Good Ideas Get Better When They're Shared Akona - Sept. 29 Lapeer - Oct. 3 Allegan - Oct. 8 Lenawee - Sept. 19 Alpena - Oct. 10 Livingston - Sept. 26 Antrim - Oct. 9 Mackinac-Luce - Oct. 15 Arenac - Oct. 14 Macomb - Oct. 10 Barry. Manistee - Oct. 21 Bay - Aug. 25 Mason - Oct. 1 Benzie - Oct. 7 Mecosta - Oct. 7 Berrien - Nov. 1 Menominee - Oct. 9 Branch - Sept. 16 Midland - Oct. 1 Calhoun - Oct. 1 Missaukee - Oct. 1 Cass - Oct. 7 Monroe - Sept. 17 Charlevoix - Oct. 2 Montcalm - Oct. 24 Cheboygan - Oct. 15 Montmorency - Oct. 10 Chippewa - Oct. 14 Muskegon - Oct. 19 Clare - Oct. 24 Newaygo ~ Oct. 10 Clinton - Sept. 17 Northwest Michigan - Oct. 9 Copper Country - Oct. 10 Oakland - Oct. 3 Eaton - Oct. 5 Oceana - Oct. 21 Emmet - Oct. 14 Ogemaw - Oct. 24 Genesee - Oct. 8 Osceola - Oct. 15 Gladwin - Oct. 1 Otsego - Oct. 3 Gratiot - Sept. 6 Ottawa - Oct. 10 Hiawathaland - Oct. 8 Presque Isle - Oct. 7 Hillsdale - Sept. 11 Saginaw - Oct. 3 Huron - Sept. 26 St. Clair - Sept. 24 Ingham - Oct. 5 St. Joseph - Oct. 26 Ionia - Oct. 7 Sanilac - Sept. 7 losco • Shiawassee - Oct. 12 Iron Range - Oct. 5 Tuscola - Sept. 14 Isabella - Oct. 16 Van Buren - Oct. 23 (tentative) Jackson - Sept. 26 Washtenaw - Sept. 27 Kalamazoo - Oct. 8 Wayne - Oct. 8 Kalkaska - Sept. 6 Wexford - Oct. 8 Kent - Sept. 24 • Date not set at press time. Attend Your County Annual Meeting Contact your county Farm Bureau secretary for more information SEPTEMBER 1985 FARM NEWS VOL. 64 NO.9 A publication THE COVER Michigan Farm Bureau pro- of the grams and economic services were on display for visitors to Michigan MSU's Ag Expo, July 23-25. Farm Bureau Photo by Marcia Ditchie In this issue: Blue Ribbon Rural-Urban Opportunity Michigan State Fair gives Oakland County FB volunteers a blue ribbon rural-urban opportunity 8 Let's Hear It for Our County Secretaries! County secretaries get awards, recognition and training at the summer secretaries' conference 11 Delano Calls for Grassroots Contacts to Support FB's Farm Bill Proposals AFBF President Robert Delano called on FB members in every state to contact their congressmen during the summer recess to support FB's farm bill proposals 16 County & State Coordinators Exchange Ideas at MACMA Conference 19 COLUMNS Rural Route - page 4 Front & Center - page 17 Country Ledger - page 5 Agrinomic Update - page 26 Legislative Review - page 6 Discussion Topic - page 28 Rural Exchange - page 14 Farm Bureau Market Place - page 31 I'Ilchlgan farm News RURAL LIVING: MIchigan 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 1'S73 West Saginaw Highway. lansing, I'lich. 48909. Post Office Box 30960; telephone. Lansing 517-323-7000. Extension 5\ O. SUBSCRIMIOI'I FRICf:: $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 Dee. I. 1981. Third-class postage paid at Lansing. Michigan. and at additional mailing offices. f:DITORIAL: Connie Turbin. Editor and Business Manager; Donna Wilber. Contributing Editor; Marcia Ditchie. Associate Editor; Cathy J. Kirvan. Associate Editor. OfflCf:RS: I'lichigan Farm Bureau; President. Elton R. Smith. Caledonia; Vice President. John Laurie. Cass Clly; Administrative Director. Robert Braden; Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer. Matthew But- zin; Secretary. William S. Wilkinson. DIRf:CTORS: District I. 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 Lauri!':. Cass City: District 7. Robert Rider. Hart; District 8. Lyle LeCronier. Freeland; District 9. Donald Nugent. Frankfort; District 10. Margaret Kartes. West Branch; District J I. Bernard Doll. Dafter. DIRf:CTORS AT LARGf:: Dave Conklin. Corunna; Michael Pridgeon. Montgomery: Wayne Wood. Marlette. fARI'I BUREAU WOMf:I'I: Faye Adam. Snover. fARI'I BURf:AU YOUI'IG fARMf:RS: David Lott. Mason. MFBPresident Smith urges FB members to Sowing the Seeds for attend local FB policy making ses. Annual Policy Uarvest sions this fall. Harvest: the act or process of policy was gratifying. It con- waste management, the grow- gathering a crop, the time or tinues to provide the necessary ing demand for local serviCes season of such gathering, the impetus for effective member and how to finance them. result or consequence of any ac- involvement in the execution of In most Michigan commun- tion. that policy. Addressing the ities, the county FB has more Few farmers look in the dic- Farm Bill '85 issue has been human resources to get things tionary for the definition of good for our organization in accomplished than any other harvest. They know what it terms of illustrating to mem- organization. Because of its means. But in an organizational bers what they can accomplish voluntary membership power sense, the word "harvest" has through Farm Bureau. base, it can make things hap- special significance to Farm There will not be (thankfully) pen on the local scene - if it Bureau. The annual harvest of a farm bill for members to get has strong local policies to pro- grassroots farmer concerns and involved in writing every year. vide direction for action. ideas to address those concerns This does not mean that our I am pleased with the con- is what makes our organization 