ISA Seeks Soybean Farmer Leaders for Board 2014 Soybean

March 2014
www.ilsoy.org
ISA Seeks Soybean Farmer Leaders for Board
I
SA will have five director positions open when the current fiscal year ends Aug. 31, 2014; three for district directors and two for
at-large directors.
The process for district director elections officially begins in April, but interested farmers are encouraged to consider the application
process now. The three districts with openings are District 5 representing Fulton, Knox, Marshall, Peoria, Putnam and Tazewell
counties; District 9, including Cass, Logan, Mason, Menard, Morgan and Sangamon counties; and District 12, representing Calhoun,
Greene, Jersey, Macoupin, Pike and Scott counties. District 5 director Dan Farney, District 9 director Tim Seifert and District 12
director Mark Sprague are retiring.
Two current at-large directors are retiring as well, Ron Moore and Joe Murphy. The application process for those openings closed
in February. Two nominees from the application pool will be elected by a majority of soybean farmers in attendance at the annual
meeting, July 31, 2014, in Champaign, Ill. No write-in provision exists for at-large directors.
2014 Soybean Summit Provides Farmers with Profitability Tips
A
ttendance exceeded expectations at the first of two 2014 Soybean Summit
events held Feb. 6 in Effingham, Ill. More than 240 soybean farmers, crop
consultants, agronomists and university students joined ISA directors and staff to
learn new strategies and innovative practices to boost yields and maximize profits.
The summit is funded in part by the Illinois soybean checkoff.
Speakers included Farm Progress Editorial Director Willie Vogt, Farm Futures
Editor Bryce Knorr and KR Farms’ Kelly Robertson. Breakout session speakers
included the University of Illinois’ Fred Below, Larry Shonert from TSM, Dale
Ireland from Syngenta, and Bill Wiebold from the University of Missouri. More
than a dozen exhibits showcased new technologies, inputs, and other yieldincreasing products from supporting sponsors and organizations.
A second summit was held March 7 in Peoria. For those who could not
attend, presentations and video of various presentations are available at
soyyieldchallenge.com/summit.
An attentive crowd listens to Willie Vogt, Farm Progress
editorial director, talk about the latest technology trends
at the Soybean Summit in Effingham.
Protein, Oil, Profits Improve Slightly in 2013
A
recent checkoff-funded study found the 2013 Illinois soybean crop on average met minimum
industry standards for protein, and exceeded those for oil -- both slight improvements
compared to 2012 data. The increases could put an extra 24 cents per bushel in farmers’ pockets.
In the second year of a three-year study to find out how protein and oil levels in Illinois soybeans
measure up to user demand, average protein levels from more than 500 soybean samples met the
35 percent target. Average oil content came in at 19.2 percent, just above the industry target of 19
percent. In 2012, state protein and oil averaged 34.3 and 19 percent respectively.
“Farmers may not understand how closely composition levels are tied to the price they receive for
their soybeans, but they actually get paid less for beans with lower protein and oil levels,” says
Sharon Bard, coordinator with Centrec Consulting Group.
As part of the study, Centrec calculated Estimated Processed Value (EPV). Using the same soybean
meal and oil prices for 2012 and 2013 protein and oil averages, EPV for 2012 was $14.33 and
EPV for 2013 was $14.57. Assuming a 20 cent per bushel processing margin, farmers could have
received $14.13 for soybeans in 2012 versus $14.37 for soybeans in 2013.
Work will continue in 2014. To view survey results, visit www.ilsoy.org/composition.
Membership News
ISG Bolsters Membership Recruitment at Local Events
I
llinois Soybean Growers (ISG) is committed to making the state’s soybean farmer voice stronger. To boost awareness about what is happening
in the soybean industry at the local level, ISG has been connecting farmers at county soybean club events and regional farm shows.
Farmers have received door prizes and free gifts ranging in value from $50 Bass Pro Shop gift cards and $25 gas cards to ISG hats, work gloves
and tape measures. Since Oct. 1, 2013, 14 new members have been added to the ISG roster and 174 have renewed memberships.
