It has been one heck of a growing season this year. We started out with a wet growing season...that continued to get worse. And then, many of you replanted several times!

By June, farmers were speculating when was it too late to plant corn. Planting (and replanting) continued for some into July. Then in mid-September, Hurricane Ike visited east central Illinois with wind and heavy rain.

With all of that bad news, there were some good yields this fall. How did that happen? This explanation from Dennis Epplin, Crops Systems Educator in southern Illinois sums it up well, I think.

"I would suggest that it was a rare event that I will call LEGM, just for fun. We definitely had some Luck. We also had an extremely good Environment following planting. A great deal of credit must go to the seed industry for continuing to bring forward outstanding Genetics. Finally, pat yourself on the back for supplying a high level of Management, as well as hard work.

It is doubtful that the 2008 season will repeat in the near future. But,

congratulations go to all the corn, soybean, and grain sorghum growers who were able to take "lemons" and make "lemonade" in 2008."

Susan Guinnip

County Extension Director

Clark County

University of Illinois Extension's Agronomy Night will be held Tuesday, January 20 at the Clark County Extension Building south of Marshall. Sponsored by the Clark County Extension Unit, the evening will begin with a meal catered by A Taste of Country Catering at 6:30 p.m. Cost of the program is $5.

The program will begin at approximately 7:00 p.m. Please make your reservation by Friday, January 16, 2009 by contacting the Clark County Extension Office at 826-5422. This program and other educational agricultural programs are sponsored through the donations of several agribusinesses in Clark County.

Sponsored by Clark County 4-H

Saturday, February 21, 2009

4:00 PM IL Time

Clark County, U of I Extension Office

New & Used Tack, Misc. Items

Used tack consigned by Clark County 4-H members. Miscellaneous items donated by area businesses and individuals will be auctioned.

Silent Auction & Raffle to be held during Auction.

For information contact University of Illinois Extension, Clark County (217) 826-5422

Proceeds go to benefit the Clark County 4-H Horse & Pony Program.

The fifteenth annual Clark/Cumberland Ag Expo will occur on Wednesday, February 11^th, 2009. Richard's Farm Restaurant will once again be the site. Over the past fifteen years this event has provided local farmers the opportunity to interact with ag-service providers, merchants, marketing analysts and each other. This year's event will deliver similar benefits.

Speakers will focus on managing input costs as well as discussing lease options. There will also be an update on the Farm Bill.

A topic that always seems to be of interest to the farmer is market forecasting. The Marketing panel of WILL AM 580 will once again be on hand to share their views and opinions regarding commodity price outlook for both grains and livestock. Dave Dickey of WILL will monitor the panel.

As always, agri-businesses will have their services and wares on display and there will be an excellent and ample meal provided. Be sure to come and join us for all of this food, fun and education for the mere sum of $5.00 each. Registration will begin at 9:00 AM. Payment may be made at the door.

This five-state event is set for January 21-22 in Columbus, Indiana. Topics range from Alternative Grazing Forages to Using Sheep and Goats in a Grazing Environment to Marketing Farm-Raised Products to Grazing Stockers and Replacement Dairy Heifers. The conference also includes a trade show and silent auction.

For complete details, go to http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/regions/ag. Register by December 19 for the discount rate!

The 2009 Illinois Dairy Days are designed to help you make the most of your resources and remain a productive part of the dairy industry during these

difficult economic times.

Dairy Days are conducted at nine locations throughout the state. The program runs from 9:45 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. In this area, the programs are scheduled for:

January 9 Arthur, Yoder's Country Kitchen

January 15 Breese, American Legion

A registration fee covers lunch and materials. For more details, contact the Clark County Extension Office.

Below are the results of the Clark County Extension and FFA seed plots. Note that the Corn Plot had to be replanted and results were not tallied. A special thanks to Justin Parcel, the Martinsville High School VoAg teacher and his Ag class. Members of the Martinsville FFA Chapter assisted in the planting, harvesting, and yield tabulation of the plot. We certainly appreciate their interest, help and support. Also, thanks to Gale and Mark Kannmacher, the host farmers.

