Farmweek june 22, 2015

Trade Promotion Authority passed the U.S. House as a standalone piece of legislation. page 2

Join the quest to find Illinois’ best steak and nominate your favorite restaurant to gain fame! page 3

Monday, June 22, 2015

Climate Corp. offers field-specific management recommendations and real-time weather info. page 4

Saturated soils stall planting, replanting, crop claims process

Two sections Volume 43, No. 25

SUMMER SCHOOL FOR TEACHERS

BY DANIEL GRANT FarmWeek

Farmers’ ability to finish spring planting or replant crop fields previously damaged or destroyed by severe weather remains stuck in the mud.

The seemingly endless parade of severe thunderstorms continued through last week, topped off by remnants of Tropical Storm Bill expected to move through Illinois during the weekend.

“The problem we’re facing is no one can get in the field to replant,” said Brad Clow, COUNTRY Financial crop claims manager. “There’s so much excess moisture.”

Nearly half (40 percent) of topsoil moisture across the state last week was rated surplus prior to the more recent stretch of torrential downpours.

COUNTRY as of last week received 1,078 replant claims and 564 hail damage claims.

And more crop claims are expected as the run of wet weather and sloppy conditions continues. In fact, some fields are so water-logged

Above, Jeff Bass, ADM operations super visor, shows Logan, Mason, Menard and Sangamon County kindergarten through sixth-grade teachers how increasing Illinois River water levels affect grain barge loading activities. A dozen teachers participated in the recent, four-day 2015 Summer Agriculture Institute sponsored by Farm Bureaus in the four counties. Right, Gary Molid, Manito’s D e l M o n t e F o o d s m a n a g e r, t a l k s about pea production with the teachers. They also visited dairy, pumpkin, Christmas tree, hog and grape farms and received information about Ag in the Classroom materials and activities. Since the program began in 2002, more than 300 teachers have participated. (Photos by Ken Kashian)

crop adjusters have been unable to get in fields to take representative samples for hail claims.

Clow encourages farmers to remain patient with their claims. There’s typically a 10day window to assess hail damage, and to report any damage.

“If you were in the path of any storm and there’s any question you have damage, just report a claim so we can inspect it,” Clow said. “If there is a potential loss, we want to make sure they (farmers) are protected.”

and get the latest information on rainfall patterns.

The number of replant claims so far this season has been in line with previous years. Clow believes replant claims in coming weeks will grow closer to last year’s total of 1,408 received by COUNTRY. He also expects many more prevent plant claims than last

Periodicals: Time Valued

Fairs, Extension, SWCDs swept up in budget battle

BY KAY SHIPMAN FarmWeek

This summer’s fairs, local University of Illinois Extension, and Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) work won’t receive state funding unless Gov. Bruce Rauner and the Illinois General Assembly agree on a new budget before July 1.

Recently, Rauner announced plans, effective July 1, to suspend state funds for several agencies and programs unless “real, compromise reforms” are passed.

“The latest round of funding suspensions demonstrates

the need for the governor and General Assembly to address the fiscal problems of the state and come up with a sustainable long-term approach,” said Illinois Farm Bureau President Richard Guebert Jr. “Investing in agriculture can actually help grow our state’s economy,” Guebert said. “We recognize the need for sacrifice, but do not want agriculture programs to receive a disproportionate cut. In the meantime, we will work with the governor and the legislature on sustainable solutions.”

Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) funding

marked for suspension includes premium reimbursement and fairground rehabilitation funds for 92 county fairs and 11 fairs and exhibitions.

The announcement covers the 14 June fairs, Kristi Jones, IDOA spokesman, told FarmWeek. Those include: Macon, Perry, Macoupin, Piatt, Sangamon, Greene, Jasper, Ford, Henry, Vermillion, Montgomery and Schuyler counties as well as the Martinsville Ag Fair and Western Illinois Fair Association.

Eleven fairs receive funding through the fairs and exposition line in the budget. Under

See Saturated, page 2

state statute, those include DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, McLean, Peoria, Rock Island, Sangamon, Tazewell, Will and Winnebago counties.

By October, county fairs submit to IDOA for reimbursement of premiums for horticulture, livestock, poultry and harness racing contests, Jones explained. To view 2014 fair reimbursement numbers, visit {www.agr.state.il.us/coun tyfairs/2014CountyFairReca pitulationReport.pdf}.

The governor’s announcement includes withholding See Fairs, page 2

ARC-CO coverage top pick for Illinois farms FarmWeek • Page 2 • Monday, June 22, 2015

gram, replacing the CounterCyclical Payment (CCP) program with PLC. “The fact that ARC County was such an overwhelming favorite is a noticeable change from the last program election,” said Doug Yoder, IFB senior director of affiliate and risk management. “Only 22 percent of Illinois farmers chose ACRE, and only 11 percent of the nation’s farmers chose it.”

Yoder attributed the pro-

gram’s popularity to its potential for higher payments in the early years compared to PLC. He also noted the program’s similarity to crop insurance.

“While farmers and landowners understand and prefer revenue coverage for row crops, evidently Individual Farm ARC was too complicated and cumbersome,” Yoder said.

“It provides protection on individual farm yields as opposed to county yields which is preferable, but also only pays

on 65 percent of base acres as opposed to 85 percent for the county program.”

Other findings: • Wheat farmers opted for PLC more often than corn and soybean farmers. PLC, Yoder noted, provides access to supplemental crop insurance and wheat crop insurance coverage levels top out at 75 percent in Illinois.

• Corn and soybean farmers saw little value in supplemental crop insurance, Yoder said.

Farmers can receive coverage of up to 85 percent for corn and beans.

The farm bill also allowed landowners a one-time choice to reallocate their base acreage.

According to election data, Illinois has 15,543 fewer farms than in 2013 under the previous farm bill. Yoder pointed to farm consolidation as the reason for the decline. The data also showed: • A significant increase in corn base acres at the expense of soybeans and wheat; and • An additional 248,040 total base acres were enrolled in this farm bill than the previous.

on TPA and related trade legislation so our negotiators are equipped to bring home the best possible deal for American agriculture, manufacturing and business in the ongoing Trans Pacific Partnership trade talks.”

The vote comes about a week after the House overwhelmingly voted against Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA), which was legislatively linked to TPA. The two issues have since been separated.

“The House made the right decision today to pass TPA,” said Mike Levin, director of issues management and analy-

sis for Illinois Soybean Growers. “With about $3 billion in soybeans exported each year, international trade is critical to our soybean growers’ success and an important part of our state’s economy.”

TPA would allow the presi-

dent to negotiate trade deals without Congress changing them. Congress can still vote up or down on the deal, but can’t amend them.

“TPA does not give the president free rein to make trade deals,” said Philip Ellis,

BY DEANA STROISCH FarmWeek

Most farmers and landowners in Illinois — and across the country — chose Agricultural Risk Coverage (ARC) at the county level, according to an Illinois Farm Bureau analysis of farm bill program data.

Illinois farmers selected ARC County coverage for 84 percent of their base acres and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) for 16 percent. It also was the top choice of corn and soybean farms, covering about 98 percent of base acres.

Nationally, farmers selected the program for 76 percent of their base acres and PLC for 23 percent. Very few selected ARC at the individual farm level.

The 2014 farm bill changed the revenue safety nets, replacing Average Crop Revenue Election (ACRE) with two ARC options — ARC County and Individual Farm ARC. Those who don’t make a decision will automatically be enrolled in PLC. It also changed the target price pro-

Selections made; time to enroll

Eligible farmers may now formally enroll in the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs for 2014 and 2015.

The enrollment period began Wednesday and ends Sept. 30.

“The extensive outreach campaign conducted by USDA since the 2014 farm bill was enacted, along with extending deadlines, is central to achieving an expected high level of participation,” said Vilsack.

The new programs, established by the 2014 farm bill, trigger financial protections for agricultural producers when market forces cause substantial drops in crop prices or revenues. Covered commodities include barley, canola, corn, grain sorghum, oats, soybeans, sunflower seed and wheat. For more information, visit {usda.gov/farmbill}.

House passes Trade Promotion Authority a second time

BY DEANA STROISCH FarmWeek

The U.S. House last week narrowly approved Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) as a stand-alone bill, resurrecting the president’s trade agenda.

The bill now heads to the Senate.

“We’re extremely pleased to see the House of Representatives pass Trade Promotion Authority, breathe new life ... into the nation’s vital trade agenda and put TPA back on track to enactment,” said Illinois Farm Bureau President Richard Guebert Jr. “We urge Congress to complete its work

(ISSN0197-6680) Vol. 43 No. 25 June 22, 2015 Dedicated to improving the profitability of farming, and a higher quality of life for Illinois farmers.

