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Milk Replacer And Kwik Wean Make The Winning Combination Cattle For ~ry 8ag Of LlTIERMILK Milk Replacer PurchaRd Feeding Get $3 Discount On Bag Of Kwik Wean Easier ~ WhereThe Farm.to.Food (Offer ~nds 6/'50/85) • Sy.tem Be9ln. ~ Improve your cattle performance on corn stalk fields by supplementing the corn that IS gleaned from the fields with LAND 0 LAKES- Beel Cattle Blocks Beel Pro Block IS especially deSigned for cattle grazing on poor pas- tures and stalk fields. or for brood cows on stalks or poor quality roughage. Na-Pro Block IS designed especially lor beel cattle weighing 600 pounds or less to supplement corn Irom stalks belore putting them into the feedlot For the Co-op/Dealer LAND 0 LAKES Beel Cattle Blocks are convenient. economical and eHiclent. NEAREST you call: 1-800-292-2646 • You can pick them up today. Wh.. e The Farm.to-Food Sy.t .... Be9in• • R~I,I"@IQ tr~"'l1 01 ~ 0 Lalo." It"C MAY 1985 FARM NEWS VOL. 64 NO.5 THE COVER On location in Washington A publication D.C., Channel 5 "Farm and of the Garden" co-host Dean Smith interviews Jack Laurie about Michigan his hopes for FB's farm bill. Farm Bureau Photo by Cathy J. Klrvan In this issue: Farm Bill Hopes Bloom in Nation's Capital The reception to FB's farm bill proposal matched warm temperatures in Washington, D.C., during the 25th annual MFB Washington Legislative Seminar 10 Agriculture Day Rural urban gatherings and special community events promote understanding and support for farmers during Ag Week, March 17-23 20 Speak Up! Four statewide meetings are being held next month to encourage member input for MFB's five year goal plan 23 COLUMNS Rural Route - page 4 Front and Center - page 16 Country Ledger - page 5 Farm Bureau Market Place - page 18 Legislative Review - page 6 Agrinomic Update - page 24 Rural Exchange - page 14 Discussion Topic - page 26 JIIlcblgan farm "eW8 RURAL LlVI"O: Hlchlgan Farm News Rural LIvIng Is published monthly, on the first day, by the Michigan farm Bureau Information and Public Relations Division. Publication and editorial offices at 7373 West Saginaw Highway, lansing. Mich. 48909, Post Office Box J0960; telephone, lansing 517-323' 7000. Extension 510. SUBSCRIPTIO" PRICE: $1.50 per year to members, Included In annual dues. $3.00 per year non-members In Michigan. $5.00 per year non-members out of state. Publication No. 345040. Established Jan. 13, 1923 as Michigan Farm News. name changed to MichIgan Farm News Rural LIving Dec. I. 198 \. Third-class postage paid at Lansing, Michigan. and at additional mailing offices. EDITORIAL: Connie Turbin. Editor and Business Manager; Donna Wilber, Contributing Editor; Marcia Dltchle. Associate Editor; Cathy J. Klrvan. Associate Editor. OffiCERS: MichIgan farm Bureau; President. Elton R. Smith. Caledonia: Vice President. John Laurie. Cass City; Administrative Director, Robert Braden; Treasurer and Chief Financial Orncer. Matthew But- zin; Secretary. William S. Wilkinson. DIRECTORS: District \, Arthur Bailey. Schoolcraft; District 2, Lowell Eisenmann, Blissfield; District 3. James Sayre. Belleville; District 4, Elton R. Smith. Caledonia: District 5. Albert Cook. Mason; District 6, John Laurie. Cass City; District 7. Robert Rider. Hart; District 8. Lyle LeCronler. freeland: District 9, Donald Nugent. frankfort; District \0, Margaret Kartes, West Branch; District II, Bernard Doll. Dafter. DIRECTORS AT LAROE: Dave Conklin, Corunna: Michael Pridgeon. Montgomery; Wayne Wood. Marlette. fARJII BUREAU WOJIIE": faye Adam, Snover. fARJII BUREAU YOU"O fARJIIERS: David Lott, Mason. FH Legislative Leaders Smith and Af'8f' Secre- tary John Datt testified Show Commitment to before a Douse ag sub- committee March 27. Farm Bill Package The results of our nearly two It took more than a well- not mean that it will auto- years of grassroots involvement written bill to gain that kind of matically become law. There is in developing a farm bill that reception. Having it delivered to much work to be done. Your will put agriculture in the right our congressmen by a group of legislative leaders did an out- direction in the years ahead committed legislative leaders standing job of laying the were witnessed by the over 100 who had obviously done their groundwork; it is now up to you Michigan Farm Bureau members homework was a vital part of to follow through. who participated in this year's our total efforts on Farm Bill I strongly urge you to first Washington Legislative Seminar. '85. I was extremely proud of study FB's farm bill and com- Before our group left for our group and congratulate the pare it with other proposals so Washington, D.C., I said there county FB leadership who you become familiar with all of had never been a time, during selected them. its "selling points." (See page the 25 years that the MFB 12 for this comparison.) Then, Women have sponsored this ac- get involved in an aggressive We have already in- tivity, that our mission was "sales campaign" to convince more crucial. Now, after we've vested nearly two years others that FB's proposal is the returned home, I can say with in the development of best. equal sincerity - never has our farm bill. By invest- Talk to other members who there been a time when our may not be as familiar with the ing a little more time bill and the grassroots involve- position on an issue been more enthusiastically received. and effort, we can make ment in drafting it as you are The investment of time and it happen. and gain their commitment. effort in developing a Farm Bu- Visit with members of other reau farm bill paid off in divi- farm organizations about FB's Because of the broad accep- farm bill and convince them dends of respect for our organi- tance of FB's farm bill to date, that it is a good alternative. zation and its proposed legisla- there is danger, especially as Take every opportunity you can tion. Our national legislators farmers become busy in their to share with non-farmers, were ready for a reasonable, fields, in assuming that our through your local media and well-drafted, fiscally responsible task is completed. Believe me, your community organizations, proposal that would move it is not! Ours will be only one the reasons why passage of our agriculture gradually toward be- of many proposals put into the bill would be beneficial to con- ing a market-oriented industry legislative hopper - and not sumers and the entire economy .. without pulling the rug out only by farm groups. There are Most important, write to your from under farmers who are suf- many others outside of produc- congressmen and tell them, in fering the impacts of an ailing tion agriculture who want input your own words, why they farm economy. into the writing of Farm Bill '85. should co-sponsor FB's farm We delivered that kind of There will be many pressures on bill. package and it was obvious our congressmen, from many We have already invested that they were eager for a pro- directions, to compromise, to nearly two years in the develop- posal that was an alternative to consider other alternatives, to ment of our bill. By investing a the administration's approach appease and please other con- little more time and effort, we that would force producers into stituencies. can make it happen. a free market situation with lit- Simply because we have tle government support or as- drafted and delivered a bill that sistance, and programs that are would be good for agriculture being advocated that would re- and good for the national quire tremendous government economy to the doorsteps of Elton R. Smith, President outlays such as guaranteeing Congress and were successful Michigan Farm Bureau 100% of parity. in having it introduced, does 4 RURAL LIVING, MA Y 1985 COUNTRY LEDGER live satellite news conference for Michigan radio stations, a satellite video feed to TV sta- tions, a briefing for Washington- based Michigan news services, daily feeds to the Michigan Farm Radio Network, a long list of photo and interview requests to fill for county newsletters and the news media back home - plus the gathering of infor- TWENTY-FIFTU.ANNUAL SEMINAR mation and photo support for a full-fledged feature in Rural Liv- ing . By Donna Wilber .Karker, then the coordinator of The news releases I sent back women's activities. She was a to FB Center for delivery to the The Washington Legislative high energy dynamo and intro- Michigan news media were en- Seminar, March 26-29, was spe- duced me to Agatha Christie's tered on a portable computer in cial for many reasons, one of mysteries as a great way to our hotel room, then trans- . which was marking the silver relax after a full day. ferred to a computer in the anniversary of this activity. For I didn't need a typewriter AFBF office to go via Speedline 25 years the Farm Bureau then. My responsibilities were from Washington to Park Ridge Women have been sponsoring light. There was time to read to Lansing, all in a matter of this annual trek to the nation's "whodunits" at night and sight- minutes. If I could have fore- capital to try to convince our see during the day. It's a good seen that "miracle" during my lawmakers of the wisdom of FB thing I got to see some of the first Washington Legislative policy. It's been my privilege to historical sites then. I've seen Seminar, I probably would have participate in several of those few since, except from a taxi scoffed in disbelief. trips. window. During our four days here in Because our Rural Living There have been some marked the nation's capital, the warm deadline coincides with our ar- changes in this annual grass- temperatures have coaxed the rival back in Michigan, I'm writ- roots lobbying mission during cherry blossoms into full bloom ing this in my hotel room, just the 25 years it's been con- (as one reporter described the across the street from the AFBF ducted. scene - like giant scoops of office. My news releases are all As an observer, I see a greater pink cotton candy), creating a written and my roommate is off commitment by county boards beautiful backdrop for our leg- shooting photos of legislative to send the most highly quali- islative leaders' serious mis- leaders visiting their congress- fied legislative leaders to carry sion. It was a good trip and the men. My adrenalin is still at out this important mission. I've warm reception to FB's farm bill high tide - as it always is here also seen the personal invest- raised the temptation to stamp in the nation's capital - so ment of those selected leaders it "Mission Accomplished!" sharp memories of the last few grow - in preparatory study of That would be premature, as days and elusive memories of the issues, in their aggres- you will learn from the synopsis past Washington Legislative siveness to stand firmly on of our trip in this issue of Rural Seminars collide with each their FB policy foundation as Living, from President Smith's other as they're transferred they articulately deliver their word of caution in Rural Route, from jumbled mind to type- messages, in their willingness and from the reports your legis- writer. to put priorities on congres- lative leaders will deliver to you I remem ber very clearly the sional contacts rather than in person. Listen to them, learn first time I came here. We sightseeing and souvenir shop- from them and then become a stayed at the Willard Hotel, ping. vital part of the support system where Lincoln slept and which As a participant, the growth that will allow us to put that is now being renovated. There of my involvement is the per- "Mission Accomplished" stamp was only the sound of clanking sonal measuring stick for this on one of the most important plumbing, not an electric activity. A few photos and a grassroots efforts Farm Bureau typewriter, in my hotel room report for the Farm News was has ever spearheaded. then. My roommate was Marge about the extent of information activities during my first trip to Washington. This year, we had a RURAL LIVING, MA Y 1985 5 LEGISLATIVE REVIEW Congressmen Wolpe and Schuette Join List of Co-Sponsors for FB's Farm Bill Proposal Farnl Bureau's farm bill was and the farm bill we enact must nanced at higher levels than !ntroduced in Congress on April allow that time and provide a originally imposed, Block said. :; by U.S. Rep. William Emerson bridge so the farm economy in The secretary said the more (R-Mo.), a member of the HOllse the future can be more self- liberal farm bill resulting from Agriculture Committee. Among reliant. Likewise, if our farmers the compromise may attract th~ 15 original co-sponsors and ranchers are to move closer more support from farm groups. were two Michigan congress- to the market, we have a great While he did not endorse H.R. men. Howard Wolpe, (D-3rd Dis- deal of work to do in order to 1965, FB's farm bill, he did say trict) and Bill Schuette, (R-I0th make those markets ones in the bill "will fit within the bud- District), also a member of the which they can compete fairly get parameters" of the com- House Agriculture Committee. and profitably. The key to that, promise. In a news conference the fol- of course, lies in our farm ex- Block said there is a "possi- lcwing day, Emerson told re- ports and our farm bill must bility we can be a little tighter porters that FB's farm bill was a contain subsidy provisions for allies." "reasonable, pragmatic propo- promoting those exports. sal that deserves the strong "In terms of laying out a path consideration of