BCT-06-25-2016

1

Ag Matters June 2016

A publication of

2

2B • Summer 2016

Ag Matters

A bird’s eye view Drones can assist in maximizing yields, identifying problems Story and photos Dave Cook

by

Shaw Media Service

Marketing firms, aviation insiders and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have all predicted the sales figures of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), more commonly known as drones, to be in the millions and for market growth to continue to be in the double digits. This explosive growth in the technologically-driven fields of drones, cameras and GPS systems has also proven to be of great assistance to agriculture and the men and women who farm the land.

Before the arrival of drones, if farmers wished to have an aerial view of their crops, they had to rely on hiring a pilot to fly an airplane or helicopter overhead or by obtaining satellite imagery. But with the combined advances in cameras and drones, farmers now have more options with which to monitor growth and pinpoint

n T g b h p h

“It can be tricky; there are a lot of regulations with the FAA, so you have to be careful with their use. We provide drone monitoring as a complimentary service to our customers.”

Matt Denton, sales agronomist with Hefty Seed Co. Princeton problem areas.

Matt Denton, sales agronomist with Hefty Seed Co., shared his knowledge of drones and how they use drones to help their customers maximize yields.

“It can be tricky; there are a lot of regulations with the FAA, so you have to be careful with their use. We provide drone monitoring as a complimentary service to our customers,” Denton said.

Denton explained the drones and cameras he uses provide basic overhead images and how there are much more

advanced imaging systems available on the market, although at a greatly increased cost.

Cameras are now capable of filming crops in multiple spectrums which help highlight levels of photosynthesis and other issues, and of providing 3-D imaging. Although the camera Denton demonstrated is basic, differences in crop coloring were easily seen from several hundred feet above, as were wind damaged areas, lightning strike damage and areas of water retention. After the flight, recorded video

$ $ s s $

a p w p i r t b a p

Matt Denton of Hefty Seed Co. shows the small, lightweight drone they use to perform complimentary inspections of their customers’ fields. By being able to easily locate and treat problem areas, farmers are able to maximize their yields for the greatest profits. can be downloaded and viewed as desired.

“We’ll take it up to about 400 feet and take a 360-degree view of

the field to see where we need to take a closer look. We can go out and take periodic looks throughout the season

McHenry Machine Company, Inc. 1309 IL Highway 26, Princeton, IL 61356 815-875-1953

Contact Corey Miller

Drones Page 3B

Your Locally Owned Petroleum Retailer

NEW LEADER MultApplier!

New box design allows you to apply 2 fertilizers in one pass. Blend on the go with independent control of conveyors. Broadcast fertilizer from 60’ to 84’.

The MultApplier dual hopper insert is removable allowing for single product application.

to help identify problem areas for our customers.

For example, we can spot

WE OFFER: • Premium Diesel • Gasoline • Aviation Fuel • Propane • Chevron Lubricants • Tanks, Pumps, Service In Cambridge: Mark Seabloom 800-808-1812 In Manlius: Scott Smith 800-624-5593 Mike Dykstra Steven Michlig

Call us to discuss what we can do for you!

Michlig Energy – Delivering the Spirit of Service to Our Communities

Serving Today’s Farmers

for Over 56 Years!

for your in-season needs!

Cell: 309.714.0151 OR corey.miller@greatlakeshybrids.com

WE DELIVER: • FUELS • PROPANE • MOTOR OILS

Manlius Oil Co. Inc.

SM-PR8127957-0625

Manlius, IL Hwy. 40 • (815) 445-3122

s d r b m i a

a g e t I A t p

o u i a o c o d r a

o F e S t

3

Summer 2016 • 3B

Ag Matters

Drones From Page 2B

nitrogen deficiencies and areas of water retention. Then we can ground truth it and find out what’s going on and help them address it. They can also be used to document damage for insurance.

We’ve had a very positive response to the help drones provide; they can save farmers a lot of time and help increase yields,” Denton said.

