Farm

 Illinois livestock producers this week received additional drought relief as USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack authorized the release of emergency haying and grazing for all Illinois counties for certain practices and acres enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program.
The grazing can begin Aug. 2, outside the primary nesting season for wildlife. The decision was based upon the U.S. Drought Monitor.

FB crop survey to be held on Aug. 9

The Fayette County Farm Bureau will hold its annual crop survey on Thursday, Aug. 9.
At that time, the Farm Bureau will be sending out teams throughout the county to assess the progress of area crops. The teams will include farmers, bankers, members of the media and those involved in agribusiness.
The day will conclude with a steak dinner cookout and the presentation of a market outlook report at the Farm Bureau office, located at 1125 N. Sunset Drive in Vandalia.

Grain farmers are reminded to report crop losses resulting from a weather-related disaster event, said Scherrie Giamanco, state director of the USDA Farm Service Agency.
"Crop losses are acres that were timely planted with the intent to harvest, but the crop failed and could not be harvested because of a disaster-related condition," Giamanco said. "In order to meet FSA program eligibility requirements, producers must report failed acreage to the county FSA office before disposition of the crop.