Dear Producers,

Another year has flown by. It was filled with a wild increase in commodity prices followed by dramatic declines. Production input costs have skyrocketed as well, but they have not declined as fast or as far as corn and soybean prices have. This rollercoaster of prices exemplifies the fact that when marketing opportunities avail themselves to us, we should seriously consider the opportunity to take advantage of them while available. Unsure production amounts stifle many from forward pricing before harvest. It is prudent to not price too much production until certainty of harvest is near, but there were many possibilities that were not acted upon and now we wish that we had.

This winter meeting season offers many opportunities as well. Please read through this newsletter and decide which offerings address your needs, pre-register when required, and attend so that you can take advantage of the information at hand.

Have a safe and happy holiday season and fine tune your production practices for the challenging 2009 season ahead.

Sincerely,

Marion Shier

- Marion Shier

Livingston County Pesticide Safety Education Program

(formerly PAT - Pesticide Applicator Training)

Thursday, January 22, 2009 from 10-3

Tuesday, March 3, 2009 from 10-3

Thursday, March 19, 2009 from 10-3

Livingston County Extension Office has scheduled 3 additional PSEP Training Workshops to prepare producers to obtain and maintain their Private Pesticide Applicators License. Individuals must pass a 50 question exam administered by the Illinois Department of Agriculture.

There is a state wide fee of $30 to participate in the PSEP Training Workshops. After successfully passing the 50 question test, there is an additional $20 licensing fee payable to the Illinois Department of Agriculture to secure the license.

Because seating space is limited, those wishing to attend any of the Livingston County PSEP training workshops should pre-register for the workshop date they wish to attend by calling 815/844-3622 or stopping by the office at 1412 S. Locust Street in Pontiac and pre-paying the $30 registration fee.

Those who prefer to study for the exam ahead of the training can study the "Private Applicator Study Guide and Workbooks" that they had for their previous license or if they need an additional copy can stop by the office and pick them up for an additional $12.

For more information look on the web at: http://www.pesticidesafety.uiuc.edu/

DHIA/Dairy Focus Meeting

Livingston Co.—February 9

DHIA And Dairy Focus Meetings have been scheduled for Livingston and Tazewell County. The first is set for Monday, February 9th at 11 am at the Livingston County Extension Office, 1412 S. Locust Street in Pontiac. The DHIA meeting will start at 11 a.m. followed by lunch and the Dairy Focus meeting.

Mike Hutjens, U of I Extension Dairy Specialist will be the featured speaker. Mike will make some preliminary remarks and then producers will have the opportunity to discuss and have answers on a number of topics pertaining to their dairy operation with specific emphasis on Nutrition and Management.

For additional information on the meetings or to register contact Marion Shier at 815/844-3622. Pre Registration required by Friday, February 6th

Livingston County Agronomy Day

Thursday, February 19

Livingston County Extension Office in Pontiac

The 2009 Livingston County Extension Agronomy Day is scheduled Thursday, February 19, 2009 at the Livingston County Extension Office in Pontiac at 1412 South Locust Street. The meeting will begin at 9:15 a.m. with coffee and donuts and continue through the afternoon. A free lunch will be provided at noon by supporters and sponsors.

Topics will include the following:

9:15 Coffee and Donuts

9:30 Fungicides on Corn & Soybeans and What about Soybean Rust? –Suzanne Bissonnette –

Extension IPM Educator

10:20 IPM, Resistance Management, and Entomology Update

– Mike Gray –

Extension Entomology Specialist

11:10 Corn and Soybean Outlook

– Darrel Good –

Extension Agricultural Economics Specialist

12:00 Lunch (Provided by Sponsors)

12:45 Corn Physiology & Damage from Known and Unknown Factors – Emerson Nafziger –

Extension Crop Specialist

1:35 Economic N-P-K Decision Making to Maximize Returns

– Fabian Fernandez –

Extension Soil Fertility Specialist

For those interested in attending, pre-register by calling 815/844-3622 to help us plan for materials and arrangements.

