It was so great to see everyone at the Young Leader Conference in Bloomington last weekend. I hope all had a fantastic time and was able to take something home with them, even if it was only a coffee mug and a can coozee. It was the first conference for my bride-to be and I wanted to thank her and all the wives and girlfriends of committee members that helped us put the conference on. I especially want to thank all of our bidders in the live and silent auctions that helped us raise so much money for Harvest for All. Thank you so much for making it one of our best auctions!

On the farm for the last few weeks we have been in the shop. A lot. We have been reorganizing and throwing away all sorts of things. In the 8 years since I have been there we have never done this. As all of you probably know, you can collect a lot of stuff in a short amount of time, so we decided to throw out our shelves and build new ones to better fit our operation. It was a struggle at times as I tried to figure out what some things were or what tractor it fit from 20 years ago, but we got through it and it looks so much better. After that was completed we have been working on our two semi trucks. From replacing tie-rod end to polishing on rims and fuel tanks trying to get them to blind you in the sun it has been busy for us.

As we start to get ready for planting and all the work that goes along with it I wish a safe and happy spring to all. I hope to see you all at a statewide event and if you are headed to Louisville, see you on 4^th St.

I like to go to farm equipment auctions in the winter, and unfortunately there are not too many to go to this year. It looks like no one wants to retire!  I will find plenty of other things to keep me busy and February looks like it will fly by just like January.  Just a few of the things going on in February are of course the Young Leader Conference on the 3rd-4th at the Bloomington-Normal Marriott. I hope everyone can make it this year it is a new location and for the new and different things than in the past.   February 18-20th is the AFBF YF&R Conference in hopefully what is a mild Grand Rapids, Michigan… HA HA!!   At the end of February is the Governmental Affairs Conference  in Springfield on the 29th-March 1st.  Plus there are a lot of farm shows, marketing  and crop insurance meetings, pesticide license tests, etc all over the state in February to keep us all busy.

I hope  to see many of you at the Young Leader Conference and have a safe winter season!

One of my favorite websites is http://whereismymilkfrom.com.  Every dairy product in the US is given a code next to the expiration date, that corresponds to the plant is packaged.  Our milk goes to Muller-Pinehurst dairy, which is one mile down the road from our farm and gets the packing code 17-284.  Lots of the milk in Rockford will have that code.  After learning about that website, it’s become almost an obsession of mine to figure out where my dairy products are packaged.  I found it interesting that the Prairie Farm’s milk in the Illinois Farm Bureau building was packaged in Indiana (and I’m sure I’m the only person that found that interesting).  My wife did a whole post on it on her blog http://mycowsandpigs.blogspot.com/2011/12/it-works.html

Take care and have a safe winter. I hope to see everyone at the Young Leader Conference next weekend and enjoy a nice glass of milk.

Farmers have been discussing things for years.  At the coffee shop, corner store or slouched loosely against their pick-up trucks, farmers and ranchers talk about markets and weather, equipment maintenance, calving and weather, hybrids, politics and oh, did I mention, weather. 

So, leave it to Farm Bureau to help its Young Leaders hone their leadership and discussion skills by creating a competition in which participants are judged on knowledge of a certain topic, public speaking abilities and above all cooperation. 

I had participated in the IFB Discussion Meet several years ago, made it to the final four and then life happened and I didn’t go back.  Andy and I married and had two kids.  I went from career woman to “domestic engineer”.  My days are spent juggling volunteer commitments, princess tea parties and chauffer / gopher duties for the farmer.

Andy signed me up to participate in the discussion meet as a surprise.  He thought the challenge would help this mom stretch beyond conversations about potty training and toddlers’ sleeping habits (because honestly, these are the top two topics of conversation in the preschool pick-up line).

Although, incredibly nervous to tackle issues like global agriculture and renewable energy policy, I was reminded very quickly how easy it is to talk to farmers and ranchers, agri-businessmen and women, and how easy it is talk about the industry that has been my life since birth. 