1985-86 policy harvest will be tinuous growth in the number so unique and effective. any less important. There are of local resolutions developed This is the season for Farm many challenges in the year by county FBs in the past few Bureau's annual policy harvest. ahead for farmers and the need years, but certainly not satis- Concerns and ideas will be for policies to address those fied that every opportunity for harvested from Community Ac- challenges is crucial. Farm impact on local decisions has tion Groups, during county, labor, water rights, animal been tapped. Using your county district and state policy welfare, soil conservation - FB to solve local problems does development meetings, and at these are just a few of the more than just solve the prob- various county and state FB issues on which Farm Bureau lems. It also enhances the im- committee meetings. The har- must have strong direction for age your members and the vest season will continue action during 1986. public have of your county FB through county, state and na- While the awareness of what as an organization that gets tional annual meetings and the tremendous power the organiza- things done. result will be a "crop" of tion's grass roots PO/PX process No other organization gives policies that will provide direc- gives to the American Farm Bu- its members more opportunities tion to Farm Bureau, at all reau Federation and the Michi- for input into policy decisions levels, during the year ahead. gan Farm Bureau has grown, I than Farm Bureau. You have a Awareness of, and apprecia- believe the potential of county right - and a responsibility - tion for, Farm Bureau's policy Farm Bureaus as a moving force to help develop a solid policy development/ policy execution in their communities is not as platform that will chart a (PO/ PX) process is probably at broadly recognized as it should clearly-defined course for your an all-time high right now. See- be. A multitude of opportunities Farm Bureau - county, state ing the results of their grass- for county FBs to take leader- and national - in 1986. Check roots PO/ PX efforts on Farm Bill ship in attacking local problems the dates of your county policy '85 - from the very birth of and making their communities development meetings and ideas on what kind of federal better places to live and do county annuals and mark those farm program would be best for business are just waiting to be on your calendars. Be there and agriculture to the introduction tapped. help harvest Farm Bureau's of FB's farm bill in Congress - Farm Bureau members are created that awareness and ap- preciation. Member involvement in the not an isolated segment of society. They are citizens of their communities, concerned ~8~Of;i~L development of that particular about their schools, their local roads and bridges, zoning, solid Elton R. Smith, President Michigan Farm Bureau 4 RURAL LIVING, SEPTEMBER 1985 Ain't We Got Funl By Connie Turbin The Chevy S- 10 awarded to Discus- Not long ago, we completed a sion Meet winner series of membership "Speak Joel Uolzhausen carries the District Up" meetings. I wasn't at all of 8 YF softball champs the meetings, but I suspect the from Isabella Co. one I attended wasn't much dif- ferent from those held in other locations around the state. Statewide Secretaries' Con- is a question that will have Farm Bureau - past present ference at Schuss Mountain, older spectators pondering and future - was pretty well July 17-18. The conference's right into cold weather. The an- discussed at those meetings. "just for fun" activities, com- swer. these young farmers from There was a lot of concern bined with workshops and Bay, Midland, Saginaw, Isabella, about "member involvement." general sessions, boosted Gladwin and Gratiot counties, "Things have changed since morale and skills. The cheering will tell you was, "It was FUN!" the early days in Farm Bureau," starts on page 11. They're already planning the se- members complained. The Flags flying above the Farm cond annual District 8 Young Young Farmers saw the organi- Bureau/ Agra Land tent and Farmer Softball Tournament for zation as a little old fashioned sunny skies over the state's next summer. and too serious. Older members largest outdoor agricultural Umpires Becky Jeppesen and bemoaned the loss of the "Farm equipment show added to the Lyle LeCronier are advising the Bureau neighboring spirit." atmosphere of fun at the 1985 Isabella County team to trea- There is a certain amount of Ag Expo, July 23-25. A photo sure that traveling trophy for truth in those generalizations layout on page 13 walks you this year because the competi- about Farm Bureau, but it through the Farm Bureau ex- tion's after them. would be too bad if they were hibit where programs and ser- On the cool side, District 5 accepted as fact. Because it vices were displayed under the Young Farmers pulled up their just ain't so. I hope the pages theme, " Together We Win." summer picnic caravan along- of this month's Rural Living will Summer in Farm Bureau side the shady lawns and blue help tell a balanced story about