Will County Connects Local Farmers
The Will County Corn Growers and Soybean Growers held a joint annual meeting
in February, which included a free dinner at the Joliet Country Club. Despite the
inclement weather, more than 60 farmers attended and learned more about ISG
while connecting with other local farmers.
The primary speaker was Dale Durchholz, market analyst with AgriVisor, who gave
a thorough update on soybean market conditions, trends and outlooks on a global
basis. Ross Pauli, ISA membership coordinator then talked with attendees about the
value of ISG membership and how farmers can help influence their own futures.
Following the buffet dinner, the crowd was treated to the comic program of “The
Circus Guy” Bobby Hunt.
AgriVisor’s Dale Durchholz discusses the markets with
farmers during the Will County Corn and Soybean Growers
annual meeting.
Peoria County Club Has Well-Attended Annual Meeting
The Peoria County Corn/Soy Promoters annual meeting held in January had 80
people in attendance, nearly double the normal attendance level. In addition to longtime members, many new local growers were in attendance to learn more about the
grassroots organization.
Farmers were presented with the opportunity to meet and connect with others involved
at the grassroots organization, as well as have a chance to make their opinions heard.
Five guest speakers provided updates on four key areas: renewable fuel, soybean
markets, future market forecasts and the deteriorating transportation infrastructure.
Peoria County had twice the attendance at their annual
meeting this year, as local farmers learned more about
membership and critical issues.
In addition, Amy McLary, Peoria County transportation engineer, discussed the
number one goal of the Peoria County Transportation
Committee -- safety and issues regarding adverse
travel. ISG has been working closely with the Peoria
County Highway Department to address many of
the transportation obstacles in the county, including
unstable bridges.
Create a Soy Club in Your County
I
llinois Soybean Growers (ISG) has helped establish county-level grassroots organizations in several
counties, and would like to create more. Here are some ideas to start your county group:
•Organize and/or attend meet-and-greets with legislators.
•Coordinate soy product giveaways at local events, such as farm shows or fairs.
•Promote biodiesel at a local fuel retailer.
•Visit local elementary schools to teach students about soybeans.
•Identify and provide incentives for new members to raise interest.
Request an organization kit from Judy Smith at 309-663-7692 or email ilsoy@ilsoy.org.
ISG Continues Efforts to Reach Cuban Markets
I
SG sponsored an Illinois Cuba Working Group (ICWG) meeting in Springfield, Ill., last month. The meeting featured several experts
speaking about the market’s potential.
Here are six reasons why ISG believes now is the time to be involved with Cuba:
1. During President Barack Obama’s November 2013 speech in Miami, Fla., he said the U.S. needs to update its policy with Cuba.
2. One of the Cuban Five was up for parole at the end of last month. His release and more easing of the embargo could help release
U.S. international development specialist Alan Gross from Cuba, and restart relations between the two countries. Illinois can make
impact on what the embargo easing might looks like.
3. Last March, Raul Castro announced it was his last five-year term.
4. In late November, 66 senators led by Sen. Patrick Leahy, sent President Obama a letter asking him to “act expeditiously to take
whatever steps are in the national interest” to obtain Gross’ release. White House Press Secretary Jay Carney said the President has
“followed Mr. Gross’ case with concern and urges his release.”
5. Many U.S. groups are petitioning the President to change U.S. policy with Cuba.
6. In 2013, the U.S. resumed talks with Cuba about direct mail service and migration issues. Those talks had been on hold since Alan
Gross’ arrest in 2009.
Have You Voiced Your Message to Lawmakers?
V
oiceForSoy.org offers a free, easy way for Illinois soybean farmers to speak
up and ensure lawmakers get their feedback. While ISG tracks issues that
affect freedom to operate, farmers need to send that message to lawmakers.
Here’s how:
•Go to VoiceForSoy.org to sign up as an advocate. You are automatically
connected with your state and federal elected officials.