those in Con- for positive change in federal ~ress and the administration farm programs, while protect- who will participate in construc- ing our farmers against the ting a 1985 farm act that wit) consequences of moving too be put in place for the next four quickly, I believe this (Farm Bu- years." reau) farm bill represents a rea- Ag Credit - Two identical Emerson said that FB's pro": sonable, realistic option that bills have been introduced in posal was obviously the product deserves our most serious con- the U.S. House and Senate to of a substantial amount of work sideration," he said. aid farmers in the current finan- and would be the "guiding Emerson said he expected cial crunch. The bills contain piece of legislation" as the new "many, many more" co-spon- the following provisions: ad- farm program is written. sors for the bill after the Easter vance farmers the lower one- "I think that more of what is recess. FB members in Michigan third of their CCC loan or in this bill will be in the law as will continue working toward $30,000; loans apply only to it is finally enacted than any their goal of enlisting at least farmers who have signed up to other proposal that is before us. nine U.S. representatives and participate in the 1985 price I expect that in the Senate, as one U.S. senator as co-sponsors support programs; only farmers well as the House, there will be for their bill. who are unable to obtain credit more 'jelling' around the Farm During his news conference, from commercial lenders would Bureau proposal than any Emerson said that the adminis- be eligible; loans must be used other," he said. tration's proposal is "not going to cover crop production costs; There is a concensus, Emer- to fly." Recognition of its un- and farmers would be required son said, both in Washington acceptability surfaced the fol- to purchase crop insurance. and "out in farm country," that lowing week when a budget present federal farm programs compromise was reached be- rJrenot working, and that tween the Senate Republicans Dairy Diversion Program - change is needed. and the administration. The 15-month dairy diversion "I believe the 1985 farm bill Under the compromise, farm program ended April 1 and the must allow our farmers to even- price supports would be cut USDA's announced 50 cent per tually move closer to the mar- $1.5 billion through 1988. cwt. reduction in the price sup- ketplace while, at the same USDASecretary John Block said port for milk became effective time, provide needed protection the compromise would help im- on that date. The new support a~ainst the highly unfavorable prove the chances of the admin- price of $12.10 per cwt. will market conditions that exist to- istration's "market-oriented" prevail until the end of June day and wit) not go away tomor- farm legislation. 1985, when the secretary may row," he said. "It will provide a longer time again review the support level "Allowing our farmers and frame for transition to a market- and, if supplies live up to ex- ranchers to work their way back oriented agriculture" and allow pectations, will enforce another to solid ground will take time some program features to be fi- 50 cent reduction. c RURAL LIVING, MA Y 1985 Dairy Program Testimony - MFB President/ AFBF Vice President Elton R. Smith testi- fied before the subcommittee on livestock, dairy and poultry of the U.S. House Agriculture Committee urging caution in Michigan Agriculture Assistan the outlook for the dairy in- dustry. FB's proposal on revi- (continued on page 30) state Ag Assistance Pro- gram - At a press conference on April 9, Gov. Blanchard an- A toll free hotline (1-800-346-fARM) has been established in the MDAas nounced a four-part program to part of a four-point ag assistance plan announced by the governor April help Michigan farmers survive 9. The hotline will link farmers with emergency financial, family and the nationwide farm financial other services available from government and private agencies. crisis. "Agriculture is far more important than most people realize," he said. "Three out of • Expansion of the Extension State Income Tax - Much 10 Michigan people receive Management Assistance Team has been written about the some portion of their income (EMAT)program. There are cur- issue to roll back the income from agriculture." rently 13 teams operating tax prior to the phase out in the The program includes: throughout the state. Many present law. The tax for 1985 is -The deposit of approximate- farmers have found this pro- 5.35% which is expected to ly $70 million in farm-area gram helpful. raise about $3.4 billion in banks to be loaned to farmers -Speed up the farm financial revenue. Under the present law at 3% to 4% below present survey MDA is conducting. The the tax rate will drop to 5.1 % market rates in time for spring survey, proposed by the gover- on Oct. 1, 1986 and back to the planting. The aim is to provide nor in his 1985 state of the original 4.6% on Oct. 1, 1987. financial assistance to farmers state message, will provide in- Testimony before the joint who have been unable to get formation on Michigan farmers' House appropriations and taxa- financing elsewhere. The deci- economic conditions, as well as tion committees indicated that sion to make loans, however, their plans for the future. Michigan's economic outlook will still rest with local financial Results of the survey, expected could be cloudy. An income tax institutions. by the end of April, will enable rollback could result in Michi- - A Michigan Agriculture As- state government to better plan gan being back in a deficit posi- sistance Network set up to programs to assist farmers and tion in 1986. There is disagree- coordinate emergency financial, agribusinesses. ment as to the amount - the family and other services avail- While the toll free number is Senate Fiscal Agency estimates able from government and pri- already in operation, legislation $30 million but the Department vate agencies, and the MSUEx- is required to approve the loan of Management and Budget tension Service. Red tape will be program and additional funding claims $300 million. cut for farmers in need. A toll- for expanding EMAT. The legis- Unforeseen expenditures, free hotline (t-aOO-346-FARM) lation was expected to pass such as converting existing in the MDA will link callers to quickly after introduction in buildings to prisons, could in- the network from 8 a.m. to 5 mid April. crease these deficit figures to p.m. weekdays. Calls will be The governor said that if there $150 million and $420 million. recorded during other times. It is a greater demand for more Much depends on what hap- is expected that farmers using than the $70 million, financial pens to efforts to balance the the hotline will be provided with assistance may be expanded at federal budget. If the federal assistance within 24 hours. a moment's notice. RURAL LIVING, MAY .1985 7 deficit is not reduced signifi- Implements of Husbandry cantly, interest rates could - FB worked with the Depart- climb to 14% or more. This ment of State Police at their re- would increase the cost of local quest to clarify and redefine im- and state government borrow- plements of husbandry. Present ing and also cause a drop in law is not clear as to what is ex- auto sales, which alone could empt from licensing require- s. P. Kish Industries, Inc. result in a state revenue loss of $70 million to $80 million from ments. H.B. 4260, introduced by Rep. Randall (R-Elwell), ad- Quality Paints & Coatings the single business tax and in- dresses these problems. For ex- come taxes. The state school ample, the present $5 license Factory Direct Prices aid fund could also lose $70 plate for wagons would be elim- 20% to 30% Discount for million to $85 million from a inated. The bill has passed the Rural Living Readers decrease in sales tax revenues. House and is in the Senate An unemployment rate increase Transportation Committee. -Sarn and fence paints could mean an $81 million drop latex and oi I base in general fund tax revenues. -Truck and implement enamels Balanced Federal Budget - The necessary cuts in the -Waterbase epoxy SJR "A" is still in the House Ap- federal budget could mean a -Alumaroof propriations Committee. It cut in federal aid of as much as -Imtrex urethane would request Congress to pass $200 million to the state and -Fluid film rustproofer a constitutional amendment re- $400 million to local govern- -Trowelcoat cement repair quiring a federal balanced ments. budget and submit it to the The level of state school aid Colorflex Roof Coating states for ratification. If Con- has a great deal to do with re- gress fails to do this it would Roll or spray on almost any kind lieving local property taxes. In require calling a constitutional of existing roof. Water cannot past years state school aid has convention. Michigan would be penetrate, won't crack, peel, been as high as 60% of school the 33rd state to pass the reso- break or flake. costs and as low as 30%. In lution. Thirty-four states are 1984-85 state aid was increased -600% elongation needed to require Congress to by over $177.3 million. Another -Covers metal roofs, asphalt or act. Two hearings have been increase of $132.9 million is asbestos shingles held and FB has provided testi- recommended for 1985-86. -Reflects heat mony supporting the proposal. There is also disagreement as -Stays flexible even at low temp to the expected 1985 budget -Will not yellow or pick up dirt "surplus" ranging from $65 Great Lakes Diversion - million to $175 million. How- S.B. 41 would prohibit diversion Say YES to MICHIGAN, patronize ever it can be claimed that the of Great Lakes water and S.B. state has not paid all its debts. 46 creates a Great Lakes Water In 1981-82 the state "deferred" Resources Planning Commis- S.P. Kish, Industries, Inc. by "executive order" payments sion. Both were supported by FB 600 W. Seminary Street of $87.3 miJIion to school dis- and have passed the Senate. Charlotte, Michigan 48813 tricts with payment expected at They are in the House Marine Phone: 517-543-2650 a later date. Similar "deferrals" Affairs and Port Development Family owned and are owed to community colleges Committee. operated since 1946 and other units of government. Export Development - 5.B. Agricultural Labor Com- Call collect for information on 27, introduced by Sen. Arthur- mission - Changes have oc- prices and delivery, or send curred due to expiring terms. coupon for our brochure and holtz (R-Whitehall), would create an Export Development Authori- The six-member commission price list. represents seasonal workers, ty to work on new export mar- kets for Michigan products. FB year-round workers, the public was successful in amending the and producers-growers. Ron S. Name legislation to include the MDA Ferrell of Fowlerville succeeds Address director as a member of the Ruth M. Rigg representing authority. The biJI is on the producers-growers. Senate floor for a vote. Surface to be painted Lansing legislative topics are reviewed by Robert E. Smith, senior legislative counsel. 8 RURAL LIVING, MA Y 1985 THE BEST VALUE IN GRASS HERBICIDES FOR SOYBEANS IS ALSO THE BEST PERFORMER. Ciba-Geigy, Ag. Div .• Box 18300. Greensboro. NC 27419 ~ 1984 Ciba-Geigy Corporation WASUINGTON LEGiSLATIVE SEMINAR Farm Bill lIopes Bloom in "ation's Capital bloom. They hoped their efforts ton, D.C., MfB President Elton would bring the same fruition R. Smith and Vice President to fB's farm bill. Jack Laurie held a live satellite The reason for the positive news conference for the 45 sta- reaction to fB's proposal for tions on the Great Lakes Radio farm Bill '85 seemed to be its Network. Participating in this middle-of-the-road approach, "first" were three Michigan between the administration's broadcasters: Liz VanderWoude, By Donna Wilber and proposal for an abrupt change WCUZ,Grand Rapids; Terry Cathy J. Klrvan to a market-oriented agriculture Henne, WSGW,Saginaw; and Karl and unrealistic demands for a Guenther, WKZO,Kalamazoo. The over 100 state and coun- heavily-subsidized industry. In his opening statement, ty legislative leaders who par- fB's call for a gradual move President Smith said that fB's ticipated in the Washington toward market orientation was farm bill is "not a shocking Legislative Seminar, March an attractive alternative, one change at the expense of farm- 26-29, boarded planes with that the legislative leaders ers, nor is it a legislated raid on more than just the luggage they believe gives their bill good the U.S. treasury. Rather, our hoped would follow them to the odds. proposal is a flexible, market nation's capital. They also Nearly all of Michigan's con- responsive federal program that brought farm Bureau's farm gressional delegation paid trib- places emphasis on exports bill, developed after nearly two ute to the organization for its rather than accumulation of years of member input, and preparatory work on farm Bill stocks." specially-designed cups com- '85. As one Washington news memorating the 25th year that writer reported: "By being first the MfB Women have sponsored to lay a plan on the table early this annual lobbying mission. in negotiations, the farm Bu- They delivered both to Michi- reau has won respect for having gan's congressional delegation done its homework and its back- during lheir four action-packed home politicking in advance." days - the farm bill with assur- Less than a week after the ance that it was "right" for