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Fairs

Continued from page 1 premium money for 21,472 4-H exhibitors in 100 counties as well as premiums for the members of 400 FFA chapters that exhibit in 25 section fairs.

The state also is poised to withhold a total of $13.4 million from the state’s match of county-

Saturated

Continued from page 1 week’s total of 66.

“This number could jump dramatically,” Clow said of prevent plant claims, which indicate a farmer was unable to plant any crops in a particular field.

Nationwide, 12 million acres intended for soybeans remained unplanted as of the first of last week, according to USDA. Replant claims also could grow even though the corn planting date ended June 5, while the soybean planting date ended June 15 in northern Illinois and June 20 in the south.

There’s a grace period of 25 days after each planting date in which a farmer may consider late planting. If he or she plants a crop after the final planting date, the farmer loses 1 percent per day off the guarantee.

National Cattlemen’s Beef Association president. “Without TPA, it would be virtually impossible to negotiate future agreements with other countries, which would hinder our ability to gain greater access into foreign markets.”

generated funding for local Extension offices, state funding for county Extension youth educators and Cook County Extension, which receives separate funding.

SWCD funding to be suspended includes grants to the partners for conservation and IDOA conservation work done with SWCDs.

If the number of prevent plant acres pushes or exceeds 4 million acres again this year, it will continue a recent trend.

The amount of prevent plant acres from 1996 through 2014 ranged from 1 million acres in 1997 to 9.6 million

acres in 2011 (see graphic). The number of prevent plant acres exceeded the average during that time (3.6 million acres) five of the last six years, according to a report at the University of Illinois website {farmdocdaily. illinois.edu}.

Rain refuses to go away; El Nino to blame?

Page 3 • Monday, June 22, 2015 • FarmWeek

BY DANIEL GRANT FarmWeek

Field ponds could be a common sight around Illinois for a good part of the growing season.

The relentless run of rainy weather could extend through this month with more of the same in July, based on last week’s forecast from the National Weather Service.

The six- to 10-day forecast late last week called for aboveaverage precipitation through June. The longer-term forecast also calls for increased chances of wet conditions in July.

“It looks like more of the same,” said Jim Angel, state climatologist with the Illinois State Water Survey. “I don’t think we’re looking at 1993-type flooding, but I think we’ll see more field level flooding, and flooding of roads and ditches.”

Much of the northern half of Illinois and a large portion

of the southwest sector so far this month already received 7.5 to 10-plus inches of rain prior to late-week storms and the arrival of Tropical Storm Bill last week.

The rainy weather continues a pattern that began last month as rainfall in May averaged 5.6 inches in Illinois, which was 1 inch above normal and the 22nd wettest May on record.

The constant barrage of rainfall has made it difficult for soils to dry out.

“A big problem now is the soils are fully saturated,” Angel said. “So, any sizeable rainfall can cause flooding. There’s just no place for that water to go.”

So, did El Nino, which took effect in the Pacific Ocean last month, cause the unusually wet weather pattern in the Midwest?

Angel last week wasn’t fully convinced El Nino was to

blame for all the torrential rain.

“I think part of it is the setup we’ve seen,” said Angel,

who noted stationary fronts parked over Illinois in recent weeks. “These systems aren’t

moving out of the area very quickly.

“I don’t think El Nino has been quite the player yet,” he continued. “It just showed up in May, so it’s hard to tell if you can make the direct connection (between El Nino and Midwest weather) yet.”

El Nino also arrived earlier this year than normal. It usually takes shape in June or July and has more influence on winter weather in the Midwest.

Fieldwork remains behind schedule due to the sloppy situation. Illinois farmers as of the first of last week still had 10 percent of soybeans left to plant, the second cutting of alfalfa was 10 percent behind the average pace and just 1 percent of winter wheat was harvested compared to the average of 15 percent.

we wanted to still be involved (in the cattle operation),” Sara told FarmWeek at the Illinois Beef Association (IBA) summer conference in Bloomington.

The couple’s solution was to lease ground near Lincoln, a short drive from Springfield, in 2006. They started with 20 replacement heifers from the family farm and currently have a herd of about 100 Angus and Simmental cattle at the Lincoln site.

“If we can keep expanding,

we would, but land is an issue as high priced as it is,” Michael said.

“We’re limited on pasture ground, so we dry-lot the herd, which allows us to have more cattle.”

The Prescotts work with other farmers in the area to secure the feed needs for their herd and for the application of manure.

“We have to buy all our feed ingredients,” Michael said. “It’s one of our biggest costs, but it’s still profitable to do this.”

The Prescotts focus on selling feeder calves to producers with connections to the freezer beef market.

The innovative Prescott operation, which also has about 100 head of Angus on the home farm in Mendota, last week won IBA’s Farm Family of the Year award.

The Prescotts, Sangamon County Farm Bureau members, helped revive a local cattlemen’s group and IBA affiliate in their area.

“We need more young people involved,” said Michael, who noted he and Sara seek volunteer opportunities to be around consumers, and talk about agriculture and beef production.

The couple hopes their children, Madison (6), Emma (4) and Carter (3 months) will continue the farm tradition when they reach adulthood.

“We’re extremely excited (to be raising cattle and win the IBA award),” Sara said. “We hope our children will be the fourth generation on the farm.”

Prescott Angus was established by Allen H. Prescott 65 years ago and passed down to Richard Prescott, who currently runs the farm in Mendota.

Other awards handed out at the IBA summer conference last week included the Commercial Producer of the Year awarded to Dipper Farms near Blue Mound, and the Seedstock Breeder of the Year, which went to Dameron Angus of Lexington.

Cattle farmers continue family tradition at different location

BY DANIEL GRANT FarmWeek

When young farmers Michael and Sara Prescott decided to continue the family’s tradition of raising beef cattle, one of the top obstacles was finding enough land.

The couple and their family live in Springfield, which sits in the heart of prime cropland.

Prescott Angus, established in 1950 near Mendota, also has high quality black dirt, which fetches a hefty price, all around.

Sara and Michael Prescott

“When we had an opportunity to move (to Springfield for Michael’s off-farm job),

Contest seeks entries for best steak in Illinois Do you have a longtime favorite restaurant that serves a great steak, or did you recently find a spot in Illinois where you tasted a cut of beef that was out of this world?

If so, the Illinois Beef Association (IBA) and Illinois Farm Bureau want to hear about it through a new contest launched last week.

IBA and IFB teamed up to offer the “Quest for Illinois’ Best Steak” in which residents of the state can nominate a restaurant or food service establishment that serves what each to learn how you nominee can join the Quest believes to be for Illinois’ Best the best steak Steak. in the state.

The online nomination process began Wednesday (June 17) and ends July 10. Go to {FarmWeekNow.com} or the IBA website at {illinoisbeef.com} to enter or for more information about the quest for the best contest.

“We work with cattlemen every day and we try to celebrate the end product as well,” Jill Johnson, IBA director of communications, told the RFD Radio Network®. “So, (we’re excited) any time we can connect the two and work with a great partner like Illinois Farm Bureau.

“It will be so much fun to have farmers and consumers be able to nominate their favorite restaurant or food service establishment, and the best steak they have on the menu,” she noted.

The online nomination process takes little

time as those interested in nominating a restaurant must simply provide their name, hometown, email address, the name and location of the restaurant, and the cut of steak they would like to nominate for the title of “Best Steak in Illinois.”

Once the nomination process ends July 10, a list of the top 10 nominees will be posted at the two websites and people can vote for the best steak from the top 10 list through Aug. 15.

RFD radio staff and volunteer leaders from IBA will visit the top 10 restaurants and conduct remote broadcasts. Updates throughout the contest also will be printed in FarmWeek and posted at {FarmWeekNow.com}.

The winning restaurant will be announced during Ag Day at the Illinois State Fair and will win a $1,000 social media advertising package sponsored by IBA. Those who vote in the contest also will be automatically entered for a random drawing for three, $50 beef certificates from IBA. — Daniel Grant

Issues tour participants named Eight Illinois Farm Bureau members and one IFB director will participate in the Aug. 16-22 Nutrient Management and Trade Issues Tour to Germany.

The IFB Board approved the following tour attendees: Chris Hausman, Champaign County, District 12 director; Rollo Burnett, Massac County; Russ Higgins, Grundy County; Garry Niemeyer, Sangamon County; Kris Reynolds, Montgomery County; Doug Scheider, Stephenson County; Gerald Thompson, McLean County; Todd Verheecke, Henry County; and David Wessel, Cass County. Trip alternates include Bob Beutke, LaSalle County, and Scott Halpin, Grundy County, District 5 director.

