The document discusses the state of agriculture in Douglas County, Illinois in 2016. It notes that commodity prices are expected to remain low, putting pressure on farm profits. Input costs have also remained high, such as land rents. This will likely result in tight margins for farmers. The author recommends farmers take a defensive approach, focusing on reducing costs and marketing grains cautiously rather than taking big risks. New research from the University of Illinois indicates grinding corn finer could allow reducing diet fat without affecting pig growth, potentially lowering feed costs.
AgriSuccess magazine is dedicated to helping Canadian producers advance their farm management practices. Learn from producers and industry experts and get practical advice, real-life examples and innovative ideas to grow your business.
J.S. Ferraro Q3 2021 Big Picture Market Outlook WebinarOliviaBello4
In this iteration of our quarterly webinar series, expert meat and livestock analysts, Dr. Rob Murphy and Kevin Grier go in-depth, discussing factors driving the markets. Learn how your business can prepare for a post-pandemic world now.
2021 Q2 Big Picture Market Outlook WebinarOliviaBello4
Gain key market intelligence on the North American cattle & beef and hogs & pork markets. This webinar also features a special report on the resurgence of African Swine Fever (ASF) in China.
Surviving market dislocation in the wake of covid 19OliviaBello4
Join expert meat and livestock industry analysts, Dr. Rob Murphy and Kevin Grier as they do a deep-dive into the lasting impact of #COVID19 on the markets. These slides include both of their outlooks for what's to come for the protein industry heading into Q3, 2020.
Mercer Capital's Value Focus: Agribusiness | Q3 2019 | Segment: Agriculture R...Mercer Capital
Mercer Capital's Agribusiness Industry newsletter provides perspective on valuation issues. Each newsletter also includes a sector focus, commodity pricing, comparable public company metrics, and key indices of the top agribusinesses.
This document is a newsletter from Harvest Land Cooperative announcing plans to launch a new magazine-style publication called Harvest Land to better communicate with members' families. It will feature stories on farming operations, recipes, and community news. Members are asked to complete a survey to provide feedback on what they want to see. The newsletter also discusses cooperative business such as cash payments to members, upcoming investment projects, and government advocacy efforts.
Dr. Steve Meyer - Grains and Livestock Economic OutlookJohn Blue
Grains and Livestock Economic Outlook - Dr. Steve Meyer, Paragon Economics, from the 2013 World Pork Expo, June 5 - 7, 2013, Des Moines, IA, USA.
More presentations at http://www.swinecast.com/2013-world-pork-expo
AgriSuccess magazine is dedicated to helping Canadian producers advance their farm management practices. Learn from producers and industry experts and get practical advice, real-life examples and innovative ideas to grow your business.
J.S. Ferraro Q3 2021 Big Picture Market Outlook WebinarOliviaBello4
In this iteration of our quarterly webinar series, expert meat and livestock analysts, Dr. Rob Murphy and Kevin Grier go in-depth, discussing factors driving the markets. Learn how your business can prepare for a post-pandemic world now.
2021 Q2 Big Picture Market Outlook WebinarOliviaBello4
Gain key market intelligence on the North American cattle & beef and hogs & pork markets. This webinar also features a special report on the resurgence of African Swine Fever (ASF) in China.
Surviving market dislocation in the wake of covid 19OliviaBello4
Join expert meat and livestock industry analysts, Dr. Rob Murphy and Kevin Grier as they do a deep-dive into the lasting impact of #COVID19 on the markets. These slides include both of their outlooks for what's to come for the protein industry heading into Q3, 2020.
Mercer Capital's Value Focus: Agribusiness | Q3 2019 | Segment: Agriculture R...Mercer Capital
Mercer Capital's Agribusiness Industry newsletter provides perspective on valuation issues. Each newsletter also includes a sector focus, commodity pricing, comparable public company metrics, and key indices of the top agribusinesses.
This document is a newsletter from Harvest Land Cooperative announcing plans to launch a new magazine-style publication called Harvest Land to better communicate with members' families. It will feature stories on farming operations, recipes, and community news. Members are asked to complete a survey to provide feedback on what they want to see. The newsletter also discusses cooperative business such as cash payments to members, upcoming investment projects, and government advocacy efforts.
Dr. Steve Meyer - Grains and Livestock Economic OutlookJohn Blue
Grains and Livestock Economic Outlook - Dr. Steve Meyer, Paragon Economics, from the 2013 World Pork Expo, June 5 - 7, 2013, Des Moines, IA, USA.
More presentations at http://www.swinecast.com/2013-world-pork-expo
- US hay supplies remain low due to drought in 2012, down 9% from the previous year and 16% below the 5-year average. Stocks are down as much as 49% in some states.
- High grain prices have reduced hay acreage while drought has lowered hay yields to their lowest point since 1988. Hay prices have risen 9% from last year and 50% above the 5-year average.
- Though US cow inventories are at a 50-year low, down 1.3% in 2012, the ratio of cows to hay stocks is at its highest level in 20 years, indicating more competition for limited feed supplies.
Brian Kemp, a fourth generation Iowa soybean farmer, discussed current U.S. soybean crop conditions and 2020 planting intentions. Crop progress nationwide for the 2019 harvest was 91% completed, slightly behind the 5-year average. In Iowa, harvest progress was 95% done, slightly ahead of the 5-year average. The 2019 growing season brought challenges like wet weather in June and drought in July. Kemp intends to plant crops best suited for each field and matching equipment/labor availability. A 2020 planting survey found U.S. farmers plan to plant 83.6 million acres of soybeans, somewhat lower than 2019 due to trade and weather issues.
Trends in Agricultural Values and the Fundamental Reasons Why - Kenton SpringerMary-Katherine Kearney
Kenton Springer presented on trends in agricultural land values. He discussed how generational wealth transfer will result in 21 million acres of farmland changing hands in the next 5 years between non-related parties. While land values peaked in 2013, they have since declined up to 25% in some markets due to declining farm incomes over the past 4 years. Strong global production and a stronger U.S. dollar are creating headwinds. However, continued demand from China, ethanol, and livestock production will help support agricultural commodity prices and farmland values going forward.
MORE good news this month for feed raw material consumers’ costs: The world supply outlook for maize seems to be getting looser by the month, pushing prices down to yet more historical (33-month) lows as we go to press. Not only has the US crop turned out even bigger than expected in our last review; the second largest consumer of maize, China, now appears to be using considerably less than estimated earlier. Top outlet for maize, the USA might also need less than expected as we move into 2014 after proposals to roll back targets for renewable fuel use.
- Corn planting progress is off to a slow start in 2013, with only 2% of acres planted nationally by mid-April, compared to a 5-year average of 7% planted. Several key corn-producing states are lagging behind their normal planting paces.
- While slow planting progress is not disastrous, the entire 2013 corn crop will be closely watched given tight supplies. However, 2008 and 2009 had similarly slow starts but ended with good yields.
- Cattle and hog producers face high feed costs and low prices, suggesting significant losses for the remainder of 2013 despite some expected cost declines later in the year. Hog producers may see better prospects in 2014 if costs continue to fall as projected.
Western MN and eastern SD Walking Your Fields newsletter-AugustDuPont Pioneer
DuPont Pioneer agronomists talk about yield monitor calibrations, corn drydown and harvest timing, and late season soybean diseases in the August issue of Walking Your Fields newsletter.
Articles are written by DuPont Pioneer agronomists in western Minnesota and eastern South Dakota and are distributed on behalf of DuPont Pioneer account managers and Pioneer sales reps.
In our first webinar of 2020, meat and livestock market experts, Dr. Rob Murphy and Kevin Grier are joined by esteemed beef analyst, Dave Weaber as they do a deep-dive into factors affecting the global protein markets such as:
ASF
US/China Phase One Trade Deal
Among other topics.
