FMCSA removed both BLUE STARELD and ELD MANDATE PLUSfrom the list of registered ELD's due to failure to meeting the minimum requirements established in 49 CFR part 395, subpart B, appendix A. BLUE STARELD has since been reinstated and can continue to be used to record and transfer HOS data, but ELD MANDATE PLUS will remain off of the list of registered ELD's and must be replaced with a registered ELD before July 20, 2024. Click here to be redirected to FMCSA's website where you can find more information on ELD's and the list of registered, self-certified ELD's.
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... ag chemicals with a USEPA product registration number.
The AASA inspects these facilities on behalf of Bayer, BASF, Corteva, Syngenta, UPL, Winfield United, Helena and Teleos—these companies deliver pesticides into stationary bulk storage containers and want to ensure that the facilities they are shipping to comply with USEPA regulations for tank integrity, containment, transfer, and repackaging.
The AASA program is an industry stewardship program, it is not a government inspection.
Ag retailers with stationary bulk pesticide storage tanks received a letter from AASA in early May, informing you of the inspection process; an AASA inspector will then call you to set up an appointment this summer for the inspection. There is no char ... more. |
... ag chemicals with a USEPA product registration number.
The AASA inspects these facilities on behalf of Bayer, BASF, Corteva, Syngenta, UPL, Winfield United, Helena and Teleos—these companies deliver pesticides into stationary bulk storage containers and want to ensure that the facilities they are shipping to comply with USEPA regulations for tank integrity, containment, transfer, and repackaging.
The AASA program is an industry stewardship program, it is not a government inspection.
Ag retailers with stationary bulk pesticide storage tanks received a letter from AASA in early May, informing you of the inspection process; an AASA inspector will then call you to set up an appointment this summer for the inspection. There is no char ... more. |
... ag chemicals with a USEPA product registration number.
The AASA inspects these facilities on behalf of Bayer, BASF, Corteva, Syngenta, UPL, Winfield United, Helena and Teleos—these companies deliver pesticides into stationary bulk storage containers and want to ensure that the facilities they are shipping to comply with USEPA regulations for tank integrity, containment, transfer, and repackaging.
The AASA program is an industry stewardship program, it is not a government inspection.
Ag retailers with stationary bulk pesticide storage tanks received a letter from AASA in early May, informing you of the inspection process; an AASA inspector will then call you to set up an appointment this summer for the inspection. There is ... more. |
The American Agronomic Stewardship Alliance (AASA) is hosting a 30-minute webinar on March 2, 2023 from 10-10:30 AM Central Time. In the webinar, Jean Payne and Dave Powers from AASA will review the AASA bulk pesticide facility inspection program and the key USEPA requirements for bulk pesticide containment, transfer areas, repackaging and labeling, and share the resources available for in-depth understanding of the rules governing bulk pesticides. Ag retailers, industry EHS personnel and crop protection salespersons are the target audience.
To register for the webinar go to AASA's website at www.aginspect.com
This webinar offers .5 CEU in Integrated Pest Management. If you cannot attend ... more. |
The American Agronomic Stewardship Alliance (AASA) is hosting a 30-minute webinar on March 2, 2023 from 10-10:30 AM Central Time. In the webinar, Jean Payne and Dave Powers from AASA will review the AASA bulk pesticide facility inspection program and the key USEPA requirements for bulk pesticide containment, transfer areas, repackaging and labeling, and share the resources available for in-depth understanding of the rules governing bulk pesticides. Ag retailers, industry EHS personnel and crop protection salespersons are the target audience.
To register for the webinar go to AASA's website at www.aginspect.com
This webinar offers .5 CEU in Integrated Pest Management. If you cannot attend ... more. |
... sure each nurse tank has 5 gallons of fresh clean water. Additionally put a gallon water jug in your truck and tractor.
6. Slow down! No more than 25 mph when pulling ammonia tanks.
7. Avoid congested or high traffic areas when pulling nurse tanks to and from the field of application.
8. ALWAYS shut-off ALL nurse tank valves and disconnect transfer hoses before pulling onto a public roadway. This is required by law. You should never have a "charged" system when sharing the roadway.
9. Nurse tanks should not be operated in low light conditions or before or after sunset UNLESS you have a rotating, flashing amber light on the tank(s). Today's motorists are not as familiar or patient with far ... more. |
... and you will receive a copy of your inspection report. The only other people who see the report are the pesticide manufacturers who ship bulk pesticides to your location.
The pesticide manufacturers support and fund the AASA program in order to partner with ag retailers and help assure compliance with detailed federal requirements on bulk pesticide storage, transfer and recordkeeping. Thanks to AASA, you can receive just one inspection instead of multiple inspections from each individual manufacturer. AASA inspections have helped many ag retailers avoid costly USEPA or state penalties on items like repackaging agreements, missing or incomplete tank labels, containment capacity discrepancies, etc.
You can learn more about the AASA i ... more. |
... 20 at the Days Inn in Rock Falls
September 21 at the Best Western in Galesburg
September 22 at Poe's Catering in Springfield (295 E. Andrew Road)
September 23 at Unique Suites in Charleston
October 12 at the Asmark Agricenter in Bloomington
The course will cover the properties of ammonia, proper use of personal protective equipment, how to safely transfer the product, safe transportation on the road, emergency response and first aid. The IDA inspectors will provide an overview of their facility inspection program and the areas of compliance that need attention. This year, all attendees will receive a handout that summarizes the new requirements of the recently updated Illinois ammonia regulations and will have an opportunity to get you ... more. |
... a light bar on the rear most tank when they are on a public roadway. Nurse tank running gears must also be in a safe condition with no missing bolts or damage to the gears and safety chains must be used at all times when transporting tanks. The legal speed limit for transporting nurse tanks on a public roadway is 25 mph.
3. All retail employees who perform transfer operations at an ammonia facility need to have IDA approved training. If you missed the IFCA/IDA training events, you can obtain a temporary training certificate good for 90 days until the next regular training classes are available. Click here to access the on-line temporary training tool. The cost is $40 for a 90 day license. Farmers can also get ammonia training on the ... more. |
Registration is now open for the IFCA 2026 Annual Convention and Tradeshow, taking place January 20–22. We’ve put together an outstanding program you won’t want to miss. Click here or visit the Convention tab on our website to explore the full lineup of speakers, sessions, and events planned for 2026. As an IFCA member, your participation is essential. This is your chance to engage with the association’s prog ... more. |
... No more than 25 mph when pulling ammonia tanks.
8. Avoid congested or high traffic areas when pulling nurse tanks to and from the field of application.
9. You are required to stop at all active rail crossings when pulling nurse tanks to and from the field of application.
10. ALWAYS shut-offALLnurse tank valves and disconnect transfer hoses before pulling onto a public roadway. This is required by law. You should never have a "charged" system when sharing the roadway.
11. Nurse tanks should not be operated in low light conditions or before or after sunsetUNLESSyou have a rotating, flashing amber light on the tank(s). Today's motorists are not as familia ... more. |
As the ammonia application season draws near, it’s important to keep track of soil temperature conditions to ensure proper timing and efficiency. IFCA provides easy access to this information on ourhomepage, where you can find daily updates displaying the previous day’s 4-inch bare soil maximum temperature. The temperature data is supplied by the Illinois State Water Survey, which continually monitors and reports soil temperature trends throughout the state to support informed agricultural decision-making.
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EPA’s Octobermitigation menu webinar presentation and recording are now available on the Pesticides and Endangered Species Educational Resources Toolbox website. The Toolbox catalogs educational resources including guidance documents, handouts, presentations, informational webinars, and other resources relating to EPA’s endangered species work. Here are individual links to webinar recording and the slides that were presented.
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... No more than 25 mph when pulling ammonia tanks.
8. Avoid congested or high traffic areas when pulling nurse tanks to and from the field of application.
9. You are required to stop at all active rail crossings when pulling nurse tanks to and from the field of application.
10. ALWAYS shut-offALLnurse tank valves and disconnect transfer hoses before pulling onto a public roadway. This is required by law. You should never have a "charged" system when sharing the roadway.
11. Nurse tanks should not be operated in low light conditions or before or after sunsetUNLESSyou have a rotating, flashing amber light on the tank(s). Today's motorists are not as familia ... more. |
... No more than 25 mph when pulling ammonia tanks.
8. Avoid congested or high traffic areas when pulling nurse tanks to and from the field of application.
9. You are required to stop at all active rail crossings when pulling nurse tanks to and from the field of application.
10. ALWAYS shut-offALLnurse tank valves and disconnect transfer hoses before pulling onto a public roadway. This is required by law. You should never have a "charged" system when sharing the roadway.
11. Nurse tanks should not be operated in low light conditions or before or after sunsetUNLESSyou have a rotating, flashing amber light on the tank(s). Today's motorists are not as familia ... more. |
The federal government shutdown has entered its third week, halting farm loans, delaying key market reports, and freezing emergency aid programs as agencies continue operating without funding.
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins confirmed that the USDA’s new support package for producers, funded through a $13 billion transfer from the Commodity Credit Corporation, will not move forward until normal operations resume. Rollins said that once the government reopens, the department will move ahead with a significant aid effort for farmers facing weak commodity prices and trade uncertainty. She also emphasized that the administration’s broader goal is to strengthen markets rather than depend on recurring payments.
. ... more. |
With the 2025 spring application season right around the corner, the Illinois Fertilizer and Chemical Association (IFCA) wanted to remind our members about Illinois Department of Labors One Day Rests In 7 Act. In the past, IFCA have applied to the Illinois Department of Labor for an industry exemption to the One Day In Seven Act, and those permits have been granted. In the past, the grain industry has been granted this request for 50 years.
After two attempts last fall from IFCA and the Grain ... more. |
With the 2025 spring application season right around the corner, the Illinois Fertilizer and Chemical Association (IFCA) wanted to remind our members about Illinois Department of Labors One Day Rests In 7 Act. In the past, IFCA have applied to the Illinois Department of Labor for an industry exemption to the One Day In Seven Act, and those permits have been granted. In the past, the grain industry has been granted this request for 50 years.
After two attempts last fall from IFCA and the Grain ... more. |
... asked aboutOPP operational status, EPA is referringpeople to this website and the provision that lists activities forFIFRA (maintenance) fees allowingactivities funded by these fees to continue. It currently appears that most people at OPP are working andEPA will assess its funding on a regularbasis to determine operations during the shutdown.
IFCA will continue to keep members updated on developments as the shutdown continues.
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... of service data.
Replace the revoked ELDs with compliant ELDs from the Registered Devices list before September 29, 2025.
FMCSA strongly encourages motor carriers to take the actions listed above now to avoid compliance issues in the event that the deficiencies are not addressed by the ELD provider.
For more information on ELDs, visit FMCSA’s ELD website.
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Illinois Department of Agriculture requires “Competent Attendant” training once every three years for employees that handle, store, transfer or transport anhydrous ammonia at any bulk anhydrous ammonia storage facility. This online training serves as a temporary certification for new or part-time employees who were unable to attend in-person training.
"Temporary Certified Competent Attendant" means a person who has successfully completed a Department approved online training course and receive ... more. |
... adopt a continuing education credits (CECs) program, allowing holders of a current valid pesticide license to renew their license by seeking continual educational pesticide knowledge. SB 783 would require the IDOA to create a CEC program, providing an option where a licensed applicator completes a certain number of hours/credits per year for a 3-year re-certification/license period.
IFCA believes Illinois should utilize continuing education as an option to maintain an individual’s pesticide license. Continual training provides current information sharing and increased knowledge and awareness pertaining to pesticide application. This program is consistent with what many other Midwestern states are successfully using in providing ongoing continuous education when handling an ... more. |
... additional revenue sources is still on the table.
Despite calls from legislators on both sides of the aisle to balance the budget without new revenue streams, possible revenue generating ideas that have been floated include a major expansion on sales tax on services, an increase in the corporate income tax by 0.92%, a commercial parking tax, increased rideshare fees, a real estate transfer tax, a road usage charge, a delivery tax on online orders, a tolling surcharge, and changing addback income tax rules, to name a few.
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The spirit of friendly industry competition will be on full display as IFCA hosts its annual golf outing on Wednesday, July 24, at The Den at Fox Creek in Bloomington, Illinois. This much-anticipated event brings our membership together for a day of golf, networking, and giving back.
More than just a day on the greens, the outing plays a vital role in supporting a way to invest in the future of agriculture. Proceeds from the event directly fund scholarships ... more. |
... to ammonia safety, training, equipment requirements, or ammonia regulations, please contact John Rebholz at john@ifca.com.
1. Remember to always utilize your ammonia gloves and chemical splash goggles when working around ammonia. Never wear contact lenses when working around anhydrous ammonia.
2. Stay upwind when making or breaking connections, bleeding lines, or transferring product.
3. Always assume ammonia is present in all equipment or hoses and thoroughly purge the ammonia prior to inspection or maintenance.
4. Inspect those ammonia hoses for any nicks, cuts, soft spots, and coupler slippage. When in doubt, purge and change the hose out.
5. Follow the replacement date indicated by the hose manufacturer and re ... more. |
With the 2025 spring application season right around the corner, the Illinois Fertilizer and Chemical Association (IFCA) wanted to remind our members about Illinois Department of Labors One Day Rests In 7 Act. In the past, IFCA have applied to the Illinois Department of Labor for an industry exemption to the One Day In Seven Act, and those permits have been granted. In the past, the grain industry has been granted this request for 50 years.
After two attempts last fall from IFCA and the Grain ... more. |
... related to ammonia safety, training, equipment requirements, or ammonia regulations, please contact John Rebholz at john@ifca.com
1. Remember to always utilize your ammonia gloves and chemical splash goggles when working around ammonia. Never wear contact lenses when working around anhydrous ammonia.
2. Stay upwind when making or breaking connections, bleeding lines, or transferring product.
3. Always assume ammonia is present in all equipment or hoses and thoroughly purge the ammonia prior to inspection or maintenance.
4. Inspect those ammonia hoses for any nicks, cuts, soft spots, and coupler slippage. When in doubt, purge and change the hose out.
5. Follow the replacement date indicated by the hose manufacturer and remember ammonia hos ... more. |
... to ammonia safety, training, equipment requirements, or ammonia regulations, please contact John Rebholz at john@ifca.com
1. Remember to always utilize your ammonia gloves and chemical splash goggles when working around ammonia. Never wear contact lenses when working around anhydrous ammonia.
2. Stay upwind when making or breaking connections, bleeding lines, or transferring product.
3. Always assume ammonia is present in all equipment or hoses and thoroughly purge the ammonia prior to inspection or maintenance.
4. Inspect those ammonia hoses for any nicks, cuts, soft spots, and coupler slippage. When in doubt, purge and change the hose out.
5. Follow the replacement date indicated by the hose manufacturer and re ... more. |
... or transporting ammonia, or working on ammonia equipment, must attend training. There are two options to complete grower anhydrous ammonia training: attendin-person training or online training. In-person trainings will take place in the afternoons at 1:00pm between February 24th through March 6th.
The first link below willredirectyou to Illinois Farm Bureau's website where you can view the schedule andregister for in-person training. The second link takes you to the online training option, hosted on the Illinois Department of Agriculture's website.
IN-PERSON ANHYDROUS AMMONIA CERTIFIED GROWER TRAINING
ONLINE ANHYDROUS AMMONIA CERTIFIED GROWER TRAINING
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... applying or transporting ammonia, or working on ammonia equipment, must attend training. There are two options to complete grower anhydrous ammonia training: attendin-person training or online training. In-person trainings will take place in the afternoons beginning at 1:00pm startingnext week.
The first link below willredirected you to Illinois Farm Bureau's website where you can view the schedule andregister for in-person training. The second link takes you to the online training option, hosted on the Illinois Department of Agriculture's website.
IN-PERSON ANHYDROUS AMMONIA CERTIFIED GROWER TRAINING
ONLINE ANHYDROUS AMMONIA CERTIFIED GROWER TRAINING
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... will generate $198 million. Taxpayers who owe taxes are able to pay back taxes and avoid payment of penalties and interest. Tax amnesty windows are traditionally opened every 5-7 years.
An additional $100 million will be realized by “realigning” taxes in table games and electronic games at 15 of the 16 casinos in Illinois.
An additional $171 million will come by pausing the transfer of funds from sales taxes on motor fuel to the Motor Fuel Tax Fund.This is the last year the transfer is scheduled, but the Governor is proposing delaying it.
Elimination of the 280E state-level deduction for cannabis industry business expenses is expected to generate $20 million in gross individual income tax revenue.
All told, the Governor’s FY26 budget proposal total ... more. |
IFCA will be traveling across the state, beginning next week, to host competent attendanttraining ahead of the spring season. Please click hereto register any new employees who will be working with anhydrous ammonia or employees who need to recertify. Upcoming training courses will run from February 24ththrough March 18th. Below you will find the list of
February ... more. |
IFCA has been working closely with University of Illinois researchers for over a decade now, studying many of the practices listed in the Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy. One of these projects, A diverse rotation of corn-soybean-winter wheat/double crop soybean with cereal rye after corn reduces tile nitrate loss, measured tile flow and tile nitrate concentrations from 2015 through 2023. Th ... more. |
... references EPA’s section 7(a)(1)/7(a)(2) Plan — which EPA worked with FWS to develop and describes how EPA will identify conservation measures through development and implementation of multi-chemical approaches including the Herbicide Strategy. The Joint Statement and 7(a)(1)/7(a)(2) Plan are the result of successful coordination between the agencies and are available on EPA’s website.
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If you have not yet pre-registered to attend the IFCA convention, you still have time. Click here to be directed to the IFCA website.Click on the "Convention" tab where we have the schedule of events and online registration available.We recommend pre-registering to avoid lines at the on-site registration booth.
We have a great trade show, combined with anhydrous ammonia training, applicator training, pesticide lic ... more. |
Start the new year off right by attending the2025 IFCA Winter ConventionJanuary 21-23 in Peoria, IL! The show will host several events for all members of the industry. Visit theprogram pageon the IFCA website, where you can find information on exhibitors that will be attending, CCA Session, Regulatory Session, Ammonia Training, Pesticide Training and Testing, Keynote Address, Ag-Solve Auction and Educational Sessions.Click he ... more. |
Start the new year off right by attending the 2025 IFCA Winter Convention January 21-23 in Peoria, IL! The show will host several events for all members of the industry. Visit the program page on the IFCA website, where you can find information on exhibitors that will be attending, CCA Session, Regulatory Session, Ammonia Training, Pesticide Training and Testing, Keynote Address, Ag-Solve Auction and Educational Sessions. Click here register today!
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Are you planning on attending the Annual Convention and Tradeshow January 21 – 23? Registration is now open.IFCA has put together a program that you won’t want to miss.Click on the convention tab on our website to find who is on the 2025 program.One major change to our program is that the annual meeting has been moved to Tuesday, January 21 at 4:00 pm.As a member of IFCA it is important to attend and find out how your association is doing….and it’s pretty impressive.
... more. |
The IFCA staff and Board of Directors wish all our members along with your families a safe and Happy Thanksgiving.We appreciate your membership and continued support for IFCA. Be sure to keep visiting our website at www.ifca.com for updates on the 2025convention, pesticide training/testing, ammonia training along with information on legislative and regulatory issues.Contact our office a ... more. |
... Categories (BASICs) into Compliance Categories
Reducing inconsistences across roadside violations
Simplifying severity weights
Using the exact number of inspections and crashes to assign a percentile for a motor carrier
Below is the email update from FMCSA on the changes, and you can view how the changes will impact the prioritization of your motor carrier on the agency’s Preview Website. Further details are provided in the agency’s Federal Register notice.
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Please keep in mind, if you hire part time employees or growers to custom apply anhydrous ammonia on behalf of your business, they are required to complete anhydrous ammonia safety training. IFCA offers a 90-day training certificate that would satisfy the requirement of a competent attendant, at least temporarily. You can access this training by clicking on thislink.
If you are planning customer meetings this winter, consider incorporating anhydrous ammonia grower safety training into your meetings. IFCA is happy to assist with grower training; our members who ... more. |
VisitIFCA's homepage to view the 4-inch bare soil daily maximum temperature from the previous day.
This information is provided by the Illinois State Water Survey.
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The paraquat training module is now live on Syngenta’s website.It is available at:
Paraquat Training
Links from Gramoxone 2.0 and 3.0 pages have been updated along with the EPA paraquat page.
There is no charge for the training and is open to everyone.
There is an English and Spanish version for the training.
There is a one time registration form requiring name, email address, state, and pesticide application license number.
An auto ... more. |
The EPA updated its mitigation menu website to include all current measures to reduce exposure to nontarget species from pesticide runoff from ag uses, providing options to growers as part of future pesticide labels that implement EPA’s finalAugust 2024 Herbicide Strategy.
The website currently includes runoff/erosion mitigation options; EPA will update the website in the future with spray drift mitigation options from ... more. |
... to ammonia safety, training, equipment requirements, or ammonia regulations, please contact John Rebholz at john@ifca.com
1. Remember to always utilize your ammonia gloves and chemical splash goggles when working around ammonia. Never wear contact lenses when working around anhydrous ammonia.
2. Stay upwind when making or breaking connections, bleeding lines, or transferring product.
3. Always assume ammonia is present in all equipment or hoses and thoroughly purge the ammonia prior to inspection or maintenance.
4. Inspect those ammonia hoses for any nicks, cuts, soft spots, and coupler slippage. When in doubt, purge and change the hose out.
5. Follow the replacement date indicated by the hose manufacturer and remember ... more. |
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are releasing a new web-based tool on the Unified Website for Biotechnology Regulation for companies that develop microbial biotechnology products.
The tool provides users, through a series of prompts, with information on regulatory requirements for biotechnology products developed using genetically modified microorganisms and the approval process across agencies. Biotechnology products include plants, animals, and microorganisms develo ... more. |
The Grain and Feed Association of Illinois (GFAI) and the Illinois Fertilizer and Chemical Association (IFCA) have been in talks with the Illinois Department of Labor regarding granting permits for exemptions to the One Day Rest In Seven Act for each of our respective industries. In the past, GFAI and IFCA have applied to the Illinois Department of Labor for an industry exemption to the One Day In Seven Act, and those permits have been granted. GFAI has been granted this request for 50 year ... more. |
... but also addresses other routes of pesticide exposure to the vulnerable species. Examples include on-field exposure to a vulnerable species and pesticide volatilization (the movement of pesticide vapors through the air). This action plan, along with the Ecological Mitigation Support document, are available in the public docket EPA-HQ-OPP-2023-0327 at regulations.gov, and onEPA’s website.
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The Grain and Feed Association of Illinois (GFAI) and the Illinois Fertilizer and Chemical Association (IFCA) have been in talks with the Illinois Department of Labor regarding granting permits for exemptions to the One Day Rest In Seven Act for each of our respective industries. In the past, GFAI and IFCA have applied to the Illinois Department of Labor for an industry exemption to the One Day In Seven Act, and those permits have been granted. GFAI has been granted this request for 50 year ... more. |
Each spring and fall, IFCA partners with the IL Dept. of Ag to offer ammonia safety courses throughout the state. Those who attend the training program and pass the exam receive a 3-year certificate from IDA as a “Competent Attendant” to handle anhydrous ammonia.
The dates for fall ammonia courses are set; you can register for any of these upcoming classes on the IFCA website
There are six up ... more. |
... “Today’s proposal is an important next step in the process to receive public input to craft a ‘win-win’ final rule that protects workers while being practical and workable for employers.” ?
