On the show next week....

6/3 am (6:35a & 1:09p on WHOW)
Mark Hines – McLean Co Farm Bureau President

6/3 noon (12:20p & 4:35p on WHOW)
Peterson Insurance Prevent Plant Meeting (Part 1)

6/4 am
Tood Hubbs – Ag Economist @ U of I

6/4 noon
Peterson Insurance Prevent Plant Meeting (Part 2)

6/5 am
Ken Ferrie – Farm Journal Agronomist

6/5 noon
Peterson Insurance Prevent Plant Meeting (Part 3)

6/6 am
Karla Gage – Weed Sciences @ SIU On Hemp Agronomy

6/6 noon
Peterson Insurance Prevent Plant Meeting (Part 4)

6/7 am
Mike Carls – Morgan Co Farmer & Farm Credit IL Board

6/7 noon
Mallory Kreiger – Farmer Training MGR @ The Land Connection

PREVENTED & DELAYED PLANTING CROP INSURANCE INFORMATION MEETING HOSTED

WHAT:            Farm Credit Illinois crop insurance agents are hosting a prevented
and delayed planting informational meeting for area farmers to review their options.
Discussion topics will include crop insurance prevented and delayed planting
scenarios and information on the USDA's second Market Facilitation Program (MFP),
followed by a question and answer session.

WHO:              Farm Credit Illinois crop insurance agents, Lee Waters & Jeff Wheeler

WHEN:            Friday, May 31
                        10:30am

WHERE:          Farm Credit Illinois
                        Illini & Theater Rooms
                        1100 Farm Credit Drive
                        Mahomet, IL

WHY:              Continued wet weather conditions are raising questions about
delayed and prevented planting coverage levels. It is crucial for farmers to
understanding their insurance policies' options and requirements as they face
planting decisions for their specific situation - especially if they are considering
switching acres to another crop.

Thursday’s disaster aid package rollout was good news for agriculture but
many of the details are still uncertain. The total aid amount could come
in at $16 billion and will cover a wider range of crops than last year’s
aid to farmers. However, the administration didn’t disclose some key
details like just how much money individual farmers and ranchers will get
in cash. Politico says $14.5 billion is being earmarked for direct
payments to producers. USDA developed a new and more complex formula for
calculating producers’ compensation to remove incentives for planting
certain crops. Instead of being tied to what farmers actually grew in
2019, they’ll be computed on a county-by-county basis. Officials say
they’ve estimated the amount of damage inflicted on producers by trade
disputes and will then multiply that by the acreage planted in the area.
Farmers who don’t plant a crop this year won’t be eligible for cash
assistance. This will likely complicate things for Midwest producers
who’ve been battling rain this spring while trying to plant. The USDA’s
trade aid package could encourage them to try to plant anyway. The
president says the aid would be paid for by the tariffs that China is
paying into the U.S. Treasury. That’s not the case. Ag Secretary Sonny
Perdue says the USDA will tap into the Commodity Credit Corporation, which
has broad authority to stabilize the farm economy.

On the show next week...

5/27 am (6:40a & 1:10p on WHOW)
Jonathan Coppess – U of I On Trade War Impact (Best Of)

5/27 noon (12:20p & 4:35p on WHOW)
Eric Vanasdale – Country Insurance On Farm Safety (Best Of)

5/28 am
Doug Yoder, Marty McDonald, Brad Clow – Country Ins on Prevent Plant (Part 1)

5/28 noon
Dave Steward – DeWitt County Farmer

5/29 am
Doug Yoder, Marty McDonald, Brad Clow – Country Ins on Prevent Plant (Part 2)

5/29 noon
Lucas Roney – Moultrie County Farmer

5/30 am
Andy Bolsen – Moultrie County Farmer

5/30 noon
Jim Stoutenburrough – Macon County Farmer

5/31 am
Nathan Wentworh – Macon County Farmer & FCI Honoree

5/31 noon
Dennis Bork – Macon County Farmer

Farm Credit Illinois Announces FreshRoots Directors Cup Honorees

Six young and beginning farmers or farmer couples throughout central and southern Illinois were named the inaugural FreshRoots Directors Cup honorees this week.

