Section 1816

Section 1816.APPENDIX A Agricultural Lands Productivity Formula

SOIL MASTER FILE

The Soil Master File of the Agricultural Lands Productivity Formula contains a comprehensive list of the soil mapping units currently recorded in Illinois. The Soil Master File provides the soil mapping unit number, common mapping name, and the optimum level of management yields for corn, soybeans, wheat and mixed hay. The Soil Master File is created annually by the Illinois Department of Agriculture, pursuant to 20 ILCS 205/115. The reference document for information contained in the soil master file shall be Bulletin 811, "Optimum Crop Productivity Ratings for Illinois Soil", University of Illinois, College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, Office of Research, August 2000.

COUNTY CROPPED ACREAGE FILE

The Agricultural Lands Productivity Formula requires that the number of cropped acres by soil mapping unit be calculated for each county. These calculations are generated by computer using the following formula:

Total acres per soil type per county

percent of total acreage cropped

acres per soil type cropped

The percent of total acreage cropped per soil type will be provided by County Soil and Water Conservation Districts. Any changes to these figures must be approved by the County Soil and Water Conservation District Board with a certified copy of all changes submitted by August 15 of each year to the Illinois Department of Agriculture.

The County Cropped Acreage File reflects the total acres of each soil type per county, percent of acreage cropped, and the computed figure of total cropped acres by soil type in each county. The "total cropped acres" figures are carried forward to the County Average Yield File. The County Cropped Acreage File is created annually by the Illinois Department of Agriculture, pursuant to 20 ILCS 205/115.

COUNTY AVERAGE YIELD FILE

The next procedure of the Agricultural Lands Productivity Formula is to equate annual county crop yield data to the soils derived in the "County Cropped Acreage File". Section 1816.Exhibit A and the following paragraphs summarize the procedure for calculating the crop yield for each soil mapping unit.

Column A reflects the soil mapping units as they appear on a county by county basis.

Column B is the number of acres cropped in a county per soil type as recorded in the County Cropped Acreage File. These cropped acreage figures are then added together to give a total number of acres cropped for the county.

Column C is the percent of the acreage represented by each soil type when compared with the total in Column B (Column B = total acres in soil mapping unit times the percent of acres cropped in the county by mapping unit).

The number of acres planted in grain (Column D) is calculated by multiplying the percent of each soil mapping unit in the county (Column C) by the total acres in the county harvested for corn, soybeans, wheat and mixed hay. (See asterisk in Section 1816.Exhibit A.) The purpose of this calculation is to estimate the number of acres harvested from each of the particular soil mapping units. It is assumed that 25% of the total corn, soybean, wheat and mixed hay acreage was planted on that particular soil mapping unit. Therefore, the "grain acres" are distributed on the soil mapping units based upon the percent of acres in each soil mapping unit.

Column E is the adjusted yield information for each crop which comes from the Soil Master File.

Column F is a derived optimum management production (see the equation below) obtained by multiplying the figures in Column D times the figures in Column E. This production figure will normally exceed actual production because the optimum level management yield is used. The purpose of using the optimum management production is to derive a weighted average optimum management yield; which is, the total optimum management production (Column F) divided by the total grain acres in the county (Column D). The weighted optimum management yield figure will be used to derive a "factor" as described below:

Factor	=	Official County Crop Yield
		Weighted Optimum Management Yield

Column G results from the multiplication of the above factor times the optimum level management yield of each soil mapping unit (Column E). The result is a yield which represents the average yield in either bushels per acre or tons per acre in the county for that year and crop. If official county crop yields are unavailable for a specific crop in a given year, the Department, in consultation with the permittee, and with the concurrence of the Illinois Department of Agriculture, will substitute a county crop yield from an adjacent county with similar soils, if it can be determined that similar weather conditions occurred in that year.