Right now, five states have some laws on the books protecting workers from excessive heat: California, Colorado, Minnesota, Oregon and Washington, OSHA cites on its website. The rule would not apply to farms with 10 or fewer workers. It would apply to an estimated 105,000 farms and related agribusinesses, affecting nearly 1.14 million farm and agricultural processing workers.
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... of the current registrationbe carried in every company vehicle used to transport hazardous materials and that past copies of the certificate of registrationbe kept for three years at the office. You can register and pay the fee online at DOT's website.
If you have more questions regarding HAZMAT Registration, please do not hesitate to contact KJ Johnson at the IFCA office.
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... on the menu without updating thousands of individual labels each time, which would take years to complete. This approach ensures that agricultural pesticide users can benefit promptly from those changes to the menu.
The mitigation menu does not impose any requirements or restrictions on pesticide use. Rather, EPA will use this menu to inform mitigation measures for new active ingredient registrations and registration review of conventional pesticides. Mitigations described in the menu will not become effective until EPA adopts labels (following public comment) as part of these FIFRA actions. Future pesticide labels requiring runoff or erosion measures will refer to this website so users can quickly find the most updated list of measures.
The purpose of the webinar is ... more. |
Application Record-Keeping Forms:
Engenia Xtendimax Tavium
IDOA Dicamba FAQ
EPA Bulletins Live! Twoto viewwhich counties have endangered species.
Fieldwatch Sensitive Crop Registry
Illinois Nature Preserves Commission Sites
Current Tank Mix Approvals for:
Engenia Xtendi ... more. |
... Environmental Protection Agency, is free and designed to collect unwanted agricultural pesticides.
This year collections will take place in Bureau, Carroll, Henry, JoDaviess, Lasalle, Lee, Ogle, Rock Island, Stephenson, Whiteside, and Winnebago Counties.
Participants must pre-register products intended for disposal using this form prior to the collection date of July 26th. The collection period typically runs from 8:30am until 2:00pm.
Click here to view IDOA’s website for more information on the program.
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... Environmental Protection Agency, is free and designed to collect unwanted agricultural pesticides.
This year collections will take place in Bureau, Carroll, Henry, JoDaviess, Lasalle, Lee, Ogle, Rock Island, Stephenson, Whiteside, and Winnebago Counties.
Participants must pre-register products intended for disposal using this form prior to the collection date of July 26th. The collection period typically runs from 8:30am until 2:00pm.
Click here to view IDOA’s website for more information on the program.
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As we enter the 2024 season here in Illinois, IFCA wants to remind all members that the restrictions for dicamba use on soybeans by the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA)are the same restrictions required in 2023. Dicamba label training is still required every year prior to applying dicamba over-the-top of soybeans. You can complete any one of the three trainings for dicamba application to soybeans no matter which dicamba product yo ... more. |
... the FieldWatch sensitive crop registry(https://www.fieldwatch.com)and comply with all associated recordkeeping and label requirements.
Application on soybeans of a pesticide containing dicamba shall not be made if the wind is blowing toward: any Illinois Nature Preserves Commission site that is adjacent to the field of application; or an adjacent residential area.
IFCA receives many calls regarding the importance of recordkeeping. IFCA stresses that you fill out all questions on the recordkeeping forms below. Failure to complete the entire form can lead to monetary fines following pesticide complaints. See below for links to the dicamba recordkeeping forms:
Engenia Form
Xtendimax Form
Tavium Form
Click here to review IDOA's ... more. |
... Slow down! No more than 25 mph when pulling ammonia tanks.
8. Avoid congested or high traffic areas when pulling nurse tanks to and from the field of application.
9. You are required to stop at all active rail crossings when pulling nurse tanks to and from the field of application.
10. ALWAYS shut-off ALL nurse tank valves and disconnect transfer hoses before pulling onto a public roadway. This is required by law. You should never have a "charged" system when sharing the roadway.
11. Nurse tanks should not be operated in low light conditions or before or after sunset UNLESS you have a rotating, flashing amber light on the tank(s). Today's motorists are not as familiar or patient with farm equipment even in rural ... more. |
... Slow down! No more than 25 mph when pulling ammonia tanks.
8. Avoid congested or high traffic areas when pulling nurse tanks to and from the field of application.
9. You are required to stop at all active rail crossings when pulling nurse tanks to and from the field of application.
10. ALWAYS shut-off ALL nurse tank valves and disconnect transfer hoses before pulling onto a public roadway. This is required by law. You should never have a "charged" system when sharing the roadway.
11. Nurse tanks should not be operated in low light conditions or before or after sunset UNLESS you have a rotating, flashing amber light on the tank(s). Today's motorists are not as familiar or patient with farm equipment even in rural ... more. |
To check out what's going on at IFCA the past couple of weeks, click here and watch a video from President KJ Johnson. IFCA will be posting weekly videos to their website of updates on what's going on in the ag input industry.
The Illinois General Assembly was off this week for the Easter/spring break. The Senate is also off next week but the House of Representatives will be in next to keep moving bills out of co ... more. |
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... Ag employee. The deadline for submitting applications is July 31, 2024. To apply, students must be in their senior year of high school through their junior year of college pursuing a degree in the agriculture industry at a college or university in Illinois or Indiana.
Scholarship recipients will be notified by August 31, 2024. For any questions, applicants are encouraged to visit the website or contact Jenner Ag at 800-637-1692 x228.
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IFCA will be hosting a total of nine competent ammonia trainings beginning February 26th. If you have new hires working with anhydrous ammonia or current employees who need to renew their certification, please visit our website by clicking hereto get them registered. The trainings run from 9:00am to noon and the full schedule can be found below:
·February 26: Asmark Ag ... more. |
Start the new year off right by attending the 2024 IFCA Winter Convention January 16-18 in Peoria, IL! The show will host several events for all members of the industry. Visit the program page on the IFCA website, where you can find information on exhibitors that will be attending, CCA Session, Regulatory Session, Ammonia Training, Pesticide Training and Testing, Keynote Address, Ag-Solve Auction as well as several other Educational Sessions. Click h ... more. |
... Slow down! No more than 25 mph when pulling ammonia tanks.
8. Avoid congested or high traffic areas when pulling nurse tanks to and from the field of application.
9. You are required to stop at all active rail crossings when pulling nurse tanks to and from the field of application.
10. ALWAYS shut-offALLnurse tank valves and disconnect transfer hoses before pulling onto a public roadway. This is required by law. You should never have a "charged" system when sharing the roadway.
11. Nurse tanks should not be operated in low light conditions or before or after sunsetUNLESSyou have a rotating, flashing amber light on the tank(s). Today's motorists are not as familiar or patie ... more. |
ISAP’s Cover Crop Dealer Directory lists seed dealers and service providers (e.g. custom seeding) across Illinois. The Directory is available as a free download from ISAP's website: https://ilsustainableag.org/cover-crop-seed-dealers-directory/ (click the green button to download a pdf version, or choose the "live" link to access a Google Sheet that can be filtered and sorted)
Would you like to be listed on the directory? Add your business to the directory using this simple form (takes less than 2 minutes to complete).
... more. |
ISAP’s Cover Crop Dealer Directory lists seed dealers and service providers (e.g. custom seeding) across Illinois. The Directory is available as a free download from ISAP's website: https://ilsustainableag.org/cover-crop-seed-dealers-directory/ (click the green button to download a pdf version, or choose the "live" link to access a Google Sheet that can be filtered and sorted)
Would you like to be listed on the directory? Add your business to the directory using this simple form (takes less than 2 minutes to complete).
... more. |
Each spring and fall, IFCA partners with the IL Dept. of Ag to offer ammonia safety courses throughout the state. Those who attend the training program and pass the exam receive a 3-year certificate from IDA as a “Competent Attendant” to handle anhydrous ammonia.
The dates for fall ammonia courses are set; you can register for any of these upcoming classes on our website at https://ifca.com/IFCA_T ... more. |
... fee. A copy of the current registration must be carried in every company vehicle used to transport hazardous materials. Past copies of the certificate of registration must be kept for three years at the office. You can register and pay the fee online at DOT's website.
If you have more questions regarding HAZMAT Registration, please do not hesitate to contact KJ Johnson at the IFCA office.
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... the label-specified downwind buffer between the last treated row and the nearest downfield edge of any Illinois Nature Preserves Commission site”. To help clarify where these nature preserves are located, click here to view the Natural Resources Awareness Tool for Applicators.
If you have questions regarding any of the information provided above, please contact IFCA at 309-827-2774.
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Part of the labels for the use of dicamba on soybeans in 2022 is “maintaining the label-specified downwind buffer between the last treated row and the nearest downfield edge of any Illinois Nature Preserves Commission site”. To help clarify where these nature preserves are located, we’ve created a resource page within the IFCA website.
If you have questions regarding any of the information provided above, please contact IFCA at 309-827-2774.
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The American Commercial Barge Line (ACBL)providesa weekly update on major Illinois river conditions. IFCA members should use this website forupdates on both the Mississippi and Illinois river.
ACBL reported this week that there areno boats engaged on the Upper Mississippi above St. Louis due to the flooding conditions and lock closures on the river. ACBL expects all locks north of the IL-WI state line to open mid-week, 05/10. However, they expect lock 17 (south of Musc ... more. |
... ad hoc reviewers assisting the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) Scientific Advisory Panel (SAP) with the review of the Agency’s analysis and assessment of ecological risk from atrazine use. EPA is also announcing a three-day public virtual meeting on August 22-24, 2023, starting at 10:00 a.m. to approximately 5:00 p.m. EDT on Examination of Microcosm/Mesocosm Studies for Evaluating the Effects of Atrazine on Aquatic Plant Communities.
Nominations must be submitted on or before April 24, 2023. These nominations will be used to assist the Agency in selecting approximately 8-12 ad hoc reviewers to assist the FIFRA SAP with their review. The review will take place during the August public meeting. Registration information for the meeting will be announc ... more. |
... Most of the revised WPS standards became effective on January 2018. The WPS requires commercial pesticide handler employers to provide specific information and protections to workers, handlers when WPS-labeled pesticide products are used on agricultural establishments in the production of agricultural plants. Additional resources on Worker Protection Standards can be found on IFCA’s website under Regulations. Feel free to contact IFCA with any questions.
Who is Included in WPS:
● mixing, loading or apply agricultural pesticides
● clean or repair pesticide agricultural equipment
... more. |
If you are an interstate motor carrier and have motorized commercial vehicles that cross state lines, you must register and pay the Uniform Carrier Registration Fee. The fee is based upon the number of vehicles that operate in interstate commerce. To register click here. Additional information regarding the UCR program can be found in the UCR Handbook on the UCR Website. Enforcement will begin on April 1, so please be sure your UCR registration is current.
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Congress needs to modernize the crop insurance program and update farm subsidies to reflect higher input costs and volatile commodity markets — expensive steps — when it writes the new farm bill, said the leader of the largest U.S. farm group at a listening session in Texas on Wednesday. An anti-hunger leader asked lawmakers to “keep the importance of access to SNAP and the adequacy of those benefits top of mind throughout farm bill discussions.”
&nb ... more. |
Last week, AASA staff hosted a webinar explaining the AASA inspection program and summarizing the requirements for facilities that receive, store, transfer and repack bulk agricultural pesticides. If you missed the webinar, you can still watch the recordinghere. With support from the pesticide registrants and in cooperation with ag retailers, AASA inspectors conduct facility inspections each year. This webinar focuses on AASA’s inspection observations, explains the importance of containment, transfer areas and repackaging requireme ... more. |
IFCA member Jenner Ag is offering Illinois and Indiana high school and college students with a passion for agriculture the opportunity to be one of two $1,000 scholarship recipients for the 2023-2024 school year. This is the 12th year Jenner Ag will distribute ag scholarships.
To qualify for the Jenner Ag Furthering Ag Education Scholarship, students must be in their senior year of high scho ... more. |
... that handles or transports ammonia is now also responsible for achieving anhydrous ammonia certification. The easiest way to ensure your grower-customers attain their annual ammonia certification is to have them visit the IDA website and sit through the online training. This can be found by clicking here. For anyone looking to host an in-person grower ammonia training, please reach out to the IFCA office at 309-827-2774.
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The IFCA staff and Board of Directors would like to thank all ofour members who attended the IFCA Convention last week in Peoria.We greatly appreciate the support and participationof all of our sponsors, exhibitors, speakers, and attendees for helping make the 2023 convention a great success!
We received several requests ... more. |
You still have time if you have not yet pre-registered to attend the IFCA convention. Click hereto be directed to the IFCA website. Select the "Convention" tab where the schedule and on-line registration isavailable. Please register before the end of the day on Thursday and avoid lines at the on-site registration booth.
We have a great trade show, combined with anhydrous ammonia training, pesticide train ... more. |
The IFCA staff and Board of Directors wish all our members along with your families a safe and Happy Thanksgiving. We appreciate your membership and continued support for IFCA. Be sure to keep visiting our website at www.ifca.com for updates on the 2023 convention, pesticide training/testing, ammonia training along with information on legislative and regulatory issues. Contact our offic ... more. |
As of April 1, 2022, all growers or grower farm operators in Illinois who transport or apply anhydrous ammonia, or otherwise maintain anhydrous ammonia equipment, shall be certified. Growers and grower farm operators handling anhydrous ammonia must participate in refresher training every three years. Click here to be redirected to IDOA's online certified grower training website. IFCA has prepared a Frequently Asked Questions document you can review and share with your growers. We encourageretail members to print this FAQ document to display in your facility and/or distribute to yourgrower customers who utilize NH3. To access the FAQ , pleaseclick here.
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... per acre
Central Illinois: 176lbs. per acre
Southern Illinois: 196lbs. per acre;NITROGEN SHOULD NOT BE FALL APPLIED IN SOUTHERN ILLINOIS
2. Wait until mid-day soil temperatures in bare soil at the 4" depth is 50 degrees and the weather forecast indicates temperatures will not rebound, but rather will continue to cool. IFCA will start posting the State Water Survey soil temperature each day starting on Monday on the IFCA homepage,www.ifca.com. But it is always recommended you take the soil temperature in field yourself, as the temperatures posted on the website are not provided in each county.
3. Use a USEPA labeled nitrification inhibitor with all fall-applied ammonia (N- ... more. |
... 5 gallons of fresh clean water. Additionally put a gallon water jug in your truck and tractor.
6. Slow down! No more than 25 mph when pulling ammonia tanks.
7. Avoid congested or high traffic areas when pulling nurse tanks to and from the field of application.
8. ALWAYS shut-offALLnurse tank valves and disconnect transfer hoses before pulling onto a public roadway. This is required by law. You should never have a "charged" system when sharing the roadway.
9. Nurse tanks should not be operated in low light conditions or before or after sunsetUNLESSyou have a rotating, flashing amber light on the tank(s). Today's motorists are not as familiar ... more. |
... per acre
Central Illinois: 176lbs. per acre
Southern Illinois: 196lbs. per acre;NITROGEN SHOULD NOT BE FALL APPLIED IN SOUTHERN ILLINOIS
2. Wait until mid-day soil temperatures in bare soil at the 4" depth is 50 degrees and the weather forecast indicates temperatures will not rebound, but rather will continue to cool. IFCA will start posting the State Water Survey soil temperature each day starting on Monday on the IFCA homepage,www.ifca.com. But it is always recommended you take the soil temperature in field yourself, as the temperatures posted on the website are not provided in each county.
3. Use a USEPA labeled nitrification inhibitor with all fall-applied ammonia (N- ... more. |
... 5 gallons of fresh clean water. Additionally put a gallon water jug in your truck and tractor.
6. Slow down! No more than 25 mph when pulling ammonia tanks.
7. Avoid congested or high traffic areas when pulling nurse tanks to and from the field of application.
8. ALWAYS shut-offALLnurse tank valves and disconnect transfer hoses before pulling onto a public roadway. This is required by law. You should never have a "charged" system when sharing the roadway.
9. Nurse tanks should not be operated in low light conditions or before or after sunsetUNLESSyou have a rotating, flashing amber light on the tank(s). Today's motorists are not as familiar ... more. |
I was looking for something else recently on Scott Kennedy’s Illinois Election Data website and noticed he had voter turnout numbers from statewide races since 1990. We all know that downstate has lost a significant amount of its political importance, but the numbers really help illustrate this decline.
In 1990, 42% of the total vote for governor came from downstate counties, while a mere 17% came from the suburban collar counties outside Cook.
Click Here to read ... more. |
We are only few days away from this year’s MAGIE Show. Ifyou would like to avoid the long lines at the show, simply click here to preregister. You can also click on the MAGIE tab on the IFCA website toview the showlayout, list of exhibitors, as well as accommodations. Join us for another great show that is designed for the ag retailer industry, with lots of great exhibitor displays and hospitality. IFCA also be announcing the first ever Illinois Applicator of the Year Award on Wednesday at the tailgate party. We strongly encourage pre-registration at the lowe ... more. |
Each spring and fall, IFCA partners with the IL Dept. of Ag to offer ammonia safety courses throughout the state. Those who attend the training program and pass the exam receive a 3 year certificate from IDA as a “Competent Attendant” to handle anhydrous ammonia.
We have set the dates for the Fall 2022 ammonia courses; you can register for any of these upcoming classes by visiting our website at ... more. |
Each spring and fall, IFCA partners with the IL Dept. of Ag to offer ammonia safety courses throughout the state. Those who attend the training program and pass the exam receive a 3 year certificate from IDA as a “Competent Attendant” to handle anhydrous ammonia.
We have set the dates for the Fall 2022 ammonia courses; you can register for any of these upcoming classes by visiting our website ... more. |
... tires.
Escape from the office and visit with other peers in the industry.
FREE FOOD…. and lots of it. Follow your nose to those vendors who are cooking lunch and on August 24th stay until 3:45 pm for the hospitality party in the food tent…..chance to win prizes.
See who wins the IMAGE and Showstopper Award
Introduction of the four Custom Applicator finalists, IFCA will announce the winner during the hospitality party.
To see the layout, list of exhibitors, and to register on-line simply go to our website and click the MAGIE drop down list.
We strongly encourage pre-registration at the lower price of $12 at the door versus $15 at the show. Click hereto register!
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With only 6 days left to make applications of Engenia, Xtendimax and Tavium, IFCA would like to pass along some friendly reminders regarding application of dicamba:
Prohibiting over the top application of dicamba on soybeans after June 20.
Prohibiting over the top application of dicamba on soybeans if the air temperature at the field at the time of application is over 85 degrees, or if the National Weather Service's forecasted high temperature for th ... more. |
On July 15, 2021 at 4 p.m. the 85 computers of Augusta Cooperative Farm bureau, Inc, flashed, and then the screens went white. The next morning, the cyber hackers (formally called threat actors) made their ransom known via a phone call. Then five minutes later, the hackers took down the ag retailer’s website.
It took nearly a month until the Stanton, VA, based cooperative was back to business in a new normal and no longer receiving communication from the threat actors.
Click Here to read more.
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EPA has posted a revised version of the consolidated List of Lists dated April 2022 on their website. This is the consolidated list of chemicals subject to reporting requirements under the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA), Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) and section 112 (r) of the Clean Air Act. The List of Lists is used as a reference for many regulatory requirements, but most importantly spill reporting. This r ... more. |
... The Illinois Department of Agriculture recently released an updated version of their ‘frequently asked questions’ webpage, addressing many of the common questions still out there. Please click here to be redirected to their website.
Annualdicamba label trainingis once again required for dicamba application OTT ofsoybean. Click here to be redirected to IFCA's Dicamba Website where you will find links tothe three separate trainings. Remember, you can complete any one of the three trainings to achieve your certification. The training completed does not have to be hosted by the same company that produces the product being used.
If you still have any questions, pleasefeel free to reach out to KJ Johnson, kj@ifca.com, or con ... more. |
... Division Office of FMCSA:
The email seen below is being sent to some ELDT providers. This is a bogus email address and does not exist. The scammer is attempting to utilize an official looking email address to get the training provider to click on the link for nefarious purposes. FMCSA would not send an email with a hidden link to click on. Official correspondence would include the website information that they would need to utilize, not a hidden link. If you receive an email such as this, do not respond or click on any links. If anyone has questions regarding an email they have received and appears to be from our agency, they can reach out directly to FMCSA to verify.
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... the products, but you must complete training before applying the products.
What type of dicamba training materials will be accepted in Illinois?
The registrants of the products (Bayer, BASF and Syngenta) are providing dicamba specific training. The training will be on-line or via webinars in 2021. Please see the training links on the "Home" section of this website.
Are there additional label restrictions in Illinois?
Yes. The IL Dept of Ag adopted emergency rules that require applicators to follow additional label requirements including a June 20 application cutoff date and a 85 degree temperature restriction for application. Click here to see the additional label requirements in Illinois. ... more. |
IFCA will host regular legislative update webinars to help keep our members up to date regarding legislation that impacts our industry at both a national and state level. To view the recorded webinar from this past Monday, February 14, please click here. All future IFCA webinar recordings covering legislative, as well as other important topics, will be found in the “WEBINARS” tab on our w ... more. |
According to a press release on the AgriBusiness Global website, China plans an overhaul of its seed rules that will pave way for GMO approvals. It is a big step for China’s modern agriculture and a new business opportunity for upstream ag input suppliers.
On July 9, 2021, the 20th meeting of the Commission for Deepening Overall Reform of the China Central Committee deliberated and approved the “Action Plan for Revitalizing the Seed Indus ... more. |
... upgrading an existing Class B CDL to a Class A.
To view the recording and others from the ARA Member Dashboard:
If you do not know your ARA login, email info@aradc.org to reset your password or to setup a login.
Click Here to login to the ARA Member Dashboard with your email and ARA password.
Once logged in, click on the green MEMBER HOME button at the top right corner of the ARA website.
Place your mouse over PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT and click ARA Webinars.
Scroll down and click on the webinar recording video under ARA Webinar: Industry Experts on FMCSA’s New ELDT Requirements. You will find other resources related to this webinar there as well.
More about ELDT Regulations: The ELDT regulations are not retroactive; the entry-level driver training requirements do n ... more. |
IFCA and the Ag Retailers Association (ARA) needs your support and active involvement in upcoming virtual Congressional meetings in an effort to strengthen ongoing advocacy efforts with your members of Congress to bring about necessary legislation and policies that benefit agricultural retailers, their farmer customers and rural communities. Since the event is virtual, ARA and IFCA will be coordinati ... more. |
Grower training will be offered in the afternoon after competent attendant ammonia training. Growers and grower farm operators have until April 1, 2022, to be initially certified, and must participate in refresher training every three years. Thetraining sessionswill follow IFCA's annual Spring Competent Ammonia Trainings. Grower Training will begin at 1 p.m.and will have limited capacity. Information on the dates, locations and registrationcan be found here. Growers also have the option of taking online certified grower training through the Illinois Department of Agriculture website, access to the online training can be found here.
&n ... more. |
IFCA convention is just one week away. This year’s convention is January 18th – 20th. If you have not yet pre-registered to attend the IFCA convention, you still have time. Click here to be directed to the IFCA convention website. Click here for on-line registration.
We have a great trade show, combined with anhydrous ammonia training, pesticid ... more. |
The UI and IDA are offeringon-line training and testing, with the opportunity for some in-person testing. Click on the headingaboveto be directed to the UI's Pesticide Training & Testing website for more information about training/testing opportunities.