The Directors Cup presented by the Farm Credit Illinois Board of Directors celebrates young and beginning farmers committed to continuous learning and intentional living for a brighter future for their farm family business and community. Honorees receive $5,000, a commemorative keepsake, and will share their innovative ideas with peers while serving as advocates for Farm Credit Illinois for one year.

Cooperative members were selected by a panel of five industry representatives– including one FCI Board member – based on a combination of each applicant’s unique farm beginnings, personal and business aspirations, and passion for building a brighter future for their farm business and community.

The Directors Cup award is part of the FreshRoots young and beginning farmers program, which provides lending assistance and learning incentives to farmers up to age 40 or in their first 10 years of farming.

“These young and beginning farmers are displaying resiliency, as they develop the ground-breaking skills and practices it takes to succeed in farming today,” says Eric Mosbey, FCI Board Chair. “The Board of Directors celebrates the proactive steps they are taking to invest in their future.”

“FCI is proud to provide cooperative value through learning workshops and support for young and beginning farmers as they prioritize personal growth and professional development,” says Tom Tracy, FCI President & CEO. “The Directors Cup is another tangible way FCI is Helping the Next Generation of Farm Families Succeed.”

The following beginning farmers were selected as 2019 Directors Cup honorees:

Levi Bailey of Louisville (Clay County) is a third generation corn and soybean farmer. Bailey, 27, began farming in 2013. He and his wife Amanda have three children. He is now the sole proprietor of his family farm and off the farm, runs SeedCo Inc. seed dealership and Outback Storage facilities and custom harvests, plants, and sprays.

“A person can get ahead and build a business with hard work and a willingness to try new things,” says Bailey. “We have to keep up with the ever-changing industry to create profit opportunities for our farm and family.”

Ben Briggs of Stonington (Christian County) is a sixth-generation corn and soybean farmer and custom operator. Briggs, 32, began farming in 2011 and is now the sole proprietor of his family farm. He and his wife Abby have one daughter.

“It’s impossible to know everything, so don’t try,” Briggs says. “Instead, surround yourself with trustworthy people who will have the answers you need. FCI learning workshops have instilled in me the strong importance of building working capital and living conservatively to insure future financial stability and happiness on and off the farm.”

Faith Kemme of Altamont (Effingham County) is a third-generation corn, soybean, and wheat farmer. Kemme, 24, began farming in 2016 and works with her father and brother-in-law. She and her husband Matt have one son. Kemme holds multiple part-time jobs as a University of Illinois research assistant, summer-time Bayer field engagement specialist, and substitute teacher.

 "Success is no accident; there’s always something to learn and room for improvement,” says Kemme. “Focusing on improving the farmland and resources you already have is an opportunity for all farmers.”

Derek and Renee Martin of Mt. Pulaski (Logan County) are seventh generation corn and soybean farmers and farm with Derek’s brother Doug and his wife Erin. Derek, 38, began farming in 2013 and Renee, 38, joined the farm full-time in 2018 while raising their two sons. The Martins co-own Bluestem Agricultural Services, which provides analytical knowledge on soil health and biology, aggregate soil structure, biologicals, and cover crops.

“Embracing technology allows you to become more efficient and profitable and provides the next generation with opportunities,” Derek Martin says. “Sometimes even implementing old practices with new twists, like strip-till and no-till, can help you achieve your goals.”

Bob Schroeder of Mahomet (Champaign County) is a sixth-generation corn and soybean farmer. Schroeder, 28, began farming in 2011 and works with his father and brother-in-law. Schroeder and his wife Katelin have one daughter. He is an alumnus of the Illinois Agricultural Leadership Program. Schroeder grows seed corn for Bayer and Pioneer, seed soybean for Remington Seeds, non-GMO corn for Cargill, and yellow food grade corn for Anderson Grain.

“Annually looking at each farm’s results and challenges allows you to implement specific solutions,” Schroeder says. “Constantly testing new ideas lets you see how they can impact the business’ bottom line.”

Nathan Wentworth of Warrensburg (Macon County) is a sixth-generation corn and soybean farmer. Wentworth, 39, began farming in 2005 and works full-time with his father and cousin. They also partner with other cousins to increase efficiency. Wentworth and his wife Jessica have two children.

