“The Senate debated the farm bill this week and we are pleased with the time they spent on our issues and the progress they have made thus far,” said Paul Taylor, Illinois Corn Growers Association President. Though the Senate has now adjourned for a Memorial Day break, they plan to finish discussing the farm bill when they return on June 3, with preliminary reports indicating that we might expect a final vote on June 5. The current question is what to do with the hundreds of amendments to the legislation that the Senate must consider. Some have been debated, but …Read More »

The long delayed Farm Bill is again grinding forward in Congress. The Senate is debating the measure this week, and the House of Representatives is likely to follow in June. Our partners at the U.S. Grains Council remind us that important USDA export promotion programs are now scheduled to expire on September 30, so it is vital that the new Farm Bill be reauthorized this year to ensure that the U.S. continues to lead the world in agricultural exports. Illinois Corn Marketing Board partners with USGC at the national level to secure and maintain export markets for corn and DDGS. …Read More »

Yesterday, during a hearing hosted by the Illinois House Revenue and Finance Committee, several Illinoisans underscored the positive aspects of ethanol to members of the Illinois General Assembly that were excited to hear of its success. The Committee, hosted by Representative Bradley – coincidentally also the sponsor of H.B. 165, the Consumer Fuel Choice for Illinois Act – wanted to hear about the current sales tax for ethanol, it’s impact on the citizens of Illinois, it’s estimated cost to the state, and a little bit about future plans for the fuel. Among those testifying were Rich Clemmons, GovPlus Consulting; Rich …Read More »

In the fall of 2012, the Illinois Council on Best Management Practices (CBMP) launched the N-WATCH soil testing program to educate the agricultural industry about residual nitrogen left over from the 2012 drought-stricken corn crop and to provide farmers a tool to inventory and track the residual nitrogen. Great interest in the program resulted in over 300 field locations throughout the state participating in N-WATCH. CBMP has been actively working with farmers, agriculture organizations, Universities and government agencies to increase knowledge and adoption of scientifically based nutrient management practices to minimize environmental impact, optimize input use and maximize crop yields. …Read More »

President Obama and Prime Minister David Cameron continue to be in favor of an E.U. U.S. trade agreement that allows both countries the advantages of free flowing trade. However, the following article from the Chicago Tribune outlines the hypocrisy facing Europe on the issue of genetically modified crops. Farmers aren’t allowed to plant them, but consumers are increasingly eating them. When will facts triumph over fears? IL Corn continues to watch the progress of the E.U. U.S. trade agreement and advocates for GMO acceptance and synchronous approvals that benefit both countries. Biotech crops and Europe: A losing battle against …Read More »

You probably already know that Illinois Corn and our counterparts for other commodities are diligently working to reintroduce modern farmers to the non-farming public. Through programs like Illinois Farm Families, we are offering virtual farming experiences to urban customers, which is a very important link to help them feel more comfortable about their food and how it is grown. This weekend, we will go above and beyond virtual tours, by offering the Illinois Farm Families “ Chicago Moms” a chance to explore corn planting at Paul and Donna Jeschke’s farm in Mazon. Non-farmers who are …Read More »

Illinois Corn Growers Association President Paul Taylor, a family farmer from Esmond, IL, issued the following statement today after hearing the U.S. House Agriculture Committee passed farm bill legislation.  “We’re pleased here at Illinois Corn Growers that we’re one step farther down the path to new farm legislation for 2013 with the House Ag Committee’s passage of HR 1947, the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013. “We appreciate the Committee’s acknowledgment of the role crop insurance plays in the business and longevity of family farms. The drought of 2012 perfectly illustrated that without such voluntary programs in …Read More »

Illinois Corn Growers Association President Paul Taylor, a family farmer from Esmond, IL, issued the following statement today after hearing the U.S. Senate passed the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) on a vote of 83-14. “Improving the infrastructure on the Illinois and Upper Mississippi Rivers has been a goal of Illinois Corn Growers Association for some time. The Senate’s passage of the Water Resources Development Act is a huge step toward getting new locks and dams on our vital waterways transportation systems. We’re certainly appreciative for the efforts of Senator Dick Durbin and Senator Mark Kirk in getting WRDA through …Read More »

Illinois Corn Growers Association President Paul Taylor, a family farmer from Esmond, IL, released the following statement in response to the Senate Agriculture Committee’s passage of the Agriculture Reform, Food and Jobs Act by a vote of 15-5. “Passage of a new, five-year farm bill that provides a safety net for America’s family farmers and a continuation of the much-preferred crop insurance program has been the Illinois Corn Growers Association’s top priority for some time now. “The news out of Washington, DC this afternoon of the Senate Ag Committee’s final markup and passage of the bill is …Read More »

