AgWired

John Hewlett of the University of Wyoming teamed up with Jeffrey Tranel and
 Rodney Sharp of Colorado State University to develop a series of CD- and
 web-based courses to help producers manage different kinds of risk after
 studying the demographics of small-scale farming operations in the states of
Arizona, Colorado and Wyoming. The men presented their work yesterday at the International Farm Management Congress at Illinois State University.



After describing current trends in agriculture that have shown more
producers to be of older ages, with 86 percent of farm operators being over the age
of 45, and citing the increased amount of producers who have continued their
education beyond a high school diploma, Tranel emphasized the need for more
resources to be available to farmers who want to continue their education.
In addition, the agriculture industry has seen a tremendous growth in small
agriculture operations. Risk management is an important part of this, as many
producers want and need more education on this topic. Tranel encourages
good risk taking which he defined as taking the right risks to maximize
profits and reduce income variability in order to meet strategic goals.



Sharp introduced several programs that aid in risk management education.
The Ag Survivor Simulation Program helps producers to better understand
their own tolerances of risks. AGR Lite features courses that help farmers
with proper record keeping procedures that make tax preparations easier.
Proper record keeping also helps to enhance risk management. In light of
the research showing an increased population of aging farmers, the trio also
developed A Lasting Legacy. This program is for older producers who want to
make accommodations for their business operations, possessions, assets and
funeral arrangements before they die.


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It’s not only the IFMA17 members that are traveling around the state of Illinois this week, their spouses are getting in on the act to.
After participating in an Abraham Lincoln educational tour earlier this week, that included stops at the David Davis Mansion, The McLean County Museum of History and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, the husbands and wives took to the road again Wednesday.

The first stop was to Mitsubishi Motors Manufacturing plant, just a short drive from the Bone Student Center at Illinois State University, where this weeks IMFA17 Congress is being held. The group had the chance to see the processes involved in manufacturing some of Mitsubishi’s most popular cars. Spouses could see cars being painted, windows being placed by robotic arms and the everyday nuances that occur on “the line” at an auto factory.

Next up was Mackinaw Valley Vineyard where guests were able to take a tour of the entire vineyard, as well as take part in a wine tasting, that included several differing fermented beverages.

After walking the grounds and enjoying some of the great panoramic views of the vineyard, the spouses had a relaxing lunch before moving on to the Funk Prairie Home and Gem Mineral Museum.

The Funk home is the restored 1864 residence of former Illinois State Senator Lafayette Funk, and included several Funk Family memorabilia and antiques. The group toured the home as well as a beautiful formal garden. Spouses were also able to take in what is considered to be one of the largest one-man rock collections in America at the Gem and Mineral Museum.

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In the wake of headlined disease outbreaks in livestock, such as the H1N1 virus and Avian flu among several others, Dr. Ann Wilkinson, associate director of Global Alliances for Pfizer Animal Health in Christchurch, New Zealand, spoke at Wednesday morning’s session of the International Farm Management Association Congress on issues relating to advancements in animal health and food safety.

In her presentation, Dr. Wilkinson outlined several hot topics in the current livestock industry. With the occurrence of many transboundary diseases over the past several years, there are many human health issues closely related to livestock production. While an intense amount of scientific research goes into the development of new products and use of drugs such as vaccines, antibiotics and hormones, consumers tend to create their own perceptions of these developments and practices- regardless of the benefits and scientific logic backing such discoveries. These misconceptions have had a significant impact on the livestock sector, which accounts for 40 percent of agriculture’s Gross Domestic Product.

Dr. Wilkinson explained Pfizer, which is an animal pharmaceutical company with operations in 60 countries, has shifted their primary focus to disease prevention. “Prevention, prevention, prevention,” Dr. Wilkinson emphasized. Prevention is less costly and easier to implement in an operation as opposed to treating an entire herd. Over the years, less emphasis has been made towards antibiotic use and more focus has been given to prevention methods, including vaccination. Vaccinations have evolved rapidly over the years.
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As delegates from over 26 countries convene in central Illinois this week for the International Farm Management Congress, they are sure to not go hungry courtesy of local organizations.

Each tour allows for a 10 minute “grab and go” break where conference attendees can snatch a quick snack and share stories with other delegates.

GROWMARK called on organizations like the Illinois State University Department of Agriculture, Ladies of St. Ann’s Rectory and various 4-H Clubs to sponsor the refreshments.

Jane Castellano of GROWMARK explained these sponsorships may appear as a simple gesture, but the organizations’ support contributes to the overall networking purpose of the Congress.

Castellano said, “It gives [delegates] the chance to interact with the local farmers hosting the tours.” Castellano added the “grab and go” is also a benefit for central Illinoisans as well to gain a global perspective from the international delegates as well.