“Data collected from on-farm research drives future product and practice choices,” says Wentworth. “Understanding cost of production and projecting net farm income helps remove emotion from marketing and can improve working capital and ownership equity.”

Twelve college students were named as recipients of the 2019 Farm Credit Illinois Family Scholarship, administered by the Community Foundation of East Central Illinois. Each scholar receives $3,000 to use towards their college education. The selection criteria emphasizes scholastic achievement, leadership and community contributions, and career vision and goals.

Applicants for the Family Scholarship are 26 years of age or younger, the children or grandchildren of Farm Credit Illinois employees, and will be enrolled as full-time college students in the fall of 2019.

Recipients of the 2019 Farm Credit Illinois Family Scholarship include:

Damian Adams, of Decatur, is pursuing a degree in history education at Illinois State University. He graduated from St. Teresa High School and is the son of Dana (FCI Decatur sales and service specialist) and Brian Adams of Decatur.

Cassidi Collins, of Mahomet, is pursuing a degree in public health in the pre-physician's assistant program at the University of Kentucky. She graduated from Mahomet-Seymour High School and is the daughter of Tammi (FCI crop insurance service specialist) and Ted Collins of Mahomet.

Ellie Detmer, of Breese, is pursuing a master’s degree in school counseling and professional counseling at Lindenwood University – Belleville. She graduated from Central Community High School and is the daughter of Chris (FCI Highland sales and service specialist) and Jeff Detmer of Breese.

Britni Gortner, of Monticello, is pursuing a degree in business at the University of Missouri. She graduated from Monticello High School and is the daughter of Niki Moore (FCI credit assistant) and Mark Gortner.

Annie Heinz, of Tuscola, is pursuing a degree in accounting at Illinois State University. She graduated from Tuscola Community High School and is the daughter of Brad Heinz (FCI Highland senior certified appraiser) and Fran Heinz.

Jacob Henning, of Milford, is pursuing a degree in accounting at Butler University. He graduated from Milford High School and is the son of Nicholas (FCI Watseka regional manager) and Danielle Henning of Milford.

Jennifer Lookabaugh, of Anchorage, Ala., is pursuing a degree in criminal justice - criminal psychology through Liberty University. She graduated from Paxton-Buckley-Loda High School and is the daughter of Barbara (FCI scorecard credit assistant) and Timothy Hess of Paxton.

Andrew Rhode, of Mahomet, is pursuing a degree in material science and engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

David Rhode, of Mahomet, is pursuing a medical doctorate at the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Chicago. Andrew and David graduated from Morton High School and are the sons of Bob (FCI senior vice president and general counsel) and Rebekah Rhode of Mahomet.

McKenna Steineman, of Effingham, is pursuing a degree in English and music at St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minn. She graduated from St. Anthony High School and is the granddaughter of David Ragan (FCI Effingham senior certified appraiser) and the daughter of Angela and Daniel Steineman of Effingham.

Alex Waldinger, of Naperville, is pursuing a degree in finance at Indiana University. He graduated from Neuqua Valley High School and is the son Corey (Capital Markets vice president) and Laura Waldinger of Naperville.

Lauryn Wright, of Mount Carmel, will pursue a degree in speech-language pathology at Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville in the summer after earning an associate’s degree from Wabash Valley College. She graduated from Mount Carmel High School and is the daughter of Mark (FCI Lawrenceville regional manager) and Kristi Wright of Mount Carmel.

On the Farm Show With Jared White.....

5/20 am  (6:40a & 1:10p on WHOW)
Matt Bennett – Shelby Co. Farmer & Market Analyst