wouldn't be complete without at waters of Lake Lansing park for Farm Bureau people who are least one pig roast a bunch of a day of family fun and serious about their industry and picnics and at least one red-hot fellowship, Aug. 5. who share good times and Young Farmer softball game. Don't forget to add the Oak- laughter with one another. This summer fills the bill with land County Farm Bureau "Pig Oakland County Farm Bureau the MACMADirect Marketing Out" on Sept. 7. That brings us members open up this issue conference finale and hog roast back to Oakland County where with a positive approach to the at the Northwest Michigan Hor- we started, but it goes to show changing rural-urban popula- ticultural Research Station. that "fun and friendliness" in tion in southeast Michigan. In- Special guests at this outdoor Farm Bureau are where you find stead of complaining about the event were county member to it - you've just got to keep influx of "suburban" people, member coordinators and FB your attitudes on the "up" side. this spirited group has devel- direct marketing representa- I've probably missed more oped some programs and fun tives from Florida, Kansas, Wis- than a few of the "Fun-To-Do" activities that will help make consin, South Carolina, Nebras- and "Get-To-Know Ya" events friends for agriculture. ka, Missouri. Minnesota and Illi- that have happened or are com- Success sure puts a smile on nois. Make some of the Traverse ing up around the state. I'm your face! County secretaries City area tour stops with them. sorry if I missed your county, who earned a spot on the mem- Photos and story on page 19. but with all this fun in Farm bership campaign all-star team Where District 8 Young Bureau, it's just hard to keep and "Blitz to Get Rich" auction Farmers got the energy to play track. dollars were smiling at the six games of co-ed tournament softball on a hot July afternoon RURAL LIVING, SEPTEMBER 1985 5 LEGISLATIVE REVIEW National Beef and Pork sional proposal to levy the sur- Check-Off - AFBF Executive charge highly protectionist and Director John Datt expressed said the measure would invite concern for proposed national retaliation. beef and pork promotion check- The proposed legislation Federal Budget for 1986 - off programs in a letter to would target Japan, South After six months of debate, a members of the Senate Agricul- Korea, Taiwan and Brazil, en- budget resolution was passed in ture Committee last month. He couraging those countries to the U.S. House and Senate be- outlined FB's opposition to the substitute other sources of sup- fore the Aug. 2 recess. The proposal, saying that the plies. The result could be a net resolution contains no new measure does not provide for a reduction in purchases of U.S. taxes, but does not provide any producer referendum and that farm products. Further, the U.S. freeze in COLA adjustments. producers who do not wish to could open itself to similar For 1986, agriculture outlays participate are unable to obtain treatment from other countries will be $15.55 billion. The a refund of the assessment. such as the Netherlands, Egypt, House had recommended $15.8 The cost of the two programs the U.S.S.R.and Australia where and the Senate had recom- to producers could be as much U.S. merchandise exports were mended $14.5 billion. For 1987, as $150 million annually. Datt 65% greater than imports from agriculture outlays will be $16.3 pointed out that the proposed those countries. billion, and in 1988, $13 billion. national promotion program Three year outlays for agricul- could adversely affect estab- Immigration Act Reform - ture will total nearly $45 billion. lished state check-off programs. When Congress reconvenes However, the House and Senate Sept. 4, FB will seek two key ag committees must come up Protectionist Measures - amendments to S.B. 1200 (Im- with $8 billion in spending cuts for fiscal years 1986-88 to meet Agriculture would be a net loser migration Act Reform): the reconciliation requirements if the U.S. imposed a 25% sur- -The first is a search warrant of the budget resolution. charge on countries which en- amendment which would give joy large trade surpluses, owners of open fields the same warned Bruce Blanton, an AFBF Fourth Amendment protections Farm Bill Status - Neither economist. He called a congres- as owners of buildings. The the House nor Senate ag com- mittees gave final approval to the 1985 farm bill before ad- journing Aug. 2. As a result, the measure will not be ready to submit to the full House and Take a minute today to Senate until Congress recon- venes Sept. 4. House Agriculture Committee stop four years of Chairperson Kika de la Garza said that the committee will mandatory controls have to pare down costs in their farm bill mark up by at least Congress will reconvene on Sept. 4. The next $10 billion. 18 days of congressional action on the Farm Bill Sen. Jessie Helms, chairper- will affect your farm for the next four years. son of the Senate Agriculture Committee, estimated that the Senate committee's version Sign and mail the would cost $53 billion over a Farm Bill action three year period, $18.2 billion more than the congressional cards at the center budget ceiling. of this issue. See pages 16-17. 