Agricultural News in Piatt County, Illinois

Illinois Corn Growers Association (ICGA) Will Not Support Economic Stimulus Package The ICGA believes needed improvements to transportation infrastructure and assistance to the struggling domestic ethanol industry, are missing from the stimulus package. The bill precludes the use of stimulus dollars to renovate and construct locks and dams on the Upper Mississippi or Illinois Rivers under the Navigation and Ecosystem Sustainability Program. ICGA had requested $2 billion for the previously authorized U.S. Army Corps of Engineers civil works programs. Likewise, the legislation fails to address the credit crunch that currently threatens to shutter more ethanol plants which have become such a critical contributor to the rural economic landscape. The House passed, and the Senate will be taking action on the economic stimulus bill this week. "Congress should remove any language in the stimulus bill that would inhibit allocating funds for lock construction. ICGA is also asking they take steps to address the credit freeze that is currently threatening to drive more bankruptcies in the ethanol industry. There is currently nothing in the stimulus package to assist agriculture and these two steps would provide a boost to this core industry that is fundamental to the long term health of the U.S. economy," said Rob Elliott, ICGA president, from Cameron, IL. Corn prices are currently 50 cents below the cost of production because of the decimated world economy which means corn farmers won't be buying Ford and GM pickups, John Deere tractors, and other goods and services, Elliott contends.

Corn And Soybean Crop Meetings Soon In Champaign and Bloomington Crop production, pest management, economics, and the interactions among them will be the emphasis of the 2009 University of Illinois Corn and Soybean Classics. This series of regional conferences is scheduled at six sites between January 6 and January 15. The Champaign meeting is Wednesday, January 7; the Bloomington meeting is Monday, January 12. Topics include disease management with fungicides, rotation decisions, corn and soybean nematode management, managing nitrogen for profitability, acreage shifts needed in 2009, and ‘new age' soybean insect management. Market updates will be provided throughout the day, and CCA (education) credits will be available. The day-long programs will begin promptly at 9:00 a.m. A noon lunch and a proceedings booklet, containing synopses of all presentations, are provided to each registrant. Adjournment at each site is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. Scheduled site locations are as follows: January 7 (Wednesday): Champaign I Hotel and Conference Center January 12 (Monday): Bloomington Interstate Center January 13 (Tuesday): Springfield Crowne Plaza January 14 (Wednesday): Moline i wireless Center January 15 (Thursday): Malta Kishwaukee College Registration (fee $65) for the programs can be accomplished several ways: Online registration is available at www.ipm.uiuc.edu/conferences Complete the registration form and fax to (217) 333-5299 (available 24 hours a day) Call toll free (800) 321-1296 with credit card information More information: Aaron Hager or Sandy Osterbur (217) 333-4424.

Reed Elected By Corn Growers Jim Reed of Monticello has been elected Chairman of the Industrial Committee of the Illinois Corn Growers' Association. Reed has been active in ICGA for many years. He is a former President of the Piatt County Farm Bureau. The Illinois Corn Growers' Association coordinates market development, legislative initiatives, and public relations programs designed to benefit Illinois corn producers. The Association is goverened by a 15-member Board of Directors consisting of three at-large directors and directors representing specific geographic districts in Illinois. The Illinois Corn Growers' Association is funded by member dues. The related Illinois Corn Marketing Board administers the corn checkoff funds from a fraction of a cent paid on each bushel of corn sold, which finance corn research and marketing efforts. Reed was elected at the Illinois Corn Growers' meeting in Bloomington November 25, 2008.

Topflight Grain Moves Headquarters To Monticello Topflight Grain Cooperative recently moved its main office from Bement to Monticello. Relocating to Monticello were General Manager Scott Docherty, Controller Chuck Bentley, and Accountant Rodd Runyen. The Monticello location is more central to Topflight's grain elevator locations at Atwood, Bement, Cisco, Emery, LaPlace, Milmine, Maroa, Monticello, Pierson, and Seymour. Topflight Grain Cooperative was formed from a merger of Bement Grain, Unity Grain, and Cisco Grain several years ago. Later Monticello Grain also became part of what is now the largest grain elevator cooperative in Illinois. Topflight Grain Cooperative also is a part-owner of United Prairie, a supplier of agricultural inputs, and One Earth Energy, LLC, which is constructing a 100-million-gallon dry-mill corn processing plant in Gibson City, Illinois, to make ethanol and distiller's grains. Mr. Docherty is presently Chairman of the Board of One Earth Energy. Visit Topflight Grain's website at www.topflightgrain.com.