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... outlining registration requirements for herbicides used on genetically modified crops, in another sign that Beijing is gearing up to allow greater use of GM technology in agriculture, reports Reuters. The rules include guidelines on efficacy trials for herbicides used on herbicide-tolerant corn and soybeans, according to the statement on the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs’ website.
China currently does not permit planting of any GM varieties of major feed or food crops, though most of its cotton is genetically modified.
Last month it drafted new rules that lay out requirements for integrating a GM trait into conventional seed varieties, which was seen by the industry as a major step towards greenlighting commercial production of GM corn.
Click He ... more. |
IFCA has received many calls and emails over the last few months regarding the curriculum requirements for the new Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) regulations. IFCA has had several conversations with FMCSA for additional guidance on how our members need to train their drivers. Late last week FMCSA did release more information detailing what companies need to be using as a curriculum.&n ... more. |
... is important to make clear that thefederal label supersedes any requirements set forth by IDOA. Despite IDOA indicating that there will be no changes from what was required in 2021 for dicamba application OTT of soybean, any changes made to the federal label requiring additional requirements or prohibitions will then need to be observed within Illinois as well.
IFCA will remain in communication with IDOA regarding this permanent rule making process. In 2021, 178 dicamba related complaints were reported to IDOA. This compares to over 700 complaints filed in 2019 and 149 in 2020. If IDOA desires to seek additional protections, IFCA will work closely with them and urge an expedited decision to provide clarity to the industry ahead of the 2022 crop ... more. |
On the heels of a recentwebinarconducted by Dr. Nafziger highlighting nitrogen rates,a new FarmDoc Bulletin, Management Decisions Relative to High Nitrogen Fertilizer Prices, discusses further the use of the Maximum Return to Nitrogen (MRTN) tool. Click here to be redirected to the article, where you can readmore aboutthe variables affectingnitrogen prices and the impactthis has onnitrogen management for the upcoming ... more. |
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) issued a new rule effective Nov. 8 to mandate states to not issue, renew, upgrade, or transfer CDL or commercial learner's permits after one or more drug and alcohol violations recorded in the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse. State driver's licensing agencies must remove CLP or CDL privilege and require states receiving Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program grant funds to adopt a compatible CMV driving prohibition. IFCA will keep monitoring this issue. If you have ques ... more. |
... tank has 5 gallons of fresh clean water. Additionally put a gallon water jug in your truck and tractor.
3. Slow down! No more than 25 mph when pulling ammonia tanks.
4. Avoid congested or high traffic areas when pulling nurse tanks to and from the field of application.
5. ALWAYS shut-off ALL nurse tank valves and disconnect transfer hoses before pulling onto a public roadway. This is required by law. You should never have a "charged" system when sharing the roadwith citizens.
6. Nurse tanks should not be operated in low light conditions or before or after sunset UNLESS you have a rotating, flashing amber light on the tank(s). Today's motorists are not as fa ... more. |
... 171 - 194 lbs. per acre
Central Illinois: 181 - 200 lbs. per acre
Southern Illinois: 200 - 225 lbs. per acre; NITROGEN SHOULD NOT BE FALL APPLIED IN SOUTHERN ILLINOIS
2. Wait until mid-day soil temperatures in bare soil at the 4" depth is 50 degrees and the weather forecast indicates temperatures will not rebound, but rather will continue to cool. IFCA will start posting the State Water Survey soil temperature each day starting on Monday on the IFCA homepage, www.ifca.com. But it is always recommended you take the soil temperature in field yourself, as the temperatures posted on the website are not provided in each county.
3. Use a USEPA labeled nitrification inhibitor with all fall-applied ammonia (N-Serv ... more. |
... by the House Ways & Means Committee on Monday September 13, 2021, including a proposal for funding new policies advanced by Democrats. This package includes proposals for several changes to the tax code intended to generate additional tax revenues. Several of these provisions could impact farmers; however, two tax changes proposed earlier in the year were not included: a new tax on property transfer to attain a step-up in basis and limitations on like-kind exchanges. It is important to note that this proposal is not the final version that will pass in the House and the Senate. Regardless, these details represent an important step in what will likely be a long, involved process.
Since the beginning of the year, several proposals for both government spending and increasing tax revenue ... more. |
... in-depth look at how this year's corn and soybean crops are progressing using Gro's real-time yield maps, which are generated with satellite imagery, rainfall data, temperature maps and other public data. Unlike static estimates, Gro's yield projections update daily on a county and state level, so the numbers at publication time may be slightly different than what you find on the Gro website.
Gro's yield models expect Illinois to hit a statewide average corn yield of 203.5 bushels per acre (bpa), up 11.5 bpa from last year, with a projected average soybean yield of 60.9 bpa, chasing the state record of 63.5 bpa set in 2018.
Click Here to read more.
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With post application of dicamba over the top on soybeans right around the corner, IFCA would like to remind everyone of the Illinois Department of Agriculture restrictions for Xtendimax, Engenia, and Tavium.
Prohibiting over the topapplication of dicamba on soybeans after June 20.
Prohibiting over the topapplication on dicamba soybeans if the air temperature at the field at the time of application is over 85 degrees, or if the National Weather Service's ... more. |
The Illinois Department of Agriculture re-affirmed to IFCA today that the June 20 cut-off date for the application of dicamba remains in place. The Special Local Needs labels for over the top dicamba application to soybean also has a 85 degree temperature restriction, and you must use the weather.gov website to obtain your dicamba weather forecast. To see the Illinois Special Local Needs labels for Xtendimax, Engenia, FeXapan and Tavium, cli ... more. |
Over the last few weeks, IFCA has taken several calls on the Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) rule. Effective February 7, 2022, this requirement applies to first-time class A or B CDL applicants and those upgrading to a Class A or B CDL or those seeking an endorsement for hazardous materials (H), passengers (P), or school buses (S).
Under these new requirements, an entry-level driver must, prior to taking the CD ... more. |
REGISTRATION
Registration to attend the IFCA Winter Conventionwill be available here on our website in late November. Information for registering will also be mailedto all of our members at this time as well.
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... send each facility a letter ahead of time informing you of the inspection process and they will also call to set up an appointment for the inspection. You can learn more about theAASA inpection process along with viewing the inspection checklist by going to their website at www.aginspect.comorclicking here.
If you have any questions about the program please call IFCA. IFCA administers the AASA program throughout the nation and we thank you in advance for your cooperation with this industry-led compliance and stewardship initiative. There is no charge for the AASA inspections and you will receive a copy of your inspection report. The only other people who see the report are the suppliers who ship bulk pesticides to your location; their goal ... more. |
... will send each facility a letter ahead of time informing you of the inspection process and they will also call to set up an appointment for the inspection. You can access learn more about AASA by going to their website at www.aginspect.comand the checklist on the website is also available directly by clicking here.
If you have any questions about this program please call IFCA. IFCA administers the AASA program throughout the nation and we thank you in advance for your cooperation with this industry-led compliance and stewardship initiative. There is no charge for the AASA inspections and you will receive a copy of your inspection report. The only other people who see the report are the suppliers who ship bulk pesticides to your location; their goal ... more. |
Click the title heading above to be redirected to pesticidestewardship.org. The website provides several resources that have been reviewed and posted by Pestcide Safety Education Program Coordinators and Specialists from the Cooperative Extension Service, and cover all things pertaining to sound pesticide application.
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Farmers have another resource to help them navigate new dicamba label rules.
The Illinois Department of Agriculture has updated its website and published a frequently asked questions page to reflect the new 2021 requirements farmers must follow – from application cut-off dates to temperature restrictions.
Those rules apply to XtendiMax with VaporGrip Technology, Engenia Herbicide and Tavium Plus VaporGrip Technology.
“There’s a lot that’s changed in that label,” said Bra ... more. |
Need to check the registration status of a particular pesticide product? Simply click the title headingto be redirected to theIllinois Department of Agriculture's website. There you can type in the name of a product into the search feature to view results such as the registration number/status, active ingredients, expiration date, as well as other important information.
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... the details on the use of Xtendimax, Engenia and FeXapan under the USEPA cancellation order. The use of Tavium is also addressed, although it is not part of the cancellation order.
IFCA believes this FAQ addresses all the questions that we had about how this affects ag retail members,distributors and growers.Issues regarding grower pre-pay, transfer of product between custom application facilities, the prohibition of any product from wholesale distribution unless it was already owned by the custom application company and more are addressed in this FAQ.Click here to see the 3-page FAQ.
The IDA also extended the application cut-off date for Xtendimax, Engenia, FeXapan and Tavium to June 25, 2020. All ... more. |
Illinois Department of Natural Resources Nature Preserve Commission Sites are considered "sensitive areas" for the purpose of dicamba application to soybean. Therefore it is vital that applicators identify if any of these DNR sites are located near soybean fields where Engenia, Xtendimax, FeXapan or Tavium may be applied. IFCA worked with DNR to gain access to files of these sites that you can download into your spray application software. You can find that information here.
There are 9 DNR areas in the State. Click on your area and you can see a listing of all the names of the DNR Nature Preserve sites by County within that area. If you then click on the name of the site, you can view detai ... more. |
... as well. Click HERE to be redirected to the UI’s Pesticide Training & Testing website for more information about on-line training/testing opportunities.
Lastly, if you are planning on applying dicamba OTT on soybean this spring, dicamba label training is once again required. This is an annual training and is available on-line. Click HERE to be redirected to IFCA’s dicamba webpage, where you will find links to the on-line training for the three different dicamba registrants at the top of the page. Any one of the on-line trainings will be accepted no matter what dicamba product you are planning on applying. A certificate of completion will be available at the end of the training for you to save or print.
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A bill in the Illinois House of Representatives would effectively double the estate tax, if passed, causing financial burden to family farms and small businesses.
Representative Charlie Meier of Okawville tells Brownfield HB 3920 imposes an additional estate tax and generation-skipping transfer tax on taxable transferred property valued at $4 million or more.
“They’ve worked with their parents, they’ve worked with their grandparents to build up a business and now maybe that business is worth $10 million. It’s not that you have $10 million in your hand. You’re lucky to make 6-10% profit off of a farm. How are you supposed to come up with 25% extra t ... more. |
IFCA thanks everyone who volunteered to become a classroom trainer for the new grower anhydrous ammonia training requirement. Farmers or others on the farm who transport, apply, handle or work with ammonia equipment must become certified by April 1, 2022. We encourage the trainers tobegin hosting classroom training events for growers this summer.
Please see ... more. |
IFCA staff John Rebholz and Jason Solberg workedalongside the IL Dept of Ag inspectors this winter to teach 18 competent attendant ammonia safety courses; they finished their final class today. Thank you to all the IFCA members who attended these in-person events. It was great to see so many of you again, and help you achieve your 3-year ammonia safety certification.
... more. |
Illinois now has the dubious honor of having the highest taxes in the United States.
The analysis by personal finance website WalletHub looked at state and local taxes, income taxes, real estate taxes, sales and excise taxes, and vehicle property taxes for the report.
The study shows the average Illinois household pays nearly $9,500 a year in state and local taxes, the highest in the nation.
WalletHub’s analysis showed Illinois with the highest overall effective state and local taxes, and the sec ... more. |
... publication on the Secretary of State’s website. Companies with 100 employees or more would have to comply with this requirement.
A requirement that employers obtain an equal pay certification and certify that they comply with federal and state discrimination and equal pay laws.
SB 1480 was sent to the Governor’s office the first week of February. IFCA believes that he will sign this legislation. As we gather more information, we will pass it along to membership. The Illinois Chamber of Commerce is giving a webinar with greater details on SB 1480. Click Here to find out more information.
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Links to on-line dicamba training for 2021 are now available. There are also some webinar options. To view the links to the Bayer, BASF and Syngenta sponsored training programs, go to the IFCA's Dicamba Training Website. Information about Illinois' additional dicamba application restrictions are included in the training slides.
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Dicamba Precautions
Provided by: U of I, Purdue, OSU
Download
Guide for Keeping Weather Records
Provided by:North Dakota State University Extension Service
Download
Inversion Guidance 2017- NDSU
Provided by: North Dakota State University Extension Service
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Differentiating 2,4-D and Dicamba Injury on Soybeans
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The IDOA reports that the number of both completed and scheduled on-line pesticide exams has picked up recently. With so many applicators and operators needing re-certification, we want to ensure that the process for those taking the exams is as smooth as possible. One thing that we want to make clear is that it is important that you first visit the Illinois Extension website for pesticide training and testing. Click HERE to visit this webpage. It is at this webpage where you will first create an account to either sign up for pesticide training and/or test. Instructions for how to do this are at the bottom of the UI webpage.
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... species counties that require additional 57 ft omnidirectional buffers and a 310 ft downwind buffer. Dr. Hager of the Department of Crop Sciences at the University of Illinois issued a Bulletin this week explaining the ESA changes and other important requirements of the new labels. To read Dr. Hager’s helpful Bulletin, click HERE. Also, feel free tovisit our dicamba websitefor up-to-date information on dicamba. You can alsoeither view, or download and print a detailed map and list of ESA counties by clicking HERE.
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... ammonia must complete certified grower training by April 2022 and once every 3 years thereafter. This includes not only farm workers who apply the nitrogen fertilizer to fields, but also those who transport nurse tanks to and from suppliers and those who maintain anhydrous ammonia equipment.
Certified grower training is available for free on the Illinois Department of Agriculture website.
“Although the requirement doesn’t take effect until 2022, I encourage everyone who must complete the training to do so as soon as possible,” IDOA Acting Director Jerry Costello II said. “Anhydrous ammonia is potentially dangerous if not handled properly, and the safety lessons taught in this training could prevent serious injury or even death.”
The ... more. |
... The second is a 310 ft downwind buffer in counties that are deemed as having endangered species (in addition to a 310 ft downwind buffer, an additional 57 ft buffer on all other sides of the field is required). The pesticide labels require that you “Consult Endangered Species Protection Bulletins for ESA counties and restrictions.” The link to the Bulletins website, https://www.epa.gov/endangered-species/bulletins-live-two-view-bulletins, is provided in the labels for the applicator to visit and see which counties are highlighted and require the ESA buffers.
We feel it is important to point out that the ESA counties highlighted on the map provided on the EPA bulletins live website for 2021 have changed. For reference we have highlighted in re ... more. |
We are cautiously optimistic that in-person competent attendant training will take place sometime in early March. There will most likely be restrictions on attendance, so once mitigation restrictions are relaxed, we will open up registration on the IFCA website.
The competent attendant online training is an alternative to the in-person training and will be open for registration starting January 18th. Please keep in mind this on-line competent attendant training will only be good until July 15th, 2021. Cost for the training is $15, you can click here to access the training. For those of you that have signed up for the ... more. |
We have updated the list of upcoming webinars, conferences, or different events that are offering CEU’s on our website’s homepage.
IFCA will also be having our Annual Meeting on Wednesday, January 20 from 10-11am. This will be a free, virtual event, with .5 PD and .5 PM being offered. Please click here to view the agenda and register. We will give IFCA updates along with an update from the IL Dept of Agriculture on the status of pesticide testing and potential changes to the dicamba labels.
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... take an on-line exam for whatever reason, you can sign up for in-person testing by going to this website. The IDOA hopes to resume some classroom testing in January but that is uncertain. However, you can sign up and secure a space, and if the class gets cancelled due to on-going covid restrictions, IDOA will notify you.
Please feel free to contactIFCA if you have questions, or to report issues so that we can continue to pass along information to IDOA. Visit our website at www.ifca.com where we have more information and links posted on the home page. Thank you!
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... website which is here. If IDA has to cancel the in-person classes, they will notify anyone who has signed up of the change in plans.
We realize that on-line testing is going to be an uncomfortable process for many people. However, we recommend you give it a try because it will likely be the way of the future. If you have problems or concerns, please contact IFCA at 309.827.2774 and select the prompt for Jean, John, KJ or Jason and we will do our best to assist you.
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You can get 1 CEU in Pest Management, free of charge, by registering to attend a webinar that explains the regulatory requirements for the transfer of pesticides at ag retail facilities. The webinar is scheduled for 1 pm central time today (Dec 3) and runs for 1 hour.
If you work at an ag retail facility and are involved in managing and maintaining the containment system, repackaging into PRCs, or accepting delivery of bulk shipments, this webinar is a great refresher on what the USEPA regulations require for these p ... more. |
... of Ag also haven't accepted the labels yet. IDAis carefully weighing all options to ensure a successful use season and they have been in constant communication with IFCA and other ag groups as they perform their due diligence. If and when the labels are accepted in Illinois, IFCA and the registrants will be quick to let you know. In the meantime, you cannot sell, transfer, distribute or repackage any Xtendimax, Engenia or FeXapan that remains in inventory after July 31, 2020 when the labels were cancelled.Tavium's label was not cancelled by USEPA so it can continue to be distributed.
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... and register for an in-person test. If the testing gets cancelled due to on-going covid restrictions, IDA will inform those who registered of the change in plans. The IDA website also features links to on-line training provided by the University of Illinois, and the ability to order self-study materials for the exams.
If you have questions, please contact IFCA.
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IFCA continues to stay in touch with the Illinois Dept of Ag regarding the status of the federally approved dicamba labels.
As of today, IDA and several other Midwest states have yet to adopt the labels as the State Depts of Ag continue to evaluate options for adding additional state requirements. We remind everyone that until the labels are approved, USEPA regulations state ... more. |
The IFCA staff and Board of Directors wish all of our members and your families a safe and happy Thanksgiving.
We especially appreciate your membership and continued support for IFCA, and your patience these last 8 months as we have worked through many changes impacting our industry. We've had to re-schedule/postpone/cancel many events and we certainly hope that once 2021 arr ... more. |
With year-end approaching, we know many CCAs are looking for opportunities to pick up CEUs. IFCA has compiled a list of upcoming on-line events and webinars for your consideration. Many of them are free, and some require registration. To see the list of upcoming events, click here or visit our website at www.ifca.com; we will keep the document updated as more events are added.
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... top area, like the economy, national security or public health, being announced at once.
Such a move is intended to deliver the message that Biden is intent on preparing for the presidency even as President Donald Trump refuses to concede and attempts to subvert the election results in key states. Trump's roadblocks have undermined core democratic principles such as the peaceful transfer of power and are especially problematic because Biden will take office in January amid the worst public health crisis in more than a century.
Click Here to read more.
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... state of flux given the new covid mitigations. All in-person testing scheduled at the Asmark Agricenter in Bloomington has been cancelled through the end of December. IDA is still evaluating if they can offer in-person testing at the State Fairgrounds or any other venues. Keep checking the IDA website here for updates on the pesticide training and testing program, and contact IFCA if you have questions.
New Farmer NH3 Training and "Train the Trainer" Program:For the new farmer ammonia training requirements, IDA will have a free on-line farmer training program available in January 2021. IFCA and IDA also have a "Train the Trainer" program where qualified persons who have experience with ammonia and who ar ... more. |
... officials.
President Donald Trump continues to dispute the election with litigation in close states. His administration also is blocking Biden's staff from access to government resources.
Biden's USDA team is led by Robert Bonnie, the current farm and forest initiative director at the Bipartisan Policy Center's energy project, according to Biden's transition website.
Bonnie served as undersecretary for natural resources and environment at USDA from 2013 to 2017 and worked as a senior advisor to then U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack from 2009 to 2013.
Click Here to read more.
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... must pre-register on the IDA website to sign up for in-person testing, and you must agree to adhere to all CDC guidelines including wearing a face covering. To see the available in-person testing locations and to register, click here. There are no walk-ins allowed.There are several in-person opportunities available this week in Bloomington and Springfield.
IFCA thanks the staff at IDA and UI for working diligently all summer to develop an on-line training and testing program for the pesticide application industry.
Note: Dicamba training will also be required for all certified applicators who intend to apply Xtendimax, Engenia or Tavium in 2021. Keep checking IFCA's Illinois Dicamba Training website for links to the on-lin ... more. |
We've posted the new dicamba labels for Engenia, Xtendimax and Tavium on the IFCA's Illinois Dicamba Training website under "Labels & Resources." IFCA continues to communicate with the IL Dept of Ag regarding any potential additional Illinois restrictions to the use of dicamba in 2021. If such changes take place we will notify you immediately.
Here is a nice chart provided by USEPA that shows the major differences between the previou ... more. |
As soybean harvest commences at a fast rate, fertilization is next on the "to do" list.
As we continue to work to reduce nitrogen losses in Illinois, fall application of anhydrous ammonia following the IFCA 4R Code of Practice and University of Illinois guidelines is so important! The research conducted by NREC, and many years of nitrogen rate trials in farm fields throughout the State, shows that having the majority of nitrogen available to the corn plant early in the growing season produces the best response to N. Fall applied ammonia can be part of this, but to ensure it remains pres ... more. |
... expires January 01, 2021. The reason for the certificate being only good through the end of the year is because the on-line training is not as comprehensive as what is normally offered in the classroom training.
►The cost for the on-line training is $15. The registration page will accept a credit card. This fee helps to offset the cost of IFCA developing and hosting this program for our industry.
►New hires can access this training, although hands-on training should be combined as well to re-enforce what was learned on-line.
We hope to return to classroom training for the spring 2021 season. If you have questions please contact John Rebholz at john@ifca.com.
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IFCA thanks our retail members for your great response to our spring 2020 4R survey! We nearly doubled the number of acres reporting on fertilizer use trends and how these applications align with the IFCA 4R Code of Practice relating to rate, timing, soil testing and split applications of nitrogen. We are compiling the results and will share the report soon, showing 4R trends in Ill ... more. |
IFCA and the IL Dept of Ag were hopeful that we could have in-person classes for the fall anhydrous ammonia competent attendant training. But because of the on-going concerns over the health of essential workers in our industry, IFCA and IDA have come to the conclusion that it is just too problematic to have in-person training at this time. The last thing we want is to havesomeone p ... more. |
... of 50 years. "The structures have long outlived their life expectancy but continue to operate 24/7 due to the hard work and dedication of the men and women charged with maintaining the structures," USACE noted. "Nearly half of the District's employees are involved in some part of the maintenance or operation of the lock and dam and navigation system."
On their website, the Corps notes that all lock and dam facilities on the Illinois Waterway have a single lock chamber for passing vessels. "During the scheduled closures, no vessels will be able to pass through the affected locks. An exception to this restriction could occur at the LaGrange and Peoria locks if water levels become high enough that the wicket portions of the dams could be lowered for open-pas ... more. |
... must also comply with the June 25 deadline for application. USEPA has provided information to the US Circuit Court in California explaining the reasons why cancellation does align with the Court's decision to vacate the use of these products. More could be coming from the Court, but in Illinois there is less than a week left in which to legally apply dicamba.
IFCA also wants to remind everyone that the Illinois Special Local Needs label for the use of dicamba on soybean requires no application on days when the weather.gov website predicts a high temp of 86 degrees or more for the zip code of the field where application occurs. You should print the screen from weather.gov on your day of application and follow IFCA's dicamba recordkeeping guidance ... more. |
MAGIE 2020 IS CANCELLED DUE TO COVID-19
The decision to cancel MAGIE did not come lightly for the IFCA staff. The MAGIE experience that we have all grown to love over the last 39 years will not be the same if we were to proceed with MAGIE 2020.
Exhbitors, you may have been expecting to see your Exhibitor Invitation management page. For the remainder of 2020 we will have these pages turned off. This is to help in preventing any confusion about the MAGIE Show, and to help direct all communicatio ... more. |
In the process of revamping the State's unemployment insurance website to handle the increase in unemployment claims due to coronavirus, the State's website experienced a data breach in which approximately 32,000 people's names, social security numbers and addresses were made accessible.
