LOVED OUR LAST YEAR AT THE CORN CRIB - LOOKING FORWARD TO ANOTHER!

Last year at this time, the Illinois Corn Marketing Board was celebrating our new partnership with the Normal CornBelters and announcing the name of The Corn Crib.  Now, with a year of successful corn promotion under our belt at The Corn Crib, we can't wait to see what new opportunities come up in 2011 to tell the story of the Illinois corn farmer!

If you liked this post, check out:
The Illinois Field of Dreams
Reflections from a City Girl
Illinois Corn Farmers Went to the Races

HFCS FEAR IS THE TRICK THIS HALLOWEEN

Ghouls and Goblins will soon be running up and down the streets in your local neighborhood. Children of all ages are on the prowl in stunning costumes to find their favorite candies. Halloween brings visions of ghosts and witches often giving little ones nightmares. But this year parents need not fear High Fructose Corn Syrup as it is nutritionally equal to other table sugars.

High-fructose corn syrup is a popular ingredient in soda pop and other flavored drinks. In fact, this sweetener is the most common on the market and found in processed foods and snacks. But don’t get confused that it’s called “high-fructose” corn syrup. The facts are that table sugar consists of 50/50 fructose and glucose, while HFCS is approximately 55 percent fructose and 42 percent glucose. Does this make them nutritionally different? Not a chance.

The Corn Refiners Association is currently working with the FDA to rename HFCS to “Corn Sugar.” Since consumers believe (and rightfully so based on the name!) that HFCS is actually higher in fructose than other sugars, the petitioners are joining forces with farmers to help clarify consumer product labels and give this sweetener a chance. Corn sugar has been around for over 40 years and refiners have set a goal that the renaming of HFCS will help consumers understand that the HFCS is no different from other sugars and also makes it clearer where the sugar comes from.

HFCS will likely be in all the Halloween candy that you consume this weekend. It naturally enhances flavors, provides a soft texture, and helps make all the foods we love even more enjoyable. This yummy additive is also in ketchup, yogurt, baked goods, and canned fruits. 

This Halloween don’t get tricked by the labels, treat your guests with their favorites. This sweetener made from a natural grain is FDA approved and contains the equivalent amount of calories as sugar. Provide those scary trick-or-treaters with gummy or chocolaty candies without a fear!


Have a Safe and Happy Halloween!!!

Traci Pitstick
Illinois State University
Illinois farm girl



 
If you enjoyed this post, you might also enjoy:
MAYBE WE'RE TAKING THIS TOO PERSONAL?
DO SUGAR CUBES GROW ON TREES?
YESTERDAY'S AGRICULTURE CANNOT FEED 9 BILLION PEOPLE

THE US EPA's VERSION OF A HALLOWEEN DECORATION

Exactly two weeks ago, we let you know that the EPA had approved E15 for cars model years 2007 and newer. We also told you that we weren’t sure the announcement really accomplished anything.

Now, we’re even more sure that the US EPA discriminates against corn-based ethanol based on the proposed labeling requirement they intend for every fuel dispenser. Take a look for yourself. Tom Waterman of The Ethanol Monitor is right when he says that all that’s missing is the skull and cross bones.

Very obviously, the EPA intends to scare people away from using corn-based ethanol before they are even able to give it a second thought. Why not a label that says “this fuel is only EPA approved for cars model years 2007 and newer?” Why not a label that says “Ensure your car is newer than 2007 before using this fuel?”

Because our suggestions are about facts and not about fear. The EPA hasn’t approved E15 for 2007 cars and newer not because there’s a lack of information or because there’s anything scientific about cars older than 2007 running less efficiently on E15. They didn’t approve it because there’s an agenda in the US EPA and that agenda very much dislikes corn-based ethanol.

Waterman said, “It seems the agency understands its confusing decision on E15, which probably will not lead to even one gallon of additional ethanol entering the motor fuel pool in the US, and wants to make certain it won’t.”

The scary label is just one more tactic in their war against energy security, against rural America, and against a greener world.