Winning the IFB Discussion Meet was unbelievable considering the large and qualified pool of participants. Competing nationally, however, had never entered my realm of thinking.  Strangely I walked into the AFBF competition calmer than I had been at state.  Before sitting down to each discussion, I told myself, “We’re sitting at the kitchen table talking about the weather.” 

Because really that’s what the discussion meet is, bringing together agriculturists from all walks of the industry, sitting us at a table and asking us to talk.  I left each discussion wishing we had more time, so interesting was it to hear the perspectives of a cattle rancher from Wyoming, an editor of several agricultural publications and a horse enthusiast from Arizona.  What I learned was that regardless of our crops, our soil types, or farm size, we have the same goals — to farm, to ranch, to make an honest living and provide for our families.  We work and live by the same core values and believe that doing the right thing is just the right way to live.  No recognition needed. 

I am so honored and incredibly humbled to have been recognized as one of the final four at the AFBF Discussion Meet.  Saying “thank you” doesn’t seem to sufficiently cover the amount of support sent my way from all over the state and from people I barely know.  But I will say thank you anyway and encourage all Young Leaders (even the moms) to consider participating in the 2012 Discussion Meet.   Remember, you’re just sitting at the kitchen table talking about what else? The weather.

Kirk
AFBF runner-up….. Stunned is all I can say!  What an unbelievable experience Stephanie and I have had the opportunity to be a part of.  As if winning the IFB Achievement Award wasn’t enough, Stephanie and I had the great opportunity to travel to Hawaii and compete in the AFBF Achievement Award competition.  From the time we arrived in Honolulu, till the time we left, Stephanie and I felt honored to be representing Illinois. 

When trying to look back at our first days at the conference, it feels like it was just a blur with the whirlwind of activities.  As we arrived for our first engagement, a get together with other state finalists, we soon realized what great operations and great people we were running against.  As we read their bio’s, and met the other state finalist we were even more honored to be amongst them.  There was a wide array of farmers and ranchers – dairy, hog, chicken, beef, specialty crop, free range eggs – all producers who have a passion for what they produce and have a high level of Farm Bureau involvement. 

As we awaited the announcement of the Top 10 finalist during opening session, it seemed like an eternity!  Once they called our names, Stephanie and I just looked at each other with tears in our eyes.  We couldn’t believe what we heard!  Next, was our interview on Monday morning, which meant we had ALL day Sunday to think about it.  However, once Monday arrived, we were ready for our interview and once we started talking about our operation, it went by quickly.  All nerves were gone and we left with the feeling that no matter the outcome, we were true to ourselves and honestly portrayed our passion for our family operation and our love of agriculture.

As Monday afternoon came, the suspense became intense for the entire top 10 finalists.  I just remember thinking to myself, “Wow.  I can’t believe we’re standing here.”  As they announced the top 4 and our name was called, we were hit with a whirlwind of emotions; from pure shock, to extreme joy.  It’s very overwhelming the amount of congratulations and words of encouragement we received throughout the whole process.  We are truly honored to have won this award, representing our state and our family at the highest level.  This is a ride we will never forget!

Stephanie-

Before I finished college, my father gave me a book titled “Do what you Love, the Money Will Follow.”  Well, I have to admit, that I followed who I loved, more so than what I thought I loved.  Now, twelve years later, there’s no question that I made the right choice.  Farming has become a part of me and I’m proud to say we’re a farming family.  It is who we are.  It is what we do.  And I love it.

 January 8, 2012, found Kirk and I sitting among 34 other nationwide Achievement Award winners, who were all a little jittery looking around, knowing we were among very impressive young farmers and ranchers.  But, it didn’t take long to strike up a conversation and come to ease and realize that they’re just like us.  They farm or ranch.  It’s who they are.  It’s what they do.  And they love it. 

It’s amazing how quickly young farmers and ranchers can form a bond and converse like we’ve known each other forever.  Soon we we’re sitting next to friends, rooting for each other and quick to congratulate one another.

Congrats once again Kirk and Stephanie!  Keep doing what you love! 

