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Features
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Hartsburg-Emden FFA state champion
teams
[DEC.
2, 2002]
The ag issues team and the
food science and technology team of the
Hartsburg-Emden FFA chapter were selected as state winners in
recent competition.
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The five members of the ag issues team, Matthew Wrage, Nick Alberts, Brittney Kavanaugh, Kyle Hoerbert and Kory
Leesman, presented pros and cons on the topic of "Upgrading the
Locks and Dams on the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers." The
participants role-played the major constituents involved in this
issue. The team
also met recently with U.S. Rep. Ray LaHood concerning the issue.
![](../images/120202pics/ffa2.jpg)
[Photos provided by
Hartem FFA]
[Left to
right: Kory Leesman, Nick Alberts, Kyle Hoerbert, Rep. LaHood,
Brittney Kavanaugh, Alyssa Moehring and Matthew Wrage]
As state
winners, the team will now represent the Illinois FFA Association at
the 2003 National FFA Convention. This is the third state-winning
team competing in the Ag Issues Career Development Event for the
Hartsburg-Emden FFA chapter.
[News release]
![](../images/ads/neal_tire/neal_04_01_oillube.gif)
[to top of second column in this
section] |
![](../images/ads/Key%20Printing/key.gif)
![](../images/120202pics/ffa7.jpg)
[Members of the Hartsburg-Emden FFA ag issues team, which won in
state competition: (left to right) Matthew Wrage, Brittney
Kavanaugh, Kyle Hoerbert, Kory Leesman and Nick Alberts]
![](../images/120202pics/ffa6.jpg)
[Members of the Hartsburg-Emden FFA
state champion team in food science and technology are Alyssa
Moehring, Krista Ubbenga, Natalie Coers and Brittney Kavanaugh with
Drew Dediraemaker, state FFA president.] |
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Latest corn, soybean results available from U of I variety testing
program
[DEC.
2, 2002]
URBANA — The University of
Illinois has released the 2002 results from its variety testing
program for corn and soybeans. The data from these latest trials are
available in both printed form and on the Internet at
http://vt.cropsci.uiuc.edu.
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"One of the most important production
decisions facing producers each year is which variety or hybrid to
grow on their farm," said Emerson Nafziger, crop scientist with U of
I Extension. "The variety testing program in the Department of Crop
Sciences at the University of Illinois is one of the largest such
programs in the country. It provides accurate and unbiased
performance data on a large number of varieties and hybrids so that
growers can make the best choice possible on what to plant."
He points out that the program has
served as a "neutral testing ground" for more than 60 years for corn
and for two to three decades for other crops. The corn and soybean
entries were tested at a dozen sites throughout Illinois.
"There were 640 varieties from 60
companies in the latest soybean trials, while the corn trials
included 395 hybrids from 56 different seed companies," Nafziger
said. "We also are testing a number of grain sorghum hybrids and
forage varieties."
![](../images/ads/fricke/Fricke2.gif)
The quickest way to find results from
these trials is on the website for the U of I’s Department of Crop
Sciences. Printed versions were published in Illinois Agrinews
during mid-November. Paper copies can also be obtained from most U
of I Extension offices after early December.
The yield data in this year’s results
reflect the wide variability that was seen across the state during
the past growing season for both corn and soybeans.
"Several locations in western and
northern Illinois had average corn yields of more than 200 bushels
an acre, with a high of 233 bushels per acre at Monmouth," Nafziger
said. "The east central and southern areas of the state did not fare
as well, with two locations in south central Illinois yielding less
than 60 bushels per acre in the trials."
[to top of second column in
this article]
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![](../images/ads/sponsor/treasurechest.gif)
He notes that soybeans followed a
similar trend, with average yields of more than 60 bushels per acre
in the west and east-central parts of the state and less than 30
bushels per acre in south-central Illinois.
