WTAD Farm Calendar
March
Health & Marketing Highlight Sheep & Goats Seminars
Sheep and goat producers are invited to University of Illinois Extension evening seminars on health and marketing issues on April 15 in Macomb or April 22 in Arthur.
Extension educators will discuss health issues that continue to rob profits from sheep and goat operations. Prevention of health problems is the key to profitable production. Advance planning and management is critical for producers to avoid costs associated with disease and health concerns. U of IExtension Animal Systems Educator Dean Oswald will lead a discussion on practical year-round health management.
Markets are another key factor to determining profit or loss. Traditional market sources may limit producer income. U of I Extension Sheep and Meat Goat Specialist Richard Cobb will explore nontraditional market opportunities that could add profit to Illinois sheep and goat operations. He will also discuss ethnic markets and their impact on the meat industry.
The seminars will take place from 7 to 9 p.m. The Macomb seminar will be held at the McDonough Extension Unit, and the Arthur seminar will be held at the Moultrie-Douglas Extension Unit. Registration is $7 per person or $10 per family or farm.
Registration is due April 8 for the Macomb seminar. Checks should be made payable to University of Illinois Extension and mailed to McDonough Extension Unit, 3022 W. Jackson, Macomb, IL 61455. For more information, contact Lisa Fulkerson at 309-837-3939 or lfulkers@illinois.edu.
Arthur registration is due April 15. Checks should be made payable to University of Illinois Extension and mailed to Moultrie-Douglas Extension Unit, 122 S. Walnut St., Arthur, IL 61911. For more information, contact Cheri Burcham, county director, at 217-543-3755 or cburcham@illinois.edu.Carbon Sequestration or Wind Energy Contracts Seminar - March 11th
Ever wonder about the feasibility of carbon sequestration or wind energy contracts? Join us and learn about the elements involved in these contracts and what you need to analyze before entering into one.
University Extension will host a seminar on environmental market opportunities on Thursday, March 11th, from 5:30 to 8:30 at the Kirksville TCRC (located at 315 S. Franklin Street, two blocks south of the square). Information on opportunities for landowners and farmers arising from environmental concerns will be followed by information on the contracts that are arising out of these market opportunities. Specific contracts to be discussed will focus on carbon sequestration and wind energy.
A tentative agenda is as follows:
5:30 Introduction to environmental markets – risks arise from lack of experience and long term contracts being offered.
6:15 Supper
7:00 Discussion of carbon sequestration contracts
7:30 Discussion of wind energy contracts
8:00 Cooperative economics and ethics – interactive activity to reveal risk and decision making dilemmas
8:30 Adjourn
For more information and to sign up by March 10th, contact Darla Campbell, MU Extension Agricultural Business Specialist at (660) 457-3469 or campbelld@missouri.edu.
Missouri Department of Agriculture "Money for nuts (fruits and vegetables, too)"
Do you have a great idea for increasing sales of Missouri-grown fruits, nuts, vegetables or nursery stock? Has your group developed a plan to teach kids about healthy eating? Would you like to promote local foods, organic crops or sustainable agriculture? The Missouri Department of Agriculture wants to help.
Groups and organizations involved in the production or marketing of grapes, nuts, vegetables and other non-traditional crops are encouraged to apply for their share of more than $300,000 to be distributed in the 2010 Specialty Crops Block Grant Program.
“By seeking new ways to enhance the competitiveness of markets, specialty crops provide alternative avenues of income,” said Director of Agriculture Dr. Jon Hagler. “The specialty crop grants will help producers improve efficiency, reduce farm costs, address environmental concerns and increase marketing of their operations.”
The grants are intended to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops, which are defined as fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits and nursery crops, including floriculture. These crops allow producers to succeed on smaller acreages and often are resistant to swings in markets that plague traditional agricultural commodities.
This year’s selection process will favor organizations directly involved in education, food safety and the marketing, promotion and production of specialty crops. Fewer than 25 percent of grant funds will be awarded to research projects. Proposals for grant amounts up to $30,000 per project will be considered.
The grants are administered by the department’s Agricultural Business Development Division and funded through USDA’s Agriculture Marketing Service. Grant applicants are encouraged to show how a project or proposal would benefit the public or the specialty crop industry. While projects that solely benefit individual businesses or groups are not eligible, individual producers and organizations are encouraged to form partnerships that advance particular crop sectors or the specialty crops industry as a whole.
In 2009, 13 Missouri agricultural groups and organizations received almost $270,000 through the program, with grants averaging about $18,000 each. This year, $307,000 will be awarded to specialty crop producers, marketers and educational institutions in Missouri, representing the largest distribution in the state since the program’s inception in 2004.
The deadline for applications is March 31. For more information, log onto mda.mo.gov, e-mail abd@mda.mo.gov or call the Agricultural Business Development Division office at (573) 751-4762.