The tour, organized by the German-American Chamber of Commerce, represents part of the Federal Republic of Germany’s Transatlantic Dialogue between German and U.S. farmers. Participants will become spokespersons on nutrient management, soil health and trade issues. Iowa Farm Bureau Federation members will also participate in the tour.

IFB board makes Indiana ag road trip High-tech tools merge field data, digital ag

FarmWeek • Page 4 • Monday, June 22, 2015

Did you know a farm ranks as one of the top 10 tourist attractions in Indiana, and the largest agritourism facility in the nation?

Last week, Illinois Farm Bureau Board members toured Fair Oaks Farms, which welcomes 120,000 visitors annually.

The family-operated farm has adopted a mission to inform the public about agriculture.

Many of the educational displays and activities are aimed at school-age children. A birthing area allows visitors to watch a live calf being born.

Fair Oaks milks 37,000 dairy cows in 11 locations.

The Pig Adventure, a joint venture between Fair Oaks and Belstra Milling Co., opened two years ago.

The 120,000-square-foot building houses both the pig facility and an enclosed, climate-controlled, interactive viewing area on the second floor

BY CHRIS MAGNUSON

for visitors to see the sows’ life cycle from artificial insemination to birthing and beyond.

Workers at Fair Oaks Farms explain animal care practices, including why they use antibiotics to treat sick animals and how gestation stalls reduce the number of baby pigs being crushed by their mothers.

Fair Oaks plans to add poultry, aquaculture and cattle finishing in the future.

“Fair Oaks does a great job of consumer outreach to urban centers,” said IFB President Richard Guebert Jr. “Their staff is well trained to answer questions. We use these visits to other states to discuss issues of common interest and build relations with their state Farm Bureau board of directors.”

IFB board members also met with the Indiana Farm Bureau Board and stopped at the Purdue University Center for Commercial Agriculture.

Purdue faculty indicated they have been able to maintain college of agriculture faculty levels during the last 15 years.

This makes them different from many other land grant universities, including the University of Illinois.

Most land grants have had their faculty levels reduced by 25 to 40 percent. They have also maintained flat funding levels for Extension.

The Purdue College of Agriculture received a major boost when campus strategic planning identified crop science as one of three priorities for the university.

That resulted in an additional $20 million dollars of campus funds allocated to a Plant Science Initiative.

Chris Magnuson serves as executive director of operations, news and communications for Illinois Farm Bureau. To see photos of the trip, visit {FarmWeekNow. com}.

application or even consider a

BY KAY SHIPMAN late-season application, he said.

FarmWeek Myroup declined to generalize A merger of high-tech Silicon asked about field nitrogen when Valley and mainstream agricullevels given the amount of rainture witnessed farmers integratfall Illinois fields have received. ing field and cropping data with “It’s almost dangerous to make real-time weather information statements and agroabout how nomic comnitrogen is puter modperforming els to gain over a large field-specific geographic management area because recommenof the chardations. acteristics of After trial individual tests last fields,” he year, the Clisaid. mate Corp., Bachman a Monsanto said farmers subsidiary, “really like began offergetting notiing Illinois fications of farmers digirainfall and tal agriculhaving ture services quick access through know to local ag supmuch how ply comparain their nies this A smartphone displays a Climate Corp. year. field health advisory map, indicating a po- fields have Prairieland tential problem area in red. (Photo by Cyn- gotten, especially FS Inc., di Cook) those who based in have fields spread out across a Jacksonville, offers farmer cuslarge geographic area.” Several tomers a couple of Climate farmers use images from a field Corp. products that help with health program to help identify nitrogen decisions and choices problem areas for scouting, she for scouting and management. said.

“We believe we are just As for a nitrogen program’s scratching the surface of what recommendations, Bachman said we can learn,” Rick Myroup, Clithose projections “seem to make mate Corp.’s Illinois regional sense to the growers and our services manager, told crop specialists.” As recomFarmWeek. mended by one Climate Corp.

Last year, some of program, some farmers are testPrairieland’s customers tried a ing different nitrogen application Climate Corp. basic program, scenarios, which they and mainly to measure rainfall, Prairieland intend to analyze according to Mandy Bachman, after harvest.

Prairieland’s precision ag coordiFor years, farmers have relied nator. This year, several farmer on recommendations from the customers are using Climate University of Illinois agronomy Corp.’s nitrogen adviser and field handbook and most recently health adviser programs, BachIowa State University’s online man added.

To receive recommendations, nitrogen rate calculator that offers recommendations for farmers first enter data about fields and management practices northern, central and southern Illinois. “From what we’ve seen, into a database. Depending on it (Climate Corp.’s nitrogen which program the farmer is adviser) is aligning fairly closely” using, the information may include soil characteristics, fertil- with those tools’ recommendaizer applications, tillage practices, tions, depending on a farmer’s yield goals and farming practices, presence of tile drainage, the Bachman said.

Currently, Climate Corp.’s to see more about programs do not account for Climate Corp.’s diginitrogen removed by cover tal ag services. crops, a practice gaining acreage in Illinois. Bachman characterized the digital nitrogen adviser current and previous year’s program as “a great tool, but it is crops, and soil fertility test limited.” Prairieland highly recresults.

Myroup noted the immediacy ommends its customers work of information put into farmers’ with crop specialists to determine nitrogen-limiting factors hands — and even their smartand their impacts. phones.

“The biggest factor of avail“In central and south-central able nitrogen is weather, which Illinois, they had rain dumped on we have no control over,” Bachthem ... We take real-time weathman continued.

The nitrogen er information and apply it to adviser program offers different their (computer) models,” he scenarios that, hopefully, will explained. In turn, farmers use lead to better nitrogen managethat information to determine ment decisions, she concluded. whether they need a side-dress

Farm groups: Passage of Grain Standards Act important to keep exports flowing

Page 5 • Monday, June 22, 2015 • FarmWeek

BY DANIEL GRANT FarmWeek

A ditch near Maroa overflows into an adjoining cornfield. A coalition of more than 380 businesses, organizations and chambers of commerce sent a letter to U.S. Senators last week, urging them to withdraw their final rule governing “waters of the U.S.” (Photo by Ken Kashian)

Coalition urges final WOTUS withdrawal

BY DEANA STROISCH FarmWeek

A coalition of more than 380 businesses, organizations and chambers of commerce — representing nearly every state — urged members of the U.S. Senate last week to force federal agencies to withdraw their final rule governing “waters of the U.S.” The group asked senators to cosponsor S 1140, which would require the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Army Corps of Engineers to withdraw and rewrite the final rule. Illinois Farm Bureau and American Farm Bureau Federation also support S 1140.

“The final rule will have a profoundly negative impact on a large portion of the U.S. economy as it slows, or brings to a complete halt, numerous projects — major and minor — across the nation,” the group wrote to senators.

The group also said EPA and the Corps didn’t address the rule’s effects on land uses or show how their “massive new regulatory regime” will improve water quality or accomplish policy goals.

“Equally important, the agencies finalized the rule without conducting sufficient regulatory impact analyses or adequately consulting with state, local and tribal governments or interested stakehold-

ers,” according to the letter.

Illinois businesses and organizations signing the letter included: Associated Builders & Contractors Illinois Chapter, Chicago Southland Chamber of Commerce, Greater Oak Brook Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Partnership, Illinois Association of Aggregate Producers, Illinois Beef Association, Illinois Chamber of Commerce, McLean County Chamber of Commerce, Naperville Chamber of Commerce, Northwestern Illinois Golf Course Superintendents Association, Pike County Chamber of Commerce, Tuscola Stone Co. and Western DuPage Chamber of Commerce.

WOTUS Glossary

Here are some definitions of terms used in the Environmental Protection Agency’s final rule governing “waters of the U.S.” • Ephemeral streams — streams that have flowing water only after precipitation events • Intermittent streams — streams that have both precipitation and groundwater providing part of the flow, and only flow during parts of the year • Perennial streams — streams that have flowing water year-round • Relocated tributary — a ditch that historically diverted the flow of a tributary • Excavated in a tributary — a ditch dug out of a tributary

A substantial drop in crop prices already puts farmers in an economic squeeze.

USDA recently forecast net farm income this year could decline 32 percent from 2014 to the lowest level since 2009.

So, the last thing U.S. farmers need would be any type of disruption to ag exports, similar to what happened this spring due to a temporary shutdown of West Coast ports caused by a labor dispute.

Farm groups, in response, recently called on Congress to reauthorize the U.S. Grain Standards Act to ensure grain inspections occur in a timely manner and don’t disrupt the flow of exports.