At least one IFCA member reported receiving a letter this week from the IL Dept of Employment Security (IDES) notifying them of someone claiming unemployment on their business, even though the person named in the letter had not filed unemployment and was not unemployed. Please be aware that this databreach can impact employers of all sizes, and the IDES system is set up in such a way that employers have ver ... more. |
... Long-term measurements on precipitation over the watershed regions of the Great Lakes and many major rivers, indicates a steady increase over the duration of a century, with severe spring flooding having recently occurred in several areas. Frozen ground prevents flood water from entering the water tables.
A technique called aquifer storage and recovery (ASR) involves using pipes to transfer water into deep level underground storage. Vertical pipes installed into deeply drilled boreholes could bypass frozen ground and transfer massive volumes of spring floodwater deep into the water table. During the growing season, farmers could access that water to sustain crop cultivation and especially in areas where summer drought follows spring flooding. The combination of increased precipitati ... more. |
... uncovered in the investigations had to do with misses on the recordkeeping requirements. To help our members avoid common recordkeeping mistakes and better understand what IDA expects when reviewing your records, we have prepared a simple guidance document to help you better document critical items such as wind speed and direction and the required buffers. Click here to see the IFCA guidance document. IFCA appreciates IDA's input on this document and we also appreciate Dr. Aaron Hager's help in its development. We have also posted the guidance on the IFCA website.
IFCA provides many resources about dicamba use on our Illinois Dicamba Training website, including links to the on-line dicamba training programs, fillable recordkeeping for ... more. |
The on-line pesticide testing for commercial and private applicators is going very well and IFCA thanks the IL Dept of Ag for making this option available for those who need to become certified applicators ahead of the spray season. IFCA has posted the instructions for requesting an on-line exam under our COVID 19 Resource section on the IFCA website. This resource section has many helpful documents including a "Frequently Asked Questions" document that covers a variet ... more. |
... Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) issued new guidance for essential workers. This guidance enables essential industries to continue to operate while still providing additional procedures and protections to employees to mitigate the spread of coronavirus.
Click on this Guidance Document, which we have also posted on the IFCA website under our COVID resources for our members. The guidance document contains several helpful links on steps to follow and what to communicate to your employees if an exposure occurs, including but not limited to taking temperatures and having employees wear facemasks (even homemade ones).
This guidance will help remove some of the "unknowns" of what essen ... more. |
... be sure to close all valves and disconnect and secure hoses during transport on the highway. Local and state agencies have a lot on their plate right now, and so do you! Let's make sure no one has to spend valuable time and resources responding to an ammonia release. Please contact John Rebholz at (815) 674-3798 for help with any ammonia related issue.
IFCA has posted an ammonia safety checklist for growers on our website, feel free to print and provide copies to growers picking up nurse tanks. If your retail company or grower customer has an ammonia release be sure to follow the procedures for properly reporting the release outlined in this Emergency Response Fact Sheet.
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IFCA continues to update our "Frequently Asked Questions" document and we also post all the pertinent regulatory relief announcements under our COVID Resource Section under "In the News" on the IFCA website. The list grows longer each week, and if you have any questions about the various relief provisions please do not hesitate to contact our staff.
The o ... more. |
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) goes into effect tomorrow, April 1, 2020. Employers with less than 500 employees are covered by this Act. It provides guidelines and financial assistance for employers who need to allow employees to be absent from work to care for children home from school, to care for sick family members, who are ill themselves, etc. due to the impacts of COVID-19.
Pleas ... more. |
... Fertilizer and Chemical Association is preparing applicators for safe spraying of dicamba herbicides this growing season.
President Jean Payne tells Brownfield several questions were answered about the state’s new application rules for 2020 at their spring board meeting, including the 85 degree temperature restriction.
Payne says applicators must use the weather.gov website to determine if the temperature in their area is at a safe level to spray, but they will also be able to use forecasting within 24 hours.
“Especially for commercial applicators because they want to plan out their week. If it looks like wind speeds are going to be good, they want to try to figure out where all they need to go. So, at least giving them an extra 24 hours on the advanc ... more. |
... Illinois Secretary of State also has a FAQ to answer many questions about licenses, vehicle registrations, etc. Their FAQ is available here: https://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/special/covidfaq32020.pdf
USDOT just issued guidance on how to comply with drug & alcohol testing for DOT regulated employers. That document is here.
IFCA posted all of these guidance documents in PDF form on our homepage at www.ifca.com, along with the State of Illinois "Stay in Place" order and the US Dept of Homeland Security guidance document on critical infrastructure.
Agriculture and ag-related service and supply businesses have exemptions from the orders. It is not necessary to identify your trucks or pers ... more. |
The State of Illinois has been making some very helpful decisions to facilitate on-going commerce in Illinois. The state agencies that rely upon the most have contacted IFCA directly to keep us informed of provisions they are making to help with certain regulatory requirements that cannot be normally processed during this national emergency. Here is a summary:
1. The IL Dept of Ag will extend expiring pesticide licenses for one year at no fee. For applicators and handlers still needing the required training for dicamba and paraquat, pl ... more. |
... the Illinois Dicamba Training Website accordingly to provide guidance on using the on-line training programs to achieve dicamba label training. The dicamba training website's home page provides links to the on-line training programs and if the registrants add webinars prior to application season, we will let you know of those opportunities via the website and in communications to IFCA members. If you have any question please contact IFCA at 309.827.2774.
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... safety, sustainability, and more. I look forward to partnering with FDA and EPA to ensure that consumers understand the value of tools like genetic engineering in meeting those expectations,” said Greg Ibach, Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs at USDA.
The “Feed Your Mind” initiative is launching in phases. The materials released today include a new website, as well as a selection of fact sheets, infographics, and videos. Additional materials — including a supplementary science curriculum for high schools, resources for health professionals, and additional consumer materials — will be released later in 2020 and 2021.
Click Here to read more.
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If you intend to apply to apply dicamba to soybean in 2020, you MUST receive your dicamba certification again this year. As the winter winds down, so do the number of classes on the calendar. There is no cost to attend the training, and you can register for a class by going to theIFCA Dicamba Training website. On-line dicamba training will also be accepted this year, but we encourage anyone who can attend in-person training to do so.
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The deadline of March 1 is looming for the annual Tier II chemical inventory reports and the USEPA Pesticide Production reports if you repackage pesticides for distribution or sale.Be sure to get these reportsin on time to avoid possible penalties. If you need assistance please contact IFCA.
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This Dicamba Training session is sponosored by Bayer. Registration for this class will take place on their website. Click the Register button below to be taken to Bayer's website to begin the registration process.
Register
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... the upcoming dicamba application season. On-line training modules are also now available from BASF,Bayer and Corteva. You can attend any class or take any of the on-line training programs in order to receive a 2020 dicamba application training certificate. To see the list of upcoming classroom events and to find the links to on-line training programs click here to visit IFCA's Illinois Dicamba Training website. Links to the on-line training are featured in the "Home" section of the website.
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... you have registered in the clearinghouse and have a process in place for conducting pre-employment queries prior to using a CDL driver. Queries are required prior to employment and annually thereafter. CDL drivers will need to register in order to provide an electronic consent in order for an employer to conduct a full query of the driver’s Clearinghouse record. The FMCSA website offers the following educational links: Learn about Query Plans, Frequently Asked Questions & Visit the Learning Center. Click herefor the FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse.
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This Dicamba Training session is sponosored by Bayer. Registration for this class will take place on their website. Click the Register button below to be taken to Bayer's website to begin the registration process.
Register
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Thank you to the 1,000+ plus IFCA members who attended our annual convention last week in Peoria! You helped make this another successful event for our industry. The educational programs featured at the convention are now available for download on the IFCA Convention website, click here: https://ifca.com/convention/presentations
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... is well underway for the upcoming dicamba application season. On-line training modules are also now available from BASF and Bayer. You can attend any class or take any of the on-line training programs in order to receive a 2020 dicamba application training certificate. To see the list of upcoming classroom events and to find the links to on-line training programs click on IFCA's Illinois Dicamba Training Website. Links to the on-line training are featured in the "Home" section of the website.
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This Dicamba Training session is sponosored by Bayer. Registration for this class will take place on their website. Click the Register button below to be taken to Bayer's website to begin the registration process.
This Dicamba Training is being hostedby Heritage FSas part of a customer meeting.Itis open to the public.
Register
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This Dicamba Training session is sponosored by Bayer. Registration for this class will take place on their website. Click the Register button below to be taken to Bayer's website to begin the registration process.
This Dicamba Training is being hostedby Heritage FSas part of a customer meeting.Itis open to the public.
Register
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This Dicamba Training session is sponosored by Bayer. Registration for this class will take place on their website. Click the Register button below to be taken to Bayer's website to begin the registration process.
This Dicamba Training is being hostedby Heritage FSas part of a customer meeting.Itis open to the public.
Register
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This Dicamba Training session is sponosored by Bayer. Registration for this class will take place on their website. Click the Register button below to be taken to Bayer's website to begin the registration process.
Register
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... interface that will receive and store training certificates as well as allowing State Driver Licensing Agencies (SDLA) to modify their (IT) systems in order to receive driver-specific ELDT data from the Training Provider Registry (TPR). Click here to read the Extension of Compliance Date for Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)
Anhydrous Ammonia Training:
IFCA has posted the dates and locations for the spring 2020 anhydrous ammonia competent attendant training events on our website. The first ammonia training sessionis at the IFCA convention on January 22, click here to register for all other upcoming spring schools.
Regulatory Workshop at IFCA Convention
On January 21 at the IFCA Convention in Peoria, we are havi ... more. |
This Dicamba Training session is sponosored by Bayer. Registration for this class will take place on their website. Click the Register button below to be taken to Bayer's website to begin the registration process.
Register
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You must pre-register by January 14, 2020 in order to get the discounted rate for the IFCA convention. We are looking forward to another great trade show, informative educational sessions and warm hospitality thanks to our IFCA sponsors and members. Go to www.ifca.com and click on "Convention" to see the program schedule, list of exhibitors,and to register. For assistance with registration please contact our office.
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... applicator. That means you must have a current general standards plus field crop certification from the IL Dept of Ag. Those who mix and load these four dicamba products are also required by the labels to be certified applicators.
2. Remember that your field crop certification is linked to your general standards certification, so when you GS expires, your FC certification also expires. If you have questions about the status of your certification, contact the Illinois Department of Ag at 218.785.2427.
3. Even if you are a current certified applicator, you STILL must attend dicamba label training this winter, either via a classroom event, on-line training or a webinar. In Illinois, all of these training methods will be ... more. |
... that will enable them to conduct queries to check if current and prospective employees are prohibited from performing safety-sensitive functions due to an unresolved drug and alcohol program violation. Although C/TPAs cannot purchase query plans, once registered themselves, they can conduct queries on behalf of the employers. If you haven't already, please visit theClearinghouse websiteto register, create an online user account and purchase a query plan to begin conducting queries on January 6, 2020.
While drivers are not required to register, a driver will need to be registered to provide electronic consent in the Clearinghouse if a prospective or current employer needs to conduct a full query of the driver’s Clearinghouse record. A driver must also ... more. |
This Dicamba Training session is sponosored by Bayer. Registration for this class will take place on their website. Click the Register button below to be taken to Bayer's website to begin the registration process.
Register
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This Dicamba Training session is sponosored by Bayer. Registration for this class will take place on their website. Click the Register button below to be taken to Bayer's website to begin the registration process.
Register
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This Dicamba Training session is sponosored by Bayer. Registration for this class will take place on their website. Click the Register button below to be taken to Bayer's website to begin the registration process.
Register
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This Dicamba Training session is sponosored by Bayer. Registration for this class will take place on their website. Click the Register button below to be taken to Bayer's website to begin the registration process.
Register
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This Dicamba Training session is sponosored by Bayer. Registration for this class will take place on their website. Click the Register button below to be taken to Bayer's website to begin the registration process.
Register
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This Dicamba Training session is sponosored by Bayer. Registration for this class will take place on their website. Click the Register button below to be taken to Bayer's website to begin the registration process.
Register
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This Dicamba Training session is sponosored by Bayer. Registration for this class will take place on their website. Click the Register button below to be taken to Bayer's website to begin the registration process.
Register
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This Dicamba Training session is sponosored by Bayer. Registration for this class will take place on their website. Click the Register button below to be taken to Bayer's website to begin the registration process.
Register
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... this year. Today the first classroom event is at 2:00 pmin Mt. Vernon following the private applicator clinic. There is also a class on Friday (Dec 13) in Champaign and a class next week in Springfield. All of these classes are taught by Dr. Bill Simmons on behalf of BASF. There is no cost to attend the training. To register for dicamba training go to the IFCA Dicamba Training website. On-line dicamba training will also be accepted this year, but those programs are not yet available. Keep checking the website, especially after the holidays, to see opportunities for on-line training and additional classroom events sponsored by the dicamba registrants.
Paraquat Label Training:If you intend to apply paraqu ... more. |
IFCA manages the Illinois Dicamba Training website, and we have updated the site with new information on the Special Local Needs labels for Xtendimax, Engenia, FeXapan and Tavium. To see the SLN labels that include the June 20, 2020 cutoff date, 85 degree temperature restriction and other protective measures for using these products in Illinois, go to the "Resources" section of the we ... more. |
This week, Illinois EPA and the Illinois Dept of Ag released a Biennial Report that outlines the state of water quality in Illinois, the progress being made on implementation of the 2015 Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy, and the challenges that remain in our goals to reduce N and P losses to water in Illinois.
IFCA joined with Illinois Farm Bureau, the Illinois Sierra Club and the Illinois Association of Wastewater Agencies on a joint press releasethat highlights major findings in the report. The on-going collaboration of agriculture, environmental groups, wastewater plants and the state agencies is to be celebrated, because working together will get to us our goals much faster than if we are w ... more. |
... in response to the serious risks associated with paraquat, the EPA has already pursued significant manufacturer labeling and training changes. Now, for growers, the next step in the process is to address changes required to safely dispense the restricted-use pesticide. Consequently, it is urgent that growers quickly get up to speed on what the EPA has mandated in terms of new closed transfer systems required to safely dispense the restricted-use pesticide.
“There are some big changes in the EPA’s rules for paraquat use, and growers need to understand and follow them to remain in compliance,” says Kerry Richards, Ph.D., Director of Delaware’s Pesticide Safety Education Program. “Otherwise, there could be some hefty fines.”
By Septe ... more. |
Illinois lawmakers must change state pension laws and allow for new taxes, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot said Wednesday.
The freshman mayor unveiled her budget proposal Wednesday. In it, she specifically relies on $50 million in revenue from a new progressive real estate transfer tax, which would have to be approved by the Illinois General Assembly and governor. She also said the state must rethink its the tax structure proposed for Chicago casino and make changes to state pension laws.
“We will need cooperation from Springfield in order to get this done,” she said, adding that “… if we don’t get the authorization we need, we will b ... more. |
Top U.S. officials will welcome a high-ranking Chinese delegation starting Oct. 10 for the latest round of trade talks aimed at easing tensions between the world’s two largest economies, the White House confirmed on Monday.
“The two sides will look to build on the deputy-level talks of the past weeks. Topics of discussion will include forced technology transfer, intellectual property rights, services, non-tariff barriers, agriculture, and enforcement,” White House spokeswoman Stephanie Grisham said in a statement.
Click Here to read more.
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Don't forget to register for the 2019 MAGIE show on Aug 21 & 22 at the McLean County Fairgrounds in Bloomington, IL to avoid the long lines at the show.
Simply go to the MAGIE link on the IFCA website to see the layout, list of exhibitors, accommodations and to register on-line. Join us for another great show that is designed for the ag retailer industry, with lots of great exhibitor displays and hospitality. We strongly encourage pre-registration at the lower price of $12 at the door vs. $15 at the show. We have extended pre-registation to August 18, click here to registe ... more. |
... The pesticide drift complaint process is started by filling out a complaint form which can be found at: https://www2.illinois.gov/sites/agr/Pesticides/Documents/pesticidemisusecomplaintform.pdf or by calling IDOA’s Bureau of Environmental Programs at 1-800-641-3934 (voice and TDD) or 217-785-2427. Additional information on pesticide uses and misuses can be found on the agency’s website at: https://www2.illinois.gov/sites/agr/Pesticides/Pages/Pesticides-Uses-Misuses.aspx
Complaint forms must be received by IDOA within 30 days of the incident or within 30 days of when the damage was first noticed. Complaints filed after that will be kept on record, but no administrative action can be taken.
Click Here to read more.
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Don't forget to get registered for MAGIE and avoid the long lines at the show. Simply go to the MAGIE link on the IFCA website to see the layout, list of exhibitors, accommodations and to register on-line. MAGIE is August 21-22 at the McLean County Fairgrounds in Bloomington. Join us for another great show that is designed for the ag retailer industry, with lots of great exhibitor displays and hospitality.
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Under the Illinois Special Local Needs label for dicamba use on soybean this year, don't forget that you are required to check the location of DNR Nature Preserve Commission sites, which are sensitive areas and must be protected accordingly as a sensitive area. IFCA has a feature on our websiteto help you identify these DNR sites, and you can download location maps to your application software. Also there is a DO NOT SPRAY requirement if a residential area is downwind and neighboring or adjacent to the intended field of application. The updated Special Local Needs labels are available on the IFCA website here.
Dica ... more. |
... at the Quad Cities in Iowa and Illinois reached a new record high and it's disrupting efforts to move ag product on the river.
The situation is so bad the CME says it is affecting corn and soybean shipping stations. You can read the release from CME Goup here. It says the shipping stations are unable to load due to high water levels and flooding. The National Weather Service website showed the Mississippi River level last Thursday at 22.64 ft. That's just above the 22.63 ft mark reached on July 9th, 1993.
Click Here to read more.
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... Cards
If you have a reportable quantity (RQ) release of anhydrous ammonia equal to or greater than 18 gallons/100 pounds, you have 15 minutes of knowledge of the release to contact the National Response Center, theIllinois Emergency Management Agency, your LEPC and local emergency responders (fire department, police). Every year at both spring and fall NH3 safety schools IFCA and the DOA have provided “wallet cards” to attendees. These cards list all of the emergency contact numbers mentioned above (a blank space is provided for you to write down your local LEPC number). This year IFCA purchased new cards to be handed out. Given the seriousness of these calls being made, we wanted to invest in even thicker, more durable cards for those working with anhydr ... more. |
... sales tax for products purchased for use in agricultural production. But although it is clear that farmers are exempt when purchasing seed, fertilizer and chemicals, it is always recommended by the IL Dept of Revenue that ag retailers maintain a document, signed by the farmer, that they are purchasing these items for use in their agricultural production operation.
IFCA developed a form that you can use to maintain this record. The IDOR recommends that you have the farmer sign the document at least once every 3 years and that the retailer keep it on file. This document is posted on the IFCA website under "Regulations" and then "Taxes" or you can access it directly here.
Not everything used in agriculture ... more. |
... Secretary Steven Mnuchin will be in Beijing for a new round of negotiations that start on Tuesday. Vice Premier Liu He is leading the talks for China and will head a Chinese delegation that will be in Washington for negotiations starting on May 8.
According to the White House, the talks this week will cover agricultural issues as well as “intellectual property, forced technology transfer, non-tariff barriers, services, purchases, and enforcement.”
At a rally Saturday night in Green Bay, Wis., President Donald Trump said of the negotiations, "We're very close to making a deal with China, but who knows?"
Trump and Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue continue an effort to build support for the proposed U.S.-Mexico-Canada agreement, an updated ver ... more. |
... or flashing light. The lights can also be operated during daylight hours but they are required between sunset and sunrise.
► Always perform a walk around inspection of the towing vehicle, tool-bar and ammonia tankprior to transit.
► When transporting ammonia tanks on any roadway, always shut off ALLvalves on the ammonia tanks and disconnect any transfer hoses between the tool-bar and ammonia tank. Secure all hoses to the parking plug on the tool-bar.
► Always utilize proper PPE and make sure each nurse tank has 5 gallons of fresh clean water.
Please pass this information along to your growers and employees.If you have further questions, contact John or Jason at IFCA
309-827-2774.
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... to plant 10,000 acres of soybeans with a single, autonomous tractor and 18-row planter.
Rupp is CEO of Sabanto Ag, the company formed in October 2018 to test the notions of new production efficiency through autonomous farming. Sabanto is a "Farming-as-a-Service company performing row-crop operations using advanced autonomous equipment," according to the company's website, www.sabantoag.com. Laird is the co-founder of Sabanto and chief technology officer. Sabanto is co-located in Ames, Iowa, where Rupp resides and in Rensselaer, Indiana, where Laird farms 1,700 acres of family land.
Beginning as soon as next week, weather dependent, Rupp and Laird expect to be planting soybeans in Illinois using an autonomously equipped JCB Fastrac 4220 tractor with t ... more. |
... make its regulatory process for approving agricultural biotech products more transparent and timely.
High-level talks earlier this month in Washington between Chinese and U.S. negotiators touched on a variety of nontariff barrier issues. A spokesman for China's Ministry of Commerce, Gao Feng, told reporters Thursday the talks achieved "new progress," adding that technology transfer and intellectual property were among the issues discussed.
Chinese regulatory policies on genetically modified organism seeds are seen as protectionist and favoring domestic development and commercialization of agricultural biotechnology, according to industry observers. Beijing is believed to have spent over $3.5 billion on biotech crop research to help develop its domestic indu ... more. |
... Most of the revised WPS standards became effective on January 2018. The WPS requires commercial pesticide handler employers to provide specific information and protections to workers, handlers when WPS-labeled pesticide products are used on agricultural establishments in the production of agricultural plants. Additional resources on Worker Protection Standards can be found on IFCA’s website under Regulations. Feel free to contact IFCA with any questions.
Who is Included in WPS:
● mixing, loading or apply agricultural pesticides
● clean or repair pesticide agricultural equipment
... more. |
... could be announced in the next four weeks.
Last year Washington and Beijing slapped import duties on each other’s products that cost the world’s two largest economies billions of dollars and disrupted manufacturing and supply chains. The United States is seeking reforms to Chinese practices that it says result in the theft of U.S. intellectual property and the forced transfer of technology from U.S. companies to Chinese firms.
“Significant work remains, and the principals, deputy ministers, and delegation members will be in continuous contact to resolve outstanding issues,” the office of the U.S. Trade Representative’s (USTR) said in a statement.
Click Here to read more.