University of Illinois Extension Reorganization Public Comment Meetings
You’ve all heard about the problems of the state of Illinois’ and the University of Illinois’ budget. Our interim Extension Director Dr. Bob Hoeft (some of you may remember Bob as being the Extension Soil Fertility Specialist) has announced that IL Extension is looking at a $2-5 million shortfall this year. This is in addition to reduced funding for the past 5 years or so. Drastic steps are necessary to allow Extension to remain sustainable while still fulfilling the role we have.
Dr. Hoeft has announced several cost saving measures thus far. And more will be announced in the near future, after he has listened to what the citizens of IL have to say regarding the future of Extension. He is interested in hearing what you have to say regarding our future.
To that effort, several meetings have been organized to allow for public comment. The two closest ones are:
· Thursday, March 4, 1:00-3:00 pm – McDonough Unit Auditorium, 3022 W. Jackson, Macomb, Illinois
· Tuesday, March 9, 6:00-8:00 pm – U of I Extension Center, Illinois State Fairgrounds, 1101 E. Sangamon Ave., Springfield, Illinois
Two teleconference opportunities will be offered for those unable to attend a public meeting. The teleconferences will be offered in the Adams and Brown County offices.
· Wednesday, February 24 at 5:30-7:00 pm
· Thursday, March 11 at 2:00-3:30 pm
You can also submit your ideas directly to Dr. Hoeft, Extension Director, by email at: uiefeedback@illinois.edu
From what we have heard thus far, Extension Centers will be closing. The two Extension Centers closest to Adams/Brown unit are Macomb and Springfield. Individual counties will be merged into larger units. At the present time, we’re hearing that 3-5 counties will merge into one unit. We’ve not been given criteria on how they will be formed.
There will be fewer staff, but we’re not sure as to who or what at this point.
2010 Sustainable Agriculture Tours Scheduled
URBANA – For the eighth consecutive year, University of Illinois Extension is offering tours that highlight sustainable agriculture operations around the state of Illinois.
“This year’s tours truly represent the vast diversity in Illinois’s small farms," said Deborah Cavanaugh-Grant, Small Farm and Sustainable Agriculture Extension Specialist who is coordinating the tours. “The tours allow visitors to meet these extraordinarily, creative farmers and producers and find out how they solve their unique problems every day.”
The schedule for the 2010 sustainable agriculture tours is as follows:
May 27, The Business of Vermiculture
Wilken Worm Farms
Iroquois County
June 18, Feeding Universities Sustainably
Farmer Brown’s Production Company and Mulberry Hill Farm
Jackson County
http://farmerbrownsproductioncompany.com
July 26, Illinois Berries
J & J Berry Farm
Jersey County
August 13, Romance Tour – Flowers and Wine
Bright Flower Nursery and Famous Fossil Vineyard & Winery
Jo Daviess County and Stephenson County
http://www.brightflowernursery.com
September 15, Agritourism – Farm Fresh Fun
Country Corner
Henry County
A fee of $20 per person will be charged for each tour, which includes lunch. This year two adults pay $30 when registered together and children under the age of 10 attend free.
Registration at least one week in advance is required.
Visit http://web.extension.illinois.edu/smallfarm/ag_tours.cfm
to register and for more details about each of the tours including a map and agenda. To register by phone, contact Donna Cray at 217-241-4644. For more information, contact Deborah Cavanaugh-Grant (217-968-5512; cvnghgrn@illinois.edu).
University of Illinois Extension is a statewide educational network that links the resources and research of the University of Illinois to the people of Illinois. The programs and workshops, which take place throughout the state, address issues involving youth, families, community development, agriculture, and natural resources. If reasonable accommodations are needed in order to participate in any of the programs, call 217-241-4644.
The tours are sponsored by the University of Illinois Extension, the North Central Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Professional Development Program, the Agriculture Tourism Partners of Illinois (ATPI), Agroecology/Sustainable Agriculture Program (ASAP) at the University of Illinois, Food Works, and the Peoria Chapter of the Initiative for the Development for Entrepreneurs in Agriculture (IDEA).
Nominees Needed for the 2010 Marion County State Fair Farm Family
Kent O’Bryan, Extension Council Chair and Ralph Griesbaum, Farm Bureau, president, announce, “it’s time for community organizations to considered nominees for the 2010 Marion County State Fair Farm Family.”
Nomination(s), plus a brief overview of qualifications, must be submitted by 5p.m., May 3, to the Extension Center in the Palmyra Courthouse. The form with criteria and a list of previous recipients is available there and from 4-H Club leaders, Ag. lenders and Ag. vendors in the county.
Hoerr and Wagner encourage groups to nominate any of the many deserving families.
Farm Family Day at the Missouri State Fair is co-sponsored by Missouri Farm Bureau, Missouri Department of Agriculture, Missouri State Fair, University of Missouri Extension and the MU Missouri College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources.
New & Available at University of Missouri Extension County Offices
New and available at University of Missouri Extension - County offices are Farmer’s Tax Guides, Century Farm applications, information on cancer prevention for farmers and educational sessions coming up.
Farmers Tax Guides explain how the Federal tax law applies to farming and can be used to assist in figuring your taxes and completing your tax return.