"The trials were performed on a
regional basis, with averages calculated over two or three
individual sites in order to better predict future performance,"
Nafziger said. "Except for some publicly developed varieties,
entries in these trials are all made by commercial seed companies,
all of whom are invited annually to participate."
He points out that, while company data
and recommendations are essential in deciding what seed to buy this
fall for planting in 2003, the U of I variety trial results
represent the only place to find so many hybrids and varieties
compared with each other in the same trials.
"Companies
know their products better than anyone else, but they may not have
much information on how their varieties perform compared to those
from other companies," Nafziger said. "Many producers also like to
double-check to see how the seed they ordered stacks up against the
competition. If the seed company participates in the university
trials, these trials usually represent the best source of such
information."
[U
of I news release]
![](../images/ads/Christmas/SerendipityStitches02.gif)
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![](../images/ads/Lo_co_bank/loganbank.jpg) |
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Weekly outlook
Soybean prices
[NOV.
26, 2002]
URBANA — The changing level
and structure of soybean prices have implications for producer
marketing strategies, said a University of Illinois Extension
marketing specialist.
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"In early October, low prices and a
small carry in the market suggested that storing soybeans under the
Commodity Credit Corporation loan program was a sound alternative,"
said Darrel Good. "Higher prices in late October suggested
protecting the price of stored soybeans with put options. Now, the
even higher prices and substantially inverted market suggest that
soybeans should be sold in the spot cash market.
"The potential of higher prices could
be captured with basis contracts, owning futures or owning call
options. Owning call options is the most expensive of the three
alternatives but has the advantage of capping the risk of lower
futures prices."
Good’s comments came as he reviewed the
recent record of soybean prices. January 2003 soybean futures have
managed a significant increase since the early October low. From a
settlement price of $5.29 on Oct. 9, that contract moved to $5.7575
at the close of trade on Nov. 20 and settled at $5.7175 on Nov. 22.
The average cash price of soybeans in central Illinois moved from a
marketing year low of $5.01 on Oct. 9 to $5.66 on Nov. 20 and
finished last week at $5.605.
The central Illinois basis strengthened
from minus 28 cents in early October to minus 5½ cents on Nov. 8 and
then weakened to minus 11¾ cents on Nov. 22.
"Since early October, the structure of
soybean futures prices has changed from a small carry to an
inverse," said Good. "On Oct. 4, for example, July 2003 futures were
3 cents higher than Jan. 2003 futures. At the close on Nov. 22, July
2003 futures were 17 cents lower than January futures."
Good noted that higher soybean prices
and the move to an inverted price structure have been driven
primarily by the strong export pace for U.S. soybeans. As of Nov.
21, the USDA reported that 294 million bushels of U.S. soybeans had
been inspected for export since Sept. 1, 2002. That total is only
6.4 percent less than the total during the same period last year,
even though the USDA projects a 16.3 percent decline in exports for
the entire marketing year.
"While shipments to the European Union
are down about 29 percent from exports of a year ago, shipments to
China are about 69 percent larger than shipments of last year," said
Good. "Unshipped sales of U.S. soybeans as of Nov. 14 were nearly 16
percent smaller than outstanding sales of a year ago. Unshipped
sales to the European Union were off by nearly 60 percent, but
outstanding sales to China were nearly double those of a year ago."
[to top of second column in
this article]
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In addition to the higher-than-expected
pace of exports, soybean prices have received support from a
relatively slow pace of sales by producers and some level of concern
about the progress of the South American crop, due to stressful
weather conditions in some areas. The slow sales pace by producers
contributed to the strengthening of the basis and the inverse in the
futures market.
"So far during the month of November,
January 2003 soybean futures have traded to $5.75 or higher on seven
days but have been unable to move above the high of $5.795 reached
on Nov. 5," said Good. "The price increase that began in early
October appears to have stalled. The weakness in the interior basis
last week suggests that producers have responded to higher prices
with increased sales. The market may also be taking a timeout,
waiting to see if large Chinese purchases of U.S. soybeans continue
and/or weather concerns persist in South America."