There is never a dull moment around our farm, we always have something to do, something to work on, something to plan.  I am sure yours is the exact same way.  Just when you think you should get a breather, something new pops up and needs attention.  Recently I have been busy hauling grain to the river and repairing and servicing equipment. I also recently purchased some farm land and a large shed.  This has me busy prepping to be able to put equipment in it.

On the side I have a small business which is going very well too.   I restore tractors and have been at it for about 14 years now. There are always 2 or 3  in my shop, which doesn’t leave much room for my farm tractors. Just a kind word of advice…. if you build a shop, build it twice the size you think you might need!!

Last but not least, I am preparing to head to Hawaii for the American Farm Bureau Federation Annual Meeting. I am looking forward to meeting new people and seeing agriculture in Hawaii. I, along with a few of my fellow committee members will be cheering on the Liefer’s in the Achievement Award, Alan Chesnut in the Excellence in Ag Award, and Katie Pratt in the Discussion Meet.  Good Luck to each of them, and we hope we bring some National Awards back home to Illinois! 

With that, I hope that everyone has a safe and prosperous 2012.  Happy New Year!!

The past year on the farm has fun and exhausting all the same time! From the wet spring to the hot, dry late summer and fall, the weather always makes it interesting on the farm. Everyone says they want a “normal” year but I don’t know that I have ever seen one, nor can they define one. Harvest went well with the lack of moisture, but when the rain did come it was much-needed. Since then we have been cleaning up and packing away machinery in sheds. Lately we have been hauling seed beans to be cleaned and bagged for everyone to plant next year, and delivering white corn for cleaning and processing into tortillas and chips. Tractors are starting to get serviced and waxed, and we are going to tackle the one job most farmers hate to do, reorganize our shop.

On a personal note, I just completed my move to Springfield from rural Sangamon county. It is quite a transition, moving from 8 years in the country to the middle of the city, but it is worth it to be with my special someone. Wedding plans are in place and RTS Farms will be idle at the end of August as we descend upon Mexico and Adrianne and I get married.

So as I leave you to celebrate the Holidays and you begin to write down your goals for the coming year, remember to do one thing: Do Something. Whether it is small or large, for you or someone else, Do Something. The world we live will not get any better if we do nothing. Have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

As an incentive, we placed the names of Young Leaders who responded to ALL action requests in 2011 (and reported them to their CFB) into a drawing for an iPad.  The winner was Kyle Winkelmann of Menard County. Here is what Kyle had to say about it: 

“It is important not to underestimate the importance of personal contact to your lawmakers.  It is common to take a passive attitude toward our legislatures thinking that our voice is small and that our call will not matter.  Nothing is further from the truth when you are a member of FB Act.  When a member of this action team you will be one of many calling you Representative or Senator that day.  They will take notice, especially if you include a personal story about how the legislation effects you.  Even if you know your lawmaker is on your side of an issue it is just as important to call and tell them that you appreciate their support.  They appreciate the validation.  After your contact is made don’t forget to report your contacts to you county Farm Bureau or the Illinois Farm Bureau.  It is important information for FB’s lobbyists to know what lawmakers have been contacted and by how many people.  It is also important for you because active participation in FB Act qualifies you for cool prizes for members, like the iPad that I am using to type this message on.”

Thank you Kyle!  We appreciate Kyle’s leadership and the other Young Leaders who take the time to reply to each and every Action request we issue.  We all have a desire to be involved, but we are all so busy.  FB Act is one way that we can each be involved, make an impact and have our voice heard, busy or not.      

While we were at the annual meeting, the family completed fertilizer application, fall tillage, and anhydrous application. Now it’s time to clean up and gear up for hauling grain. Don’t know about everyone else, but we have a bunch to haul before February 1st. After a 3rd consecutive wet spring, we have continued tinkering with our nitrogen application, and decided a healthy mix of various application techniques is what we would use. From what I hear, we aren’t the only ones deviating from our normal path. Good thing we bought our own floater with wet and dry boxes a couple of years ago, it’s really being put to good use, and allows us flexibility.