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... Association, Grain and Feed Association of Illinois, and the Illinois Seed Trade Association for its annual "Illinois Agribusiness Breakfast and Legislative Update" at the Sangamo Club on Thursday March 21 at 7:30am, with a short discussion at 7:45am. There arestill a handful of seats still available. If you would like to attend, please RSVP to Leslie at Leslief@ifca.com or call 309-827-2774. If you will be at the breakfast, we encourage you to call your State Representative and Senator and let them know you will be attending, and would like to see them if their schedule allows. At the breakfast, those who attend always want to sit and visit with their constituents. Below is a link to the Illinois General Assembly website where you can find your legisl ... more. |
... Association, Grain and Feed Association of Illinois, and the Illinois Seed Trade Association for it's annual "Illinois Agribusiness Breakfast and Legislative Update" at the Sangamo Club on Thursday March 21 at 7:30am, with a short discussion at 7:45am. There is still a handful of seats still available. If you would like to attend, please RSVP to Leslie at Leslief@ifca.com or call 309-827-2774. If you will be at the breakfast, we encourage you to call your State Representative and Senator and let them know you will be attending, and would like to see them if their schedule allows. At the breakfast, those who attend always want to sit and visit with their constituents. Below is a link to the Illinois General Assembly website where you can find your legisl ... more. |
Please join the Illinois Fertilizer and Chemical Association, Grain and Feed Association of Illinois, and the Illinois Seed Trade Association for it's annual "Illinois Agribusiness Breakfast and Lesislative Update" at the Sangamo Club on Thursday March 21th at 7:30am, with a short discussion at 7:45am. All IFCA members are welcome to join. If you would like to attend, please RSVP to Leslie at Leslief@ifca.com or call 309-827-2774. If you will be at the breakfast, we encourage you to call your State Representative and Senator and let them know you will be attending, and would like to see themtheir if their schedule allows. At the breakfast, those who attend always want to sit and visit ... more. |
This past week, Bayer, BASF and Corteva made on-line training modules available to fulfill the requirement for dicamba training prior to the 2019 application season.
IFCA recommends that our members and farmers attend classroom training as their first option, and consider the on-line training as a good refresher to take just prior to the start of season. It is extremely important that we REDUCE the number of dicamba related complaints in Illinois in 2019. Training is essential in that goal, so please encourage attendance at the remaining classroom eve ... more. |
... to enroll in the training last year.
Jean Payne, Illinois Fertilizer and Chemical Association president, said at the organization’s annual conference Jan. 29 that enrollment has picked up from about 30 enrolled in classes in December to 100 to 150 in January, and more classes are being added.
“There are really quite a few opportunities on our website at IFCA.com and they should watch, too, because last week we added two webinars. It’s kind of last-minute notice so it’s important if you’re thinking about doing something to check that website every couple of days because things change pretty rapidly,” Payne said.
Click Here to read more.
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Last week at the IFCA show the temperatures were well below zero but the attendance at the IFCA convention was awesome! Thanks to all of our members (1,283) who came out to support IFCA and to visit with our exhibitors and colleagues within the industry. Attendance exceeded last year's numbers despite the record cold. We have posted all of the presentations from the convention on our website, cl ... more. |
This Dicamba Training session is sponosored by Bayer. Registration for this class will take place on their website. Click the Register button below to be taken to Bayer's website to begin the registration process.
Register
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This Dicamba Training session is sponosored by Bayer. Registration for this class will take place on their website. Click the Register button below to be taken to Bayer's website to begin the registration process.
Register
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This Dicamba Training session is sponosored by Bayer. Registration for this class will take place on their website. Click the Register button below to be taken to Bayer's website to begin the registration process.
Register
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Don't forget that you also have to attend mandatory dicamba training in order to apply dicamba to soybean in 2019. IFCA's Illinois Dicamba Training website lists classes that are open to anyone to attend. Today we also added two webinars to the list: BASF is providing a webinar this Saturday morning and also on Monday morning. You can also register for these webinars on the IFCA website. Please note the webinars are posted in CENTRAL TIME on the IFCA website, but are listed in Eastern ... more. |
This Dicamba Training session is sponosored by Bayer. Registration for this class will take place on their website. Click the Register button below to be taken to Bayer's website to begin the registration process.
Register
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This Dicamba Training session is sponosored by Bayer. Registration for this class will take place on their website. Click the Register button below to be taken to Bayer's website to begin the registration process.
Register
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This Dicamba Training session is sponosored by Bayer. Registration for this class will take place on their website. Click the Register button below to be taken to Bayer's website to begin the registration process.
Register
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This Dicamba Training session is sponosored by Bayer. Registration for this class will take place on their website. Click the Register button below to be taken to Bayer's website to begin the registration process.
Register
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This Dicamba Training session is sponosored by Bayer. Registration for this class will take place on their website. Click the Register button below to be taken to Bayer's website to begin the registration process.
Register
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This Dicamba Training session is sponosored by Bayer. Registration for this class will take place on their website. Click the Register button below to be taken to Bayer's website to begin the registration process.
Register
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This Dicamba Training session is sponosored by Bayer. Registration for this class will take place on their website. Click the Register button below to be taken to Bayer's website to begin the registration process.
Register
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This Dicamba Training session is sponosored by Bayer. Registration for this class will take place on their website. Click the Register button below to be taken to Bayer's website to begin the registration process.
Register
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This Dicamba Training session is sponosored by Bayer. Registration for this class will take place on their website. Click the Register button below to be taken to Bayer's website to begin the registration process.
Register
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This Dicamba Training session is sponosored by Bayer. Registration for this class will take place on their website. Click the Register button below to be taken to Bayer's website to begin the registration process.
Register
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This Dicamba Training session is sponosored by Bayer. Registration for this class will take place on their website. Click the Register button below to be taken to Bayer's website to begin the registration process.
Register
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This Dicamba Training session is sponosored by Bayer. Registration for this class will take place on their website. Click the Register button below to be taken to Bayer's website to begin the registration process.
Register
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This Dicamba Training session is sponosored by Bayer. Registration for this class will take place on their website. Click the Register button below to be taken to Bayer's website to begin the registration process.
Register
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This Dicamba Training session is sponosored by Bayer. Registration for this class will take place on their website. Click the Register button below to be taken to Bayer's website to begin the registration process.
Register
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This Dicamba Training session is sponosored by Bayer. Registration for this class will take place on their website. Click the Register button below to be taken to Bayer's website to begin the registration process.
Register
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This Dicamba Training session is sponosored by Bayer. Registration for this class will take place on their website. Click the Register button below to be taken to Bayer's website to begin the registration process.
Register
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This Dicamba Training session is sponosored by Bayer. Registration for this class will take place on their website. Click the Register button below to be taken to Bayer's website to begin the registration process.
Register
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This Dicamba Training session is sponosored by Bayer. Registration for this class will take place on their website. Click the Register button below to be taken to Bayer's website to begin the registration process.
Register
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This Dicamba Training session is sponosored by Bayer. Registration for this class will take place on their website. Click the Register button below to be taken to Bayer's website to begin the registration process.
Register
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The first ammonia safety school for spring 2019 will be held on January 29 at the IFCA convention. We have a host of other classes posted on our website at www.ifca.com, so take a look and sign up for a class to be certified as a competent attendant to safely and legally handle anhydrous ammonia at your facility. For questions related to ammonia or fertilizer regulations, please call John Rebholz at our office.
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... to last year.But classroom training is still the preferred method particularly with all the new label changes including the endangered species considerations, the new definitions of sensitive areas and the new recordkeeping requirements.
There are severaldicamba training classes next week in Rock Falls, Carmi, Olney and DeKalb. Please go to the IFCA's Illinois Dicamba Training website here to see the available classes and please spread the word with your customers. Several ag retailers are hosting a class and enabling others to also attend by listing the class on IFCA's website. We appreciate those who are willing to do this, and if you are working with the registrants to offer training and want to open your class to oth ... more. |
This Dicamba Training session is sponosored by Bayer. Registration for this class will take place on their website. Click the Register button below to be taken to Bayer's website to begin the registration process.
Register
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IFCA has been organizing classroom dicamba training opportunities, similar to what we did last year. So far, there are classroom events being offered following most of the UI Private Applicator Clinics, and several of our retail members have also arranged for events to be taught by one of the registrants, and are willing to allow additional people to come in to these classes. The Dicamba ... more. |
Today, Dec 4, there is a diamba training class following the private applicator clinic in Utica, IL at Celebrations 150. The class runs from 3-4:30 pm. IFCA would like to thank BASF for providing a trainer; we worked with UI and IDA to coordinate training events at all the upcoming private applicator clinics.
To see the list of available classroom training events, go to the IFCA Dicamba Training website. Anyone can attend these classes free of charge, and there is no exam.
Please help spread the word. Man ... more. |
We know that our retail members are in limbo regarding the final determination of what steps need to be taken to enable licensed operators to apply dicamba in 2019. IFCA has asked the registrants of the products as well as the Ag Retailers Association to inquire with USEPA this week as to whether or not an individual who has taken and passed the general standards exam would be considered "certified" to apply dicamba.
As we wait for an answer, the clock is ticking. It may very well be that all licensed operators will also ... more. |
... may exist)
Clarify training period for 2019 and beyond, ensuring consistency across all three products
Enhanced tank cleanout instructions for the entire system
Enhanced label to improve applicator awareness on the impact of low pH’s on the potential volatility of dicamba
Label clean-up and consistency to improve compliance and enforceability
The BIGGEST questionthat IFCA members have this morning is whether licensed commercial operators working under the supervision of a licensed commercial applicator can apply dicamba to soybean in 2019. We have talked to the Illinois Dept of Ag, and they have clarified that under this new label, all licensed operators will need to take the Field Crop exam and pass it in order to apply dicamba to soybean. Private ap ... more. |
... Nafziger posted a new Bulletin titled "Notes on Fall Fertilization." This written article follows up on the information Dr. Nafziger presented in a webinar on October 19, which focused on results from 2018 N rate trials and guidance on starting fall ammonia applications. The UI Bulletin can be viewed athttp://bulletin.ipm.illinois.edu/?p=4364 or downloaded from the IFCA homepage at www.ifca.com. On our homepage we have a link to the recorded webinar and we also post daily soil temps. Soon we will have all the N rate trial response curves from the 2018 sites added to the "Keep it 4R Crop" menu on the IFCA website.
IFCA appreciates the support from NREC which has made the research possible to ensure that N, P & K reco ... more. |
There is one more opportunity this fall to secure your IDA issued competent attendant certificate to handle anhydrous ammonia and work on anhydrous ammonia equipment. On Friday, October 12 the IFCA and IDA are offering a class at the Asmark Agricenter in Bloomington IL from 8:30 to noon. Refreshments and lunch is included in the on-line registration price of $65.00 You can register on-line at the IFCA website at www.ifca.com. We also welcome walk-ins the day of class for a fee of $75.00. If you have questions about ammonia safety or regulations, please contact John ... more. |
... Handling Safety & Operations
Nurse Tank Inspection “CT”
OSHA AG-30 Hour
These courses are open to anyone to attend and fill up fast. Click here for more information on each course, the schedule of courses, and to register on-line. This link will take you directly to the Asmark website to learn more about each course. You can also call IFCA with any questions about these courses; several of them are offered right here in Illinois!
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Please visit the IFCA website at www.ifca.com to sign up for the fall anhydrous ammonia safety classes. The full schedule and on-line registration is easy to view and use on our website, but if you need assistance registering, call Leslie or John at the office at 309.827.2774. We've also added a late class on October 12 at the Agricenter in Bloomington to accommodate our members who bring on add ... more. |
Don't put off getting registered for the fall IFCA ammonia safety schools. The full schedule of classes is available on our website at www.ifca.com, just click on the NH3 School tab on the IFCA hompage to see the dates and locations and to register. We added an earlybird class on August 17 in Bloomington given the likelihood of an early harvest, to help our members who may be busy with grain in September.
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... personal data compromised — despite a figure of 500,000 voters contained in a recent indictment.
State election officials and representatives from the FBI and Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s office talked last week. Their discussion followed Mueller’s July 13 indictment of 13 Russian operatives for alleged hacking.
The federal indictment alleged the website of an unnamed state board of elections had been infiltrated and hackers “stole information related to approximately 500,000 voters, including names, addresses, partial Social Security numbers, dates of birth and driver’s license numbers.”
But in a letter from Board of Elections Executive Director Steve Sandvoss to Gov. Bruce Rauner, legislative leaders and members o ... more. |
Thank you IFCA retail members for responding to the IFCA dicamba survey; your input is extremely valuable as IFCA engages with registrants, ag groups and state and federal agencies on the future of this herbicide use. August is a critical month for these discussions and your feedback as professional applicators is essential. A report of the survey results is available on our website at www.ifca.com ... more. |
Please visit the IFCA website at www.ifca.com to sign up for the fall anhydrous ammonia safety classes. The full schedule and on-line registration is easy to view and use on our website, but if you need assistance registering, call Leslie or John at the office at 309.827.2774. We've added an early class on August 17 at the Agricenter in Bloomington to accommodate our members who also have busy grain a ... more. |
... land and water resources and areas where threatened and endangered species may exist. All of these would be considered "sensitive areas" on the dicamba label, along with many other possible receptors. According to the labels. everything but another dicamba tolerant crop, a paved road or the footprint of a building is a sensitive area. Click here to be directed to the IFCA homepage where the "In the News" area contains our Dicamba Stewardship feature, including alink to the DNR website of state designated sensitive areas and a link to Driftwatch which identifies specialty crops.
Many ag retailers are setting stewardship cutoff dates for dicamba application based on their expertise and local considerations;IFCA s ... more. |
With more money come more problems. Illinois is scheduled to get $108 million as part of the Volkswagen diesel scandal settlement, but critics of the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, who are preparing to disburse the funds, say Illinoisans are not getting enough input on how to apply the funds.
“They purported for over a year on their website that they were going to have public meetings, public hearings to decide the best way to spend this money,” said John Walton, cha ... more. |
It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of IFCA member Roger Hinthorn of Evergreen FS in Arrowsmith. Roger passed away in his home on Tuesday, April 17th.
Roger worked at FS in Arrowsmith for more than 40 years. He enjoyed spending time with his family, friends, and especially his grandchildren. He was a NASCAR and sprint racing fan. Roger cheered on his beloved Green Bay Packers and St. Louis Cardinals.
His funeral will be at 10 ... more. |
The Illinois Department of Agriculture is doing their best to issue pesticide applicator licenses in a timely fashion, but they have struggled with lack of human resources at IDA and are admittedly behind in getting the licenses issued this year.
We have been getting calls at IFCA office from retailers and distributors who want to know what their options are for selling restricted use pesticides to either commercial or private applicators if that applicator has not yet received their license from IDA.
IDA has confirmed that you can access the Pesticide Applicator Search option on the IDA website to verify the status of the applicator for purposes ... more. |
... the use of dicamba in all crops. Aside from USEPA actions, the Illinois legislature could also act to restrict this and other pesticide uses if off target movement and symptoms of off target movement on soybean and other non-target plants is not drastically improved over last year. Concerned groups will be watching us, this we can assure you.
On March 8, 2018 the IFCA Board of Directors met with Dr. Aaron Hager, our Land Grant University Weed Scientist, and asked for his recommendations for successful weed management in 2018, including the use of dicamba in a weed management strategy for soybean.
Dr. Hager issued a Bulletin today outlining steps to take to ensure the careful management of dicamba in 2018. Click here to access the Bulletin.& ... more. |
The Supreme Court declined Monday to hear a case challenging an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule that allows governments to transfer water between water bodies with few restrictions.
The decision leaves in place a ruling from the Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit, which last year upheld the 2008 rule.
The Clean Water Act usually prohibits dumping pollutants into waterways regulated by the federal government. But under the so-called Water Transfers Rule, cities and states can move water between lake ... more. |
IFCA works with NREC and the University of Illinois to implement nitrogen rate trials throughout Illinois, generating important date to ensure that thenitrogen recommendation system in Illinois reflects what is actually occuring with nitrogen use and uptake on corn acres throughout Illinois. We have all the 2017 N Rate Trial results posted under our Keep it 4R Crop menu at www.ifca.com, c ... more. |
The active ingredient in Roundup does not cause cancer, according to scientists at the National Cancer Institute. Researchers followed over 50,000 people who used pesticides to see if the ones who used Roundup developed any kind of cancer. The results were published Thursday in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
Farmers, the NCI’s website states, have generally lower death rates than th ... more. |
Thanks to IFCA's great working relationship with Purdue University and the Office of the State Chemist in Indiana, Purdue University has offered to teach several dicamba training classes along the Illinois/Indiana border to help Illinois applicators get their dicamba training certificates for both Indiana and Illinois, all by taking just one class. The Illinois Department of Agriculture recognizes ot ... more. |
... retail members and county farm bureau offices, we continue to add dicamba training classes to the Illinois Dicamba Training website. Some of these classes fill up fast, so be sure to pre-register and ensure a seat in the class. This training must be completed before using Xtendimax, Engenia or FeXapan on soybeans in 2018. To see the list of classes and to register go to www.ifca.com/illinoisdicambatraining Please spread the word to your farmer customers. Thank you!
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THIS TRAINING CLASS IS FULL. Please check the website for other classes in your area.
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... Fertilizer and Chemical Association does not sell, rent or lease its customer lists to third parties. Illinois Fertilizer and Chemical Association may, from time to time, contact you on behalf of external business partners about a particular offering that may be of interest to you. In those cases, your unique personally identifiable information (e-mail, name, address, telephone number) is not transferred to the third party. In addition, Illinois Fertilizer and Chemical Association may share data with trusted partners to help us perform statistical analysis, send you email or postal mail, provide customer support, or arrange for deliveries. All such third parties are prohibited from using your personal information except to provide these services to Illinois Fertilizer and Chemical Association, ... more. |
This training class is full. Please check the website for other classes in your area.
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If you have not yet pre-registered to attend the IFCA convention for the price of $80 per person, you still have time. Click here to be directed to the IFCA website. Click on the "Convention" tab where we have the schedule and on-line registration available. Please register before the end of the day on Wednesday to get the pre-registration price and avoid lines at the on-site registration booth.
... more. |
IFCA continues to add classes to the dicamba training website.Thanks to the IFCA members who have contacted us and helped arrange for training events that will be open to anyone to attend. We recently added many classes in southern Illinois as well as other geographies, so please check the site regularly. We've already trained over 1,300 people and classes are averaging ov ... more. |
The Illinois Department of Agriculture and IFCA issued a joint press release yesterday discussing the progress on Illinois dicamba training and encouraging everyone to visit the dicamba training website to sign up for future classes. Click here to see the press release, which is also posted at www.ifca.com. Less than one month into the winter training schedule, we have already provided the mandatory dicamba training to over 1,200 ... more. |
Please take time to check out the IFCA Convention website here and get registered for the convention. Your Convention Committee strives to bring you relevant and timely educational sessions, plus we have a great trade show planned, and an awesome silent and live auction to benefit Ag-Solve. Thanks to the many IFCA members who are contributing items to the auction. Contact KJ Johnson at our office if you would like t ... more. |
Attendance at the first four dicamba training classes has been outstanding. In just the first four classes offered, over 500private and commercial applicators have been trained and now comply with the training mandate of the new labels for Engenia, Xtendimax and FeXapan.
Go to www.ifca.com/illinoisdicambatraining to see the classes being offered. The classes on this website are open to anyone to attend. We also know that many IFCA ag retail members will be holding internal training classes for their employees or farmer customers and that is also encouraged. When scheduling or attending dicamba training, please be sure to utilize the approved training classes ... more. |
... Illinois begins this afternoon at 3:00 pm at the Crowne Plaza in Springfield, IL, following the private applicator clinic that is also offered there today. Most of the registrants for this event are farmers, and as of today 80 have signed up for the training.
There are many future opportunities for training listed on the Illinois Dicamba Training website that was developed by IFCA. For our members, we have training scheduled on all 3 days of the IFCA convention on January 16-18, 2018 at the Peoria Civic Center. The CCA convention and the University of Illinois Crop Management Conferences will also offer training opportunities. Those events do not appear on the training website since they are offered for those persons who register to attend those conferen ... more. |
The new labels for Engenia, Xtendimax and FeXapan require that applicators be certified in order to purchase these products, and receive specific dicamba training in order to apply these products in 2018.
IFCA developed and launched an Illinois Dicamba Training website that provides resources to help facilitate this training for our members, and for private applicators. The website is www.ifca.com/illinoisdicambatraining.com It features an explanation of the new requirements, a Frequently Asked Questions page, a Resource pagewith labels, a recordkeeping form and other helpful guidanc ... more. |
... products on soybeans are:
1. The products are Restricted Use Pesticides
2. The application parameters are different including wind speed restrictions and do not spray restrictions
3. A record of application, including 20 items, must be kept on all applications
4. All applicators of the product must receive dicamba specific training
IFCA has been working with the IL Dept of Ag and our fellow ag groups to organize dicamba training opportunities for private and commercial applicators and operators. We are going to piggy back on many of the already scheduled private and commercial applicator training and testing clinics, and we will also offer training classes at the IL CCA and IFCA convention, and at the UI Crop Management C ... more. |
... Education, prepared the following points regarding safety and compliance as you prepare nurse tanks for transportation and application:
1. If you still need anhydrous ammonia safety training for new or part-time employees, IFCA offers an online NH3 training certificate that is good for 90 days. Go to http://nh3.ifca.com/form/
2. When going from field to field, liquid transfer hose(s) cannot be joined between any nurse tank and any toolbar during transport upon a public right-of-way.
Click Here to read more.
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... 9:00 am central time, Dr. Emerson Nafziger is the guest on our Keep it 4R Crop webinar and will discuss the results of nitrogen source, rate and timing research performed in the 2018 crop year and funded by NREC. We realize that many of you may be in the field with ammonia application, so rest assured this webinar will be recorded and we will post the recording link on our website at www.ifca.com. However, please go ahead and register for the webinar now, even if you are unsure of your plans on Tuesday. Click here to registerfor the webinar; we will also offer 1 CEU of nutrient management credit. The research results are very interesting, and help to guide our efforts toimprove Nutilization and reduce N losses. Be sure to partake in th ... more. |
... walking distance of the center and over 4,000 hotel rooms nearby.
The Peoria Civic Center has 110,000 square feet of contiguous exhibit space that is perfect for large trade shows and sporting competitions. The exhibit halls feature load-in docks, 30 foot ceilings and concrete floors with electric, water, drain and telephone lines every 30 feet.
Visit the Peoria Civic Center website today.
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... open later this week (9/29). Please check back for registration being reopened.
Anhydrous Ammonia Permit Training
This online training program is for employees at companies that have bulk anhydrous ammonia storage tanks at their facility. Illinois Department of Agriculture requires “Competent Attendant” training once every three years for employees that handle, store, transfer or transport anhydrous ammonia at any bulk anhydrous ammonia storage facility.
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Thursday, October 5 is the LAST opportunity for you to attend a IFCA/IDA class and receive acompetent attendant ammonia training certificate. The class is being offered the Asmark Agricenter in Bloomington. You can register at www.ifca.com or call our office. Any person working in the industry who makes or breaks ammonia connections or works on ammonia equipment must be certified by attending an IDA approved ammonia training course.& ... more. |
The fall anhydrous ammonia schools are underway this week. Check out the calendar on our website at www.ifca.com to see the remaining dates and locations. We do take walk-ins at these schools, so feel free to join us if you want to gain valuable training on ammonia safety and obtain your competent attendant certificate to handle ammonia in Illinois.
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... the past month to expand access to biotech seeds as part of Beijing’s 100-day trade talks with Washington.
The two new crops, approved from July 16 for a period of three years, are Syngenta’s 5307 insect-resistant corn sold under the Agrisure Duracade brand and Monsanto’s 87427 glyphosate-resistant corn, sold under the Roundup Ready brand, the ministry said on its website Monday.
Click Here to read more.
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IFCA and the IL Dept of Ag have announced the dates and locations for the fall anhydrous ammonia training courses. Attendance at this course will enable you to obtain a "Competent Attendant" certificate which is required by the State of Illinois for employees to work around ammonia storage tanks, nurse tanks, and tool bars. We also encourage farmers to attend as well as other em ... more. |
MAGIE will be here soon and you can register on-line to attend. The cost to pre-register is only $10 and you can avoid the lengthy lines at registration. Click here to be directed to the IFCA website and to register for MAGIE.