2009 University of Illinois

Corn & Soybean Classics

Tuesday, January 13

Interstate Center, Bloomington

The program, with a format that emphasizes crop production, pest management, economics, and the interactions among them, will begin at 9:00 and conclude by 3:30. Market updates will be provided throughout the day, and communication between speakers and participants is encouraged. Question-and-answer sessions are scheduled for both morning and afternoon. Lunch and a proceedings booklet with synopses of all presentations are provided to each registrant.

There are six 2009 Corn & Soybean Classics:

· January 6 (Tuesday): Mt. Vernon, Holiday Inn

· January 7 (Wednesday): Champaign, I Hotel and Conference Center

· January 12 (Monday): Bloomington, Interstate Center

· January 13 (Tuesday): Springfield, Crowne Plaza

· January 14 (Wednesday): Moline, i wireless Center

· January 15 (Thursday): Malta, Kishwaukee College

The following list of speakers and topics applies to all the Classics, though individual schedules may require variations in the order of speakers:

--Carl Bradley, Managing Corn and Soybean Diseases with Fungicides
--Gary Schnitkey, Rotation Decisions in a Turbulent Price and Cost Environment
---Terry Niblack, Things Are Changing Again in Corn and Soybean Nematode Management
--Fabián Fernádez, Managing Expensive Nitrogen to Maximize Profitability
--Emerson Nafziger, Seed Costs and Corn Plant Populations
--Darrel Good, What Acreage Shifts Are Needed in 2009?
--Mike Gray, Maintaining Bt Durability with Cry Protein Stacks and Landscape/Seed Mixture Refuge: Is This Enough?
--Aaron Hager, Turn Out the Lights: The Party is Over
--Kevin Steffey, "New Age" Soybean Insect Management

Pre- Registration for the Classics can be accomplished:

· Online with a credit card at www.ipm.uiuc.edu/conferences/csc

· By mail--send a completed registration form and payment to Department of Crop Sciences, Attention: Sandy Osterbur, University of Illinois, AW-101 Turner Hall, 1102 S. Goodwin Ave., Urbana, IL 61801 (make check payable to University of Illinois).

· By phone--call toll-free, 800-321-1296, and pay with a credit card.

Registrations received after December 21 or on-site are $65.

2009 Illinois Shepherds Clinic

January 6 & 12

U of I TeleConferencing System

A two-part TeleNet series titled Shepherds Clinic 2009 is being offered to sheep producers over the Extension two-way radio conferencing system. The program airs from 7 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, January 6 and Monday, January 12.

Counties that have scheduled the Shepherds Clinics include: Ford-Iroquois, Macoupin, McLean, and Tazewell. Interested participants will need to contact their local University of Illinois Extension office for other potential meeting sites. Producers planning to attend should contact nearest meeting site during the third week of December to reserve space and insure that class materials are available.

Illinois Dairy Day (NEW LOCATION)

Thursday, January 8 – El Paso

El Paso Community Center (Located in South Pointe Park)

The central Illinois Dairy Day will be held at the El Paso Community Center located at the South Pointe Park (525 S. Sycamore). The date of the program is Thursday, January 8, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Speakers on the program include Dr. Mike Hutjens, Dairy Extension Specialist from the Department of Animal Sciences; Dr. Dick Wallace, Dairy Extension Veterinarian from the College of Veterinary Medicine; Dave Fischer, Animal Systems Educator from the Edwardsville Extension Center and Jim Endress, Farm Business, Management and Marketing Educator from the Rockford Extension Center. A list of the speakers and topics include the following:

Dr. Mike Hutjens – "Feed Strategies with Today's Feed Prices" & "Impact of Technology on the Dairy Carbon Footprint"

Dr. Dick Wallace – "Economic Implications of Cull Dairy Cattle" & "Herd Health Update"

Dave Fischer – "Managing the Replacement Herd" & "Manure – A Valuable By-Product"

Jim Endress – "Evaluating Economic Alternatives" & "Livestock Gross Margin for Dairy"

In addition, there will be several commercial exhibits with the latest in information and technology. Registration is required to attend and must be made through the Woodford County Extension Office (309-467-3789) by Monday, December 22. Pre-registration if made by December 22^nd is $15 per person with late and at door registration is $18. A complete copy of the program can be obtained from Dave Seibert 309-694-7501, Ext 224

Midwest Organic Production & Mgmt Conference

January 21 - 22

The Midwest Organic Production and Management Conference and Trade Show is scheduled for January 21 and 22 at the Adams Mark Hotel-Airport in Indianapolis, IN. It is being held in conjunction with the Indiana Horticultural Congress.

