6 March 27, 2014 2014 LOGAN COUNTY FARM OUTLOOK MAGAZINE LINCOLN DAILY NEWS.com
up for most sectors of the livestock business. The beef
industry has been in the strongest position for a while
and continues to be the most favorable. Pork and dairy
have been hurt the past several years. It looked like
the pork enterprises were set for some gains, but new
diseases, notably PEDv, have reared their ugly heads
to throw profitability of affected operations into doubt.
These troubles have already led to increases in pork
futures prices, which will probably affect what price
you pay at the store for various products. The lower
number of pigs coming to market will probably also
be offset by higher market weights of those coming to
market.
A new farm bill is finally law. The main thrusts for
producers were elimination of direct payments,
enhanced risk management through crop insurance
and related tools, stricter limits on receipts by an
entity, a new dairy program, and authorization for the
Christmas tree industry to create a marketing program.
Of course, the food stamp program, SNAP, is in there
too. I think most producers are just happy to know
what they are dealing with, and the final passage of the
bill lets people plan accordingly.
The 2014 growing season is something everyone
in the agriculture industry is looking forward to. It
is filled with uncertainty, as always, but also with
promise. After the winter of 2013-2014, most people
are looking forward to the promise part.
John Fulton is the U of I Extension director for Logan,
Menard and Sangamon Counties.
