For the past 8 months I have been working with Clinton County Central Dispatch and Fire Chiefs on developing a Farm Emergency Plan Program which would be usable by Emergency Responders on a real-time basis if they were called out to an emergency. We are looking at providing Central Dispatch with a GIS-based Farmstead map and some additional information which would be on the Central Dispatch computer system as well in every emergency vehicle in the county. With this program we believe we will be able to more quickly and effectively respond to farm emergencies and improve the safety for Responders.
I believe we are ready to roll this out over the winter. I have developed a web page with much more detail about this. The link to this is at the bottom of this post. Developing a detailed farm emergency plan is a good idea in and of itself and there may be some financial benefits as well. I encourage you to take a look at the web page and associated information, including a sample plan, and contact me if you have any questions or are interested in developing a plan.
Clinton County Farm Emergency Planning Page
It should be clear but just in case I'll add that I'll only be working on this for Clinton County, Indiana farms.
Friday, November 18, 2011
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Outlook, PARP and Category 14 Test on Friday, December 16
I think it's time for me to provide more details about the December 16 programs which will be taking place at the Clinton County Fairgrounds, 1701 South Jackson Street, Frankfort, IN. Because there are three programs taking place that day, and because some require pre-registration and some do not, I'm dividing this post into three parts. You can click on the link below to get to whatever portion you're interested in without having to scroll through the entire post - the whole thing will be pretty long.
Ag Outlook Breakfast
Private Applicator Recertification Program
(includes CCH's and CCA's)
Category 14 Fertilizer Applicator Exam
Ag Outlook Breakfast
The annual Clinton County Ag Outlook Breakfast will be held on Friday, December 16, 7:30 a.m. at the Clinton County Fairgrounds 4-H Building. A free breakfast, sponsored by The Farmers Bank and Regions Bank, will be provided.
Purdue Ag Economis Chris Hurt will be on hand to provide his Outlook for 2012. The program is free to the public and is designed to help farmers, land owners, input suppliers, and those interested in agriculture make better business decisions in the coming year.
The volume of corn used for ethanol is expected to continue to be near record levels. In addition, China continues to excite the corn market with corn purchases for a second year with prospects for longer-term buying relationships. The program will review potential pricing strategies for corn and soybeans.
Increasing attention is being given to the growing fears of a double-dip recession. This program will outline why the economy is growing slowly and make predictions for future growth, interest rates, and inflation.
The livestock sector faces another year of high feed costs. Yet some animal product prices have also risen sharply over the past year. This means some animal species can afford these record feed prices. Regardless, consumers are experiencing the highest costs ever to feed their families.
Crop prices are up, but so are input costs for 2012. This program will outline which inputs are headed higher and how that may affect margins for 2012 and 2013. The battle for 2012 acres is already underway and the expected economic returns to various crops will be discussed.
Land values and cash rents are expected to move higher again in 2012, but by how much and what are the driving factors to watch? These and other topics will be covered.
Because we are serving a meal and need to know attendance numbers, pre-registration for the program is required. Please either call the office at 765-659-6380 or 765-296-3511 or e-mail me at cemanuel@purdue.edu if you are planning to attend. The registration deadline is 4:00 p.m. (Eastern) on Monday, December 12. Again, this program is free and open to the public.
This is always an interesting and informative program so I encourage you to attend. And thanks again to The Farmers Bank and Regions Bank for their sponsorship of this program.
Private Applicator Recertification
Following the Ag Outlook Breakfast we will be holding a Private Pesticide Applicator Recertification Program, or PARP. This program is scheduled to run from 9:30-Noon though I always caution people that if Chris is covering something very interesting at 9:25 I don't cut him off in the middle of it. I promise that it will begin at 10:00 a.m. at the latest.
As I mentioned a few weeks ago, Christian Krupke from Purdue Entomology will present an Insect Control Update and Glenn Nice from Purdue Botany and Plant Pathology will provide a Weed Control Update. Also, I know of a couple of people putting in some bulk fertilizer storage so the regulatory topic will be on bulk fertilizer and pesticide containment rules in case anyone else is thinking of going this route.