“We simply cannot afford another situation where the reliability of our export inspection system is put at risk, which would only benefit U.S. competitors,” Wade Cowan said Wade

Cowan, president of the American Soybean Association.

The Federal Grain Inspection Service (FGIS) last summer suspended export inspections for 36 days at the Port of Vancouver during a labor dispute, which slowed sales and raised questions among foreign buyers about reliability of the U.S. inspection system.

FGIS inspects about twothirds of exported grain and oversees the inspection, conducted by state agencies, of the remainder.

If Congress doesn’t reauthorize the Grain Standards Act by Sept. 30, key provisions expire, including the use of state agencies for export servDoug Yoder ices.

“It doesn’t necessarily mean a disruption of service will occur on Sept. 30,” said Doug Yoder, Illinois Farm Bureau senior director of affiliate and risk management.

“But we just don’t want to take a chance.

“We support getting it (reauthorization of the Grain Standards Act) passed in a timely manner,” he continued.

“We don’t want a disruption of service. We rely on exports a lot.”

The American Farm Bureau Federation also called on Congress to reauthorize the act and to put a contingency plan in place to ensure that official grain inspection activities continue regardless of service disruptions.

The ag committees in both chambers approved legislation that would reauthorize expiring provisions in the Grain Standards Act for five years.

And, more recently, the House of Representatives passed a bill to reauthorize the act.

“ASA urges the Senate to take up its version of the legislation as soon as possible to ensure our growers and their foreign customers that the U.S. inspection system will continue to represent the ‘gold standard’ for quality exports of U.S. soybeans and grain,” Cowan said.

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FarmWeek • Page 6 • Monday, June 22, 2015 Brian Sisson, Belvidere, Boone County: Last weekend’s rains turned out to be heavier than expected. Most of the area received a total of 4.5 to 7 inches of rain.

Outside of some flooding, the majority of the crops still look to be in good shape. A small portion of the county experienced some hail damage and looks like some beans might have to be replanted. Thankfully, the sun and a drier pattern were around for most of the week, but saturated soils have made finishing up side-dressing corn and post spraying beans difficult. More rain is expected during the weekend and through most of next week.

Leroy Getz, Savanna, Carroll County: Rain since last report of 4.5 inches brings June’s total to 7.9 inches. Following the nearly 10 inches in May, this results in flash flooding and crop destruction on the bottom lands. All of northwestern Illinois received the same treatment. Water is running from the hillsides just like a river.

The first-crop hay that has not yet been cut is way past maturity. I mowed some Thursday and pray that we can get it dry. Don’t forget the State Forage and Grassland Field Show Day in JoDaviess County on June 23.

Ryan Frieders, Waterman, DeKalb County: Our fields were covered with 3 to 5-plus inches of rain in 24 hours last weekend (June 13-14). There is water ponded everywhere. The creeks are all full, and fields have been flooded and waterlogged for days. It’s hard to know when fieldwork will resume and how much replanting will need to get done.

Larry Hummel, Dixon, Lee County: Totals of up to 7.5 inches for the week has caused widespread flooding. The Kishwaukee River that normally looks more like a meandering creek resembled the Mighty Mississippi as I drove home from St. Charles Tuesday. Laterplanted corn is struggling the most with the saturated soils.

Ken Reinhardt, Seaton, Mercer County: Some farms have received nearly 9 inches of rain lately. There’s been no fieldwork for a couple weeks. There is still some corn and a lot of soybeans to be sprayed yet. Some crops have been lost to flooding and ponding.

Most corn and soybeans are looking good despite the excessive rainfall.

Ron Moore, Roseville, Warren County: We received another 2.5 inches of rain last week. That is more than 8 inches in the last two weeks. Some locations received more than 10 inches. Lots of ponding and the beans seem to be suffering the most. They will probably die soon if the water does not recede. The corn in ponded areas has just stopped growing. The other corn is now head high and still looks good. We are still waiting for dry weather to mow the second cutting of hay. The soybeans really need to be sprayed. The weeds are now more than a foot tall and will be more difficult to control.

Jacob Streitmatter, Princeville, Peoria County: Everything is flooded, and the crops look horrible. Since this rain event started more than a week ago, we have received more than 10 inches of rain. There will be a lot of replanted soybeans and a lot of soybeans planted in cornfields with drowned out spots if it ever dries out. Some of the first-planted corn was big enough to withstand the flooding, but the later-planted corn is really struggling and looks terrible. A week ago, I thought the market was right with a good looking crop, but now there’s not a good looking crop around here. Most corn has been sprayed, but soybeans need sprayed now.

Dean Shields, Murphysboro, Jackson County: The corn and beans could use a break from the wet weather. The locks are down and the pumps are running. We hope we do not have much internal flooding. The beans need to be sprayed and the wheat cut. Tune in next week for the results. Take care and have a safe planting season.

Mark Kerber, Chatsworth, Livingston County: Rain almost every day has waterlogged our fields. Many fields have drowned out spots. Corn and beans have turned yellow in poorly drained soils. Crops need to be sprayed, but they will have to wait for a dry spell. Weeds are getting big, unless an herbicide was put down ahead on these crops. It’s even too wet to mow the roads, unless you want to mud up the bottom of the ditches, my neighbor says.

Markets are due for a correction from adverse weather conditions across the Corn Belt.

Ron Haase, Gilman, Iroquois County: Rain has continued and crop conditions in the area have deteriorated because of it.

Our farms received a range of 3.4 to 4.25 inches of rain. Not far to the north received 7 inches during the past week. Most area cornfields are near the V9 growth stage. Corn entering V9 will begin rapid stalk growth through internode elongation. Areas in the field that are saturated with water are showing up with a lighter green color and are falling behind in height. Corn plants are beginning to die in some of those areas. Most soybean fields are in V3 growth stage with those planted early at the V6 to V7 growth stage. Soybean fields with saturated areas are showing the same symptoms as corn.

Local closing prices for June 18 were nearby corn, $3.36; new-crop corn, $3.37; nearby soybeans, $9.84; new-crop soybeans, $9.04.

Brian Schaumburg, Chenoa, McLean County: No Henny Penny, that’s not the sky falling, just rain, and a lot of it. The 4 to 10 inches of rain in the first three weeks is setting June up to be one of the wettest on record. Oxygenstarved roots will need a lot of dry weather. Corn has weathered these storms quite well. Beans may have some disease issues later. This week saw the most corn borer moth flights in many years. Rootworm hatch is under way. Markets took note, but are anemic. Corn, $3.43, fall, $3.45; soybeans, $9.68, fall, $9.12; wheat, $4.47.

Steve Ayers, Champaign, Champaign County: Water, water everywhere ... continued.

The leading edge of tropical depression Bill is in the neighborhood and dropped .5 of an inch so far by Thursday. Bill remnants again Friday, then rain again Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday next week. Last weekend (June 13-14), we had .64 of an inch. Northern Champaign and Vermilion counties had a flash flood warning Sunday (June 14) with another 2 to 4 inches. Monday’s rain dropped .61 of an inch. Corn and beans that are not under water are leaping out of the ground.

Some farmers are planning on replanting soybeans, but they are not sure when it will dry enough to return to the field. Haying has been challenging lately, and many beans need spraying ASAP. Wheat is maturing for harvest nicely. Vermilion County Fair kicks off Tuesday through Saturday.

Wilfred Dittmer, Quincy, Adams County: Another wet week with 1.7 inches of rain, and it does not dry much either. Corn is on the “fast track” barring some major disaster, but it’s not in the bin yet.

Soybeans are still slow at any growth. The hay guys are making progress. Wheat is looking good and may be a good choice this year.

Carrie Winkelmann, Tallula, Menard County: Rainfall has been the major player in crop watching lately. We have received 4.45 inches in June, which is significantly less than nearby neighbors.

The humidity and warm weather is of concern for future fungal and disease problems. Our post herbicides are all applied with good results. An uptick in the market would go a long way to improve morale.

Tom Ritter, Blue Mound, Macon County: We have had a lot of rainy days, but very little in measurable accumulation in southern Macon County. It totaled less than an inch last week. Northern Macon County has been the extreme with downpour after downpour. The corn has responded to the heat and moisture, and is approaching head high. Soybeans are also looking good, but may be starting to stress from too much moisture. No fieldwork happening; only the desire to finish post herbicides on soybeans. As farmers, we have pretty much done our part until fall. The rest is up to Mother Nature.

Todd Easton, Charleston, Coles County: Rain, rain, and more rain sums up the week across Coles County where rain gauges caught more than 2 inches and fields reached full saturation. The combination of precipitation, humidity and warm sun in between has corn and soybean plants growing rapidly. During a Wednesday walk through, one of my earlyplanted cornfields surprised me with plants at, and over, my 6-foot head level.