Variety	Number	Moisture	Yield	Adjusted	Standability
		%		Yield	1-10, 10 Good
Hoblit	342NRR	12.5	56.2	52.3	10.0
Specialty	320CR	12.5	47.2	43.2	10.0
Great Lakes	GL3309	12.6	51.6	47.5	9.0
Diener	3484	11.9	50.9	46.6	10.0
FS	3466	12.0	51.9	47.5	10.0
Midwest	GR3433	11.6	59.0	54.5	10.0
NU-AG	341	11.6	52.2	47.5	10.0
Hoblit	342NRR	11.1	57.1	52.3	10.0
Hoblit	355NRR	11.4	50.0	46.4	9.5
Brown/Arise	3508	11.6	49.9	47.6	10.0
Stewart	3579R	12.0	53.1	52.0	9.0
Horizon	352N	12.4	50.6	50.4	9.0
Specialty	351CR	12.3	50.6	52.0	9.5
Purple Ribbon	368RRN	12.8	43.7	46.4	10.0
Hoblit	342NRR	12.4	48.4	52.3	10.0
Hubner	366NNRR	12.1	54.2	57.9	9.0
Midwest	GR3631	11.9	57.7	61.2	9.5
Trisler	3675RR	12.3	51.8	55.1	9.5
Hoblit	375NRR	11.2	49.0	52.1	9.5
LG	3766	13.4	55.0	57.9	9.5
Hubner	377NNRR	11.9	44.0	46.7	9.0
Hoblit	342NRR	11.8	49.8	52.3	10.0
Horizon	373N	12.8	39.8	42.6	10.0
Great Lakes	GL3719	11.4	46.8	49.9	10.0
Diener	3820	11.6	40.4	43.8	10.0
Stewart	3888R	13.5	35.8	39.6	9.5
Purple Ribbon	388RRN	12.7	44.8	48.9	10.0
Great-Heart	382CRR	11.8	42.8	47.2	10.0
Hoblit	342NRR	11.9	47.6	52.3	10.0
Brown/Arise	3836	12.5	40.2	43.9	9.5
NU-AG	386	12.5	46.2	49.0	9.0
FS	3846	11.5	45.4	47.2	10.0
LG	3988	12.6	48.4	49.2	9.0
Trisler	3977RR	12.5	42.4	42.2	9.5
Great-Heart	397CRR	11.3	53.5	52.4	9.0
Hoblit	342NRR	11.8	54.4	52.3	10.0

Monitoring manure storage capacity and current livestock regulations are just two of the topics that will be addressed at the 2009 Livestock Manure Management Conference workshops, sponsored by the University of Illinois and set for March in Effingham and Princeton, Illinois.
"Inspecting manure storage structures to make sure they're in good shape needs to be an ongoing thing," said Randy Fonner, Extension specialist and one of the coordinators of the conference. "Maybe you need to replace a valve, maybe there's been some rodent burrowing. Preventive inspections can catch something before it becomes a problem. Then you have time to order a part, or bring in equipment that you need to fix it. You fix it on your time, when you want to, and not when you should be out harvesting crops."
Because 2008 was a wet year, weather-related manure releases have been a concern, said Fonner. "We heard a lot of discussion about storages that were 'fuller than full,'" he said. "The added pressure [of a significant rainfall] can cause a real problem, especially if you weren't keeping up with your inspections and the integrity of your storage wasn't great before."
A panel has been set up to discuss manure storage capacity planning, and several producers will talk about how they dealt with rainfall and full storages.

Fonner said an update on livestock regulations will also be given, particularly as they relate to run-off from open lots.
"We're going to be talking about good manure management practices for keeping those lots clean," he said, "and how to prevent nutrients and any pathogens from reaching a roadside ditch, and potentially a stream or a creek."

Other topics that will be addressed at the workshops include current Farm Bill programs, the latest technology for manure

management and precision farming, and a producer panel on manure marketing.
Each workshop will also host a trade show that features vendors who offer the latest in manure management equipment and services.