PERMIT SPECIFICS – YIELD STANDARD

a) After completing calculations for the projected yield of the test year in question, a yield standard for each capability class in the disturbed area in the pit must be calculated. The yield standard, which is also applicable to high capability and limited capability land will be calculated in a manner similar to prime farmland.

b) The number of prime farmland acres in each soil mapping unit will be divided by the total prime farmland acres in the pit to obtain a weighted proportion for each soil type. The weighted proportion of each prime farmland soil mapping unit in the pit, relative to the total prime farmland acres in the pit, will be multiplied times the projected yield for the pre-mining soil types. The weighted final yield for each prime farmland soil type in a pit will be added together and the total becomes the yield requirement for the pit.

c) After mining operations have ceased, the Department shall recalculate the yield standards for the pit based solely on the soils which were disturbed. Recalculated targets shall be applicable to all areas tested for productivity subsequent to the recalculation. Approved significant revisions after permanent cessation of mining shall cause the targets to be recalculated and applied to productivity fields tested after the recalculation.

AGRICULTURAL LANDS PRODUCTIVITY FORMULA

SAMPLING METHOD

The sampling methodology that the Illinois Department of Agriculture or the Illinois Department of Natural Resources will use to gather the data needed to determine if productivity has been returned to reclaimed mine land is summarized below for corn, soybeans, wheat, sorghum, and mixed hay.

This sampling methodology requires an operator to submit by February 15 of each year, a scale drawing or aerial photo delineating specific field boundaries and type of crop which is to be sampled for proof of productivity for the current crop year. Each scale drawing and photo submitted shall include a field numbering scheme and the total acreage for each field on which sampling is being requested. In addition, the scaled drawing shall be no less than 1 inch equals 500 feet or greater than 1 inch equals 100 feet. The February 15 annual submittal may be amended by the operator until July 15. Each such amendment shall contain a written explanation of changes from the original submittal and an aerial photograph or scaled drawing reflecting the corrected sampling submittal.

The determination of sample points within a specific field will be made on the basis of a grid overlay scheme with the location of sample points on the grid randomly generated by computer. An intentional bias of 50 feet will be introduced to all field boundaries to remove the potential that sampling points may fall in turn around areas, or areas where contiguous soil reconstruction may cause field boundaries to not be indicative of whole field productivity.

The minimum acceptable number of samples to be taken relative to field size is shown in Section 1816.Table D sample points per crop acres, with fields of 4 acres or less to be sampled in their entirety with yields determined by harvest weight. Sample selections will take place using the following guidelines.

The Illinois Department of Agriculture may elect to increase the minimum number of acceptable sample points per field acres. Some factors which will be considered in determining whether to increase the number of sample points are as follows, but not limited to:

1. Operator requests additional sample points for specific fields.

2. The use of different hybrids in one field.

3. Contour changes within one field which would alter a yield.

4. A coefficient of variation greater than 15%.

The Department and the Illinois Department of Agriculture shall jointly request the operator to verify yields by harvest weight (e.g., scale tickets) for reasons, including but not limited to:

1. Verification of random sampling results.

2. Availability of sample enumerators.

In each such case, the certified harvest yield adjusted, to optimum moisture content, will become the comparison yield for the Agricultural Lands Productivity Formula target yield.

CORN SAMPLING TECHNIQUE

Step 1 – Mark the starting corner of the field to be sampled with a large stake and attach a ribbon or flag to it.

Step 2 – Pace off predetermined sample point coordinates in a sequential fashion to determine individual sample locations.

Step 3 – After taking the last of the required paces to the first sampling point, place a stake immediately adjacent to the closest corn stalk to the toe of your shoe. Measure 15 feet of the corn row starting at the first stake and placing a second stake at the 15 foot mark.

Step 4 – Determine the 3^rd and 4^th ears of the first row starting with the first stalk of corn. Tag these ears with a rubber band. If there are fewer than 4 ears in the first row, the last ear and the next to last ear should be tagged. In the case where a stalk has more than one ear, count the top ear first. (Note: An ear of corn is defined as a cob having at least one kernel. The tagged ears will be used to determine the moisture content, and at least 250 grams of grain are needed. If it does not appear that the 3^rd and 4^th ears will supply 250 grams of grain for a moisture test, then the 5^th, 6^th and/or 7^th ear should be included until at least 250 grams of corn is collected.)

Step 5 – Husk all ears in Row 1 within the 15n foot segment of the sample. Husk the ears and snap the shank off as cleanly as possible. Be sure to include any ears tagged for moisture testing.

