Nielsen, Bunting address breakfast meeting

Tasha Bunting, center, answers a question during the LCFB legislative breakfast in Pontiac.

PONTIAC – There does not appear to be a cure in sight for the high gasoline prices, although efforts are underway to ease the pain at the pump.

Illinois Farm Bureau is trying to get year-round E-15 passed to get more ethanol into the market to lower gas prices. High input costs are another issue ag leaders are working to address.

“There is a high level of awareness in our delegation that this is something you are facing,” Adam Nielsen told attendees of the recent Livingston County Farm Bureau legislative breakfast.

The director of national legislation and policy development for Illinois Farm Bureau revealed USDA has proposed dipping into the Commodity Credit Corporation to expand fertilizer production in the United States. Nielsen said it would be expensive to build a fertilizer production facility here.

“The money USDA is talking about is just a drop in the bucket compared to what it would actually take.”

Nielsen warned of wall-to-wall election commercials running through November ahead of the election. Illinois Farm Bureau is in the process of endorsing candidates for Congress.

Tasha Bunting, associate director of commodity and livestock programs for Illinois Farm Bureau, also gave an update at the legislative breakfast in Pontiac. She said programs have been developed for local lockers to help train staff through food safety control efforts.

While southern Illinois livestock producers are facing issues with black vultures, others are concerned about Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza which has been found in flocks in McLean and Will counties. It is important to reach out to local veterinarians in case of sudden death of birds. Bunting believes this is a very important health issue for commercial poultry producers.

“African Swine Fever is another issue we are watching,” said Bunting.

Illinois Farm Bureau supports an increased budget for the Illinois Department of Agriculture as they want to step-up the Animal Health and Welfare bureau so more field veterinarians are ready to assist in times of need. Illinois does not have the manpower to address some issues currently.