The program will feature University of Illinois researchers in the areas of economics and marketing, pest control and weed management, as well as speakers from Purdue University, Michigan State, the USDA, and some successful organic farmers to tell their interesting stories and share what they've learned about organic farming.

The two-day conference will cover topics including economics, developing markets, livestock, agronomic and horticulture crops, aquaculture, and organic management. For a complete agenda and online registration, visit http://orgconf.sustainability.uiuc.edu/ For more information contact Dan Anderson, ph. 217-333-1588; E-mail: aslan@uiuc.edu

Area Beef Cattle Seminars

Tuesday, January 27 – Onarga - Ford-Iroquois County

Area beef cattle producers will have the opportunity to attend three Area Beef Cattle Seminars scheduled for Tuesday, January 27 in Onarga, Ford-Iroquois Counties Speakers will be specialists from University of Illinois Extension, Illinois State University (Lexington Location) and industry representatives who will cover a number of beef cattle topics. However, once again the Feeding of Corn Co-Products will be emphasized.

A complete copy of the program will be available from the Ford-Iroquois County Extension Office at 815-268-4051; or Dave Seibert at the East Peoria Extension Center (309-694-7501 Ext. 224).

Central Illinois Tillage Seminar

Tuesday, January 27

"Tillage, Technology & Environmental Stewardship" is the theme for the 2009 Central Illinois Tillage Seminar, scheduled for Tuesday, January 27, 2009 at the Interstate Center, Bloomington, IL. Directions: The Interstate Center is located at 2301 W. Market St., on the west edge of Bloomington-Normal, IL. Take I-55/74 to Exit 160; go West on IL Route 9 for 3/4 of a mile; turn right into the Interstate Center.

This year's Tillage Seminar features an outstanding line-up of state and nationally recognized speakers.

8:00 – 8:50 am Registration, Meet with Exhibitors, Coffee & Rolls

8:50 – 9:00 am Opening Remarks and Welcome,

Don Meyer, County Extension Director

9:00 – 9:15 am The 2008 Cropping/Tillage Season in Review,

Bob Frazee, U of I Extension Natural Resources Educator

9:15 – 9:30 am State Cost-Share & Technical Assistance Programs,

Elliot Lagacy, IL Dept. of Agriculture Regional Rep

9:30 – 9:45 am What's in the 2008 Farm Bill for You? Conservation

Payments, Brett Roberts, NRCS State Agronomist

9:45 – 10:30 am Role of Tillage on Carbon Sequestration,

Jerry Hatfield, Director, National Soil Tilth Lab

10:30 – 10:45 am Break, Meet with Agri-business Exhibitors

10:45 – 11:25 am Impact of Climate on Crops,

Jim Angel, State Climatologist, Illinois State Water Survey

11:25 am – 12:15 pm Soil Effects of Long-term No-till/Strip-till, Controlled-traffic, Aligned Farming Systems, Clay Mitchell, Iowa Farmer, National No-till Conference Speaker

12:15 – 1:15 pm Lunch and Visit with Exhibitors

1:15 – 2:10 pm No-till Planter Set-up & Equipment Modifications,

No-till Management, Barry Fisher – IN State Agronomist, Natural Resources Conservation Service

2:10 – 3:00 pm Managing No-till/Strip-till: Weed Shifts and Resistance, Clay Mitchell – Iowa Farmer, National No-till Conference Speaker

3:00 pm Seminar Adjourns, Meet with Exhibitors & Speakers

The 2009 Central Illinois Tillage Seminar is co-sponsored by the Illinois Department of Agriculture, University of Illinois Extension, AISWCD, Natural Resources Conservation Service, and the Soil and Water Conservation Districts. Seed, chemical, machinery dealers, soil testing, and other agri-businesses will be featured as exhibitors. This Tillage Seminar will provide 5.0 CEU's for Certified Crop Advisers (3.5 Soil & Water Management; 1.0 IPM; and .5 Crop Management).