The manure management workshops will be held Tuesday, March 24, 2009 at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Effingham and Thursday, March 26, 2009 at the Wise Guys Bar & Grill in Princeton. The workshop costs $40, with registration beginning at 8:15 a.m. and the first session starting at 9:00 a.m. Lunch will be provided and the workshops adjourn at 4:00 p.m. Because lunch is included, pre-registration is necessary. To register, call ACES Marketing and Distribution at 1-800-345-6087 before March 18 to guarantee your space. You may access the conference brochure at http://www.livestocktrail.uiuc.edu/manure/.

Dates for the University of Illinois Corn & Soybean Classic have been announced. Most southern Illinois producers will want to attend the January 6 conference scheduled at the Holiday Inn in Mt. Vernon.

The 2009 program will emphasize crop production, pest management and economics, as well as the interactions among them. On-site registration starts at 8:30 a.m. followed by the first presentation at 9 a.m. Market updates will be provided throughout the day, and the program will adjourn by 3:30 p.m. A question-and-answer session is scheduled for both morning and afternoon sessions.

For more details, log on to http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/regions/ag

Soil testing, plant propagating, identifying diseases and pests, and selecting the right equipment are some of the topics that will be addressed at five workshops being offered this spring for small-scale farming operations.

"The Central Illinois Farm Beginnings (CIFB) workshops are geared toward people interested in launching a small farm business that is economically and environmentally sustainable," said Deborah Cavanaugh-Grant, University of Illinois Extension Specialist, Small Farm and Sustainable Agriculture and CIFB co-facilitator.

Now in its fourth year, Central Illinois Farm Beginnings is a program co-sponsored by the U of I Extension and The Land Connection. The year-long program includes course work, field days and workshops and hands-on mentorships. "This year we are opening the workshops to those people that are not able to commit to the full year program," said Terra Brockman, founder of The Land Connection and CIFB co-facilitator.

Complete information about the workshops including registration, is available at http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/smallfarm/begin_farm.html

The schedule is as follows:

Saturday, March 14, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Richland Community College, Decatur

General Plant Propagation and Production for the Vegetable Grower

Monday, March 16, 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

U of I Extension, Sangamon County Unit Office, Springfield

Web Marketing for Your Farm

Saturday, March 28, 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

U of I Extension, Sangamon County Unit Office, Springfield

VegScout School

Saturday, May 16, 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Prairie Fruits Farm, Champaign

Evaluating Soil Quality and Soil Maps

Saturday, May 23, 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Spence Farm, Fairbury

Equipment for Small Farmers

There is a fee of $30 per workshop for registrants who have not been enrolled in CIFB. To register, visit http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/smallfarm/ or contact Deborah Cavanaugh-Grant (217-968-5512; cvnghgrn@illinois.edu).

Tax help #1: A big benefit is being able to write off the first $250,000 in depreciation of assets bought in 2008 says NE tax specialist Tina Barrett. She says that includes tractors, combines, most farm equipment and breeding livestock, but not machine sheds.

Tax help #2: Barrett says the ability to average income over a less sumptuous year will be another benefit to help reduce tax liability. And if you sold assets, qualifying for capital gains, the capital gains tax is zero for the current year.

Tax help #3: Barrett says the IRS has finally clarified its rules, and individuals receiving social security payments will not have to pay self employment taxes on their CRP payments, if they are not actively farming. Anyone who is farming, and receiving CRP payments, and not receiving social security, will have to pay self-employment tax on it.

Tax help #4: Purdue tax specialist George Patrick says cash basis farmers may want to sell commodities this year, and defer income to 2009, but that requires a contract with the elevator that says the farmer has no right to the payment until a specific date next year.

Alfalfa production strategies for tight economic conditions will highlight the 2009 Alfalfa Workshop-Making Every $$ Count hosted by University of Illinois Extension on February 9. The program is from 9:30 am to 12:15 pm and will be delivered via teleconference at the University of Illinois Extension Clark County Office. Registration begins at 9:00 am.

"Alfalfa growers, dealers and consultants will hear about current production, fertilization, and pest management strategies that impact the profitability of growing alfalfa," reports Jim Morrison, Extension Educator, crop systems. "Information will be presented to help fine-tune management plans for the 2009 crop."

