IFB in the News
Drought, weather dominates news cycles
To keep up with the latest news media coverage featuring Illinois Farm Bureau farmer members, visit IFB’s “In the News’ webpage. It can be accessed under the “Resources” tab at www.ilfb.org. To check out the latest media coverage, visit: www.ilfb.org/in-the-news/.
About ‘In the News’
Several central Illinois Farmers were featured recently in news features on several topics in May, including California’s Proposition 12, ripple effects of the Ukraine-Russia war, spring planting, and weather and climate. IFB launched the ‘In the News’ webpage to highlight recent media coverage and thank farmers who take time out of their busy schedules to speak with members of the news media.
Rains relieve Central Illinois growers -- but is the damage done?
(Photo by Clay Jackson, Pantagraph)
Macon County farmers Brad Dearing and Reid Thompson spoke with the Pantagraph about drought and recent weather events. Dearing said, "we were so dry that we were just stuck. We were hovering; there wasn't any moisture in the atmosphere, no ground moisture, nothing really to get up to create clouds."
Thompson added that while the recent rains have "given us life," the few months before harvest are a critical time period. "We won't know until the rest of the story is written," he said.
Read the full article here.
Analysis: Decades of U.S. corn export dominance fade as Brazil seizes top supplier crown
IFB President Richard Guebert Jr. spoke with Reuters about declining U.S. corn exports. Reuters reported U.S. corn export dominance is fading in an increasingly competitive global marketplace as Brazil, aided by a new supply agreement with China, is set to out-ship the U.S. for just the second time ever this season. Guebert told them, "We need a good export market for our corn. The seed technology in Brazil is getting better and better each and every year. They're not going away."
Read the full interview here.
Damage to crops from derecho winds fall short of historic 2020 episode
Cass County farmer Steve Turner spoke with Fox Weather about a powerful derecho that ripped through parts of Central and Southern Illinois on June 29. The storm followed weeks of severe drought conditions in several parts of the state. Turner told Fox, "We got those rains last week, and if we were talking today and I hadn’t got those rains on my non-irrigated ground - I’d be starting to look at some pretty significant yield losses. The subsoil is still pretty dry, but it bought us time for more rain. And if we get more rain, maybe by harvest time, we’ll find out that we’ll have some pretty good yields."
Read the full interview here.
After the storm: Illinois recovers from devastating derechos
Cass County farmer Steve Turner joined NPR's "The 21st Show" to talk about severe weather following a powerful derecho that ripped through parts of Central and Southern Illinois. Turner was joined by Andrew Pritchard, Illinois Public Media meteorologist, and Reginald Hardwick, Illinois Public Media news director.
Listen to the full interview here.
Drought in Illinois can lead to higher food price
IFB Vice President Brian Duncan joined NPR's "The 21st Show" to discuss the severe drought conditions in Illinois. Duncan was joined by Joe Camp, a broker and analyst with CommStock Investments, and Molly Woloszyn, with the NOAA.
Listen to the full interview here.
Illinois Farm Bureau gives an update on conditions following derecho storm
Kendall County farmer Kaylee Heap spoke with RFD-TV following a powerful derecho storm that ripped through parts of Central and Southern Illinois. Heap also discussed ongoing drought conditions and the severe weather pattern.
Watch the full interview here.
Another Season of Drought Would Cost Illinois Farms
Mercer County farmer Jeff Kirwan spoke with Crain's Chicago Business about the drought and potential impact on agriculture. Kirwan told Crain's that he estimated the drought damage to date could cause a 20% reduction in crop yields in comparison to a normal year — assuming the region still gets some rain, that is. If the lack of rainfall continues with high daily temperatures, crop yield could be reduced by as much as 40% to 50%, he said.
Read the full article here.
Farmers in Bureau County React to Ongoing Drought
Bureau County Farm Bureau President Evan Hultine spoke with KWQC about expanding drought conditions and how it affects farmers and their crops. Hultine said, "Normally, we would expect maybe something more chest high this time of year. I think it’s a fair statement to say everybody’s hurting. There have been a few stary passing clouds that hit a farm or two and gave some needed relief over the last 6, 7 weeks, but I’d say this is pretty widespread and sweeping across the county."
Find the full article and TV interview here.
The Ross Kaminsky Show: Economics of Raising Hogs
Illinois Farm Bureau Vice President Brian Duncan joined the Ross Kaminsky Show with KOA (iHeart Media) to discuss the current economics of raising hos and supplying the pork market. The interview provides more insight into the business. KOA (iHeart Media) is a radio station out of Denver, Colorado. Listen to the full interview here.
Next 3 Weeks 'Critical' to Crop Development as Illinois Farmers Cast Hopeful Eyes to the Skies
Richard Guebert. Jr., Illinois Farm Bureau president, said Illinois farmers need significant, widespread rain over the coming weeks to ensure a healthy crop. (Tim Alexander, WCBU)
Illinois Farm Bureau President Richard Guebert Jr. and Adams County Farm Bureau President Brent Clair spoke with WCBU (NPR) about ongoing drought conditions. Guebert stated, "We've got to have some rain right now. If we don't get some rain, we're darn sure not going to have a record crop. We're in dire straits not only in southwestern Illinois where I farm, but all across the state of Illinois."
Clair joined a roundtable discussion with WCBU, which included Illinois Corn Growers Association and Illinois Soybean Association, about drought and crop yields. Clair said the ship may have sailed for corn in regard to achieving USDA’s lofty yield projection. “We’ve already lost our top yield,” he said. “We’re looking at probably 175 bushels per acre of corn in Illinois right now, and that's if all the rains even come for the rest of the year. There’s no way we’re going to be able to match 2022 national or state yields.”
Read or listen to the full interview and article here.
'Severe' Drought Conditions Reported in Cook County as Lack of Rain Hammers Chicago Area
Illinois Farm Bureau Board Director Jeff Kirwan spoke with NBC Chicago 5 about ongoing drought conditions in northern Illinois. Kirwan said, "We went five weeks, almost six weeks without rain, and it's starting to really affect our crops. Nutrient deficiencies are showing up because the ground is so dry. We've been optimistic, but it's to the point now where we're seeing real significant damage to our crop."
Read the full article here.
Rainfall Still Approaching Drought Levels in Central Illinois
Macon County Farmer Mat Muirhead spoke with ABC News Channel 20 about ongoing drought conditions and how drought affects crops. Muirhead has provided multiple updates on the drought to News Channel 20 as conditions expand and worsen.
Watch the full interview here.