Step 6 – Weigh the husked ears using a balance scale – obtain field weight in pounds.

Step 7 – After weighing, put ears tagged for moisture testing into polyethylene bags and seal. Mark the bag with the appropriate field number (as supplied by the mine operator), and sample identification number.

Step 8 – Measure on a perpendicular line from the stalks in row one to the stalks in row 5. Divide this measured distance by 4 to determine the average row width.

Step 9 – Repeat Steps 3 through 8 for each additional random sampling point coordinate.

Step 10 – Send or deliver to the Illinois Department of Agriculture any grain sample collected for moisture content analysis. (Note: If any single sample requires more than one bag, additional bags should be identified sequentially such as 1A, 1B, 1C.)

The following method will be used for determination of gross yield of corn samples. Gross yield is determined by deducting the adjustment for moisture content of shelled corn from the harvest weight. Moisture content of the grain sample will be determined by lab analysis.

Gross Yield = Harvest Weight adjusted for moisture content.

Included below for reference is the Gross Yield formula and an explanation of its components.

Gross Yield

Per Acre

(bu/ac)

A x B x C / D

E x F

Where:

A	=	Field weight of husked ears of corn from 15 feet of row x 2 (2 Rows x 15 feet)
B	=	Weight of shelled grain at time of moisture test
C	=	Percent moisture in grain corrected to 15.5%

	=	1.0	-	(% moisture in grain/100%)
				.845

D	=	Weight of ears of Corn used for moisture determination
E	=	Row Factor
		Average row width in feet x 15 feet of row ÷ 43560 square feet/acre

			66


		and .845 = The standard moisture content conversion factor of corn per bushel (1.0 – (15.5%/100))
F	=	Weight of standard bushel of corn = 56 lbs.

After calculation of the gross yield, the statewide Harvest Loss will be subtracted from the gross yield to obtain a net yield per sample. Harvest Loss is the difference between actual grain yield and what is hauled from a field. The net yield determinations for each sample will be averaged together to obtain a yield figure for the entire field being evaluated for proof of productivity.

SOYBEAN SAMPLING TECHNIQUE

DRILLED OR PLANTED BEANS (>8" rows)

Step 1 – Mark the starting corner of the field to be sampled with a large stake and attach a ribbon or flag to it.

Step 2 – Pace off predetermined sample point coordinates in a sequential fashion to determine individual locations.

Step 3 – After taking the last of the required paces to the first sampling point, mark the closest plant to the toe of your foot. Place a flag at the point that you have just marked. From the point of this flag, and in the direction of travel from where the last pace was counted, measure a distance of 6 feet of plant row and place a flag at the 6 foot mark. Starting from the row just identified, measure the distance across 5 rows. This distance, from row one to row 5, divided by 4 row spaces gives the average row width.

Step 4 – Strip all the soybean pods from all the plants in the 6 foot sample row. Pick up any loose pods or beans found on the ground at the base of these plants. Deposit all the pods, beans and blank pods, into a paper sack. Mark the sack with the appropriate field number (as provided by the mine operator), and sample identification number. Secure the sample sack to prevent any sample loss. (Note: If sample weight is less than the 250 grams needed for the moisture test, sufficient grain of known moisture content will be added to the sample so that moisture tests can be made.)

Step 5 – Repeat steps 3 and 4 for each additional random sampling point coordinate.

Step 6 – Send or deliver to the Illinois Department of Agriculture any grain sample collected for moisture content analysis. (Note: If any single sample requires more than one bag, additional bags should be identified sequentially such as 1A, 1B, 1C.)

The following method will be used for determination of gross yield of soybean samples. Gross yield is determined by deducting the adjustment of moisture content of the soybean sample from the harvest weight. Moisture content determinations will be made by lab analysis.

Gross Yield = Harvest Weight adjusted for moisture content.

Included below for reference is the Gross Yield formula and an explanation of its components.