The National Agronomic Environmental Health & Safety School is also an important event that is held just prior to MAGIE at the Asmark Agricenter. To see the agenda and to register for this well respected conference, go to www.naehss.org
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... program is truly designed to facilitate awarenessand to help applicators prepare in advance to take the precautions necessary to protect specialty crops from any potential pesticide exposure. The Illinois Dept of Ag ensures that all specialty crops and beehives listed in the program are legitimate, making this program a very useful and reliable source of information. IFCA was instrumental in getting FieldWatch up and running in Illinois back in 2010, and the program has improved substantially since then.
IFCA has also distributed sturdy, five foot red flags to help our members identify crops sensitive to dicamba. We've distributed nearly 500 flags and have about 75 left. If you would like some of these flags, please email jeanp ... more. |
Although there have been many changes in the CDL rules the past year, in Illinois you can still get a CDL at age 18, and can also get a hazmat endorsement at age 18. However, this is only available to persons operating intrastate (within state lines). IFCA works closely with the Illinois Secretary of State on CDL rules as well as licensing issues, so if you ever have problems related to CDLs or licensing of your vehicles or implements, give us a call and we can work with the SOS to assist you. As you prepare for fall, there is also a provision to obtain a restricted CDL to transport anhydrous ammonia. Please visit the IFCA website to l ... more. |
Click on the heading to link to the Coast Guard's TWIC information website.
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... here to access the license search feature. It doesn't hurt to search your own name or company name to be sure you haven't accidentally forgotten to renew your license! The penalties can be severe for violating this provision of the Illinois Pesticide Act, so take a few minutes and ensure you are in compliance. If you have questions or need assistance please contact IFCA.
The new Worker Protection Standard requires all pesticide handlers to be trained, even the persons at your company who are licensed pesticide operators. You MUST use the USEPA approved slides to train your handler employees. Go to www.ifca.com to learn more about how to comply with the Worker Protection Standard or give us a call.
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A significant part of the IFCA Keep it 4R Crop Program is our work with retailers, farmers and the University of Illinois to conduct nitrogen rate trials and ensure the Illinois nitrogen recommendation system (MRTN) is current. The first activity listed in the IL Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy to reduce nitrogen losses is to ensure that farmers are using the MRTN to determine their nitrogen rate.
This wee ... more. |
... rules. The Chemical Security Assessment Tool (CSAT) was developed years ago to help DHS identify facilities that meet certain risk factors. At that time, facilities with ammonia had to register with DHS to determine what security methods they needed to have in place.
In the fall of 2016, DHS updated their methodology system and created a new CSAT tool. IFCA members have been receiving a letter from DHS asking them to resubmit their "Top Screen" to DHS using this new on-line tool. If you receive this letter you should follow the instructions to submit your information into the new CSAT program. And also be aware that only persons who have completed the Chemical Terrorism Vulnerability Information (CVI) program can be certified ... more. |
... must be trained on Worker Protection. Licensed commercial applicators are exempt from the annual WPS training, but licensed operators ARE NOT EXEMPT. This means that your spray operators have to have the WPS training, and you must use the USEPA approved WPS training program and train them prior to them handling or applying pesticides this spring.
Go to www.ifca.com; we have the USEPA approved slides posted that you must use to train handlers--no other training program is approved at this point. A licensed commercial applicator can give the training, but anyone else who wants to provide the training must first go through the USEPA Train the Trainer slides (also posted on the IFCA website). Document who conducted the training, their qualifica ... more. |
... needs to clean the tank before filling it.
Remember that minibulks that you use in your custom application business are "service containers" and are not subject to this regulation. USEPA has provided an updated powerpoint presentation that provides a good overview of the rule with commonly asked questions. You can view this powerpoint here http://www.ifca.com. The IFCA website also lists numerous compliance guides to help you understand this regulation, which went into effect last August. Illinois Dept of Ag will be conducting compliance visits this year, so if you have any questions please contact IFCA.
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Go to www.ifca.com and take a look at our new website. We have made it much more interactive so that you can click on topic links under "Regulations" and view or download items related to pesticides, fertilizer, taxes, security, ammonia, DOT, etc. You can also search the site under "Ask IFCA" to see articles related to your topic of interest. It's a site that we will continuallyupda ... more. |
Don't miss the CCA Session at the IFCA Convention on January 21, 2008 in Room 400 at the Peoria Civic Center. The speakers and titles are:
9:00 am Managing Continuous Corn, Emerson Nafziger UI (1 hour CM)
10:00 am What Have We Learned from Grid Sampling?, Dave Franzen NDSU (1 hour SWM)
11:00 am Tile Drainage in Southern Illinois Soils, Steve Ebelhar UI (1 hour SWM)
Lunch at Noon Provided
1:00 pm Soil and Plant Factors Regulati ... more. |
Don't miss the CCA Session at the IFCA Convention on January 21, 2008 in Room 400 at the Peoria Civic Center. The speakers and titles are:
9:00 am Managing Continuous Corn, Emerson Nafziger UI (1 hour CM)
10:00 am What Have We Learned from Grid Sampling?, Dave Franzen NDSU (1 hour SWM)
11:00 am Tile Drainage in Southern Illinois Soils, Steve Ebelhar UI (1 hour SWM)
Lunch at Noon Provided
1:00 pm Soil and Plant Factors Regulati ... more. |
Don't miss the CCA Session at the IFCA Convention on January 21, 2008 in Room 400 at the Peoria Civic Center. The speakers and titles are:
9:00 am Managing Continuous Corn, Emerson Nafziger UI (1 hour CM)
10:00 am What Have We Learned from Grid Sampling?, Dave Franzen NDSU (1 hour SWM)
11:00 am Tile Drainage in Southern Illinois Soils, Steve Ebelhar UI (1 hour SWM)
Lunch at Noon Provided
1:00 pm Soil and Plant Factors Regulati ... more. |
... report before March 1. Sometimes the site gets busy towards the end of February so the earlier you can get it completed, the better. Also, pesticide production establishment reports are due to USEPA for all pesticides that you repackaged and distributed for sale in 2016. Don't miss the March 1 compliance date or you could face substantial penalties. Please contact IFCA if you have any questions.
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Beginning in February, IFCA and the IL Dept of Ag are offering eight opportunities for you to receive a competent attendant certificate from IDA, which is required of any person working with anhydrous ammonia. The certificate is good for 3 years. Click here to access the IFCA website where you can select the month of February and March to see the classroom training opportunities, and then register on-line for the cla ... more. |
IFCA members are well represented in Springfield and in Washington D.C. KJ Johnson provides an update on bills that we are watching and you can access that area of our website at www.ifca.com then click on "Legislation" to view House of Senate Bills of Interest.
This year we are supporting legislation to change the pesticide applicator and operator licenses to a 3 year licen ... more. |
... are:
February 21 at the Mendota Civic Center
February 22 at the Holiday Inn, East Peoria
February 23 at the Holiday Inn, Quincy
February 24 at Poes Catering in Springfield
February 27 at the Pavilion in Marion
February 28 at the KC Hall in Effingham
March 1 at Unique Suites in Charleston
March 2 at the Asmark Agricenter in Bloomington
The dates are posted on the calendar at www.ifca.com and on-line registration will also be availabe on our website later this week. We will also mail registration brochures to our members in early January. This class fulfills the once every 3 year requirement that persons making and breaking ammonia connections be certified as a Competent Attendant per the Illinois Dept of Ag regulations.
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... normally a breeze, but this year, several Democratic lawmakers are facing scrutiny from their constituents upset at the speaker’s role in the ongoing budget impasse.
Could Republicans and some Democrats actually plot to dethrone Madigan and install someone else in the position?
The Illinois Republican Party is going all out in mailers and press releases and a website called bossmadigan.com. They’re singling out Democrats who will likely support Madigan for re-election to his post as speaker of the House in the new General Assembly – a position he’s held for 31 of the last 33 years.
Click Hereto read more.
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... Such practices include proper nutrient management, good pest control practices, scouting of fields and taking corrective action if needed to control pests during the growing season and timely harvest to minimize harvest loss.
4R EDUCATION & ACCOUNTABILITY
By committing to the 4R Code of Practice, we will allow the Illinois Fertilizer & Chemical Association (IFCA) to publish our company name as participating in this nutrient stewardship program on the IFCA Keep it 4R Crop website.
We will work with the IFCA to provide useful measurements on adoption of 4R practices within our trade territory in a manner that maintains the confidentiality of our farmer customers and also protects the confidentiality of our company’s business operations.
... more. |
I PLEDGE, as the representative of our company, that we will support the IFCA 4R Code of Practice and work to educate our employees and our customers on 4R methods outlined in the Code to improve nutrient use efficiency and reduce nutrient losses to the environment. We will also support IFCA with information to help build industry metrics on adoption of 4R practices to share with other nutrient stakeholders to document the progress of our industry as a whole in this effor ... more. |
Dr. Nafziger at the University of Illinois has summarized findings from the 2016 Nitrogen Rate Trials, many of which were organized and implemented by IFCA's Dan Schaefer, who works closely with UI to help facilitate on-farm research funded by NREC. Click here to access the latest UI bulletin and learn about nitrogen uptake in 2016, and thoughts on 2017. IFCA will post the response curves from the 2016 N Rate Trials soon on our "Keep it 4R Crop" tools on our website. Be sure to attend the IFCA convention on January 17, 2 ... more. |
Hopefully you've noticed that we have remodeled our website at www.ifca.com. Important new features highlight the efforts of our Keep it 4R Crop Program and the always useful "Regulations" section on our website. As with all remodeling projects, it is a work in progress and we are working daily to enhance the site. Each month we will feature a photo of one of our members on the home page, so send us a picture of your facility and we'll add you ... more. |
... regulatory compliance prior to a Responsible Ag auditor vising your location, there is a compliance assessment tool on the website that can help you prepare for a Responsible Ag audit. There are thousands of bulk fertilizer facilities in the United States, and this program demonstrates to the public and to the government that our industry is serious about compliance and stewardship. IFCA encourages all of our members who store bulk fertilizers to register each facility location in the program. If you have questions about Responsible Ag, please contact Jean Payne or KJ Johnson at IFCA.
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IFCA offers online training for retailers.
Anhydrous Ammonia Permit Training
This online training program is for employees at companies that have bulk anhydrous ammonia storage tanks at their facility. Illinois Department of Agriculture requires “Competent Attendant” training once every three years for employees that handle, store, transfer or transport anhydrous ammonia at any bulk anhydrous ammonia storage facility.
Sign up for the training at http://nh3.ifca.com/form/.
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IFCA offers several types of online training.
Training for Retailers
This online training program is for employees at companies that have bulk anhydrous ammonia storage tanks at their facility. Illinois Department of Agriculture requires “Competent Attendant” training once every three years for employees that handle, store, transfer or transport anhydrous ammonia at any bulk anhydrous ammonia storage facility.
Sign up for the training at http://nh3.ifca.com/form/.
Training for Farmers
Online Anhydrous Ammonia Safety Awareness Program
IFCA in cooperation with Illinois Farm Bureau, Illinois Corn Growers Association and Illinois Department of Agriculture have developed a new onli ... more. |
EPA has finalized the membership of the panel that will examine the carcinogenic potential of glyphosate.
The list of scientific experts was posted without fanfare on EPA's Scientific Advisory Panel website today. The agency also has posted the agenda for the meeting, which will take place Oct. 18-21 at the Office of Pesticide Programs building in Crystal City, Va.
The panel includes four members of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Scientific Advisory Panel, along with nine members appointed specifically for the glyphosate panel. Those nine people are known as t ... more. |
... deficit and could lead to further credit downgrades.
Moody’s is also warning that if the state begins to borrow from debt service funds to run the state, it would “signal a deterioration in Illinois’ credit position.” The state is still reeling from its delayed November pension contribution because of insufficient cash, and its missed debt service transfer last summer to the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority.
Click Here to read more.
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We recognize that the companies that provide ammonia equipment and plumbing/piping/installation services to our industry will be critical partners in ensuring that changes to ammonia storage locations comply with the new Illinois anhydrous storage regulations as well as OSHA Process Safety Management regulations. Last week after MAGIE ended, IFCA hosted all the contractors at the Asmark Agricenter where we reviewed with them the new rules so they could be up to speed on how to help our ag retail members comply with these new requirements. Those who attended included Rocket Supply, Dibble Enterprises, Paul Akers, Fertilizer Dealer Supply, SF Welding, Squibb Taylor, Continental NH3 Products, Dultmeier Sales, Jenner Sales, AAK Mechani ... more. |
... this service as well as their free on-line program which provides all the elements of the PSM and RMP Program Level 3 requirements. If you are an Asmark client or registered in Responsible Ag, the program will save all of your information as you enter it, and make it easy for you to work on it over time without losing anything you have entered. If you need assistance please call the IFCA office.
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... process starts by you taking detailed pictures of your ammonia installation with a camera or smartphone and then uploading the photos to Asmark. Once received, Asmark will start creating the P&ID and the block flow diagram and then send you a proof to review before the final diagrams are printed. Click here for a direct link to Asmark's P&ID service. On the website there are examples of these drawings and more information on this service. A typical installation will cost $375 for the P&ID and block flow diagram. If you have questions about the P&ID or PSM, please call our office at 309.827.2774.
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... changes to the Illinois Anhydrous Ammonia rules, known as Part 215. The rules were effective on July 1, 2016 but there are many provisions in the rules that have a later effective date of December 31, 2020 to allow time for our industry to implement upgrades and facility changes in order to fully comply. To assist our members in understanding the major changes in these rules, IFCA has prepared a compliance guide that features various sections of the rules highlighted with photos and the corresponding compliance date pertaining to the different sections of the rule.
A copy of the final rule as well as the IFCA NH3 Compliance Guide is available on our website at www.ifca.com, and located as the first item on our homepage. Next week, we will be ma ... more. |
The Illinois Joint Committee on Administrative Rules (JCAR) has approved the final amendments to the rules governing Anhydrous Ammonia, Low Pressure Nitrogen Solutions, Equipment, Containers and Storage Facilities. IFCA worked with the IL Dept of Ag over the past several years to revise portions of the rules to ensure our state remains current with national standards that ensure that new technologies are incorporated to enhance ammonia safety as well as efficiency. The effective date of the rules is July 1, 2016; we are awaiting final publication of the rules by the IL Secretary of State and as soon as we ... more. |
IFCA's Keep it 4R Crop Program works closely with NREC and the University of Illinois to evaluate nitrogen management practices and how it impacts nutrient utilization and nutrient levels in the soil. We also stay in close contact with water supply officials to assess nitrate levels in water supplies so that our industry can be proactive in managing nutrients to protect water quality. ... more. |
The Illinois Department of Agriculture has released the pesticide container recycling schedule for 2016. The first event starts on July 26, and there are a total of 31 collection sites around the state running through August 26. There are also three permanent sites where you can call and make an appointment to drop off containers at any time during the year. IFCA thanks our ag retail members who volunteer to host these collection sites. To see the schedule, click hereor go to our website at www.ifca.com. The containers accepted in this free program must be HDPE #2 plastic and all caps, labels, booklets and foil seals must be removed. The containers must also be triple rinsed prior to being dropped off at the site. For the r ... more. |
... our state laws define farm chemicals, fertilizer and most feed and seed as exempt when they are sold for ag use, it is still HIGHLY RECOMMENDED that you obtain a signature from your farmer customers that they are indeed using these products for the production of an agricultural crop. Lately the Dept of Revenue has been asking to see this form when they are auditing ag retailers. IFCA created an exemption form for you to use and it is available by clicking herewhere you are directed to the "Taxes" section on our website. Download the form, add your company name and address, and have your customers sign this form at least once every 3 years. Keep the form on file at your office. This form is important because it removes your business from responsibility if so ... more. |
... renewal of your commercial pesticide applicator and operator licenses coincide with the year in which you take your pesticide exam. Put simply, once you pass the exam you will pay for a license that is good for 3 years, you won't have to renew your license annually. The fee to renew will go from $60 each year to $180 for a 3 year license. If you change employers, you can transfer your license for a $10 transfer fee. Both the Illinois Senate and House have approved the bill (SB 2918) and we expect Governor Rauner will sign it sometime this summer. The goal of this legislation was to eliminate paperwork, time and delays in the licensing process. IFCA's Government Relations Director KJ Johnson worked with Senator Bill Cunningham and Representative David ... more. |
Genetically modified crops on the market are not only safe, but appear to be good for people and the environment, experts determined in a report released Tuesday.
But the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine are not just asking people to take their word for it. They're putting the evidence up on a website so skeptics — and they know there are plenty of them — can check for themselves.
"You can't just continue to have an opinion without backing it up with data," said Fred Gould, distinguished professor of entomology and co-director of the Genetic Engineering and Society Center at North Carolina State University.
Click Here to read more.
&n ... more. |
Each season, IFCA publishes a two page bulletin to keep everyone abreast of our 4R activities and findings. Click here to read our Spring 2016 edition. It features Fred Butt from United Prairie in Crescent City, IL as our "Retailer in Action" and also has an update on nitrate levels in soil and water, results of nitrogen rate trials and a shout out to the Illinois CCAs who are now 4R Certified (we hav ... more. |
EPA posted the final report of the agency’s Cancer Assessment Review Committee at the end of last week but pulled it from the agency’s website May 2, saying a full review would not be completed until the end of the year.
That report, dated October 2015, concludes glyphosate likely is not carcinogenic to humans. It was signed by 13 scientists and titled “Final Report.”
In a letter to EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy on Wednesday, committee chairman Rep. Lamar Smith, R-Texas, a ... more. |
The IFCA Keep it 4R Crop Program helps to improve the nitrogen rate recommendations in Illinois by partnering with the University of Illinois, with our ag retail members and with farmers to establish nitrogen rate trials throughout Illinois. In the first few years we have focused on priority watersheds that supply drinking water, but many trials are now in other areas of the state as well.
... more. |
Congratulations to IFCA member (and IFCA Board Member) Regan Wear of CHS Shipman in Shipman, IL for being named one of five 2016 4R Advocates by The Fertilizer Institute. Regan's customer Thomas Connors was selected along with Regan as a farmer/retailer team who utilizes the 4Rs of nutrient stewardship in their day to day operations. Regan and Thomas attended the Commodity Classic last month to be recog ... more. |
... electronic labeling and instead “stood strong and united for mandatory, on package GMO labeling.”
“We are thankful to Secretary Vilsack for the time he spent with us, but in the end, there was not enough common ground to emerge from that room with a GMO Labeling proposal agreed upon by leaders from both camps,” Cook-Littman wrote in a blog post on the website of Citizens for GMO Labeling. Food, agriculture and biotech groups have continued to stay largely quiet about the discussions.
Click Here to read more.
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Last week at the IFCA Convention, Brian Bothast from the OSHA Peoria Office gave an overview of the Process Safety Management Regulations for retail ammonia storage facilities which become effective on October 1, 2016. In addition to the PSM requirements, the Illinois Anhydrous Ammonia Rules are in the final stages and we expect they will become effective in March or April 2016. John Rebholz, who recently ... more. |
... the latest twist of a long-running legal battle, biotech giant Syngenta says grain companies have only themselves to blame for the market share lost in China over shipments that contained unapproved corn varieties.
The filing, a third-party complaint filed by Syngenta Thursday in U.S. district court in Kansas, contends that Cargill, ADM, Express Grain Terminal, and Rail Transfer Inc. are responsible for the comingling of the corn with the Viptera and Duracade traits.
U.S. District Judge John Lungstrum ruled in September that farmers and other stakeholders could continue pursuing some of their claims against Syngenta due to the inter-connected nature of the corn market. Syngenta may be responsible for the “timing, manner, and scope” of the c ... more. |
Dear IFCA Members:
Last year, in the many meetings we had with Illinois EPA, the water supply and water treatment officials and the environmental groups, Illinois agriculture pledged to do our utmost best to reduce nutrient losses. We also strongly stated that we felt Illinois farmers and nutrient suppliers understood that we have to reduce nitrogen and phosphorus losses, and could ac ... more. |
Recently, an IFCA member was audited by the Illinois Department of Revenue (DOR) and penalized for not collecting tax on the sales of cover crop seed. Many agricultural inputs such as seed, fertilizer, feed and crop protection chemicals are exempt from sales tax because they produce a crop or livestock (i.e. meat or dairy) for resale or market, which is defined as "production agriculture." In 86 Illin ... more. |
Illinois remains an island of calm in the middle of a storm of nutrient regulations and litigation in surrounding states. This is no coincidence--this is because our industry has been extremely proactive in addressing the nutrient challenges with research, outreach, transparency, relationships and most of all--stewardship. As the fall fertilizer season approaches, IFCA is asking our members to take the 4R Code of Practice Pledge so that we can demonstrate to water officials, regulatory agencies and environmental groups that we continue to take the necessary steps to improve nutrient utilization and minimize the environmental impact of nutrient use. IFCA plans to share a list of the IFCA members who have taken the pledge with our fellow nutrient stakehold ... more. |
... 163 page document is a result of nearly 3 years of collaborative work led by IEPA and IDA involving stakeholders from agriculture, wastewater treatment, environmental groups and academia. Illinois agriculture must reduce nitrogen and phosphorus losses from the non-point sector to improve Illinois rivers, lakes and streams as well as improve downstream impacts to the Gulf of Mexico. IFCA participated in the development of the document and is very engaged in the process as our industry utilizes 4R approaches to reduce losses. While there are assumptions about the levels of nutrient loss and the best methods to reduce losses, the bottom line is that Illinois agriculture must do its part and make progress, and it will take more management of nutrient applications combin ... more. |
The Illinois Dept of Agriculture has published the first notice of proposed changes to Part 215, the Illinois Anhydrous Ammonia and Low Pressure Nitrogen Solutions Regulations. A copy of the proposed rules along with the official Illinois Register notice is posted on the IFCA website at www.ifca.com. IDA will accept comments until August 24, 2015. We encourage our members to review the regulations (the proposed changes are underlined in the document) and send any comments you have to IFCA to help us best represent you as we prepare comments on behalf of the ammonia industry. IDA did an excellent job of soliciting input from IFCA, retailers, the farm ... more. |
You should be receiving your MAGIE registration forms in the mail, or you can also register for the show on-line at the IFCA website, click here. MAGIE is August 26-27 at the McLean County Fairgrounds and we have another great show planned!
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Each month, IFCA creates and distributes a two page "Keep it 4R Crop" bulletin that features the progress being made in our industry to increase nutrient utilization and protect water quality using the 4R nutrient stewardship approach. To see the April edition, please click hereor go to our website at www.ifca.com to see this and other nutrient stewardship news.
Each month we wi ... more. |
... If you have bulk pesticides at your locations, you should receive a letter from AASA notifying you of the program and a follow-up phone call from an AASA inspector establishing a convenient time for the inspection. To see the compliance checklist that AASA uses in their inspections, click here and more information about the program is available at www.aginspect.org. IFCA administers the AASA program on behalf of the crop protection industry.