The range in the average daily cash
price of soybeans in central Illinois since Oct. 11 has been 65
cents, Good noted. Since the beginning of the 2002 marketing year on
Sept. 1, the trading range for the spot cash price has been 88½
cents.
"The high prices of early September,
however, reflected bids for old-crop soybeans," said Good. "Even so,
history would suggest that the trading range of cash prices will be
expanded before the 2002-03 marketing year is over. The marketing
year range has been as small as 91½ cents in 1991-92 and as large as
$5.03 in 1987-88.
"Over the past four years of large
crops and low prices, the trading range has varied from $1.055 to
$1.955. If $5.01 is the lowest price for the 2002-03 marketing year,
history would suggest that the spot cash price will exceed $6
sometime during the 2002-03 marketing year. On the other hand, if a
new low in that price series is to occur, history would suggest that
it will likely occur in the spring/summer of 2003."
Good added
that the market will continue to take direction from three major
factors over the next six months. These are the rate of use of the
2002 crop, prospects for the 2003 South American crop and, later on,
prospects for the 2003 U.S. crop.
[U
of I news release]
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Hartem FFA takes two
[NOV.
26, 2002]
The Hartsburg-Emden FFA
chapter is on a roll when it comes to career development events, or
CDE’s. In the past two weeks, they have claimed two state FFA CDE
titles.
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The first victory was in the
Agriculture Issues Forum. The team competed on Nov. 16 at Western
Illinois University. Their forum, presented on the controversial
issue of upgrading the locks and dams on the upper Mississippi and
Illinois Rivers, gained them a trip to the 2003 National FFA
Convention for competition. Team members include Matt Wrage, Kory
Leesman, Kyle Hoerbert, Nick Alberts and Brittney Kavanaugh.
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Hartem’s second title came on Nov. 23
at the State Food Science CDE. Team members worked together to
create a product and nutrition label. They also competed on an
individual basis in four areas: aromas, complaint letter, photo ID
and a written exam. Team members include Krista Ubbenga (third high
individual), Natalie Coers (fifth high individual), Alyssa Moehring
(ninth high individual) and Brittney Kavanaugh. This team will also
compete at the National FFA Convention in October 2003.
Hartsburg-Emden’s
agriculture instructor and FFA adviser is Betsy Pech.
[News release] |
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Crop
variety trial and
Christmas tree information
[NOV.
25, 2002]
The University of Illinois
variety trial information is now available. You can get information
from
http://vt.cropsci.uiuc.edu/soybean.html, or you can get a paper
copy about each crop from the local office at a cost of $2 each.
These trial results are from the university plots and include
multiyear results and statistical analysis.
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We’re on the Web
Visit the Logan County U of I Extension
home page for office information and a calendar of upcoming events
in and around our county. The site address is
http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/
cie/offices/index-t.cfm?oid=190.
Christmas tree
selection and care
For many families, the Christmas tree
is the main symbol of the holidays. Several have gone to the
artificial trees because of convenience, allergies or other reasons,
but many still prefer to get "the real thing" for their symbol. Here
are some helpful hints to make your purchase and then keep your tree
safely through the holiday season.
Freshness is the key to having an
enduring symbol of the holidays. Freshness is directly related to
the moisture content in the needles. Once the tree is cut, its life
functions quit. However, if placed in water, it will continue to
function much like a wick as it absorbs moisture through the stem.
If adequate water is not available for the tree, the moisture
content of the needles (moisture is lost by transpiration in your
house) drops by about 35-50 percent. Trees that drop below 85
percent moisture will not regain their freshness.
When identifying a fresh tree, one
obvious way is to cut your own (or observe it being cut). Many
families make a ritual of selecting their own tree, and you know
that it is fresh that way. If you buy from a "lot," you need to buy
from a reliable dealer who can give information on how long the
trees have been cut. You then need to determine freshness for
yourself.
