The farm doc team of the University of Illinois has prepared articles on the impact of the current financial crisis on the agricultural economy and decision-making. The five main farm topics are – the nature of the financial crisis, impacts on the short-term availability of farm credit, the connection between the financial meltdown and ag commodity prices, crop insurance decisions, and farm land rental and lease negotiations.
Farm doc analysis


The Economic Bailout Bill contains a variety of energy-related and depreciation tax incentives that could benefit agriculture. Check out the rescue bill on depreciation of farm equipment, wind energy production credits, and more.


Agricultural imports benefit U.S. consumers, but shipments can transport harmful foreign pests and diseases, putting U.S. farming, ag commodities and the environment at risk. Regulating agricultural imports protects farms, the ag industry and the environment.


Agricultural exports are forecast at $113 billion for 2009, down $1 billlion, and ag imports are expected to rise by $4 billion to a record $83 billion. The complete Outlook for U.S. Agricultural Trade was released in August, and the updated World Supply and Demand Estimates for farm commodities was released October 28.


Farm Bureau News asked the two major candidates to answer questions on issues important to farmers and ranchers. On September 22, "FBNews" published an exclusive look at the candidates' positions on such ag topics as farm programs, environmental regulations and property rights. See the detailed responses they supplied: Where the candidates stand on ag issues


Both candidates also offer summaries of their rural and farm plans on their websites.
Farm and Ranch Team for Prosperity in Rural America segment: McCain site
Rural / Ag Issues segment: Obama site


U.S. agriculture relies almost entirely on productivity growth to raise output. Total production nearly tripled between 1948 and 2004, while land in agriculture fell by one-quarter and farm labor declined by three-quarters. Because of farming's high productivity growth, agricultural commodity prices rose at less than half the rate of economy-wide prices over those 56 years.
Farm productivity drives ag production


Updated ag costs and returns data for farm crops and commodities were released by the ERS of the US Dept of Agriculture on October 1, 2008. USDA has estimated annual production costs and returns and published accounts for major field crop and livestock enterprises since 1975. These farm cost and return accounts are "historical" accounts based on the actual costs incurred by farmers. This program uses surveys conducted about every 4-8 years for each commodity as part of the annual Agricultural Resource Management Survey. 
Farm Crop & Commodity Data Released Oct. 1 


The growing number of wind ‘farms’ across the agricultural landscape and the food versus fuel controversy were the keynote presentations at CAPS’ annual Midwest Land Owner Seminar. Dwight Farber, project manager for Horizon Energy, briefed the audience on how properties are selected, the many studies done across the country that show where winds are most consistent, the infrastructure needed to move electricity once it is generated, and similar issues. Farber was followed by Rod Weinzerl, executive director of the Illinois Corn Growers Association, who addressed the issues raised within the farm industry and across the nation regarding corn being diverted from a food commodity to generate ethanol instead. Members of the CAPS team wrapped up the program with a review of current farmland value trends.
More Details and Photos


FoodPriceTruth is a clearinghouse of information designed to set the record straight on the domestic and worldwide food crisis. Interesting facts about farm production, food resources, etc., can be found on this site:
Food Price Truth


American Farmers for the Advancement and Conservation of Technology (AFACT), a farmer and producer group, seeks to educate, equip and empower everyone in the food chain. They want consumers to understand the benefits of technology and to encourage them to demand access to high-quality, affordable food with a minimal impact on the environment. Confused consumers shy away from foods produced using new technology, which in turn forces valuable management tools from the hands of farmers and ranchers. To learn more about this group and to read many food and agriculture facts, go to:
It Is A Fact


The recently signed 2008 Farm Bill includes Section 1619, Information Gathering, which prohibits public access to Farm Service Agency CLU data. This includes field boundaries, acres, tract numbers, farm numbers, field numbers, primary classification of land unit types and administrating county and state offices – information that significantly improves accuracy and communication for chemical applicators, insurance agents, land managers, crop consultants, farmers and other agricultural professionals. To restore public access to any new or updated CLU data, a Technical Corrections Bill or an amendment to the 2008 Farm Bill is required. Your help is needed to amend Section 1619.
Click here to tell Congress to release this information for use.