Energize Missouri Agriculture: The program was developed to help move farmers to a more energy efficient and profitable operations. The Department of Natural Resources has developed a $3 Million cost-share grant program.
Missouri Century Farms are awarded families to celebrate long-term owners of Missouri farms and their accomplishments. Selection guidelines include that the same family must have owned the ground for 100 consecutive years, the line of ownership from original settler or buyer may be through relatives including marriage or adoption and the present farm must consist of no less than 40 acres of the original land. Applications are available and must be returned by May 17th.
Center for Advanced BioEnergy Research (CABER) Hosting a Seminar Series on Bioenergy Topics
The Center for Advanced BioEnergy Research (CABER), is sponsoring a seminar series on bioenergy topics on the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign campus. The seminars are open to the public and will be held at 4 p.m. in the Monsanto Room of the ACES Library, 1101 S. Goodwin Ave., Urbana.
“This bioenergy seminar series provides a broad range of topics from different perspectives – academia, research, government and industry,” said Dr. Hans Blaschek, director of CABER. “We welcome anyone interested in learning more about the research and technologies presented and encourage questions and participation from the audience.”
Presentations will be archived at: http://www.bioenergy.illinois.edu/education/seminars.html
Future presentations include:
February 15 - “Growing Energy – Vers. 2.0, Refocusing on Biomass Crops”
Eric Rund, Farmer and Owner of International AGtivities
February 22 - "Environment Enhancing Energy - Synergism of algae biofuels with waste treatment for agricultural, energy and municipal applications."
Lance Schideman, Assistant Professor, Agricultural and Biological Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
March 1 - “Coskata, Inc. and the Commercial Readiness of Feedstock Flexible Ethanol Production”
Wes Bolsen, Chief Marketing Officer & VP, Government Affairs, Coskata, Inc.
March 8 - "What is Cap and Trade?"
Eugene Kunda, Visiting Assistant Director and Research Analyst, Office for Futures and Options Research, Agricultural and Consumer Economics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
March 15 - “The MixAlco Process: Fuels and Chemicals from Biomass”
Mark Holtzapple, Professor, Chemical Engineering, Texas A & M University
March 29 - “The Future of Renewable Fuels”
Kristy Moore, Director, Technical Services, Renewable Fuels Association
April 5 - “Bioenergy Research in the USDA Agricultural Research Service”
Michael A. Cotta, Research Leader, Bioenergy Research, USDA-ARS, National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research
April 12 - “An Overview of U.S. Department of Energy Bioenergy/Biofuels Initiatives”
James Spaeth, Director, Office of Commercialization & Project Management,
U.S. Department of Energy, Golden Field Office
April 26 - “Biobased Materials for Renewable Energy”
Richard Wool, Professor, Chemical Engineering, University of Delaware
May 3 - “Photovoltaics as Part of a Renewable Energy Economy”
Angus Rockett, Professor and Associate Head, Materials Science and Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
The Center for Advanced BioEnergy Research is part of the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences at the University of Illinois. This seminar series is one of the required classes for students pursing a bioenergy Professional Science Master’s degree.
For more information contact Natalie Bosecker, CABER, natalieb@illinois.edu, 217-244-9273 or visit: http://bioenergy.illinois.edu
ExplorACES Scheduled for March 12 & 13
ExplorACES is a two-day event designed to introduce high school students and their families with the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES) at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
The event is scheduled for Friday, March 12 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and Saturday, March 13 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Details about ExplorACES can be found at www.aces.illinois.edu/ExplorACES/
The website includes information about exhibits as well as an interactive map to help guide visitors through the buildings and activities and online registration to attend receptions for admitted freshman and others.
“Last year more than 1,500 high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors from across the state attended the event,” said Jeremy Robinett, one of the coordinators of the event. “It helps high school students get a sense of the smaller college atmosphere within the University of Illinois.”
Current ACES students plan the entire event, handle publicity and staff the exhibits. There will be over 100 hands-on exhibits relating to classroom work, club activities, and honors research. Visitors will also tour lab and classroom facilities and have the opportunity to visit with ACES faculty members.
The College of ACES offers 10 undergraduate majors with 39 different concentrations, and ExplorACES helps prospective students get an overview of the potential areas of study including bioengineering, community development, economics, human nutrition, plant breeding, and pre-veterinary studies.
For more information, visit www.aces.illinois.edu/ExplorACES/ or call 217-333-2728.
Motor Carrier Credentials Training Offered - May 18th
HANNIBAL - To help commercial motor carriers comply with license plate, fuel tax, authority and other programs, the Missouri Department of Transportation offers seminars on keeping required credentials up-to-date. A seminar will be held on Tuesday, May 18, 2010 at MoDOT's Northeast Area District Office on South Route 61 in Hannibal, Missouri.
The classes explain the training, paperwork and other requirements truck drivers and their companies must fulfill to comply with laws and international agreements.
Reservations are limited to independent motor carrier operators or full-time employees of a motor carrier.
Sessions run from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. For reservations, please contact MoDOT Motor Carrier Services toll free at 1-866-831-6277 extension #6 or register online at www.modot.mo.gov/mcs/TrainingOutreach.htm. Seating is limited, so early reservations are encouraged.