Illinois is one of 21 states that will receive an AASA inspection in 2015. These inspections began in 2006 in Illinois and are on a three year cycle: If you handle bulk pesticides, you have been asked to participate in this voluntary, no-charge inspection program in 2006, 2009, 2012 and now again in 20 ... more. |
If your CDL is up for renewal within the next 12 months, you may want to consider renewing it before July 1, 2015 before new identification requirements kick in. After July 1, 2015 any new CDL application, renewal, upgrade or transfer will require the driver to show proof of legal presence and domicile. This is a one-time requirement, but you will need to show the Secretary of State either a current U.S. Passport or a U.S. Birth Certificate, and they must be the official, original documents with a raised seal, no photocopies. For CDL licenses that will expire after July 1, 2015 this will be required.
&nb ... more. |
... in 2014, N-WATCH showed very little residual N in the soil which verified that nitrogen utilization was terrific in 2014 and the nutrients were used by the crop; therefore nutrient losses to water were also greatly minimized. Although funding for 100% of the cost of an N-WATCH site is no longer available, if your ag retail location is interested in participating in N-WATCH, please contact IFCA.
N-WATCH has a new website this year that allows you to register your company to use the program and obtain the necessary sampling kits; IFCA can assist you with that process. There are several N-WATCH program options, ranging from $300 up to $650. This year, NREC is also funding a new research project with University of Illinois Crop Sciences in which Dr ... more. |
... check box on the commercial applicator license form that you can simply check to register as a Pesticide Dealer in addition to being a commercial applicator. Failure to register as a Pesticide Dealer if you are selling 2.5 containers or greater to customers is also a non-negotiable $1000 penalty. If you are uncertain about your status, you can call IDA at 217.785.2427 or go to their website where you can lookup licensed dealers and applicators. Click herethen scroll down to "Environmental Programs" to search for pesticide dealers, applicators and operators by name.
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Illinois state Sen. Darin LaHood raised more than $500,000 in five weeks since entering thespecial electionto replace RepublicanAaron Schock, according to figures provided first to CQ Roll Call.
LaHood, the son of former Illinois Rep. Ray LaHood, faces a Republican primary against Mike Flynn, an editor of the conservative website Breitbart News. LaHood touted the haul in an early show of strength, with the pre-primary fundraising reporting deadline still seven weeks away.
Click Here to read more.
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... Research & Education Council (NREC) has a new tri-fold brochure that explains the purpose and structure of NREC and highlights the 20 projects underway targeted at improving nutrient utilization, increasing crop production and protecting water quality. If you would like to include this brochure in any mailings to your farmer customers with your spring fertilizer invoices, call IFCA at 309.827.2774 and let us know how many copies you need and we will send them to you free of charge as part of NREC's outreach mission. This year, many state funds were swept and if NREC had not replaced the FREC program, nearly $3 million dollars of fertilizer assessment money dedicated to nutrient research would have been vulnerable. But NREC funds are held outside of state go ... more. |
... IFCA is supporting this measure proposed by the Illinois Department of Agriculture to streamline the license renewal process and have it coincide with the year you take and pass the test, with the license remaining good until your next testing date. IDA is also working to ensure that if an employees goes to another pesticide application company, the three year license could be transferred for a small fee. For more information on bills that IFCA is working on this year, check out the state and federal bills we are working on at the IFCA website under "Legislation" and "Legislative Updates" or click here. Please feel free to callKJ Johnson, IFCA's Director of Government and Industry Relations, with any questions about legislative issues.
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... At least one incident resulted in injuries and evacuation. Over the weekend, I-70 was shut down in Missouri due to a nurse tank rollover and this received a lot of attention. These incidents bring intense scrutiny to our industry and we stress again to please take extra caution when transporting and applying ammonia, and encourage your farmer customers to take the free on-line IFCA training program for farmers, it is available on the IFCA website at www.ifca.com.
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The Illinois Dept of Ag Bureau of Weights & Measures has finalized rules making changes to the truck scale regulations. IFCA was instrumental in working with IDA on these changes, which resolves the issue of Certificates of Conformance, allows for an application process for new scales, establishes a process to request a variance from the regulations, and enables the use of shallow pit vehicle scales. We believe the rules provide improved clarity for the industry as well as for IDA inspectors, and will take a lot ... more. |
... limits for nutrients in the water that leaves farmfields.
In Iowa, millions will now likely be spent on a legal defense fund for agriculture in a lawsuit that may drag on for years. In Illinois, we must continue to support our investment in innovative nutrient and water quality research through contributions to NREC from an assessment on fertilizer sales. IFCA remains committed to the relationships and open dialogue we have established with water treatment offiials, state agencies, environmental groups and other ag groups in our efforts to reduce nutrient losses by increasing nutrient utilization with a 4R system of nutrient stewardship. Shortly IFCA will officially launch a 4R Code of Practice and build upon our "Keep it 4R Crop" program that e ... more. |
Last week was a big week for the new Responsible Ag stewardship program. A new ag retail facility that RA will use to train auditors was christened in Owensboro, KY and was donated to the program by IFCA member Crop Production Services. The training facility is appropriately named after retired TFI President Ford B. West, who attended the kick-off event. Following the kick-off, the Asmark Institute, whose team developed the RA website and auditor training program for RA, conducted the first 4 day training course to credential RA auditors. Click here for the latest news from Res ... more. |
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If you repackage bulk pesticides into minibulks and offer them for sale or distribution, you must also submit your Pesticide Producing Establishment (PPR) report to USEPA by March 1, 2015. Again, failure to report on time for this federal requirement can exceed $5,000 in penalties. If you have questions regarding these reporting requirements, please contact IFCA at 309.827.2774.
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On behalf of our members and the agricultural input supply and service industry, IFCA has submitted detailed comments to Illinois EPA on the proposed Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy. To view IFCA's comments (a seven page document), click here. We encourage our members to read our comments, and to submit your own as well. The comment period ends on January 25, 2015. More on the ILNRS can be found on our website at www.ifca.com.
IF ... more. |
Today, January 14, is the last day to regsiter on-line for the IFCA convention and secure the pre-registration price, which saves you $15 vs. registering at the show itself.
On January 20, we have an excellent CCA session planned where you will learn about the innovative research being done in Illinois to determine pratical ways to reduce nutrient losses and improve nutrient utilization. IFCA retail members who sell fertilizer to farmers should ... more. |
... to reduce phosphorus and nitrogen losses that end up in Illinois waterways and the Gulf of Mexico. These nutrients spur algae blooms that deplete oxygen levels, hinder recreation, and threaten public health. Nutrient pollution can also degrade drinking water quality and require cities to install costly treatment equipment.
Click Here to read more.
IFCA has more information on the Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy on our website. Please click here to get more information.
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The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and the Illinois Department of Agriculture have released the Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy for a 60 day public comment period. A policy group that included agriculture groups (including IFCA), environmental groups, wastewater treatment representatives and universities all worked together to create this document. There are significant opportunities for the agricultural industry to reduce nutrient losses and they are defined in the document. The IFCA Agronomy Committee and the IFCA Board of Directors will review the document and prepare comments on behalf of our industry a ... more. |
... this week that is under investigation, a farmer's hired hand pulling two full nurse tanks resulted in an accident in which one of the tanks ruptured completely and the other suffered a release from a damaged valve. The driver was taken to the hospital with serious injuries, and the rupture of the nurse tank is being investigated by both state and federal agencies.
IFCA was contacted by several media organizations and we have stressed the availability of the on line ammonia training program developed for farmers, which covers all aspects of ammonia properties, transportation, handling, emergency response and first aid. This program was funded by the Illinois Nutrient Research & Education Council and developed by IFCA and IDA. It is available on ... more. |
The IFCA and the Illinois Department of Agriculture issued a joint press release today to reinforce the positive message of safety and stewardship when it comes to the fall fertilizer season. Please click hereto view the press release and feel free to share it with your customers and any local media in your area. We are working closely with IDA to evaluate and mitigate causes of anhydro ... more. |
IFCA and the Illinois Department of Agriculture are asking for our members' help in assuring that air is not introduced into anhydrous ammonia nurse tanks. The introduction of air into nurse tanks at the ag retail facility or at the farm field is not allowed by the IDA. Air can lead to stress corrosion in the nurse tanks and since ammonia is a closed transfer system, air can have detrimental impacts on the entire ammonia distribution system including in storage tanks and transport tanks. Please make your employees aware of this and please also advise your farmer customers that this practice is not allowed in Illinois in order to assure the integrity and safety of anhydrous ammonia equipment.
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The Illinois Department of Agriculture and the Illinois Department of Transportation have released the 2014 Lime Producers Guidebook. This document is now available in electronic format only, and is posted on the IFCA website, click here.
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... click on the following linkhttps://www.asmark.org/TrainingCourses/CourseCalendar.cgi?4
Once directed to the website page, simply click on the date and location you wish to attend. If you are already an Asmark client choose option 1 and enter your five digit facility ID. If you are not an Asmark Institute client, please choose option 2 by entering the five digit IFCA member code (10980) and follow the online registration instructions. If you are not a member of IFCA but would like to register, simply choose option 3 and follow the online registration instructions. If you would like to learn more aboutsubject material offered in this course,click on the link above, then click onthe "Information" link.If you have any q ... more. |
... in ag believe it will expand federal regulations to activities such as nutrient or crop protection applications near any bodies of water--it's how those bodies of waters are classified that is very unclear. In reading the rule many believe ditches and waterways could be considered a "water of the US". USEPA is taking comments on the proposed rule until October 20, 2014. IFCA has posted a one-page summary of the rule and instructions for submitting comments on our website. Click here to go to the IFCA homepage for a one page explanation and instructions on how to submit your comments in opposition to this proposed rule. US agriculture needs to generate hundreds of thousands, if not millions of comments, to ensure that our government knows just how concern ... more. |
The Illinois Nutrient Research & Education Council has published its first annual report, summarizing seven projects that NREC funded in the calendear year 2013. The report is available here at the IFCA website or you can go to www.illinoisnrec.org to view the report and additional information about NREC, including a summary of 15 projects that the Council funded in 2014.
NREC is fundamental to helping to ensure that Illinois agriculture can reduce losses of nutrients and increase yields, both of which are serious challenges for our industry. USEPA is requiring that m ... more. |
IFCA has a new feature on the website for members who would like to keep track of bills of interest. Click here to be directed to the web page showing which bills IFCA supports or opposes.
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Congratulations to Verne (Tinker) Bader of Bader Ag in Meredosia and to Malcolm Stambaugh of Ag View FS in Walnut, Illinois for being name as 4R advocates by TFI! These two IFCA members and their farmers customers will be heading to the Commodity Classic in San Antonio this week to be honored with 3 other national winners for their efforts to promote and implement the 4Rs of nutrient stewardship (right source, right rate, right time, right place). Both Tinker and Malcolm worked with their farmer customers on 4R practices including splitting nitrogen applicat ... more. |
IFCA manages the Illinois Council on Best Management Practices "Keep it for the Crop (KIC)" program. Click here to be directed to the IFCA website, where we have posted an update on the KIC program, featuring the investment ag retailers and their farmer customers are making in implementing the 4Rs in Illinois. The KIC program is funded by the Illinois Nutrient Research & Education Cou ... more. |
The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) prepared a very professional, short video that illustrates the commitment that ag retailers have toward safety, security, emergency response and regulatory compliance. IFCA member Chad Lau of Burroughs Ag, also a volunteer firefighter, is featured in the video. We recommend that you provide a link to this video on your company website and help spread the word that our industry is committed to stewardship and compliance in all aspects of what we do. Click http://www.tfi.org/safety-and-security-tools/get-know-fertilizer-retailer to access the video or go ... more. |
This week, our industry experienced a tragedy that we must all reflect upon. A customer who had picked up ammonia nurse tanks from an IFCA member experienced a transportation related accident with the tanks, and passed away this week from complications of the injuries he sustained in that December 2013 incident. We extend heartfelt condolences to his family. With that in mind, please help to promote the utilization of the on-line farmer ammonia training video that IFCA hosts on our website. We developed this progr ... more. |
... receive the invoice. You may remit the 25 cent per ton inspection fee directly to IDA as usual, but don't pay NREC until you receive the invoice. NREC recently announced funding of 15 projects in 2014 designed to address the need to improve nutrient utilization and minimize losses of nutrients to our environment. For more on this, please click here to access the NREC website.
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... and Florida. The Secretary of State's CDL office estimates that while 91% of Illinois CDL holders have declared, there are still 40,000 that have yet to do so. You know how long the lines can get at a SOS office towards the end of the month, so if you have not yet declared, save yourself some grief and get there this week!
For the vast majority of IFCA members who transport products only in Illinois, you can choose category 3. However, if you engage in any interstate transportation you should declare category 1. Categories 1 and 3 require medical certification, while the other categories are for drivers who are exempt from medical certification. The purpose of this declaration is to allow the state and federal governments to ... more. |
Please go to http://www.ifca.com and click on "Convention" and then "Program" to see the line-up of educational sessions and the trade show schedule. The IFCA Convention is January 20-22, 2014 at the Peoria Civic Center. Our theme this year is "Responsible People in a Proactive Industry." You can also register on-line at the IFCA website to attend the convention. We have a full house of exhibitors an ... more. |
We were shocked and saddened to learn that IFCA member Ray DeBrock passed away suddenly on Monday, Nov 25 from an apparent heart attack. He was 50. Ray dedicated his entire career to the agribusiness industry, serving as a key agronomist and Vice President of Michlig Agricenter in Manlius, IL. Upon the sale of Michlig Ag to CPS, Ray transitioned to a key role with CPS before joining the management team at Michlig Grain. &nb ... more. |
With harvest winding down, dry fertilizer application is underway. When it comes to the application of fall nitrogen, we can ensure the future of this practice by adhering to sound stewardship and agronomic guidelines. Please click here to be directed to the IFCA website, where we have a link to soil temperatures in Illinois. The UI Agronomy Handbook recommends that fall N not be applied until the soil temperatures fall to 50 degrees; you should refer to the maximum daily soil temperature at the 4 inch level. The Illinois Council on Best Management Practices (CBMP) recommends use of a nitrogen stabilizer with all fall applied nitrogen.& ... more. |
When an ag retail employee transports ammonia nurse tanks of various sizes, what type of license is required? Lately there appears to be some feeling among our members that a Class A CDL is required due to the weight of the nurse tanks and thus the weight of the total combination being transported. IFCA has asked and received clear guidance on this from both the Illinois Secretary of State CDL Division and the Illinois State Police enforcement. We have good news. Here it is:
1. Ammonia nurse tanks are implements of husbandry. As such, their weight does not factor in to the determination of weight for CDL licensing purposes.
2. A hazmat e ... more. |
... and environmental responsibility in ways that can help us keep fertilizer recommendations in the hands of ag retailers and farmers and not subject to one size fits all regulation. Illinois is often cited as a state that contributes to nitrogen losses and our tile drained landscape challenges our industry to find new and better ways to assure we keep our nutrients for the crop. IFCA has prepared a guidance document that explains how retailers can manage the NREC assessment if you decide to list it on the fertilizer invoice, which many in the industry are doing. The members of the Nutrient Research & Education Council have asked the ag retail sector to help educate farmers about the importance of the NREC program to the future of Illinois agriculture. Click h ... more. |
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has put together a new "Questions and Answers" document related to the new changes in the Hours of Service exemption for agriculture and also new provisions for other agricultural movements by farm vehicles. The document is posted on the IFCA website under "New Hours of Service Language" Did you realize that medical marijuana is not an agricultural commodity? Did you know that tractors and combines are considered farm supplies? Read the document and you'll learn about these and other interesting attributes of the new MAP 21 ag transportation law. Click here for the document http://ifca.com/media/Questions% ... more. |
... the main location that distributes fertilizer, and $50 for every additional company location that distributes fertilizer. This new distributor license requirement ensures that all businesses in the State involved in fertilizer distribution are registered, and it eliminates the old requirement to register custom blends. If you have any questions about these changes, please go to the IFCA website at http://ifca.com and view the heading that describes the changes in the Illinois Fertilizer Act. Go to the NREC website at http://illinoisnrec.org to learn more about this new program to invest in fertilizer research, education and NREC's vision to ensure a profitable crop production system that also addresses efforts to protect water quality.
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... all forms of fertilizer. Another new change in the Illinois Fertilizer Act establishes a Fertilizer Distributor License of $100 for each company that distributes fertilizer and $50 for each additional fertilizer distributor location under that company name. "Distribute" means to import, consign, manufacture, produce, store, transport, custom blend, compound, or blend fertilizer or to transfer from one container to another for the purpose of selling, giving away, bartering or otherwise supplying fertilizer in Illinois. The distributor license eliminates the old "custom blend" license that retailers are accustomed to and also now requires manufacturers and other supplies of fertilizer, including all commercial and on-farm ammonia storage locations, to register as a distributor. &n ... more. |
... own company website. The video includes comments from three growers about the leadership role that farmers and crop advisors will have in NREC. The NREC website also features additional information about the program including the NREC Council members, research priorities and a tri-fold brochure. If you would also like copies of the brochure for your customers, please contact IFCA and we will send them to you, no charge.
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... does not go to IDA, it cannot be swept and spent for anything other than approved nutrient research and education programs.
If you choose to list the 75 cents per ton on the invoice, we encourage you to describe it as an assessment, please do not call it a tax. We should not give farmers the wrong impression about NREC. It took a tremendous effort on behalf of IFCA and our ag organization allies to take the fertilizer resarch & education program away from the state so that it would no longer be used to pay the state's bills. We need the support of ag retailers and your farmer-customers to ensure that NREC is highly successful in its goals to enhance nutrient utilization, increase crop production, and protect water quality.
&n ... more. |
It's mid October, and thoughts are turning to fall nitrogen. IFCA urges everyone to pay close attention to soil temperatures and to use the temperature, not the calendar, as your guide with regard to the right timing for fall nitrogen applications.
The Illinois Agronomy Handbook recommends waiting until soil temperatures fall to the 50 degree level to ensure that stabilized, fall applied ammonia stays in the nitrate form for the remainder ... more. |
... nitrogen and we need good science to demonstrate that fall applied nitrogen is an effective agronomic practice when applied according to stewardship guidelines. Soil testing will provide the science we need to fine-tune nitrogen recommendations and defend good nitrogen management practices.
For information on how you can help with this project, please go to the IFCA website here http://ifca.com There is a press release on the program, and soil sampling instructions including how to order the sample collection kits from Dr. Nafziger at UI. The IL Council on Best Management Practices, through the KIC Program, is paying the cost of the sample analysis, so we are only asking for ag retailers and CCAs to donate their time to help in this stewardship ... more. |
It's that time of year again. Temperatures are dropping, harvest is wrapping up and thoughts are turning to fall fertilization. The scrutiny on our industry with regard to fall applied ammonia is intense. On the IFCA website we have posted a link to daily soil temperatures and a poster that outlines fall nitrogen guidelines. We ask our members to please work with your farmer customers to adhere to these guidelines, meaning waiting until the maximum daily 4 inch soil temperature remains at 50 degrees, and using nitrogen stabilizers. The drought makes this issue all the more important, as we have t ... more. |
... to the retail site, and from retail to farm, and farm to farm.
2. If you are transporting these products within the state of Illinois (intrastate) then you must adhere to a 100 air mile radius. If you are crossing state lines with these movements (interstate) you can take advantage of a 150 air mile radius between the distribution points. IFCA is working with Illinois DOT to amend the Illinois Motor Carrier Safety Regulations to also allow the 150 air mile radius for intrastate movements. We hope to have this in place by the Spring 2013 season.
3. The special Hours of Service waiver for the transport of anhydrous ammonia is no longer necessary after October 1, 2012 due to these changes.
... more. |
For the past two years, the Illinois ag industry has engaged in a legislative effort to ensure the future of nutrient research and education programs in Illinois. The budget challenges of our state government have resulted in the transfer of monies dedicated for fertilizer research from tonnage fees paid, and we know the challenges our universities also face in keeping faculty and research programs vibrant in the agricultural sector due to budget cuts. On top of that, our industry faces critical challenges relative to water quality and nutrient use; we need only look to other areas of our country where water quality standard ... more. |
... number provided that document clearly indicates the number is the FMCSA safety permit number. In other words, the motor carrier can either carry the actual safety permit with the number on it or clearly indicate on other documents such as shipping papers the number is the HAZMAT safety permit number.
These regulatory topics will be discussed in greater detail at the IFCA sponsored Transportation Regulatory Workshop held in Bloomington, IL on Wednesday, October 1, 2008. The Asmark Institute in a partnership with IFCA has been instrumental in assisting IFCA members gain regulatory compliance with USDOT required safety plans, security plans and communication plans. For more information regarding the new regulation effective October 1, 2008 or for ... more. |
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The exception now applies to all farm supplies, including all forms of fertilizer, seed and agrichemicals from the distribution point (terminal or warehouse) and the retail site, within a 150 air mile radius (used to be 100 air miles). For commodities, the 150 mile radius is from the source of the commodity to the delivery location.
For intrastate movements, IFCA worked successfully with IDOT and the Illinois General Assembly back in 2006 to mirror the federal HOS exemption so that deliveries within the state lines could utilize the exception as well. But in 2009 USDOT decided that "distribution point" did not include terminals or warehouses, and we had to fight for a special waiver to obtain relief from HOS, and we could get that only for anhydrou ... more. |
... transportation of other forms of fertilizer can now also utilize the exemption as can agrichemicals. The exemption is also expanded to a 150 air mile radius from the distribution point, be it a retail or wholesale distribution point. The radius was formerly 100 air miles. The HOS exception is for planting and harvesting seasons as determined by each state. In Illinois, IFCA worked with IDOT and the state legislature to establish a year-round definition for planting and harvesting (Jan 1 - Dec 31).
This great news was made possible by many, many hours of hard work, research, fact finding and negotiation performed by the staff of The Fertilizer Institute, Ag Retailers Association, Agricultural Food Transporters, American Trucking Association and t ... more. |
... with NTEP (National Type Evaluation Program) are documents that scale manufacturers obtain to assure that their products meet national standards. The consensus at the meeting was the proof of a COC would only be required for scales installed after July 2002 (this was when the law was updated to insert the word "new" into the statute). The committee also unanimously recommended that transfer of ownership does not mean that the scale is "new." IDA will now internally review the recommendations of the committee and provide regulatory clarification on these issues; we are optimistic that IDA will accept the committee's recommendations.
So, in the meantime, continue to keep your large scales maintained and certified, and life as we know it will conti ... more. |
... .
Once directed to the website page, click on Professional Applicator Training (1day) then simply click on the date and location you wish to attend. If you are already an Asmark client choose option 1 and enter your five digit facility ID. If you are not an Asmark Institute client, please choose option 2 by entering the five digit IFCA member code (10980) and follow the online registration instructions. If you are not a member of IFCA but would like to register, simply choose option 3 and follow the online registration instructions. If you would like to learn more about subject material offered in this course, click on the link above, then click on the "Information" link. If you have any questions, please contact the IFCA offi ... more. |
... directed to the website page, click on Professional Applicator Training (1day) then simply click on the date and location you wish to attend. If you are already an Asmark client choose option 1 and enter your five digit facility ID. If you are not an Asmark Institute client, please choose option 2 by entering the five digit IFCA member code (10980) and follow the online registration instructions. If you are not a member of IFCA but would like to register, simply choose option 3 and follow the online registration instructions. If you would like to learn more aboutsubject material offered in this course,click on the link above, then click onthe "Information" link.If you have any q ... more. |
Two years ago, IFCA, the Illinois Agricultural Aviation Association (IAAA) and the IL Dept of Ag partnered to ensure that the Driftwatch.org website was implemented in Illinois. This is an effort to build communication and awareness between crop applicators and specialty growers who may have crops sensitive to some products used in grain production. Since then, many specialty growers, vineyards, organic ... more. |
If you will be applying pesticides to water this spring, you will most likely need a NPDES permit from IEPA. Certain other application activities may also trigger a NPDES permit such as mosquito spraying. Illinois EPA administers this program. They have provided a powerpoint presentation that walks you through the process to help you determine if you will need a permit, and IFCA has also developed a fact sheet on the program. These are all posted on our website, please click here http://ifca.com to reach our home page. Pesticide application made to crops in accordance with the pesticide label will NOT need a NPDES permit.