I have received CCH approval for commercial applicators and I am able to request CEU's for Certified Crop Advisors after the program so I always have the forms there in case any CCA's attend.
There is a cost of $10 for Private Applicators taking this part of the program. If you are paying by check, please make it out to, "PUCES." You must bring your current license with you as we need that to register you. If you don't have your license on hand we can register you with your social security number but it takes a separate form. Since we aren't feeding you, you don't need to pre-register for this program.
Also, this is not a program for people looking to get their pesticide license for the first time. The program is for people with an existing license who want to receive credit toward their renewal requirements.
There is no cost for Commercial Applicators or CCA's (unless you're also receiving PARP credit). However you will need to have their licenses with you to register.
Clinton County Private Applicators who need recertification credit will receive a letter about a week before the program. I do not send letters out to those of you who have already completed your recertification requirements or are unable to complete them - if you have taken no recertifications and your license expires at the end of this year. Hopefully everyone understands how tight budgets are and why we don't spend the $.44 on mailing letters out to those who don't need them.
If you need additional PARP credits, The Purdue Private Applicator Page keeps a calendar of all approved PARP's in the state. They also keep a page where you can check on your recertification status. As a reminder of the recertification rules, you must attend three PARP Programs before the expiration date on your license, with no more than two programs in the same calendar year. There is an online PARP you can take which will count as one program.
Finally, if you are interested in what Christian and Glenn have to say but don't have a pesticide license, feel free to attend. Much of what they discuss will be relevant to everyone, not just licensed applicators and as you know, not all products are restricted use pesticides.
Category 14 Fertilizer Exam
Beginning at 1:00 PM we will be hosting a Category 14 Agricultural Fertilizer Applicator Testing Session, also at the Clinton County Fairgrounds. If you are wondering whether you need a Category 14 License, I briefly discussed this last spring on this blog and the State Chemist has much more detailed information on the program.
This is a test-only session - no training. This is the link to the online Category 14 Training Manual. This is a very large file so if your connection is slow it may take a few minutes to load. There are programs around the state which include trainings, which you can find at this link. If you're wondering if you need the training, I always tell people that if you go through the manual and you're pretty comfortable with your knowledge of the material, the test shouldn't give you much trouble but if parts of it leave you feeling lost you should probably try to find a training program.
You must register for this program in advance. We must have at least 50 registrants for the State Chemist to come out and administer the test. As I type this on November 16 we have about 35 signed up so I don't think that will be a problem. However our maximum number is 100 which I have a feeling we'll reach before the registration deadline. In any case, the deadline to register is Monday, December 12 or when we reach 100 registrants, whichever comes first. All we need is a name and contact information in case we need to reach you for some reason (for example, postponing due to weather that day).
Please register by either calling the office at 765-659-6380 or 765-296-3511 or e-mailing me at cemanuel@purdue.edu. The program is free but if you haven't pre-registered and just show up, we won't be able to let you take the test.
Rules for those attending the program are as follows:
They don't say it in the official rules but please bring something to write with too.
December 16 will be a busy day. If you have any questions about any of the programs, please let me know.
(includes CCH's and CCA's)
The annual Clinton County Ag Outlook Breakfast will be held on Friday, December 16, 7:30 a.m. at the Clinton County Fairgrounds 4-H Building. A free breakfast, sponsored by The Farmers Bank and Regions Bank, will be provided.
Purdue Ag Economis Chris Hurt will be on hand to provide his Outlook for 2012. The program is free to the public and is designed to help farmers, land owners, input suppliers, and those interested in agriculture make better business decisions in the coming year.
The volume of corn used for ethanol is expected to continue to be near record levels. In addition, China continues to excite the corn market with corn purchases for a second year with prospects for longer-term buying relationships. The program will review potential pricing strategies for corn and soybeans.
Increasing attention is being given to the growing fears of a double-dip recession. This program will outline why the economy is growing slowly and make predictions for future growth, interest rates, and inflation.