Other fields are not far behind, ranging in the V7 to V10 stages — appropriately called the rapid growth phase. Soybeans are also moving along quickly with many narrow row fields closing the rows, and one neighbor reporting some spots in the R1 flowering stage already. Low spots in both crops are going to have some damage where water has stood for a few days already. The handful of wheat fields are turning quickly also, and harvest should be right on schedule around July 4. We have reached the point where we need to remember to take extra care at low visibility country intersections. Look twice, save a life!

Jimmy Ayers, New City, Sangamon County: We had rain all week, which ranged anywhere from a little more than 2 inches to almost 4 inches of rain in parts of the county. While driving around, 10 to 15 percent of the corn looks excellent to great, and 10 to 15 percent in wet holes is struggling with large pockets of yellow. The western part of the county is probably the best looking. At this point, yields still look good, depending on the rest of the year.

Some of the beans are struggling with the excess moisture, and 10 to 15 percent of the beans look good as well.

Doug Uphoff, Shelbyville, Shelby County: So far, we’ve had as much rain this past week as we had all last month. Actually, a bit more — 4.5 inches of rain and it’s not finished yet. Corn here is anywhere from V4 to V6. The more mature corn is entering the stages where it is determining ear size, so where it’s not under water or ponded, rain is a good thing. Beans are V4 to V6. Some beans in the area have been sprayed, but I know there are still quite a few that need sprayed. Be careful and have a good week.

David Schaal, St. Peter, Fayette County: We had close to 3 inches of rain since last report.

Places in the county have received a lot more. The ground is totally saturated with more rain on the way. Beans need sprayed, but that’s not going to happen any time soon. A lot of standing water in a lot of fields. Again, crops on high or well-drained fields are surviving pretty well. What little wheat is in the area is probably going to begin to deteriorate. Rain is in the forecast again, but hoping for some drier weather.

Dan Meinhart, Montrose, Jasper County: It was a rather hot and humid week. Planting and replanting, side-dressing corn and spraying post chemicals took place where ground conditions permitted until Sunday (June 14) at noon when the rains moved in, bringing everything to a halt. It has rained every day since. One to 4 inches of rain fell during the week.

There are still a lot of fields that need to be planted and replanted south of the I-70 corridor. Wheat is slowly maturing due to the wet weather. It is too early to tell how diseases are affecting the wheat. Rain is in the forecast for every day next week.

Page 7 • Monday, June 22, 2015 • FarmWeek Dave Hankammer, Millstadt, St. Clair County: We received approximately 3 inches of rain from June 15-18. No fieldwork has been done since Monday (June 15). Farmers in the area have fields waiting to be planted to soybeans and others that need to be replanted. Some farmers were just starting to cut wheat in the southern part of the county. It has become frustrating as the remnants of tropical storm Bill makes its way through the Midwest, bringing additional storms.

Water can be seen standing in some fields, and the effects of soggy soil remain to be seen on the crops. Local grain bids are corn, $3.45; soybeans, $9.88; wheat, $4.42. Have a good week and stay dry.

Kevin Raber, Browns, Wabash County: More than 2 inches of rain fell on my fields last week. Heavy rain is forecast for Friday and Saturday (June 1920). I’ve seen some ponding in fields, and I’m sure many creeks and ditches will be overflowing if we get another 2 to 3 inches of rain. The corn and soybeans are taking the abundant moisture surprisingly well. I’m sure the wheat is suffering from damp days and nights, and lack of sunlight.

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

Randy Anderson, Galatia, Saline County: Heavy rain is the main topic this week. At my house, we had around 5 inches for the month. Most of that has come in two rain events. Almost 3 inches in one rain and 1.5 inches in another rain. This is not including what tropical storm Bill is supposed to bring to our area. The prediction is 3 to 5 inches of rain. The creeks, rivers, Wabash and Ohio are all at flood stage. So, whatever Bill rains on us, the flooding is going to take some crops out. This all makes post spraying beans a mess. Between ruts in fields or weeds — I’ll take the ruts any day.

Ken Taake, Ullin, Pulaski County: We had about .5 of an inch of rain last Friday and Saturday (June 12-13) and another .3 of an inch Tuesday evening. That was just about perfect for our crops in our part of the county. To be honest, we could use another good shot of rain in my part of the county.

Some parts of the county have not been as fortunate. There have been some really heavy downpours with totals reaching more than 3 inches. Corn is looking good and getting tall enough that it is hiding any blind spots or stressed areas. Soybean emergence looks good so far, but some of the young beans are just now getting the cotyledons out of the ground. With all of the rain, soybean fields are getting weedy in a hurry as the early residuals are running out of steam.

Please be careful this upcoming week.

Rely on N-Watch for nitrogen management

Whether water quality or farm economics, nitrogen continues to be one of the most discussed nutrients of all time. Seventy-eight percent of the air we breathe is N. Our plants need it to live.

Nitrogen is a primary component of chlorophyll and proteins. It is essential to soil health.

Microbes rely on N as a primary energy source as they work to breakdown carbon-based residues Howard Brown (stems, leaves, and roots). With all the new instruments, models and products in the marketplace that attempt to improve N management, add N-WATCH to the list.

N-WATCH, at {nwatchon line.com}, is simply a management tool designed to inventory, track and verify plant-available N in the upper soil profile.

It is not a recommendation system. We should still rely on the Maximum Return to Nitrogen tool provided by University of Illinois researchers.

N-WATCH does not provide a way to variable rate N. We have much more to learn about the dynamics of N before we can consistently realize economic and environmental benefits from variable rate N. In addition, it is not a way

BY HOWARD BROWN

to model N behavior. There are several new tools in the marketplace that are working on that approach. N-WATCH simply provides a way to track soil nitrate and ammoni-

um-N in the upper 2 feet of the soil profile. It provides a way to inventory nitrate and ammonium-N remaining in the soil profile prior to soil freeze up, after spring thaw and to determine wintertime N loss.

It further provides the following: • An estimate of nitrate and ammonium-N prior to the period of rapid N uptake; • An estimate of residual soil nitrate-N at harvest to determine whether a cover crop is needed to capture residual N; and • Allows farmers a way to learn and gain a better understanding of the N cycle in our productive Midwest soils.

N-WATCH helps address some of our current questions, but also stimulates new questions in our quest to better manage N. It will inspire farmers and other agricultural professionals to provide agriculture a better way to manage N to Minimize environmental impact by Optimizing harvest yields and Maximizing nutrient utilization.

It is truly all about M.O.M. A program piloted in 2015 allows farmers an opportunity to see what an abbreviated N-WATCH report provides throughout the season. The Sentinel Site Program was created by GROWMARK Inc. to provide a way for other farmers and the ag industry to experience how NWATCH tracks soil nitrate and ammonium-N over time.

It does not provide a complete N-WATCH report that includes farming practices or an N application history. It is designed to bring awareness to the importance of changes in soil nitrate and ammonium-N, stimulate an awareness of the dynamics of plantavailable N in the soil and generate participation in the N-WATCH program for the 2016 cropping season.

The Illinois Council on Best Management Practices offered a program last spring to help cover the cost of N-WATCH for Sentinel Site participants.

More than 200 sites are participating in this program.

Visit {illinoiscbmp.org} and track plant-available N through local, abbreviated reports.

Consider participation in NWATCH for the 2016 cropping season.

Visit with your local FS crop specialist or ag retailer for more information.

Howard Brown serves as GROWMARK’s director of nutrient management and environmental sustainability. His email address is hbrown@growmark.com.

Rick Corners, Centralia, Jefferson County: Just got home from my every three-week trip to St. Louis. What a mess, I have never seen so many unplanted acres at this late date in June. Those crops that are planted look terrible. Corn from 2 inches tall to waist high, and some of that is in the same field. If old Bill gets here as promised, I don’t know what will be left. Oh yeah, a lot of wheat is ripe, but it is going to a while before it is cut, if ever.

Tim Green, Wyoming, Stark County: It is wet around here, depending on which side of the county and who you talk to. We’ve had between 7 to 9 inches of rain during the past week and the week before.

Corn is really starting to look waterlogged and won’t dry. It’s starting to get quite a few yellow spots. The beans seem to be a bit smaller, and they are not liking the wet weather either. They have that bright, ugly color the sun and heat would do away with. Watching for diseases in corn and beans. The top end of our crop is off, so we will see what happens this summer. Be safe.

