Gay Bowlin, Manager
Congressman Mike Bost set up a meeting this past Tuesday with farmers and Ag Business people to be on his Ga Advisory Council. Marc Lamczyk from the U of I Extension and myself drove to Waterloo to participate in this meeting. Along with the many farmers through the Southern Region of Illinois also in attendance was Illinois Farm Bureau President Rich Guebert.
Among some of the issues discussed were the Farm Bill and Conservation Compliance including cover crops. A big issue right now is USDA “Actively Engaged” proposed rule. Because Congress chose not to define what an “actively engaged” farmer was in the 2014 Farm Bill, instead, Congress let USDA decide.
A person must be actively engaged to receive certain farm payments. An individual or entity (partnerships, corporations, etc.) must provide significant contributions to the farming operation. Contributions can consist of capital, land, and/or equipment, as well as active personal labor and/or active personal management. Management must be critical to the profitability of the farming operation and the contributions must be at risk.
I have a booklet in the office if anyone would like a copy please call so that we can have one ready for you to pick up.
When discussing Waters of the United States (WOTUS) it was stated that it is an overreach of epic proportion.
Congressman Bost has signed on to be a cosponsor of H.R. 594 which prohibits the CORPS and EPA from taking further action regarding this rule. He has signed a letter to the House Appropriations Committee asking that they not make any money available for implementation, applying, developing any part of the rule for FY 2016. He indicated that the Secretary of the EPA does expect final ruling on this to come out in May or June.
Another issue is GMO labeling – concern over a patchwork of state labeling laws is causing concern for the ag industry. 90% of scientists agree that genetically engineered traits that we consume are safe. 59% of the general public does not believe genetically modified traits are safe for consumption. The biggest issue is educating consumers.
We have trees available to be picked up to anyone who would like them. I thought that I was getting 20 and instead I receive 200. These are White Oak, Red Oak, Burr Oak and Swamp White Oak tree saplings. Please call the office at 435-3616 or just stop by.
This year we will have our Antique Tractor Drive on May 9th and for the first time we will be in the Rend Lake Water Festival Parade. The tractors will be near the front of the parade. We will drive the parade route then continue on to the Barren Township Building on 154 stopping for a fish dinner then continue back over the Rend Lake Dam back to the Rend Lake Plaza in West City. Entry fee is $20 and this covers the cost of meal and a t-shirt. For more information call the office at 435-3616.
Remember we are farmers working together. If we can help let us know.
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