Gross Yield Per Acre (bu/ac)	=	A x B
		C x D x E

Where:

A	=	Weight of shelled grain from 6 feet of row
B	=	Percent moisture in grain corrected to 12.5%

	=	(1.0 - (% moisture in shelled beans/100%))
		0.875

C	=	Number of grams per pound = 453.6
D	=	Correction factor for row spacing on drilled or planted beans

	=	Average row width in ft x 6 ft of row
		43560 sq ft/acre

Standard weight of 1 bushel of soybeans = 60 lbs

After calculation of the gross yield, the statewide Harvest Loss as calculated by the Illinois Agricultural Statistics Service will be subtracted from the gross yield to obtain a net yield per sample. Harvest loss is the difference between actual grain yield and what is hauled from a field. The net yield determination for each sample will be averaged together to obtain a yield figure for the entire field being evaluated for proof of productivity.

SOYBEAN SAMPLING TECHNIQUE

DRILLED OR PLANTED (<8" rows)

Step 1 – Mark the starting corner of the field to be sampled with a large stake and attach a ribbon or flag to it.

Step 2 – Pace off predetermined sample point coordinates in a sequential fashion to determine individual sample locations.

Step 3 – After taking the last of the required paces to the first sampling point, lay down a sampling frame so that it touches the toe of your shoe, crossing the crop rows at a right angle. Mark the 2 ends of the sampling frame with stakes just inside the 3.0 foot sampling tines. Continue to lay out the sample area in the direction of travel from where the last pace was counted. Rotate the sampling frame so that it is perpendicular to one corner of the stake (previously marked), and at a right angle to the original frame position. (Note: If at any time the point of a tine is restricted by a soybean plant, slide the soybean frame toward the starting point far enough for the point of the tine to clear the plant.) Repeat this procedure to lay out the other 2 sides of the sampling square, using the opposite corner of the original frame position to find the other 2 sides.

Step 4 – Strip all the soybean pods from all the plants in the 9 square feet sampling area. Pick up any loose pods or beans found on the ground. Deposit all the pods, beans and blank pods into a paper sack. Mark the sack with the appropriate field number (as provided by the mine operator), and sample identification number. Secure the sample sack to prevent any sample loss. (Note: If sample weight is below 250 grams for the moisture test, grain of known moisture content will be added to the sample so that moisture tests can be made.)

Step 5 – Repeat steps 3 and 4 for each additional random sampling point coordinate.

The following method will be used for determination of gross yield of soybean samples. Gross yield is determined by deducting the adjustment for moisture content of the soybean sample from the harvest weight. Moisture content of the grain sample will be determined by lab analysis.

Gross Yield = Harvest Weight adjusted for moisture content.

Included below for reference is the Gross Yield formula and an explanation of its components.

Gross Yield Per Acre

(bu/acre)

A x B x C

Where:

Total weight of all beans in 9 sq. ft. grid (in grams)

B	=	Conversion factor	=	43560 sq. ft./ac.
				453.6 gms/lb x 60 lbs/bu x 9 sq. ft.

C	=	1.0 - (% moisture in shelled beans/100%)
D	=	.875 = The standard moisture content conversion factor of soybeans per bushel (1.0 – (12.5%/100%)).

After calculation of the gross yield, the Harvest Loss will be subtracted from the gross yield to obtain a net yield per sample. Harvest Loss is the difference between actual grain yield and what is hauled from the field. The net yield determinations for each sample will be averaged together to obtain a yield figure for the entire field being evaluated for proof of productivity.

WHEAT SAMPLING TECHNIQUES

(ROWS <8 INCHES)

Step 1 – Mark the starting corner of the field to be sampled with a large stake and attach a ribbon or flag to it.

Step 2 – Pace off predetermined sample point coordinates in a sequential fashion to determine individual sample location.

Step 3 – After taking the last of the required paces to the first sampling point, lay down a sampling frame so that it touches the toe of your shoe, crossing the crop rows at a right angle. Mark the 2 ends of the sampling frame with stakes just inside the 1.8 feet sample tines. Continue to lay out the sample area in the direction of travel from where the last pace was counted. Rotate the sampling frame so that it is perpendicular to one corner of the stake (previously marked) and at a right angle to the original frame position. Repeat this procedure to lay out the other 2 sides of the sampling square using the opposite corner of the original frame position to find the other 2 sides.