Speakers include: Mark Sulc, The Ohio State University Extension forage specialist; Fabián Fernández, University of Illinois Extension soil fertility specialist; Kevin Steffey, Extension entomologist at the University of Illinois; and Ken Moore, agronomist at Iowa State University, will comment on "Forages as a Biomass Crop." Participants will be able to interact with the speakers.

Continuing education units for Certified Crop Advisers have been requested. The program is sponsored by University of Illinois Extension. For more information and to register, contact the Clark County Extension office, 217-826-5422. The cost is $15 per person.

A volunteer weather program is looking for weather observers throughout Clark County to measure rain, snow, and hail. Volunteers are needed in Casey, Marshall, Martinsville, Westfield and throughout Clark County. The only requirements for participation are an enthusiasm for watching and reporting weather conditions, a desire to learn more about how weather affects us, and a standard rain gauge.

Most of us are aware that rainfall can be highly variable, especially in the spring and summer. The more rainfall observers we have, the better we can describe the amount and extent of precipitation in Illinois. CoCoRaHS observers are also a valuable supplement to the daily weather observations by National Weather Service observers. The Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow (CoCoRaHS) network is a grassroots national program of backyard weather observers of all ages and backgrounds working together to measure and map precipitation (rain, hail, and snow) in their local communities.

High-quality observations made by CoCoRaHS volunteers are used by a wide variety of organizations and individuals, including the National Weather Service, emergency managers, city utilities (for issues related to water supply, conservation, and stormwater), insurance adjusters, U.S. Department of Agriculture, farmers, teachers, and neighbors in the community.

To participate as a volunteer weather observer or for additional information, interested persons are invited to attend an information and training workshop to be held on Tuesday, February 10, at 7:00 p.m. at the Clark County Extension office.

Training is required to become a volunteer in this network. There is no cost to attend the training session, but pre-registration is required. To register, call the Clark County Extension Office at 217-826-5422, or send email to hberg@illinois.edu.

CoCoRaHS, a nonprofit organization, is supported by a grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and other contributors. CoCoRaHS in Illinois is coordinated by the Illinois State Water Survey at the University of Illinois, the National Weather Service, and the University of Illinois Extension Natural Resources Management Team.

USDA Soybean Rust Information Site http://www.sbrusa.net/

Illinois Soybean Rust Information http://www.soybeanrust.org/

Pesticide Safety Education Program (PSEP)

Private PSEP Training Schedule http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/psep/training/

Commercial PSEP Training Schedule http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/psep/training/

PSEP information for Unit Offices available on the U of I Extension internal website at http://www.extension.uiuc.edu/intranet/pat/private/private.html

Illinois Master Gardeners Training Schedule

2009 Master Gardener Training Schedule Calendar at http://www.extension.uiuc.edu/mg/

University of Illinois Tax Schools

2008 fall calendar of University of Illinois Tax Schools at http://www.ace.uiuc.edu/TaxSchool/

2008-2009 Certified Livestock Manager Training Workshops

Contact Randy Fonner, 217-333-2611, refonner@illinois.edu for program details or go to www.livestocktraining.com

January 29, 2009: 8:50 am, Sunrise Community Center, 1401 Clayton Avenue, Newton, IL. Written exam will be offered at 1:30 pm. This workshop has a swine emphasis.

February 18, 2009: 10:00 am, University of Illinois Extension, Effingham County Unit Office, 1209 Wenthe Drive, Effingham, IL. Written exam will be offered at 2:00 pm. This workshop has a beef/dairy emphasis.

2008 Illinois Farm Economic Summits

http://www.farmdoc.uiuc.edu/

December 16, 2008: Holiday Inn, Mt. Vernon, IL

December 17, 2008: Interstate Center, Bloomington, IL

Corn & Soybean Classics

registration at 8:30 am, program from 9:00 am – 3:30 pm, www.ipm.uiuc.edu/conferences