Fresh trees have needles that are
relatively supple and firmly attached to the twigs. All trees will
have brown needles that will fall, but the green ones are the ones
that count! If the green needles tend to snap when bent between your
fingers, the tree is probably quite dry. If temperatures are low
(around zero), then all needles will snap since they are brittle.
Fresh trees will have a fragrance to them. They also will have a
waxy, natural green appearance, but some trees are sprayed with a
needle colorant to make them more green.
[to top of second column in
this article]
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When caring for your freshly cut tree,
start with trying to avoid hauling the tree over a long distance,
where it will be exposed to the wind. Air moving across the needles
is what actually dries them out. If you purchase your tree from a
sales lot, buying the tree early will help ensure better freshness
and selection. You can then take the tree home and give it the
proper attention.
Once you get the tree home, you should
make a fresh cut on the trunk of the tree, place it immediately in
water and store it in a cool place (like your garage). Avoid putting
the tree on the ground, since it could freeze in place and be
difficult to move. The cut you make at home is important. You should
make a straight cut to make it easier on you, and the tree will take
up just as much water as if you made an angled cut.
Water is then the rule! Make sure your
stand will hold enough water for your tree. A fresh tree may use up
to two quarts of water the first 24 hours and up to a quart a day
for the first week. You also have to have the water level above the
cut surface of the trunk to keep your tree fresh.
When you locate your tree, make sure it
is not by a fireplace, furnace outlet or other heat source, as they
will dry it out. Closing a heat register in the area of your tree
will help keep warm drafts from drying out one side of the tree.
A properly cared-for tree that was
fresh to start with can safely be displayed in the home for at least
two weeks. The tree is actually your best indicator. If needles
start dropping and water use stops, there could be problems
developing.
For more information on available
varieties and locations of tree farms, try looking up the Illinois
Christmas Tree Grower’s website:
http://www.ilchristmastrees.com/.
Hopefully these tips will help you
enjoy your holiday season.
[John
Fulton]
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Honors
& Awards
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Logan County 4-H
Achievement Night
[NOV.
13, 2002]
Logan County had its
annual 4-H Achievement Night on Nov. 7 at the Lincoln Park District
Rec Center. Approximately 115 4-H members, leaders and families came
to congratulate the award recipients.
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The top award-winners
in the major award categories on Nov. 7 include the following:
• Three of our Logan County 4-H members have been
selected to receive the highest honor in a 4-H’ers career. Because
of their outstanding 4-H career and their excellent job with their
4-H records, these individuals have been selected as Illinois
delegates to the 2002 National 4-H Congress in Atlanta, Ga., later
this month! Delegates and their categories are:
Hans Bishop — Mechanics and Technology
Amanda Davison — Foods, Nutrition, and Health
Abrigail Sasse — Animal Sciences
• The top 10 percent of records in a project area in
the state are given a National 4-H Congress Blue Award Certificate
each year. Certificate recipient is:
Emily Bakken — Foods, Nutrition, and Health
• The "I Dare You" award is presented to 4-H’ers who
have demonstrated qualities of leadership, excellence in character
and effective future leadership. This year’s winners are:
Elizabeth Brooks, Lincoln
Clint Garey, Atlanta
Ashley Lamb, Latham
Nicole Tripplett, Middletown
• The 4-H Key award is the highest award given. The
qualifications are these: 16 years of age, minimum of three years of
4-H membership, submit a 4-H story and meet nine other requirements
as verified by their leaders. This year’s winners are:
Emily Bakken, Lincoln
Hans Bishop, Atlanta
Elizabeth Brooks, Lincoln
Amanda Davison, Beason
Kyle Janssen, Middletown
• Some 4-H’ers are chosen each year in special award
categories. A book is presented to a 4-H’er with outstanding work,
quantity, quality, years, citizenship, leadership, participation,
skill acquisition and growth. The books are given in three age
categories: 8-11 years of age, 12-14 and 15-19. A Blue Award is
given to a 4-H’er deserving of repeat recognition in a category. In
the 15-19 age category, the medal awards are nationally sponsored
and may be received only once in each curriculum area.
