dairy Management Inc. “Recent data shows that number down to single digits and some at or below pre-virus levels.” In addition, Gallagher said, about 60% of U.S. butter is sold through food service. “We sell from 40 to 50% of our cheese through food service, as well as lots of milk for coffee, in containers or in milk shake mix,” Gallagher said.
top of mind as the restaurants begin to reopen.” In addition to the coronavirus, the dairy industry faces challenges in Mexico. “Their economy is soft and hurt by the recent oil price decline and the peso is devalued,” Vilsack said. “We are keeping an eye on ways we can work with the Mexican dairy industry to encourage consumption because it is a key market for us.” One of the main messages for the Dairy Export Council is that the United States has dairy products and the cows don’t know there’s a virus. “Farmers continue to work to produce milk, processing plants are still making cheese and other products, so there is no need for retailers to restrict the amount being purchased by consumers,” Vilsack said. “There is no reason on the export side to believe that any order can’t be filled by the U.S.
FROM THE PASTURES Spring colors Hope everyone is staying healthy in these interesting times. We have been staying home as much as possible. Glad we have the sheep to get us outside, but still waiting for the weather to warm up here in northern Illinois. The amount of rain has been good so far this spring, not too much like last year. The pasture and grass has turned green in the last couple days. The green grass makes me smile. Spring can’t be too far away. Interesting contrast across the country. My son-in-law has already planted his sweet corn in Georgia. My helpers in the mill have been staying home as the governor directed. Working by myself is not nearly as fun, but I have been able to complete some roving and yarn orders. All the sheep and fiber events in March and April have been canceled or postponed. I miss seeing all the great people who normally attend these functions. I am challenging myself to use the time creatively and not as a couch potato. In the house, we have tackled several projects from extra cleaning to painting. In the mill and store, it is a good time to redo the point-of-sale computer
SM-LA1772382
program used for checking out customers. The new system is very easy to use and hopefully less expensive in the long run. The pregnant ewes are doing well. There are eight Shetland ewes set to lamb around the first of May. They all have good condition on them and have come through the winter well. Crossing my fingers for some lambs with gray fleeces. The gray spins to a beautiful yarn. It also can be combined with white to make a nice heather yarn. In my flock, seem to have a lot of cream-colored fleeces, so it would be nice to get other colored lambs. The colors and patterns of Shetland lambs are hard to predict. It will be a pleasant surprise when they are born. Jane Zeien
SHEFFIELD, ILL.
SM-LA1767420
SM-LA1772399
dairy industry.” Before the COVID-19 struck the United States, from 15% to 16% of the dair y production was milk solids placed into the export market, Vilsack said. “Southeast Asia carried us in February,” he said. That’s why it is important for the Center for Dairy Excellence to continue working during the worldwide pandemic. “If we were to turn off that program for a couple of months, we would have a significant decline in exports now and in the future because we would cede to the competition,” Vilsack said. “It would be very difficult for us to regain the momentum we had with higher volumes.” Martha Blum can be reached at 815-223-2558, ext. 117, or marthablum@ agrinews-pubs.com. Follow her on Twitter at: @AgNews_Blum.