This document provides a market report on essential oils from various regions around the world during the summer of 2015. Key points include:
- Lemon oil production in Argentina is expected to increase but still fall short of previous highs.
- Tea tree oil production in Australia is set to increase slightly but not enough to ease tensions and prices.
- Orange oil production in Brazil is around 10% lower than last year, putting pressure on prices.
- Rose oil production in Bulgaria saw a disappointing 65% decrease in yields, leaving the market with limited supplies.
- Clary sage production in France saw a 50% decrease in yields due to lack of rain, delaying production increases.
The 2014-15 Student Managed Farm - Powered by New Holland Crop team made its final presentation on March 20, 2015 at Lakeland College's Alumni Hall on the Vermilion campus. Finance, operations, marketing, production, research and public relations groups reported on their SMF activities. All students are 2nd year Crop Technology students in Lakeland's agricultural sciences school.
Join expert meat and livestock analysts, Dr. Rob Murphy and Kevin Grier as they discuss factors affecting the global protein markets into Q4 2020. We cover a broad range of topics including:
The huge uptick in the pork cutout
China's increasing appetite for US beef
Holiday buying during COVID-19
Access other key market intelligence services directly at jsferraro.com
Ports-to-Plains Alliance
Colorado Regional Meeting
July 12, 2012
May Farms, Byers, CO
Connecting Colorado’s Economy: Agriculture
Tim Larsen, Senior International Marketing Specialist, Colorado Department of Agriculture
This article analyzes trends and determinants of US farmland values since 1910 using data from the Iowa Land Value Survey. It finds that there have been three major periods of increased farmland values and farm income over the last century, from 1910-1920, 1973-1981, and most recently from 2003-2013. The first two periods ended in farm crises as land values and incomes declined sharply. While current declines are concerning, the article argues a repeat of the 1980s crisis is unlikely due to stronger safety nets and lower interest rates helping farmers withstand downturn pressures. It also compares returns from investing in Iowa farmland versus the S&P 500, finding investment timing and holding period are key in determining relative returns
Beef, pork, and dairy prices are expected to rise significantly in 2014 and 2015 due to drought conditions reducing cattle and dairy herds. Lettuce prices also jumped in 2011 due to extreme weather in lettuce growing regions of California and Arizona, and similar weather patterns could drive up lettuce prices again. The ongoing drought in California threatens production of many fruits and vegetables, including tomatoes, nuts, and grapes, which could lead to higher prices for these foods.
17th april,2015 daily global rice e newsletter by riceplus magazineRiceplus Magazine
Riceplus Magazine shares daily International RICE News for global Rice Community. We publish daily two newsletters namely Global Rice News & ORYZA EXCLUSIVE News for readers .You can share any development news for readers.
Share your rice and agriculture related research write up with Riceplus Magazine contact riceplus@irp.edu.pk , mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com
For Advertisement & Specs mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com
AgriSuccess is FCC’s bi-monthly farm management magazine. Filled with free tips and strategies from producers and industry experts, you’ll find practical information, real-life examples and innovative ideas to grow your business.
Western MN and eastern SD Walking Your Fields newsletter-JulyDuPont Pioneer
The corn crop is developing well with most fields reaching the VT (tassel) stage by August 1, which should allow crops to reach maturity before fall frosts. Growers who applied side-dress nitrogen prior to canopy closure are expected to see rewards from the recent rainfall. Corn rootworm and soybean aphid scouting should continue. Mark DeGroot has joined the DuPont Pioneer sales team as the new Account Manager for the territory covering Eastern South Dakota and Western Minnesota. Additional agronomy support will be provided by Field Agronomists Curt Hoffbeck and Larry Osborne to better serve growers in the region.
This document discusses grain market strategies and outlooks. It analyzes factors influencing grain prices such as population growth, meat consumption, the US dollar index, index fund investments, and crop production. Specific analysis is provided on the soybean, corn, and wheat markets. Recent and projected supply and demand fundamentals are examined for each market. Price outlooks suggest seasonal price strength in 2010, with peaks prior to normal selling seasons, provided there are no major US crop problems.
This document provides an overview of the owner's manual for a 2007 Lincoln Zephyr vehicle. The manual contains sections covering the instrument cluster, entertainment systems, climate controls, lights, driver controls, locks and security, seating and safety restraints, tires and loading, driving, roadside emergencies, customer assistance, maintenance, specifications, accessories, and an index. The manual includes information about operating and maintaining the various vehicle features and systems.
Vijay has over 8 years of experience in mainframe technologies like COBOL, JCL, and DB2. He has worked as a module lead and developer on banking, financial services, insurance, and manufacturing projects. His roles involved requirements analysis, coding, testing, implementation, and production support. He is looking for a lead position that allows him to utilize his experience meaningfully in software development.
Apple was struggling in the early 2000s, with revenue plummeting 57% from the previous year as the computer industry faced difficulties. However, under CEO Steve Jobs, Apple was able to stage an incredible turnaround within 5 years by thinking differently than its competitors. Jobs recognized the convergence of computers, the internet, and music, and developed the iPod and iTunes store as an integrated solution. This allowed Apple to dominate the digital music player market and achieve a 74% share, fueling the company's revenue growth and profits. The document examines how next-level thinking from leaders like Jobs enables them to change the rules of the game and transform entire industries through innovative solutions.
Ahmad Eid has over 12 years of experience as a biomedical engineer. He holds a BSc in Biomedical and Systems Engineering from Cairo University. Currently he works as the Chief Consultant of Biomedical Engineering for VAMED Engineering, where he has worked since 2013. Prior to that, he spent over 10 years as a Senior Biomedical Engineer for VAMED Emirates, working on various healthcare projects in the Middle East.
This document summarizes key information about the multifamily market in the Dallas-Fort Worth area:
1. The DFW market has experienced strong population and job growth in recent decades, with the metro area population increasing over 400% since 1960. DFW saw the largest job growth of any major US metro area in 2014.
2. Multifamily fundamentals in DFW have remained strong in recent years, with high occupancy rates around 93% and steady rent increases despite new construction deliveries. Rents are projected to continue growing through 2015.
3. Capitalization rates for multifamily properties in DFW have compressed but remain approximately 200 basis points above long-term averages, suggesting the asset class is not
- US hay supplies remain low due to drought in 2012, down 9% from the previous year and 16% below the 5-year average. Stocks are down as much as 49% in some states.
- High grain prices have reduced hay acreage while drought has lowered hay yields to their lowest point since 1988. Hay prices have risen 9% from last year and 50% above the 5-year average.
- Though US cow inventories are at a 50-year low, down 1.3% in 2012, the ratio of cows to hay stocks is at its highest level in 20 years, indicating more competition for limited feed supplies.
Brian Kemp, a fourth generation Iowa soybean farmer, discussed current U.S. soybean crop conditions and 2020 planting intentions. Crop progress nationwide for the 2019 harvest was 91% completed, slightly behind the 5-year average. In Iowa, harvest progress was 95% done, slightly ahead of the 5-year average. The 2019 growing season brought challenges like wet weather in June and drought in July. Kemp intends to plant crops best suited for each field and matching equipment/labor availability. A 2020 planting survey found U.S. farmers plan to plant 83.6 million acres of soybeans, somewhat lower than 2019 due to trade and weather issues.
Trends in Agricultural Values and the Fundamental Reasons Why - Kenton SpringerMary-Katherine Kearney
Kenton Springer presented on trends in agricultural land values. He discussed how generational wealth transfer will result in 21 million acres of farmland changing hands in the next 5 years between non-related parties. While land values peaked in 2013, they have since declined up to 25% in some markets due to declining farm incomes over the past 4 years. Strong global production and a stronger U.S. dollar are creating headwinds. However, continued demand from China, ethanol, and livestock production will help support agricultural commodity prices and farmland values going forward.