HEAD HIGH BEFORE THE FOURTH

Coles County CropWatcher Todd Easton stands in a cornfield boasting head-high plants. Easton noted it’s early for corn to be this tall, but the height proved consistent across the field. He planted the corn April 25. (Photo courtesy of Todd Easton)

Tuesday: • FarmWeek: “The Early Word” • Nancy Kavazanjian, United Soybean Board: American Enterprise Exhibit • Chip Petrea, International Society for Agricultural Safety and Health: 2015 ISASH Conference • Jim Angel, Illinois State Water Survey Wednesday:

• Colleen Callahan, USDA Rural Development: FARM Illinois strategic plan • Terry Fleck, The Center for Food Integrity: increasing trust with consumers Thursday: • David Green, Greenhouse Communications: European Union biotech issues • Harry Cooney, GROWMARK Friday: • Kent Redfield, University of Illinois at Springfield: repercussions of a government shutdown

Agriculture can withstand economic slump SciBabe debunks food myths

FarmWeek • Page 8 • Monday, June 22, 2015

drew participants from nearly three dozen states.

The U.S. economy continues to get stronger, Barkema provided conference attendees with but “surprises” could be ahead, according to a historical look at the current state of the U.S. Alan Barkema, an economist with Apical Ecoeconomy. He also noted the recent drop in crop nomics. prices as farm “Even now, costs remain six years after the same.

‘Overall for agriculture, none of this will be our recovery “So farmers, began, we’re especially crop insurmountable for the alert and the wary.’ still living in farmers, are extraordinary caught in this times with historic crop— Alan Barkema price squeeze financial liquidApical Economics economist ity unusually similar to what high, interest we saw in the rates unusually low,” he said. “Financial markets early 1980s,” he said. today are not at equilibrium. And the big quesBut a lot has changed in the last 35 years. tion — at least in my mind — is how markets “Today’s farm program is strong. Crop insurwill respond as these migrate back to normal ance is wonderful support for agriculture. I over the next few years.” don’t believe the industry’s financial underpin“Overall for agriculture, none of this will be nings are as shaky as they were going into the insurmountable for the alert and the wary,” he said. 1980s financial bust,” he said. “What haunts me Barkema provided a financial outlook last a bit, though, is that we really don’t know. It’s week during an American Farm Bureau Federa- hard to find out the position of individual tion conference in Charlotte, N.C. The event farms.”

BY DEANA STROISCH FarmWeek

Combine college degrees in chemistry, theater and a master’s degree in forensic science, and what results? She calls herself the SciBabe online and in social media circles. Her website claims when the so-called Internet “Food Babe,” Vani Hari, criticized the healthfulness of her preferred, fancy beverage at her favorite, local coffee shop, the SciBabe had enough.

“Maybe I needed to look deeper for my information,” said Yvette D’Entremont, who addressed an American Farm Bureau Federation meeting last week in Charlotte, N.C. “Not just from a Netflix documentary — and I think that’s the takeaway message for people. Look a little

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deeper for the information, look for the source, and try to learn how to differentiate between science and pseudoscience. That’s going to help you save a lot of time and money.”

D’Entremont has turned busting fake science into a full-time profession. She encouraged Farm Bureau to be frank and use humor when communicating about food and farming.

“I’m never going to be able to combat every last b.s. story on the Internet,” said D’Entremont, a Boston native who now lives in southern California. “What I can do is inform consumers how to tell the line between something that is real and something that is just someone’s fantasy of what science is.”

Consider serving on the Illinois Soybean Board

Six Illinois districts will hold elections this year for open director positions with the Illinois Soybean Board (ISB). Candidates will need to request a Declaration of Intent to be a write-in candidate from the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) director through email or U.S. mail. The IDOA director will send the candidate a form that must be completed, notarized and returned by 5 p.m. June 30.

Openings include: • District 2: Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kankakee, Lake, McHenry, Will; • District 10: Christian, Dewitt, Macon, Moultrie, Shelby; • District 11: Champaign, Coles, Douglas, Edgar, Piatt; • District 14: Clark, Crawford, Cumberland, Effingham, Jasper; • District 16: Clay, Edwards, Lawrence, Richland, Wabash, Wayne, White; and • District 17: Jackson, Jefferson, Perry, Randolph, Washington.

To be eligible to serve, a candidate must be an Illinois resident and a resident grower of the district he or she seeks to represent, of legal voting age and be a contributor to the soybean checkoff. Contact Bob Reese, 801 Sangamon Ave., Springfield, Ill. 62794-9281 or bob.reese@illinois.gov.

Elections will be held July 7 at county Extension offices in districts where vacancies exist.

Page 9 • Monday, June 22, 2015 • FarmWeek

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DAMS — Young Farmers night at the ballpark, 7:30 p.m. Thursday at QU Stadium, Quincy.

Farmers 35 and younger and their families are invited to attend. There is no cost. Call 222-7305 for reservations.

HAMPAIGN — Post-planting fun night, 4:30 to 7 p.m. Sunday (June 28) at Old Orchard Mini Golf, Savoy. Free mini golf for members and their families. Call 352-5235 for reservations by Friday.

• Drainage issue workshop, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Tuesday in the Farm Bureau auditorium. Learn about current issues and their impact. Drainage district commissioners and individuals with an interest in water-related topics are invited to attend. Call 3525235 for more information.

OOK — Commodities and Marketing Team 2015 Recipe Collection is available. For a copy, email membershipdebbie@ cookcfb.org, call 708-3543276 or visit {cookcfb.org/ buy-local/recipe-collec tion}.

RAWFORD — Two-part farming workshop, 1 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday at Robinson Community Center. Topics will include, “In the Current Uncertain Farming Situation, Managing Behavioral Health is Key to Success” and “How to Reduce Family Conflict in Farm Transitions.” Mike Rosmann, agriculturist and psychologist, will speak. Call 5443792 for more information.

OUGLAS — Women’s committee meeting, 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Farm Bureau office.

Cargill Incorporated marketing team staff will share marketing tools to help with 2015 decision making. Call 2534442 for more information.

NOX — Young Farmers rib cookoff, 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday (June 28) during Railroad Days in Galesburg. Cash prizes will be awarded to winners. Cost to compete is $75. Public tasting will begin at 2 p.m. Cost is $2 per rib. Visit {knoxcfb.org/ upcoming-events} to register. Call 342-2036 for more information.

• Department of Natural Resources hunter safety course, 5:30 to 9 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Saturday at Knox Agri Center in Galesburg. Indi-

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viduals 8 years and older may register. Visit {knoxcfb. org} or call 342-2036 to register.

ASALLE — Ag in the Classroom (AITC) golf outing, noon Friday at Senica’s Oak Ridge Golf Club, LaSalle. Golf as an individual, with a foursome, or just attend the banquet.

Cost of meal is $35. Call 433-0371 for reservations.

Proceeds will benefit AITC. ARSHALL-PUTNAM — Young Leaders “Crops for College” scholarship tractor drive, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 12 leaving from the Marshall-Putnam Fairgrounds, Henry. Tractors will travel through Henry and Whitefield Townships. Cost is $35. Proceeds will benefit the “Crops for College” scholarship fund. Call 3642501 or email mpfb@ mchsi. com for more information.

CDONOUGH — Marketing meeting, 7 p.m. Monday at Spoon River Outreach Facility in Macomb. Steve Johnson will speak on “Controlling the Controllable: Strategies and Tools.” Cost is free for members, and $10 for associate members and nonmembers.

Call 837-3350 or visit {mcdonoughcountyfarmbu reau.org} for reservations.

OCK ISLAND — Market outlook meeting, 6:15 p.m. July 9 at Lavender Crest Winery, Colona. Andy Shissler, Roach Ag Marketing, and Mike Schaver, Gold Star FS, will speak. Cost is $25 if preregistered. Call 736-7432 to register by July 1.

HITE — Life Line Screening, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 30 at the Farm Bureau office. Cost is $139.

Members will receive $10 off the regular price. Call 1-888653-6450 to schedule an appointment.

INNEBAGOBOONE — Foundation Charity Pull, 6:30 p.m.

Saturday at Boone County Fairgrounds. The pull will feature seven classes. Registration begins at 3 p.m. Cost is $10 for advanced tickets and $12 at the gate. Children 10 and under are free. Tickets are available at the Farm Bureau office and selected Alpine Bank locations. For more information visit {belviderecharitypull.com} or call 309-208-0117.

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NATIONAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARDED

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Matt and Jenna Kilgus of Fairbury, right, claim their prizes earned as American Farm Bureau Federation Achievement Award runners-up and Illinois Farm Bureau Achievement Award winners. From left, Mike Noonan, Stoller International (Pontiac) sales manager; Jared Finegan of Ashkum, AFBF Young Farmers and Ranchers committee member; and Brad Baer, Case IH territory sales manager, hand over the keys to a two-passenger Case IH Scout, an IFB prize, and deliver a Case IH deep tillage tool, one of the AFBF prizes. Watch a video of the prize presentation at FarmWeekNow.com. (Photo by Ken Kashian)

The leegacy conntinues es.

