Farm

America’s consumers are one step closer to expanded choices at the pump when they fill up, giving them the opportunity to save money while supporting a homegrown fuel.
Illinois Corn Growers Association (ICGA) learned in mid February that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved industry-submitted research studies proving that E-15, a blend of 15 percent corn-based ethanol and 85 percent conventional gasoline, meets the government’s health effects requirements for any new fuel brought to market.

Temps up, precip down in February
Above-normal temperatures and below-normal snowfall throughout the state continued into February. Some farmers are anticipating an early planting season if current conditions continue.
Temperatures averaged 34.3 degrees, 4.6 degrees above normal. Total precipitation was 1.20 inches, .63 inches below normal.
Farmers reported good progress for winter wheat, though the continually soft ground has challenged some winter livestock work.

The total number of cattle and calves in Illinois on Jan. 1 was 1.07 million head, which is 3 percent below last year's total, and the lowest cattle inventory on record for the state.
Beef cow inventory was down 6 percent from 2011, to 331,000, while milk cows were up 1 percent, to 99,000.
Nationally, the number of cattle and calves was also down. As of Jan. 1, the number of cattle and calves was 90.8 million head, 2 percent below the 92.7 million recorded on Jan. 1, 2011.

Woolsey Brothers dinner is March 1
Woolsey Brothers Farm Supply will be holding its annual customer appreciation dinner on Thursday, March 1.
The event will include a meal  and entertainment by country music Moe Bandy. Two times are being offered for the event – one at noon and one at 6:30 p.m. Both will be held at the Crawford Hale American Legion Home.
Woolsey Brothers Farm Supply has been hosting events for its customers for 51 years.

Illinois Beef Expo to run Feb. 23-26