Pre-registration is necessary and the deadline is January 20^th. Seating is limited so registration will be taken on a first-come basis. A $20 per person fee will be charged to cover room rental and noon luncheon.

To register by mail, include the following information with your check: Central IL Tillage Seminar, your name, address and county of residence. Please make your check payable to "University of Illinois Extension" and send to: University of Illinois Extension-McLean County, 402 N. Hershey Rd., Bloomington, IL 61704. On-line, credit card registrations can be made at this website: www.mcleanextension.org For more information, contact Brian Lambert, Ag Program Coordinator, ph. (309)-663-8306 or Bob Frazee, U of I Natural Resources Educator, phone (309)-694-7501, Ext. 226.

Managing High Phosphorus Prices

The remarkable, unprecedented rise in fertilizer phosphorus prices has farmers searching for ways to reduce phosphorus applications. How you proceed depends on how you anticipate phosphorus prices will change over the next few years.

High prices currently are driven by higher worldwide demand for phosphorus than supply. Industry projections imply demand will continue to exceed supply for at least the next couple of years. This implies phosphorus prices will remain high. However the recent turmoil in the world economy may reduce global demand making the current estimate for demand over-stated.

Many farmers have used soil testing in a phosphorus soil fertility program to bring their soil test levels to an optimum level (approximately 22 ppm Bray-I P). Phosphorus application on these farms maintains optimum soil test levels by replacing phosphorus removed by the crop either annually or every other year. Taking one or even two years off from maintenance phosphorus applications on high yielding fields is unlikely to reduce yields. If you do not apply phosphorus fertilizer for too many years soil test levels will drop to a point that will reduce yield.

Postponing phosphorus applications on optimum testing fields may make sense if you expect phosphorus prices to fall significantly in the next year or two. Farmers who have low Phosphorus testing soils that are trying to maximize yield will need to apply phosphorus fertilizer despite high prices.

· Save $8-10 per acre by eliminating one field pass. Forget about shredding stalks, since NE planter researchers found no advantage to removing corn stalk residue if the planter is weighted and downpressure springs are used to keep the proper planting depth. More: http://cropwatch.unl.edu/

· If you buy the new Roundup Ready 2 Yield seed beans, you are buying a bag with a specific number of beans inside, not bags with a uniform weight. That is the industry trend, you will get 140,000 beans, but not necessarily 50 lbs. of seed. A seed size of 2,800/lb. is about average, but seed size will vary by variety and will vary due to environmental conditions.

· The size of seed beans is not as important as yield potential and pest resistance. Seed size does not affect emergence percentage, seedling vigor, or yield potential. But smaller seeds have less reserves, and planting depth is more critical. More: http://ppp.missouri.edu/newsletters/ipcm/archives/fullissue/v18n17.pdf

· Iowa State's fungicide study found "that use of fungicide as a preventative measure can increase yields in a season when disease pressure is moderate or high. In such a season, many fungicide treatments yielded better and a few treatments increased yield over 10 bu." Read more at: http://www.extension.iastate.edu/CropNews/2008/1117yang.htm

· Foliar fungicide studies in Ohio had highly variable yields across several test plots, and treatments. Researchers recommend that foliar diseases in soybeans should be monitored at the R2 (full flower) stage to determine if fungicide applications may be profitable. They say if bean prices are close to application costs, then the application is warranted.

· Oh, you didn't know it is more rainy? 100 years ago, it rained an average of 75 days per year, but that number increased to 100 days per year by the year 2000. Since 2004, the number of rainy days in the Cornbelt has exceeded 120 days per year.

· This is the best time of year to walk your fields and collect soil samples to determine the seriousness of your Soybean Cyst Nematode problem. The colder soil temperatures means the SCN eggs are in the cyst and they are readily countable for analysis. Today: 1) Select a 10 acre plot to test, and walk a W or Z pattern collecting soil samples. 2) Sample the soil with a shovel or probe about 8 inches down in 20 locations. 3) Mix the samples and fill a one pint zip lock bag with a composite of the soil. 4) Call your local Extension office for instructions to submit the sample without delay.

