Illinois River N Levels Decreased

PEORIA – Nitrate levels in the Illinois River decreased between 2000 and 2010, according to a new study released by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). Feedstuffs magazine reported that the decrease represents the first significant decline in N levels on the waterway since 1980.

The Illinois River study was part of a broader examination of N levels present in the Mississippi River basin and also included the Iowa, Ohio, Missouri and Mississippi Rivers. It revealed that the Missouri and Mississippi rivers did not show similar indications of progress, according to USGS. The Illinois River saw a 21 percent reduction in nitrate levels present during the study period, while the Iowa River also recorded a decrease (10 percent). The Ohio River recorded the lowest nitrate level. The Ohio River has remained fairly stable in N levels for three decades. (Illinois Corn Daily Update/Feedstuffs)

ISG Joins Fray Over Lowered RFS

BLOOMINGTON – The biomass-based diesel fuel levels proposed by the U.S. EPA for the 2014 Renewable Fuel Standard Required Volume Obligations will kill growth in the biofuels industry, according to Illinois Soybean Growers (ISG). The EPA’s RVO proposal of just 1.28 billion gallons of biomass-based diesel production in 2014 would be below the amount actually produced this year, the Bloomington-based organization announced. ISG also noted that the proposed RVO would reduce the nation’s total advanced biofuels production requirement, limiting markets and opportunities for biodiesel.

“The level is unnecessarily low and would stifle growth and job creation potential demonstrated by the biodiesel industry,” said Bill Raben, an Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) chairman from Ridgway. “Biodiesel, including biodiesel produced from soybean oil, is the most prevalent advanced biofuel produced in Illinois and the nation.”

Raben suggested a trickle down effect could touch consumers’ pocketbooks if the EPA’s RVO proposal is upheld after a public comment period closes early next year. He said that by keeping the RVO target at 1.28 billion gallons, EPA limits a valuable market for soybean farmers. As biodiesel provides a market for soybean oil, the availability of protein-rich soybean meal increases, which results in a more cost-effective food and feed source. (ISA news release)

32nd Peoria Farm Show Set For Dec. 3-5

PEORIA – When doors to the Peoria Civic Center Arena and exhibition halls swing open to welcome farmers to the Greater Peoria Farm Show (GPFS), it will mark the 32nd consecutive year of quality farm machinery shows in Peoria presented by FarmShows USA– Midwest Shows, Inc. “We’re really proud of (32 years),” said John Sampson, a spokesman for FarmShows USA and the GPFS. “Peoria is a great show, and this year’s is shaping up to be one of the best ever. We’ve got more exhibitors than ever before and what I think is a better mix as far as products and services offered.”

Sampson said that almost 50 new exhibitors have requested booth space for this year’s show, which runs December 3-5. With turnover, the total increase in exhibitors comes to around 25 or so. Many area farmers will be seeking knowledge about new seed offerings, machinery and equipment, technology and the latest in precision farming, including GPS, in order to improve their bottom lines. “It’s going to be a fun show. I think everybody had a good year, yield-wise. Prices are down, but yields should be up enough to help compensate for that. We’ve got some challenges in front of us, there’s no doubt about that. But we’ve had a good year overall, and we look forward to seeing everyone at the show this year,” Sampson said.

The GPFS runs from 9 am to 4 pm daily, Dec. 3-5. Admission is free. For more information and an interactive floor plan of the show, visit www.GreaterPeoriaFarmShow.com.

NRCS Announces 2014 Illinois Seminars

CHAMPAIGN – Heartland Community College, 1500 W. Raab Road in Normal, will be the site of a new Conservation Cropping Seminar, an outgrowth of popular Tillage Seminars presented by partners including the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDA), local Soil and Water Conservation Districts, USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and others. The March 13 seminar, one of three around the state announced by Illinois NRCS last week, will bring local producers and resource experts together to share information and insights on soil health improvement, cover crops and nutrient management best practices.

“I encourage producers to join other farmers and agribusiness professionals in attending one of these meetings to learn more about adopting conservation systems on their own farms,” stated Bob Flider, IDA director.

There is a $20 fee to attend the seminars, which run from around 8 am to 3 pm, with time to visit with speakers, sponsors and attendees. Other seminar locations are Mendota (January 28) and Mt. Vernon (February 27). To register and to view a detailed seminar agenda, visit www.ccswcd.com and click on the seminar logo. (Illinois NRCS news release)

Tornado Relief Need Continues

PEORIA – It was with great sorrow and pain we watched as the town of Washington in Tazewell County was thrust into the national media spotlight in the days immediately following the EF-4 tornado system that killed a Washington man, injured scores and destroyed or rendered uninhabitable up to 1,400 homes and business on November 17, 2013. In addition to the loss of entire neighborhoods, many agricultural losses were reported, including the total loss of the Curt Zehr property just north of Washington. After the Zehr home, outbuildings, and machinery were totally destroyed by the twister, the carnage continued pushing northeast into the Metamora, Roanoke and Dana areas. North of Roanoke in Woodford County, a farm tile business owned by Ron Veatch was a total loss. The Illinois Fertilizer and Chemical Association reported that as the storm continued its march across northeastern Illinois, at least two agribusinesses were damaged. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

We phoned Washington City Hall and spoke to Joanie Baxter, who said that those wishing to donate directly to that town’s tornado relief fund can visit any of 33 Morton Community Bank locations to contribute. (Disclosure: Washington is this reporter’s hometown.) 

Illinois Farm Fact:One mile of unutilized rural roadway is equal to eight acres of farmland. (Informa Economics)

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