From the Farm Desk
FARMLAND SALES TREND (FarmWeek) - The trend of fewer farm acres on the market continues in the Eastern Corn Belt states, according to the latest Farmers National Company report. Prices for good quality tillable acres remain steady in most areas, including Illinois. The report noted lower quality land is steady to slightly lower as there is less demand for those farms. Land sellers are predominantly trusts and beneficiaries. Very few sales from farm operator financial stress have been seen so far. Farmers and local investors buy most of the quality cropland that comes up for sale.
FARM INCOME SQUEEZE PRESSURES FARMLAND PRICES (FarmWeek) - Multiple years of lower farm income, higher interest rates, and higher real estate taxes are key contributors to a tightening market for farmland. Other factors include the type of quality of the farmland, field shape and size, and future commodity price projections.
ILLIOIS SPECIALTY GROWERS ASSOCIATION (ISGA) OFFER MEMBERSHIP UPDATED RESOURCES (FarmWeek) – The ISGA is enhancing its resources and focus to support and promote Illinois specialty crops including the premier of a new magazine, Illinois Specialty Growers News. The affiliated associations representing herbs, horticulture, and vegetable growers will also provide report updates in the magazine.
DICAMBA COMPLAINTS UP (FarmWeek) – The number of dicamba-related complaints is on the rise, according to Jean Payne, president of the Illinois Fertilizer and Chemical Association. Payne said total pesticide-misuse complaints stand at more than 450, with the number of dicamba-specific complaints at more than 300. She said dicamba applications on ideal spraying days are even generating complaints.
FARM AID (Wall Street Journal)– The Trump administration has announced plans to extend $12 billion in aid to farmers to offset damage and to ease the immediate financial stress farmers are feeling over retaliatory tariffs.
IFB OFFERS NEW PODCAST SERIES (FarmWeek) - Illinois Farm Bureau® members can view a new series of podcasts called “Back to our Grassroots” at www.ilfb.org/resources/podcasts. In the first episode, expert market analysts compare the current tariff situation with previous trade decisions, as well as their global impact. The podcasts are being created as a way for IFB to communicate with members on “hot” agricultural topics.
WORKING GROUP RECOMMENDS PURSUING ASSOCIATION HEALTH PLAN (FarmWeekNow) - The Illinois Farm Bureau’s Health Care Working Group has recommended several items to the Board of Directors including that the organization explore the potential of partnering with other associations with self-employed people to create an association health plan that would provide health insurance for members. Cook County Farm Bureau and other counties in District 5 proposed a “sense of the delegate resolution” during the Illinois Farm Bureau 2017 annual meeting to explore ways to help Farm Bureau member families in the area of health insurance availability and expense.
DROUGHT OF ’88 REACHES 30 YEAR ANNIVERSARY (FarmWeek) - Three decades ago, crops shriveled in Illinois farm fields as many farmers began to emerge from one of the worst agricultural recessions in US history. The growing season began without much precipitation, while heat and dryness continued throughout the summer. President Reagan flew to southern Illinois on July 14, 1988 to view the damage firsthand and said, “I think it’s a great tragedy as anyone can see. The heart of America desperately needs more rain… We can’t make it rain, but we can help to ease the pain.” Congress ended up passing a multibillion-dollar drought relief bill which Reagan signed into law.
About From the Farm Desk: There are a lot of farm related news items that cross the Editor’s desk to share with area farmers and farm supporters. This collection of news briefs is gathered from both mainstream and agriculture media and is designed to keep farmer members and leaders up to date. The articles are not intended to represent Cook County Farm Bureau policy or positions.