On-Farm Research 2010 Mini-Grants Available
URBANA – University of Illinois Extension is looking for organic and sustainable farmers with weed problems to participate in on-farm research. “In 2009, 15 Illinois farmers participated in the project,” said Dan Anderson, University of Illinois Extension Specialist. “We visited their farms, helped them identify weed-management issues, and developed some strategies to help solve the problem.”
This year Anderson hopes to have a total of 20 participants in the program.
Anderson said that across the Midwest organic and sustainable farmers report that managing perennial weeds without chemicals is one of their most difficult challenges. “We hope to help organic and sustainable ag farmers improve their skills and practices in managing perennial weeds using integrated management approaches.”
In order to participate in the program, farmers must be currently farming in Illinois or in neighboring states within close proximity of the Illinois border.
“We are looking for sustainable and organic farmers interested in learning methods to cope effectively with perennial weeds in their grain or vegetable systems,” Anderson said. “We’ll be looking at an applicant’s farming system, farm location, and how open they are to innovative approaches to managing perennial weeds.”
All applicants will receive a packet of material on a number of ideas for integrated management approaches to controlling perennial weeds in crop and vegetable farming systems. These might include, cover crops, tillage, soil balance, flaming, scouting/early removal (by hand or tillage), rotations, mowing/fallow or hay rotation, livestock/rotation, sprays (organic), biological control (release of beneficial, predatory insects or organisms), and optimizing competition from growing crop.
Participating farmers will be chosen from the applicant pool. Those chosen will be contacted by the on-farm research coordinator to develop and finalize plans for their on-farm project.
Anderson stressed that these on-farm research projects are a win-win situation. “The participants will each receive $500 per year of participation, but more important, they will benefit from getting the latest research-based info on managing perennial weeds without chemicals and one-on-one assistance in developing a viable on-farm research project.”
To apply, visit http://asap.sustainability.uiuc.edu/org-ag/, scroll down and click on “2010 Mini-Grants! Apply NOW,” or contact Dan Anderson (217-621-7974; aslan@illinois.edu).
The mini-grant program is supported by funding from the North Central Region – Sustainable Agriculture Research Education Program.
Six Field Days Offered for Small-Scale Farming
URBANA – Soil testing, cover crops, rotational grazing and selecting the right equipment are some of the topics that will be addressed at six New Farmer Field Days being offered this spring and summer for small-scale farming operations.
“The Central Illinois Farm Beginnings (CIFB) Field Days are geared toward people interested in launching a small farm business that is both economically and environmentally sustainable,” said Deborah Cavanaugh-Grant, University of Illinois Extension Specialist, Small Farm and Sustainable Agriculture and CIFB co-facilitator.
Now in its fifth year, Central Illinois Farm Beginnings is a program co-sponsored by the U of I Extension and The Land Connection. The year-long program includes course work, field days and workshops, and hands-on mentorships.
“CIFB Field Days give aspiring farmers an opportunity to learn important small-scale farm production information while simultaneously observing and touring successful sustainable farms in our region,” said Kathy McGroarty-Torres, Director of Farmer Programs at The Land Connection.
There is a fee of $15 per workshop for registrants who have not been enrolled in CIFB or are not members of the CI-CRAFT network.
To register, visit http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/smallfarm/begin_farm.html or contact Deborah Cavanaugh-Grant (217-968-5512; cvnghgrn@illinois.edu).
The schedule is as follows:
Saturday, April 10, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Topic: Developing Value-Added Products and Navigating Food Rules
Presenters: Teresa Santiago, Teresa’s Fruit & Herbs and Sunny Lane Berry Farm and Terra Brockman, The Land Connection
Locations: Teresa’s Aronia Acres, Congerville and Teresa’s Fruits and Herbs, Eureka
Teresa Santiago will conduct a tour of her aronia bushes and talk about how and why she expanded from a fresh-pick only business to one that also provides value-added products. We will also tour Teresa’s fruit and herb farm in Eureka, where she grows over 70 different kinds of fruit. Terra and Teresa will discuss the specific food rules Teresa had to navigate, and the barriers she overcame in order to provide value-added aronia products to consumers.
Saturday, May 22, 1:00-3:30 p.m.
Topic: Equipment for Small Farmers
Presenters: Marty and Kris Travis, Spence Farm
Location: Spence Farm, Fairbury
Marty and Kris Travis will present information about the function and use of tractors and other implements including a bale mulcher, crop cart, tractor tiller, converted horse-drawn cultivators, and a potato planter. They will show how to set up a small farm inexpensively using older style equipment while also being innovative with some of the newer equipment.
Saturday, June 12, 1:30-4:00 p.m.
Topic: Evaluating Soil Quality and Soil Maps
Presenters: Leslie Cooperband and Wes Jarrell, Prairie Fruits Farm and Roger Windhorn, USDA NRCS
Location: Prairie Fruits Farm, Champaign
This hands-on workshop will demonstrate how to collect soil samples for soil testing, and how to measure simple soil quality indicators such as soil structure, water infiltration and soil penetration resistance. “We will review soil test results and how to interpret findings, and also discuss how to use county soils maps developed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), particularly when considering land for purchase or lease,” Jarrell said.