U.S. legislative leaders returned agriculture, and the cups with home, fB's farm bill was in- encouragement to fill them with troduced in the U.S. House by milk and Michigan fruit juices. Rep. Bill Emerson (R-Missouri). Both packages were warmly Of the 15 original co-sponsors, received. two were from Michigan: Rep. That reception was matched Howard Wolpe (D-Lansing) and by rising temperatures that pro- Rep. Bill Schuette (R-Midland). vided the Michigan farmers with A live satellite news conference Tuesday, March 26 to 45 Michigan radio stations the opportunity to watch Wash- originated from the AF8F Wash- ington's famed cherry trees go Hours before the total Michi- ington office. from buds of promise to full gan group arrived in Washing- 10 RURAL LIVING, MA Y 1985 Smith cal1ed FB's proposal a "The first - the federal "workable, cost effective farm deficit - is an area on which program that is deserving of Farm Bureau has already taken everyone's support." a strong stand and I conlpli- Upon arrival in the nation's ment you for that. Stay with it. capital, ,legislative leaders were "The second is international briefed on what was currently trade," he said. "We must put happening "on the hill" by our shoulders and our muscles AFBF staff to prepare them for behind a new round of trade their meetings with Michigan's negotiations, a round where we. congressional delegation. insist that agricultural trade has the highest priority." Wednesday, March 28 Block said reform of tax All but four of Michigan's con- policies "which have victimized gressmen and/ or ag aides at- Rep. Howard Wolpe (rigbt), tbe the farmer," and farm policy tended a breakfast meeting first Micblgan congressman to co- reform were also essential. with the senior legislative lead- sponsor FB's farm bill, talks with Vernon Boyles of Eaton County at ers. Over scrambled eggs and the March 28 breakfast. sausage in a Rayburn Building dining room, conversation moved quickly from the weather ences between FB's farm bill, to the group's priority issues: the administration bill and the FB's farm bill, the federal defi- bill introduced by Jesse Helms. cit, and health care cost deduc- Jackie Scramlin of Oakland tions for the self-employed. County said Rep. Dale Kildee Cargo preference was another was impressed. "He assured us issue of concern discussed dur- that was the best way to get a ing the breakfast. Edith Humm congressman to look at a of Gratiot County said that her number of proposals." Clinton County FB President Don Sisung (right) talks to Rep. Bill congressman, Bill Schuette who Charleen Thompson of Ionia Schuette about co-sponsoring the serves on the House Agriculture County and Eleanor Swartz of farm bill. Scbuette, who admits Committee, indicated that he Allegan County met with Rep. he was elected by the farm vote, was against cargo preference. Paul Henry. "Because our con- later joined as a co-sponsor. Schuette said cargo preference gressman is new, we felt he is a "subsidy that agriculture looked to us for guidance," Thursday, March 28 should not have to pay," she Swartz said. Thompson, who at- reported. tended the seminar represent- Sen. Carl Levin joined the Robin Cook of Ingham County ing the MFB Women, felt the Michigan farmers for breakfast met with Rep. Bob Carr. "He congressmen were "listening to on Thursday morning and told was surprised and pleased that us this year. Capitol Hill is them there is no free market in on several issues Farm Bureau wanting something better than the "real world." wasn't just playing the admini- Reagan's bill so they're taking While an agriculture free of stration's line," she said. "He us very seriously." government intervention and was quite interested that we'd Tom Guthrie of Barry County support may be ideal, he said, developed our own farm bill was pleased to have his con- "we can't get to there from here policy. He felt quite positive gressman, Howard Wolpe, as overnight" and that farmers that co-sponsoring our farm bill the first member of the Michi- need some protection against would be a possibility." gan delegation to agree to co- the "unnatural shock" that the Dan Wieland of Antrim County sponsor FB's farm bill. "He told sudden removal of government said Rep. Robert Davis skipped me he was glad to see a consen- supports would cause. lunch to meet with the group sus of farmers, ag leaders and Levin told the group that he from District 11. "He hadn't organizations. He said this and other members of Congress read the bill himself yet but would make the job of passing need the guidance of farmers in said because it came from Farm farm legislation and balancing developing Farm Bill '85. FB's Bureau, he knew it would be the budget much easier." proposed legislation, he said, worth his time to study it." During a session at the USDA, was a "thoughtful plan and a Many legislative leaders pro- Secretary of Agriculture John vast improvement" over the ad vided their congressmen with Block listed four issues of con- ministration's proposal. material outlining the differ- cern that will impact on (continued on page 28) agriculture's future viability. RURAL LIVING, MA Y 1985 I 1 Comparison Shows Key Provisions of Loan Rates - Minimums set in law Loan Limits - No limits on com- interest in case of default not required. by Congress for each crop year modity loans; no repayment of in- Dairy - Price support at $12.60 per (wheat, feed grains, cotton, rice). terest in case of default. cwt., with authority for the secretary Target Prices - Minimum set in law Farmer-Owned Reserve - Secretary to lower to $11.60 if CCC purchases by year. may allow early entry; restrictions remain high. Payment Limitation - $50,000. placed on removal of commodities; Wool & Mohair - Producers re- interest may be waived; repayment on ceive incentive payments based on Loan Rates - Set at 75% of market Loan Limits - $200,000 cap placed to reduce price support by 50 cents average price for 3 previous years on nonrecourse loans; loans above on April 1, 1986 and Jan. 1, 1987; (wheat, feed grains, cotton, rice, soy- that limit on a recourse basis; no in- after that, a direct payment program beans). terest repayment in case of default. is established. Target Prices - 100% of 3 year mov- Farmer-Owned Reserve - One do- Wool & Mohair - Producers receive ing average price in the first year, mestic/international reserve created payment based on the difference be- declining 5% annually until it by combining current reserves; sec- tween season average price and tar- reaches 75 % of the average in 1991. retary has authority to set rules; 500 get price which is set at 100% of 3 Payment Limitation - $20,000 in million bushel limit. year moving average price, declin- crop year 1986, $15,000 in crop year Dairy - Price support level set at ing 5% annually until it reaches 1987, $10,000 thereafter. $11.60 with authority for secretary 75% of the same average. HELMS BILL Loan Rates - Secretary may set be- ($24,581 for 1983). authorized until purchases stabilize tween 75% and 85% of the 5 year Loan Limits - No limit placed on at 2 to 4 bill ion pounds annually. average market price excluding the commodity loans; repayment of in- Wool & Mohair - The current in- high and low years (wheat, feed terest requ ired in case of default. centive payment is continued with grains, cotton, rice); soybean loan Farmer-Owned Reserve - Early en- gradually lower payments, until sup- rate set at 75 % of the above for- try prohibited; removal restrictions port price would be based on aver- mula. eliminated; interest waiver elimi- age market price for the previous 5 Target Prices - Secretary may set nated; repayment of interest re- years with the high and low re- between 110% and 125% of the quired in case of default. moved. loan rate. Dairy - Price support at $11.60 for Sugar - Extend present provisions. Payment Limitation - Each year FY 86; thereafter, the secretary may Honey - Loan level set at 75% to will be set equal to the median fami- set price according to estimated 85% of 5 year average market price ly income of the previous year government purchases. Reductions excluding the high and low years. ',;: ;" t.~~;:~~:,.:,~~';:' :i'~.:';:if;';,:-;[S';';;':r~:tT:t .' ;':<., k-r;t7~(;!.~~~'''',:~:~,,', " ',: ' ," : ;,..,< " '0 " •• "::'E~R'M~Q,U R'EA U~BI L~. (H ~~: '1.965)r:~~"~:~; ;:~;"~>.,., .. 'oo . 'c" • " ' >:. :, "~:' .' t~ ;,: . :.i,,~i2(",''''i~''';:f>'<',~ ,-I \.;..: .;t.f:$;_>~~1.:.- ./~~~:~: ,. ''>.\~,r;,..:~/ ,.~~~;tt.~'';'~'~ ~i,;, !" ":": ~"'I, ~, .,', ': •• ; .' ,/' .•• ' y', :,-. ,,' / ., .',. &.'g," '. Loan Rates - Set at 75% of 5 year Beginning in 1987, targets will be set tion of nonrecourse loan. average market price excluding high at 110% of the 5 year market aver- Farmer-Owned Reserve - Eliminate and low years, for wheat, feed grains age excluding the high and low years. farmer-owned reserve by not allow- and rice. Current cotton formula ex- Target prices will not be adjusted by ing any further entry. Current con- tended with no minimum level. Cur- more than 5% in any year. tracts would not be renewed upon rent soybean loan extended. Loans Payment Limitation - $50,000 limit expiration. will not be adjusted by more than on deficiency payments only. Dairy - Support price set at 90% of 10% in any year. Loan Limits - No Iim its on com- the previous 3 years' milk price. Target Prices - For 1986 target modity loans. No repayment of in- Price is further adjusted according prices will be frozen at 1985 levels. terest in case of default. Continua- to levels of government purchases. 12 RURAL LIVING, MA Y 1985 1985 National Farm Bill Proposals percentage needed to bring national Honey - Price support loan level at 83-85 for export assistance. average market price up to the sup- 68.5 cents per pound (60% of parity). P.L. 480 - "Food for Peace." port level. Export Programs - Secretary has Conservation - Farmers who plow Sugar - Sugarcane loan rate not general authority to carry out export erodible land are eligible for all less than 18 cents per pound in 1985; programs under CCC charter; only federal farm benefits. beet rate to be fair and reasonable program mandated is expenditure of Length of Authorization - Most in relation to sugarcane loan rate. $175-$190 million annually in FY current programs through 1985. Sugar - Loan at lower of 12 cents pacting agricultural trade and seek Conservation - Farmers who pro- or 75% of 3 year average; direct pay- reductions in trade barriers; directs duce commodities on highly erodible ment program based on target price continuation of the GSM-102 Export land that has not been in production of 18 cents, decl ining by 2 cents per Credit Guarantee program at a level for the past 10 years and who have year until in 1991 when it will be consistent with the credit needs of no approved conservation plan are 75% of the 3 year average. potential buyers; directs secretary not eligible for government farm Honey - Repeals authority for honey to assist producers, processors, dis- benefits for any of the production of price support program. tributors and exporters in maintain- the commodity that is. grown on the ing and expanding foreign markets. fragile land .. Export Programs - Directs U.S. trade representative and secretary P.L. 480 - Extends Title I and II Length of Authorization - Authori- to determine countries adversely im- authority for Iife of the bill. zation for 15 years, to Sept. 30, 2005. Export Programs - Mandates ex- versely affected by credit subsidies ~ion for the past 12 years and who penditures of $1 billion annually for on unfair trade practices of other have no approved conservation plan indirect and/or guaranteed inter- countries. are not eligible for government farm mediate export credit, loans of 3 to P.L. 480 - Extended and reformed benefits as to any of those commod- 10 years; mandates export sale of to allow the U.S. to accept payment ities; producers are required to use 150,000 metric tons of dairy surplus for commodities in local currencies; sound conservation practices as in each of FY 86-88; authorizes ex- the U.S. could then reloan that for- determined by the local soil and port PIK; exempts future export PIK, eign exchange to financial interme- water conservation district as a con- blended credit and emergency food diaries for private investment in dition to receiving farm program rei ief activities from cargo prefer- those countries. benefits. ence requirements; requires secre- Conservation - Farmers who pro- Length of Authorization - Authori- tary to use $325 million in each of duce commodities on highly erodi- zation for 6 years, through Sept. 30, FY 86-88 for export activities to help ble land that has not been in produc- 1991. in the export of commodities ad- Wool & Mohair - Extend present blended credit feature. Blended ible land that has not been in pro- provisions of the Wool Act. credit, export bonus program and duction for the past 10 years and Sugar - Extend present provisions. standby export subsidy programs who have no approved conservation would be exempted from cargo plan are not eligible for government Honey - Extend present provisions. preference requirements. farm benefits for all of the produc- Export Programs - Export commod- P.L. 480 - Minimum levels of P.L. tion. ity bonus program to offset subsi- 480 shipments increased to liquidate Length of Authorization - Authori- dized credit provided by competing farmer-owned reserve stocks. zation for 4 