R.F.D. News & Views, April 23, 2008

For Central Illinois Farmers & Rural Dwellers
By Tim Alexander for the News Bulletin

Ag Group Advocates Demand Restoration of Funds
SPRINGFIELD - Hundreds of advocates representing agriculture and conservation groups facing a combined $ 40 million in budget cuts -- and the loss of hundreds of jobs-- attended a hearing at the state capitol April 16 to urge Governor Rod Blagojevich’s administration to release funds essential to the organizations. The groups affected, including the University of Illinois Extension, Soil and Water Districts and AgriAbility, a program that lends a “hands-up” to disabled farmers, were told recently by the administration that their budgets would be all but eliminated by the end of Fiscal Year 2008 (June 30).
Pam Weber, a lobbyist for Extension Partners who attended the hearing, told R.F.D. she was encouraged by the commitment of legislators and advocates. “House and Senate democrats and republicans came together to listen to our concerns, and that in itself is a milestone,” she said. Weber was also impressed by the knowledge and awareness some legislators showed regarding the importance to the state of programs like Extension, such as Rep. Bill Black. Black told the panelists that robbing Extension of their funding is akin to “going to the bank and being told you can’t have the money from your savings account,” according to Weber. Advocates for the programs affected, which also include the Fertilizer Research and Education Council and the the Illinois Council for Food and Agricultural Research, urge those concerned about the fate of the programs to contact their elected representatives.

IFCA: Illinois a “Deadbeat State” for Withholding Funds
BLOOMINGTON - The Illinois Fertilizer and Chemical Association (IFCA), facing a loss of millions in funding for their Fertilizer Research & Education Council (FREC) under budget cuts promised by the Blagojevich administration, lashed out at the state in a current post to their website (www.ifca.com). “IFCA is furious at these developments, but not surprised given the current deadbeat status of our state,” the post reads. “We are, however, doing what we can to get these funds returned to the IL Dept. of Ag to be used legitimately by our industry.” Also noted in the post: “The explanation we were given as to why the funds will not be released as required by law is that the State of Illinois is broke...”

State Says Premises ID Voluntary for 2008 Fairs
SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Department of Agriculture announced last week that participation in the national livestock Premises ID program for those showing animals at state and county 4-H and FFA fairs in 2008 will be voluntary, not mandatory. “We’re working with livestock groups on a compromise to this issue, and everyone I’ve talked to has suggested that additional education and outreach is needed,” stated Tom Jennings, Acting Agriculture Director. In the long run, however, the state still believes Premises ID registration will greatly improve the ability of Illinois animal health professionals to contain animal disease outbreaks. “A premises registration is like a 911 address for animals,” Jennings said. Those wishing to register their animals can download an application at www.agr.state.il.us/premiseid or call (866) 299-9526 to obtain a Premise ID number.

Soybean Association Announces New Senior Director
BLOOMINGTON - The Illinois Soybean Association is welcoming Christopher Bickett of Dunlap as their new senior director. Bickett was formerly CEO and minority owner of an educational provider to community colleges, according to an IPA news release. In his new role, Bickett will handle planning and personnel administration. The post involves working with senior management to set direction and develop strategies to meet goals and priorities provided by the board of directors.

PCFB Announces Scholarships
PEORIA - The Peoria County Farm Bureau Foundation (PCFB) has awarded two, $ 1,000 scholarships to Elmwood High School seniors Stefani Soehn and John Davis. Stefani, the daughter of John and Carole Soehn, plans to pursue a career as a large animal veterinarian, while John, the son of Wayne and Sydney Davis, plans to pursue a career in ag business or ag science before eventually returning to the family farm operation. PCFB Foundation has awarded over $ 45,000 to 65 students pursuing agriculture-related degrees since its 1982 inception.

Pork Producers Announce Awards Program
SPRINGFIELD - Pork producers showing exemplary environmental stewardship and conservation practices will be honored through the new Illinois Pork Environmental Steward Award, the Illinois Pork Producers Association (IPPA) announced last week. Producers can apply themselves or be nominated. An application can be downloaded from the IPPA website at www.ilpork.com/producers. Questions can be directed to the IPPA’s Tim Maiers at (217) 529-3100. Winners will receive a customized farm sign and be feted at the 2009 Illinois Pork Festival.

R.F.D. Quote for the Week:
“He that would look with contempt on the pursuits of the farmer, is not worthy the name of man.” - Henry Ward Beecher

(Tim Alexander is a freelance reporter who contributes farm articles to the News Bulletin, Farm World and Prairie Farmer.)

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