MORE good news this month for feed raw material consumers’ costs: The world supply outlook for maize seems to be getting looser by the month, pushing prices down to yet more historical (33-month) lows as we go to press. Not only has the US crop turned out even bigger than expected in our last review; the second largest consumer of maize, China, now appears to be using considerably less than estimated earlier. Top outlet for maize, the USA might also need less than expected as we move into 2014 after proposals to roll back targets for renewable fuel use.
- Corn planting progress is off to a slow start in 2013, with only 2% of acres planted nationally by mid-April, compared to a 5-year average of 7% planted. Several key corn-producing states are lagging behind their normal planting paces.
- While slow planting progress is not disastrous, the entire 2013 corn crop will be closely watched given tight supplies. However, 2008 and 2009 had similarly slow starts but ended with good yields.
- Cattle and hog producers face high feed costs and low prices, suggesting significant losses for the remainder of 2013 despite some expected cost declines later in the year. Hog producers may see better prospects in 2014 if costs continue to fall as projected.
Western MN and eastern SD Walking Your Fields newsletter-AugustDuPont Pioneer
DuPont Pioneer agronomists talk about yield monitor calibrations, corn drydown and harvest timing, and late season soybean diseases in the August issue of Walking Your Fields newsletter.
Articles are written by DuPont Pioneer agronomists in western Minnesota and eastern South Dakota and are distributed on behalf of DuPont Pioneer account managers and Pioneer sales reps.
In our first webinar of 2020, meat and livestock market experts, Dr. Rob Murphy and Kevin Grier are joined by esteemed beef analyst, Dave Weaber as they do a deep-dive into factors affecting the global protein markets such as:
ASF
US/China Phase One Trade Deal
Among other topics.
This document provides a market report on essential oils from various regions around the world during the summer of 2015. Key points include:
- Lemon oil production in Argentina is expected to increase but still fall short of previous highs.
- Tea tree oil production in Australia is set to increase slightly but not enough to ease tensions and prices.
- Orange oil production in Brazil is around 10% lower than last year, putting pressure on prices.
- Rose oil production in Bulgaria saw a disappointing 65% decrease in yields, leaving the market with limited supplies.
- Clary sage production in France saw a 50% decrease in yields due to lack of rain, delaying production increases.
The 2014-15 Student Managed Farm - Powered by New Holland Crop team made its final presentation on March 20, 2015 at Lakeland College's Alumni Hall on the Vermilion campus. Finance, operations, marketing, production, research and public relations groups reported on their SMF activities. All students are 2nd year Crop Technology students in Lakeland's agricultural sciences school.
Join expert meat and livestock analysts, Dr. Rob Murphy and Kevin Grier as they discuss factors affecting the global protein markets into Q4 2020. We cover a broad range of topics including:
The huge uptick in the pork cutout
China's increasing appetite for US beef
Holiday buying during COVID-19
Access other key market intelligence services directly at jsferraro.com
Ports-to-Plains Alliance
Colorado Regional Meeting
July 12, 2012
May Farms, Byers, CO
Connecting Colorado’s Economy: Agriculture
Tim Larsen, Senior International Marketing Specialist, Colorado Department of Agriculture
This article analyzes trends and determinants of US farmland values since 1910 using data from the Iowa Land Value Survey. It finds that there have been three major periods of increased farmland values and farm income over the last century, from 1910-1920, 1973-1981, and most recently from 2003-2013. The first two periods ended in farm crises as land values and incomes declined sharply. While current declines are concerning, the article argues a repeat of the 1980s crisis is unlikely due to stronger safety nets and lower interest rates helping farmers withstand downturn pressures. It also compares returns from investing in Iowa farmland versus the S&P 500, finding investment timing and holding period are key in determining relative returns
Beef, pork, and dairy prices are expected to rise significantly in 2014 and 2015 due to drought conditions reducing cattle and dairy herds. Lettuce prices also jumped in 2011 due to extreme weather in lettuce growing regions of California and Arizona, and similar weather patterns could drive up lettuce prices again. The ongoing drought in California threatens production of many fruits and vegetables, including tomatoes, nuts, and grapes, which could lead to higher prices for these foods.
17th april,2015 daily global rice e newsletter by riceplus magazineRiceplus Magazine
Riceplus Magazine shares daily International RICE News for global Rice Community. We publish daily two newsletters namely Global Rice News & ORYZA EXCLUSIVE News for readers .You can share any development news for readers.
Share your rice and agriculture related research write up with Riceplus Magazine contact riceplus@irp.edu.pk , mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com
For Advertisement & Specs mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com
AgriSuccess is FCC’s bi-monthly farm management magazine. Filled with free tips and strategies from producers and industry experts, you’ll find practical information, real-life examples and innovative ideas to grow your business.
Western MN and eastern SD Walking Your Fields newsletter-JulyDuPont Pioneer
The corn crop is developing well with most fields reaching the VT (tassel) stage by August 1, which should allow crops to reach maturity before fall frosts. Growers who applied side-dress nitrogen prior to canopy closure are expected to see rewards from the recent rainfall. Corn rootworm and soybean aphid scouting should continue. Mark DeGroot has joined the DuPont Pioneer sales team as the new Account Manager for the territory covering Eastern South Dakota and Western Minnesota. Additional agronomy support will be provided by Field Agronomists Curt Hoffbeck and Larry Osborne to better serve growers in the region.
This document discusses grain market strategies and outlooks. It analyzes factors influencing grain prices such as population growth, meat consumption, the US dollar index, index fund investments, and crop production. Specific analysis is provided on the soybean, corn, and wheat markets. Recent and projected supply and demand fundamentals are examined for each market. Price outlooks suggest seasonal price strength in 2010, with peaks prior to normal selling seasons, provided there are no major US crop problems.
This document provides an overview of the owner's manual for a 2007 Lincoln Zephyr vehicle. The manual contains sections covering the instrument cluster, entertainment systems, climate controls, lights, driver controls, locks and security, seating and safety restraints, tires and loading, driving, roadside emergencies, customer assistance, maintenance, specifications, accessories, and an index. The manual includes information about operating and maintaining the various vehicle features and systems.
Vijay has over 8 years of experience in mainframe technologies like COBOL, JCL, and DB2. He has worked as a module lead and developer on banking, financial services, insurance, and manufacturing projects. His roles involved requirements analysis, coding, testing, implementation, and production support. He is looking for a lead position that allows him to utilize his experience meaningfully in software development.
Apple was struggling in the early 2000s, with revenue plummeting 57% from the previous year as the computer industry faced difficulties. However, under CEO Steve Jobs, Apple was able to stage an incredible turnaround within 5 years by thinking differently than its competitors. Jobs recognized the convergence of computers, the internet, and music, and developed the iPod and iTunes store as an integrated solution. This allowed Apple to dominate the digital music player market and achieve a 74% share, fueling the company's revenue growth and profits. The document examines how next-level thinking from leaders like Jobs enables them to change the rules of the game and transform entire industries through innovative solutions.
Ahmad Eid has over 12 years of experience as a biomedical engineer. He holds a BSc in Biomedical and Systems Engineering from Cairo University. Currently he works as the Chief Consultant of Biomedical Engineering for VAMED Engineering, where he has worked since 2013. Prior to that, he spent over 10 years as a Senior Biomedical Engineer for VAMED Emirates, working on various healthcare projects in the Middle East.
This document summarizes key information about the multifamily market in the Dallas-Fort Worth area:
1. The DFW market has experienced strong population and job growth in recent decades, with the metro area population increasing over 400% since 1960. DFW saw the largest job growth of any major US metro area in 2014.
2. Multifamily fundamentals in DFW have remained strong in recent years, with high occupancy rates around 93% and steady rent increases despite new construction deliveries. Rents are projected to continue growing through 2015.