· European corn borers were unevenly distributed in 2008 the southern third of the state had the most. Specialists suggest Bt corn use has been the main cause for declining populations, but heavy rainfalls are being thanked for increasing their 2008 mortality.

State Expands Emerald Ash Borer Quarantine Boundary

The state Department of Agriculture has added all or part of four central Illinois counties to its emerald ash borer (EAB) quarantine to prevent the artificial spread of the destructive pest through the movement of infested wood and nursery stock.

The newly-quarantined areas include all of McLean and Woodford counties, eastern Marshall County and the portion of Livingston not part of prior quarantine orders. The addition of these areas brings the number of impacted counties to 21 and became necessary after the beetle was discovered this summer outside the boundaries of the former quarantine.

"Purple traps set around the state to monitor for EAB detected two previously-unknown infestations in McLean County, one in Bloomington and another in Chenoa." Warren Goetsch, IDOA bureau chief of Environmental Programs, said. "The quarantine essentially was expanded to include these sites, as well as counties to the north situated between the infestations and the previously quarantined area."

The "purple trap" survey, which began last spring, involved placing 4,689 purple sticky traps in a 100-mile wide arc throughout central and northwestern Illinois and various high-risk sites in southern Illinois. The traps were removed in late summer and then analyzed for an adult life-stage of EAB. Beetles were discovered in seven traps; three were located in LaSalle County, two in McLean and one in both Bureau and Lake. Except McLean, all counties with a positive find were already under quarantine.

The quarantine prohibits the removal of the following items:

-The emerald ash borer in any living state of development.

-Ash trees of any size or Ash limbs or branches

-Any cut, non coniferous firewood

-Bark from ash trees and ash wood chips more than one inch

-Ash logs and lumber with either the bark or the outer one-inch of sapwood, or both, attached.

-Any item made from or containing the wood of the ash tree that is capable of spreading the emerald ash borer.

-Any other article, product or means of conveyance determined by the IL Dept of Ag to present a risk of spreading the beetle infestation.

Anyone convicted of moving prohibited items from the quarantine area without the approval of an IL Dept. of Ag. Nursery inspector may be fined up to $500.

Since the emerald ash borer was first confirmed in the Midwest in 2002, it has killed tens of millions of ash trees. Anyone who suspects a tree has been infested is urged to contact their county Extension office or their village forester. The full text of the quarantine can be viewed at: www.agr.state.il.us/newsrels/r1105081.html

Landowner 101 - Understanding Agriculture for Landowners

February 2 & 9, 2009

These two companion workshops are designed for landowners who wish to know more about the Agricultural industry. Brought to you by University of Illinois Extension, these sessions will be at the McLean County Farm Bureau Building, 402 N. Hershey Rd. in Bloomington. Each session will begin at 6:00 pm and end at 8:00 pm. Sessions are $15 each or $25 for both sessions. Check payable to University of Illinois Extension should be sent to McLean County Extension Unit, Attn: Brian Lambert, 402 N. Hershey Rd, Bloomington, IL 61704. Online registration is available at www.mcleanextension.org. For info call 309-663-8306.

February 2, 2009
Basic Agronomy for Landowners will primarily focus on terms and technologies used in agriculture, how land is used by farmers, how crops are produced and harvested, basic agronomy, and how farmer decisions impact farmland values and leasing.

February 9, 2009
Farmland Leasing and Economics is designed for landowners, producers, and others who want to learn more about current leasing practices: including crop-share, cash rent, and flexible cash rent leasing options. Additionally, resources useful to both sides of this important business relationship will be presented. Lease forms, crop economics and recent trends will be discussed.

Farmer Series - Agricultural Economics Workshops

February 9 & 16, 2009

These two workshops are designed for farmers and landowners interested in learning more about farmland leasing and crop insurance options. Brought to you by University of Illinois Extension, these sessions will be at the McLean County Farm Bureau Building, 402 N. Hershey Rd. in Bloomington. Each session will begin at 6:00 pm and end at 8:00 pm. Sessions are $15 each or $25 for both sessions. Check payable to University of Illinois Extension and should be sent to McLean County Extension Unit, Attn: Brian Lambert, 402 N. Hershey Rd, Bloomington, IL 61704. Online registration is available at www.mcleanextension.org. For more information call 309-663-8306.