The livestock sector faces another year of high feed costs. Yet some animal product prices have also risen sharply over the past year. This means some animal species can afford these record feed prices. Regardless, consumers are experiencing the highest costs ever to feed their families.
Crop prices are up, but so are input costs for 2012. This program will outline which inputs are headed higher and how that may affect margins for 2012 and 2013. The battle for 2012 acres is already underway and the expected economic returns to various crops will be discussed.
Land values and cash rents are expected to move higher again in 2012, but by how much and what are the driving factors to watch? These and other topics will be covered.
Because we are serving a meal and need to know attendance numbers, pre-registration for the program is required. Please either call the office at 765-659-6380 or 765-296-3511 or e-mail me at cemanuel@purdue.edu if you are planning to attend. The registration deadline is 4:00 p.m. (Eastern) on Monday, December 12. Again, this program is free and open to the public.
This is always an interesting and informative program so I encourage you to attend. And thanks again to The Farmers Bank and Regions Bank for their sponsorship of this program.
Following the Ag Outlook Breakfast we will be holding a Private Pesticide Applicator Recertification Program, or PARP. This program is scheduled to run from 9:30-Noon though I always caution people that if Chris is covering something very interesting at 9:25 I don't cut him off in the middle of it. I promise that it will begin at 10:00 a.m. at the latest.
As I mentioned a few weeks ago, Christian Krupke from Purdue Entomology will present an Insect Control Update and Glenn Nice from Purdue Botany and Plant Pathology will provide a Weed Control Update. Also, I know of a couple of people putting in some bulk fertilizer storage so the regulatory topic will be on bulk fertilizer and pesticide containment rules in case anyone else is thinking of going this route.
I have received CCH approval for commercial applicators and I am able to request CEU's for Certified Crop Advisors after the program so I always have the forms there in case any CCA's attend.
There is a cost of $10 for Private Applicators taking this part of the program. If you are paying by check, please make it out to, "PUCES." You must bring your current license with you as we need that to register you. If you don't have your license on hand we can register you with your social security number but it takes a separate form. Since we aren't feeding you, you don't need to pre-register for this program.
Also, this is not a program for people looking to get their pesticide license for the first time. The program is for people with an existing license who want to receive credit toward their renewal requirements.
There is no cost for Commercial Applicators or CCA's (unless you're also receiving PARP credit). However you will need to have their licenses with you to register.
Clinton County Private Applicators who need recertification credit will receive a letter about a week before the program. I do not send letters out to those of you who have already completed your recertification requirements or are unable to complete them - if you have taken no recertifications and your license expires at the end of this year. Hopefully everyone understands how tight budgets are and why we don't spend the $.44 on mailing letters out to those who don't need them.
If you need additional PARP credits, The Purdue Private Applicator Page keeps a calendar of all approved PARP's in the state. They also keep a page where you can check on your recertification status. As a reminder of the recertification rules, you must attend three PARP Programs before the expiration date on your license, with no more than two programs in the same calendar year. There is an online PARP you can take which will count as one program.
Finally, if you are interested in what Christian and Glenn have to say but don't have a pesticide license, feel free to attend. Much of what they discuss will be relevant to everyone, not just licensed applicators and as you know, not all products are restricted use pesticides.
Beginning at 1:00 PM we will be hosting a Category 14 Agricultural Fertilizer Applicator Testing Session, also at the Clinton County Fairgrounds. If you are wondering whether you need a Category 14 License, I briefly discussed this last spring on this blog and the State Chemist has much more detailed information on the program.
This is a test-only session - no training. This is the link to the online Category 14 Training Manual. This is a very large file so if your connection is slow it may take a few minutes to load. There are programs around the state which include trainings, which you can find at this link. If you're wondering if you need the training, I always tell people that if you go through the manual and you're pretty comfortable with your knowledge of the material, the test shouldn't give you much trouble but if parts of it leave you feeling lost you should probably try to find a training program.