Standing the test of time means a lot to a faarmer. For 50 yeears now,, FS HiSOY has stood fo or superior quality and consistent performance. That’s why fo our generations of Tu urley Farms, and countless other faarm faamilies, choose HiSO i Y.. When you find something that works, you stick with it.

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

Learn more about their legacy of success at fsshisoy..com

Boyd Turrley

Eldon Turley

©2014 GROWMARK, Inc. FSS HiSOY is a registered trademark of GROWMARK,, Inc. S14790C

FarmWeek • Page 10 • Monday, June 22, 2015

Two cover crop seminars set in DeKalb, Henry counties Farmers will learn the latest on cover crops at two July workshops.

Successful cover cropping in northern Illinois will be offered from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 1 at the University of Illinois Northern Agronomy Research Center, Shabbona. The program is free, but reservations are needed for handout materials.

Topics will include cover crop considerations, livestock feeding opportunities and integrating cover crops into crop plans. A panel of local farmers and applicators will share its experiences.

The Illinois Council on Best Management Practices (CBMP) and U of I Extension are sponsoring the program. To register, visit {web.exten

sion.illi nois.edu/bdo} or call 815-758-8194.

In Henry County, the free cover crop seminar will be 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

July 7 at Black Hawk College-East Campus in Galva. Reservations for lunch are required by July 1 to the Henry County Farm Bureau at 309-9372411.

Topics will include key components to grow cover crops, cover crop management and research, chemical usage, economics and grazing potential. The state’s Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy will be discussed.

The event sponsors include CBMP, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, the county Farm Bureau and Soil and Water Conservation District.

When will the fed raise rates?

Since Wall Street reallocated its investment funds out of commodities and back to other markets, i.e., since demand has plummeted, crop prices will likely stay dead in the water for years. The only remaining large threat to agriculture would appear to be the loss of Kel Kelly low interest rates. So, when will the Federal Reserve raise rates?

The Fed’s goal is to pump as much new money into the economy as it can without causing too much price inflation. The new money it prints increases the supply of money, which in turn lowers interest rates. By artificially lowering borrowing costs and pumping money through the system, the Fed believes it can help stimulate economic activity more than would occur otherwise. While such thinking is wrong, and

BY KEL KELLY

only leads to economic booms, busts and financial crises, it is the reality in which we live.

While there has been talk of raising rates for the last six years, the Fed has yet to do so. It has given excuses that the economy is not growing enough and that the unemployment rate needs to fall more (the Fed also believes it can actually help the economy achieve lower unemployment).

Each quarter, economists and market participants expect the Fed will raise rates in the following six-month period. Six months ago, they thought it would be in June. Now, most are looking toward later this year.

It seems apparent the Fed has no reason to raise rates any time soon. The only real fear, aside from the unjustly dreaded deflation, is high inflation rates — inflation that only it can create by printing too much money. High inflation would show that the Fed is not doing a good job of keeping prices “low,” and its powers might be removed. Since inflation rates are relatively low at around 1 percent, and since the economy is not booming as much as the Fed wants (i.e., since the money it is printing is

not flowing heavily from the banks into the economy), why would the Fed want to raise rates and risk sending inflation rates even lower and pushing the economy into recession? Also, raising rates would keep the value of the dollar high and possibly send it higher — a thing seen as economically harmful.

So, with a perceived weak economy as well as perceived risks of supposed deflation, it seems the Fed would want to try to keep pumping up the economy and preventing prices from falling. The only real incentive it would have at this point to raise rates is merely to prove to the market that it might actually follow through on its threats. Thus, even if it does take the unlikely first step of raising rates by a very small amount this year, it will probably wait quite a while before raising rates substantially because it knows that when it does that it will push the economy into recession.

Kel Kelly serves as GROWMARK’s economic and market research manager. His email address is kkelly@growmark.com.

Cattle weights up; prices, exports down

BY DANIEL GRANT FarmWeek

CHA LLENG L GE THE E STA AT TUS QUO Q O

New FS InVISION N™ seed corn is a game changer, engineered with geenetic muscle to outperform expectations. Make e no mistake: We’re here to un-cede the top seeed. See your local FS member company when you u’re ready to get serious. www.fsinvision.com

©201 12 GROWMARK, Inc. S13265

USDA’s June cattle on feed report released last week proved slightly friendly compared to trade expectations.

But probably not positive enough to push cattle prices much higher this summer after a recent decline, according to Dale Durchholz, AgriVisor senior market analyst.

USDA on Friday pegged May placements in feedlots at 1.714 million head, down 10 percent from a year ago, and marketings of fed cattle at 1.711 million head, down 8 percent.

Placements in May continued a recent trend toward heavier animals (see graphic).

“The actual numbers of marketings and placements are ever so slightly friendly,” Durchholz told FarmWeek. “But probably not enough to get excited about.”

USDA’s overall estimate of cattle on feed as of June 1 (10.56 million head) was up 1 percent and on target with expectations.

Cattle prices, subsequently, late last week continued to hover in the low-$150 range (the 27-day average cattle price Friday was $152 per hundredweight).

“The cash market has fallen further than many people thought it would,” said Durchholz, who noted the current price range wasn’t expected until later this summer as a seasonal low. “Feeder cattle prices are still high (with a 27-day average of $221).”

The analyst believes competition from the chicken and pork sectors, along with sagging exports, led to the recent softening of cattle prices.

U.S. exports of beef muscle cuts the last four weeks declined 10 percent from a year ago, due in part to a decline in fed cattle slaughter, authors of the CME Group Daily Livestock Report noted.

“One of the issues we’re dealing with is beef is still high (priced) compared to other cuts of meat,” Durchholz said. “That could be a drag on the market.”

Any further price decline should be minor, though. And cattle prices remain well above June 2013 ($125) and June 2014 (high-$140s) levels.

“In the big picture, we’ve got cattle and retail beef prices that are still high,” said Durchholz, who looks for a seasonal low in the high-$140s this summer.

Corn Strategy

USDA reports in the crosshairs

The midsummer USDA reports tend to set the tone for markets through the summer.

Bearish reports last June heightened the bearish attitude setting markets on course to slide into their fall lows. How this year’s reports play into the picture is uncertain, but timing studies (see charts) indicate prices are due for lows.

While the trade will be mostly focused on plantings, the June 1 grain stocks may be just as important. The wheat number is the inventory left at the end of the crop year. More important, the corn and soybean stocks numbers provide insight into how many bushels of each might remain at the end of their marketing years on Aug. 31.

June 1 stocks of corn may be particularly important.

There is a debate as to whether the feed and residual demand is following the pattern they had the last four years, or reverted to the pattern that prevailed prior to that.

If the older pattern prevails, and there’s reason to think it will, it would suggest the current USDA’s feed and residual forecast for the year is too small, and the ending stocks too large. If so, June 1 corn stocks would need to be 4.6 billion bushels or less.

Both the Dec. 1 and March 1 soybean stocks numbers indicated last year’s crop was not as large as forecast. The June 1 stocks would need to be no larger than 700 million bushels to remain consistent.

If it’s that or less, look for USDA to account for it with a

larger residual number on the next supply/demand number, a move that would shrink ending stocks a little more.

Mostly, the trade seems interested in the planting numbers, for soybeans in particular.

The recent extreme wetness across the southern Corn Belt and Mid-South has turned the focus to soybean plantings, and how many acres might end up being designated prevent plant.

With the survey for the June 30 report wrapping up on June 15, we’d only expect a small portion, if any, of the recent weather impact to be picked up by this report. For now, the trade may be dependent on anecdotal evidence to assess the impact of the late planting problems. The first hard data won’t be available until the first preliminary Farm Service Agency acreage report the middle of August.

With the final crop insurance dates for soybeans upon us, wetness across a broad area and generally low prices, we’d expect acreage to be designated prevent plant. But for now, we wouldn’t expect more than 2 to 3 million acres.

Informa Economics is still looking for soybean plantings to be 86.76 million acres, 2 million higher than USDA. Our analysis suggests USDA’s March number, 84.6 million, fit the overall planting matrix best. Any shift to prevent planting will need to be taken off the June 30 forecast.

Informa’s corn planting forecast, 88.78 million, is close to USDA, and close to what we expect.

USDA will revise wheat plantings, too. It will be as important to check the winter wheat harvested number as much as the wheat planting numbers for the spring sown crops.