NOTE: The EPA is holding a public hearing on November 16, 2010 at the Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel in Chicago, IL. The hearing starts at 10 am CST and continues until everyone has had a chance to speak. The public hearing will address the EPA’s proposed E15 warning label. Please contact the IL Corn office at ilcorn@ilcorn.org if you want additional information on how to testify at this hearing.

Dave Loos

ICGA/ICMB Ethanol Guru

AGRICULTURE - MY HOME AWAY FROM HOME

I loved my house I lived in growing up. It was an average size house but what made it special was the land on which it sat. My grandparents lived next door; separating us was but a wooden pathway and a large fence of trees. All together my brother and I had about 10 acres of land filled with trees and grass to roam and explore. We lived in a crowded northwest suburb of Chicago but when we were home playing, “our town” was the ten acres that sat on a corner hidden by trees. We didn’t have neighborhood friends to play with, we had each other. I was raised with strong family ethics and morals. Sure I was blessed with my friends from school but my best friends were my family. Aside from my mom, dad, brother and grandparents, down a gravel road was a woman who owned donkeys, horses, pigs, and lots of cats. I remember taking walks with my mom and brother to visit her and her animals.

I vaguely recall going with my parents and grandparents to a meeting at our city hall. I was probably about seven years old at the time and there are two things that I still remember about it. One, it was boring. Second and most of all, I remember the woman down the street from me. She was upset; she was opposed to the building of apartments and townhouses behind her property. I remember her tears as she pleaded with the men and women in suits not to build. About a year later that woman moved away to a rural town in northern Illinois. It wasn’t long until we too sold our house. I was devastated the day my mom told my brother and me we were moving. We weren’t moving to a different town, just five minutes down the road to your average suburban neighborhood. I knew that my house was special, now we were leaving it and deep down I knew things were going to change.

Although my grandparents and parents did not sell our houses to developers, we knew it would only be a matter of time until some car dealership got their paws on our property. Sure enough, five years after we moved the trees that sheltered our home and my childhood were gone, vanished like they never existed. I told myself I would never forget what it was like to grow up there. To always remember everything that made it so special. And I do; I remember what it looked like, the tractor rides, playing in our tree house and on our giant tree swing, running through the “forest” with my brother, and having the best birthday parties. However, up until recently I forgot the feeling growing up there gave me.

This may sound outrageous to some, but I think those of you who are a part of agriculture will understand. When I entered the agriculture program at Illinois State University (ISU) I found a familiar feeling that I had almost forgotten. Tens years after I moved away from my old house I discovered that being involved in agriculture gives me the same comfort. If asked four years ago if I could ever see myself in agriculture I would have said no way. Now I can’t see myself anywhere else; I am at home.

When I entered the agriculture program at ISU, before classes started, I thought I would be transferring out within a semester. But after the first two weeks of my classes I was hooked. I instantly felt at home and recognized that the agriculture industry is unlike any other. All my teachers and classmates share a personable quality that I’ve learned goes beyond the classroom and into all aspects of the industry. Agriculture is truly the heart of the world. There is a negative misconception amongst consumers towards farmers that is ignorant and misguided by mediated propaganda. The true faces of farmers are hard working, loyal, and honest. Becoming apart of agriculture has given me this insight and now I wish everyone could see agriculture through my eyes.

At ISU I have become very active in the agriculture department and have built strong relationships with my professors. I am vice president for National Agriculture Marketing Association (NAMA) and will be attending my second Agriculture Future of America (AFA) Leader’s Conference this year. I am a senior this year and it will not be long before I enter the professional field of agriculture. I do not yet know where I will start my career or with whom, however I do know that I want to be a part of the relationships that together, make this industry what it is today. I know that my opportunities are endless and wherever I find myself in a year, I will be a part of something unique. I am confident that ISU and the organizations in which I am involved have prepared me for the professional field and I can not wait to continue my life in agriculture. I know I still have a lot to learn about this industry, but I feel so blessed to have found something that sparks such motivation within me.

Maggie Henning
ISU Student

ILLINOIS CORN FARMERS WENT TO THE RACES WITH KENNY WALLACE

With Danika Patrick there, the famous opening line was tweaked a bit, but the resulting roar was just as satisfying…”Drivers! Start your engines!”

