Agriculture

Another "Extension" cord is being used to access the electric circuits in the tool shed. Today's powerful equipment and modern technology are key factors in assuring the success of Ford and Iroquois County producers with their own farming operations. University of Illinois Extension remains committed to being the reliable and proven source that focuses on SAFE AND EFFECTIVE PRODUCTION AGRICULTURE. "Hot topics" in the agriculture industry were provided again this past year through face-to-face workshops and teleconferences at the state and local level for grain farmers, landlords, livestock producers, agribusiness representatives, as well as supplying continuing education hours for certified crop advisors (CCAs). For the past several years, Ford-Iroquois Extension Ag Day in Buckley has been one of the most popular and best attended ag events in the area.

• Almost 200 farmers received private applicator training and certification through the Illinois Department of Agriculture for restricted use pesticides this past winter.

• The Ford-Iroquois Extension office in Onarga has served as the host site for the monthly Ag Breakfast since November 2004. Approximately 50 - 70 producers and agribusiness representatives are in attendance each month to learn more about yield statistics, crop insurance, grain marketing, integrated pest management, and farm leases.

• Twelve representatives from local farm related agencies and business entities meet quarterly to discuss current topics of interest in agriculture at the Ag Professionals Working Lunch sponsored by the Ford-Iroquois Extension Office. This networking has been very successful in sharing ideas and establishing key networking opportunities for programming efforts.

• Beef, sheep, swine, and dairy producers broadened their knowledge base at specie specific seminars addressing livestock management and sustainability.

• Ten certified crop advisors obtained continuing education hours on alfalfa management, western bean cutworm, soybean aphids, and soybean rust at winter workshops offered through the Extension office. Several local producers also attended these teleconferences as well.

• 125 producers and agribusinesses focused on current agriculture issues such as key changes in agriculture in the 21^st century; Heifer International; the National Animal Identification System (NAIS); ethanol outlook and impacts; regulations for farm tractors and implements on our roadways; intergenerational transfer of the family farm; soybean rust, and staying energized in a changing world at the Ford-Iroquois Extension Ag Day 2007.

• The Agriculture Drainage Law teleconference outlined pertinent guidelines and background information for 27 area producers, landlords, and agribusiness representatives. This session was designed only to provide a summary of the laws and policies, not to make legal determinations regarding existing systems or neighbor-to-neighbor relations.

• As designated by the Illinois Legislature, Extension Offices across the state of Illinois serve as polling sites for all commodity elections. During this past year, the Ford-Iroquois Extension Office facilitated two decision-making processes: Sheep & Wool Marketing Board representative and the referendum for a proposed increase in the corn check-off by the Corn Marketing Board.

• Harvest Bags distributed to 750 farm families featured nutritional snacks, farm safety information, and resource materials provided by U of I Extension.

• Two Progressive Farmer Farm Safety Day camps were held in Gibson City (86 5^th grade students) and Martinton (153 youth) to create awareness and provide important farm safety reminders through the use of a chemical look alike demonstration. Did you know that many products such as these look very similar and can cause a deadly mistake (apple juice & pine cleaner; fruit punch & allergy medication; water & rubbing alcohol; pancake syrup & motor oil)?