![](../images/111302pics/4h1.jpg)
[Photos provided by Amy Hyde, 4-H Youth Development]
[8- to 11-year-old award recipients:
(front from left) Matthew Runyon, Zach Huffer and Nichole Benz;
(back from left) David Fulton, Ben Buse and Jenna Opperman.]
Outstanding Awards
Achievement
8-11 years old — Zack
Huffer, Lincoln, book; Jenna Opperman, Lincoln, Blue Award
12-14 — Marty
Oltmanns, Lincoln, book; Andrew Fulton, Lincoln, Blue Award
15-19 — Mary Healy,
Middletown, medal; Abrigail Sasse, Beason, medal; Kyle Janssen,
Middletown, medal; Amanda Davison, Beason, book; Emily Bakken,
Lincoln, Blue Award; Amanda Davison, Beason, Blue Award
Animal Science
8-11 — David Fulton,
Lincoln, book; Shelden Tibbs, Middletown, Blue Award
12-14 — Kim Turner,
Atlanta, book; Andrew Fulton, Lincoln, Blue Award
15-19 — Elizabeth
Brooks, Lincoln, medal; Emily Bakken, Lincoln, book; Abrigail Sasse,
Beason, Blue Award; Emily Bakken, Lincoln, Blue Award; Amanda
Davison, Beason, Blue Award
Electricity
12-14 — Marty
Oltmanns, Lincoln
Environment/Natural Resources
8-11 — Mathew Runyon,
Lincoln, book; Ben Buse, Lincoln, Blue Award; Zack Huffer, Lincoln,
Blue Award
12-14 — Chris
Ackerman, Lincoln, book
15-19 — Hans Bishop,
Atlanta, medal; Hans Bishop, Atlanta, book; Kyle Janssen,
Middletown, Blue Award
![](../images/111302pics/4h2.jpg)
[12- to 14-year-old award recipients:
(from left) Elizabeth Carter, Kim Turner, Marty Oltmanns and Andrew
Fulton.]
Food, Nutrition and Health
8-11 — Nichole Benz,
Lincoln, book; Jenna Opperman, Lincoln, Blue Award
12-14 — Elizabeth
Carter, Lincoln, book; Chris Ackerman, Lincoln, Blue Award
15-19 — Krista
Ubbenga, Hartsburg, medal; Elizabeth Brooks, Lincoln, medal; Emily
Bakken, Lincoln, book; Emily Bakken, Lincoln, Blue Award, Amanda
Davison, Beason, Blue Award
[to top of second column in this
article]
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Home and Family
8-11 — Kristin
Bishop, Atlanta, book; Nichole Benz, Lincoln, Blue Award
12-14 — Elizabeth
Carter, Lincoln, book; Katelyn Beavers, Lincoln, Blue Award
15-19 — Abrigail
Sasse, Beason, medal; Leila Ballinger, Atlanta, medal; Leila
Ballinger, Atlanta, book; Amanda Davison, Beason, Blue Award; Emily
Bakken, Lincoln, Blue Award
Leadership
12-14 — Andrew
Fulton, Lincoln, Blue Award
15-19 — Emily Bakken,
Lincoln, medal; Amanda Davison, Beason, book; Kyle Janssen,
Middletown, Blue Award
![](../images/111302pics/4h3.jpg)
[15- to 19-year-old award recipients:
(front from left) Mary Healy, Amanda Davison and Emily Bakken; (back
from left) Kyle Janssen, Audra Ballinger and Leila Ballinger.]