That’s all it took to turn this girl into NASCAR’s newest fan. That’s right, add me to the other 75 million Americans the racing giant counts as its constituency.

I was already a Kenny Wallace fan. Sure, I’m a “Johnny come lately” as they say, but I recently met the man who represents the heart of racing to many. He’s one of NASCAR’s most beloved drivers. To me, he’s a genuine guy with a genuine interest in the things that make America great. We have that in common. That, you see, is why I took to him immediately. He saw in me a common love of laughing and (sometimes) ornery behavior.

It was an opportunity made it heaven. Since I count myself as one of farming’s biggest agvocates, my work with Illinois corn farmers was going to be extra special and even more heartfelt than usual this time. We were going to reach an entirely new audience, with a (pardon the pun) entirely new vehicle for that message.

And this (see the picture below), my friends, is that vehicle. But despite how absolutely fantastic it is, the car isn’t what our partnership with Kenny Wallace racing was about.

The promotional partnership struck between the Illinois Corn Marketing Board (called Illinois Corn Farmers outside of farm circles) and Kenny Wallace Racing was about the people. In this case, those people include Kenny Wallace, NASCAR and Kenny’s fans (see the people waiting for his autograph?), and Illinois corn farmers.

And as it happens, the corn gods evidently smiled upon us. Because the day after we announced our partnership, NASCAR publicly announced their intention to move the entire NASCAR series of races to E15 starting in the 2011 season.

Illinois Corn Farmers…NASCAR…fans…Kenny Wallace…ethanol! That’s Good Clean Fun and Good Clean Fuel!

Now, not only can Kenny talk about the family corn farmers of Illinois and ethanol, but he can talk about it in the venue of NASCAR and racing. He did just that at this NASCAR press conference the day before the race at Gateway.

Kenny talked about corn farmers, their crop, and corn ethanol in all his television and radio appearances. He filled his twitter feed and facebook pages with great information about all of you corn farmers. And people responded in the positive.

So did our partnership yield a nicely painted up, sharp looking, eye catching car? You bet. Did we have signage at the track, viewed by the 30,000 people in attendance and the millions on television? Of course. Did we get one-on-one conversations with people visiting the track? More than we could count. Did we get a car that ran in the Top 10 most of the race and finished in the Top 15? Oh ya. How about media coverage? ESPN, Speed TV, AP, local news…yup, they were all there.

But the best thing we got out of this partnership was a new spokesperson and advocate.

You see, what all the research we’ve undertaken here recently at IL Corn has indicated is that despite the issues, it’s the people that matter. You can dispute someone’s facts, but you can’t dispute their feelings. That is a lesson that we in agriculture need to take close to our heart. People carry messages. And we have some of the best people in the world, right here in our midst.

So yes, I’m a new fan of Kenny Wallace.

I’m a new fan of NASCAR.

And I’m a fan of Illinois Corn Farmers.

We reached countless people over the weekend with Kenny Wallace. As a checkoff contributor you can feel proud of that.

Illinois Corn Farmers are in the driver’s seat. Where will you take the opportunity to have a conversation?

Tricia Braid
ICGA/ICMB Communications Director





If you liked this post, you might also enjoy:
Kenny Wallace Announcement
Family Farmers are the Face of Agriculture
EPA Approves e15 for 2007 Model Years and Newer

FRIDAY: TIME FOR A DOWN HOME GIGGLE

Has it been a rough week for you?  It's been a rough week for Illinois Corn!  Launching a new website is full of headaches, heartaches, and plain old work so we're all ready for a laugh!



Enjoy this Friday Farm Funny!

CHINESE DELEGATION VISITS IL CORN

Illinois Corn hosted twelve Chinese academia today who had questions about corn production in Illinois and about our agricultural technologies for producing corn.

On the fact finding mission, the group asked questions about machinery, planting techniques, conservation tillage, and others because they use different methods of agriculture than what we do in the US. Their techniques are about 30 years behind our techniques.

A few highlights: 

• These twelve men were from maize research institutes and academia in china
• Sharing information with them is a valuable exercise because when we provide them data about our cropping techniques, we get to ask them questions about their techniques as well.
• In a competitive global market, it’s important to know what other countries are doing and speculate how much corn they can grow because the US might be able to provide the shortfall.
• In particular, Illinois is well poised to take advantage of any shortfall in Chinese corn because of our position on the river system and our transportation advantages.