years through Sept. 30, countries and our overvalued dollar. Conservation - Farmers who pro- 1989. Export Credit Revolving Fund would be extended and funded with a duce commodities on highly erod- RURAL LIVING, MA Y 1985 13 RURAL EXCHANGE Ogemaw Gold stars plaques were presented at a Farm Woman Finds Champions of Northeast celebration dinner Feb. 22 to Conference Beneficial It's a touchdown for the Gold deserving individuals for their Having been home from the Stars of the Ogemaw County hard work. ' Young Farmer Leader Confer- Farm Bureau! With football as Quarterbacks Bob Anderson, ence for awhile now, I can't be- the theme of the statewide famous for his 11 p.m. phone lieve how much I have thought membership drive, the Gold calls to recruitment workers, about it and got out of it. I Stars tackled the opportunity to and Leisa Chapin hosted the really want to commend and recruit new teammates and event. thank the Young Farmer De- emerged cham pions of the From Denise Jefts partment and state committee. Northeast Conference. I can't help but believe that The Ogemaw team led a tough my life will be affected by the conference for the entire six things I learned and saw in weeks of play. With a goal of those three days. Most impor- 692 teammates for this year's tant, it gave me some insight squad, this Cinderella team into the farm financial picture, dazzled onlookers and boasted and our own farm bookkeeping. a line-up of 701 members at its It also opened up the area of post-season victory celebration legislative process, and I plan on Feb. 24. to explore and contribute more A well-thought, strategic in this very important area. game plan was the key for the Again, thank you very much Gold Stars, but strong, consis- for an excellent job. tent teamwork by all members I purposely do not sign this led them to the final victory. as it doesn't make any differ- Mecosta County quarterbacks ence who I am - Farm Bureau From Margaret Kartes Bob Anderson (center) and Leisa Chapin (rigbt) presented recruit- has touched and changed many ment team members with minia- lives through this conference. ture footballs in recognition of You really should be proud! their hard work during the sea- son. Receiving this pass is A Farm Woman worker Larry Hatfield. Menominee Stands Firmly Out in Front Just as an agile halfback distances himself from his pur- suers as he streaks towards the end zone, Menominee County Farm Bureau was the first in the Upper Peninsula Conference to An effective membership drive reach its membership goal. team must be in tip-top physical Membership quarterbacks condition. During warm-ups, Gunter Kusig and Mary Doby, Ogemaw Gold Star team mem- bers Gerald Green (left) and Vern whose trademark is quality Clemens display proper calis- work done quickly, provided the thenic techniques. leadership and inspired the rest RURAL RASCAL - We've heard of the team. The word "leader- of junior legislative leaders, but ship" means to stand firmly out isn't this going a bit far? Maybe Mecosta Cowboys Celebratel in front and that's just what the - but perhaps In the year 2010 this young farmer will return to What do you do after a suc- team did. the nation's capital - this time cessful recruitment season? A victory party was held to present a gift commemorating Have a ball! That's exactly what March 16 to recognize those the 50th annual MfB Washington the Mecosta County Cowboys team mem bers who displayed Legislative Seminar to his con- gressman. Meanwhile, four- did after surpassing their goal high levels of skill, courage and month-old Davie Noonan Is en- by 18 members. hard work throughout this very joying farm life with his parents, In keeping with this year's successful season. David 8t Sandra Noonan, on the family's third generation beef theme, football trophies and From Betty Wery farm In Leelanau County. 14 RURAL LIVING, MA Y 1985 District 6 Women Former Farm Folk There is innate satisfaction Among farm folk, in the knowing, Oost Spring Rally At age 80, Edith Goodhall of That farms to profitable be Nearly 325 FB Women and Haslett no longer farms but Need good husbandry in growing. Blessed by rain and sun. their guests attended the spends much of her time writ- District 6 FB Women's Spring ing poetry. Now - large combiners harvest the crop The following poem, "Former Still, human hands and minds provide Rally in Cass City, April 9. The nutritive and abundance Special guests at the event were Farm Folk," is especially appro- For the increasing of need, world wide. Michigan's first lady, Paula priate at this time for it por- Cheers, to the peoples of the land! Blanchard, and MDA chief Paul trays the importance of all - Edith Goodhall Kindinger. farmers of all times to the econ- omy and life of the country. FARMETTE Long years before farms mechanized, Many have worked harvesting grain, In the heat of a blazing sun Or racing with dark clouds of rain. I have; to gain or lose. One alone or with another Two sheaves a center, then a ring; Straw end to the ground; grain head up. Two to cap, a rain shelter bring. A field; to see is rare. When in the heat you tired grow; Take a cool drink, relax, look back, For pastime count the rows of shocks, Of sheaves, binder cut, a tight pack District 6 Women's Chairperson To slide down a canvas track. Betty Laurie greets distinguished Rested? Look ahead, revel some, guests Paula Blanchard and Paul Behold manifold sheaves of gold Kindinger at the Spring Rally. Before you to the fields far end. Each straws' head kerneled multifold "Let's see ... you need a C1839264X By selection as planned. Kindinger, who addressed the for an 8-row, model 64295A, 1980 morning session of the rally, plateless planter. Right or left hand? Front or back? Fluted or plain? Blue provided details of the gover- or red .... " nor's four-point plan to assist financially-stressed Michigan farmers. He called the plan a temporary measure and stressed the importance of dealing with the causes of the ailing farm economy by balancing the fed- eral deficit and expanding farm exports. Michigan is acting aggressive- ly to expand the state's export markets, he said, and announced the MDA's plan to open a per- manent trade office in Japan. Blanchard outlined her ac- the children of dairy farmers John lit Barb Vander Meulen of tivities to promote Michigan Newaygo County. Not pictured is products including a recent 12-year-old Todd, who, being trade promotion trip to Japan. almost a teenager, believes he's She told the FB Women that too old for such nonsense. Near- Some rural rascals from western by in Muskegon County, Crystal among the wide variety of Mich- Michigan spent the winter dream- and Tiffany Dahl and escort Dus- igan products offered, agricul- ing about spring. The snow was a ty were all ready for a ride in tural products were the most little too deep when the above their wagon last January but the picture was taken but come sum- snow drifts outside caused their enthusiastically received by the mer you'll find a swing hanging parents, Dennis and Shirley Dahl. Japanese. from the branch Drew Vander to postpone the ride around the Meulen is sitting on. De and his family's dairy farm until nicer From Betty Laurie brothers, Micki and Bruce, are weather arrived. Tuscola County RURAL LIVING, MA Y 1985 15 FRONT & CENTER Dr. Clayton Yeutter bas been selected by President Reagan to assume tbe post of u.s. trade representative, the administration's top trade post. He replaces William Brock who has been named secretary of labor. Yeutter's nomination must be confirmed by the Senate. Yeutter, who is president of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, served as deputy trade represen- tative during part of the Tokyo round of trade negotiations in 1975-77 and as assistant secretary of agriculture for international affairs and commodity programs. FB members can receive a discount on cbarter member subscriptions to Farm Computer News, a bi-monthly publication specializing in computer news for farmers. A two- year subscription (12 issues) is $15, a savings of $5. Members who want to subscribe to the publication should send a check for $15, made payable to American Agricultural Communica- tions Systems, Inc., to Nancy Husk, American Agricultural Communications Systems, 225 Touhy Ave., Park Ridge, 111. 60068. Micbigan's state-owned facility vendors sbould say "Yes Mlcblgan," too, MFB legis- lative counsel Ron Nelson told Paula Blanchard after apple and grape juices he purchased at the state capitol turned out to be "products of Canada." In a letter to the key standard bearer for the "Yes M!ch!gan" campaign, Nelson said that at a time when many Michigan farmers are fighting for their economic life, every opportunity to promote and sell state-produced and pro- cessed products should be utilized. Blanchard responded with thanks for calling the issue to her attention and assurance that she would take steps to encourage all vendors located in state facilities to carry Michigan prod- ucts. Those steps have included sending a list of Michigan-made food products to the vendor coordinator and direction to the Michigan products promotion office to work with vendors to assure that Michigan products are made available to visitors of state facilities. While the state cannot mandate a vendor to carry Michigan products, Blanchard's suggestion should carry some weight. A series 'of worksbops is scbeduled for July on agricultural land use and farmland preservation. The workshops will be jointly sponsored by MFB, American Farmland Trust, the Michigan Townships Association and the Michigan Society of Planning Officials. The purpose of the workshops is to assist farmers, local planners, local government officials and others in- terested in land use to understand the issues surrounding agricultural land use planning and to learn what tools are available to implement agricultural land use plans. Dates and locations of the day-long workshops are: July 16 - Holiday Inn, Traverse City; July 17 - Holiday Inn West, Kalamazoo; July 22 - Holiday Inn West Bank, Ann Arbor; July 23 - Bavarian Inn, Frankenmuth; and July 24 - Harley Hotel, East Lansing. For more information contact the MFB Public Affairs Division, P.O. Box 30960, Lansing, Mich. 48909. Gov. Blancbard bas announced tbe creation of a Food Policy Committee to manage food resources by coordinating state programs. It is comprised of the directors of 13 state departments: agriculture, commerce, corrections, education, labor, management and budget, mental health, natural resources, public health, social services, state police, transportation and the Office of Services to the Aging. MDA director Paul Kindinger is chairperson. Bya 92-1 vote in early April, tbe U.S. Senate approved a measure to eliminate tbe IRS rules requiring farmers and other businesses to keep "contemporaneous" logs to claim business deductions on the use of vehicles. The House has also voted to repeal the require- ments. Minor differences in the bills needed to be resolved by a conference committee as Rural Living went to press. USDASecretary Jobn Block bas announced a new storage plan tbat will allow farmers to shift grain out of the farmer-owned reserve when their reserve contracts ex- pire on wheat, corn, sorghum, oats or barley. Otherwise they would have been required to re- pay their loans or forfeit the grain to the government when the contract expired. The new pro- gram is less restrictive than the farmer-owned reserve in that farmers may repay their loan whenever they choose without penalty. The new contracts will expire in one year or on demand by the government. 16 RURAL LIVING, MA Y 1985 A CHOOSE FROM THE LARGEST SELECTION OF HEALTH CARE PLANS EVER OFFERED FARM BUREAU MEMBERS. Michigan Farm Bureau members Dimension m is a share-the- Complimentary Coverage now have a bigger than ever cost plan that makes . for members 65 and over selection of five affordable monthly payments more supplements Medicare health care plans. Three plans- affordable. coverage. Comprehensive, Dimension III A small deductible charge per This plan provides for extended and Econo Plan - are under- person and co-payment require- and additional benefits to those written by BCS Life Insurance ments give you basic compre- already provided by Medicare. Company, but all are administered hensive coverage at much lower by Blue Cross and Blue Shield monthly payments. A prescription of Michigan. drug program is also available at Our HMO network gives participating pharmacies. you statewide coverage, The Comprehensive Plan including paid doctors'visits. with Master Medical provides Blue Cross and Blue Shield has exceptional protection for The Econo Plan saves you even more money on basic a network of seven HMO plans you and your family: in Michigan. As a member of the comprehensive benefits. Get nearly total protection under one available in your area, you're the basic coverage and receive You pay a $500 deductible for eligible for covered benefits from 100% paid covered benefits with each admission to a hospital per all seven HMOs, statewide. no deductibles. Additionally, year, maximum of three. A co-pay the Master Medical portion for all services, plus a stop loss Call your Farm Bureau secre- provides up to $1 million in limit of $1,000 per person, tary during Open Enrollment. lifetime benefits for each family makes this the most economical of plans. Consider all the advantages of member. each plan and make your choice during open enrollment June 7 through June 21. Your Farm Bureau secretary can help you. OPEN ENROLLMENT-JUNE 7.JUNE 21 FARM BUREAU MARKET PLACE FARM EQUIPMENT FARM EQUIPMENT FARM EQUIPMENT NURSERY STOCK. International "an'ester. "MD" Tractor. Strawberry plants (Maryland virus "og ~qulpment - Dei-Air Heat Ex- Complete Line of l"Iew and Used Irri- 1952. Very good condition. Excellent free). Midway. All Star. Earllglow. changers. Osborne Feeders. K.G. John- gation Equipment - Also equipment tires. extra hubs for duals. $1.600. Archie Sparkle. 