Commodity Conference Draws Hundreds

BLOOMINGTON – The Illinois Commodity Conference, held November 20 in Bloomington, drew hundreds of farmers from all commodity groups, politicians and guests who attended seminars, visited the trade show and shared ways to further agriculture in Illinois and the nation. In addition to serving as a election quarters for key board and leadership positions for some commodity groups, the conference also served to honor those who have made a difference in the farming community.

Among those recognized were Walt Townsend, former U of I Extension educator and state and county corn grower leader, who was the co-recipient of the Illinois Corn Growers Association’s (ICGA) top honor, the World of Corn Award. Townsend served the interest of Illinois corn farmers for more than four decades, said Jeff Scates, ICGA president, when bestowing the award. “This award can never completely show our gratitude for the countless hours Walt volunteered to benefit Illinois agriculture,” Scates said.

Ill. Rep. Jerry Costello (D-12th) was also honored as co-winner of the World of Corn Award for his work in helping make Illinois a leader in the corn industry by working across the aisle to better his constituents. “He has often led the Democrat delegation along on issues that positively impacted corn farmers. We are grateful for his many years of leadership,” said Scates.

Howard Buffett, a central Illinois farmer and world renowned philanthropist, was honored with the ICGA’s Environmental Award. “Howard’s commitment to environmental preservation and to feeding the world through responsible use of technologies is noteworthy,” Scates stated.

In addition, the Honorable John Shimkus, Ill. District 19 House Representative, was given ICGA’s Ethanol Award in recognition of his contributions in promoting the ethanol industry. “Congressman Shimkus has long been our biggest advocate in the House when it comes to renewable energy, biofuels and specifically corn-based ethanol,” said Scates. “Without Congressman Shimkus, we certainly would not be working with a Renewable Fuels Standard that promotes the use of 15 billion gallons of corn-based ethanol and we certainly would not be enjoying the market prices we see today.”

Rep. Johnson Honored at Ill. Comm-Con

BLOOMINGTON – Outgoing U.S. Rep. Tim Johnson (R-Ill. 15th) was honored with Illinois agriculture’s most prestigious award during the Illinois Commodity Conference, held November 20 at the DoubleTree Hotel & Conference Center in Bloomington. The 2012 Friend of Agriculture Award– presented by Illinois’ state beef, corn, milk, pork, soybean and wheat associations– was presented to Johnson, who did not seek a seventh election to his 15th Illinois District seat, due to his unflagging efforts on behalf of Illinois and American agriculture.

“Johnson has been an active voice for farers in Washington, D.C., for more than a decade,” said Bill Wykes, chairman of the Ill. Soybean Association, at an awards luncheon feting Johnson. “Serving on both the House agriculture and transportation committees, he has consistently supported policies that help protect farmers. We wish him the best in his retirement.”

Johnson spoke briefly to the farmers, 4H-ers and others in attendance, thanking constituents of the 15th District (which covers portions of Normal and Bloomington and Champaign-Urbana) and the area’s farmers. Johnson praised the district and state’s agricultural groups as being among the most educated, prepared and professional voting bases he worked with during his 12 years in Congress.

IPPA: NPDES Permit Not Yet Necessary

DUNLAP – The Illinois Pork Producers Association (IPPA) held a Fall Roundtable meeting in Peoria County on November 15. The roundtable meeting, held at Bernardi’s restaurant in Dunlap, allowed pork producers from IPPA District 4 to offer opinions and ask questions of IPPA officials about legislative, regulatory and other issues. Mike Borgic, IPPA director of membership and outreach, told farmers that at this point in time, IPPA is advising pork producers not to apply or pay for an NPDES (National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System) permit. “Unless you are having an ongoing, continuous discharge, you do not need a permit on your farm. If you have a discharge by accident, you don’t need a permit as long as you fix the problem. The fees are $750, $300 and $150 for varying levels of animal units on your farm. It was going to be $1,200 per year for five years; we got that cut back quite a bit,” Borgic said.

Though Governor Quinn signed the amended NPDES bill into law on Agriculture Day at the Illinois State Fair in August, Borgic said the issue will likely be revisited by the Illinois legislature next year. IPPA will continue to stay on top of the situation, he said.

In addition, Borgic advised producers that the Illinois Pollution Control Board has been holding hearings throughout the state to consider changes to the CAFO rule in Illinois. “We went through this at a federal level, now we’re going through the same process in Illinois,” Borgic reported. “There will be a rule proposal and a comment period, probably in the spring. We’ll deal with it accordingly.”

Farmers: Let Your (Tow) Lights Shine

BLOOMINGTON – The Illinois Fertilizer & Chemical Association (IFCA) is urging farmers to remember that when hauling anhydrous nurse tanks or other implements of husbandry after sunset, the towing vehicles or implements must be equipped with an amber rotating or flashing light. The lights may also be operated during the day for increased safety, but are required between sunset and sunrise.

The IFCA also announced their annual convention and trade show is set for January 21-23, 2013, at the Peoria Civic Center.

Illinois Farm Fact:

The USDA’s monthly corn production forecast fell by more than 40 bushels per acre from June-August 2012, the greatest fall-off in corn production numbers in the history of USDA crop reporting. (Jody Lawrence of Strategic Trading Advisors, at the Ill. Commodity Conference) 

(Tim Alexander is a freelance reporter who writes agriculture, news and feature articles for the News Bulletin, Farm World and many other publications.)