January 6, 2009: Kriegers'/Holiday Inn, Mt. Vernon, IL

January 7, 2009: I Hotel & Conference Center, Champaign, IL

January 12, 2009: Interstate Center, Bloomington, IL

January 13, 2009: Crowne Plaza, Springfield, IL

2009 Illinois Dairy Days

All Dairy Day programs (except Jerseyville) begin with registration at 9:45 am and conclude at 3:00 pm. For further information contact Evonne Hausman, 217-333-2624, ehausman@uiuc.edu or Mike Hutjens hutjensm@uiuc.edu

January 9, 2009: Yoder's Country Kitchen, Arthur, IL

Illinois Regional Crop Management Conferences

January 28-29, 2009: Southern Illinois Crop Management Conference, Rend Lake Resort & Conference Center, Whittington, IL, for further information contact Dennis Epplin, Mount Vernon Extension Center, 618-242-9310, depplin@uiuc.edu

February 3-4, 2009: East Central Illinois Crop Management Conference, I Hotel & Conference Center, Champaign, IL, for further information contact Dennis Bowman, Champaign Extension Center, 217-333-4901, ndbowman@uiuc.edu

2009 Illinois Tillage Seminars

Pre-registration is requested and is due one week prior to the meeting date. Registration should be sent to the office listed below.

January 27, 2009: 8:50 am – 3:00 pm, Interstate Center, 2301 West Market Street, Bloomington, IL, pre-registration should be sent to University of Illinois Extension, McLean County Unit Office, 402 North Hershey Road, Bloomington, IL, 61704, 309-663-8306.

Livestock Manure Management Conferences

for further information contact Randy Fonner, 217-333-2611, refonner@illinois.edu

March 24, 2009: Knights Of Columbus Hall, 8:00 am – 4:00 pm, Effingham, IL

March 26, 2009: Wiseguys Bar & Grill, 8:00 am – 4:00 pm, Princeton, IL

Regional, State & National Meetings

December 2-4, 2008: Greater Peoria Farm Show, Peoria, IL www.farmshowsusa.com

December 8-11, 2008: North Central Weed Science Society Annual Meeting, Hyatt Regency, Indianapolis, IN http://www.ncwss.org/

January 7-10, 2009: Illinois Specialty Crops and Agritourism Conference & Trade Show, Crowne Plaza, Springfield, IL, for further information contact Diane Handley, 309-557-2107, handley@ilfb.org

January 20-22, 2009: Illinois Fertilizer & Chemical Association Annual Meeting, Convention and Trade Show, Civic Center, Peoria, IL http://www.ifca.com/convention/2009/default.php

January 21-22, 2009: Midwest Organic Production and Marketing Conference, Adam's Mark Hotel (airport), Indianapolis, IN

January 21-22, 2009: Heart of America Grazing Conference, Holiday Inn, Columbus IN, for further information contact Brad Shelton, Purdue University Extension, 812-883-4601. http://www.agry.purdue.edu/ext/forages/pdf/2009HOAGC.pdf

February 3, 2009: Southern Illinois Commercial Tree Fruit School, Holiday Inn, Mount Vernon, IL, for further information contact Elizabeth Wahle, wahle@uiuc.edu

February 4, 2009: Southwestern Illinois Commercial Tree Fruit School, First Presbyterian Church, Hardin, IL, for further information contact Elizabeth Wahle, wahle@uiuc.edu

February 9, 2009: Alfalfa Workshop-Making Every $$ Count, 9:25 am – 12:15 pm, audio/web conference presented via teleconference equipment, hosted by various University of Illinois Extension Units, for further information contact Jim Morrison, 815-395-5710, morrison@illinois.edu

February 11, 2009: Southern Illinois Commercial Vegetable Growers School, Holiday Inn, Mount Vernon, IL, for further information contact Elizabeth Wahle, wahle@uiuc.edu

February 18, 2009: Soil & Water Management Workshop, 9:00 am -2:20 pm, presented via teleconference equipment (Latitude Bridge), offered by various County Extension Unit Offices, for further information contact Duane Friend, friend@illinois.edu

February 19-21, 2009: Illinois Grape Growers and Vintners Association Annual Conference, Springfield, IL

March 3-4, 2009: Illinois Small Fruit & Strawberry School, Holiday Inn, Mount Vernon, IL, for further information contact Elizabeth Wahle, wahle@uiuc.edu