Step 4 – Clip all wheat heads from within the square outlined by the sampling frame. The wheat heads should be clipped approximately ½ inch below the bottom of the head. Deposit all the collected wheat heads into a paper sample sack. Mark the sack with the appropriate field number (as supplied by the mine operator), and sample identification number. Secure the sample sack to prevent any sample loss. (Note: If sample weight is below 250 grams for the moisture test, grain of known moisture content will be added to the sample so that moisture tests can be made.)

Step 5 – Repeat steps 3 and 4 for each additional random sampling point coordinate.

Step 6 – Send or deliver to the Illinois Department of Agriculture grain sample collected for moisture content analysis. (Note: If any single sample requires more than one bag, additional bags should be identified sequentially such as 1A, 1B, 1C).

The following method will be used for determination of gross yield of wheat samples. Gross yield is determined by deducting the adjustment for moisture content of the wheat sample from the harvest weight. Moisture content of the grain sample will be determined by lab analysis.

Gross Yield = Harvest Weight adjusted for moisture content. Included below for reference is the Gross Yield formula and an explanation of its components.

Gross Yield Per Acre

(bu/ac)

A x B x C

Where:

A	=	Sample wt. of wheat in grams
B	=	1.0 - (% moisture in grain/100%)
C	=	Conversion factor

	=	43560 sq. ft/ac
		(60 lbs/bu x 453.6 gms/lb x 3.24 sq. ft.)

4940 bu/gm acre

.880 = The standard moisture content conversion factor of wheat per bushel (1.0 - (12%/100%))

After calculation of the gross yield, the Harvest Loss will be subtracted from the gross yield to obtain a net yield per sample. Harvest Loss is the difference between actual grain yield and what is hauled from a field. The net yield determinations for each sample will be averaged together to obtain a yield figure for the entire field being evaluated for proof of productivity.

WHEAT SAMPLING TECHNIQUES

(Discernible Rows)

Step 1 – Mark the starting corner of the field to be sampled with a large stake and attach a ribbon or flag to it.

Step 2 – Pace off predetermined sample point coordinates in a sequential fashion to determine individual sample location.

Step 3 – After taking the last of the required paces to the first sampling point, lay down a sampling frame so that it touches the toe of your shoe, crossing the crop rows at a right angle. Mark the 2 ends of the sampling frame with stakes just inside the 1.8 feet sample tines. Continue to lay out the sample area in the direction of travel from where the last pace was counted. Rotate the sampling frame so that it is perpendicular to one corner of the stake (previously marked), and at a right angle to the original frame position. Repeat this procedure to lay out the other 2 rows to be sampled. (Total 3 rows) Note: The row spacing will be determined by measuring across 5 row spaces to obtain an average (i.e. the distance in row 1 to 5 / 4).

Step 5 – Repeat steps 3 and 4 for each additional random sampling point coordinate.

Gross Yield = Harvest Weight adjusted for moisture content

Included below for reference is the Gross Yield formula and an explanation of its components.

Gross Yield Per Acre

(bu/ac)

(A x B x C)

Where:

A	=	Sample wt. of wheat in grams
B	=	1.0 - (% moisture in grain/100%)
C	=	Conversion factor

43560 sq. ft/ac

(60 lbs/bu x 453.6 gms/lb x no. of rows harvested

x 1.8 ft x average row spacing (ft))

.880

The standard moisture content conversion factor of wheat per bushel (1.0 - (12%/100%)).

After calculation of the gross yield, the statewide Harvest Loss will be subtracted from the gross yield to obtain a net yield per sample. Harvest Loss is the difference between actual grain yield and what is hauled from the field. The net yield determinations for each sample will be averaged together to obtain a yield figure for the entire field being evaluated for proof of productivity.

SORGHUM SAMPLING TECHNIQUE

Step 1 – Mark the starting corner of the field to be sampled with a large stake and attach a ribbon or flag to it.

Step 2 – Pace off predetermined sample point coordinates in a sequential fashion to determine individual sample locations.

Step 3 – After taking the last of the required paces to the first sampling point, place a stake immediately adjacent to the closest sorghum plant to the toe of your shoe. Measure 10 feet of the plant row starting at the first stake and placing a second stake at the 10 foot mark. Mark the first 5 heads and the last 5 heads with rubber bands. These heads will be used for moisture determination. One sample unit will equal 1 10 foot sorghum row section.

Step 4 – Clip all grain heads in Row 1 within the 10 foot segment of the sample unit.

Step 5 – Weigh the clipped grain heads using a balance scale; obtain field weight to the nearest tenth of a pound. Place any grain heads collected for moisture determination into sealed polyethylene bags. Mark the bags with the appropriate field number (as supplied by the mine operator), and sample identification number.

Step 6 – Measure on a perpendicular line from the plants in row 1 to the plants in row 5. Divide this measured distance by 4 to determine the average row width.

Step 7 – Repeat steps 3 through 6 for each additional random sampling point coordinate.

Step 8 – Send or deliver to the Illinois Department of Agriculture any grain sample collected for moisture content analysis. (Note: If any single sample requires more than one bag, additional bags should be identified sequentially such as 1A, 1B, 1C.)

The following method will be used for determination of gross yield of sorghum samples. Gross yield is determined by deducting the adjustment for moisture content of the threshed grain from the harvest weight. Moisture content of the grain samples will be made by lab analysis.

Gross Yield = Harvest Weight adjusted for moisture content

Included below for reference is the Gross Yield formula and an explanation of its components.

Gross Yield (bu/ac)	=	(A x B x C) / D
		(E x F)

Where:

A	=	Field weight of grain heads of sorghum from 10 feet of row x 2 (2 rows x 10 feet)
B	=	Weight of threshold grain at time of moisture test
C	=	Percent moisture in grain corrected to 13.0%

	=	1.0	-	(% moisture in grain/100%)
				.870

D	=	Weight of grain head and seeds used for moisture determination
E	=	Row Factor Area or percent of acre sampled with 20 feet row (2 rows x 10 feet)	28" = .001070
			30" = .001148
			36" = .001377
			38" = .001455
			40" = .001529

	F	=	56 lbs (weight of standard bushel of sorghum)
.870		=	The standard moisture content conversion factor of sorghum per bushel (1.0 - .130)

MIXED HAY SAMPLING TECHNIQUE

Step 1 – Mark the starting corner of the field to be sampled with a large stake and attach a ribbon or flag to it.

Step 2 – Pace off predetermined sample point coordinates in a sequential fashion to determine individual sample locations.

Step 3 – After taking the last of the required paces to the first sampling point, lay down a sampling frame perpendicular to the toe of your shoe, where applicable, crossing crop rows at a right angle. Mark the 2 ends of the sampling frame with the stakes just inside the 3 feet sampling tines. Continue to lay out the sample area in the direction of travel from where the last pace was counted. Rotate the sampling frame so that it is perpendicular to one corner of the stake (previously marked) and at a right angle to the original frame position. Repeat this procedure to lay out the other 2 sides of the sampling square using the opposite corner of the original frame position to locate the other 2 sides. In all cases, the layout of the sample area shall be consistent for each randomly identified sample point.

Step 4 – Clip all hay stalks from within the square outlined by the sampling frame. The hay stalks should be uniformly clipped to an approximate height of (2 inches above ground level.

Step 5 – Quarter the collected sample and seal in a suitable poly bag sample container. Mark the sample container with the appropriate field number (as supplied by the mine operator), and sample identification number. Secure the sample container to prevent any sample loss. (Note: It is important when sampling hay that collected samples be chilled and transported in a container capable of sustaining the chilled condition. Hay deteriorates when allowed to heat up.)

Step 6 – Repeat steps 3 and 4 for each additional random sampling point coordinate.

Step 7 – Send or deliver to the Illinois Department of Agriculture any hay sample collected for moisture analysis. (Note: If any single sample requires more than one bag, additional bags should be identified sequentially such as 1A, 1B, 1C.)

* If a field moisture meter is used, steps 5 and 7 shall be eliminated and the following explanations for items A and D will be substituted.

A. Dry matter weight = harvest weight - percent moisture content determined by field moisture tests.

D. Percent moisture in hay at time of harvest determined by field moisture test.

The following method will be used for determination of gross yield of mixed hay samples. Gross yield is determined by deducting the adjustment for moisture content of the mixed hay sample from the harvest weight. Moisture content of mixed hay samples will be determined by lab analysis.

Gross Yield = Harvest weight adjusted for moisture content

Gross Yield Per Acre

(Tons/Acre)

(A x D)

(C x B x E)

Where:

A	=	Field weight or harvested weight of mixed hay in pounds
B	=	Plot size (sq. ft./43560 sq. ft./ac.) or number of acres
C	=	Conversion factor from lbs. to tons (i.e., 1 ton = 2000 pounds)
D	=	Dry matter content of harvested hay (100% - % moisture in hay)
E	=	Dry matter content of hay standard = 100% - 15%

The net yield determinations for each sample will be averaged together to obtain a yield figure for the entire field being evaluated for proof of productivity. The annual harvest will be determined by the cumulative yields of each cutting.

HAY SAMPLING

BALED OR GREEN CHOPPED HAY

To be assured that sampling results are reliable, it is necessary to obtain accurate bale counts, accurate weights, and accurate moisture readings. Reading and following the instructions for the equipment that has been provided will for the most part insure correct interpretation of weights and moisture meter results. Acreage figures will be developed and verified by the Illinois Department of Agriculture. Verification of bale count is an area to be further elaborated on.

Depending on the use of the hay, an enumerator may be dealing with large round bales, small square bales or wagons of green chopped hay. In the case of large round bales, the enumerator need not be present during the baling of all of the product. If the operator provides a bale count for each field, the enumerator must provide a verification of the count. This can be done by physically visiting the field during baling and taking a bale count to compare with the count that will be provided by the operator. The verification of count can also be done by visiting the field and recording the counter number prior to baling, and then again reading the meter when each field is finished. It is not necessary to observe all of the baling. If an operator has multiple fields to pull weight samples from he may wish to do this on a single day to make his operation run in a more efficient manner. This is perfectly acceptable. The enumerator may identify sample bales just prior to weighing, and perform moisture and temperature tests at that time. Random verification of bale counts will discourage any impropriety on the part of the operator, and eliminate the need for constant observation.

This procedure will also work well for weighing and counting wagons of green chopped hay. The enumerator should perform random verification of truck weights and collect weight tickets for each field.

The operator should be reminded to provide the exact number of trucks coming from each field and the weight of each truck. Random verification of truck counts for individual fields is also encouraged. This will make a good comparison for the information received from the operator.

CORN

Size of Bond Release Field	Minimum Number of Samples

4 - 39 acres	8
40 - 279 acres	12
280 - 639 acres	16
640 acres or more	28

SOYBEANS

Size of Bond Release Field	Minimum Number of Samples

4 - 39 acres	10
40 - 279 acres	12
280 -639 acres	16
640 acres or more	26

WHEAT –

Size of Bond Release Field	Minimum Number of Samples

4 - 39 acres	6
40 - 279 acres	8
280 - 639 acres	10
640 acres or more	14

SORGHUM

Size of Bond Release Field	Minimum Number of Samples

4 - 39 acres	10
40 - 279 acres	16
280 - 639 acres	28
640 acres or more	40

MIXED HAY

Size of Bond Release Field	Minimum Number of Samples

4 - 39 acres	5
40 - 279 acres	10
280 - 639 acres	20
640 acres or more requires one sample for each additional 35 acres

SPECIAL PROBLEMS IN SAMPLE LAYOUT

1. It is possible for a sample grid coordinate to fall on areas within the field boundary which were not planted to crops (i.e., grass waterway, roadway, etc.) When this situation occurs, stop the pace count at the start of such an area and resume the count on the other side of the area.

2. If a blank area is crossed which was planted to crops, the pace count should be continued through this area. Usually such areas are due to poor germination, insects, standing water, etc. (if the sample area falls in this planted area which is blank, then a zero yield is established).

3. If a sample coordinate falls partly in a blank area which was not planted for harvest, move the sample area ahead until it is wholly on acreage planted to the crop being sampled. The sample point should begin one pace from the edge of the blank area.

(Source: Amended at 29 Ill. Reg. 10599, effective July 7, 2005)