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ü2014 crop: The trade’s negative fundamental bias remains, but technical indicators suggest prices are ripe for a turn. Even though the marketing year window is shrinking, we still see better opportunities coming. We think it smart to lock up basis on remaining inventories. Hold off making flat price or futures-based sales. ü2015 crop: Given the larger cyclic parameters, the longterm technical outlook suggests better prices should come. Continue to hold off sales. vFundamentals: The recent weather across the Corn Belt has made the industry less certain about how good this crop might be, but high yield expectations continue. Still, heavy rains in central/eastern areas will cause some denitrification. And in the west/northwest, scattered dry pockets persist. Weather will remain a guiding influence through the summer. The reports on June 30 regarding corn stocks and planted acreage are important. Oftentimes, they set the tone for market action the next few months.

Page 11 • Monday, June 22, 2015 • FarmWeek Cents per bu.

Soybean Strategy

ü2014 crop: Demand remains a positive for the market. Good crush margins are helping keep basis levels firm and flat cash prices strong.

Better marketing opportunities are still expected to wrap up sales. ü2015 crop: The weather/planting difficulties are having the most impact on soybean prices. Technical features fit with potential fundamental changes hinting at better prices. The current strength should only be used for making necessary sales. vFundamentals: As of June 15, there were still 11 million acres to plant, mostly in the southern Corn Belt and Mid-South. The persistent wetness and the achievement of the Farm Service Agency final plant dates raises the possibility of acreage being designated prevent plant, cutting into the soybean acreage. Demand remains generally robust.

Good crush margins are sus-

taining a high processing rate and exports remain seasonally robust. The June 30 stocks and planting reports will play a part.

Wheat Strategy

ü2014 crop: We are looking for an opportunity to wrap up 2014 crop sales. Our sales target remains $5.20. ü2015 crop: For those with the ability to store wheat on the farm, we prefer to hold bushels for expected price strength later in the summer.

For others, we see little reason to price wheat on weakness. v Fundamentals: Concerns about demand for U.S. wheat are offsetting some

friendly supply side influences. Domestic milling demand is forecast to grow only slightly this year, while exporters are struggling to compete with significantly cheaper supplies abroad.

USDA has food use increasing by less than 1 percent in 201516, while production is forecast to increase nearly 5 percent. Black Sea exporters continue to earn the most trade business, and the Europeans are underselling the U.S., too.

Expect quality wheat to be at a premium given the wet winter crop harvest. Exporters may eventually find a friend in a softer dollar.

FarmWeek • Page 12 • Monday, June 22, 2015

FARM Illinois: What is old is made new again

Once upon a time, there was a city known as the “Hog Butcher for the World.” That same city was also referred to as “Tool Maker, Stacker of Wheat, Player with Railroads & the Nation’s Freight Handler, stormy, husky brawling, City of Big Shoulders.” (Carl Sandberg) That same city’s name is derived from a French word for plants (stinky onion) that were growing along the nearby river. The first settler in this city built a farm at the mouth of the nearby river.

COLLEEN CALLAHAN Quickly, roads were built to open surrounding farmland to trade. Hundreds of wagons of produce per day plodded through the dirt and mud to meet demands of the city of 4,000.

Soon, entrepreneurs built grain elevators and docks to load ships through the Great Lakes to reach the Mississippi and the Gulf of Mexico. Railroads immediately followed.

The city became a transporta-

tion hub. Factories were built, notably McCormick Harvester.

Then came the famous Stock Yards and refrigerated railcars, allowing the shipment of fresh meats to the East. (At its uttermost, 15 million animals a year moved through the yards, almost 9 million pounds of meat per day. And profits also came from the hides, wool, horns, etc). About the same time, the Board of Trade was founded in a flour store attic.

And the rest is history as the saying goes.

What is the name of this above, unnamed city? By the time you reach this paragraph, you likely forgot that I hadn’t yet identified Chicago!

And now, the next question: Why did I embark on this history lesson? The answer: To remind us that Chicago has agricultural roots! Agriculture is not only part of Chicago’s history, agriculture is its origin!

So now, let me ask you where this statement fits into the timeline. “The agricultural infrastructure of Illinois is pulling for Chicago to be the lead city in the world when it comes to food.”

Reconsider agrichemical use

Editor: It was a beautiful, mild spring day, so I decided to take a walk with my dog across the grain fields and down to the creek. The beans and corn were growing lushly in their straight rows with not a hint of a weed in sight. The waterway was a sea of tough grass with only an occasional forb peeking out cautiously.

A) 1780 B) 1830 C)1880 D) 2015 The answer is D. Yes, D. It’s the lead sentence in a May 22 article in the Peoria Journal Star, announcing the rollout of FARM Illinois (Food and Agriculture Road Map for Illinois), a comprehensive, integrated strategic plan to ensure sustained and innovative statewide leadership across the entire food and agriculture system.

Yet another question: Weren’t we already there? And didn’t we once have a showcase for agriculture with built-in educational value? Yes! It was called the International Livestock Exposition at the Amphitheater in Chicago.

And here’s how the leadership at the time in 1899 described the need for such an exhibition: “Broad-minded liberality in planning, together with daring foresight, enterprise and energy, and patience and thoroughness of execution — these are qualities that met in the creation of this splendid exhibition of a nation’s progress towards excellence. As with all great movements, the International Live Stock Expo-

sition was born of a great necessity ... Its instant, brilliant success also gave renewed life and strength to the livestock departments of all local and state fairs, so that Chicago immediately became headquarters for another great movement, destined to change the character and value of the livestock throughout the Western hemisphere.”

How much different is that description from this statement?

“Our members worked together for the better part of a year to understand the challenges we face and the strategies that will position Illinois and Chicago as the epicenter of the global, national, regional and local food and agriculture systems for generations to come.” (Robert Easter, Chairman, FARM Illinois Leadership Council, 2015) So, we’ve been in this place before, this place where agriculture is the common thread tying Chicago and all of Illinois together with shared vision and shared success. Surely we can find our way back!

And this time, USDA Rural

Letters to the editor

About halfway back to my home, I realized I had not seen a hint of wildlife. I’ve become accustomed to never seeing pheasants or quails as in my youth, but now not even a rabbit or a ground squirrel. Except for a couple red-winged blackbirds along the creek, I had not seen or heard a single bird. I remember fondly the bobolinks, meadowlarks and horned larks.

Then I looked down at the wonder-

ful Illinois soil and wondered what was going on there. The chemicals we use have eliminated all the weeds, insects and other pests. Do you really think we can kill all those creatures without destroying the worms and microorganisms that make our soil fertile?

In 1962, Rachel Carson alerted the world to the dangers of DDT with her “Silent Spring.” The chemicals we use today are many times more powerful.

We need to find ways to minimize chemicals and reintegrate the natural world into our farming. If we don’t, I’m afraid for the future of our great farmland as well as our health.

ARCH HOPKINS Granville

Modest veteran questions use of ‘hero’ in campaign

Editor: I am writing concerning the Homegrown By Heroes marketing program reported in the June 8 FarmWeek.

I am a veteran and would never selfpromote myself or use a program that identified myself as a hero because I am not one. I think few veterans consider themselves heroes. They have

Letter policy

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Development, with our 43 loan and grant programs, including a couple that can be used in urban cities such as Chicago, can help us get there.

Chicago may not be rural anymore, but with FARM Illinois we now have an opportunity to bring back to that city a rural presence ... and an equal opportunity for our rural communities to interact and prosper from this “what is old is new again” approach.

So, let’s hope James Baldwin was right: “Know from whence you came. If you know whence you came, there are absolutely no limitations to where you can go.”

Colleen Callahan serves as Illinois director for USDA Rural Development. Listen to an interview with her Wednesday on the RFD Radio Network.

done a job and it is done. Hero is an overused term and becomes cheapened with today’s overuse. Most vets would certainly not choose to be identified as a “hero.”

We do live among true heroes. Some are veterans (not all of us). Those, for instance, with the Congressional Medal of Honor would probably modestly say to a person they are not a hero.

Heroes are modest, and do not selfpromote. I served with one of those MOH recipients, and he was one of the most modest, laid back, unassuming men I have met.

Statistically, one in seven has seen action. It takes the other six service people to get that one on the front lines.

So many of us served as cooks, clerks, supply, motor pool, logistics, personnel or maybe a recruiter (me).

Even that one out of seven would be reluctant to accept hero in a description of himself.

Maybe the Illinois Department of Ag should have chosen the phrase Homegrown By Veterans.

PAUL HONNOLD Kansas will simply help us verify letter authorship.

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