Illinois Farm Bureau Celebrates 100th Anniversary

Joanna Schroeder September 10, 2015

The Illinois Farm Bureau (IFB) is celebrating its 100 anniversary in 2016 and during the Farm Progress Show, kicked off its celebrations with a press conference where President Rich Guebert discussed some of their milestones, upcoming celebratory events, and highlights of key areas of emphasis for the organization.

Guebert noted that one reason they were formed was to help Illinois farmers come together to solve problems. Since the formation additional companies have been created including Country Financial, that provides farmers property and life insurance, and Growmark a company that delivers fuel products to the farm including ethanol.

IFB has also been a voice for farmers in Springfield, IL but also in Washington, D.C. said Geubert. The organization was active in the Farm Bill, WOTUS, tax issues as well as other state-specific issues.

The real kick-off party will take place on January 26, 2016, the official day IFB was formed 100 hundred years ago in 1916 with additional events planned including the opening of the time capsule.

To learn more, listen to the Illinois Farm Bureau’s press conference: Illinois Farm Bureau #FPS15 Press Conference

Farm Progress Photo Album

Coverage of the 2015 Farm Progress Show is sponsored by

Agribusiness, Audio, Farm Progress Show, Farming

New from Case IH

Chuck Zimmerman September 10, 2015

Case IH welcomed agricultural media prior to the Farm Progress Show to see some new products. These include their precision planting products, their Axial Flow technology, their track products and more. Jim Walker, Vice President, North America, welcomed us to the evening event and I spoke with him afterward.

On the lot for the first time publicly was their new Optum Tractor with new ISOBUS Class 3 capabilities. This is a product especially suited for the hay and forage segment. The new ISOBUS enabled tractors work with their Federate Control System for select LB4 Series large square balers.

He also addresses the fact that the industry has gone through a downturn since 2013. He says that’s expected in a cyclical business like agriculture but the company still has to continue providing innovative products to its customers.

You can listen to my interview with Jim here: Jim Walker, Case IH

Agribusiness, Audio, Case IH, Farm Progress Show, Tractor

Asgrow, DEKALB Launch #MyFarmMyYield Contest

Kelly Marshall September 10, 2015

Asgrow and DEKALB are inviting farmers to share their harvest success online, using the hashtag #MyFarmMyYield. Photos are optional (although encouraged), but from Sept. 7- Dec. 6 farmers can post their yield and the Asgrow or DEKALB product number. A random drawing will determine winners of this contest, with grand prize being a trip for two to the 2016 Commodity Classic in New Orleans (March 1-5) and second prize being two tickets to the 2016 Farm Journal Top Producer Seminar in Chicago (Jan. 27-29), plus weekly prizes of $50 merchandise credit.

“We’re excited to hear from Asgrow and DEKALB farmers about their harvest success this season,” said Jesse Hamonic, Asgrow DEKALB Brand Lead. “Farmers make important seed decisions every year, and we’re pleased that Asgrow and DEKALB products met their expectations by helping them turn in a strong performance for 2015. We also want to thank farmers who selected our brands and help celebrate their success in what has been a challenging year for many regions.”

Farmers can enter more than once with different products or fields. The contest is only open to current U.S. growers (18 or older), and no purchase is necessary. Excludes Sponsor employees, family and household members. Odds depend on number of entries. Facebook entries must be posted to official Asgrow DEKALB Facebook atwww.facebook.com/AsgrowDEKALBwall to officially enter contest.

To learn more and view full Official Rules, visit www.AsgrowDEKALB.com/MyFarmMyYield.

Agribusiness, Corn, Soybean

Caught on Camera

Melissa Sandfort September 10, 2015

Last week, I shared a photo of a longhorn and a deer candidly posing for the trail cam. Here’s another one from my nephew Jackson. Here kitty, kitty.

This is why I always tell the boys to carry a walking stick and make noise as they’re going through the tall grass.