February 9, 2009
Farmland Leasing and Economics is designed for landowners, producers, and others who want to learn more about current leasing practices: including crop-share, cash rent, and flexible cash rent leasing options. Additionally, resources useful to both sides of this important business relationship will be presented. Lease forms, crop economics and recent trends will be discussed.

February 16, 2009
Crop Insurance Decisions will help farmers, and crop-share landowners, make informed decisions about their crop insurance. An overview of types available, their relative advantages and disadvantages, cost/benefit analysis and tools that can assist farmers in the decision making process will also be covered in this workshop.

Soil and Water Management Workshop

Wednesday, February 18

Ford/Iroquois Extension Office, Onarga

Regional Soil and Water Management Workshops are being scheduled throughout Illinois for Certified Crop Advisors. The workshops are designed to provide relevant information in soil and water management, along with Certified Crop Advisor continuing education units. The Soil & Water Workshops are being sponsored by University of Illinois Extension and are scheduled to be held at County Extension Offices throughout the state on Wednesday, February 18, 2009. The workshop is planned to provide 4.5 hours of CEUs in Soil and Water Management.

This workshop will be a distance presentation, using Telenet and Power Point. Presenters will be University of Illinois Extension Specialists and Educators. Depending on the location, some locations may have a live presenter.

Registration for Certified Crop Advisors and others interested in the workshop will be $45 per person ($10 per CEU). The workshop is tentatively scheduled to run from 9 to 2:45.

Topics that will be covered include:

Global Water Quality Impacts

Carbon Trading and Cropping Systems

Cover crop research

Soil Quality research

Sustainable Ag and cropping systems

Flooding impacts on soils

Water Quality and buffer strip research

Surface and Ground Water Issues Impacting Farmers and Landowners

If you are interested in participating in the February 18^th Soil & Water Management Workshop, please contact Ford/Iroquois County Extension Office at: 912 W. Seminary Ave., P.O. Box 163, Onarga, Illinois 60955-0163 or call at 815/268-4051. If you have questions or need more information about the 2009 Soil & Water Management Workshops, contact the S&W Workshop Coordinator, Duane Friend, ph. (217)-243-7424 or e-mail friend@illinois.edu

Remember the Premiere Tattoo/Tagging Dates for ISF

Steers – By February 1 through March 15, 2009

Wethers – Between March 15 through May 15, 2009

Barrow – By April 15, 2009 and within 35 days of birth

4-H/FFA members planning to exhibit steers and wethers at the 2009 Illinois State Fair will need to have their animals tattooed between the following dates:

Tattoo/Tagging Steers – February 1 and March 15, 2009 – Also, there is an ownership deadline of February 1, 2008 for all steers.

TattooTagging Wethers – March 15 and May 15, 2009 – This date includes Junior-Open Premiere and Junior on-foot lambs. Also there is an ownership date for these lambs of May 15^th.

Exhibitors of "ISF Premiere Barrows" must not be farrowed before February 10, 2009 and must be tattooed no later than April 15, 2009. Also, barrows must be tattooed before they are 35 days old and not weighing more than 1.0 pounds per day when tattooed.

Livingston County Steer Weigh-In Date

Saturday, February 7^th at the Livingston County 4-H Fair Grounds in Pontiac

Call the Livingston County Extension Office to pre-register and schedule your weigh-in time.

2008 Livingston County Extension Soybean Variety

Observation Plot Results

Call the Extension office for a copy of this years plot results!

Illinois Pork Expo

Tuesday-Wednesday, February 3-4

Peoria Civic Center - Peoria

The Illinois Pork Producers Association will hold the Illinois Pork Expo on Tuesday and Wednesday, February 3 and 4 at the Peoria Civic Center in Peoria, Illinois. Monday, February 2 will be the IPPA Annual Meeting with Tuesday and Wednesday to view commercial exhibits and educational seminars.