Wednesday, June 16, 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Topic: Rotational Grazing and Fencing
Presenters: Jim and Mary Burrus, Indian Creek Farms
Location: Indian Creek Farms, Jacksonville
Learn about the production of certified organic beef and poultry. Jim and Mary Burrus will discuss how they started a management intensive grazing system and why they made the decision to be certified organic. They will also share how they market their products.
Saturday, July 24, 1:30-4:00 p.m.
Topic: Cover Crops
Presenters: Joel Gruver, Western Illinois University and Dave Bishop, PrairiErth Farm
Location: PrairiErth Farm, Atlanta
Dave Bishop will share how cover crops are used extensively at PrairiErth Farm, both in row crop and vegetable production. Joel Gruver will discuss the benefits of cover crops and how to select the best cover crops for a farm. He will also share information about cover crop research at the Allison Farm as well as information about the Cover Crop Innovators group.
Saturday, August 14, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Topic: Farmland Access
Presenters: David Miller, Organic Farmland Management, LLC and Harold Wilken, Janie’s Farm
Location: Pleasant Ridge Farm, Forrest
Miller and Wilken will share information about various lease arrangements and will also discuss transitioning from conventional to organic.
Livestock Contest & Workshop Offers Opportunities to Learn USDA Grade Standards
(JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.) – The Missouri Department of Agriculture is working to help Missouri producers improve their operations by teaching both youth and adults how to evaluate livestock based on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s grade standards. The Missouri Livestock Grading and Judging Contest and Workshop will be held Sat. March 13 at the University of Missouri’s Trowbridge Livestock Center in Columbia. The workshop, open to grades nine or lower, provides youth an educational opportunity to learn the process of grading livestock. The contest, open to all ages, is an opportunity to apply national grading standards and to be judged on the process.
“It is important for producers to understand livestock grading to remain competitive in today’s marketplace,” said Director of Agriculture Dr. Jon Hagler. “The contest and workshop offers an educational opportunity for all ages to better understand the federal grade standards and learn how to better describe and discuss livestock.”
A uniform system of grading slaughter cattle by USDA standardizes the production, marketing and distribution of livestock and meats. The Missouri Livestock and Grading Workshop and Contest will help participants apply those standards on grading feeder and slaughter cattle.
In addition, participants ages 21 and older will have the opportunity to qualify as a certified livestock judge. The certified livestock judges list will be made available to livestock show officials and activity organizers and the Missouri Association of Fairs and Festivals.
Registration for the livestock contest or workshop is $6 per person including lunch. The deadline to register is Feb. 19, 2010. More information and registration forms are available by visiting mda.mo.gov or by calling (573) 751-5618.
IN CASE OF SEVERE WEATHER, HERE’S HELP
JEFFERSON CITY, MO. - - Seasonal severe weather events such as heavy snow, freezing rain, sleet and high wind conditions are frequently disruptive for many Missouri households. Disruptive impacts may include loss of household power and even property damage.
In addition to disrupting households, such severe weather occurrences also prove disruptive to businesses. Loss of power and property damage to local Missouri Farm Bureau offices could result in additional problems for customers wanting to file claims.
As a result, Missouri Farm Bureau Insurance offers a toll-free number to help customers report damage and file claims when local county Farm Bureau offices are without power or otherwise closed as a result of severe weather conditions.
If your local Farm Bureau office is closed due to severe weather conditions during regular working hours, please call the toll free number for assistance – 1-877-FB CLAIM (1-877-322-5246). A Missouri Farm Bureau customer service representative will assist you with reporting damages and filing claims.
Meanwhile, Missourians are urged to make preparations in advance of severe weather conditions. The Missouri Department of Insurance offers tips to help on their website, http://insurance.mo.gov/. Once on the website, click on the attachment ‘severe weather preparation’ under the consumers section of online services.
Biomass Conversion to Heat & Electricity Workshop - March 11th & 12th
The evidence is in the news: bio-based replacements for petroleum are coming on line soon. Liquid fuels and other valuable products from biomass such as crop residues and wood waste are being successfully produced today in several pilot plants across the U.S. As companies scale up these biorefineries, they will need millions of tons of biomass to feed those processes. The biomass supply chain needs to be developed at the same time as the biorefinery, without assuming supplies will just appear, paid for, at the refiner’s gate. One challenge is in the “chain” of densification, transportation, storage, bulk handling and marketing of the plant material.
Apart from the hype of the biorefinery, big markets for biomass exist today, for direct conversion to heat and electricity via more conventional means. Applying what is known about feeding biomass to these markets will help build the supply chain needed for future diversified needs.
The Biomass Conversion to Heat & Electricity Workshop: Molding Today’s Technology for Tomorrow’s Bioenergy Feedstock Supply Chain will benchmark the existing solid biomass for fuel technologies and supply chain components. Participants will also identify the bottlenecks, challenges and opportunities for research and systems commercialization.