Drones have a wide range in pricing, from below $100 for the smallest and most basic, to more than $30,000 depending on size, features and imaging systems desired. A professional drone system, similar to the one Denton uses, is roughly in the $1,000 to $1,500 price range.

There are multiple fail safes built into the operating systems to help prevent accidents. Flight plans can be pre-loaded into the controls after which the drone takes flight, follows the desired

path and then returns on its own. If the drone is being pilot controlled and loses signal for any reason, it will hover momentarily in an attempt to regain its connection. If the connection can’t be regained, it will elevate to 400 feet to rise above any obstructions and then return to the takeoff point on its own.

With the United States having the busiest airspace in the world, the FAA is concerned with drone use and has been incrementally enacting rules and regulations. New operators, both hobbyists and professionals, want to fly safely, but many don’t realize that just because you can easily acquire a drone doesn’t mean you can fly it in any location or for any purpose.

For those new to drones, Know Before You Fly is an educational program providing users with the guidance needed to fly responsibly. It was founded by two organizations with a stake in

Drones Page 4B Above, aerial surveillance of large areas is now made possible with low-cost drones for crop inspections, livestock monitoring, wildfire mapping, security, patrolling roads, geophysical and geomagnetic surveys and more.

At left, though it may look similar to a toy, there are many regulations involving unmanned flight, and the FAA has slowly been implementing new rules regarding their use.

Schoff

Serving your modern day transportation needs, with old fashioned service!

Farm Service, Inc. Walnut, Illinois

FARMERS – LANDOWNERS If it’s on your farm …We Insure It! REAL ESTATE • INSURANCE • AUCTION SERVICES FARMS • HOMES • CROP INSURANCE

Johnson Agency Robert K. Johnson • Kyle Johnson • Myrene Carper

135 S. Main Street • Sheffield, IL 61361 j.agency@mchsi.com • 815-454-2840 or 800-454-2716 SM-PR8127965-0625

Grain

SM-PR8127966-0625

We have served our communities for over 50 years

LLC

WHAT WE • Grain Merchandising OFFER: • Trucking • Storage

LOOK TO US FOR ALL YOUR AGRICULTURAL LENDING NEEDS 110 N. Main Ave. • Ladd, IL 815-894-2386

Manlius Bradford Cambridge 815-445-2311 309-897-7491 309-937-2435 www.michliggrain.com

126 E. High St. • Hennepin, IL 815-925-7373 Member FDIC

www.ncb-ebanc.com

4

4B • Summer 2016

Ag Matters

Drones From Page 3B

Denton turns on the drone, and within moments, the control program has loaded and is prepared for take off. If signal is lost during flight, the drone will hover momentarily in an attempt to regain contact. If the signal remains blocked or lost, the drone automatically rises to 400 feet and returns to the point of take off.

aerial safety, the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) and the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA). The FAA has partnered with the founding members to help educate drone pilots about responsible flight.

In February 2015, the FAA released the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) for small, unmanned aircraft. An NPRM is a public notice issued by law when an independent agency, such as the FAA, wishes to add, remove or change rules or regulations as part of rule making. It doesn’t change any existing guidelines, rules, regulations or policy currently in place. Instead, it opens the door for public comment and the beginning of the rule-making process. As rules are implemented and changed, it’s important to be informed.

To learn more, continue to track further developments at www.knowbeforeyoufly.org or on the FAA website at www.faa.gov. To discuss the benefits of drone monitoring with Denton and Hefty Seed Co., call 815-879-8720 or email matt.denton@heftyseed.com.

The Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International has estimated farms will eventually account for an 80 percent share of the commercial drone market.

Right Product. Right Acre. Right People.

MJ Seed Agency Independent Sales Rep Pioneer Brand Products

Michael Michlig (815) 878-4430 Justin Peterson (815) 878-3496 Pioneer brand products, service, Pioneer Premium Seed Treatment and PROBulkÂŽ System

Performance is Personal.