•When an issue needs action, you will receive an email with a short overview
of the issue and a response link for sending a letter from your computer,
tablet or smartphone.
•Be most effective by personalizing your letter to explain how your farm will
be affected. Personal stories illustrate how legislation affects you, your community and your ability to support the legislator.
•Make VoiceForSoy.org your go-to resource. Contact information for your elected officials and current issues are always available.
ISA Plans Summer Anniversary Celebration
I
SA this year is celebrating its 50th anniversary as a membership organization
and 100 years of soybean production. In honor of the milestones, Illinois
soybean farmers and ISA supporters are invited to the celebration to be held on
the University of Illinois campus, July 31.
In a Jan. 12 press release about Illinois topping the nation in 2013 soybean
production, Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn said, “After the drought of 2012, these figures
are welcome news and demonstrate the resilience of Illinois agriculture. They’re
also a perfect culmination to the 50th anniversary celebration of ISA, a model
organization that uses member contributions to invest in programs that increase
yields and profitability.”
Watch the ISA website, www.ilsoy.org, for more information about the celebration.
Freedom to Operate News
ISG Glad to See Five-Year Farm Bill Signed into Law
I
SG is glad the President signed the five-year farm bill into law in February, and now will monitor
implementation of the law. Soybean farmers will have to elect which commodity program they will
enroll in for the duration of legislation. The signup process is likely to begin sometime this spring, with
enrollment through the summer of 2014.
Mike Marron, soybean farmer from Fithian, Ill., and ISA vice chairman expressed the association’s
appreciation to the House and Senate for approving the 2014 farm bill:
“ISG appreciates approval of the Agricultural Act of 2014. This farm bill provides effective, multi-year farm
legislation and establishes practical risk management programs for our nation-leading soybean farmers.
“The bill includes a flexible farm safety net that includes a choice between price-based and revenuebased risk management tools. ISA supported the revenue program that covers both price and yield losses
with county and farm level options, and a price support program which allows the optional purchase
of insurance coverage under a Supplemental Coverage Option (SCO). The bill also eliminates direct
payments while maintaining decoupled support programs that minimize the possibility of planting and
production distortions triggering global challenges.
Mike Marron
“The bill continues the combined authorization of agriculture and nutrition programs, a link that has been
essential in enacting every farm bill since 1974. With $23 billion in savings during the next 10 years, agriculture is the only sector
contributing to deficit reduction in this Congress.”
Waterways Legislation Approval Moves Closer
W
aterways improvement legislation has spent much of 2014 in conference committee, but ISG expects some movement toward
final resolution this spring. Language to determine project authorization was one of the primary differences between the House
and Senate versions of the bill. Conference leadership announced in February they reached an agreement on authorization language.
The conference report is expected to pass and be sent to both houses for approval.
The House and Senate each independently passed water resources development legislation that would address several key inland
waterway issues, including expediting regulatory and environmental reviews and restructuring the funding mechanism for dredging
and harbor maintenance projects. Once signed by President Obama, the legislation would be the first water resources development bill
enacted since 2007.
Included in both versions is the Water Infrastructure Now Public-Private Partnership Act, introduced by Illinois Senators Dick Durbin
and Mark Kirk and U.S. Representatives Cheri Bustos and Rodney Davis. The act would create a pilot program to explore agreements
between the Army Corps of Engineers and private entities as alternatives to traditional financing, planning, design and construction
models. The program is intended to expedite projects such as lock and dam modernization along the Mississippi and Illinois rivers.
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Illinois FFA Helps ISA Raise Awareness about
Ag Education Resources
S
everal Illinois FFA chapters during National FFA Week helped ISA distribute to teachers
information about the free resources available to educate Illinois students about agriculture and
the impact of food production on their lives. FFA chapters visited many area schools, targeting
grades 3-8, to provide the materials. Pod to Plate resources include a video series and lesson plans
covering the path of a soybean from field to dinner plate. Teachers also can access interactive
games, teacher’s guides, recipes, and stories and photos from Illinois soybean farmers via
SoyCam. Teachers who do not receive a visit are encouraged to visit the website for access to all
of the free resources. Questions can be directed to ilsoy@ilsoy.org.