The Illinois Corn Growers Association has put on a full-court press to get legislation that would expand ethanol markets in Illinois through this session of the Illinois General Assembly. The bill, “Consumer Fuel Choice for Illinois,” would provide incentives for gas stations to add E-15 to their gasoline choice line-up.  There are many reasons that Consumer Fuel Choice for Illinois is a good idea, not the least of which is the price advantage of ethanol. This week, wholesale ethanol is more than 66 cents cheaper per gallon than gasoline. That’s plenty of reason for petroleum marketers to include the fuel. …Read More »

Illinois corn farmers recently invested their checkoff dollars in a study that reveals that U.S. corn-based ethanol industry is becoming even more efficient than in years past. This is valuable, science-based data that can be used to counter the age-old criticisms of ethanol and corn as being “dirty” from an environmental standpoint. Too many regulations at the federal level remain based on bad information and even worse science about ethanol and how you grow your corn.  The study was funded with Illinois corn checkoff monies, partnered with investments from National Corn Growers Association and Monsanto. According to the study by …Read More »

This week has been a busy one for Illinois Corn in Washington, DC, as we’re keeping a close eye on work in the U.S. Senate on WRDA (pronounced were-duh), the Water Resources Development Act. In this audio update, Illinois Corn Growers Association Field Services Director Jim Tarmann gives us an update on what’s going on and encourages phone calls to Senator Dick Durbin and Senator Mark Kirk. 

The Nutrient Research and Education Council (NREC) is now up and running, funding projects to help minimize the impact of farming on water quality within the state of Illinois. NREC recently reviewed and funded several research projects dedicated to improving water quality and nutrient management in Illinois. NREC is the board that manages a new “fertilizer checkoff.” The idea is not new. In fact, a fund has existed since 1989 for nutrient research and education, but the fund existed within the State of Illinois budget and has been swept for years for other purposes. The NREC funds are managed by …Read More »

The Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) bill is slated to reach the Senate floor this week. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee Chairman Boxer and Ranking Member Vitter are expected to offer a manager’s amendment to include a provision to remove the Olmsted lock and dam project from the Inland Waterways Trust Fund (IWTF) so that 100% of the cost of that project will be borne by the General Treasury. The amendment reportedly will identify a specific amount of money that would be authorized for full completion of Olmsted to make this a one-time action. The amendment is also expected …Read More »

With all the uproar about GMO crops and foods these days, it’s a bit difficult to find a positive story. The sheer volume of incorrect information has typically won the day on this issue. A new report out of the United Kingdom has turned the tide, at least in the short term. Illinois Corn Growers Association continues to support science-based approvals of GMO products and traits. Click the link above to read more In a new report, the United Kingdom-based PG Economics shows that over a 16 year period, the adoption of GMO cropping systems has had significant positive impacts …Read More »

Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee Frank Lucas has publically announced the date. The Committee will begin markup on the 2013 Farm Bill on May 15. “May 15th is a go. We have not issued the official markup notice yet, but both the Ranking Member Peterson and myself are discussing this in public. I think we have an understanding, leadership has been alerted. May 15th, I believe that’s a Wednesday, we will markup the 2013 farm bill in the House Agriculture Committee,” said Chairman Lucas in his interview with Radio Oklahoma Network. Congressman Cheri Bustos, Congressman Rodney Davis, and Congressman …Read More »

Consider using the University of Illinois’ Planting Decision Model to determine when it remains profitable to plant corn in your area of the state. The online spread sheet also examines returns from crop rotations, considers prevented planting crop insurance payments to planting, and replant decisions, all are likely to be up for your consideration during this late season. This is information you won’t want to miss. LATE PLANTING AND TOOLS IN FAST by: Ryan Batts ad Gary Schnitkey, Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics, University of Illinois. Delayed planting so far this spring and the continued prospects of rain …Read More »

Do you know your Congressional representatives? More importantly, do they know you? Building a personal relationship with your elected officials and their staff is vital work to do BEFORE an issue hits. Maintaining those relationships is key. Illinois Corn Growers Association works on your behalf as an organization, but you as an individual member are important! We're hearing from Washington, DC, and from Springfield that quality contacts from constituents go a long way. It's even more impactful when you make that contact and the person on the other end of the conversation recognizes you. As with good communication in any circumstance, …Read More »