5/20 noon (12:20p & 4:35p on WHOW)
Rich Guebert – President of IL Farm Bureau

5/21 am
Scott Irwin – U of I Agricultural Economist

5/21 noon
David Brown – Macon County Farmer

5/22 am
Robert Klemm – DeWitt County Farmer

5/22 noon
Bryan Sharp – Christian County Farmer

5/23 am
Jake Lieb – Piatt County Farmer

5/23 noon
Tom Heironymous – DeWitt  County Farmer

5/24 am
Scott Durbin – Christian County Farmer

5/24 noon
Jim Reed – Piatt County Farmer

U.S., China Wrap Up Trade Talks with No Deal

U.S. and Chinese officials wrapped up trade talks with no deal. However, there wasn’t any breakdown in talks, even as the U.S. Trade Representative moved forward on raising import tariffs from 10 to 25 percent on $200 billion in Chinese goods. Farmers and agricultural organizations across the country are very concerned about the move. The National Association of Wheat Growers, the American Soybean Association, and the National Corn Growers Association were hoping a deal would be in place by March first, right before farmers started back into their fields. Instead, the trade war with China is escalating. Lynn Chrisp, Corn Growers President, says corn farmers are watching the tariff battle as many can’t even get into fields to plant this year’s crop due to wet weather. Richard Guebert Jr., President of the Illinois Farm Bureau, says there is deep concern over the impact of added tariffs.  The Trump Administration says China has 3-4 weeks to come to an agreement or face $325 billion in tariffs on items currently not covered by duties.

**********************************************************************************************

More Trade Assistance for Farmers Coming?

U.S. Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue is in Japan this week, talking with officials from America’s fourth-largest agricultural customer. In a Twitter post, the secretary says he was on the phone with President Trump and discussed the increase in tariffs on $200 billion in Chinese imports and the negative impact it will have on farmers. Beijing has promised to retaliate in kind. 

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Latest WASDE Report Calling for Fewer Soybeans, More Corn Production

This month’s World Agriculture Supply and Demand Estimate Report is calling for higher corn production, lower soybeans, and a slight jump in wheat production. The corn crop is projected at 15 billion bushels, up from last year and the second-highest on record. Lower exports will mean higher ending stocks, with total corn supplies at a record-high of 17.2 billion bushels. The season-average farm price for corn is projected to be $3.30 a bushel. The U.S. soybean crop is projected at 4.15 million bushels, 394 million lower than last year. U.S. export share is expected to rise to 35 percent from the record low of 32 percent because of higher supplies and competitive prices. Soybean ending stocks are projected at 970 million bushels, a drop of 25 million. The season-average price for soybeans is projected at $8.10 a bushel. The U.S. wheat crop is projected to be 1.897 million bushels, up less than one percent from last year. Wheat supplies are increased by 41 million bushels because of higher carry-in stocks and larger production. The projected season-average price is $4.70 a bushel.
 

Next week on the show....

5/13 am (6:40a & 1:10p on WHOW)
Angela Stoltzenberg & Chelsea Campbell – Lincoln Farmer's Market

5/13 noon (12:20p & 4:35p on WHOW)
Kyle Meece – Innovation Agronomy Lead w/ United Prairie

5/14 am
Brian Schaumburg – Mclean County Farmer

5/14 noon
Lindsey Burden – DeWitt County 4H Coordinator

5/15 am
Rebecca Livingston – Christian County Ag Lit Coordinator

5/15 noon
Jeff Brown – Macon County Farmer

5/16 am
Keven Bennett – Trees Forever

5/16 noon
Craig Ratajczyk – CEO of Illinois Soybean Association

5/17 am
Ken Johnson – Horticulture Educator W/ U of I Extension

5/17 noon
LIVE @ Ag Day At The Museum W/ DeWitt County Farm Bureau

This week on the Farm Show...

5/6 am (6:40a & 1:10p on WHOW)
Eric Snodgrass - Atmospheric Scientist w/ Nutrien Ag Solutions

5/6 noon (12:20p & 4:35p on WHOW)
John Sullivan – IL Director of Agriculture

5/7 am
Krista Swanson – U of I on Trade War Impact

5/7 noon
Ken Franklin – Christian County Farmer

5/8 am
Nate Prater – Golden Harvest Agronomist

5/8 noon
Jonathan Coppess – U of I on Trade War Impact

5/9 am
Liz Rupel – IL Stewardship Alliance On New Hemp Grower Guide

5/9 noon
Derek Martin – Logan County Farmer

5/10 am
Bruce Henrikson – Champaign Co SWCD STAR Program 

5/10 noon
Jennifer Smith – IAA Foundation On Scholarships