Stalled TPA Legislation Affects Trade Agreement Progress
L
egislation to approve Trade Promotion Authority (TPA), which provides U.S. negotiators with “fast track” approval authority when
working on trade agreements, appears to be stalled in the House and Senate. Continued delays are roadblocks to two key pacts ISG
supports:
•Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) free trade agreement. TPP is good for soybeans on two levels. First, there are a number of countries
that would lower tariffs on soybean products and provide opportunities for new markets. Second, lowering trade barriers and spurring
agricultural reform would likely boost U.S. meat and dairy exports including in developed countries such as Japan, which would be a
positive for soybean meal demand domestically.
The TPP currently includes the U.S., along with Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand,
Peru, Singapore and Vietnam. The agreement would enhance trade and investment among partner countries, promote innovation,
economic growth and development, and support job creation and retention.
•Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) agreement. An ambitious and comprehensive trade and investment pact that
could promote U.S. international competitiveness, jobs and economic growth with the European Union (EU) could help open doors
to greater U.S. soybean sales. Significant non-tariff barriers -- mainly restrictions and delays with the approval of biotech varieties -limit Illinois and U.S. soybean farmers from fully capitalizing on the market. TTIP is a unique forum to address issues that could make
U.S. and EU regulations and processes more efficient.
Biotech Labeling Issue Gets National Industry Attention
T
he Coalition for Safe Affordable Food has been launched as a group to advocate for biotech issues. The Grocery Manufacturers Association
(GMA) is the lead group, but the coalition also involves 28 other associations, including the American Soybean Association (ASA).
The coalition will focus on creating a national biotech food labeling standard rather than a patchwork of state regulations. Labeling bills
already have been introduced in the Illinois House and Senate. Both bills, SB 1666 and HB 3085, would require whole and processed
foods for retail sales containing biotech ingredients to be labeled.
Biotech Safety Important for
Customers Around the World
C
onsumers on U.S. soil are not the only ones who want to know more
about how their food is grown. Chinese consumers -- important
customers for Illinois soybeans -- want to know also.
Cui Yongyuan, a household name and popular television personality in
China, is working on a documentary about the safety of biotech crops
for Chinese consumers. Last December, he visited the U.S. to learn more
about American attitudes toward GMOs and farmer perspectives.
The U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) coordinated with Yongyuan’s
team and worked with ISA to guide them toward experts and farmers who
grow and use GMO crops. Sharon Covert, Tiskilwa; Ron Moore, Roseville;
and Ron Kindred, Atlanta, Ill., interviewed with Yongyuan.
Chen I Wen (translator on far left), Cui Yongyuan, Ron Kindred,
Sharon Covert and Ron Moore discussed biotechnology during the
Chinese group’s visit to Illinois.
“Chinese consumers are important to us, and some are skeptical about biotechnology,” says Moore. “GMOs have been researched and
proven safe. I wouldn’t grow a crop that I wouldn’t feed to my own family.”
Yongyuan visited farms that grow GMO and non-GMO crops, and met with groups from both sides, including farmers, consumers,
retailers and scientists. He was interested to hear Illinois soybean farmers’ strong confidence in the safety and benefits of GMOs. Illinois
farmers also talked about how GMO soybeans allow them to be environmentally friendly, grow more with fewer resources and use notill farming methods.
Checkoff News
Manure Makes Money
L
ivestock and poultry farmers are the No. 1 customers for Illinois soybeans. In
return, animal agriculture offers great value back to crop farmers through the
manure produced. ISA promotes the benefits of manure to support and grow animal
agriculture in Illinois.
Manure increases profit margins by reducing commercial fertilizer costs. It’s a key
benefit to raising livestock and poultry, and it’s becoming a reason Illinois farmers are
building barns.