For more information on Illinois Corn’s activities regarding export promotion or trade missions, please visit our website at http://www.ilcorn.org/ or email Phil Thornton at pthornton@ilcorn.org.

MAYBE WE'RE TAKING THIS TOO PERSONAL?

Sometimes, when you take a step off your soapbox and look at the world around you, you realize that it’s not all about you.  That’s exactly what I did this morning when I read this article.

So … apparently the joke’s not just on us. And actually, the joke’s not just on the sugar industry in general. It just so happens that the joke is finally on the American consumer.

The agricultural industry is fairly criticized as constantly talking about facts in these “food vs. fuel,” “slow food,” “corn is causing obesity” discussions that we find all around us, instead of the emotions behind the concern. Research tells us that saying that we’re growing food for a hungry world isn’t a good argument because consumers honestly *feel* like someone is pulling the wool over their eyes and no one is being genuine with them about the food production chain.

But here’s where the rubber might finally meet the road.

Agriculture has been telling the world over and over that if we don’t use modern food production methods, people are going to go hungry. Leaders in the humanitarian effort have praised the use of modern agricultural methods for feeding third world countries and lessoning the impacts on the environment. Still, consumers are skeptical.

Let me connect the dots for you one last time.

Modern agriculture allows us to produce enough food to feed a growing world population. If the world wants agriculture to operate as it did in the 1920s, we’re going to have yields just like we did in the 1920s. And things were a lot tougher in the 20s so, get ready.

Consumers have thrown a mini temper tantrum over the use of high fructose corn syrup in their foods and have used buying power to convert many products over to the same old table sugar that you’ve known and loved for decades. At the same time, you’ve voted in administrations that are so concerned about the environment that they won’t allow GMO sugar beets to be grown. That means no sugar supply because growing “sugar” like we did in the 1920s yields a lot less sugar. Get ready.

And all this despite science that proves that we’re not hurting the environment and that high fructose corn syrup doesn’t actually make you any fatter than regular old sugar. You wanted it, you’re getting it. Get ready.

Turns out you can’t have your (table sugar) cake and eat it too.

Lindsay Mitchell
ICGA/ICMB Project Coordinator

EXTREME HOMEPAGE MAKEOVER!

I’m very excited about something I’ve been working on for a few months now. Very diligently working, and it’s all for you.

That something is the redesign of the Illinois Corn website! When I was hired on as the Communications Assistant one of my main tasks was to get a new, updated website. For any of you that remember what the old one looked like, let’s just be honest, we were in dire need of change.

When we first launched the new look of the website two summers ago (August 13, to be exact) I was very pleased with how it turned out. But I also knew there were still some tweaks and adjustments that needed to be made to fit with the vision I (as well as others in the office) had.

I think this time we may have gotten it right! Of course, I’m sure along the way we will find more things that we want to modify, that’s just the way it goes. Technology is always changing and with that a website must keep up with it. So if there is something you see that you really don’t like and would like to see a change, or something you see that you love, please let us know!

Here a few of my favorite changes:

CSS Fader
This is a fancy term that the programmers like to use for the main picture on the homepage. It fades into new pictures. I like this feature a lot.

Auction Page
We’ve added a special new section for our members only. It’s like an eBay for Illinois Corn. Pretty cool if you ask me. Not a member? You can sign up here and not miss a thing!  (But its still under construction so be sure to check back for this feature!)

Social Media Tools
We have taken a large leap into the world of social media, this blog being one example. On the redesigned site, we make it easier for you to stay in touch with us. There is a section for our latest tweet and tabs at the top of the page for Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and Corn Corps. See a story you’d like to share? You can easily tweet or facebook it from that page!

Background
The background itself has been updated. I love the cleaner look of it as well as the colors.

Archives
I’ve had requests in the past for old Corn Scoops stories. On the old site we only had 15 stories up at a time, with this feature we will be able to archive the old ones.