Until we walk again …

Uncategorized

Agri-Pulse Open Mic with Dr. Robb Fraley, Monsanto

John Davis September 10, 2015

Agri-Pulse Open Mic this week features Dr. Robb Fraley, Monsanto.

Disappointed with the failed acquisition of Syngenta, Dr. Fraley discusses reasons for the pursuit of the global chemical giant and his company’s plans toward the future. While some consumers oppose genetically modified crops, Fraley gives reasons to pursue next generation innovation in chemistry, biologics, and genetics to achieve growth in the world food supply.

Click here to listen to Agri-Pulse Open Mic with Dr. Robb Fraley, Monsanto.

Agri-Pulse, Audio

DTN/Progressive Farmer Index Shows Pessimism

John Davis September 10, 2015

Low prices for products, along with high input costs and an expected large crop are conspiring to keep farmers historically pessimistic about the future. The DTN/The Progressive Farmer Agriculture Confidence Index (ACI) shows the concerns focus on unstable commodity prices and uncertain farm incomes linger.

Producers’ perceptions over their current situations have dropped steadily, if not dramatically, from 118.0 last August to 109.1 in March to 101.5 now, remaining just in the optimistic range but at the lowest level since the ACI started in 2010. The value of 100 is considered neutral. Values above 100 indicate optimism, whereas values below signify pessimism.

The confidence index, which surveyed 500 crop and livestock producers Aug. 5-17, measures the sentiments of crop and livestock producers on their overall agriculture sector impressions. DTN/The Progressive Farmer conducts the ACI three times a year – before planting, prior to harvest and after harvest. Producers also rate current and long-term input prices and net farm income to gauge their attitudes toward the present situation and future expectations.

Since last year’s record harvest producers have encountered falling commodity prices. This combination continues to weigh on producers overall confidence about the agriculture industry. Last August, producers’ confidence for the ag industry crossed into the pessimistic range for the first time at 99.8, followed by an all-time confidence index low of 98.8 in March. Producer confidence rose slightly to 99.4 in August.

“Producers’ sentiments on their current situation have eroded the past year,” said DTN Markets Editor Katie Micik, director of the confidence index. “Commodity prices have not rebounded while costs continue to rise, causing farm incomes to drop. Yet, producers think things can’t get any worse.”

The report goes on to say the USDA recently estimated 2015 net farm income at $58 billion, down 36 percent from last year. But 70 percent of those surveyed believe farm income will stay the same or improve in the next year.

Midwestern farmers are the most pessimistic about their current situation and future expectations. Southwestern farmers’ attitudes are mixed, and producers in the Southeast are optimistic overall and positive about their current situation, but they are pessimistic about their future expectations.

Uncategorized

Latest FAPRI Commodity Price Report

John Davis September 10, 2015

The prices for grains, oilseeds, cotton, milk and hogs are down sharply from record levels set in recent years. An update to the Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute’s (FAPRI) long-term baseline report says no quick price recovery is expected.

Given all of the assumptions of the analysis, here are a few highlights of the results:

· Projected corn prices remain near the 2014/15 level of $3.70 per bushel for another two years, and only exceed $4 per bushel in 2018/19. U.S. corn acreage increases to more than 90 million acres in 2016 at the expense of other crops.

· Large global oilseed supplies contribute to a reduction in projected soybean prices, which fall to $9.12 per bushel in 2015/16 and remain near that level in 2016/17.

· Projected wheat prices also decline, to $5.10 per bushel for the 2015/16 crop, as U.S. stocks rise to the highest levels since 2010.

· A smaller U.S. crop contributes to a modest increase in cotton prices in 2015/16 to 65 cents per pound, but larger Chinese stock levels continue to weigh on global markets.

· Ethanol production prospects depend, in part, on EPA decisions about how to implement the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). Lower oil prices increase gasoline consumption and the use of ethanol in 10-percent blends, but discourage higher-level blends and ethanol exports.

· Increased production and a stronger dollar have contributed to sharply lower U.S. hog and milk prices in 2015. Projected prices for both remain far below the record levels of 2014.