Adding a livestock or poultry barn to a farm offers many benefits:
•Diversity spreads financial risk.
•The additional income stream and work can bring the next generation to the farm.
•Manure can save about $171 per acre by offsetting commercial fertilizer costs,
according to University of Illinois Extension Specialist Laura Pepple.
•Manure improves soil quality and crop yields.
•Animals create demand for your own soybeans and corn.
Manure as a renewable, natural fertilizer improves soil
quality, crop yields and profitability – reasons farmers
consider adding livestock or poultry to their operations.
Growing the Illinois livestock and poultry industry directly increases the local market for Illinois soybean meal. Plus, the industry generates
rural income, jobs and strong local tax bases. ISA has developed a variety of tools available at www.ilsoy.org/animalag.
ISA Thinks Inside the Box in Southeast Asia
A
delegation of ISA directors and staff traveled to Southeast Asia in February on a checkoff-funded trade mission that focused
exclusively on transportation logistics and containerized shipping. The team conducted 10 meetings in five days, talking with global
shipping carriers, port authority management and soybean importers in Vietnam, Singapore and Indonesia.
“We built relationships with key executives overseas and promoted Illinois soybeans,” says Tim Scates, soybean farmer from Carmi, Ill.,
and ISA director. “We learned more about their processes and logistical considerations, which will help us provide them with shipments
that best serve them, and in turn, their customers.”
ISA director Mark Sprague, Hull, Ill.; ISA Director of Issues Management and Analysis Mike Levin and Transportation and Export
Infrastructure Lead Scott Sigman also attended.
“We discussed growing demand for containerized soybean shipments, and how ISA is working on improving efficiencies within the
supply chain to deliver on these requests,” says Scates.
New Resources Highlight Transportation Basics
I
llinois’ extensive infrastructure system means soybeans and other agricultural products enjoy easy access to rail, roads, locks and
dams. However, as these systems age, it leaves room for complications on the trip from point A to point B.
New checkoff-funded resources at www.ilsoy.org/transportation
break these issues down by mode: water, roads and bridges,
railway and containers, and include an animated video,
PowerPoint presentation and infographic highlighting barriers to
efficient soybean movement.
“These materials bring attention to the unique transportation
challenges we face in Illinois,” says Paul Rasmussen, soybean
farmer from Genoa, Ill., and ISA director. “The goal is to make
every Illinois soybean farmer well-versed in the key issues, which
prepares us to discuss problems and solutions with the people
who can affect change.”
At a Glance: Illinois’ Transportation Infrastructure
70%More than 70% of Illinois public roads are rural.
1961Almost 30% of road bridges were built before 1961.
7 Illinois is only state where all seven Class I freight
railroads operate.
54% of the nation’s locks and dams are more than
50 years old.
66% of containerized U.S. soybeans originate in Illinois.
“Take Action” Helps Farmers Control Weeds
T
he United Soybean Board, with support from the Illinois soybean checkoff, recently
launched Take Action, to help keep herbicide-resistant weeds from spreading, protect
yields and profits.
Bryan Young, Purdue University weed specialist, says waterhemp, Palmer amaranth and marestail
are the big three weeds to watch in Illinois, although others pose threats, too. The number
of weed species with resistance to more than one herbicide mode of action has increased
drastically since 1990. About 50 weed species have multiple forms of herbicide resistance.
The Take Action program recommends farmers follow these four steps:
1. Know Your Weeds. Know when they grow, when they pollinate and how to stop them before they go to seed.
2. Manage Your Fields. Combine chemical and nonchemical management tactics to diversify selection pressure on weed populations
and minimize spread of resistance genes.
3. Understand Herbicides. Select the right herbicide based on weed(s) in question. Getting it wrong could reduce efficacy, increase
production costs and reduce yields.
4. Consider the Bottom Line.The costs of managing weeds after herbicide resistance has evolved are often higher than the cost of a
program for reducing the risk of resistance in the first place.
Visit www.TakeActionOnWeeds.com for more information.