Priority Issues
In this section, we have a permanent home for many of our priorities like locks and dams, exports, public education, and Farm Bill. I’m excited that new visitors will be able to read through the main things we’re working on without having to dig even further through daily news stories and news releases. We also have much more flexibility on our homepage to feature the most important stuff which hopefully makes your visit to our website that much more enjoyable.

There are more added features, some behind the scenes that will ultimately help me help you, and others that will subtlety make your viewing experience a better one, like the font size and color. All in all, I love the new look and hope you do as well.

Please remember though, creating a new website is a time consuming procedure.  Cut us a little slack as we continue to finish new pages and update old ones!  We are under construction!

I would like to thank the folks at Cybernautic for all their patience and help. And patience. I’ve been in constant contact with them about changing the color of that or the position of this. So much so, that I worry when they hear my name or see an email from me that they cringe and hide under their desks. They assure me that’s not the case, but I’m certain they are happy to have me off their backs with the launch of the updated site. So again, thank you Cybernautic team, without you this would’ve been a much more stressful time for me!

Becky Finfrock
ICGA/ICMB Communications Assistant

ILLINOIS CORN FARMERS AND KENNY WALLACE RACING

Hopefully over the weekend, all our Corn Corps followers had an opportunity to check out the news.  And if you didn't, here's the biggest news item we've seen in a while.

Illinois Corn has entered into a promotional partnership with Kenny Wallace, NASCAR so that we can better tell the story of Illinois corn farmers and their families to a much, MUCH bigger audience.

At the same time, NASCAR announced on Saturday that they are moving to a 15 percent blend of ethanol to gasoline for the 2011 season. 

Let me tell you, if these two announcements in one weekend don't excite you, I'm not sure what will.  According to NASCAR.com, NASCAR is the No. 1 spectator sport -- with more of the top 20 highest-attended sporting events in the U.S. than any other sport -- and is the No. 2 rated regular-season sport on television. NASCAR fans are the most brand loyal in all of sports.

I think what this means is that if Kenny Wallace says corn farmers are good, NASCAR fans will believe him.  And if NASCAR says that all vehicles run well on e15, American's will line up in droves to by it.  Looks like we've got a perfect test case on our hands.

Can't wait to see the results of this dynamic partnership!

Lindsay Mitchell
ICGA/ICMB Project Coordinator

WHAT DOES A FARMER LOOK LIKE?

What does a farmer look like?  Something like this?

Or maybe more like this?

We're exploring these answers and more in our research about the image farmers have with the general consumer.  You might be surprised to know that consumers think most Illinois farmers are the big, bad, corporate sort ... but to see these photos, they'd agree that they like these farmers and have something in common with them.

Interested in this sort of research?  Contact Illinois Corn to find out more!

WHY ARE FARMERS SO LAZY?

A woman asks a farmer’s wife, “Why are farmers so lazy?” The farmer’s wife replies, “What do you mean?” The woman says, “Well, every year they wait for the corn to get brown and die before they pick it!”

This is in fact a true story and it goes to show just how uninformed most people are about agriculture. It is important for everyone to know where their food comes. If you ask a child where their food comes from they will more than likely say the grocery store, not a farm. Because consumers are so removed from their food source these misconceptions, like farmers’ laziness, are created.

A recent study conducted by The Illinois Corn Marketing Board, Illinois Beef Association, Illinois Pork Association and Illinois Soybean Association set out to understand public perceptions of farmers. They found that the trust between farmers and consumers is greatly diminishing. Consumers also have very negative opinions of large scale farming. The study also found that moms are the most concerned about where their food comes from. The bottom line is that consumers want trust-worthy farmers growing healthy, safe food in an environmentally conscious manner. Now that the negative public opinions have been identified it’s time to restore the image of agriculture.

As most of us know farmers are not lazy, in fact they already have several jobs but it’s time to add one more; public educator. Negative views on the agriculture industry are readily available and it’s up to us to change that. The public would like to maintain the image of a small family farm that milks a cow and collects eggs but we know this is no longer viable. We need to maintain the family aspect of farming while promoting the benefits of modern agriculture. Farmers need to be ambassadors of the agriculture industry so the public can see that farmers are not lazy, instead they are hard-working, caring people who provide consumers with a safe, healthy food supply.

