Attend winter forage program

Interested in brushing up on forage knowledge? Join other Illinois forage and livestock enthusiasts at the Illinois Forage and Grassland Council winter program on March 12 in Lexington. The program will begin at 10 a.m. at the Illinois State University Farm conference center.

Here’s a look at what to expect from the day:

No registration is necessary for the event — just bring a desire to learn and a craving for lunch.

AFGC names Matt Bunger pasture conservation winner

In February, the American Forage and Grassland Council named Matt Bunger the Pastureland Conservationist of the Year. This annual award is given to USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service employees who go above and beyond to serve NRCS and clients, as well as implement and develop technology for grazing land. 

Bunger has been with NRCS for over 33 years and has been a grazing specialist for more than 15 years. He currently serves as the Illinois state grazing lands specialist.

Bunger has worked with ag groups and public agencies to build the Illinois grazing infrastructure, and he’s helped establish and revise conservation practice standards, training curriculum and guidance documents for the region.

Staff says Bunger “goes to great lengths to support and promote the benefits of grazing for clean water and healthy soils, as well as profitability strategies designed for beef, dairy and other livestock operations.”

USDA extends pandemic help for hog producers

Are you a hog producer who faced market price reduction during the pandemic? USDA has extended the application deadline for the Spot Market Hog Pandemic Program to April 15. SMHPP is a financial assistance program within the USDA Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiative.

SMHPP is designed for hog producers who sold hogs from April 16 through Sept. 1, 2020, through negotiated sale.

“In response to stakeholder feedback and our analysis of the program to date, we will be making adjustments to clarify the definition of a spot market sale and to hog eligibility, while including documentation requirements to prevent erroneous payments,” says Zach Ducheneaux, Farm Service Agency administrator. “We’ll be announcing those updates soon and want to assure hog producers that there will be ample time to submit their applications for assistance.”

USDA will calculate payments through multiplication of the number of eligible hogs, not to surpass 10,000 head, by a payment rate of $54 per hog. Hog producers will receive funds as applications are approved.

To learn more and apply, visit the USDA website. Mail, fax, hand deliver or electronically send your application to your local FSA office before April 15.

ISA seeks proposals for fiscal year 2023

The Illinois Soybean Association wants your proposals for fiscal year 2023 which relate to the organization’s three committee areas: government relations, market development and utilization. Proposals should also improve education, promotion and communication opportunities for ISA. ISA will accept proposals until April 21 at 5 p.m.

“The annual project proposal process is an important step in our allocations of checkoff and membership dollars,” says ISA Chairman Steve Pitstick. “ISA’s 24 farmer-directors will carefully evaluate and consider proposals for funding and will move forward with ideas that are beneficial for Illinois farmers and our industry.”

Proposals should address Illinois soybean producers’ needs, and relate to ISA’s goals and mission of maintaining producer interest through promotion, advocacy and education.

For more details on the proposal submission process and to access the proposal packet, visit the ISA website.

Meet NREC leaders

On March 1, Illinois Director of Agriculture Jerry Costello selected Jake Vossenkemper to serve on the Illinois Nutrient Research and Education Council board as a representative for fertilizer retailers. Vossenkemper replaces Robert Mullen.

A farm kid from St. Charles, Mo., Vossenkemper now resides in Davenport, Iowa, where he is the agronomy research and product development head for Liqui-Grow fertilizers. He received his doctorate in crop sciences from the University of Illinois.

Julie Armstrong is the executive director of NREC, and the organization is governed by a board of directors. Here’s a look: