The February issue of Wallaces Farmer contains the article “Time to pick crop insurance,” reminding farmers of the March 15 deadline to sign up for insurance on their 2010 crops.

One question many farmers have about purchasing insurance is whether to purchase by basic unit, enterprise unit or optional units. The four choices of crop insurance include:

Optional units: Each farm and crop is insured separately. If you farm three different farms in a county, each has its own coverage.

Basic units: Your owned and rented acres in the same county are combined, but each crop is separate.

Enterprise units: All acres of the same crop in the same county are combined. So, all your corn acres are insured separately from your bean acres.

Whole Farm units: All your corn and bean acres in the county are combined.

Work with your crop insurance agent to better understand each form available before determining the best option for your farm. Click here for more information that may help you make your crop insurance decisions.

As you all know, agriculture has faced a lot of attacks in the media this year. We don’t have to go very far back to see the reports and events that have made life difficult for some of our friends in agriculture. First, H1N1 is referred to as the swine flu and nearly cripples the pork industry. Just two weeks ago, Nightline aired a story on the dairy industry that was bias even in its title, “Disturbing Reality of Dairy Land.” Then, just last week, CBS aired a report on antibiotics in livestock and littered the report with references to “factory farming.”

Before I get too upset, I’ll first state my agreement with an editor who said the media reports sensational stories, because that’s what we viewers/readers have decided we want. It’s not speculation. It’s proven. So, they grab the sensational.

However, I still feel these reporters could have done a better job at airing the truth. Because, the truth as I know it first hand from the dairy industry, is that the majority of producers care for their animals better than we care for our pets. Providing regular vet visits to ensure health, taking care of hoof treatments, and providing a nutritionist who has them on a healthy diet. And the truth, as I know it from the pork industry, is that the antibiotics given to their animals are only antibiotics approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat pigs, and are administered when pigs are sick, susceptible or exposed to illness. Click here for more information.

When someone talks about agriculture negatively, it’s important that we all speak – with one voice – about the truth of agricultural practices. Spread the message about how you care for your land and water. Let them know your passion for your work, and your dedication to helping feed our world. That’s the true story.

What stories are you going to share with consumers?

After a winter spent digging out from record-breaking snowfalls, customers and dealers of Latham® Hi‑Tech Seeds enjoyed heading south for a few days of warmth and relaxation. Nearly 80 Midwesterners traveled to Key West, Florida, from Feb. 7-10.

The trip began with “Cheeseburgers in Paradise” during a private Super Bowl party at the Hard Rock Café. The next day we toured Old Key West via trolleys with stops at Truman’s Little White House and the Hemingway House. As an avid reader, aspiring writer and fervent cat lover, I particularly enjoyed touring Hemingway’s house.

The legendary author’s presence can still be felt in his studio, which he built on the second floor of a carriage house. One can just picture Hemingway penning his famous novels while his beloved cats nap in the sunlight. In fact, decedents of Hemingway’s unusual six-toed tomcat still roam freely around the grounds. Nearly half of the 60 cats that currently inhabit the grounds are polydactyl. All of the cats are named after famous people, upholding the tradition that Hemingway started. I couldn’t resist snapping this photo of “Charlie Chaplin.”

In addition to Hemingway’s cats, Key West is famous for its fowl. Chickens have roamed freely since the pioneer days and are now part of the Southernmost’s quirky charm. About 2,000 birds now inhabit an island that measures 2-by- 4 miles. I snapped this colorful photo as our group enjoyed lunch on Monday.

Tuesday was our “water day.” Some members of our group got a very different view of Key West as they toured the area by jet ski. Others in our group enjoyed snorkeling, fishing or parasailing. During our free time, we enjoyed walking down the famous Duval Street, as well as soaking up the sun poolside and napping on the beach. That night we celebrated the sunset – yes, it’s an actual celebration in Key West, complete with a champagne toast – onboard a catamaran for a dinner cruise on our final evening.

With reluctance, Wednesday morning I packed my bags for our return flight to the frozen tundra. I didn’t enjoy walking through a two-foot drift to get inside our vehicle, but I was eager to be snug inside my home again. Thankfully, spring isn’t too far off now – at least that’s what I’m telling myself as our area braces for more snowfall!

Thanks again to everyone who participated. We’re looking forward to next year!

Farmers Feed Us is offering people the chance to win a year of free groceries at www.farmersfeedus.org. The prize, estimated at a $5,000 value, is all part of an overall initiative to build consumer awareness of modern agriculture and the hard work and dedication of America’s farm families.

The Farmers Feed Us program allows consumers the opportunity to meet and engage with farmers who grow their food. They have the opportunity to tour farms, read producer testimonials about animal care and food production and create recipes using the healthy products farmers produce. The program is currently active in Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Missouri and Ohio.

Take a few minutes today to learn more about our nation’s farm families and register to win. Good luck!

To learn more about the Farmers Feed Us initiative, watch the campaign overview video.

The USDA recently released the annual crop production summary. Following are highlights that were reported on Corn and Soybean Digest’s website.

Corn: U.S. grain for corn production reached a record 12.3 billion bushels, up 2% from the Nov. 1 forecast, and 1% above the previous record of 13.0 billion bushels that was set in 2007.

Estimated yields reached record high levels across much of the Corn Belt, Great Plains and Ohio Valley. Mild temperatures and adequate soil moisture contributed to yield growth. Record yields were also estimated for much of the upper Rocky Mountain Region, as well as the Pacific Northwest.

 Soybeans: Production in 2009 totaled 3.36 billion bushels, up 1% from the Nov. 1 forecast and 13% from 2008. U.S. production is the largest on record. Average yield per acre was estimated at 44 bushels, 0.7 bushels above the November forecast and 4.3 bushels above last year’s yield. Acres planted were up 2% from 2008, totaling 77.5 acres.

Yields increased or were maintained in all states except Arkansas, Illinois, Mississippi, New York and South Carolina. Good growing conditions with ample moisture attributed to higher yields.

Click here to view the full report.