The workshop will be held March 11-12, 2010, at Heartland Community College, in Normal, Illinois.
Featured speakers include: Colleen Callahan, Illinois State Director for USDA, Rural Development;
Bill Johnson, Biofuel Development Manager, Alliant Energy; and John Regalbuto, Professor, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Illinois-Chicago and National Science Foundation
Four panel discussions will provide additional insight:
* Biomass End Users: energy conversion technologies, biomass feedstock specifications, challenges ahead
* Biomass Densification: technologies and equipment for transforming raw material into a commodity
* Systems and Marketing: creating a new bioeconomy
* Policy and Environmental Regulations: current and future issues affecting Midwestern biomass energy opportunities
Seating is limited, so early registration is encouraged. The Early Bird Registration is $80 and includes lunches and materials. The registration fee is $120 after February 19. Register via the website: http://go.illinois.edu/biomassworkshop or phone: (309) 268-8160.
For more information and an updated agenda, visit: bioenergy.illinois.edu/news/biomass.html or contact Natalie Bosecker, CABER, natalieb@illinois.edu, 217-244-9273.
Sponsors for the event include: University of Illinois—Center for Advanced Bioenergy Research (CABER), Western Illinois University—Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs, Illinois State University—Center for Renewable Energy, University of Illinois Extension, Heartland Community College, Chip Energy and Agricultural Watershed Institute.
Top 10 Reasons to Register NOW for ASTA's CSS 2009 & Seed Expo!
Also known as the Corn & Sorghum and Soybean Seed Research Conference, CSS 2009 & Seed Expo draws approximately 2,500 attendees from the corn, sorghum and soybean industry, as well as other segments of the seed industry to attend the trade show of more than 115 exhibitors in over 160 booths. Get the greatest VALUE from your convention attendance - register now and hit the TOP TEN!
10. They are giving away credit! Attendance at this year's CSS 2009 and Seed Expo can earn credit towards the Certified Crop Adviser (CCA) certification, offered by the American Society of Agronomy (ASA). At the back of each "accredited" session, white sign-in sheets will be provided. Simply sign in and sign out to the session you attend, and ASTA will submit your credits to the ASA.
9. Experience agricultural paparazzi! Visit the new ASTA Media Room for any media needs or information. The Media Room will be open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Dec. 9-10. Press events can be scheduled at the request of ASTA members on a first come, first serve basis. Members can also use the Media Room to distribute press releases or other information that may be of interest. Media receive free registration. Please contact Gretchen Flanley for more information.
8. Recruit the cream of the crop, visit the FuSE Career Lounge at the 2009 Seed Expo. The Future Seed Executives (FuSE) Lounge offers students, those new to the industry, and employers a center to meet with representatives from FuSE, who are the rising stars and next generation of the seed industry. Poster presentations will highlight the current research by those students in attendance.
7. Be there or be square. If you can't be there in person, you can still benefit from the cutting edge information generated from the extensive CSS 2009 programming. Check out ASTA's Virtual Access after the convention to access audio clips, Power Point slides and other session materials.
6. Get holiday gifts crossed off your list at the Exhibitor Marketplace. Open to all, this grand opening of Seed Expo 2009 at 5:00 p.m. on Dec. 8, will offer special giveaways from exhibitors so be sure to visit them all to collect all the goodies you can, including food, drinks and promotional giveaways!5. Learn the tricks of the trade at the Production and Industry Workshop. When you attend a convention, is your team taking all of the right steps for your maximum ROI? Convention and trade show veteran Fred Fox of The Exhibitor Institute takes you on a 90 minute journey on Dec. 9, from the pre-show marketing to the on-site connections to the post-show follow-up steps you should be taking to get the best value out of attending CSS 2009 & Seed Expo or any convention or trade show. You might be amazed at the simple things that make all the difference to your bottom line! Get started now and visit the Exhibitor Success Center online for some pre-show tips!
4. Research the cutting edge research for seed - corn, sorghum and soybean! CSS 2009's (representing the 64rd Corn and Sorghum Seed Research Conference and the 39th Soybean Seed Research Conference) research conference agenda has been streamlined to offer a series of sessions on improving yields through breeding, biotechnology and crop protection, how these advances in yield and qualities may impact the agricultural outlook and more during the two and a half days of programming.
3. Find out the latest in the alphabet soup of the seed world! BQMS, IPR, PVP, SPS, GEM... and so on. CSS 2009 will offer a wide range of ASTA committee meetings focusing on issues of importance to the corn, sorghum and soybean sectors as well as the broad seed industry! ASTA committee meetings are open unless otherwise indicated. Please check the conference schedule for details.
2. Be hip and "Facebook" ASTA for the latest convention information and best networking! ASTA's new Facebook page is a hub of information for upcoming meetings, discussions on seed industry issues and a great place to network with other ASTA members and fans! Click here to join Facebook and become a fan!
