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Sustainable agriculture tours scheduled

[APRIL 21, 2003]  URBANA -- Six unique locations have been selected for this year's sustainable agriculture tours, representing the broad diversity of the topic. "Sustainable agriculture includes alternative farming practices, but it's also about ways to provide an adequate and dependable farm income," said Deborah Cavanaugh-Grant, a University of Illinois research specialist who is coordinating the tours. "So, for example, on the first tour to ethnic grocery stores in Chicago, we'll learn about specialty markets for alternative crops.  Growers need to be connected to these specialty markets so they can sell what they produce."

Cavanaugh-Grant said that the tours last year were so successful that the U of I Agroecology/Sustainable Agriculture Program decided to offer them again, this time to new locations around the state. "There are so many wonderful places in Illinois to visit that selecting only six was difficult, but I think the ones we chose represent a wide variety of topics that will give people a chance to see six very different sustainable operations in action."

The first tour of the 2003 schedule will be to several ethnic grocery stores in Chicago on Tuesday, June 17. The tour will include stops in the Vietnamese and Indian neighborhoods of Chicago, the Muslim meat markets, an Arab sweet shop, and lunch at a Persian restaurant.

Tour guide Evelyn Thompson will provide information at each stop about the produce, ingredients, cooking procedures and history of the food cultures. "On my tours we also do a lot of munching of snack foods that overflow the counters. We try to sample something from each country, be it a pastry, a savory, a sweet or an interesting drink," said Thompson.

Monday, July 14, is the date for the second tour, which will visit several organic farms in Woodford County.

On Tuesday, Aug. 12, community-supported agriculture will be the topic with a tour of Angelica Organics in Caledonia.

Tuesday, Aug. 19, a tour will visit Tanglefoot Farm in Simpson to learn about prawn farming.

 

 

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On Wednesday, Sept. 10, the topic will be agritourism, with a visit to Hardy's Reindeer Ranch in Rantoul. The tour will include a hayride and lunch served in the style of the grand Old West.

The final tour is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 29, to Pike's Hunting Club in Marion, where the topic will be waterfowl fee hunting.

For a printable brochure that includes details about all six tours, visit
http://www.aces.uiuc.edu/~asap/
smallfarm/tourbrochure.pdf
.
[To download the Adobe Acrobat reader for the PDF file, click here.]

 For additional information, contact Deborah Cavanaugh-Grant at (217) 968-5512 or cvnghgrn@uiuc.edu. A small fee will be charged for each tour. Registration at least one week in advance is required. A registration form is available by contacting Cavanaugh-Grant or online at http://web.aces.uiuc.edu/asap/index.html.

The tours are sponsored by the Agroecology/Sustainable Agriculture Program in the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences at the University of Illinois, the North Central Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Professional Development Program, and the Illinois Small Farm Task Force.

[University of Illinois press release]


Logan included in 30 counties
eligible for drought assistance

[APRIL 19, 2003]  SPRINGFIELD -- Gov. Rod Blagojevich announced on April 15 that federal financial assistance is available to farmers in 30 counties who suffered agricultural production losses last summer due to severe drought conditions.

"Farmers in many areas of the state were devastated last year by the effects of heavy rains followed by a hot, dry summer," Blagojevich said. "The loans that are key to this disaster declaration will help farmers recover and can be used to pay production costs, refinancing existing debt and essential family living expenses."

The U.S. Department of Agriculture this week approved a request made by the governor in February to declare Cass, DeWitt, Mason, Moultrie, Pike, Stephenson and Winnebago counties as natural disaster areas. The declaration makes farmers in those seven counties, as well as 23 contiguous counties, eligible for USDA assistance programs, including low-interest loans.

The contiguous counties impacted by the declaration are Adams, Boone, Brown, Calhoun, Carroll, Coles, DeKalb, Douglas, Fulton, Greene, Jo Daviess, Logan, Macon, McLean, Menard, Morgan, Ogle, Piatt, Sangamon, Schuyler, Scott, Shelby and Tazewell.

Livestock producers also may be able to receive assistance, including cash payments on a per-head basis, if they owned grazing animals during the drought period.

 

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In order to qualify for federal disaster assistance, counties must experience at least a 30 percent decline in production in any single crop. Assistance also can be provided if farmers no longer qualify for commercial credit due to disaster-related losses.

Farmers and others who believe they may be eligible for USDA assistance should contact their county Farm Service Agency office.

