Pursuit of Maximum Yield – Week 3

We are continuing our Pursuit of Maximum Yield. This week we’d like to introduce you to Dan Eyer. He’s a farmer in Eastern McLean County.  Some of the On-Farm Discover programs he’s working on this year includes 20-inch rows, higher population, fungicide application, micro-essential nutrients, encapsulated urea and additional ammonium sulfate.  It’s apparent Dan will have plenty to talk about this growing season as he looks to maximize every acre.

Listen for our weekly updates as we look to maximize every acre.

This report is brought to you by FS Green Plan Solutions – providing a solutions-based approach for today’s farmers.

Weekly Crop Progress Reports Released

The US Department of Agriculture released the lastest weekly planting progress report Monday afternoon.  As of Sunday the state of Illinois had 98% of the corn crop in the ground and nearly 80% of the soybeans were planted.

To view the Illinois Report in full click HERE.

To view the US Crop Report in full click HERE.

Week 2 – Maximizing Every Acre

Meet Neil Eimer.  He’s a FS Crop Specialist with Evergreen FS.  As part of our Pursuit of Maximum Yield – Neil will be working with Dan Eyer, an Eastern McLean County Farmer with their On-Farm Discovery program this year. 

Listen to Neil’s interview to learn about some of the trials that we’ll be following throughout the growing season.

If you’d like to find out more information about FS Green Plan Solution, contact your local FS Crop Specialist.

USDA Announce NEW MyPlate

(USDA) - First Lady Michelle Obama, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and Surgeon General Regina Benjamin today unveiled the federal government’s new food icon, MyPlate, to serve as a reminder to help consumers make healthier food choices. MyPlate is a new generation icon with the intent to prompt consumers to think about building a healthy plate at meal times and to seek more information to help them do that by going to www.ChooseMyPlate.gov. The new MyPlate icon emphasizes the fruit, vegetable, grains, protein and dairy food groups.

USDA Releases Weekly Crop Progress Reports

The US Department of Agriculture released its latest weekly Crop Progress and Conditions Report Tuesday afternoon. 

Click HERE for the Illinois Report.

Click HERE for the US Report.

Maximizing Every Acre

We kicked off our FS Green Plan Solution Pursuit of Maximum Yield – Maximizing Every Acre today.  Dr. Howard Brown GROWMARK Manager, Agronomy Services, joined us to talk about the big picture of the Pursuit of Maximum Yield program.  The audio below highlights what the FS Crop Specialist are trying to accomplish with the On-Farm Discovery projects this year. Another key phrase to listen for with Dr. Brown is “MOM”.  Not the mom you’re thinking of – more like Minimize Environmental Impact; Optimize N Availability and Maximize Harvest Yield.

Listen for our weekly updates as we follow the two growers and crop specialists through harvest. 

This report is brought to you by FS Green Plan Solutions – providing a solutions-based approach for today’s farmers.

Pursuit of Maximum Yield – Maximizing Every Acre

This week we’re starting a new weekly feature on The Noon Show. 

We’ll follow two growers and their FS Crop Specialst throughout Central Illinois this growing season and track their progress with their Pursuit of Maximum Yield – Maximizing Every Acre.  The program is brought to you by FS Green Plan Solutions – providing a solutions-based approach for today’s farmers. 

Join us now until November as we follow Dan Eyer of eastern McLean County and Crop Specialist Neil Eimer of Evergreen FS  and Steve Sondegroth of Bureau County and Crop Specialist Bill Weber of Ag View FS as they highlight how the American farmer will lead the way.

Learn more about FS Green Plan Solutions Pursuit of Maximum Yield – Maximizing Every Acre.

Be sure to check back for the weekly updates!

Latest Crop Reports Released

The US Department of Agriculture’s National Ag Statistics Service released the latest Planting Progress and Conditions report Monday afternoon.  Illinois has 69% of the corn crop planted that compares to the national average of 63%.  There are 16% of the Illinois soybean crop in the ground compared to the national average of 22%.

To view the Illinois Report in full click HERE.

To view the US Crop Report in full click HERE

Central Illinois Students Receive 1st Farm Credit Services Scholarship

Lucas Frye and Suzanna Storms are the 2011 “Heart of a Growing America” scholarship recipients from 1st Farm Credit Services.

Frye, from Easton, Ill., a senior at Illini Central High School is the son of Jay and Noreen Frye.  He is active in his church, 4-H and FFA.  Lucas plans to attend the University of Illinois and study agricultural law and public policy with goals of using his education and experience to make a positive impact on agriculture.

Storms, from Washburn, Ill., is a graduate of Roanoke-Benson High School and is the daughter of Mike and Janet Storms.  She is currently completing her Rotary Youth Exchange Program and was active in 4-H and FFA.  Storms plans to attend the University of Illinois and study animal science.

They were selected out of a pool of 115 and selected on their future commitment to agriculture.  Both Frye and Storms will be honored with a banquet in June.

State Treasurer Announces Ag Invest Program

In conjunction with the Illinois Farm Bureau, Illinois State Treasurer Dan Rutherford announced the Ag Invest program.  Formerly known as Cultivate Illinois, Ag Invest partner’s the treasurer’s office with eligible lenders to offer lower interest loans to farmers for things like operating lines, equipment purchases as well as construction related expenses and livestock purchases. 

Illinois Farm Bureau President, Philip Nelson says the changes made to Ag Invest are key for farmers.

Learn more about Ag Invest on the Illinois State Treasurer’s website.