And after a long day of touring, the refreshments also provide an opportunity to relax. Congress correspondent Erin Yancey said, “It was just nice to know people took the time to think of us. Traveling all day can be exhausting so it was nice to have a quick break.”

The efforts of these organizations are not going unnoticed. IFMA 17 is offering to reimburse organizations or to provide a donation.

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Attendees of the International Farm Management Association 17 Congress were witness to a very optimistic view of the future of renewable energy.

Dennis Magyar, a renewable energy industry leader with North American DuPont Biofuels, gave an insightful presentation on the future of bio fuels and bio fuel technologies. The presentation began discussing the desire for energy independence, establishing the importance of the future on renewable energy.

Magyar introduced DuPont’s role in the renewable energy industry along with the company’s latest goal and developments. Magyar expressed DuPont’s desire “to explore carbohydrate based businesses opportunities.”

The three main focuses included sustainable feedstock, cellulosic ethanol and advanced biofuels. DuPont is working to provide the means for a more sustainable feedstock by continuing to invest in seed and chemical development.

Their Pioneer seed corn brand has been a main focal point attempting to create hybrids that are more resilient to all adverse variables, higher yielding and higher profits for producers. Continuing to develop production of their seed corn is contributing to the goal of more bushels per acre and more ethanol per bushel.
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Wind energy is an up and coming technology in the U.S. and central Illinois. Attendees of the International Farm Management Association 17 Congress (IFMA 17) got a chance to learn more about this current, complex energy issue. Andrew Young, CDO of Horizon Wind Energy, addressed the IFMA 17 Congress today in the Brown Ballroom at Illinois State University. Young’s presentation outlined the wind energy industry, the company itself and the current policies and incentives in place to help grow the industry.

Horizon Wind Energy is the company that manages the wind farm located in McLean County. The Twin Groves Wind Farm is located five miles east of the Central Illinois Regional Airport. The wind farm produces 396 megawatts of clean energy per year enough to power around 120,000 homes in Illinois. With over 240 massive turbines the Twin Groves Wind Farm is one of the largest in the country.

One of the main factors in starting a wind project is getting land owners to sign on to the project. The ideal placement for wind farms is on open range and actively cultivated farm lands, thus relevant to many of the attendees of the IFMA 17 Congress.

Young also stressed the challenges that exist to furthering the wind energy industry in the U.S. Currently, the U.S. energy grid system is not structured to support the full potential capacity for wind farming technology. Lack of connection to the grid has tabled some wind farm projects in areas that are ideal for wind technology. Also, tax credits and incentive programs are another main factor in funding and starting a wind farm project, Also, community opposition and difficulty in obtaining permits can slow a wind project.
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Okay. Cindy has tweeted “My Twittering husband, who tweets photos of what he makes for dinner, doesn’t bother to tweet that he’s in the hospital for pneumonia.” She’s right. Maybe I should have been writing about this but I just couldn’t find the right “voice” for it and it’s been one of those things that has dragged on for a couple weeks and I keep thinking it’s about to be resolved. Well we’re finally getting there (he said confidently.)

I am still in the hospital and will be for a few more days after a procedure in the morning. Hopefully that will settle the whole problem and then I’ll have to take it easy for a while after that. This is hard to say for someone who is pretty much on the go and used to jogging or biking at every chance he can get. I figured that I owed to the AgWired community to let you know in case you didn’t already. That’s why I’ve been a little light on posting and tweeting, especially for the last couple days.

Thank goodness you can use a cell phone and computer/air card in your room! I’ll be off the grid tomorrow and hope to be back on by Friday sometime with an update.

So, let me just say a huge thank you to all our sponsors and supporters, followers and friends. Without you there would be no community. I’m looking forward to being back to 100 percent as soon as possible.

IFMA 17 was not kidding when it came up with its concept for the second Congress ever held in the U.S. Conference planners have woven the theme of “Food, Fiber and Energy” throughout the past few days of the Congress. However, it may surprise a few of the international delegates to learn their transportation is also joining the IFMA 17 Congress to implement the “energy” component of the theme.

Since Sunday, delegates have had the opportunity to ride shuttle buses to and from the Congress’ events. These Peoria Charter Coach buses are currently running on bio-fuels.

This practice is not uncommon for the company, who has been running its shuttles on bio-fuels since March 2004. And in its five year history of using bio-fuels, the company is pleased with their decision.

Bill Winkler, president of Peoria Charter Coach said,” To me, it is a three win situation…It burns cleaner. It’s cheaper, and it helps the farmers.”

As delegates look to the future of the agriculture industry, the issues of sustainability and a poor economy are sure to arise. However, Winkler was quick to mention this clean-burning fuel is mixed locally, reducing the cost. With these incentives, Winkler looks forward to continuing this practice in the future.

Peoria Charter Coach Company has served over 400,000 passengers since its start in 1941.

For a complete itinerary of IFMA17 events, visit: ifma17.org.

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