25 - $5. 100 - $14. 1000 - son Farrowing Crates. Chore-Time Feed- for manure pumping and spreading by gun. tanker. or InJection. Plummer Magsig. 8833 U.S. 27. DeWitt. Mich. $75. Add $1.50 under $10. over 15%. Ing. Mix-Mill Systems. Hamilton Distri- 48820. Phone 5 I 7-669-9920. (5-23p) I lit J Wolverton Nursery. 6197 Lake. Mill- buting Company. 616-751-5161. Supply. Inc .. 1-800-632-7731. (1-12t-23p) Ington. Mich. 48746. 517-871-2325. (6-12t-23p-ts) WAI"ITED: 1"1.1.corn picker and I"I.U. (5-30p-ts) Grain Dryers - Stormor Ezee-Dry. Farm l"Iylon Web - 740'xl/."xl" for hog con- field equipment. Phone 517-523-2803. finement collars. $135 Includes freight. evenings. (2-12t-IOp-ts) "Grow your own sweet potatoes I" Fans Automatic. Used Dryers. PTO and Johannes. 60593 - 46th St.. Lawrence. Varieties: Portrlcans. Algold. Nuggetts. Automatic. Hamilton Distributing Com- Mich. 49064. Phone 616-674-8203. nay feeder for outside 12 bale capacity. "Bunch," Centennial. Nancyhall. Cop- pany.616-751-5161. (6-12t-17p-ts) (5-15p) $325. Phone 517-321-3715. (4-2t-15p) perskins. 50 plants - $7.98; 100 - $11.98; 500 - $22.95. Postpaid. Fred's Two J.D. chuck wagons. 3 beaters and Plants. Dresden. Tenn. 38225, phone roofs. Like new. $2.000 each. Richmond. 901-364-5419. (5-28p-ts) CLASSIFIED AD POLICY phone 3 I 3- 727-1060. (5-15p) Gladiolus Bulbs - buy direct from 6-Row Bean Equipment. 2 J.D. 3-point grower and save. All very large. healthy - Farm Bureau members pay 25 cents per word for all cultivators. stiff-spring shank. $400 bulbs. Grand Champion varieties. Rain. each. J.D bean puller. $390. Innis wind- bow Brite mixture. 50 bulbs. $6.00. 100 c1assified advertisements. rower. $900 at delivery. I.H.C. potato bulbs. $10.00. Postpaid. Send orders to -All other advertisers pay 50 cents per word for one insertion digger (double size point). one row. Glad Bulbs-R. Box 55. Zeeland. Mich. and 45 cents per word for two or more consecutive insertions $125. Can load. Frankenmuth. 517- 49464. (4-2t-37p) 652-6612. (5-32p) of the same ad. -All advertisements are subject to a I5-word minimum l"Iever used. I 20 gallon fuel tank with charge. including member ads. Fill Rite series. 5200 hand pump. $150 -Please indicate if you are a Farm Bureau member. or best offer. Phone 517-627-9234. DOGS (5-19p) -The deadline for ads is the first Monday of the month preceding publication. Registered Giant Black Schnauzer dog. available for stud service. Phone - All ads must be pre'paid and may be pre-paid up to one 616-673-6759. (4-2t-15p) year in advance. LIVESTOCK -It is the responsibility of the advertiser to re-insert the ad on Duroc Boars and Gilts sound and a month-by-month or year-by-year basis. durable. Delivery available. Jim Pre- -The publisher has the right to reject any advertising copy vlch. 8147 Forrlster Road. Adrian. Mich. MISCELLANEOUS submitted. 49221.517-265-4112. (6-12t-18p) -No ads will be taken over the phone. Attorney - Farm Born and Raised. For Sale: Aggressive. purebred York- Familiar with dairy. cash crop. beef and shire and "ampshlre boars. reason- Fill out form below and mail to: ably priced. Ro-B Farms. Swartz Creek. most farm programs. Engaged In gener- al practice of law with emphasis on Rural Living. P.O. Box 30960. Lansing. Mich. 48909 Phone 313.635-3788. (3-3t-15p) estate planning. bankruptcy. financial ------------------------- Name Free Catalog - Wholesale prices. reds. cornish cross. barred rocks. sexllnks. problems and associated areas. Desire to work with agricultural related clients. Available statewide. Call or write Thomas white rocks. leghorns. turkeys. ducks. Budzynski. 25550 N. River. Mt. Clemens. Reich Poultry Farms. R.D.I.. Marietta. MI 48045. 313-463-5253. (l-6t-52p-ts) Pennsylvania 17547. (l2-6t-22p-ts) Address Scholarships. thousands available. Milking Shorthorn: Young bulls. year- We guarantee college and high school lings and calves for sale. Write or visit students five financial sources they Stanley M. Powell and Family. Ingleside quality for. regardless of Income. grades Farm. Route 2. 3248 Powell Hwy .. Ionia. or financial need. Most receive over 20 Mich. 48846. (2-6t-27p) after completing our questionnaire. DFarm Bureau member DNon-member Send $3 for informative scholarship Dieterle Corrledale sheep. give shear brochure and questionnaire (refundable). Run the following ad in the issue(s): pleasure. Breeding stock. Blue ribbon Nationwide Scholarship Finders. Box fieeced fiock. Spinning Fleece's. phone 2257. Lynchburg. Virginia 24501. 313-429-7874. (5-l2t-15p) (5-48p-ts) Baby chicks. ducklings. turkeys. $2.000 worth of Windell outlasted guineas. goslings. bantams. fighting by $6.00 worth of an unbelleveable games. pheasants. bobwhites. chukars. product. Call Yvonne at 313-429-2395. incubators. hatching eggs. medications. (5-15p) supplies. Free picture brochure. Country Hatchery. Inc .. Box 747-Y. Wewoka. OK Satellite Antenna Brokers l"Ieeded - 74884. (3-3t-28p-ts) no experience required. Buy direct from distributor. Bypass middleman. Whole- Live trout. walleye. bass. perch. sale $581. Retail $1.195. Call day or bluegllls. catfish. Feed. supplies. night: 303-636-0663 or write: Antenna. Stoney Creek Trout Farm. Grant. 616- P.O. Box 15236. Colorado Springs. Col- 834- 7720. (5-3t-15p) orado 80935. (2-tfn-33b-ts) Registered Brown Swiss. Two cows and one yearling. Top sires. Nice type. Kenneth Tobey. Corunna. Phone 517- REAL ESTATE 743-4118. (5-16p) Marco Island. florida. Gulf front con- do; balcony. pool and gorgeous view. NURSERY STOCK. Perfect spot for a honeymoon, Phone 313- 749-5546 or 313-435-1556. (3-4t-17p) Berry Flants - Raspberries. strawber- ries. blueberries. currants. gooseberries. Eighty acre farm near Fetoskey. Ideal others. Free catalog. Maklelskl Berry gentleman's farm. close to all-seasons' Nursery. 7130 Platt Road. Dept. RL. Ypsi- recreation. Land contract terms. $78.500. lantI. Mich. 48197. Phone 313-434-3673. Words lnsertions----Total Due _ (11-12t'22p) Jack Van Treese and Associates. Phone 616-347.3943. (3-3t-19p) RURAL LIVING, MAY 19851 , Maybe insurance isn't on the top of your , your risk? At your Production Credit and list of priorities. But "risk" should be. Years Federal Land Bank Associations, we're qualified ago, many farmers and ranchers could self- to help. We serve farmers exclusively, and insure themselves. But today their investments we have the financial and agricultural know- are too great. They have too much at stake. how to assist you. Farming has become capital-intensive. How much hail insurance is right for And because it is, insurance has become a your operation? At your PCA and Land Bank, very sophisticated subject. "What can I we'll give you competitive rates and straight afford to put at risk?" is a much more pressing answers. Call us today about hail insurance. question to ask your insurance counselor Ask us questions, and we'll ask a few of our than, "How much does hail insurance cost?" own. We think our expertise can help. What's at stake is so much more than your The Production Credit Association and sweat equity and a chunk of your savings. Federal Land Bank Association, both are part m Today it's more often business equity ~ ell of Farm Credit Services. Helping and credit payments. ~a you harvest the success you So who can help you measure ~ ~ deserve. ~~RV'.C~~", • •• C •. 0 o. Mr. 8t Mrs. Jim Zulauf's new daughter, Jenna, received Michigan ag products from Pat "'urray of the Duron County FB Women. Photo by Duron Daily Tribune Events Promote Understanding and Support for Farmers By Marcia Dltchie state Legislature and represen- mercy of Mother Nature and tatives of state government they can't do much about that. "From television, we're used agencies were told that Michi- They are also often at the mer- to seeing farmers in tractor gan agriculture will survive the cy of decision makers, those hats pounding their fists on lec- current farm economic crisis who make decisions that im- turns and telling sad tales of with the support of key pact on our farm businesses. hard times. What we heard in- decision-makers. We believe we can do something stead was a success story. "It is true that agriculture about that, by making an effort "These were farmers obvious- today is not the dynamic in- . to gain understanding of and ly proud of what they are, proud dustry it was a few years ago support for our industry and its of what they stand for and the and that we hope it will be needs. That's what Agriculture fact that they feed the world," again, but let me assure you, Day is all about," she said. wrote Jeff Ellsworth, news edi- agriculture, especially here in Key challenges for agriculture tor for the Ionia Sentinel-Stan- Michigan, is not going down the in the months ahead which the dard, in an editorial following tube," said Diane Horning, first women discussed with their the Ionia County Farm Bureau's vice chairperson of the MFB guests included the farm econ- second annual Agriculture Women's Committee. omy, Farm Bill '85, the federal Understanding Day dinner. "There will be casualties in deficit and its impact on inter- Ellsworth was one of nearly this severe economic crunch est rates, water rights and ani- 100 farmers and their urban we're currently experiencing mal care. guests attending the event, and we grieve for those casual- Across the state, county sponsored by the Women's ties and the trauma those farm women's committees sponsored Committee on March 18. families will suffer," she said. a variety of activities during Throughout Michigan FB "But there will be a majority of Agriculture Week. members were telling the farm- survivors and these farmers will In Presque Isle County, the in- er's story in this positive man- continue to work toward the formation and women's commit- ner to the urban population economic well-being of their tees developed a food trivia during National Agriculture own businesses and of the in- game consisting of 15 questions Week, March 17-23. dustry of which they are a part. on the dairy industry which were At an Ag Day breakfast meet- "As a very small minority, broadcast over radio station ing in Lansing on March 20, farmers realize they can't do WHAK.Three questions were sponsored by the MFB Women's this alone. They're often at the asked each day for five days. Committee, members of the The first caller with the correct 20 RURAL LIVING, MA Y 1985 Working with a local news- skills in needleworking the paper, the Tuscola County FB quilt's blocks, which were Women designed Ag Under- assembled by Sally Strater. standing Week placemats with "The quilt is a vivid reminder an unusual twist - the place- of agriculture as an industry," mats had photos of area said Faye Postma, Information farmers on them with the cap- Committee chairperson, "As a tion, "Can You Identify These single block (commodity), it's Farmers?" The eight farmers beautiful but not very useful. had been featured in the paper The real beauty and purpose in- during the last year. A follow up tended by the creator shine out article the next week revealed in full function and splendor as the names of those pictured. the pieces come together:' In Mecosta County, the FB Women awarded four $25 gift certificates at random to shop- pers in area grocery stores to Specially designed placemats fea- be used on food purchases. turing area farmers provided a timely reminder of agriculture's Ag Day babies were desig- contributions to Tuscola County nated in several counties with restaurant-goers. mothers of the first babies born on Ag Day receiving a basket of answer received a $3 gift Michigan food products. coupon donated by the MMPA Along with an array of local Hillman local and the Rogers farm products, the Ag Day baby City IGA, and redeemable at the .in Chippewa County received a store for dairy products. homemade quilt designed by FB In Ingham County, the 100th member Cathy Tucker. It fea- visitor to FB displays on Michi- tured 18 blocks illustrated with Ag Day babies and bundles of locally grown ag products. Many Michigan farm products also gan food products in two gro- made the news in Eaton and cery stores each received a $50 community action group mem- Cheboygan counties. gift certificate to be used for bers expressed their embroidery food products. In other counties, breakfast and luncheon meetings were held with local government of- ficials to discuss county issues which have an impact on agri- culture. Other activities includ- ed a luncheon with county school principals to discuss the Agriculture in the Classroom project; giving free samples of milk to customers at a grocery store with the cost split 50-50 Little James Garcia of Tuscola County received a bushel basket of Michi- between the county FB and the gan food products and warm wishes to mark his /lAg Day" birthday. "is grocery store; and giving the Ag parents, James and Donneica, accepted the gifts from county Women's in the Classroom presentation Committee member Shirley Barriger. Yhoto by Tuscola County Advertiser in schools. RURAL LIVING, MA Y 1985 21 Discount Farm Fasteners. & Hardware Program ORDER FORM HEXAGON BOLT ~ Quantity per package GRADE # 5 '~OARSE THREAD PLATED Price per package He)C Lock Flat LGT 1-1/2 2 2-1/2 3 3-1/2 4 5 6 Nuts Washer Washer DIA 40 35 30 25 20 20 10 10 10 150 150 150 1/4 1.16 1.32 1.43 1.49 1.43 1.71 1.21 1.38 1.64 1.60 .94 1.27 40 35 30 25 20 20 10 10 10 150 150 150 5/16 1.71 1.98 2.09 2.05 2.04 2.53 1.54 2.09 2.64 2.53 1.05 1.60 40 30 20 20 10 10 12 10 8 120 100 100 3/8 2.42 2.48 2.04 2.42 1.43 1.76 2.48 2.59 3.08 2.97 1.38 1.60 20 10 10 10 10 10 10 8 6 60 60 60 7/16 1.82 1.16 1.43 1.71 1.98 2.26 2.59 2.64 2.37 3.08 1.27 1.60 10 10 10 10 10 10 8 6 5 50 50 50 1J 2 1.21 1.71 1.87 2.26 2.59 2.92 2.64 2.42 2.59 2.64 1.54 2.37 5 5 5 5 5 5 4 4 25 25 25 5/8 1.27 1.49 1.76 2.04 2.31 2.59 2.59 3.03 3.03 1.43 2.37 5 5 5 5 5 4 4 4 24 18 18 3/4 2.15 2.42 3.14 3.19 3.52 3.19 3.85 4.40 4.35 1.65 2.53 DIRECTIONS FOR ORDERING: CARRIAGE BOLT Quantity per package To order, simply indicate the number of Price per package COARSE THREAD PLATED packages desired by placing a 1, 2 or 3, etc., in LGT the proper square for the size needed. (Note: You DIA 1.1/2 2.1/2 4 must order full package quantities only.) Then cir- 50 50 50 50 50 25 25 25 cle the square that you have marked. Be careful to 1/4 1.40 1.95 2.25 2.65 3.00 2.15 2.55 3.07 mark the correct square on this full-page order 50 50 50 50 25 25 25 25 form. Fill out the shipping information below and 5/16 2.40 2.95 3.55 4.27 2.59 3.31 4.03 4.75 enter the total cost for each kind of hardware you 25 25 25 25 25 10 10 10 ordered. 