There are a number of educational seminars planned for Tuesday and Wednesday, February 3 and 4 for the expo. The specific topics, speakers and times for the various seminars can be obtained from the Illinois Pork Producers office at 217-529-3100.

Illinois Performance Tested Bull Sale

Thursday, February 19

Illinois State Fairgrounds – Springfield

The 2009 Illinois Performance Tested Bull Sale will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 19^th in the Livestock Exposition Center on the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield. There will be a large number of two-year old (2007) and yearling (December 2007 through March 2008) bulls available.

A complete copy of the sale catalog will be mailed to all the past consignors and producers who attended and registered at the sale. In addition, the information on the sale (performance pedigrees) will be posted on the new IPT Bull Sale web site at http://www.IPTBullSale.com . Additional information or a hard copy of the sale catalog can be obtained by calling Dave Seibert at 309-694-7501 Ext 224 or by writing Dave Seibert, E. Peoria Extension Center, 727 Sabrina Drive, E. Peoria, IL 61611.

U of I College to Host "ExplorACES"

March 13 & 14

Students in the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES) at the University of Illinois will be hosting the Fourth Annual "ExplorACES" on Friday and Saturday, March 13 and 14, 2009, on the U of I campus in Urbana. It will coincide with the annual College of Engineering Open House.

This event is aimed primarily toward high school students and others who are already thinking about where they will attend college. In addition to visitors from downstate high schools, the organizers hope ExplorACES will draw potential students from urban and suburban areas—those who otherwise may not consider a college with the word "Agricultural" in its name. It will also be a great opportunity for teachers and school administrators to find out what's happening in the College of ACES.

ExplorACES will be geared toward showing people what college students are working on in their classes and club activities. ExplorACES will feature dozens of hands-on exhibits that are designed to show prospective students the kinds of learning opportunities they would have in the College of ACES. Visitors will have a chance to tour labs and classrooms, learn about internships and study-abroad programs, and talk with current students as well as faculty members. Check out the ExplorACES website http://www.aces.uiuc.edu/ExplorACES/ or contact the ExplorACES Coordinator, Jeremy Robinett, robinett@uiuc.edu , 217-333-2728.

Beef Improvement Federation

Annual Research Symposium & Annual Meeting

Thursday, April 30 through Sunday, May 3

Sheraton Grant Hotel, Sacramento, California

The 2009 BIF Annual Research Symposium and Annual Meeting will be held in Sacramento, California, from Thursday, April 30 through Sunday, May 3. The Conference headquarters will be at the Sheraton Grand Hotel in Sacramento. The conference will not only offer educational opportunities through its Symposium and guest speakers, but also is a great chance to visit California's beautiful and historical capital.

The Symposium will focus on key developments of genetic technologies that affect the beef industry; it will include interactive sessions to allow for thorough discussion of pertinent topics. Another important aspect of BIF 2009 are the committee meetings, which will provide decisions and feedback to be used to impact national genetic evaluation and breed association activities. There will also be a variety of social engagements, such as dinners and tours that attendees may participate in.

Producers interested in attending the 2009 BIF Symposium can obtain additional information through the BIF web site at http://www.calcattlemen.org/bif2009.html. Or contact the California Cattlemen's Association at 1221 H Street, Sacramento, CA 95814 (Phone: 916-444-0845 or FAX: 916-444-2194).

Merck Veterinary Manual

Available on Web – www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/index.jsp

The single most comprehensive electronic reference for animal care information, the Merck Veterinary Manual can be secured at the following web site – www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/index.jsp This reference includes over 12,000 indexed topics and over 1200 illustrations.

Other Livestock Dates to Reserve

February 3-4 Illinois Pork Expo – Peoria Civic Center

February TBA Dairy Focus Meeting – Pekin - TBA

February 9 Dairy Focus Meeting – 11 am -

Livingston Co. Extension Office, Pontiac

Feb-Mar TBA Sheep Barn Tour hosted by IVL&WG

February 19 IL Performance Tested Bull Sale – Springfield

February 19-22 Illinois Beef Expo – Springfield