By TAMMIE SLOUP
Illinois congressional members watched pigs be born, spread fertilizer, saw a bioreactor demo from the back of a pickup and more during visits to Illinois Farm Bureau members’ farms this spring.
And while legislators were gaining knowledge of working farms, IFB members took the opportunity to share their insights on the challenging ag economy, the importance of renewing the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement and how legislation including a five-year farm bill and year-round E15 can benefit farms, rural communities and consumers, among other issues.
It was good timing, as the House passed a farm bill at the end of April and permanent, year-round E15 on May 13, with every Illinois congressional member voting for the E15 legislation.
Six farms ranging from corn and soybean production to specialty crops to hogs hosted U.S. House members around the state throughout May and early June.
“By hosting on their operations and sharing their stories, IFB members provide lawmakers with a firsthand look at the challenges and opportunities facing agriculture during a critical time,” IFB Director of National Legislation Rebecca Barnett said. “These experiences have an invaluable impact on the decisions made in Washington, D.C., such as passing year-round E15 and a modernized farm bill. These conversations happened at a key time when these pieces of legislation were up for a vote on the House floor.
“We also appreciate the representatives who took the time to visit, listen and learn from the farmers and rural communities they represent. These visits help strengthen the connection between policymakers and the farmers they serve.”
LaSalle County
While LaSalle County Farm Bureau President David Isermann is a member of U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood’s ag advisory board, it was the congressman’s first time on the Streator corn, soybean and cattle farm. Isermann and his son, Jim, were done planting soybeans when LaHood, R-Dunlap, visited May 7, and were rebuilding their nitrogen strips in preparation of planting corn.
“We maybe gave him a couple ideas, some things to think about, especially because we’re beef producers, so we’re concerned about the amount of beef coming in from Brazil,” said Isermann, who also shared his concerns about uncertainties with diesel and fertilizer prices.
LaHood also spent some tractor cab time with Jim Isermann as he spread fertilizer.
“We hear a lot about these things in Washington, D.C., and we talk about them in committee rooms, but it’s really important to get out and listen to farmers firsthand, to be on the ground,” LaHood told FarmWeek. “That’s what today is all about, listening and learning about the practices that are used here at Dave’s farm, and being up in the tractor with Jim has been helpful and instructive.”
Henry County
U.S. Rep. Eric Sorensen, D-Moline, visited Illinois Farm Bureau District 3 Director Brian Corkill’s farm May 26 in Galva, where the sixth-generation farmer practices multiple conservation farming measures.
Among those are his two bioreactors, which help prevent nutrient runoff. Because it’s difficult to see the bioreactors in action, Rachel Curry, University of Illinois Extension educator, set up a rainfall simulator demonstration on the back of a pickup truck.
“We have to make sure that we are incentivizing these types of practices, otherwise we wouldn’t have people doing it, because it is so capital intensive on the beginning end, and a lot of farmers don’t have that capital,” said Sorensen, who also asked Corkill whether his conservation measures have helped as fertilizer and diesel prices have increased.
“Sure, because I’ve been utilizing cover crops, no-till, strip till ... so all those things now that I’ve been doing them for a long enough period of time, I’m able to cut back on the amount of applied fertilizer that I put on, so in this economy that makes a huge difference,” Corkill said.
Kane County
Kane County Farm Bureau President Dale Pitstick took U.S. Rep. Bill Foster, D-Naperville, for a tractor ride as he planted corn into cover crops in ground near Elburn May 11.
“It’s always awesome to have a legislator show up, take a visit with you. You can explain the technology to them, you can explain your issues,” Pitstick said, adding one of the issues he discussed with Foster was challenges with diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) rules.
Foster said he enjoyed the firsthand look at Pitstick’s operation.
“I’m always impressed by the technology being deployed by Illinois farmers and the role innovation can play in improving efficiency,” he said. “During this time of great economic stress for family farms, we must make sure the most cost-effective technology is available to support our farmers and strengthen their finances.”
Montgomery, Madison Counties
U.S. Rep. Mary Miller, R-Oakland, visited Borgic Farms, a hog farm in Nokomis, and Eric DeMange’s specialty crop farm in Saint Jacob June 2.
The Borgics provided an overview of their family farm operation, including a stop at the farrowing area where piglets are born. The visit was co-coordinated by Illinois Pork Producers Association.
The group learned about how important labor is to successfully run the operation and implications surrounding Proposition 12.
DeMange’s specialty crop family farm in Madison County harvest and sell asparagus, flowers, ground beef, vegetable plants, squashes, peppers and more. The farm also includes agritourism, a small cow/calf herd and row crops.
DeMange and Miller discussed labor concerns, the importance of education to consumers about where their food comes from, trade and more.
“It’s very important for people to come out to the farm to realize where the food comes from to bring it back to Washington, D.C., and explain to them that these are families that are farming to make a living. It’s just us taking care of the land and feeding our families and providing for others,” DeMange said.
Miller said she appreciated the meetings with local producers.
“Illinois farmers work tirelessly every day to feed our families and keep our communities strong. As a farmer myself, I know the challenges they face, and I’m honored to be their voice in Congress,” she said.
McHenry County
McHenry County farmers shared a meal and conversation with U.S. Rep. Brad Schneider, D-Deerfield, May 29 at Hogan Farm in Wonder Lake.
The group chatted about increased input costs, the BUILD America 250 Act and providing opportunities for the next generation.
“From developing the next generation of farmers, to rising diesel costs and persistent drought conditions, to the economic pressures impacting agricultural operations, I left with a better understanding of real concerns affecting family farms across our region,” Schneider said. “I remain committed to providing support that strengthens our farming communities and ensures the next generation of farmers has the opportunity to succeed.”
Kankakee County
U.S. Robin Kelly, D-Matteson, stopped by Clay Abbott’s farm May 8 near Momence, reflecting on her decades-long relationship with IFB that started with her being an adopted state legislator.
“I knew from that time how valuable it was just to get to know people. Get to know what the issues are ... just how all of these things are affecting their lives and the lives of their families,” Kelly told FarmWeek. “It’s been an absolute joy for me.”
Abbott, who was taking a planting break due to rain, talked with Kelly about input cost price shocks, especially with fertilizer and planning for next season.
“The ratio between the price of corn and the price of the inputs is out of whack right now. So we’re hoping inputs come down, or the price comes up, and we’re able to get those ratios into where we can have some profitability,” he said.