3/8 1.95 2.25 2.75 3.00 3.72 1.92 2.35 2.76 SHIPPING INFORMATION - Please print clearly. 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 Name 1.39 1.65 1.92 2.16 2.51 3.31 3.84 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 Address 1.80 2.16 2.47 2.83 3.48 4.08 4.75 Zip Send your order to: Hi-Grade Nut & Bolt Com- Phone pany, 1490 Maplelawn S.W., Wyoming, Mich. Total Cost of Hexagon Bolts $ 49509. Your check, made payable to Hi-Grade Nut & Bolt Company, must accompany the order. Total Cost of Hex Nuts $ Freight prepaid on orders of $50 or more. For more information call 616-538-9900 or Total Cost of Lock Washers $ 616-532-9000. Total Cost of Flat Washers $ A complete catalog of available hardware prod- ucts (drill bits, hacksaw blades, bins, etc.) can be Total Cost of Carriage Bolts $ obtained from your county Farm Bureau secretary TOTAL ORDER $ at no cost. Tax (if applicable) $ GRAND TOTAL $ FaRm~ MEMBERS ONLY BUreaU SPEAK UPI Meetings Encourage Input for MFB's Five-Year Goal Plan By Connie Turbin is timid, uncertain or totally data and forecasting five-year preoccupied with today," he trends for the Michigan Farm "A voluntary, non-profit says. "People only have so Bureau and its affiliated com- association that wishes to do much time, money and energy panies. Committee members long range planning quickly and they will put them where are identifying trends using discovers how meager the avail- they count the most - in a well baseline data from organiza- able information is. Most books managed organization that tional. operations and activities on the subject are written for knows what it is about and in 1978, present available data, businesses and the 'top down' where it is going." and a set of external data such planning model so successful in Committee chairperson Mike as conditions in the general and the corporate world. Kovacic touts the effort as a farm economies, farm popula- "But the world of the volun- continuation of MFB's commit- tion in the state and other fac- tary associations is not the ment to excellence. "Michigan tors affecting the organization's same as the business world. Farm Bureau has the reputation future programs and activities. There is a different way of of being a very progressive "Basically, the process works reaching for goals in the state Farm Bureau. The work of by looking at organizational organization's future." the committee in long range categories of membership, in- With that introduction, planning is a way to look for- come and expense, physical Thomas Hatcher, president of ward to how we can better the plant, organizational structure Futures Unlimited, Inc., gave organization and make it be of and leadership, programs and members of the MFBLong Range more service to the members of activities, and external data," Planning Committee their start the organization." Kovacic says. "We look at where in a 12- to 18-month process of The committee, which met for the organization was in 1978 goal setting and implementa- the first time in December for each of the categories, then tion for the organization. 1984, is charged with collecting we look at today, and project "What we are describing is a the trend for 1990. The assump- participative planning process; tion is that if nothing is done to it develops the skills of the alter it, there is no reason to planning team and taps into "SPEAK UP" MEETING assume the trend is going to the creativity of the entire SCUEDULE change until some action or organization. Members, staff condition modifies it." and the board of directors all Monday, June 17 - Chalet Those trend projections, have clearly defined roles to Center, Gaylord called "forecasts," will be com- play, and the broad base of the Tuesday, June 18 - Marriott pleted in May. In June, the long process allows everyone who Inn, Grand Rapids range planning process will participates to have ownership take another major step in par- of the outcome," says Hatcher, Wednesday, June 19 - Sher- ticipative planning. who has guided non-profit or- aton Inn on Jackson At four open meetings sched- ganizations such as the United Square, Jackson uled June 17-20 at Gaylord, Way, the American Farm Bureau Thursday, June 20 - Holiday Grand Rapids, Jackson and Sag- Federation and others through Inn, Saginaw (Holland inaw, Farm Bureau members the process. Road at 1-75) will have the opportunity to "An organization that knows review and react to the "fore- where it's going is more attrac- casts." Those who attend the tive, more alive and more likely (continued on page 29) to continue living than one that RURAL LIVING, MAY 1985 2.3 AGRINOMIC UPDATE Work Comp Reforms Delping to Improve Michigan's Business Image After years of bad press, peal and a decision by the per week by that same employer Michigan's Worker's Disability Worker's Compensation Appeals for five or more consecutive Compensation System is mak- Board. Twenty-four bills have weeks shall provide such em- ing a comeback to competitive been submitted to the House ployees with certain limited rates for employers and bene- and Senate labor committees medical and hospital coverage fits for workers. that would restructure the for all personal injuries arising Reforms to the system, imple- system by tern porarily expand- out of and in the course of their mented in 1981, have been in- ing the number of appeals employment suffered by such strumental in positioning Michi- board members and making employees. gan business more favorably in other administrative changes. In 1972 the Michigan Su- competition with neighboring "That the current system is preme Court, in the case of states, according to Don Brad- overwhelmed by the volume of Gallegos v. Glaser Crandell Co., shaw, vice president and worker's disability compensa- ruled that the Worker's Disabili- general manager, farm Bureau tion decisions that have been ty Compensation Act of 1969 Mutual Insurance Co. of Michi- appealed is evidenced by the was unconstitutional to the ex- gan and farm Bureau General three-year backlog of cases tent it excluded from disability Insurance Co. of Michigan. waiting for adjudication," says compensation benefits those "four years ago, Michigan's Ron Gaskill, MfB's agricultural agricultural workers who were worker's disability compensa- labor policy specialist. paid on a piecework basis and tion rates were nearly double "The changes will make the those agricultural workers who those in neighboring states. work comp system of adminis- worked less than .35 hours per They have been lowered sub- tration more responsive to the week and/ or less than 1.3 con- stantially since 1981," he says. needs of employers and em- secutive weeks for the same "The reforms mandated an im- ployees while continuing to put employer. mediate 20% rate reduction. downward pressure on insurance As a result of the Gallegos Since that time competition in costs," Gaskill says. "We have decision, all agricultural the insurance industry has clear policy direction from our employers who employed three brought even lower premium members to work for changes in or more employees at one time rates for employers. In fact, the work com p system that will were subject to the act and many agricultural employers in- streamline the claims process, were required to provide full sured by farm Bureau Mutual's and we are going to be very in- work comp coverage for their work comp policies have had volved as this issue moves employees, regardless of the savings as much as 40% to through the Legislature." number of hours per week or 50% below the standard in- Michigan's Worker's Disability the number of consecutive dustry rates." Compensation Act of 1969 clear- weeks their employees worked. Initial changes made to the ly indicates those agricultural However, in December 1984, work com p system by the Legis- employers who are subject to the Michigan Supreme Court, in lature in 1981 reduced employer the act and the coverage they the case of Eastway v. Elsenga, costs by creating more competi- must provide for their reversed its decision in the tion among insurance carriers employees: Gallegos case and reinstated and by mandating that Michi- (1) All agricultural employers the two abeve-described cate- gan's State Accident fund of three or more regular em- gories of agricultural employers reduce its premium costs for ployees paid hourly wages or who are subject to the act. work comp insurance to employ- salaries, and not paid on a "It's too early to tell what the ers. While these actions aided piecework basis, who are em- effect of this decision will be on employers by reducing premium ployed .35 or more hours per work comp coverage require- costs, they did nothing to ease week by that same employer for ments for agricultural employ- the increasing number of cases 1.3or more consecutive weeks ers," Bradshaw says. "Until we brought before the Workers' during the preceding 52 weeks get clear interpretation and Compensation Appeals Board. must provide their employees direction from the Michigan In- Now, reports MfB's Public Af- with full worker's disability surance Bureau, we are advising fairs Division, legislation has com pensation coverage. our work comp policyholders to been introduced which would (2) All agricultural employers maintain their present coverage. reduce the amount of time be- of one or more employees who "Our primary concern is that tween filing a work comp ap- are employed .35 or more hours our insureds are adequately 24 RURAL LIVING, MA Y 1985 protected. There is the possibili- run as high as $100,000, the ty that a new employer, just employer's direct liability could coming into the business, may be substantial - and devas- receive incomplete or inaccu- tating to the farm operation - rate information about the im- if he is not insured properly." pact of this Michigan'Supreme At this time, Bradshaw says, Court decision. If he does not no changes in work comp cover- obtain work comp coverage, he ages offered by FB Mutual are could be seriously jeopardizing planned. "We feel we are the his operation. He needs to take leaders in agricultural worker's Let Us a careful look at the kind of disability compensation in- Put The liability he may be incurring surance in this state. Farm ~ROTEC Power down the road." Bureau Mutual is the only com- Any employer not required to pany to offer the Agricultural In Your Hands carry work comp insurance can elect to voluntarily subject Work Comp Safety Group pro- gram, which gives the small • •• - •• himself to the act and thereby operator a chance to reduce his Windpower provide his employees with net premium costs through divi- Electricity work comp protection. Obvious- dends. The Safety Group pro- ly, employers who are not sub- gram, combined with our low Generating ject to the act and do not elect agricultural minimum premium Systems to provide coverage for their requirements, presently provide employees do not pay work the best work comp coverage at AEROTEC Industries Inc. comp costs. However, they do the least possible cost. P.O. Box 114 not have that act's "exclusive "We are proud of our record Maybee, Michigan 48159 remedy" protection, therefore, of service to agricultural em- Please send more information to: they are exposed to direct tort ployers and we will be watching liability if their employee is in- the situation closely to deter- Name jured at work. mine if changes in work comp Address "Basically, 'exclusive remedy' coverage can offer economic City State_Zip means that the injured person alternatives to our policy- Phone can collect monies to pay bills holders." incurred due to an accident or loss suffered while on the job JVlACJVlASPRING SALE and a weekly compensation amount to partially offset prior income only through the Work- ~, ".", er's Disability Compensation System and has given up the right of suing (the employer) in ten-der (ten der), adj. court," Bradshaw,says. 1. easily chewed, delicate in texture. 