3. Capitalization rates for multifamily properties in DFW have compressed but remain approximately 200 basis points above long-term averages, suggesting the asset class is not
La World Wide Web funciona gracias a diferentes tipos de páginas web, ya sean estáticas o dinámicas. Las páginas estáticas muestran siempre la misma información, mientras que las dinámicas pueden actualizarse gracias a aplicaciones del lado del cliente o del servidor y cliente.
Jotapedro decidió salir a buscar novia para superar su depresión, pero fue rechazado repetidamente por muchas chicas. Incluso le preguntó a una foto si quería ser su novia de lo desesperado que estaba. Finalmente regresó a su casa solo y triste.
The document summarizes the travels of James and Laurentine Colquhoun over the past year, including cruising around various Caribbean islands on their boat "Tatoosh", traveling to places like France, Italy, Mexico, Australia, and the Middle East where James worked as Chief Officer on a yacht. It describes activities like scuba diving, surfing, attending music festivals and events.
La enfermedad de Chagas es una enfermedad infecciosa transmitida por insectos que afecta a 16-18 millones de personas en América Latina. Es causada por el parásito Trypanosoma cruzi y puede causar complicaciones cardíacas y del sistema digestivo si no se trata. Existe un tratamiento con medicamentos pero tiene numerosos efectos secundarios y su alto costo dificulta el acceso universal al tratamiento.
The document discusses the benefits of exercise for mental health. Regular physical activity can help reduce anxiety and depression and improve mood and cognitive function. Exercise causes chemical changes in the brain that may help protect against mental illness and improve symptoms for those who already suffer from conditions like depression and anxiety.
The document discusses the benefits of exercise for mental health. Regular physical activity can help reduce anxiety and depression and improve mood and cognitive function. Exercise causes chemical changes in the brain that may help protect against developing mental illness and improve symptoms for those who already suffer from conditions like anxiety and depression.
This document summarizes a study examining the financial vulnerability of Midwest grain farms under various price, yield, cost, and asset value shocks. The study constructs illustrative farms of different sizes, land ownership percentages, and debt levels to model their financial performance. Key findings include: 1) Smaller farms and those renting a large percentage of land are very vulnerable to shocks. 2) Larger farms with modest debt that own and rent land have strong financial performance and limited vulnerability. 3) These farms can increase debt moderately with minimal financial impact. The study aims to better understand farm resilience compared to the financial crisis of the 1980s.
- Kellogg Company is a leading producer of ready-to-eat cereals and convenience foods. It has experienced margin pressures in recent years due to high commodity prices and changing consumer demand trends.
- The report recommends an overweight rating and $81 price target for Kellogg stock, representing 10% upside, based on expected cost savings measures, lower commodity prices, and growth in domestic and global demand easing margin pressures.
- Key initiatives like zero-based budgeting and Project K are expected to deliver $100M and $425-475M in annual savings by 2016 and 2018 respectively, boosting margins. Commodity prices have fallen significantly and are projected to remain stable.
18th december,2013 daily international rice e newsletter by riceplus magazineRiceplus Magazine
The document summarizes rice production trends in several countries and regions in 2013-2014. Some key points:
- Global rice production reached a record 473 million tons in 2013-2014 due to record or near-record crops in Cambodia, Thailand, and Vietnam.
- Global rice stocks have been increasing for seven consecutive years and are at their highest level ever, though the global stocks-to-use ratio remains comfortable at 20%.
- U.S. rice production declined in 2013-2014 due to lower acreage, though yields were at a record high. Exports are projected to decline as well.
- Rice production in Northern Mindanao, Philippines grew 19% in the third quarter of 2013 compared to
Heartland Ag Group, Sikich, Advantage Capital, The Climate Corp presented in Decatur and Springfield Illinois to give an update on where agribusiness was in 2014 and where it is going for 2015
The USDA will release reports on grain stocks and planting intentions that will impact corn, soybean, and wheat markets. Analysts expect March 1 grain stocks of 5.013 billion bushels of corn, 0.935 billion bushels of soybeans, and 1.177 billion bushels of wheat. They also expect plantings of 97.252 million acres of corn, 78.394 million acres of soybeans, and 56.442 million acres of wheat. The reports will provide insights into supply and prices for the upcoming marketing year.
Respondents viewed the primary causes of price volatility in the food and agribusiness industry as increasing consumption in emerging markets, climate change, natural disasters, and the price of or access to agricultural inputs. Economic growth and higher incomes in emerging markets like China are having a major effect on demand as more people seek meat-based diets. Supply is affected by extreme weather and natural disasters. Urbanization also increases demand for high-value foods and creates supply challenges. Climate change and weather events were seen as a concern and cause of volatility. Emerging middle classes and urbanization in Asia, particularly China, were viewed as market-changing phenomena for the industry.
USDA raised its estimate of the 2012 U.S. corn crop slightly to 10.726 billion bushels. The agency increased the estimated national corn yield to 122.3 bushels per acre. USDA also added another 25 million bushels to projected corn imports for 2012, now at 100 million bushels, shattering the previous record. Year-end corn stocks are estimated at 647 million bushels, only 5.8% of total usage, the third lowest ever. Soybean futures prices fell sharply after USDA increased its estimate of the 2012 U.S. soybean crop to 2.971 billion bushels, over 1 bushel higher than analysts expected, on an estimated yield
The Decline of Farming in Iowa: Part 2: Farmer ImpactsBrad Wilson
In Part 1 we looked at the decline in the diversity of crops and livestock in Iowa as a result of the lowering and eliminating of minimum farm Price Floor programs, with an eye to environmental impacts. Here we look at Census of Agriculture data on farm operators, to see how the macro reductions in farm income impacted these statistics. Especially important here are statistics on the decline of "farming" as the primary occupation of farmers, increases in the number of days worked off the farm, and increases in the proportion of farm household income from non-farm sources. These are all changes that are found in surviving farmers, and they reflect coping strategies for dealing with the huge declines in farm income resulting from Congress's reduction and elimination of minimum farm Price Floor and Supply Management policies and programs. Among the consequences of these changes is that the surviving farmers were left with much less labor for doing the farming, even as they had much more capital available, relative to the amount of income from farming itself. This too changed farming in ways that damaged the environment, damaged rural communities, and further damaged the farm economy.
Written Statement of W. Scott Marlow: Subcommittee on Commodities and Risk Ma...RAFI-USA
Written Statement of W. Scott Marlow
Director of Farm Sustainability Program
The Rural Advancement Foundation International – USA
To the House Agriculture Committee
Subcommittee on Commodities and Risk Management Hearing
May 14, 2007
This newsletter provides information on maintenance tasks, soil health best practices, and pest management for CAFOs. The first article lists key maintenance items for the summer including taking manure samples, updating records, and preparing for changes to regulations. The second discusses the benefits of improved soil health such as organic matter and nutrient balance to help farms withstand variable weather. The third outlines scouting and treatment thresholds for Japanese beetles in corn and soybeans. Research updates are also provided on nitrogen response trials in corn and ongoing fungicide studies.
Analysis of recent transactions in Packaged Food & Meat Industry detailing on Transaction Multiples (Revenue & EBITDA), Multiples Chart, Active Buyers & Transaction Data. A goldmine of resource for Entrepreneurs.
Mercer Capital's Value Focus: Agribusiness | Q2 2018 | Segment: Crops and Cro...Mercer Capital
The document summarizes recent performance and outlook for the crops and crop services industry. It notes that the industry experienced losses from 2013-2017 due to falling commodity prices, rising costs, and trade disputes. While another year of margin contraction is expected, projections foresee a slow recovery starting in 2019. The trade dispute between the US and China is expected to further hurt farmers' profits by reducing exports of soybeans and wheat. Mergers and acquisitions activity in the industry continues, led by the merger of Agrium and PotashCorp to form Nutrien, the world's largest crop nutrient company.