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The IDA Weights & Measures regulations require large scales to have a Certificate of Conformance (COC) showing that the device meets the NTEP standards. On the IFCA website we have posted several guidance documents from IDA to help you determine if your scales are in conformance. This is a worthwhile endeavor, because determining the status of your scale will also help you determine what replacement/repair or other costs may be in your future in order to comply with the regulations. Click here to get to the IFCA home page http://ifca.com
On ... more. |
... the Crop Program (KIC) has been incredibly well received by ag retailers and growers alike. As Dan Schaefer, Director of Nutrient Stewardship, meets with dealers and growers in the priority watersheds, it is readily apparent that finding ways to reduce nutrient losses equates to increased yields, which is a win/win for agriculture and the environment. In addition to supporting KIC, IFCA is leading an effort to revitalize funding for nutrient research and education in Illinois. We have introduced changes to the Illinois Fertilizer Act that will ensure that money from the fertilizer tonnage fee is managed in a way to protect the funds from being swept. It will also assure an adequate and stable funding source to help us meet the challenges facing the nutrient industry ... more. |
If you register for the IFCA convention prior to January 6 you save $15. The cost to attend this 3 day event with plenty of education sessions, a great trade show and all the social networking opportunities is only $65 for IFCA members. It's a great bargain! You can register on-line by going to www.ifca.com and click on "Convention." The complete program is also posted on our website. This ... more. |
This year the IFCA Board must fill two vacancies: Rodney Phelps from Monsanto is retiring as the Seed Industry representative, and Dennis Ross from CPS is retiring from the Retail Representative in District #1 (NW Illinois). You can nominate someone for these positions by simply sending an email to leslief@ifca.com or by going to the IFCA website to view, print and fax in a nomination form. Board ... more. |
... are against this requirement. Any wonder why the approval rate for Congress is so low?
Since the US Senate has failed to act, we expect on Monday, Oct 31, USEPA will issue a press release announcing the implementation of the permit and posting a copy of the permit and fact sheet on its website. There will likely be a 120 day enforcement delay to January 9, 2012. IFCA and other Illinois ag organizations will be working with Illinois EPA to the best of our ability to make the permit process for Illinois as sensible as possible. Again, this permit will be required for the application of pesticides that are labeled for use on water, for mosquito treatment and for other wide-spread treatment operations. Pesticides used in agricultural crop production ... more. |
We know that the new CDL certification requirement is confusing. This new process requires everyone with a CDL to visit an Illinois Secretary of State CDL office sometime between January 12, 2012 and January 31, 2014 to declare the type of CDL driver that you are (one of 4 categories). Please visit www.ifca.com and you will see a memo from the SOS posted on our website that explains the categories in detail. For many IFCA members, category 1 or 3 are the most likely to apply. If you cross state lines with your company vehicles to conduct commerce, category 1 is what you need, and most other drivers with a CDL who don't cross state lines will need category 3. We will have more ... more. |
... Act. SB 2010 will move the Fertilizer Research & Education Council out of the IL Dept of Ag and into a public-private partnership with the IDA. This will ensure that IDA continues to provide oversight on the collection of the tonnage fees and the required tonnage reports, but that the funds collected are held in a private foundation, thus protecting these dollars from sweeps or transfers.
Since 2007, $928,700 has been transferred from the Fertilizer Control Fund (where the FREC money is housed) and diverted to the General Revenue Fund to be used for other purposes. In 2010 we had to cancel all new fertilizer research projects due to the fund sweeps. SB 2010 has broad support from IFCA, IL Farm Bureau, IL Corn Growers, IL Soybean Assoc, Grain & ... more. |
... amending the Illinois Fertilizer Act passed the Senate Ag Committee unanimously last week and has bi-partisan co-sponsors and support. This bill seeks to create the Nutrient Research and Education Council and set up a private partnership with IDA to collect a tonnage assessment to significantly enhance our nutrient research and education activities. SB 2010 is an initiative of the IFCA and is supported by all the major ag groups as well as the environmental groups. The Illinois ag industry has submitted a Nutrient Stewardship Strategy to Illinois EPA and SB 2010 provides the framework to significantly increase our nutrient research and education programs with a goal of enhancing crop production and reducing losses of nutrients to water. This is an aggressive approa ... more. |
... to a good piece of legislation, Senate Bill 4, that seeks to provide a reasonable tax credit to keep a tire manufacturer in Mt. Vernon, IL from leaving the state. Click here to see a copy of the amendment. The sponsors of SB 4 are not to blame for what has happened to their bill. If you do not know who your state representative is, double click on the "Legislation" bar on the IFCA website and enter your 9 digit zip code. You can reach your state rep in their district office today (Friday) and also on Monday; they return to Springfield on Tuesday and can be reached at their Springfield office. Please make your phone calls before March 9th. If you have questions please contact Jean Payne.
Some Hopeful News on Pesticide NPDES Permits: I ... more. |
Very soon, possibly on March 8th, the Illinois Senate Agriculture Committee will debate Amendment #1 to SB 2010, a bill amending the Illinois Fertilizer Act. IFCA initiated this legislation with the support of the grower organizations including Illinois Farm Bureau and Illinois Corn Growers Association, and working closely with the Illinois Department of Agriculture on the language.
Since September, the IFCA and other ag groups have been meeting with Illinois EPA, Illinois Dept of Ag and environmental groups to address the pressure IEPA is und ... more. |
Very soon, possibly on March 8th, the Illinois Senate Agriculture Committee will debate Amendment #1 to SB 2010, a bill amending the Illinois Fertilizer Act. IFCA initiated this legislation with the support of the grower organizations including Illinois Farm Bureau and Illinois Corn Growers Association, and working closely with the Illinois Department of Agriculture on the language.
Since September, the IFCA and other ag groups have been meeting with Illinois EPA, Illinois Dept of Ag and environmental groups to address the pressure IEPA is und ... more. |
On January 20th at the IFCA Convention, the IL Department of Agriculture announced the launching of Driftwatch.org, a website that seeks to enhance communication between specialty growers and pesticide applicators as a tool to help about drift conflicts between modern grain production and operations such as vineyards, nurseries, certified organic farms, vegetable production and apiaries. IDA and IFCA prepared a press ... more. |
IFCA would like to thank all the members and exhibitors for attending the 2011 Annual Convention and Trade Show. We had great attendance and positive feedback from members regarding this week’s show. We will be posting some of the presentations to the website for anyone interested in reviewing some of the presentations from the show.
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The IFCA Convention is a great place to learn about new regulations impacting our industry, including the August 2011 minibulk compliance requirements, the regulations pertaining to the permitting and inspection of large fertilizer storage tanks, the implementation of the new Driftwatch.org website and an update on where Illinois EPA is at on the new NPDES permit requirements for pesticide applicators.&n ... more. |
The visitation and funeralfor Mark Stivers, IFCA Board Member and employee of Helena Chemical Company will be on Saturday, September 4, 2010 at Calvert Funeral Home in Clinton, IL located at 201 S. Center Street.
The visitation will be from 9:30 am to 11:00 a.m with the funeral at 11:00 a.m. You may check the Calvert website at www.calvertmemorial.com for details regarding the services and memorials. Mark's obituary w ... more. |
IFCA has printed another 15,000 emergency response wallet cardsfor our members to give to employees and customers in the event of a release of anhydrous ammonia. If you need a supply of these,give us a call. USEPA has been very strict this year regarding the 15 minute rule if a reportable quantity release of NH3 occurs. Some IFCA members are facing fines up to $30,000 fo ... more. |
We know that everyone is busy but want to remind you that if you have ammonia nurse tanks enrolled in the Nurse Tank Inspection Program, you have until February 2011 to file the addendum to the NTIP inspection report that you keep on file for these nurse tanks. Please review the information on the IFCA website regarding the addendum. The addendum is required by USDOT and failure to comply by February 2011 with this requirement could result in monetary penalty. |
IFCA has developed a full size color brochure that takes a hard look at actual accidents that occurred in the spring of 2010 with ammonia transportation and application.
The brochure describes numerous incidents, the county in which they occurred, has color photos,and for each incident makes specific recommendation on how they could have been prevented. We are distributing the b ... more. |
The 2010 IFCA Motorcycle Ride this year features a scenic trip through Northern Illinois to Milwaukee, Wisconsin to visit the Harley Davidson museum. The dates are September 8-10, 2010, with the riders departing from Peoria, IL at 9:30 a.m. on September 8th and returning on the 10th.
The details of the motorcycle ride are attached in this email, and also posted at the IFCA website at www.ifca. ... more. |
... and the retail sites. The current waiver that the industry has been operating under expired in late June.
It is essential that you state in your comments that the waiver must also be extended to liquid and dry fertilizers that are transported from terminals or warehouses to the retail sites. Right now FMCSA is only proposing to offer the exemption for anhydrous ammonia.
IFCA has posted a sample letter for ag retailers, it is available on our website at www.ifca.com. The website also contains IFCA's comments on the rule and a Regulatory Alert posted that explains the issue in more detail.
Comments are due today, August 13. You can submit your comments electronically by going to http://www.regulations.gov and then enter FMCSA 2010-0230 in the ... more. |
... in limbo as the fall season approaches. After more industry meetings with FMCSA, the Agency issued this proposal which is to provide a 2 year waiver from HOS for these movements, but just for anhydrous ammonia. They are taking comments until August 13 and we'll also be making a case that the exception should be extended to other ag supplies such as liquid fertilizers.
IFCA is going to Washington D.C. next week and Jean Payne along with four IFCA members will be meeting with the FMCSA Director on this issue. For a copy of the proposed rule, please go to the IFCA website. Shortly, we willprovide you with a sample letter to FMCSA on this issue. We have also posted the fact sheet that we gave to FMCSA that explains how we utilized the waiver th ... more. |
The IL Dept of Ag has announced the recycling dates and locations for 2.5 gallon pesticide containers. The schedule can be accessed at www.ifca.com or by going to the IDA website at http://www.agr.state.il.us.
We also want everyone to get used to the new term for minibulks. In their new rules governing minibulks, USEPA calls these tanks Portable Refillable Containers or PRCs for short. If you see the term PRC, it is the same thing as a minibulk whether the tank gets refilled or not. We'll start using the t ... more. |
Please see the Regulatory Alert posted at www.ifca.com and send in written comments to FMCSA regarding the Hours of Service exemption for agricultural inputs. We are fighting very hard to keep the exemption for all movements of fertilizer from the terminals and warehouses to retail sites. Right now the FMCSA is only proposing to grant a 2 year exemption for anhydrous ammonia. A sample letter is posted on the IFCA website. ... more. |
We have been telling you recently about IFCA working with the IL Sec of State to resolve the issue of titles and license plates for nurse tanks. Some recent clean-up changes in the Vehicle Code eliminated the ability of our industry to obtain titles for nurse tank trailers, and thus eliminated the ease in getting license plates, which are required by law for nurse tank fertilizer trailers.
We are happy to report that this h ... more. |
If you had a reportable ammonia release this spring and called IEMA, NRC and your LEPC you must also, as soon as possible, send a written follow up report to IEMA and your LEPC. The information that must be contained in the report is listed on the IEMA Emergency Response Notification Fact Sheet posted on the IFCA website. Go to "Regulations" then "Emergency Release Info" and then the headline "Emergency Response Reporting Instructions." If you need assistance with your written report IFCA is happy to help. Failure to send in a written report can result in significant penalties. |
... a casual association of the possible link. It doesn't even discuss the fact that use of organophosphate pesticide usehas dropped significantly in the last five years thank to biotechnology. But it's a slow news day so you will surely hear the talking heads discussing the headline and omitting the lack of data. Crop Life America has posted a fact sheet on the study and IFCA has it available on our website. If you get a call from any media outlets, this fact sheet will help you do what most reports don't....state the facts! |
Please go to www.ifca.com to see the updated legislative report on bills were are managing on behalf of our members. We have at this point in time resolved the potential for pesticide application pre-notification legislation by working with Senator Dave Koehler (D-Edwards) on a resolution. The resolution (SJR 105)encourages the IL Dept of Ag to implement a web-based program that allows organic growe ... more. |
... is commonly referred to asthe “precautionary principle" and is thegoverning principle in many European countries.USEPAgives an example of an “adverse effect” for human exposure as “any negative physical impact, health symptom, or illness, regardless of whether it requires medical treatment or is temporary in nature.”
IFCA has prepared a sample letter for you to use as a guide as you draft your ownpersonal letter to USEPA. Please include information about your business, the number of acres you serve and your commitment to pesticide stewardship andbelief in reasonable regulation that does not adversely impact food production.
The sample letter is attached or go to www.ifca.com to download ... more. |
To keep track of the legislation IFCA is working on this year, go to www.ifca.com, click on legislation, then "legislative updates." There are two bills seeking to regulate the use of fertilizer on turf and fee increases for Tier 2 reports. The IL Dept of Ag is also seeking some fee increases to help keep the Bureau of Environmental Programs afloat. There is a proposed fee of $100 for an agrichemical facility permi ... more. |
The Illinois DOT has been busy conducting audits. These are normal compliance reviews for shippers and carriers and the officers are the same guys that you see in the IDOT booth at MAGIE and the IFCA Convention. Usually they will give you a few days notice so that you can get your paperwork together. On our website, there is a document from IDOT that lists the items they will ask you for during a hazmat audit. Go to www.ifca.com, click on "Regulations" then on "DOT." Give us a call if you need help! |
... primary is February 2, 2010. It is abnormally early and thus is getting very little attention. But, this is your opportunity to cast your vote for your state representatives and all the executive state officers including the candidates for Governor. Please put February 2 on your calendar and make sure you play a part in the future of Illinois. The Chicago Tribune website has a great overview of the candidates, go to http://elections.chicagotribune.com/editorial/to view the candidates profiles.
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IFCA in conjunction with the Asmark Institute recently developed a fire prevention plan for members free of charge. The plan came about due to a need for IFCA members to work with their local fire departments to communicate and plan in the event of a pesticide fire. To date, nearly ninety companies have used the plan in which they have reported monetary savings with their insurance provid ... more. |
On September 1, 2009 there will be a Cap & Trade Bill rally at the Crown Plaza Hotel located at 3000 South Dirksen Parkway in Springfield, Illinois beginnig at 11:30 a.m. The rally will begin at 11:45 and lunch will be provided. More details regarding the rally are available on the IFCA website. Just click on the "Cap & Trade Rally" link.
Numerous groups are involved in this effort including the IFCA, Illinois Farm Bureau, Illinois Manufacturers Association, GROWMARK, Illinois Coal Association, Retail Merchants, Midwest Truckers, National Federation of Independent Business and many more. Attached is a flyer with details about the rally including ... more. |
New USEPA regulations that become effective in 2011 will require changes in the way our industry utilizes portable refillable containers (PRCs) otherwise known as minibulks. You may have received a poster from Crop Life America illustrating the major changes, and there are many fine points as well. IFCA has posted an industry overview of the changes on our website at www.ifca.com. It's not too early to start planning how you will incorporate these changes at your facility.
IFCA is also organizing a minibulk collection this September. IFCA retail members should watchfor a letter from IFCA explaining the collection program which includes a registration form and tank clean ... more. |
... safety, a report on large fertilizer tank failures and a hands-on demonstration on how to retest your minibulk containers (in reference to the new rules in the above article). This is just a sampling of the issues that will be covered at the school. Go to www.naehss.org to see the full agenda and the high caliber speakers on the various subjects. You can also register at this website. Don't miss out on this one-of-a-kind national safety school. |
... in the US Senate on the cap and trade climate bill will be delayed until this fall. The ag input industry is opposed to the cap and trade legislation due to its detrimental impact on fertilizer manufacturing and increased costs to producers for ag inputs. The Fertilizer Institute has an excellent information piece on how the cap and trade bill impacts our industry. Go to www.ifca.com and see the TFI documents posted on the website; it takes a moment to download.Senators Durbin and Burris need to hear from you regarding our industry's opposition to this legislation. |
Don't forget to pre-register for the MAGIE show and save money...the pre-registration date ends August 1st. You can register on-line by going to www.ifca.com and click on MAGIE. You can also register at the show which is August 19-20 at the Interstate Center in Bloomington. Go to the MAGIE link on the IFCA website to see the exhibitors and schedule of events. MAGIE remains the premier ag equipment show for our industry and it's right in your backyard!We appreciate your support and attendance to keep it going stro ... more. |
... go to page 62 of the bill to see the list of services that would have been taxed, and may still be considered for service taxes. A service tax is a troubling thing, because even if the legislature limits them at first, once they get established it will be far too easy for them to expand the list year after year.
IFCA also worked to help draft House Resolution 421 addressing concerns over aerial application. The resolution (which is non-binding) asks the industry to work with IDA to post information on the IDA website regardingcrop protection products that are applied by air. The first draft of the resolutionaimed at requiring the industry to notify IDA 24 hours prior to all aerial app ... more. |
If you wish to embed the IFCA and IL Dept of Ag ammonia safety video on your website, use the link below or just link to www.ifca.com The important thing is to help us get this video on to as many sites as possible where farmers can access it.Thank you. http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=3720273&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&a ... more. |
Last week IFCA sent a letter to USEPA Administrator Lisa Jackson, Attorney General Eric Holder and Solicitor General Elena Kagan asking the administration to appeal a recent federal court ruling that could require all pesticide applicators to obtain a NPDES permit in order to apply pesticides. We are also working with our Congressional delegation to encourage the Administration to appeal to ruling. ... more. |
If you are interested in seeing the detailed budget proposal announced by Illinois Governor Quinn yesterday, go to the IFCA homepage at www.ifca.com where a powerpoint file and Question & Answer document is posted.
Also don't forget to call your State Representative and encourge them to vote YES on the uniform speed limit legislation (HB 3956). There is a similar bill in the Senate (SB 1467) so please contact your Senator as well. Both bills would allow trucks to travel 65 mph on rural inte ... more. |
... WhileIllinois' on-farm containment regulations allow over 50,000 lbs of bulk dry fertilizer or 5,000 gallons or more of liquid to be stored for up to 45 days by farmers, certainly from a stewardship standpoint it is not recommended. Even when under the 45 days, the product can only be stored at the farm (or in the field of application) by the farmer who owns it and not as a transfer point. IFCA is working with the IL Dept of Agriculture to ensure that those selling the fertilizer and directing farmers to terminals for pick-up are registered to sell fertilizer in Illinois, are reporting the tonnage, are subject to quality control checksand remitting the tonnage tax. IDA is investigating several cases already. We have also heard of liquid fertilizer bei ... more. |
IFCA is saddened to learn that Gordon Jenner, founder of Jenner Sales in Harristown, IL died on Sunday, January 4 2009. He was 87 and had been battling colon cancer.
The industry lost a leader, mentor and true class of gentleman with Gordon's passing. He stayed engaged in the industry until the very end and we will miss his presence, smileand his perspective and experi ... more. |
The IFCA and the IL Department of Agriculture are holding 9 anhydrous ammonia schools this winter/spring. The first one is January 21 at the IFCA Convention in Peoria, and you can register for that on-line at the IFCA website under "convention." You should have received a registration brochure regarding the other dates and locations. This too is posted on the IFCA homepage, so if you ha ... more. |
Last week Governor Blagojevich signed SB 790 into law. This law created the "Budget Relief Fund" and requires the State Comptroller and the State Treasurer to transfer money from over 100 special funds into the Budget Relief Fund. Several agricultural funds were swept including $250,000 from the Fertilizer Control Fund and $500,000 from the Pesticide Control Fund. Inspection fees paid by our industry contribute to themoney in these two funds, which helpspay for the administration of the fertilizer and pesticide inspection programs. ... more. |
If you haven't already, please take a few minutes to read the Best Management Practices for Fall Fertilizer posted on the IFCA website at www.ifca.com Everyone is anxious for harvest to finish and fall fertilizer season to commence. Please watch your local soil temperatures, also posted daily on the IFCA home page, and make the right stewardship decisions regarding the application of fall nitrogen. We thank everyone for your efforts. |
... longer since you will need to beescorted by the facility personnel the entire time you are on the property.
For ag retailers, don't forget that you can get seasonal employees a restricted class B CDL to transport ammonia nurse tanks without having to go through the fingerprint and background check. The application for the farm service restricted CDL is posted on the IFCA website under "Regulations" and then "Secretary of State." |
The volatility in the fertilizer marketplace has generated a great deal of interest in storage. Ag retailers and farmers are adding additional anhydrous ammonia storage, and IFCA is also fielding phone calls about the rules for dry and liquid fertilizer storage. For ammonia, thestorage requirements are the same for everyone except that farmers using ammoniaexclusively for their own farm do not have to file an RMP. When we get calls from farmers about liquid or dry storage, we direct them to the On-Farm Storage regulations administered by the ... more. |
If you haven't replied to the Illinois State University/IFCA survey asking about how your business would change if thefall application of nitrogen were restricted or eliminated, please do so as soon as possible.So far we have a 30% response rate from our retail members. Even if you do not sell anhydrous, it is still important to get your feedback on how you think your business would have to change to compete in a spring-only market ... more. |
Please be a good steward and recycle your pesticide jugs. On the IFCA website we've posted the upcoming recycling dates. We also have convenient large plastic bags that you can store your clean, dry, triple-rinsed jugs in as you collect them for recycling. Then just toss the bag in your truck and take them to the nearest recycling location. If you would like some bags for your jugs, give Kevin a call and we'll ship them to you. ... more. |
... at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale who retired not long ago. He was 75. We don't have many details but you can visit the website of The Southern Illinoisan www.southernillinoisan.com for updates. Our thoughts are with his family; he certainly lefta positive footprint on our industry and his influence and love for agriculture will always be remembered by the IFCA members. |
Don't miss the CCA Session at the IFCA Convention on January 21, 2008 in Room 400 at the Peoria Civic Center. The speakers and titles are:
9:00 am Managing Continuous Corn, Emerson Nafziger UI (1 hour CM)
10:00 am What Have We Learned from Grid Sampling?, Dave Franzen NDSU (1 hour SWM)
11:00 am Tile Drainage in Southern Illinois Soils, Steve Ebelhar UI (1 hour SWM)
Lunch at Noon Provided
1:00 pm Soil and Plant Factors Regulat ... more. |
... The bi-partisansponsors of this bill, Congressman Peterson (R-PA) and Abercrombie (D-HI) are seeking 300 co-sponsors in order to pressure the leadership to call this bill for a vote.
Congressman John Shimkus (R-Collinsville), Congressman Don Manzullo (R-Egan) and Congressman Bill Foster (D-Batavia - he replaced Denny Hastert) have signed on as co-sponsors. IFCA encourages you to send a letterby mail or fax or call the following Congressman in their district offices to ask them to do the same. A sample letter is attached and is also posted on the IFCA website at www.ifca.com. You can download it and modify it to make it reflective of your company and your thoughts. The letter or phone calls need to go to:
Co ... more. |
Click here to access the General Assembly's website |