MANLIUS, ILLINOIS

SM-PR8127970-0326

• Grain & Grain Storage • ReďŹ ned Fuels • Propane • Feed • Fertilizer • Seed • Crop Protection

BOX 560 • MENDOTA, IL 61342 1-866-773-6772 • 1-815-539-6772 LAMOILLE, MENDOTA, MALDEN, OTTAWA, TONICA, TRIUMPH, UTICA, VAN ORIN

5

Summer 2016 • 5B

Ag Matters

USDA tips for reducing food waste and preventing illness Did you know USDA has an app that can help you save money and help the environment?

Or that there are some simple steps you can take in the kitchen to help you serve safer food and to help you reduce resource use and utility bills?

The U. S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing food safety recommendations to help consumers reduce foodborne illness, resource use, and unnecessary spending.

The USDA’s Economic Research Service (ERS) estimates that FoodKeeper app can help you reduce your risk of foodborne illness, your impact on the environment, and the cost of your bills.

The FoodKeeper

The birthdate of a family member may stick in your mind, but are you able to remember when you bought all the items in your refrigerator?

Every year, billions of pounds of food go to waste in the U.S. because consumers are not sure of its quality or safety.

Last year, USDA launched the FoodKeeper app to help combat this cause of waste.

The FoodKeeper is available for Android devices and allows users to set up automatic notifications when foods and beverages are nearing the end of their recommended storage date.

By helping users understand how items should be stored in the refrigerator, freezer and pantry, the application empowers consumers to choose storage methods that extend the shelf life of their items.

It offers valuable advice about more than 400 food and beverage items, including various types of baby food, dairy products, eggs, meat, poultry, produce, seafood and more.

Cooking advice is also offered to ensure users prepare products in ways that elim-

inate foodborne bacteria.

Your refrigerator

Your refrigerator is your first line of defense in the fight against foodborne illness.

Keeping items below 40 degrees reduces the growth of illness causing pathogens and helps to keep items fresher, longer.

But if your refrigerator is over-packed, it can cause problems for both your health and your wallet.

An over-packed refrigerator cannot properly circulate air, meaning some storage zones may not be keeping proper temperature.

If food is not stored at the proper temperature, it can increase your risk of illness and cause your refrigerator’s motor to run constantly, increasing utility bills.

Don’t stack foods tightly or cover refrigerator shelves with any material that prevents air circulation from quickly and evenly cooling stored items.

Leave at least an inch on all sides of items for cold air to circulate around them, and be sure not to block air vents.

To check the temperature of your fridge, place an appliance thermometer at its warmest location, generally the middle of the door and wait 5 to 8 hours.

If the temperature is above 40 degrees, adjust the temperature control down.

Check again after 5 to 8 hours, and repeat as necessary until your refrigerator is at a safe temperature.

Lastly, your kitchen is a high-traffic area where dust accumulates quickly. The front grill of your refrigerator should be kept free of dust and lint to permit free airflow to the unit’s condenser.

• Whole cuts of beef, pork, lamb and veal should be cooked to 145 degrees. For safety and quality, allow meat to rest for at least three minutes before carving or consuming.

• Ground beef, pork, lamb, and veal should be cooked to 160 degrees.

• All poultry should be cooked to 165

Cooking

degrees.

In addition to offering health benefits, using a food thermometer can prevent overcooking. When using the oven or burners, make sure heating surfaces are clear of food debris. This will ensure an even distribution of energy for optimal heating, also reducing energy costs.

MORTON FERTILIZER SERVICE

Cooking food to a safe internal temperature is the only way to destroy bacteria and other pathogens that can cause foodborne illness.

121 East Main Street • Wyanet, IL

815-699-7701

THE ONE NAME IN CROP PROTECTION INPUTS

Crop Production Services We are dedicated to helping our customers achieve maximum success.

When you meet and work with a member of the Crop Production Services team, we are confident you will see our strengths first-hand and “Profit from our experience.”

Centralize Your Ag Relationship with an Experienced Ag Bank.

Operating · Land Purchase · Equipment

Your Partner for Success.