· As U.S. cattle numbers and beef production expand, cattle prices decline from record levels. Projected fed cattle prices decline from $157 per hundredweight in 2015 to $122 by 2020.

· As retail prices for meat, milk and other products moderate, projected consumer food price inflation drops to 1.9 percent in 2015 and 1.3 percent in 2016.

Agribusiness, Corn, Cotton, Grains, Soybean, Swine

New Holland Country Store

Chuck Zimmerman September 9, 2015

The New Holland Country Store may be on location at farm shows but it is also online as well. New Holland’s Rebecca Gunderson was working in the Farm Progress Show exhibit just in front of the air-conditioned store so I asked her to tell me about it.

The Country Store at FPS had a big selection of clothing, toy tractors and useful branded items. It is also where you could get a blue raspberry snow cone!

Welcome to the new, New Holland CountryTM store online – your one-stop shop for all officially licensed New Holland Country brand merchandise. Created with the “true blue” New Holland enthusiast in mind, the New Holland Country Store offers hundreds of products that help you express your dedication and affinity with New Holland’s brand of tractors, haytools, farm equipment and construction equipment. From farm toys to tees and hats to home decor, you’ll find what you need to show your family, friends and neighbors that you’re “blue blooded” at your core!

If it’s labeled New Holland Country, you know it’s authentic New Holland.

Listen to my interview with Rebecca here: Rebecca Gunderson, New Holland

2015 Farm Progress Show Photo Album

Coverage of the 2015 Farm Progress Show is sponsored by

Agribusiness, Audio, Farm Progress Show, New Holland

Zimfo Bytes

Talia Goes September 9, 2015

FarmScape at St. Louis Ballpark Village, presented by Monsanto and hosted by the Missouri Department of Agriculture, will be held on September 12th at 10 a.m.
The 72nd NAFB Convention has something for everyone, including Trade Talk, professional development workshops on news and blog writing, sales strategies, networking opportunities and more.
Results of a new survey about performance management practices in agribusinesses will be a featured discussion topic on Nov. 10-11 during the National Conference for Agribusiness at Purdue University.
Woodruff Sweitzer (WS) recently announced the addition of Cody Duvall, Nick Kinney, Andi Enns and Linda May to its Kansas City, Missouri, office.

Zimfo Bytes

Soil Selected as Topic of Ag Journalist Award

Kelly Marshall September 9, 2015

International Federation of Agricultural Journalists (IFAJ) and the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) are gearing up for the IFAJ-FAO Award for Excellence in Global Food Security Reporting. And with harvest approaching in the northern hemisphere and planting getting ready to roll in the southern, now is the perfect time to address the contest’s topic– soil. The topic comes from the United Nation’s declaration that 2015 is the International Year of Soils.

Contest participants must be IFAJ members and one entry from each guild will be allowed. Guilds will have their own selection process.

The contest winner will receive all-expenses paid trips to the annual IFAJ congress and to an FAO project related to the UN’s International Years.

It will be an open-language competition, meaning entries can be submitted in the language in which they were published or broadcast. FAO will handle all translation for judges, when required, in English, Spanish, French, Arabic, Russian or Chinese.

Print, broadcast and electronic media submissions (including multi-media) will be welcome. Submissions may be a single story or a series. Stories may be written by individuals or teams, but only one prize will be given per team. Judging criteria will be 50 per cent content and writing or broadcasting style, and 50 per cent presentation. Entries will be judged by three officials – one from FAO, and two from IFAJ. Two honourable mentions will be given. No prizes will be awarded for these designations.

Themes for following years will also reflect the United Nation’s International Years when they pertain to agriculture. Expect future topics to reflect the idea of global food security, with food production, food safety, food waste, land use, nutrition and affordability as likely choices.

Stories must have been published or broadcast between (and including) 1 January and 31 December 2015. Deadline will be 1 March 2016.

For further information contact IFAJ vice-president Owen Roberts, owen(at)uoguelph.ca.

IFAJ, Soil

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