Sarah Carson
University of Illinois student
& a farmer's daughter

EPA APPROVES E15 FOR 2007 MODEL YEARS AND NEWER

Illinois Corn is mourning the loss of a heated battle today.  The EPA announced that they are approving e15 for cars model years 2007 and newer which effectively places a huge wedge right in the middle of the industry. 

Of course, there is always that saying.  We may have lost the battle but we haven't lost the war.

In Illinois Corn's press release about the US EPA's announcement, our president, Tim Lenz, is quoted as saying, "EPA should make decisions such as this using sound science and good common sense. We have always been adamant that moving to higher blends should work for everyone including petroleum marketers, automobile manufacturers, and obviously for consumers ... But the fact is Administrator Jackson has made up her mind. Where we go from here is what should be focused on now.”

I couldn't agree more. 

I'm disappointed in the EPA's continued disregard for science and common sense and I'm outraged at their lack of understanding of the reality of the marketplace.  What retailer wants to take the gamble to offer e15 when only a fraction of his customers can use it?  And then, will he be liable for any customer that unknowingly uses e15 in their older than 2007 car, only to blame the fuel on some random vehicular problem?

I'm guessing few retailers will take that chance.

My other big disappointment is that Administrator Jackson didn't take the option we offered - increase the blends to 12 percent, keep the ethanol industry afloat and move towards energy independence and the goals of the RFS, while gaining some time to further investigate e15.  Illinois Corn felt this across the board approach was a much better solution for the ethanol industry, as well as a solution that addressed concerns from petroleum marketers, automobile manufacturers and consumers.

Once again, no common sense.

But to do exactly what Lenz suggests and focus on the next steps, Illinois Corn will continue to point to the latest research, showing that e15 is perfectly fine for cars as old as 1994.  And we will take this very small victory, albeit empty, and run with it ... on e15.

Dave Loos
ICMB/ICGA Ethanol Guru

ENTERTAINING AND INFORMATIVE: IS THIS THE WAY TO GO?

It seems that those milk producers are always on the cutting edge.  Here in America, we all realize the popularity of the "Got Milk" ads.  They are almost collectables!  But in Europe, there's a new breed of dairy farmer and they are hitting television screens for the first time in their new video for Yeo Valley.



Intro

The sun is up, the milk is chilled, it’s gonna be a good one, yo yo

Farmer 1
Yo I’m rolling in my Massey on a summer’s day
Chugging cold milk while I’m bailing hay
Yeo Valley’s approach is common sense
Harmony in nature takes precedence
My ride’s my pride
That’s why you’ll never see it dirty
And I love it here man
That’s why I’m never leaving early
I’m so girt
In my cap and my shirt
I’m representing for west
So hard that it hurts

Farmer 2
We make this look easy
Cause we’re proper modern with this farming believe me
Wind turbines they’re shining baby
And solar farming no buts no maybe’s
Ye, when we’re down with the soil association
And we do lots of what, conservation
Sustain, maintain it ain’t no thing
We set the bar
Real leaders by far

Chorus
Yeo Valley Yeo Valley
We change the game, it will never be the same
Yeo Valley Yeo Valley
Big up your chest and represent the West

Farmer 3
This isn’t fictional farming
Its realer than real
You wont find milk maidens
That’s no longer the deal
In my wax coat and boots
I’m proper farmer Giles
Now look
You urban folk done stole our styles
I’m not a city dweller,
Me I like to keep it country
The air is clean and
All those cars will make me jumpy
It’s different strokes
For different folk, my man
Just enjoy the results
Of what we do on the land

Farmer 4
Check out Daisy she’s a proper cow
A pedigree Friesian with know how
Her and her girls they have there own name
We treat them good
They give us the cream

Chorus
Yeo Valley Yeo Valley
We change the game, it will never be the same
Yeo Valley Yeo Valley
Big up your chest and represent the West
Big up your chest…
Represent the West…

Interesting that these European farmers are addressing exactly the same questions we're trying to address.  They mention that they are sustainable and environmentally conscious ... and that they treat their cattle well.  Also, I love the line "Different strokes for different folks, Just enjoy the results of what we do on the land."
 