Mechanics and Technology
8-11 — Mathew Runyon,
Broadwell, book; Zack Huffer, Lincoln, Blue Award
12-14 — Marty
Oltmanns, Lincoln, book; Andrew Fulton, Lincoln, Blue Award
15-19 — Hans Bishop,
Atlanta, Blue Award
Personal Development
8-11 — Nichole Benz,
Lincoln, book
12-14 — Chris
Ackerman, Lincoln, book; Andrew Fulton, Lincoln, Blue Award
15-19 — Susanna
Cluver, Latham, medal; Krista Ubbenga, Hartsburg, book; Emily Bakken,
Lincoln, Blue Award; Leila Ballinger, Atlanta, Blue Award; Krista
Ubbenga, Hartsburg, Blue Award; Amanda Davison, Beason, Blue Award
Plant and Soil Science
8-11 — Kristin
Bishop, Atlanta, book
12-14 — Marty
Oltmanns, Lincoln, book; Scott Ubbenga, Hartsburg, Blue Award
15-19 — Audra
Ballinger, Atlanta, medal; Kyle Janssen, Middletown, medal; Emily
Bakken, Lincoln, book; Mary Healy, Middletown, Blue Award; Hans
Bishop, Atlanta, Blue Awards; Emily Bakken, Lincoln, Blue Award
![](../images/111302pics/4h4.jpg)
[Club of the Year awards: Leaders:
Sherry Fulton (left) of Chester 4-H and Mary Jo Janssen of
Middletown 4-H.]
Club Awards
Club – Agriculture —
The Pioneers
Club Community
Involvement and Global Awareness — Middletown 4-H’ers
Club Standards of
Excellence — Atlanta Ag, Atlanta Town & Country, Beason Ag
Chester 4-H, Clover
Kids, Middletown 4-H’ers, Millennium Clovers, The Pioneers
Clubs of the Year —
Chester 4-H, Middletown 4-H’ers
Top Food Awards
Junior foods winner —
Nichole Benz, Lincoln
Senior foods winner —
Elizabeth Brooks, Lincoln
Herdsman of the Year
Daniel Fulton
Leaders recognized
Thirteen adult
volunteers were recognized and honored at the Logan County 4-H
Achievement Night. They were honored in the following categories:
First-year leaders —
Denice Hildebrandt, Lincoln; Rebecca Rich, Emden
Fifth-year leaders —
Kim Beavers, Lincoln; Lori Cross, Hartsburg; Brent Hellman, Emden;
Gail Parson, Lincoln; Mark Rogers, Emden
Tenth-year leaders —
Martha Green, Atlanta; Wesley Green, Atlanta; Teresa Hoerbert,
Delavan; Donna Struebing, Hartsburg; Janet Turner, Atlanta
Twentieth-year leader
— Deanna Voyles, Lincoln
Congratulations!
For a complete listing of the 4-H awards
presented on Nov. 7 or for information on the Logan County 4-H
program, please contact the Logan County 4-H office at 980 N.
Postville Drive, Lincoln, IL 62656, or call (217) 732-8289.
[Logan
County Extension news release
by Amy Hyde] |
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Ag
Announcements
|
Olympia FFA Alumni news
[NOV.
8, 2002]
What do a tree, a chain saw
and a TV have in common? The Olympia FFA Alumni chapter is selling
raffle tickets for these items. The low-priced tickets provide a
chance at a 36-inch Zenith color TV, a Stihl Farm Boss chain saw and
a 1.5- to 3-inch diameter sunset red maple tree.
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The chapter draws in members from
McLean, Tazewell, Woodford, DeWitt and Logan counties.
Proceeds from the raffle will help
support the agriculture program of the Olympia School District.
The drawing for the items will be Jan.
11, 2003, which is the tentative date for the FFA alumni banquet.
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For more
information on purchasing a raffle ticket or about the FFA Alumni
chapter, contact any member of the chapter or call (309) 379-5911.
[News
release] |
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