A Contrast of Market Driven versus Speculator Driven Vertical Agri Economy re...Roger Cunningham
This document discusses pressures for technological change in the US agricultural industry. It notes that US production of major crops like wheat, corn and soybeans has declined since 2005 due to falling global demand and prices. This is partly due to outdated industry practices where farmers have little flexibility and control over pricing and sales. The document argues that current speculator-driven models will continue squeezing small-to-medium farmers and reducing farmland unless the industry model is disrupted through new technologies that empower farmers to directly respond to global demand signals and market forces. Precedents in other industries suggest a transition to more decentralized, market-driven systems could make US agriculture more resilient and competitive globally.
3rd march,2014 daily rice e newsletter by riceplus magazineRiceplus Magazine
Daily Rice Global Rice e-Newsletter shared by Riceplus Magazine
Riceplus Magazine shares daily International RICE News for global Rice Community. We publish daily two newsletters namely Global Rice News & ORYZA EXCLUSIVE News for readers .You can share any development news with us for Global readers.
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Prices on the benchmark grain and feed ingredient markets had been eroding further since our last review, several reaching new five and a to six-year lows. But the latest descent was much more gradual than in recent months and by mid-March, market leaders wheat, maize and soyabeans had all begun to show signs of bottoming out. The leading Chicago wheat futures
9th october,2020 daily global regional local rice e newsletterRiceplus Magazine
This document is the October 9, 2020 issue of the Daily Global, Regional & Local Rice E-Newsletter. It includes summaries of several rice-related news stories from around the world:
1) Indian agricultural scientists are developing a vaccine for rice plants to increase their immunity against a major bacterial disease.
2) At a WTO meeting, several countries questioned India about its domestic rice subsidies and export programs, arguing they violate trade commitments.
3) Texas rice farmers report good overall yields for the main crop this year, though some saw lower than expected results, and cool recent weather may impact second ratoon crops. Control of weedy rice is an increasing challenge as well.
1) Food prices have skyrocketed globally due to extreme weather conditions, increased financial speculation on food commodities, and higher demand for biofuels.
2) This is resulting in over 1 billion people being undernourished by the end of 2011 and poses serious economic and political risks.
3) Sustained high food prices threaten global food security, economic growth, and social stability unless governments promote agricultural productivity and curb financial speculation in food markets.
2. By Dale Boyer
Arcola First Bank
Illinois football is back in
the news and the area appears
to be jumping on board the
Lovie Smith bandwagon.
There is more buzz around the
Illinois football program now
than there has been since the
Rose Bowl season almost a
decade ago. So, what does a
new football coach at a school
that hasn’t produced much
success on the field have to do
with an article on agriculture?
Well, for 2016, I think its all
about defense. You see, Lovie
Smith has been known for his
defensive philosophy, a phi-
losophy that allowed him to
lead the Chicago Bears to
Super Bowl XLI in 2007. With
limited profitability prospects
on the farm, 2016 will be a
year that needs to be managed
cautiously. The farmer would
be wise to take a more defen-
sive position in managing
costs and taking small profits
when available, versus taking
undue risk and trying to score
on a big play.
Before we delve into an
unpredictable future, let’s
take a moment and look at the
past. The 2015 farm operating
year has come and gone with-
out many newsworthy high-
lights, and that’s a good thing.
It wasn’t a great year, but it
wasn’t a terrible year either.
Farmers in Douglas County
and the surrounding areas
were pretty fortunate in 2015.
Growing conditions in our
area were a lot more favorable
than others throughout the
state. Many areas throughout
Illinois were hit with heavy
rains in the spring that caused
significant delays in planting
and ponding issues in fields
from which they were not able
to recover. Yields in 2015
were once again above the 5
year moving average for most
local operators. This is a posi-
tive trend as this moving aver-
age continues to drift higher.
Commodity prices continue
to be a major challenge for
farmers. From 2010 to 2013,
farmers were able to take
advantage of prices that had
reached record levels. Grain
prices today are well off from
those record levels and are
anticipated to remain well
below those levels. Grain
prices are being pushed down
by a multitude of factors, but
really it’s simply supply and
demand. Supplies of grain
around the world are abun-
dant and thus demand is suf-
fering. Three of the largest
corn crops in the history of the
United States have attributed
to this abundance of supply.
Slowing ethanol production
has also been a factor in
reduced demand and thus
prices. Prices for corn and
beans started 2015 at levels
around $4.00 per bushel and
$10.00 per bushel, respective-
ly. Unfortunately, prices did
not maintain these levels
throughout the year. Corn
prices fell to less than $3.25
around harvest time while
beans fell to the $8.50 range.
Current prices are up a little
from these lows, but we have
not experienced rapid price
appreciation. Long range price
projections for 2016 and
beyond are not showing much
positive change. A recent price
projection from the USDA esti-
mated a range of $3.50 to
$3.75 for corn prices and
$8.55 to $8.75 for bean prices.
These lower prices have
caused reductions in net
income on the farm the past
couple of years and are
expected to continue to affect
bottom line results in 2016 as
well.
Commodity prices are just
one side of the equation, what
about costs? The continual
decline in prices of grain over
the last 2 years has many
operators focusing on ways to
lower costs in their operation.
In some cases, this is easier
said than done. The retreat of
input costs has lagged the
retreat in grain prices. One of
the largest expenses in the
farm operation is the cost of
ground. Cash rents of farm
ground escalated over the
past decade, and is one exam-
ple of an area that has been
slow to respond to the reduc-
tion in commodity prices.
Cash rents have retreated
some in 2016, but some rents
are still way too high to farm
profitably. In 2006, the aver-
age cash rent in Illinois was
$132 per acre. By 2014, the
average cash rent had risen to
$234 per acre, an increase of
more than 77% over the 8
year period! We did see some
relief in 2015, as the average
rent declined to $228 per acre
in Illinois. Average cash rents
for 2016 in our area are
expected to be around $265 to
$275 for good ground. Seed
costs have actually continued
to increase. Reasoning for the
increase is partly due to the
research and development
component and genetics in the
seed that allow the crop to
perform better in varying
growing conditions.
Anhydrous and other forms of
fertilizer are trending down
heading into the spring plant-
ing season, and this trend
needs to continue to play out
to assist bottom lines. Many
operators are also continually
looking into their chemical
and weed management pro-
grams for ways to save on the
cost side as well.
So, what does the future
hold? Reduced grain prices
paired with elevated costs
have led to projections of real-
ly tight margins for the 2016
crop. Input prices do typically
adjust to changes in crop
prices, but the degree of
adjustment varies across the
inputs. As stated above, costs
have been slow to retreat.
Thus, farm profitability is
expected to continue to take a
step back in 2016. Grain mar-
keting will be extremely
important in determining the
overall profitability of the
farm.
A popular topic of conversa-
tion in the agricultural indus-
try continues to be the elevat-
ed level of farmland values.
The appetite for farm ground
is still strong throughout
Illinois. Price levels are hover-
ing near recent highs, even
with the drop in grain prices
and profitability in farming.
The amounts received at land
auctions throughout the area
remain above historical levels
and are extremely attractive
to potential sellers. Recent
sales in Coles and Douglas
County have seen prices vary-
ing from $10,000 to $12,500
per acre range. Many factors
affect these sales prices,
including soil types, produc-
tivity ratings and terrain. With
the aforementioned reduc-
tions in cash rent levels as
well as profitability issues, the
short term outlook is that
farmland prices will be pres-
sured to come down.
However, capitalization mod-
els run by the University of
Illinois recently implied that
farmland values are not too
high, unsustainable or leading
to a bubble. So, I don’t expect
to see any drastic changes in
land prices in the near future.