2. MACMA Employers without work comp insurance for their employees asparagus grown by Farm Bureau members, may obtain liability insurance hand snapped, all usable with no white stem with limited medical coverage. FB Mutual's farmowners policy end, hydrocooled for maximum tenderness, provides liability protection, as taste, and shelf life. 3. look for other delectable well as medical costs, up to the policy limitation of $5,000 for items on the MACMA Spring Sale. Contact your an employee's accident or in- jury. county Farm Bureau. Although the employer re- Order Deadline: tains his right to defend his ac- tions, litigation is expensive May 10, 1985 and time consuming, with no guarantees of success. Employ- Delivery Date: ers who settle for that level of protection are "playing with Week of May 20 fire," Bradshaw says. "When Rain Date Delivery: you consider that costs for one Week of May 27 accident or injury could easily RURAL LIVING, MA Y 1985 25 The Discussion Topic Is used by Community Ac- tion Groups for monthly Uow Would Farmers Fare polley discussions. Under Tax Proposals? The need to finance the Civil retains indexing to prevent in- treasury plan also eliminates War resulted in the first income flationary "bracket creep." favorable capital gains treat- tax, imposed in 1862. Up until The top corporate rate would ment, but indexes the capital that time, federal revenues were drop from 46% to a flat 33% gains tax for inflation so only raised by excise taxes and for all corporations. That would the actual gain is taxed. This tariffs on imported goods. In mean an increase for many could be a significant provision 1872, the income tax was al- small incorporated farms and for sales of farms. lowed to expire, and for the other businesses which are In analyzing the effect such a next 40 years, the U.S. again assessed at 15% for up to plan would have on farmers, it relied on tariffs to generate $25,000 in income; 18% for is clear that since most farms revenues to finance the federal $25,001 to $50,000; 30% for are organized as sole proprie- government. $50,001 to $75,000; 40% for torships or partnerships, most In 1913, the 16th amendment $75,001 to $100,000; and 46% farmers, on the surface, would to the Constitution was ratified. for all over $100,001 in income. benefit from the lowered indi- This gave Congress the "power In exchange for lowered rates, vidual rates. And while individ- to lay and collect taxes on in- the proposal would cut back on ual farmers who are planning to come," and Congress quickly some of agriculture and other invest in equipment may wince passed a new income tax law. businesses' favorite tax breaks, at the thought of losing tax de- That first law taxed only the namely the investment tax ductions such as the invest- wealthiest 1% of the popula- credit and the accelerated ment tax credit, many analysts tion, at rates ranging from 1% depreciation provision enacted say that the loss of such provi- to 7% of income. in 1981. The investment tax sions might be good for agricul- Over the years the system has credit would be eliminated ture as a whole. The reason is evolved into an almost unman- while the accelerated deprecia- that they think the tax code has ageable, com plex collection of tion provisions would be scaled caused too much capital to flow special tax breaks, incentives back to reflect "real economic into some agricultural sectors, and loopholes. As a result, a depreciation." (The less gener- causing overproduction which wide range of proposals have ous depreciation schedule, how- reduces the chance of profita- been suggested recently to ever, would be protected from bility for many farmers. make the tax system fairer and inflation through indexing.) The In addition, elaborate agricul- simpler. tural tax shelters probably Probably the best known tax would dwindle if the treasury proposal was the one unveiled plan were adopted. The propo- by the Treasury Department in sal calls for a severe tightening late November 1984. of the breaks such partnership While the plan raises corpo- and syndicate arrangements rate taxes by about 25% (pri- now enjoy. That, too, would be marily by eliminating many applauded by those who oppose business tax breaks), individual non-farm investment in agricul- taxpayers, overall, would pay ture. 8.5% less. The treasury plan While the Treasury Depart- cuts the number of rate brack- ment plan has received the ets from 14 to three; individuals most publicity, there are a num- would pay at either a 15%, 25% ber of other proposals that have or 35% rate. received serious concern. Taxpayers filing joint returns One bill, introduced in 1983 whose incomes fall below about by Sen. Bill Bradley (D-N.Y.) and $32,000 woufd pay 15%; those Rep. Richard Gephardt (D-Mo.), with incomes in the $32,000 would impose a 14% tax on ad- to $64,000 range would pay justed gross income - total in- 25%; and incomes above come minus personal exemp- that would be assessed at tions and either standard or 35%. The treasury plan 26 RURAL LIVING, MA Y 1985 itemized deductions - up to While all of these proposals The PfA assumed elimination $40,000 for families or $25,000 basically tinker with the present of investment credit, net oper- for single persons. income tax, some critics of the ating loss, net operating loss Since only 20% of the tax- current tax system believe that carry forward, ACRES,capital payers have higher incomes, an income tax does not suffi- gains on sale of assets and the Bradley-Gephardt legislation ciently encourage saving and assumed a flat tax rate of 17%. would amount to a pure flat tax investment. They propose a Based on tax returns of farm- on the vast majority. It would complete shift of taxation from ers operating in Pennsylvania add a surtax on higher incomes income received to income con- (eliminating farms with sub- - of 12% between $40,000 and sumed. Such a "consumed" in- stantial off-farm income, but in- $65,000 and 16% above come tax - also known as a cluding large and small opera- $65,000. Thus there would be cash flow tax - would be levied tions and crop, fruit, dairy and three tax rates under this pro- on spending. It would thus ex- poultry farms) the study found posal: 140;0,26% and 30%. The clude all income set aside in that the average farm in 1983 maximum corporate income tax the form of bank savings and paid $1,911 under the current would also be reduced, from to- investments, including stocks, system after using the invest- day's 46% to 30%. bonds, mutual funds and real ment credit and net operating Bradley-Gephardt advocates estate. loss provisions. It projected say the plan would raise the that the average farmer would same amount in federal reve- have paid $4,064 if the tax rate If any change comes to nues with reduced tax rates was a flat 17% and the various because it would eliminate or the federal tax system, tax provisions outlined above restrict 45 tax breaks. it will be some form of were eliminated. The Republican version of the flat or modified flat tax The study further projected modified flat ta~ is a bill intro- that such a system would re- duced in 1984 by Sen. Robert rate system. duce Pennsylvania net farm in- Gaston (R-Wis.)and Rep. Jack come by $48.5 million per year, Kemp (R-N.Y.)Sometimes known A different approach to the and total U.S. net farm income as fAST (fair and Simple Tax consumption tax is offered by a by $6.75 billion per year. Act), it would cap the tax rate national sales tax and a value There can be substantial at 25%, double personal exemp- added tax (VAT), which in re- disadvantages to individual tions, and retain many of the cent years has become the farm operations from a shift to same popular deductions as main source of government rev- a flat or modified flat rate tax Bradley-Gephardt. Corporate in- enue in many European coun- system. On the other hand, come would be taxed at a max- tries. The difference between there could be counterbalanc- imum rate of 30%. the two is that the sales tax ing economic benefits that Still another proposal for a would be collected only once, at could arise from altering our modified flat tax on income has the time of sale of the finished enormously complex tax system received some attention. It is product, while the value added of bewildering regulations and the so-called SELf (Simple, Effi- tax would be assessed each loopholes. farm Bureau will cient, Low Rate & fair) Tax Plan time the product changes continue to closely monitor the Act sponsored by Sen. Dan hands during the process of various tax proposals to deter- Quayle (R-Ind.). His bill would production and wholesaling. mine their ultimate impact on eliminate most special shelters However, it appears that while production agriculture. and preferences and reduce the these other tax alternatives are number of tax rates to three: getting some consideration, it Discussion Questions 15%, 24% and 30%. Like the is most likely that if any change • Which of the proposed tax other two plans, SELf would comes to the federal tax sys- reform plans do members of repeal most exclusions and de- tem, it will be through the form your group think they would ductions as well as all credits of some kind of a flat or modi- personally benefit from the against income taxes. fied flat tax rate system. Al- most? The best known version of the though it is uncertain exactly .Would the elimination of tax pure flat tax is a proposal intro- how all farmers would fare breaks that encourage invest- duced by Rep. Mark Siljander under a revenue neutral flat tax ment in agriculture be positive (R-Mich.). His 10% flat rate tax system, the Pennsylvania farm- or negative for agriculture in act would impose a uniform ers' Association (Pf A) made the long run? 10% tax on income, retain some assumptions about a pos- • Which is more crucial this some deductions, double the sible flat rate tax system, and year ... tax reform or deficit personal exemptions to $2,000 then projected some probable reduction? each and index these amounts outcomes of such a system for to the rate of inflation. agriculture. RURAL LIVING, MA Y 1985 27 Washington Seminar (continued from page 11) On the subject of reducing the federal deficit, Levin said he was in favor of "freezing the whole darn thing (budget), in- cluding the defense budget." He explained that he favors raising revenue by maintaining the tax on tobacco and passage of a "minimum tax" on individuals with incomes over $40,000 and Washington Legislative Seminar participants' afternoon agenda on corporations. This tax, he said, March 28 included a meeting with Sen. Riegle. who reviewed federal fiscal and tax reform issues. Riegle called F8's farm bill proposal a would impact on only 3% of in- "major alternative that will be considered carefully." dividual taxpayers and 2% of the corporations. group. Farm Bill '85 should not ty, members of the MFB board's be an election year issue, they legislative committee (Vice told the senator. President Jack Laurie of Tus- Riegle said FB's position of a cola County, Mike Pridgeon of transition period for farmers to Branch County and Dave Conk- adjust to a market-oriented lin of Shiawassee County), Presi- agriculture was "right" and that dent Smith, FB Women's Chair- the administration's proposal person Faye Adam and Young would create major disruption Farmer Chairperson Dave LoU in the industry. hosted a news briefing at the "If you try to solve this prob- National Press Club. lem overnight by just flushing a They shared the Michigan lot of people down the drain, I group's experiences in Washing- MFBPresident Smith welcomed Sen. Levin to the podium March think it would not only cause ton and their analysis of the 28 to address the F8 legislative the least efficient farmer to go reception to FB's farm bill and leaders during breakfast. out of business, but you could other priority issues with Wash- set off a domino effect in terms ington reporters. Some of the legislative lead- of falling land values and dam- In response to a reporter's in- ers met with Sen. Levin in his age in the farm credit structure. quiry, "Aren't you disappointed office. "We talked to him about "The Farm Bureau proposal that you didn't reach your goal Farm Bureau's Farm Bill '85," will be one of the major 'alter- of nine congressmen making a said Gary Spicer of Jackson natives that will be considered commitment to co-sponsor your County. "The first thing he said in terms of a carefully staged farm bill?" Conklin put the ac- was, 'How much is it going to transition period, going to a tivities of the four-day trip in cost?' We told him the estimate market-oriented system, but do- perspective. over fours years. He wrote it ing it in a way that doesn't "This trip to Washington was down and said, 'Boy, that's an cause massive disruption at a not an end in itself. Our job awful lot of money.' But he put time when agriculture has al- here was to present our bill and a pencil to it and figured out it ready been weakened by high gain understanding of what it was about $150 per family. ') interest rates and erosion of our offers," he said. "When our can live with this,' he said," export markets," Riegle said. farmers return home, they'll Sen. Don Riegle provided re- He told the FB members that share their experiences here in