317 S Main, Princeton www.central-bank.com Member FDIC—Equal Housing Lender

Call Dan or Jason

815-875-3333 Manlius

815-445-6951

Walnut

815-379-9295

Dan McAlvey

SM-PR8127962-0625

Jason VanLanduit

6

6B • Summer 2016

Ag Matters

Corn stocks, acreage and yield

By Debra Levey Larson diarson@illinois.edu

URBANA — Corn futures prices have increased about 75 cents per bushel since the surprisingly large 2016 corn planting intentions were reported on March 31. According to a University of Illinois agricultural economist, the increase reflects declining South American production prospects and the associated strength in export demand for U.S. corn; expectations that planted acreage fell short of intentions; and recent yield concerns associated with an extended period of hot weather.

“Prices will continue to reflect weather conditions and summer weather forecasts, but will also be influenced by the USDA’s Grain Stocks and Acreage reports to be released on June 30,” said Darrel Good.

“The estimate of corn stocks as of June 1 reflected the recent increase in the pace of exports and revealed the pace of feed and residual use during the third quarter of the marketing year. The size of June 1 stocks were calculated based on consumption data that was currently available and on the assumption that feed and residual use is on pace with the USDA projection of 5.25 billion bushels for the year.”

Based on the USDA’s Grain Crushings and Co-Products Production reports for March and April and on the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) weekly estimates of ethanol production during May,

Stocks, acreage, yield Page 7B

Shaw Media photo/Eric Engel

We Offer All Types of Buildings For Agricultural and Equine

•NEW HOMES •GARAGES •ROOM ADDITIONS •ROOFING •SIDING •POLE BUILDINGS •REMODELING

Rick Andersen 815.626.7378 www.andersenbuildings.com SM-PR8127963-0625

email: andersenstatewidebuildings@comcast.net

FREE ESTIMATES

Post Office Box 114 Walnut, IL. 61376 Email: haroldrollo@yahoo.com Website: www.rolloconstruction.com

Home: 815-379-9317 Ans. Machine: 815-379-2350 Cell Phone: 815-303-9321

Illinois’ Largest 33rd Annual 2-Day FALL CONSIGNMENT SALE Increasing yields isn’t the only way to increase profits

Agricultural Loans

Trust Services

Farm Management

Farmland Sales

hbtAgServices.com Derek Fetzer 815-875-4444 606 S. Main St. Princeton

Lisa Anderson 815-498-2396 128 S. Depot St. Somonauk Agricultural Services

SM-PR8128003-0625

7

Summer 2016 • 7B

Ag Matters

Stocks, acreage, yield From Page 6B

corn used for ethanol production during the third quarter of the marketing year is estimated at 1.24 billion bushels. Corn used for other domestic industrial and food products is estimated at 360 million bushels.

Cumulative export inspections during the first three quarters of the marketing year (September 2015 to May 2016), totaled 1.149 billion bushels. Through April, however, cumulative Census export estimates exceeded cumulative inspections by 49 million bushels.

For the marketing year, the USDA projects feed and residual use of corn at 5.25 billion bushels. Based on the Dec. 1, 2015, and March 1, 2016, corn stocks estimates, feed and residual use during the first half of the year totaled 3.634 billion bushels.

“Use during the last half of the year needs to total 1.616 billion bushels for total use to reach the USDA projection,” Good says. “The historical distribution of feed and residual use between the third and fourth quarters has varied considerably. Use near 1.05 billion bushels during the third quarter this year would be near the mid-point of expectations based on the historical range. Stocks would likely have to differ from that estimate by more than 50 million bushels to produce a price response.”

According to Good, the June estimate of planted acreage of corn is expected to be less than intentions of 93.6 million acres reported in March. Some acreage may have been switched to soybeans due to the increase in soybean prices relative to corn prices and due to some delayed corn planting in the eastern Corn Belt. However, with the decline in prevent-plant acres this year and some increase in crop

prices during the planting season, total acreage of spring-planted crops may have exceeded the surprisingly small March intentions.

“That potential increase creates some uncertainty about the magnitude of corn acreage,” Good says.

