The latest research in crop science will be on display during the 59th annual Agronomy Day at the University of Illinois on Aug. 18. The popular, day-long event will be moved to a new location this year — the U of I Crop Sciences Research and Education Center located on South First Street in Savoy

Last week some 60 contracted detasselers, many of them teens, were stricken with symptoms of residual pesticide exposure and treated by EMTs at a farmstead in rural McLean County; we have a statement from Monsanto regarding the incident. Also in this week’s column: an area senator has been appointed to a top ag leadership role, and the U of I has announced its  Agronomy Day lineup. We also have a weather and crop condition report. Please read on …

Monsanto issues statement on detasseling mishap

ST. LOUIS — Approximately 60 contracted workers detasseling corn for Monsanto in rural McLean County on July 19 were treated for symptoms of residual pesticide exposure after entering a field that had been aerially sprayed with an insecticide the prior evening and experiencing skin irritation. As of press time, it appeared that none of the injuries were serious. This columnist reached out to Monsanto for comment last week and received the following email from company spokesman Samuel Murphey:

“The safety of our workers is our number-one priority. We have multiple programs and requirements in place to ensure the safety of our workers and to respond immediately to prevent any potential pesticide exposure. (On July 19) a crew of about 60 contract workers entered a field that had been treated the night before with an insecticide and fungicide by aerial application. After the crew finished in the field, some of the workers told their supervisor that they were experiencing skin irritation. At that point, Monsanto field personnel contacted EMS, and all crew members showered thoroughly with soap and water on site and were evaluated by EMS personnel. EMS personnel determined that all workers were asymptomatic and did not need further evaluation.

“Based on the recommendation of EMS personnel, the workers were released after showering and evaluation. The workers and parents of those under 18 were also offered additional medical follow-up and contact information if interested. To our knowledge, none of the workers has undergone additional evaluation. The workers’ employer chose to have the crew take the day off on Wednesday (July 20). The crew plans to return to work on Friday (July 22).

“Again, our top priority is the safety and wellbeing of all of our workers. We have been following up with parents and workers regularly since (July 19), and we are in the process of a full review of this situation.” Murphey offered his comments on Wednesday, July 20.

Illinois Farm Fact:

95 percent of all corn farms in America are family owned. (Illinois Corn)

Bennett named vice chair of Senate ag  committee

SPRINGFIELD — State Sen. Scott Bennett (D-52nd) has been named vice chairperson of the Illinois Senate’s Committee on Agriculture, Ag Committee Chairman Bill Cunningham announced last week. Bennett had been serving on the ag committee for the past two years.

“Senator Bennett has continued to show a passion for promoting agriculture throughout his community and the state. He understands the important role agriculture plays in our state’s economy and will be an asset to the committee as vice chairman,” Cunningham said, in a news release dated July 18. Bennett said he is excited for the opportunity to steer and promote ag policy within the state.

“Agribusiness is the backbone of our economy,” noted Bennett. “It’s important we promote agriculture business policies in Illinois to protect the rights of Illinois farmers as well as creating an environment to foster and encourage more people to work in this fine profession.”

Bennett has the backing of many top state agriculture organizations, including the Illinois Farm Bureau (IFB). “Senator Bennett is a strong voice for agriculture and his appointment … will be an asset to farmers,” said Kevin Semlow, IFB director of state legislation. “We look forward to working with him in this new role to advance issues supporting farmers.”

Warm Illinois forecast; crops still looking good

URBANA — Illinois farmers and rural dwellers enjoyed a mild period, weather-wise, during the week ending July 17, with an average statewide temperature of 76.1 degrees, according to the latest USDA-NASS “Illinois Crop Progress and Condition” report. This was followed by a week in which temperatures soared into the mid-90s and heat indices reached more than 110 degrees, sparking concern that continued dry, arid weather would cause harm to developing crop plants in central Illinois and other areas of the state.

The U.S. Climate Prediction Center (CPC), in its latest monthly and seasonal forecast released July 21, called for an increased chance of above-average temperatures for the southern half of Illinois in August. The northern section of the state has an “EC” or equal chance of above, below, or near-normal temperatures. And while western Illinois has an increased chance of above-normal rainfall during the month, the remainder of state is classified “EC” regarding precipitation, according to the CPC.

“So bottom line — possibly wetter in western Illinois and warmer in southern Illinois in August and a possibly warmer fall,” observed Jim Angel, Illinois State Climatologist with the Illinois Water Survey. Crop condition remains strong, USDA-NASS reported, with corn rated at 58 percent good and 22 percent excellent, and soybean condition rated at 59 percent good and 17 percent excellent as of July 18.

U of I Agronomy Day set for Aug. 18

URBANA — The latest research in crop science will be on display during the 59th annual Agronomy Day at the University of Illinois on Aug. 18. The popular, day-long event will be moved to a new location this year — the U of I Crop Sciences Research and Education Center located on South First Street in Savoy, which allows for more parking, space for laboratory tours, shorter tour walking distances and less campus traffic, organizers say.

“Agronomic research has been conducted at the (U of I) since the university’s earliest days,” said Bob Dunker, chairperson for the event. “The first agronomy day held in 1957 had the same objective as the one you will attend this year — to communicate research results that benefit the agriculture community.” More info and registration can be found at www.agronomyday.cropsci.illinois.edu/.

–R.F.D. NEWS & VIEWS–