freshments to the legislative "getting the federal deficit and Washington at county and com- leaders along with his view- the trade deficit down, so our munity action group meetings points on Thursday afternoon in interest rates will faIL" will be and stimulate others to contact a Russell Building hearing vital to the future of the agri- their congressmen urging sup- room. His analysis that two ma- cultural industry. port for our bill. jor issues - the federal deficit "With that kind of grassroots Friday, March 29 and tax reform - could make it activity, we don't think there difficult for Congress to resolve While county legislative will be any problem at all in the farm policy issue before the leaders critiqued the 25th an- gaining co-sponsorship of Farm current farm program expires in nual Washington Legislative Bureau's bill by Michigan's con- September, did not receive fa- Seminar and made suggestions gressional delegation." vorable reaction from the for improving next year's activi- 28 RURAL LIVING, MA Y 1985 "We should see the effects of Each year we work with the five Speak Upl this five year plan take shape in year goal plan, there will be (continued from page 23) the 1985-86 program year, and changes and refinements to im- meetings will also be invited to have a solid foundation toward prove the future of this organi- make their own suggestions for goal attainment in the subse- zation even more. The major FB programs and activities. quent years," Kovacic says. "We thing is that it will mean a more The meetings have been are at the beginning of what efficient use of dollars and a dubbed "Speak Ups" and, will be a dynamic process for clearer direction for the total Kovacic says, the entire organi- the Michigan Farm Bureau. organization," zation is on the invitation list. "We're hoping for participation from all membership categories and employees of Michigan BUY YOUR NEXT CAR AT 1% Farm Bureau and the affiliated companies," OVER FACTORY INVOICE This is really a key step in long range planning for a volun- Save hundreds of dollars on tary organization, says Hatcher. a new American car or truck! "The more people that partici- pate (in "Speak Up" meetings), Sav-On Cars is furnishing Farm Bureau members important the greater the success of the car-cost information which will save you substantial time project. In addition to the deci- and money when shopping for your next car. * sions that people make to keep things or change things, they Save-on Cars with Your Farm Bureau - HERE'S HOW: will be asked to come up with • Select as many cars or trucks as you are seriously considering. Fill in the appropriate in- ideas for new directions, new formation on the coupon below. • Within one business day of receiving your request we will return to you a computer programs and new ways of do- printout personalized for the specific model(s) you have selected. This Car-Option ing things," Printout will show you the wholesale and retail cost for the base model and for each That's what makes this plan- and every option available on that particular model. ning process exciting, he says, • You pick the options YOU want, at home, without being pressured. Then, at the bot- tom of your Car-Option Printout you will find a simple form to fill out which will help because it taps into the crea- you calculate the final dealer invoice cost, including any mandatory charges. tivity of the entire organization. • Use this price to negotiate your best deal with your local dealer, OR, if we list a par- ''It stimulates a new sense of ticipating factory-authorized dealer in your general area, you can buy the car from him at an average of just 1% over dealer invoice. 'belonging' to the organization and gives members 'ownership' of the goals developed by the Please send me a price and options printout for each model listed below. board of directors with broad Style based input," Model Year Make Model IMPORTANT There's plenty on the agenda Example for each of the meetings, says LESABRE 4-DOOR 1985 BUICK LIMITED SEDAN Kovacic, but he promises that the meetings will hold firmly to the three hour schedule. "Speak nd Ups" are planned to begin at 7 2 car p.m. and will end at 10 p.m. rd The timetable for the project 3 car will peak in July when members PRICES: $9 for 1 car, $17 for 2 cars, $24 for 3 cars. of the MFB board of directors Please Print will receive the combined report of the committee and "Speak Name Up" meeting results. At that Address time, the board will develop goals for the organization to be City State Zip implemented in action plans Here is my: DC heck DMastercard or Visa Card if Expiration Date which outline specific objec- Farm Bureau Membership if tives and activities to achieve Mail with payment to: Sav-On Cars the organizational goals. 26711 Northwestern Hwy., Suite 336 Southfield, Michigan 48034 • Due to demand. some mode4s may not be available for prompt delivery. RURAL LIVING, MAY 1985 29 Legislative Review operation for the benefit of pro- average of the previous three (continued from page 7) years' milk price. The price sup- ducers and consumers alike sion of the dairy program under port should be adjusted effec- while reducing federal expendi- the 1985 farm bill will adjust tive Oct. 1 of each marketing tures, Smith testified. price according to market year. This method of deriving signals derived from average an initial support rate incor- Researcb and Extension price history and levels of gov- porates the signals that are In testimony before a subcom- ernment purchases. necessary to make the program mittee of the House Agriculture FB recommends that the dairy more responsive to market con- Committee regarding the re- purchase program be continued ditions search and extension title of but believes the support rate FB's proposed revisions to the the 1985 farm bill, MFB Presi- should be set at 90% of the dairy program will improve its dent/ AFBF President Elton R. Smith insisted that new pro- grams providing extension ser. vices to non-farm people must QUINAULT EVERBEARING STRAWBERRIES not come at the expense of pro- grams for farmers. Research priorities listed by PICK BERRIES UP TO 2" IN DIAMETER FROM JUNE .. TILL FROST Smith included projects to find: solutions to national energy 10 for $1.95 25 for $ 3.95 problems using agricultural 50 for $6.95 100 for $11.95 projects; better solutions to en- PLANT THIS YEAR - HARVEST THIS YEAR vironmental concerns; disease, Here's ~ gre~t-t~sting, he~vy.beuing new everbe~ring weed and insect controls; new Str~wberry th~t grows so big we hesit~te to tell you •. we're '~fr~id you won't believe us. But they h~ve been crop varieties adapting nutri- found as big u tea cups! This amazing berry was de- tional values and suitable for veloped by WUhington State University. It is well on its w~y to being the gre~test performer ever. Quinault has been mechanical handling and proc. tested in 13 states and C~n~d~ with excellent performance record for size, tute and plant growth. IT WAS FOUND TO essing; marketing improve- BE THE MOST DISEASE-FREE is so new the Quin~ult EVERBEARING WE HAVE EVER TESTED! is still being tested. But it appears to have all the properties to m~ke Because it ments; new crops, especially it a very popular ... if not the MOST POPULAR VARIETY OF EVERBEARING STRAW- those adaptable to erosion BERRIES. AMAZE YOUR FRIENDS - pick quarts of big, delicious Strawberries every few weeks all summer long! PI~ce your order tod~y and get them started now. Order at least SO prone land; new ag product plants to try them out ... or more if you c~n h~ndle them. PI~nt Quinault Everbearings this Spring and begin huvesting big, red, ripe Str~wberries .. often in just 6 weeks •••. uses; and disposal methods for ~nd a" summer long. chemical containers and haz- EASY- TO-GROW - BIG-TENDER FROM YOUR GARDEN, VERY .. ardous wastes. DELICIOUS EASY-TO-GROW TENDER - MEATY ASPARAGUS DELICIOUS Canadian Pork Subsidies OLD-FASHIONED - The International Trade Com- 10 plants only $1.00 mission made a preliminary rul- 20 for $1.95 VICTORIA ing in late March that the Cana- 30 for $2.85 RHUBARB dians are subsidizing their pork , \ " L. I 5 Roots only $1.00 Big. tender, delicious - and perhaps the euiest I 10 for $1.95 15 for $2.85 exports at .3.9 cents per pound. of all summer "ege. t~blesl Once established How about some old.fashloned Once the ITC ruling is published Rhubarb plel It Is euy to start the original planting usu~lIy produces for 20 \ I ;~:ws t:ISnewVI~~~~la ev:,;u~~~~ in the Federal Register, any im. years! Martha Washing- ton variety produces " . ,,', ,I \ ' without II tlful replantingl flowers. Gives beau- too. Makes a nice porter of Canadian pork will be abu nda nt, gi~nt-size with tender tips. , ~ 1',1 ':," perennial border. Large 5/1" to 1" nursery stock. Sorry. can't required to pay a duty on the ,.. \ . ORDER HERE be shipped to California. -, import. IHOUSEOFWESLEY,NURSERYDIVISION "This decision should send an FULL ONE-YEAR I DEPT. 5931-52 important message to others in GUARANTEE 'BLOOMINGTON,ILLINOIS61701 If within one year of re- the world," USDASecretary HOW CAT, ceipt of your order any MANY NO. DESCRIPTION COST Block told over 100 MFB mem. plants do not live, just RE- N6211 Martha Washin ton As ara us TURN THE SHIPPING LA- bers in Washington, D.C., March N6607 uinault Everbearin Strawberries BEL ONLY for a free N6772 Victoria Rhubarb 28. "The message is simple and replacement or purchase price refund, your choice. Illinois Residents add 6%' Sales Tax --,6-51 to the point: We will not back Postage and handling . We guarantee plants to be I off from our responsibilities to vigorous, healthy, and NAME TOTAL S 1 first class in every way. t the American farmer in chal- I The WARRANTY IS VOID 1 ADDRESS I lenging unfair trade practices." UNLESS THE SHIPPING I I LABEl IS RETURNED. LIcITY STATE ZIP jI .30 RURAL LIVING, MA Y 1985 Spring .. Fix-up Specials Turner* Solidox* Welding Torch Kit Turner* Self- 'L("., '- ..... _~ " ' ./ • Safe and economic braZing and ~- Igniting Torch r welding kit. • Combines propane and oxygen to ' produce 5000 F flame. ~ - • The safety multi' purpose torch . • Kit con"talns: Sohdox torch . • Self Igniting, Instant flame at the 14.1OZ. propane. two welding ~ touch of a button. tipS. Sohdox pelfets, \ • Exclusive trigger lock prevents 5 braZing rods. protec. \ accidental Ignition . live glasses. sparklighler. IJ • Uses propane for regular Jobs or extra filter and tip cleaner. '( \ High Temperature fuel when you want 3600 F flame. I=--; 2t00'f' U l' C ~ '". ReQlstered • With easy'lo.use Instructions. OTBS Order # 6370092 -=.J Trademark 01 Coopef IndustrIes lnt TSOOO Order #637011 B '. • Rpg,ste'eo T•• oem ... ot Cooper Inaustr.es Inc List Price $47.65 Sale Price $28.52 List Price $52.00 Sale Price $31.12 '~~~"'- Turner*Portable , ,~r";'>' Welding Torch Kit .'-, \.";~ .•, • Combines propane with compressed Tongue and • ., ,I "oxygen to handle full range of torch JOb,S Groove Pliers • Contains torch With dual control Versatile tool to regulator. 141 OZ propane and 1 .. OZ Order #6300933 Order #6301295 fit objects of all ~ ~' oxygen cylinders • Braze rods protective glasses shapes . __ .~. _ ~. spar~'lghte; and two welding tipS 10" List Price 16" List Price ~ , /" CW5OVO Order #6370100 $10.85 $19.65 ,",,, • Registered Trade-marl\, 01 CUSHIONED ~" Cooper Inaustr,ps Inc GRIPS 10" Sale Price 16" Sale Price List Price $52.00 Sale Price $31.12 $7.23 $13.10 Oxygen cylinder Propane fuel cylinder #CW50 Disposable 1.4 oz. cylinder to use with oxygen/propane brazing, welding, and cutting torches. Order #6370159 I Disposable cylinder. Order #6370027 14.1 oz. List Price $8.35 Sale Price $5.53 LP175-9 Sale Price List Price Open to PubliC-Stop in, C.11 or U.. Order Form S.low QTY. I ORDER NO. PRICE EACH TOTAL $4.30 $2.86 o Check o Visa o MasterCard Card Number: SubTotal Expirati~n Date: A Real 4% Tax JIIII!!II! IiiiiiiJ F.O.B. Warren, MI 12.00 Bargain .... ~ TOTAL Signature: Ship to: Crescent. Heavy Duty Fence Tool 1936-10C Perfect tool for farm or ranch. Make check out to and mail to: Order #6301402 The Chas. A. Strelinger Co. List Price Sale Price 31855 Van Dyke, Warren, Michigan 48090 Monday-Friday, 8-5 313-268-4100 $16.40 $10.93 YOUCAN KEEP YOUR AGWORKCOMP COSTS 00 ••• With a little help from • Fann Bureau Mutual •• Insurance Company of Michigan You need agricultural workers compensation When it comes to protecting Michigan farmers, insurance to protect your farm employees. It's the we don't play follow the leader; we're right out front law, and it applies to you whether you employ with the coverages you need at prices you can many farm workers or just regular part -time afford. summer help. Lower ag work comp costs for you ... one more But you don't need to pay a lot for it. Farm reason why we are Michigan's largest farm insurer. Bureau Mutual has long been a leader in holding Your local Farm Bureau Insurance agent can tell down ag work comp costs for Michigan farmers. In you about the ag work comp program your farming fact, we've reduced our ag work comp rates four operation may need. Call today. times in the last two and a half years. Making your future a little more predictable FARM BUREAU ~ INSURANCE . GROUP INN IlRAU ~ • fARMIlRAU LEI • f_IlRAU (;INlRA! • f8 MNm Michigan Farm Bureau Non-Profit Organization Rural Living Magazine U.S. POSTAGE P.O. Box 30960 7373 W. Saginaw Hwy. PAID Lansing, Michigan 48909 Lansing. Michigan Permit No. 37