Considering the current farm economy, 66 percent of Illinois Farm Bureau members surveyed prior to the organization’s annual meeting in early December feel less optimistic about the farm economy in the coming year compared to 2015. The answer was in response to an email survey of 327 IFB members registered with IFB’s Legislative Action Center. “For the second year in a row, IFB members said they feel less optimistic about the coming year, and it’s no surprise as to why,” said Richard Guebert Jr., president of the Illinois Farm Bureau. “Over the last year, commodity prices have stayed below break-even levels. Input costs like cash rent, crop protection and seed have not receded to follow the drop in commodity prices.” As a result of their concerns over the farm economy, 84 percent of respondents said they plan to reduce inputs or expenses in 2016. When asked specifically how they would do so, 91 percent of respondents said they plan to delay implement purchases over the coming year, while 45 percent said they would delay or cut back on chemical and fertilizer purchases. Additionally, 38 percent said they would negotiate lower cash rent; 37 percent said they would buy less expensive seed; 24 percent said they would incorporate new technology; 11 percent said they would choose a lower level of crop insurance coverage; and 9 percent said they would give up a portion of rented ground for 2016. (Respondents were instructed to choose all options that apply.) Concerns over the farm economy were added to concerns regarding regulatory and legislative issues. Respondents were asked to rank several priority issues in terms of importance in the coming year. The top concern was striking down the Waters of the U.S. rule, which defines which rivers, streams, lakes and marshes fall under the jurisdiction of the Environmental Protection Agency and the Army Corps of Engineers. That concern was followed by tax reform, maintaining the viability of federal crop insurance, preserving the Renewable Fuels Standard and making transportation infrastructure improvements. “As we look toward the coming year, farmers are going to have to carefully consider every decision they make to ensure they’re protecting their farms and are able to survive the farm economy downturn,” Mr. Guebert said. “We’re doing our best to provide our members with the information they need to make those tough decisions that will keep their farms on secure financial footing.” Members also were polled regarding their conservation- and nutrient-management efforts. Just over 92 percent of respondents said they regularly test soil for potassium and phosphorus levels; 65 percent said they use variable rate technology for fertilizer applications; 56 percent split nitrogen applications; and 55 percent follow the University of Illinois Agronomy Handbook recommendations for phosphorus and potassium applications. (Respondents were instructed to choose all options that apply.) Additionally, 46 percent of farmers said they have used cover crops in the past, with 76 percent having planted cover crops for five years or less. Of those who have not used cover crops, 64 percent said they would be willing to do so in the future. Eighty-four percent of farmers said they have installed buffer strips along streams or ditches on their farms. Nearly 53 percent of farmers said they receive no cost share or incentives for their best management practices. “This is the fifth consecutive year we’ve surveyed members to gauge their feelings on key IFB issues, concerns and conservation practices,” Mr. Guebert said. “It helps us as leaders ensure we’re tackling the issues and needs of our members and prioritizing our resources to the best of our abilities.” The Illinois Farm Bureau is a member of the American Farm Bureau Federation, a national organization of farmers and ranchers. IFB has a total membership of more than 400,000 and a voting membership of more than 82,000. IFB represents three out of four Illinois farmers. Source - qconline.com