“A June estimate near March intentions would be somewhat bearish, depending on late month weather and weather forecasts. The June acreage estimate will not likely be adjusted until FSA certified acreage data becomes available in October, but there is a strong history of the final acreage estimate released in January to be less than the June estimate. During the past 20 years when planting decisions were not directly impacted by farm programs, the final estimate of acreage exceeded June intentions only four times.”

Good says that without substantial surprises in the upcoming USDA reports, corn prices will be mostly influenced by weather and yield expectations, which is usually the case this time of year. The market has begun to price the elevated risk of a 2016 average yield that is below trend that have been discussed for a few months. Increasingly, analysts are drawing parallels between the late 1982-83 weather pattern that resulted in very low corn yields and the 2015-16 weather pattern to date.

“Producers have waited for and now welcome the higher corn prices,” Good says. “The higher prices coupled with uncertainty about summer weather means that producers now have more price risk along with some production risk. December futures prices are now 60 cents above the crop revenue insurance price established in February so there is revenue risk for unpriced new-crop corn. Still, prices would continue to increase with unfavorable weather conditions. What to do? Managing the current new-crop price risk can be accomplished with a combination

www.statebankofcherry.com

“The choice of strategy will be influenced by local crop conditions and production expectations. While developing a marketing strategy is challenging, it is important to have a strategy because weather markets provide a window of pricing opportunity that typically persists for a relatively short period. The strategy probably should include plans for pricing some of the 2017 crop” Darrel Good, University of Illinois of the timing of incremental sales and the use of options or options-based cash contracts. The choice of strategy will be influenced by local crop conditions and production expectations. While developing a marketing strategy is challenging, it is important to have a strategy because weather markets provide a window of pricing opportunity that typically persists for a relatively short period. The strategy probably should include plans for pricing some of the 2017 crop,” he says.

Source: Darrel Good, 217-333-4716, d-good@illinois.edu.

Princeton Redi-Mix Over 40 Years of Service

State Bank of Cherry A part of the community...

A part of your life...since 1906.

Our Products & Services • Fertilizers - Dry, Liquid, Starter & Micronutrients • Crop Protection Products - Name Brand & Generics • Application - Ground & Aerial • Soil Testing • Competitive Pricing & Top Notch Customer Service • 360 Yield Center Dealer

C E N T E R™

MEMBER FDIC

Cherry, IL 815-894-2345 or 1-800-447-9138

Our Perspective As farmers and landowners ourselves, we seek out opportunities for farming operations. We want to see your farm succeed, and your commitment to it sustained.

Our Promise We think about your bottom line first. All sales and recommendations are based on what makes your farming operation profitable.

We are farmers too.

Get a shared perspective.

Grow your crop and your value per acre with agricultural products and farming services in one stop.

Gripp Custom Farming Corp & Gripp Farm Nutrients, LLC

Family Owned & Operated SHEFFIELD, ILLINOIS

www.grippfarms.com SM-PR8127958-0625

Producers of Quality Concrete Commending Local Farmers For All Your Hard Work.

Let Us Help You With Any Of Your Concrete Needs.

Bureau County’s Most “Concrete” Business 533 E. Railroad Ave • (815) 875-3359 • Keith Cain - Mgr. • prmcrete@ivnet.com

8

8B • Summer 2016

Ag Matters

proudly supports

Now until the end of October Tuesdays 3:00pm - 5:30pm Saturdays 8:30am - 1:00pm

Frontier Lot next to the Prouty Building South Main Street

$

75

PER HOUR LEGACY LABOR RATE

On 1600 Series or earlier combines & model year 1986 or older tractors

• Includes OEM parts or high-quality replacement parts with competitive pricing

• Labor done by experienced technicians with 160+ hrs/yr of factory training

• Best-in-class warranty on OEM parts. ReMan parts carry up to a 2-year warranty

1350 Western Ave • Henry, IL 61537 (309) 364-2336

• You decide on any repair options if further work is suggested

407 S East St • Annawan, IL 61234 (309) 935-6768

Case IH is a trademark registered in the United States and many other countries, owned by or licensed to CNH Industrial N.V., its subsidiaries or affiliates.