I have a unique opportunity from which to view the agricultural industry. I work as a Vice President of Ag Lending at the largest ag lending bank in our state. I also farm corn and soybeans with my father and uncle. So, not only do I get to see how the farmers in our area are faring financially but also get to use my first hand knowledge and apply it to our operation and my customers operations. From what I can see so far, 2011 crop year has been just as successful as 2010, but now I worry about 2012 and beyond. How many of you failed to take advantage, like I did, to price enough of next years corn? I hope history is wrong, and we can live under these profitable conditions forever. Unfortunately, I am confident this won’t be the case. Therefore, I urge the producers in the state to take advantage of profitable opportunities, continue to build your working capital position, steer clear of investing too much into metal, remain aware of your debt to asset ratio, and understand, at some point, we will all have to pay some income tax, so prepare yourself. The increasing value of farmland makes me uneasy; imagine what your financial statement will look like if the farmland is half the value, if the price of used machinery decreases dramatically, if input costs and cash rents take 3 or 4 years to catch up with declining commodity prices, and we lose governmental support?

It’s scary.

Enough of what could be and please take the time to enjoy the successes of today.

This statement I just made about governmental support leads me to think about how important it is as an organization to keep our legislators involved, informed, and in tune with Illinois agriculture. Illinois Farm Bureau has a very strong presence in American agriculture, and we must use that presence to make sure we are heard. With a membership as large as ours, we need to have dramatically more involvement in FBAct. I encourage all Young Leaders across the state to react when you get an Action Request, only 8 of us responded to all Action Requests in 2011. Since we are the future, that is alarmingly low number. In order to protect our future, we must be heard locally and nationally, and with IFB’s presence, we can MAKE A DIFFERENCE! Please react to FBAct.

Throughout the year, as state committee members, we work to make our young leader programs special for those who participate. With that being said, Achievement and Excellence award applications are due on January 17, 2012. Regardless of age and experience, I urge those with even a remote interest to go through the process. You will not only learn a great deal about yourself, but also what Farm Bureau can do for you. Being a person who won the Excellence Award a couple of years ago, I can attest to the opportunity it provided to me through Farm Bureau. Lastly, I want to congratulate the Liefer’s for winning the Achievement Award, Alan Chesnut for winning the Excellence Award, Katie Pratt for winning Discussion Meet, and all other state contest winners. Thank you for participating and Good luck in Hawaii!

Once again, it has been a pleasure to represent on the State Young Leader Committee.

Got your Christmas shopping done yet? I have to quit typing and make some online purchases. I hope that everyone has a safe, enjoyable, and wonderful holiday season.

God Bless,
Mike Carey

I will miss having an active role in conducting the state discussion meet every year at the IAA Annual Meeting. The state meet is an excellent opportunity to witness great discussion on many current agricultural topics by some very passionate individuals. This year Katie Pratt was the winner of the discussion meet and will represent Illinois at the AFBF Annual Meeting in January. Katie was announced the winner Sunday morning during the Young Leader awards program. Along with this announcement other award winners from across the state were recognized for their various achievements. To culminate this program Sean Arians gave a very moving closing address. For those who have never attended an annual meeting I would highly recommend doing so.

Another event at the IAA annual meeting is the Harvest for All “Penny Wars”. This is a competition between the districts to see which district can raise the most “pennies”. The total amount donated is then given to the district that collected the most money. This year the state as a whole set another record for total money raised during this event. District 15 was the overall winner this year and each of the six counties in this district will receive over $1200 to give to a food bank in their county. I would like to thank all of those who generously donated to this very worthy cause to help fight hunger in our state.

Back at home the question I receive most this time of year is “what do you do now that harvest is over?” Well, for farmers like me who are strictly grain farmers (meaning we don’t have livestock) most of our time is spent hauling grain we have stored at our farm. For farmers in our area most of this grain is hauled to Mississippi river terminals where it is most likely destined for export. Other jobs this time of year include machinery maintenance and repairs, and making purchasing decisions for next year’s inputs. Like managers of any other business we are constantly looking to the future to see how we can improve and grow our operations.

In conclusion I would like to again say it has been a pleasure serving the past four years on the Young Leader State Committee and would invite all young leaders to take full advantage of all the programs and opportunities this program offers.