1. Get the best bargain! Early Registration rates are in effect until Nov. 16, when registration prices will increase by $50. ASTA's group rate at the convention host hotel, Hyatt Regency Chicago, also expires on Nov. 16. To register, please click here. For hotel information, please click here.Visit the CSS 2009 and Seed Expo Web site for the latest information on the TOP TEN events and much more!
Visit the New ASTA Suppliers Guide - Online! Provided through the leadership of ASTA's Associates Division, the 2009 ASTA Suppliers Guide, a directory of all current ASTA Associate Members (defined as suppliers to the seed industry) has been transformed from its previous book format to a more advanced online tool. The guide can be found on ASTA's Web site, under the Members Only section (lower left column). This new online tool offers a quick reference guide to a variety of companies searchable by category or alphabetically to better connect suppliers in the seed industry to their customers. Companies listed in the guide range from packaging and equipment dealers to seed testing labs to investment and legal firms, and much, much more. The Suppliers Guide is another example of the tremendous value of ASTA membership!
Media Opportunities Offered at CSS 2009. CSS 2009 & Seed Expo will once again offer a Media Room on Dec. 10-11. The exclusive use space is being made available to media attending the event and will also accommodate press events for ASTA member companies. Press events will be scheduled at the request of ASTA members on a first come, first serve basis. Members can also use the Media Room to distribute press releases or other information that may be of interest. To enhance the media's experience at this important seed industry event, ASTA has equipped the room with free access to wireless Internet, a phone line, work space, informational materials and beverage service. ASTA members interested in holding a press event or in supplying information in the Media Room should contact Gretchen Flanley.
ASTA Calls for Poster Presentations! The CSS 2009 & Seed Expo is seeking graduate students in corn, sorghum and soybean university breeding programs to present a poster summarizing their thesis work at the convention. The Future Seed Executives (FuSE) Lounge inside the Seed Expo exhibit hall will once again feature these poster presentations within their booth. Students who wish to present posters must register and send a notification with their name, title of their poster, university affiliation and name of their major professor to Jennifer Lord by Nov. 15. If more than 30 requests are received, the Planning Committee will select those to be used at the meeting. Graduate student registration is free with proof of enrollment. Don't miss this exciting opportunity for networking and adding to your resume!
ASTA Welcomes New Addition to Staff! Anna Burks joined ASTA on Oct. 26, 2009, as the manager of international and domestic programs. Her principal responsibility is to manage the international department's USDA cooperator funded programs. She also helps the government affairs and communication departments. Prior to joining ASTA, Anna served as the public relations and marketing intern at the Association of General Contractors of America (AGC). Coming from an agricultural family out of Arkansas, Anna is from Bedford, Va., and has been living in the Washington, D.C. area since attending George Mason University, where she graduated with a double major in Communications with a Public Relations Concentration and Art History. Her interests include cooking, reading, running and travel. "From my internship at AGC, I have come to really appreciate the environment and services a trade association can foster for its members," said Anna. "I am excited to begin my professional career at ASTA and to contribute to bringing these benefits to our members." Anna Burks can be reached through the ASTA office or by email at aburks@amseed.org.
Registration Opens for ASTA's 49th Vegetable & Flower Seed Conference. Click here to register for the 49th Vegetable & Flower Seed Conference to be held Jan. 23-26, 2010, at the Red Rock Casino, Resort & Spa. This year's conference retains the traditional Saturday to Tuesday pattern and offers up to 50 locations for exhibit booths or reserved appointment tables in the Trading Room. Attendees will find a comprehensive education program addressing biotechnology, organic production, intellectual property protection and more, including a special general session featuring a study by the Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST) that follows up on work by the late Nobel Peace Prize Winner Dr. Norman Borlaug. Take advantage of the special events and outings available in conjunction with the conference. ASTA's own "Viva Las Vegas Welcome Reception" on Sunday, Jan. 24, sponsored by Syngenta Seed Care, will feature food, fun and networking as well as an opportunity to support the First the Seed Foundation with some Vegas-style fun. This year's "ASTA Gives Back" will provide volunteers for a special community outreach project at Springs Preserve, and the ASTA Golf Tournament will be held at TPC Las Vegas. Register now for the conference and reserve your hotel room (using password ASTA) at the special group rate. For more information, contact Jennifer Lord.
Check Out the Latest on ASTA's Facebook Page! Fans of ASTA's Facebook page (visit the home page for the CSS 2009 & Seed Expo to become a fan) this week will be treated to a "behind-the-scenes" photo collection of the ASTA 127th Annual Convention Committee's recent trip to San Antonio, Texas. The committee has taken painstaking efforts to help prepare and select our programming for the convention, being held June 26-30, 2010 at the brand new J.W. Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa, opening in January 2010. Here's your chance to see ASTA's Chairman and First Lady Jerry and Pam Monk in their hard hats and safety vests! Become an ASTA Facebook fan today!