As noted in previous arti-
cles, agriculture plays a big
part in the success of the over-
all economy in Central Illinois
and in the communities in
which we live. Many business-
es in our area are linked to
agriculture in one form or
another. With tighter margins
expected on the farm, most
operators do not plan to make
any major equipment changes
in an effort to maintain work-
ing capital and decrease lever-
age. This will probably have a
negative impact on the local
implement dealers and other
suppliers. These businesses
may suffer as farmers look to
preserve cash. Prices on used
equipment have fallen over
the past few months.
Implement dealers have sales
lots that are full of used equip-
ment with what appears to be
limited market potential.
Cronus Chemicals continues
to move forward with it’s’
plan of constructing a billion
dollar fertilizer plant in
Douglas County. While
delayed from the initial time-
line, the project continues to
move forward and work on
the site should begin this sum-
mer. This new major manufac-
turing facility will bring
numerous jobs to the area.
The addition of this facility
will not doubt aid in making
Douglas County more attrac-
tive to other forms of agri-
business as well. The farming
industry is no doubt alive and
vibrant in our area.
The challenge for success of
local producers in 2016 are
apparent. Farmers would be
wise to not take any additional
risks within their operation
and move forward cautiously.
As Coach Lovie Smith’s
resume shows, sometimes it is
better to punt and play
defense than go for it on 4th
down. Scoring on the big play
is risky and the success rate is
low. Being conservative isn’t
always easy and popular, but
can lead to long term financial
success.
So, as we move closer
towards planting season, I
hope Mother Nature is once
again kind to us throughout
the year and our local opera-
tors are able to achieve con-
tinued success in 2016 and
beyond.
PAGE 2B Thursday, March 31, 2016 ARCOLA RECORD-HERALD
It’s all about field position
Dale Boyer, president & CEO, Arcola First Bank.
3. As planting time nears,
March has been busy with
meetings and decisions. For
the most part seed, fertilizer
and herbicide choices have
been made for the growing
season. Crop insurance level
declarations had to be made
March 15th. Douglas County
Farm Bureau hosted a meet-
ing early in March dealing
with markets and crop insur-
ance and has a meeting about
truck regulations scheduled
for 10 AM Thursday March
31st at the Douglas County Ag
Center. The speaker will be
Kevin Rund of Illinois Farm
Bureau. He makes the myriad
of regulations on trucks a little
more understandable.
On the farm, tractors,
planters, sprayers and tillage
equipment are being readied
for the planting season. This
can vary from general mainte-
nance such as greasing bear-
ings and airing tires to
updates that will help with
efficiency and accuracy in
planting or application. In the
past, corn planting usually
started in mid to late April
with the goal of being done by
May 10th. Improved seed corn
genetics coupled with seed
treatments that prevent seed-
ing disease and insect damage
have moved planting into the
first part of April. An even,
consistent stand of corn plants
is essential in having a good
corn crop. The tillage and
planting equipment of the
past would not handle a lot of
crop residue – stalks, leaves
and other parts of the plant
left in the field after harvest.
The first tillage trip of the year
was often with a moldboard
plow to bury the residue from
the previous year’s crop. This
allowed the secondary tillage
and planting operations to
proceed with less trouble due
to crop residue. Better equip-
ment and seed are helping
with getting the crop off to
good start. The longer grow-
ing season offered with early
planting adds to that good
start. Research is showing that
late April planting of soybeans
leads to increased yields as
well. However no matter
what the calendar says, good
soil conditions and a soil tem-
perature no lower than 50
degrees are usually the best
conditions to start planting.
Herbicide choices are
weighed carefully each year.
The weeds the farmer needs
to control, the crop being
planted and the genetic resist-
ances the seed carries, the
previous year’s crop and her-
bicide used on it and the crop
planned for the following year
all enter this decision. Cost is
important too, with tight mar-
gins in the farm sector. The
herbicides of 30 years ago had
application rates of 2 or 3
quarts per acre and often had
long residuals in the soil.
Today’s weed control prod-
ucts are applied at ounces per
acre and are often contact
killers with no soil residual. A
mix of the two are looked at
recently to offer better control
of hard to kill weeds. Some
weeds have always been hard
to control. In other cases,
resistance is developing after
repeated use of similar herbi-
cides in successive crops,
making the herbicide choice
even more important.
As planting season begins,
we ask you to watch for farm
machinery on the road. A trac-
tor and planter folded on the
road might be 60 feet long, 16
feet wide and not very maneu-
verable. With traffic moving
55 mph and a farm implement
moving 15 mph, accidents can
happen very quickly. As I have
noted before, we don’t want to
be on the roads with farm
equipment. We just don’t have
any choice as we move from
field to field. Thank you for
being careful on the roads this
spring and thank you for read-
ing this update on Douglas
County agriculture.
Larry W. Dallas
President
Douglas County Farm
Bureau
URBANA – The results of
new research at the University
of Illinois indicate that it is
possible for producers to
reduce feed costs if yellow
dent corn, a staple of swine
diets in the United States, is
ground to a finer particle size.
The smaller particle size
allows pigs to derive more
energy from the corn, which
means producers can reduce
the amount of fat added to
diets (reducing their costs)
without affecting the growth
performance or carcass char-
acteristics of pigs
Hans H. Stein, professor of
animal sciences at the U of I,
and his lab conducted an
experiment to determine if
growth performance and car-
cass characteristics differed
among pigs fed diets that had
the same amount of energy,
but contained corn that was
ground to different particle
sizes. Current industry recom-
mendations call for corn fed to
pigs to be ground to a particle
size of around 650 microns.
"When corn is ground to
smaller particle sizes, pigs can
derive more energy from it
because the increase in sur-
face area means that digestive
enzymes have more access to
the nutrients in corn, which
results in increased digestibil-
ity of starch," said Stein.
"Therefore, you can reduce
the amount of fat added to the
diets without a loss of metabo-
lizable energy if you use more
finely ground corn. In this
study, we tested the hypothe-
sis that added fat can be
removed from diets contain-
ing finely ground corn without
impacting growth perform-
ance and carcass characteris-
tics of the pigs."
The researchers fed grow-
ing-finishing pigs diets con-
taining corn ground to 865,
677, 485, and 339 microns.
Diets were formulated to con-
tain the same amount of
metabolizable energy by vary-
ing the amount of added fat.
The diets using the most
coarsely ground corn con-
tained 3.60 to 3.87 percent fat,
whereas the diets using the
most finely ground corn con-
tained 2 percent fat.
The carcass characteristics
of pigs fed diets containing
corn ground to the different
particle sizes were very simi-
lar. Backfat depth, hot carcass
weight, loin eye area, pH of
loin eye area, and fat-free lean
percentage were not affected
by particle size. However,
dressing percentage
increased, and empty intestin-
al weight decreased, as parti-
cle size decreased.
Growth performance was
also not affected by corn parti-
cle size. The pigs' final body
weight, overall average daily
feed intake, and overall aver-
age daily gain were not differ-
ent among treatments. For
gilts, the gain:feed ratio
decreased as particle size
decreased, but this was attrib-
utable to the reduced intestin-
al weight. When calculated on
the basis of hot carcass
weight, gain:feed did not differ
among treatments.
Stein said that these results
indicate that it is possible for
producers to reduce feed costs
if corn is ground to a finer par-
ticle size. "By using corn
ground to a smaller particle
size, producers can decrease
the amount of fat added to
growing-finishing diets with-
out affecting growth perform-
ance or carcass composition.
However, the increased dress-
ing percentage may result in
an increase in the amount of
saleable meat from the pigs
fed diets containing corn
ground to a smaller particle
size."