Are Illinois farmers ready to get out there and do something like this that is entertaining and informative?  Does this push the bar too far or just far enough?  Is this the way to get consumer attention and give them permission to get farmers farm?
 
What are your thoughts? 
 

Lindsay Mitchell
ICGA/ICMB Project Coordinator

WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION RECOMMENDS LESS STRINGENT GUIDLINES FOR ATRAZINE IN DRINKING WATER

Originally published in Pesticide and Toxic Chemical News

The World Health Organization has increased its drinking water quality guideline for atrazine from 2 parts per billion to 100 ppb -- a far less stringent level than EPA's current drinking water standard of 3 ppb.

Atrazine proponents say the new guideline reaffirms the safety of atrazine, which EPA is currently re-evaluating. But a long time critic of the herbicide says WHO failed to take into account infants and young children's special vulnerability and higher exposure per body weight than adults.

The new 100 ppb guideline will be included in the 4th edition of WHO's Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality, to be published in 2011. The purpose of the guidelines is to assist regulators and policymakers in the development of national standards.

"The WHO has no regulatory force at all, and the drinking water guidelines are merely recommendations," Jennifer Sass, senior scientist at the Natural Resources Defense Council, tells Pesticide & Toxic Chemical News via e-mail. "They are often adopted by countries that do not have the resources to conduct their own assessments."

Sass says while both WHO and EPA rely on the same study to achieve their guideline and standard, respectively, EPA has attempted to address the vulnerability of infants and children, "albeit not to our satisfaction," by applying the 10X Food Quality Protection Act safety factor.

Furthermore, to arrive at its drinking water guideline, WHO assumes a 60kg adult drinking two liters of water a day, with 20% of total daily intake of atrazine coming from drinking water. But kids drink more water per body weight than adults, Sass says, noting EPA has a default water intake rate of one liter of water per day for a 10kg child.

However, others say EPA should take a page out of WHO's scientific playbook.

"Here in the U.S., activists, insisting that atrazine levels at or even below 3 parts per billion are dangerous, have led EPA and the American taxpayer on an expensive wild goose chase," says Triazine Network Chairman Jere White, referring to what he believes is a politically motivated atrazine re-evaluation. "The U.S. EPA should follow the lead of the World Health Organization and continue to rely on sound science to evaluate atrazine," White adds in an Oct. 5 statement.

James Lamb, director and principal scientist at consulting firm Exponent's Center for Toxicology and Mechanistic Biology, says EPA's current drinking water standard for atrazine appears to be too severe.

"These new findings from WHO suggest that the EPA should re-evaluate the current 3 parts per billion standard in order to bring it into line with the latest scientific data," he says in the statement.

WHERE WERE YOU ONE YEAR AGO?

                                                         photo taken October 6, 2010

ICMB Director Tim Seifert anticipates being done with his harvest on this coming Monday, October 11.  Last year, he remembers starting his harvest around October 10 or 12.  What a difference a year makes!

HOLY COW! THAT'S ALOT OF CORN!

USDA reported corn carry-out for 2009-10 was 1.707 billion bushels compared to 1.673 billion last year. In the September report, USDA estimated 1.386 billion carry-out, so this latest report added 321 million bushels to the current year’s (2010-11) total supply.

Carry-out is the term farmers use to describe the corn left at the end of the year - this is the corn that just sits around extra without any market.  And some people think farmers can't produce enough to feed and fuel the world! 

 



CONG HALVORSON, JOHNSON SUPPORT IL CORN EFFORTS

My kids, four and six, often ask me what I do.  My job isn't easy to describe to a four year old or a six year old or even the class of first graders I talked to the other day.  Put simply, all the staff at Illinois Corn are trying to help farmers, support farmers, and make it as easy as it possibly can be to do their jobs.

One of the ways we've been trying to do just that is to address the federal crop insurance program.

Have we fixed it yet?  Not at all, but we are working on it.  Will our current solution make a dent in the problems crop insurance presents to Illinois corn farmers?  Definitely.  In fact, experts predict that the current route we're taking to fix crop insurance will "fix" about 50% of the problems farmers have with the program.

