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Priority issues for IL corn and soybean leaders

Priority issues for corn and soybean organizations in Illinois reflect those of crop farmers across the Midwest.

Illinois Soybean Association treasurer Stan Born says they’ve been working with the state USDA and EPA on the Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy and they’re looking forward to having all farmers step up and participate in the voluntary program…

“Things as simple as splitting your nitrogen application on your corn or moving nitrogen application from the fall into the spring. And, of course, there are other more sophisticated things like wetlands and riparian barriers that can be used all to control nitrogen getting into our – nitrates into our water streams.” Born says it’s part of protecting markets for Illinois soybean growers.

Illinois Corn Growers Association president Ken Hartman says getting higher blends of ethanol in the state is a major goal…

“We’re hoping that we can get up to E15 — Take the tax credit off of E10 and put about half of that amount for E15 to support higher blends of ethanol in the state of Illinois at the pumps.”

Brownfield interviewed Born and Hartman during Ag Day at the 2015 Illinois State fair.