Although feeding corn
ground to smaller particle
sizes has been observed to
lead to ulcers in some studies,
there was no incidence of
ulcers in the esophageal
region of the stomach in pigs
in the current study regard-
less of particle size. However,
an increase in keratinization
was observed as particle size
decreased, which Stein cau-
tioned might lead to ulcers if
pigs are stressed.
The paper, "Effects of parti-
cle size of yellow dent corn on
physical characteristics of diets
and growth performance and
carcass characteristics of
growing–finishing pigs," was
co-authored by Oscar Rojas
and Yanhong Liu of the U of I,
and is published in a recent edi-
tion of the Journal of Animal
Science. The full text can be
found online at
https://www.animalscien-
cepublications.org/publica-
tions/jas/articles/94/2/619.
ARCOLA RECORD-HERALD Thursday, March 31, 2016 PAGE 3B
Improved treatments, genetics means
earlier corn planting season here
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Smaller corn particle size
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4. "Achoo!" A sneeze, cough,
itchy, runny eyes and nose are
all symptoms of seasonal
allergies. While they can
make anyone miserable, they
often have a more serious
impact on the lives and health
of seniors. Complicating fac-
tors, such as chronic disease
and conflicts between medica-
tions, make it difficult for
older adults to safely treat
their allergies.
Here’s what you need to
know about spring allergies
and how you can help your
senior loved one stay safe dur-
ing allergy season.
What caregivers
need to know
about seniors and
allergy season
What causes allergies?
An allergic reaction results
when the body's immune sys-
tem becomes sensitized and
overreacts to something in the
environment. The most com-
mon triggers are grass, mold
and pollen.
In the Midwest, spring aller-
gies can actually begin in
February and last until early
summer. Mild winter temper-
atures cause plants to polli-
nate early. A rainy spring can
promote rapid plant growth
and lead to an increase in
mold, causing symptoms well
into fall.
Ragweed grows wild every-
where but especially on the
east coast and in the Midwest.
It is the most common culprit
for fall allergies. Ragweed
plants bloom and release
pollen from August through
November.
Why are allergies
especially dangerous
to seniors?
Allergy symptoms and nasal
congestion can lead to
increased shortness of breath
for older adults who have a
chronic disease. According to
the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC),
allergies are the 6th leading
cause of chronic illness. Adults
in this country spend over $18
billion a year trying to manage
them.
Allergies impact seniors in a
variety of ways.
Antihistamines, which many
people take to minimize the
effects of allergies, can
increase blood pressure.
Medications many seniors
take to lower blood pressure
may negatively interact with
antihistamines. Cardiac and
pulmonary conditions such as
COPD can be aggravated by
pollen, mold and dust.
Make sure to inform your
doctor about your senior
loved one's allergies and con-
sult with him or her before
using over-the-counter med-
ications. This seems obvious
but patients often focus on the
"big" health issues with their
physician and fail to mention
allergies.
Get to know what
triggers a senior
loved one’s allergies
What might surprise you is
that more than two thirds of
spring allergy sufferers have
year-round symptoms.
Common allergy triggers
include:
• Pollen, mold and dust
• Smoke from campfire or
fireplace
• Insect bites and stings
• Chlorine in indoor and
outdoor swimming pools
• Pine trees and grass
3 tips to protect
a senior during
allergy season
1. Control the environment
Encourage your senior
loved one to stay indoors with
windows and doors closed
during peak allergy season.
Keep the windows shut when
riding in the car. Use an air
conditioner, fan or humidifier
to cool the house and car.
2. Avoid outdoor exposure
Pollen counts are highest
midday and in the afternoon.
Avoid going outdoors during
times pollen counts are pre-
dicted to be the worst. If you
have to go outdoors, wear a
filter mask, take medications
beforehand and change
clothes when you come back
inside.
Local weather reports often
include pollen alerts in their
daily updates. The National
Pollen website also publishes
allergy forecasts.
3. Work closely with your
doctor or allergist
An allergist can help you
pinpoint the source of your
aging loved one's suffering
and find safe ways to treat it.
Consult your senior family
member’s primary care physi-
cian to obtain a referral to one
of these specialists.
Also be sure to discuss any
over-the-counter allergy med-
ications with your physician
before taking them. Remind
your doctor of all non-allergy
medications you or your sen-
ior loved one are taking to
avoid potential drug interac-
tions.
PAGE 4B Thursday, March 31, 2016 ARCOLA RECORD-HERALD
TRIPLE H GRAIN SYSTEMS
JOHN TAYLOR
P.O. Box 319, Ashmore Rd. • Oakland, IL 61943
Office: (217) 346-2155 • Cell: (217) 218-3614 • Fax: (217) 346-2159
Brenda Hearn
Carriage Crossing Assisted
Living & Memory Support
Spring is in the air;
help your seniors
cope with allergens
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ALLErgy SEASOn can be especially difficult for
older people who may be facing other ailments as well.
5. ARCOLA RECORD-HERALD Thursday, March 31, 2016 PAGE 5B
We’ll Grow
You One Better!
Since 1974, Kitchen Seed Company Provides the
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He makes it his business to help
you get the most out of yours.
Mitch Clapper
Kemp (217) 268-4984
IL Rte 130, Arcola, IL
Spring tips for your lawn and garden
A great lawn
in less time
A stunning lawn is the trade-
mark of most proud homeown-
ers. After all, the front yard is
the first thing visitors and
passersby see. But achieving
and maintaining the perfect
landscape can be time consum-
ing without the right tools.
Want more of your week-
ends back? Experts say achiev-
ing professional-level results
in less time starts with the
equipment you use to do the
job. Take stock of the tools in
your garage or shed. Are they
up to the task? If you’re spend-
ing too much time on the yard,
it may be time to make some
key upgrades.
The right lawnmower, for
example, “is not just an invest-
ment in the beauty of your
property, it’s an investment in
your quality of life,” says Judy
Altmaier, general manager of
Exmark, a leading manufactur-
er of mowers and other lawn
equipment. “A faster mower
means more free time, plain
and simple.”
With that principle in mind,
here are a few insights about
what to look for when replac-
ing an older mower with a
new, more efficient model.
• Maneuverability: Between
trees, flower beds and other
landscape features, a mower
should be easy to maneuver, so
you can mow closer and spend
less time with the trimmer.
• Quality of cut: Not all mow-
ers offer the same quality of
cut. When choosing a new
mower, take this factor into
consideration, as well as the
type of lawn and grass you
have.
• Durability: A durable
mower will include features
such as welded, fabricated cut-
ting decks, commercial engines
and heavy-duty welded, tubu-
lar steel unibody frames.
For quick guidance, consider
taking a cue from those who
make a living by being more
efficient in the yard – land-
scape professionals.
“These days, it’s safe to say
that zero-turn riding mowers
have become the tool of choice
among landscape profession-
als,” says Altmaier.
Those from Exmark, for
example, are available at vari-
ous price points and offer great
mower productivity, power
and durability. For more infor-
mation, visit
www.Exmark.com.
This season, give yourself
more time and energy to enjoy
the yard you so painstakingly
maintain.
Attract beautiful
birds to your yard
When hosting neighbors and
friends for spring gatherings,
your thoughts may dwell on
accommodating guests. But
how often do you consider
your animal visitors?
“During spring, flocks of
birds migrate and are looking
for places to refuel and rest,”
says Spencer Schock, Founder
of WindowAlert, makers of
bird-friendly products for
homes. “A few small tweaks to
your yard, is like placing out a
welcome mat.”
Unfortunately, migration is
not without peril or hardship,
but Schock says turning your
home into a refuge for birds
can be fun and add beauty to
your yard. He offers these tips
to keep feathered travelers
safe during their migratory
journey.