Global Markets
OECD Working Group Initiates Project on Seed LLP. The Working Group on the Harmonization of Regulatory Oversight in Biotechnology of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) agreed in June 2009 to begin a project on seed low level presence (LLP). At a meeting held Oct. 19-20, 2009, the OECD Working Group agreed on the first step in the project, soliciting responses to a questionnaire on countries' experiences with seed LLP. The project will focus on the environmental safety aspects of LLP and will be complementary to a project on LLP in food and feed that has been completed by the Codex Alimentarius. ASTA Vice President of Science and International Affairs Bernice Slutsky attended the OECD October meeting.
ASTA's Country Working Groups are Looking for Your Participation! ASTA Country Working Groups provide an interactive forum for ASTA members, staff and regional contacts to discuss issues and develop a strategy of program goals and implementation activities specific to each of ASTA's priority markets, Argentina, Brazil, China, India and Mexico. The key issues are phytosanitary regulations, intellectual property rights and biotechnology, specifically the matter of low level presence. The Country Working Groups will participate in a joint meeting with the ASTA International Executive Committee (IEC) being held in Chicago, Ill., on Dec. 7, 2009, prior to the kick-off of ASTA's CSS 2009 and Seed Expo. If you or one of your organization's U.S. or international representatives would like to contribute to any of the working groups and will be able to attend the upcoming meeting in Chicago, please contact Lisa Nichols via email for additional details.
ISF Mid-Term Meetings Take Place in Krakow. The International Seed Federation (ISF) held its mid-term meetings in Krakow, Poland, from Oct. 26-30, 2009. ASTA was well represented at these meetings. ASTA President and CEO Andy Lavigne and Vice President of Science and International Affairs Bernice Slutsky attended the meetings as well as ASTA representatives on ISF committees and sections. Some of the topics discussed at these meetings included the ISF position on intellectual property rights, ISF participation in international treaties, adventitious presence, biotechnology developments in vegetables and royalty collections for field crops. The 2010 ISF Congress will be held in Calgary, Canada, May 31-June 2.
Illinois Soybean Association Kicks Off Yield Challenge in Illinois
BLOOMINGTON, IL – The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) is launching a challenge designed to make Illinois soybean growers the global leader in soybean yields. Funded in part by the soybean checkoff, the 2010 Yield Challenge is slated to kick off after Labor Day and continue through next year’s growing season. Applications are due by April 1, 2010.
The Yield Challenge combines the talents of growers, students and agri-businesses to test soybean production skills and compete for higher yields. As part of the Challenge, participants will receive free soil testing for nutrients and soybean cyst nematode count, along with free protein and oil analyses of samples taken from harvested plots. The soybean production strategies and data collected from the Challenge will be available to all growers to improve soybean yields in Illinois.
A Win-Win for Illinois
According to Ron Moore (Roseville, IL), ISA chairperson and soybean farmer, the Yield Challenge seeks to reward top soybean growers and identify innovative management practices used to produce the highest soybean yields across Illinois.
“The Challenge promises to be a win-win for everyone – those who compete can demonstrate new methods and greater yields, while earning cash and other prizes,” Moore said, “and all Illinois growers and agri-businesses will benefit as the results of the Challenge are shared and applied to future growing seasons. By learning the best methods to increase yields, everyone wins as Illinois takes its place as a global leader in soybean production.”
How the Challenge Works
Illinois will have nine Yield Challenge districts, with “winners” identified in each district throughout the state. Teams of growers in each district (five to 10 growers per team) will work together to implement innovative methods to produce higher yields. Although teams may have sponsors, non-sponsored teams also can participate.
Each grower on a team is required to set up two side-by-side plots – one for methods normally used by the grower and the other for innovative, high-yield strategies. All production practices must be recorded and reported, with team members conducting a yield check at harvest. For each team, the average of the five highest yielding plots will be used to determine the final Challenge yield for that team. Those with the highest average yield in each of the nine districts will be identified and rewarded. All participating growers can receive free one-year memberships to the ISA or have existing memberships extended a year.
Open for Students Too!
Student teams from Illinois universities, community colleges and FFA chapters also are invited to participate (note: research faculty and academic professionals may be involved). They can win up to $1,000 for their school’s agriculture department, personalized Yield Challenge jackets and invitations to the 2010 Illinois Commodity Conference for recognition of their achievement.
All entries are due by April 1, 2010, with a fee of $1,200 per team (some sponsorship discounts may apply for multiple teams). ISA will cover the cost for student teams. In addition, all Yield Challenge fields must be located in Illinois. Winners agree to allow ISA and its cooperators/ sponsors to use production data for promotional and educational materials, activities and events.
The Yield Challenge was created by ISA with participation from four public universities (University of Illinois, Southern Illinois University, Illinois State University and Western Illinois University) and the National Soybean Research Laboratory. For more details and team/sponsor entry forms for the 2010 Yield Challenge, please call (888) 826-4011 or go to www.soyyieldchallenge.com.
The Illinois Soybean Association is the statewide organization for Illinois soybean growers. The farmers on its board administer soybean checkoff funds to support research, promotions and educational programs designed to increase demand for Illinois soybeans, as well as administer legislation and membership programs. For more information, contact ISA at (309) 663-7692 or visit www.ilsoy.org.