You must register for this program in advance. We must have at least 50 registrants for the State Chemist to come out and administer the test. As I type this on November 16 we have about 35 signed up so I don't think that will be a problem. However our maximum number is 100 which I have a feeling we'll reach before the registration deadline. In any case, the deadline to register is Monday, December 12 or when we reach 100 registrants, whichever comes first. All we need is a name and contact information in case we need to reach you for some reason (for example, postponing due to weather that day).
Please register by either calling the office at 765-659-6380 or 765-296-3511 or e-mailing me at cemanuel@purdue.edu. The program is free but if you haven't pre-registered and just show up, we won't be able to let you take the test.
Rules for those attending the program are as follows:
- Anyone needing Category 14 private and commercial certification
- Registration required
- No walk-ins accepted
- Testing for Category 14 only
- Testing limited to 100 registered individuals
- Will need a hand-held calculator for the test, but cell phones not allowed
- Will need a government issued photo identification to take the test
They don't say it in the official rules but please bring something to write with too.
December 16 will be a busy day. If you have any questions about any of the programs, please let me know.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Fall Tillage Advice
Now that harvest is nearing completion folks will start thinking about preparing for next year. Every year I see a fair amount of what I would call "recreational tillage" going on. Sometimes fall tillage is desirable and even necessary, however I encourage you to consider the costs and benefits before firing up the tractor.
Tony Vyn from Purdue Agronomy has a very good article in Ag Answers on areas to consider in making tillage decisions. I encourage you to take a look at it.
Tony Vyn article from Ag Answers.
Tony Vyn from Purdue Agronomy has a very good article in Ag Answers on areas to consider in making tillage decisions. I encourage you to take a look at it.
Tony Vyn article from Ag Answers.
Monday, November 14, 2011
2012 Central Indiana Pork Conference Date Set
This is mainly a "hold the date" post to inform you that the 2012 Central Indiana Pork Conference (CIPC) has been scheduled for Wednesday, February 8, 2012 at Rossville High School in Rossville. This happens to be the same date as the Ohio Pork Conference but I don't expect too many of our regular attendees will be heading over there.
I do not have a full agenda yet though I expect the general 9 a.m. to 3 or 3:30 p.m. times will hold again. I have confirmed most of the Commodity representatives and state agency people to provide updates, Indiana Packers will have someone there and Dr. Monty Moss will be giving a presentation on the filtration system he implemented at his operation to counteract PRRS. I heard him give this (or something very similar) at the Indiana Swine Health Advisory Committee Meeting a few weeks ago and he is excellent, both in the quality of his presentation and in the information he provided.
I will be filling out the agenda over the next few weeks. You can keep track of things either through this blog or by checking the Central Indiana Pork Conference Web Page. You can find past agendas and past speaker presentations at that site as well.
I do not have a full agenda yet though I expect the general 9 a.m. to 3 or 3:30 p.m. times will hold again. I have confirmed most of the Commodity representatives and state agency people to provide updates, Indiana Packers will have someone there and Dr. Monty Moss will be giving a presentation on the filtration system he implemented at his operation to counteract PRRS. I heard him give this (or something very similar) at the Indiana Swine Health Advisory Committee Meeting a few weeks ago and he is excellent, both in the quality of his presentation and in the information he provided.
I will be filling out the agenda over the next few weeks. You can keep track of things either through this blog or by checking the Central Indiana Pork Conference Web Page. You can find past agendas and past speaker presentations at that site as well.
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Flexible Cash Rents
I am not a farm rental contract guru by any means. However over the past couple of weeks I've received several calls requesting what is an appropriate cash rent level in Clinton County. Obviously this depends on several factors which I'm not going to cover here. Instead, I want to talk a little bit about, or at least offer some resources on, flexible cash rents.
Among the calls I've been getting has been one which generally asks, "How do I put a rent together which lets both me and the farmer take advantage of really good years?" My response has been to take a look at a flexible contract. Flexible contracts set a floor or base rent for cropland with the landowner capturing a certain amount of income above a set level.