Cover Crop Adoption Slow in Illinois
D
espite diverse economical and environmental benefits, Mike Plumer, Illinois Council
on Best Management Practices (C-BMP) says cover crops adoption in Illinois isn’t
increasing as rapidly as in other states. He estimates cover crops make up only 0.5 – 1
percent in Illinois.
“It’s an ongoing process to help growers understand cover crops bring many benefits,
including yield increases, to nearly all of the 650 Illinois soil types,” he says.
While ongoing research and a variety of resources are available to farmers, Plumer says
Illinois historically has lacked a program strictly dedicated to cover crop implementation.
C-BMP, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, Illinois Department of Agriculture and
other groups are working to increase education and adoption of cover crops.
Several different crops successfully can be used by
Illinois soybean farmers as profitable cover crops.
2013 Yield Challenge Winners See Impressive Results in a Tough Year
I
SA earlier this month recognized the 2013 Yield Challenge
winners. Eighty-two side-by-side plots were completed in this
year’s event. Top winners in each crop district were honored for
highest percentage yield increases. The 2013 Yield Challenge
winners are:
District 1
1 Place: Jeff Keifer (64.86 bushels; 4.08 yield increase)
2 Place: Chris Gould (75.53 bushels; 1.27 yield increase)
District 2
1 Place: Chuck Diehl (67.82 bushels; 2.89 yield increase)
2 Place: Michael Deutsch (60.37 bushels; 2.13 yield increase)
District 3
1 Place: John Adams (44.18 bushels; 1.68 increase)
District 4
1 Place: Ken Smiciklas (57.41 bushels; 11.22 increase)
2 Place: John Breedlove (65.44 bushels; 7.96 increase)
District 5
1 Place: Everett Meister (51.33 bushels; 6.43 increase)
2 Place: Richard Adams (59.2 bushels; 2.29 increase)
District 7
1 Place: Jeff Zick (59.91 bushels; 7.24 increase)
2 Place: Don Ikins (64.67 bushels; 3.84 increase)
ISA also recognized nine growers who achieved at least 70 bushels
per acre:
Terry Miller
Michael Sauber
Chris Gould
Dan Arkels
Jim Myers
80.3 bushels
80 bushels
76.8 bushels
76.6 bushels
74.7 bushels
Victor Monk
Chuck Diehl
Gary Baumhardt
Tom Lutz
72 bushels
70.7 bushels
70.6 bushels
70.6 bushels
Registration to compete in the 2014 Yield Challenge begins April 15
at soyyieldchallenge.com.
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New Production Website Brings Soybean
Resources Together
There’s new help for Illinois soybean farmers who
want to grow high-yielding soybeans. ISA recently
launched www.ILSoyAdvisor.com, a website and forum
centered on increasing Illinois soybean yields through
collaboration and the latest management practices.
“The site is designed to get practical, useable
information on increasing yields into the hands of
growers for years to come,” says Don Guinnip, ISA
Production Committee chair and soybean farmer from Marshall, Ill. “It connects
farmers like me with industry experts, certified crop advisers, university researchers and
other farmers so we can learn from one another.”
The site includes production research, agronomic information and recommendations
on managing soybeans. With its discussion forum, the website also serves as a
gathering place to share stories, ask questions and connect with others. The website
also is mobile friendly.
“This is where conversations and research taking place offline can live indefinitely.
We’re in pursuit of higher yields together, and this site is all about helping us get there,”
says Guinnip.
Save the Date
ISA Anniversary Celebration
July 31, Champaign
For more information, visit www.ilsoy.org.
Illinois Soybean Farmer Leader Newsletter is published by the Illinois Soybean Growers
and Illinois Soybean Board 4 times per year for soybean leaders and others interested in the
Illinois soybean industry. Send questions or comments to: Illinois Soybean Farmer Leader Newsletter
1605 Commerce Parkway, Bloomington, IL 61704
Funded in part by the soybean checkoff.
309.662.3373 • ilsoy@ilsoy.org