• Protect flight: Millions of
birds die annually by striking
glass, making windows a haz-
ard to birds in flight. Try apply-
ing special decals that reflect
ultraviolet sunlight to your
home’s windows, particularly
those windows that are highly
reflective of open sky.
The decals won’t affect your
view because they’re virtually
invisible to humans, but will
help keep birds safe. For exam-
ple, those from WindowAlert
have patterns that give the
appearance of slightly frosted
translucent glass, but glow like
a stoplight for birds. The brand
also makes a high-tech liquid
called WindowAlert UV Liquid,
which can be applied between
decals.
Such ultraviolet decals have
been scientifically proven to
keep birds safer. A 2015
American Bird Conservancy
Study found that the more
WindowAlert decals that were
applied to a piece of glass cov-
ering the departure point of a
flight tunnel, the more birds
avoided it (a net protected all
the birds in the study from
actually getting hurt, no matter
where they chose to fly).
• Bed and Breakfast:
Birdfeeders come in all shapes,
sizes and styles, and simply
adding one to your yard can
help beautify it and give birds
the energy needed to continue
their flight.
Remember though, bird
strikes are often a problem
near bird feeders, as feeding
birds are easily frightened and
are apt to take wild, evasive
flight; position feeders closer
than three feet or farther than
30 feet from windows. If your
feeder is close to the window,
birds fly away from the house.
Believe it or not, the safest type
of feeder is the kind that attach
to the window itself.
You can also make your
home’s outdoor spaces more
bird-friendly filling your gar-
den with the right plants and
flowers for pollinating bird
species.
• Watch and record: Grab a
pair of binoculars and a field
guide book and take note of the
types of birds you see and
when. This will help you
become better prepared for
next season. In addition, con-
sider becoming a “citizen sci-
entist” by submitting your
observations to The Audubon
Society and Cornell
University’s database at
ebird.org.
For more tips on making
your home and garden a bird
haven, visit WindowAlert. com.
“By making a few simple
modifications to your yard and
home, you can assist birds on
their long journey,” says
Schock..
Spruce up
outdoor space
When the weather warms
up, it’s all about relaxing out-
doors. But it’s possible you’ve
neglected upkeep on your
home’s outdoor spaces during
the chilly months of winter.
To enjoy yourself more this
season, take time to spruce up
your yard. Here are some quick
tips.
Do a Survey
Take a walk around the
perimeter of your patio, deck
and yard to survey what needs
to be cleaned, repaired or
replaced. Did potted plants and
lawn ornaments survive the
cooler months? Are outdoor
light fixtures functioning? Are
fallen branches littering the
yard? Make a mental to-do list.
Deep Clean
Like interior spaces, periodic
deep cleans are necessary out-
doors too. But don’t waste
your leisure time.
“With the right tools you can
work smart, not hard,” says Jeff
Devlin, host on a popular home
improvement channel. “A
heavy-duty cleaner, such as
Mean Green Degreaser, not
only works indoors, but is ideal
for my tough outdoor cleaning
jobs.”
Devlin recommends using
the Super Strength multi-sur-
face formula -- which is lab-
tested to clean and remove
grease, grime, mildew, dirt,
and oil more effectively than
its competitors -- to clean and
remove mildew from patios,
outdoor furniture, concrete,
composite and wood fences
and siding, as well as to clean
and degrease tools, lawn
equipment and grills. Use it as
a concentrated spray or dilut-
ed solution. Clean with a brush
or sponge.
“For your toughest jobs, add
it to your pressure washer,”
says Devlin. Helpful cleaning
tips can be found at
MeanGreenDegreaser.com.
Routine Maintenance
Perform routine upkeep to
keep items from falling into
disrepair or becoming over-
grown or unkempt.
Sweep walkways and your
deck regularly, especially if
they are situated under trees.
Promote a healthy lawn by
mowing it regularly, never
removing more than one-third
of the grass blade. Keep gutters
devoid of leaves and debris so
that water does not collect in
your yard or at the base of your
home’s structure. Rinse patio
furniture, umbrellas and
awnings using water or a dilut-
ed cleaner.
Spring is in the air. With a lit-
tle effort, you can be prepared
to make the most of it.
(StatePoint)
6. By Melinda Myers
Whether planting a garden,
enjoying the beauty of your
landscape or sitting down to a
delicious meal, you have bees,
butterflies and other pollina-
tors to thank. These essential
members of our ecosystem
are responsible for much of
the food and beauty we enjoy
each day.
Unfortunately pesticides
and habitat loss are threaten-
ing their existence. There is
something you can do to help.
Turn your garden, backyard
or balcony into a pollinator’s
habitat.
Plant a variety of flowering
plants that provide nectar and
pollen throughout the season.
Planting masses of natives,
herbs and other pollinator
favorites like sedum, zinnias,
alyssum, cosmos, and
columbine will attract these
beauties to your landscape.
Include a variety of day and
night blooming flowers in a
variety of colors and shapes to
support the widest range of
pollinators. But don’t let a lack
of space dissuade you; even a
window box of flowers can
help.
Keep your plants healthy
and blooming with proper
care. Match the plants to the
growing conditions, provide
needed water and fertilize
with an organic nitrogen fer-
tilizer like Milorganite (milor-
ganite.com) when needed.
You’ll promote slow steady
plant growth that is less sus-
ceptible to drought and pests.
Plus the slow release low
nitrogen won’t interfere with
flowering which is essential to
the health and well being of
our pollinators.
Supplement pollinators’
diets with a bit of rotten fruit.
And be sure to provide trees,
shrubs, parsley, dill and other
plants that caterpillars, grubs
and the immature stage of
other pollinators prefer to
feed upon. Put away the pesti-
cides and tolerate a few holes
in the leaves of their favorite
plants. With a diversity of
plants you can easily overlook
the temporary leaf damage.
Plus, this is a small price to
pay for all the benefits they
bring to the garden.
Provide pollinators with
shelter from predators and
the weather. Include a variety
of trees, shrubs and perenni-
als. Leave patches of open soil
for ground nesting bees and
some leaf litter to shelter
some butterflies, bumblebees
and other pollinating insects.
Supplement natural shelter
with commercial or home-
made nesting boxes. You’ll
find do-it-yourself plans on
the internet from various edu-
cational sources.
Puddles, fountains, bird-
baths and even a damp sponge
can provide needed water.
Include water features with
sloping sides or add a few
stones to create easier access.
Or sink a shallow container of
sand in the ground. Keep it
damp and add a pinch of sea
salt for the butterflies and
bees.
Maximize your efforts by
teaming up with your neigh-
bors. Together you can create
a larger more diverse habitat
that provides pollinators with
the resources they need to
thrive.
Your efforts will be reward-
ed with greater harvests,
beautiful flowers and colorful
birds and butterflies visiting
your garden.
Gardening expert,
TV/radio host, author &
columnist Melinda Myers
has more than 30 years of
horticulture experience and
has written over 20 garden-
ing books, including Small
Space Gardening and the
Midwest Gardener’s
Handbook. She hosts The
Great Courses “How to Grow
Anything: Food Gardening
For Everyone” DVD set and
the nationally syndicated
Melinda’s Garden Moment
TV & radio segments. Myers
is a columnist and contribut-
ing editor for Birds & Blooms
magazine and spokesperson
for Milorganite. Myers’ web
site is www.melindamyers.
com.
PAGE 6B Thursday, March 31, 2016 ARCOLA RECORD-HERALD
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Plant a pollinator garden
and enjoy many benefits
A mOnArCh ButtErFLy on a tithonia. Pollinators
such as bees and butterflies are responsible for many deli-
cious meals and colorful blooms. you can help them do their
jobs by planting a pollinator garden.
RELATED: On the web — Plant
pollinator pockets. University of
Illinois Extenstion: http://web.exten-
sion.illinois.edu/cfiv/pollinators/