Last year, 63 other Illinois counties were approved for federal disaster assistance due to a wet spring and extreme heat and little precipitation in the summer. May 2002 was the eighth wettest May on record, and the summer was the 14th warmest since 1895. There was less than 5 inches of rain between mid-June and mid-August, about three inches below normal.

[Illinois Government News Network
press release]


Brazilian land rush mirrors
19th century U.S. experience

[APRIL 19, 2003]  URBANA -- As a farm family member who hopes one day to farm on his own, Jason Moss has a natural interest in soybean production in Brazil and its challenge to U.S. producers. But a summer-long stay in that South American nation left the University of Illinois student convinced that Brazil is indeed the new frontier of soybean farming.

"Soybeans have now become a Third World product," said Moss, a junior in the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Science's Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics. "One challenge for U.S. farmers is how one can earn a First World income producing a Third World crop. The cost-of-production difference is nearly $2.50 per bushel in favor of the Brazilians.

"If Chicago Board of Trade prices go to $4, there is no conceivable way an Illinois farmer could afford to continue growing soybeans -- a crop many now heavily rely on for rotations and income."

Moss prepared a research report on his June 1 to Aug. 10, 2002, stay in Brazil as part of an internship course offered by Peter Goldsmith, an assistant professor of agribusiness and farm management.

"One of the things I find particularly interesting about Moss' report is the opportunities it identifies for young people interested in farming," said Goldsmith. "He's looking 20 or 30 years down the horizon and identifying opportunities.

"Young people interested in becoming agricultural producers face a stiff challenge, especially in the barriers to obtaining the capital needed to control land. Some might not look forward to competing for ground and slugging it out here when cheaper land is available in Brazil."

Goldsmith noted that ADM has a corporate presence in Brazil as well as the United States, as does one of the largest cooperatives, Cenex Harvest-States. So it makes sense that some U.S. farmers may decide to maintain farms in the United States and Brazil to take advantage of economic opportunities.

In addition to establishing a cooperating relationship with a Brazilian university, Goldsmith is part of a long-range U of I research project examining the future of the soybean and meat production complex worldwide.

Because of the large amount of land coming under cultivation and the low costs, Brazil is becoming a new frontier of agricultural development. The family Moss stayed with migrated from Holland in 1989, and immigrant farmers are common. Much of the growth is centered in the state of Mato Grosso.

 

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"It has become a magnet for several reasons," said Moss. "It is viewed as an area with cheap land, infinitely large fields and large amounts of cleared land. It has attracted considerable American investment. What makes Mato Grosso the center for direct foreign investment is the price of land and the potential for expansion.

"The land rush in Brazil is a mirror image of the United States in the 19th century."

Crunching numbers can reveal the Brazilian economic edge in soybean production.

For the 2000 crop year, variable costs to produce soybeans in central Illinois were $97 per acre or $2.16 per bushel. Fixed costs for the same period were $226 per acre or $5.02 per bushel. For the same period in Mato Grosso, the variable costs were $108.20 per acre or $2.21 per bushel.

"But fixed costs were only $48.10 per acre or 98 cents per bushel," Moss said.

Many areas in Mato Grosso average 60-65 bushels per acre, and the average farm size is considerably larger. While the cost of land is the largest cost for the central Illinois farmer, the cost of fertility is the highest cost for a Mato Grosso producer.

"Land costs in 2000 for the central Illinois farmer were 35.9 percent of his total costs, while the Mato Grosso producer's land costs were only 9.6 percent of his total costs," said Moss. "Fertility costs constituted 31.7 percent of the Mato Grosso producer's total costs, while accounting for only 5.3 percent of his Illinois counterpart's total costs.

"Labor provides another significant cost difference. U.S. labor costs $33 per acre, 10 times higher than the Brazilian labor cost of $3.92 per acre.

The Moss family operates a 3,500-acre operation near Quincy. Moss contemplates taking the family business international and is exploring opportunities in Brazil. He returns to Brazil this summer for another U of I internship and will work with Grupo Maggi, the largest direct farming operation in that nation.

[University of Illinois news release]


Olympia FFA report

[APRIL 18, 2003]  The Olympia FFA chapter had their banquet on March 15 at Olympia High School at Stanford. A social time and opening ceremonies preceded the barbecued pork dinner with trimmings.

In the program, Megan Ott of Danvers gave the FFA creed. Awards were presented to first-year FFA members and scholarship winners. Then Brian Springer of Minier gave the ag plot report, and Todd Wibben of Atlanta gave the FFA alumni report. Other awards were given in various areas: proficiency, foundation sponsors, certificates of appreciation and career development events. Bob Benson and Jeff Springer, both of Minier, received the honorary chapter FFA degree.

Other awards were presented: to the outstanding FFA member, participation awards, awards for second-year FFA members and the leadership awards. Lucas Deal of Danvers received the DeKalb award and the state FFA degree. Jackie Heck of Stanford and Brian Springer of Minier also received the state FFA degree.

Next year's FFA chapter officers were installed along with the closing ceremonies.

 

 

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In a labor auction at the end of the banquet, several FFA members and the two advisers were auctioned for a day's worth of labor. Jim Miller of Danvers was the auctioneer. Money raised from this auction will benefit the FFA chapter.

Chapter officers for 2003-04 are Brian Springer of Minier, president; Megan Mussleman of Danvers, Seth Schneider of Armington and Dena Wibben of Atlanta, vice presidents; Brandon Usherwood of Atlanta, secretary-treasurer; Megan Ott of Danvers, reporter-historian; and Greg Deal of Danvers, sentinel.

Alumni chapter officers are Todd Wibben of Atlanta, president; Jeff Springer of Minier, vice president; David Deal of Danvers, secretary; Jeff Schneider of Armington, treasurer; Kyle Haning of Delavan, reporter; and Melvin Springer of Armington, member at large.

The chapters are under the direction of Heather Obert and Chris Embry Mohr.

[News release provided by Kyle Haning]


Weekly outlook

Corn, soybean prices

[APRIL 15, 2003]  URBANA -- Recent price strength in the soybean market is associated with a continuation of a high rate of exports and exports sales and some late-season concerns about wet weather in parts of South America, said a University of Illinois Extension marketing specialist.

"In the case of corn, it would appear that prospects for ample year-ending stocks and an increase in harvested acreage of corn for grain in 2003 would be sufficient to keep corn prices in a relatively narrow range through August," said Darrel Good. "However, the trading range in December 2003 corn futures is also relatively low, at 34 cents. History would suggest an increase in the trading range of December futures prior to expiration of the contract and provides some support for the possibility of a new high in that contract.

"At the same time, that contract is currently trading only about 3 cents above the life-of-contract low. Could be another interesting summer."

Good's comments came as he reviewed corn and soybean prices in the wake of USDA reports. The soybean market had a two-day reaction to the generally negative information in the USDA's "March Grain Stocks" and "Prospective Plantings" reports and then proceeded to move to the highest level of the year.

May 2003 futures traded to $6.08, and the average cash price in central Illinois reached $5.96.

"That price is 2 cents above the 2001-02 marketing year high and is the highest cash price since the 1997-98 marketing year," Good noted.

Last week, the USDA raised the export projection for the current marketing year by 35 million bushels. At 995 million bushels (1.005 billion if the additional residual use projection is included) the current projection compares to an early-season projection of only 800 million bushels. USDA reports show current exports and export commitment above the level of a year ago, when shipments for the year reached 1.063 billion bushels.

"Part of the impact of larger-than-expected exports of U.S. soybeans has been offset by the smaller-than-expected domestic crush," said Good. "The USDA now projects the domestic crush at 1.62 billion bushels, which is 80 million less than crushed last year and 55 million less than projected last fall. The slowdown in the crush since January has been primarily the result of weaker export demand for soybean meal."

The USDA now projects year-ending stocks of U.S. soybeans at 145 million bushels, 63 million below the level of stocks at the beginning of the year. Stocks will be at the lowest level in six years and the second lowest level in 26 years. The smaller inventory in the United States is offset by the expectations of large production and a marginal increase in stocks in South America.

 

 

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"Even with the recent price activity, the trading range in the cash price of soybeans in central Illinois since Sept. 1, 2002 has been relatively narrow," said Good. "The range of 95 cents, if it persisted through August, would be the smallest marketing-year trading range in 11 years and the third smallest range in 30 years.

"The same pattern is evident in the November 2003 futures contract. The trading range for that contract to date is 90 cents. Since 1972, the life-of-contract trading range was 91 cents on two occasions, 1972 and 1986. After that, the smallest range was $1.17 for the 1995 contract. With inventory at a very low level and indications that U.S. producers will reduce soybean acreage in 2003, a continuation of volatile price behavior should be expected. In the short run, a new marketing-year high might be expected. New lows before the end of the summer would likely require a steep drop in exports and a very favorable growing season."

Corn prices were generally higher in the week following the "friendly" USDA reports on March 31. The average spot cash price of corn in central Illinois moved from $2.26 on March 28 to $2.40 on April 7. May 2003 futures moved from a close of $2.2775 on March 28 to a high of $2.4525 on April 8. The price strength was relatively short-lived, however, as a slow rate of exports and prospects for ample year-ending stocks pushed prices lower last week.