As an example, a landowner and farmer may set a base rent of $200/acre based on 200 bushels of $5 corn (I'm using these figures because it makes the math easy) or a gross revenue of $1000/acre.
If corn price is $6 and yield is 200 bushels, then the gross is $1200 and in a flexible rent system the landowner would receive a certain percentage of the $200 overage. The same type of overage might apply with a very good yield - say, 220 bushels at $5.
These systems are pretty simple in concept but because of the uncertainties they can be pretty complicated in practice. A key point is, How do you set the price? Is it a)local cash price twice a year b)averaged on a certain day of each month through the year, or c)some other way? From a farmer's perspective this type of rental agreement fails to take input costs into account. Crop prices may look very good but input costs have this pesky habit of rising when prices are good so this isn't the entire story. Also, if you want to share in the potential upward benefit, you should be prepared to share in some of the downward risk as well.
I'll also caution landowners that a 50-50 split of the overage isn't appropriate (at least that I can see). Keep in mind that for every additional bushel of grain harvested, the farmer has some costs associated with it. That bushel must run through the combine and be hauled to the elevator. For corn it will usually need to be dried and, in theory at least, each additional bushel will require additional fertilizer.
Rather than summarize what people more experienced and informed than I have to say about this, I'm going to refer you to an online resource (initially I was going to include links to Ohio State, Illinois and Iowa State but those are on this page).
Purdue's Farmland Leasing Page - This page has a variety of land rental resources including a link to the cash rent and land values survey. Toward the bottom of the first section are a couple of Purdue resources including a flex rent calculator. If you move further down the page under "Flexible Cash Rent Leases" you'll find information from other Universities.
Flexible rents can be a useful way of allowing landowners and farmers to share in profitable years. I do caution people to remember that to date, these agreements do not typically account for variations in input costs, something which will have a tremendous impact on profitability. Hopefully in the future this type of adjustment may also start being factored into agreements.
Among the calls I've been getting has been one which generally asks, "How do I put a rent together which lets both me and the farmer take advantage of really good years?" My response has been to take a look at a flexible contract. Flexible contracts set a floor or base rent for cropland with the landowner capturing a certain amount of income above a set level.
As an example, a landowner and farmer may set a base rent of $200/acre based on 200 bushels of $5 corn (I'm using these figures because it makes the math easy) or a gross revenue of $1000/acre.
If corn price is $6 and yield is 200 bushels, then the gross is $1200 and in a flexible rent system the landowner would receive a certain percentage of the $200 overage. The same type of overage might apply with a very good yield - say, 220 bushels at $5.
These systems are pretty simple in concept but because of the uncertainties they can be pretty complicated in practice. A key point is, How do you set the price? Is it a)local cash price twice a year b)averaged on a certain day of each month through the year, or c)some other way? From a farmer's perspective this type of rental agreement fails to take input costs into account. Crop prices may look very good but input costs have this pesky habit of rising when prices are good so this isn't the entire story. Also, if you want to share in the potential upward benefit, you should be prepared to share in some of the downward risk as well.
I'll also caution landowners that a 50-50 split of the overage isn't appropriate (at least that I can see). Keep in mind that for every additional bushel of grain harvested, the farmer has some costs associated with it. That bushel must run through the combine and be hauled to the elevator. For corn it will usually need to be dried and, in theory at least, each additional bushel will require additional fertilizer.
Rather than summarize what people more experienced and informed than I have to say about this, I'm going to refer you to an online resource (initially I was going to include links to Ohio State, Illinois and Iowa State but those are on this page).
Purdue's Farmland Leasing Page - This page has a variety of land rental resources including a link to the cash rent and land values survey. Toward the bottom of the first section are a couple of Purdue resources including a flex rent calculator. If you move further down the page under "Flexible Cash Rent Leases" you'll find information from other Universities.
Flexible rents can be a useful way of allowing landowners and farmers to share in profitable years. I do caution people to remember that to date, these agreements do not typically account for variations in input costs, something which will have a tremendous impact on profitability. Hopefully in the future this type of adjustment may also start being factored into agreements.
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