Check out this site for a list of annual farm, agricultural and rural trade shows across North America. Browse the options by date, state or province, or name. Each farm show entry gives current and future dates and locations, as well as contact information.


The Biomass Connections Bulletin Board is a forum that farmers, ranchers, timber growers and anyone else interested in raising biomass plants can participate in for discussion, information and camaraderie. Agriculture and forestry professionals are invited to join the forum at: www.biomassconnections.com


Farm Foundation, a catalyst on bioenergy issues since June 2004, will offer another seminar in its continuing series, Transition to a Bioeconomy. Environmental and rural development issues will be the focus of this third conference in October. Learn more about the Farm Foundation and its educational series at:
Farm Foundation-Current Projects


Survey Shows Support for Farm-Grown Fuel Alternative. A recent survey of 1,200 registered voters found broad support for increasing the use of corn ethanol for fuel. The National Corn Growers Association hailed the survey as proof that ethanol's detractors were losing the battle for public opinion.


2008 Farm Bill Side-By-Side. The side-by-side offers a comparison of the new Farm Bill with 2002-07 farm legislation. Summarized but substantive, it offers a time-saving reference to farm bill provisions. Sign up to receive an e-mail notice when the 2008 Farm Bill Side-By-Side is released:
2008 Farm Bill Side-By-Side


Delta Waterfowl Press Release - Results of the annual survey conducted by the Fish and Wildlife Service and the Canadian Wildlife Service: "Last year the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's annual Waterfowl Breeding Population and Habitat Survey painted a rosy picture -- Canada had the fourth-highest pond count in recorded history and five duck species were in record or near-record territory. The 2008 breeding population survey, released this week [week of July 8] by the Service, shows a 39 percent decline in Canadian ponds and double-digit percentage drops for 5 of the 10 most abundant species in the traditional survey area." Read the full release at:
Delta Waterfowl Press Release - July 8.


Changes in agricultural policy could impact long-term cropping and marketing plans. First and foremost, high commodity prices have provided American crop farmers with revenue that has been appreciated and long overdue. But there have been numerous consequences for domestic and foreign consumers who have had to pay higher prices. There have also been impacts for the grain marketing industry. And they have spurred increased global production. The Congressional Research Service reviewed the impact of high commodity prices and reported to Congress in early May. Read about this report at:
http://www.farmgate.uiuc.edu/


A new website segment to provide information on the food versus fuel debate has been posted by the National Corn Growers Association. "U.S. corn growers are proud to work hard and be able to meet the demand for corn for food, feed, fuel and fiber. We're also proud of the important role corn ethanol plays in reducing our nation's dependence on foreign oil, in helping protect the environment and in boosting our nation's economy." The resources on this site were prepared to help farm and non-farm audiences understand the truth regarding ethanol's positive impact. Read more at:
http://www.ncga.com/FoodandFuel/FoodAndFuel.asp


CAPS professionals Royce Bryant and Scott Johnson, members of the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers, discuss the International Farm Management Congress (IFMA17) which will be held in the US for the first time since 1986. Because the event will be based in Bloomington-Normal, IL, Johnson will be one of several members of the state chapter acting as host to 500 - 600 ag professionals from as many as 30 different countries in addition to the US.

Synopsis of the Int'l Farm Management Congress: Details from Bryant and Johnson
Visit the IFMA 17 Website: http://www.ifma17.org


The USDA has authorized certain farmland acres enrolled under the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) to be available to farmers and ranchers for hay and forage after the primary nesting season ends for grass-nesting birds. Prices for most field crops have advanced to record or near record levels, reflecting strong demand, tight supplies and competition for acres. The increased demand and resulting higher prices has impacted the livestock industry in particular. USDA estimates that this program will make up to 18 million tons of forage worth $1.2 billion available to farmers. Signup for interested CRP participants began June 2, 2008, at local Farm Service Agency (FSA) offices. This modification for critical feed use is only for 2008. All forage use must be completed no later than November 10, 2008. Read the full release at:

Read the full news release at:
CRP Acres for Hay and Forage News Release