On April 10, the USDA released its monthly projections of supply and use. For corn, the projection of domestic use was increased by 70 million bushels, but the projection of marketing year exports was reduced by 75 million bushels. Exports are now projected at 1.675 billion bushels, 325 million less than the early-season projection.

"At the projected level, exports would be at the lowest level in five years," said Good.

The recent corn price activity left prices within the trading range established since September 2002. The marketing-year range for the spot cash price of corn in central Illinois has been 56½ cents.

"That range is relatively small, but the range over the past 29 years has been 60 cents or less in eight other years," said Good.

[University of Illinois news release]



Consider electrical hazards
during spring planting season

[APRIL 14, 2003]  URBANA -- Many farm workers are killed each year when their farm equipment makes contact with overhead power lines. These tragic accidents are preventable. Before heading back into the fields, Safe Electricity urges farm workers to review farm activities and work practices that take place around power lines.

"Make sure everyone who works on the farm knows the location of power lines and keeps farm equipment at least 10 feet away from them," said Molly Hall, director of Safe Electricity, a statewide electrical safety public awareness program.

"Keep in mind, the minimum 10-foot distance is a 360-degree rule below, to the side and above lines. It may take a little more time, but ensuring proper clearance can save lives."

"Many farm electrical accidents that involve power line contact happen when loading or preparing to transport equipment to fields or while performing maintenance or repairs on farm machinery near power lines," said Bob Aherin, University of Illinois agricultural safety specialist. "It can be difficult to estimate distance, and sometimes a power line is closer than it looks. A spotter or someone with a broader view can help."

Today's larger farms require transporting tractors and equipment to fields several miles away. Before transit, avoid raising the arms of planters, cultivators or truck beds near power lines.

Be aware of increased height when loading and transporting larger modern tractors. Also, many tractors are now equipped with radios and communications systems and have antennas extending from the cab to 15 feet above the ground that could make contact with power lines.

Some other equipment safety considerations:

* Always lower portable augers or elevators to their lowest possible level -- under 14 feet -- before moving or transporting; use care when raising them.

* When moving large equipment or high loads near a power line, always use a spotter or someone to help make certain that contact is not made with a line.

* Never attempt to raise or move a power line to clear a path.

As in any outdoor work, be careful not to raise any equipment such as ladders, poles or rods into power lines.  Remember, nonmetallic materials such as lumber, tree limbs, tires, ropes and hay will conduct electricity depending on dampness and dust and dirt contamination.  Do not try to clear storm-damage debris and limbs near or touching power lines or near fallen lines.

The overhead electric wires aren't the only electrical contact that can result in a serious incident.  Pole guy wires are grounded to the neutral; but, when one of the guy wires is broken, it can cause an electric current disruption. This can make those neutral wires anything but harmless. If you hit a guy wire and break it, call the utility to fix it. Don't do it yourself. When dealing with electrical poles and wires, always call the electric utility.

 

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"It's also important for operators of farm equipment or vehicles to know what to do if the vehicle comes in contact with a power line," Hall said. "It's almost always best to stay in the cab and call for help. Warn others who may be nearby to stay away, and wait until the electric utility arrives to make sure power to the line is cut off."

"If the power line is energized and you step outside, your body becomes the path and electrocution is the result," Aherin said. "Even if a power line has landed on the ground, there is still the potential for the area nearby to be energized. Stay inside the vehicle unless there's fire or imminent risk of fire."

In that case, the proper action is to jump, not step, with both feet hitting the ground at the same time. Do not allow any part of your body to touch the equipment and the ground at the same time. Continue to shuffle or hop to safety, keeping both feet together as you leave the area.

Once you get away from the equipment, never attempt to get back on or even touch the equipment. Many electrocutions occur when the operator dismounts and, realizing nothing has happened, tries to get back on the equipment.

Farmers may want to consider moving or burying power lines around buildings or busy pathways where many farm activities take place. If planning a new outbuilding or farm structure, contact your power supplier for information on minimum safe clearances from overhead and underground power lines.

For more information on farm and home electrical safety, visit www.SafeElectricity.org.  Spanish versions of farm electric safety information are also available on this website.

The Safe Electricity program was created by a coalition of nearly three dozen organizations, including the University of Illinois, rural electric cooperatives and investor-owned electric utilities from throughout the state. All are members of the Illinois Electric Council, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting electric safety and efficiency.

 

[University of Illinois news release]


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