As with any federal program, our fix for crop insurance is complicated.  If I were to put it in layman's terms, I'd tell you simply that Illinois Corn Growers Association is working on an endorsement that will take into account the exponential growth in corn yields over time.  Right now, farmers are typically underinsured because the current program assumes that yields stay the same over time.  The "fix" will help farmers who try to insure 80% of their expected yield actually insure nearly 80% of their expected yield.

But here's the take home message.  Because we're working with the federal government (USDA Risk Management Agency) on this possible new endorsement, its a long and complicated and involved procedure.  So the Illinois Corn Growers Association would like to express their sincere appreciation to the Illinois Congressional Delegation that sent a letter to the RMA Administrator this week in support of our proposal.

Thank you, Congresswoman Debbie Halvorson, for spear-heading a letter that was signed by Congressmen Hare, Foster, Bean, Costello, and Lipinski among other out of state Congressmen.  And thank you to Congressman Tim Johnson for heading up a letter signed by Congressmen Schock and Shimkus as well as other Congressmen from Iowa and Nebraska.

Illinois corn farmers appreciate your assistance and your support!

Lindsay Mitchell
ICGA/ICMB Project Coordinator

A QUICK VISIT TO THE WORLD DAIRY EXPO ...

The World Dairy Expo was held September 28 through October 2 in Madison, Wisconsin. As a dairy enthusiast myself, attending Expo is always a great treat. It is the meeting place for over 65,000 people from around the world for this five day event. It is much more than the famed dairy cattle shows and sales, but includes seminars, collegiate and 4-H judging contests and exhibits of all kinds. As a stop for many on the “tanbark trail,” the best cattle from the United States and Canada are exhibited at this amazing exposition. While some are exhibiting, thousands come to watch the show, view the modern equipment exhibits, learn about the latest in feed and nutrition, check out colleges, discover new advances in genetics, and to just mingle with members of the dairy and agriculture industry from around the globe.

A major attraction is the trade show. It includes over 750 exhibitors from within the United States and internationally as well. A trip through the whole trade show, exhibition hall, or coliseum is well over a full day’s event. Freebies and lots of information can be gained on a treck through the trade show buildings. One of these exhibits was the Illinois Livestock Development Group. The Illinois Corn Marketing Board works with this development group to bring cattle to Illinois. Illinois produces lots of corn, and livestock is the number one market for number two yellow corn. It is a win win situation, strong corn state and strong dairy state. There is a strong connection between the gold crop and the big black and whites...or any dairy cow for that matter.

In addition to the trade show and exhibition hall, one can enjoy a variety of exhibits outside and some delicious food as well. Dairy products are presented at their finest at such an event as this. Whether it is the traditional grilled cheese, a milkshake, or some awesome cheese curds, one will not be disappointed. If the cattle are more of interest, a trip through the numerous cattle barns or a venture through the sale tent will be sure to satisfy.

The World Dairy Expo was a great experience and did not disappoint. From watching the shows, to sitting next to many international guest and hearing their opinions of the shows, to enjoying my grilled cheese sandwiches and milk, to talking about future plans with exhibitors present, to purchasing a jacket, expo met my expectations. Though it is a little too late to watch the shows live online, all the results can be found on the website. www.worlddairyexpo.com. Also, the site includes a lot of information about this year’s expo besides show results. Whether you are a diary enthusiast or not, the World Dairy Expo is a great event to experience, so I would suggest that you work that into your plans for next fall!

Amy Schaufelberger
University of Illinois student and Illinois farm girl

AVENTINE HEADQUARTERS MOVING TO TEXAS

Sadly, last week brought about the news that the headquarters for Aventine Renewable Energy in Pekin, IL will be moving out of Illinois to Texas.  Aventine is a leading producer and marketer of ethanol and related by-products.

Early reports indicate that the move has been brought about simply because the top executives for the company reside in Dallas. 

Aventine has its roots in sugar beet processing in Pekin, extending more than 100 years to the 1890's. 

You can read more in the Chicago Tribune.

Dave Loos
ICGA/ICMB Ethanol Guru

View From Above