6 RURAL LIVING, SEPTEMBER 1985 Supreme Court ruled a few -In case of closing, a ware- as well as the common choke years ago that the Fourth house receipt guarantees that cherry. The importance of this Amendment to the U.S. Consti- the grain is still yours. The to our fruit industry in Michigan tution did not extend to open bankruptcy courts have upheld cannot be overstated. land. Consequently, the Immi- this. For example, abandoned vine- gration Service has taken ad- -If you choose a "price later" yards and the common choke vantage of that ruling, invading agreement, the elevator must cherry carry a disease mecha- migrant housing in search of il- either keep the grain on hand, nism known as X disease. X legal aliens. The search warrant store it elsewhere or have 80% disease has become the number amendment is also contained in of the value of the grain in one problem in peaches and is H.R. 3080, which has been in- escrow or similar protection. starting to effect sweet and tart troduced in the U.S House. -If you have a "price later" cherries. Up to 5% of Michigan's -The second amendment agreement, you can further pro- peach orchards are already in- would provide for an optional tect yourself by getting a fested with this disease and if tem porary foreign worker pro- "security interest" in the grain. left unchecked, it could have an gram for producers of perish- On your request, the dealer extreme affect on the Lake able agricultural commodities. must provide a form to obtain a Michigan fruit growing area. FB is supporting the improved "purchase money security in- This small appropriation will H-2 program which is already a terest" (PMSI).The filing of this help head off such a disaster. part of S.B. 1200. form with the secretary of state's office places the farmer Workers' Comp Reform - in the status of a "secured Gov. Blanchard recently signed creditor." Farmers are normally workers' compensation legisla- considered "unsecured credi- tion that maintains the reforms tors." As a "secured creditor," made in 1982 that expired this you would receive a prorated year, streamlines the pro- share of the assets in the case cedures used for claims (there of bankruptcy failure or insol- are several thousand claims in vency. A PMSIform provides a backlog) and provides a small priority equal to, and in some claims procedure. It also in- cases greater than, the financial Elevator Closings - A cludes a provision on sole pro- institution's, depending on the Michigan grain company with prietors which clarifies the law security lien filed by the finan- two elevators has closed, leav- and could be helpful to the ag cial institution. Elevators must ing unpaid some farmers who industry as well as other in- prominently post a notice in- have delivered grain. Some type dependent workers. forming the farmer of this pro- of reorganization will probably vision. This FB-supported occur, or bankruptcy might be change in the law last year is Wine Industry Council - involved. Over the years, FB has very important. The purpose of S.B. 112, in- promoted and supported many The MDA enforces the laws by troduced by Sen. Gast and changes in the grain laws that audits and requiring daily others and signed by the gover- have greatly reduced farmers' "position reports" from grain nor, is to promote Michigan risks in selling and storing buyers along with other require- wines and grapes. It sets up a grain. However, farmers must ments. The laws have helped to seven-member council in the do certain things to protect prevent many losses but farm- MDA and will be funded by the themselves. Some of these in- ers also have a responsibility to regular taxation on wine. The clude: protect themselves to the legislation will be useful to not -On delivery, the farmer has degree possible. only the wine industry, but also 30 days to decide what he or for planting and growing re- she wants to do with the grain, search, insect disease control, including selling, warehouse re- Funding for X Disease and marketing promotion of ceipt, price later agreement, Battle - Sen. Harry Gast, Michigan wines and grapes. etc. chairperson of the Senate Ap- -It is wise to have the eleva- propriations Committee, includ- tor put your intentions on each ed $104,000 in the new MDA scale ticket. budget to remove abandoned, disease-ridden grape vineyards RURAL LIVING, SEPTEMBER 1985 7 Blue OPP(] By Donna Wilber This changing environment has created special challenges "It's a real funny feeling for Scramlin, as president of the sometimes living in Oakland Oakland County FB, and mem- County," said dairy farmer L.C. bers of the county board. They Scramlin. "This county has a had a choice. They could resign tremendous history in agricul- themselves to the fact that ur- ture and we still have a lot of ban people had taken over the people who have roots on the area and give up their efforts to farm, but the number of farms stimulate member involvement is dwindling. That trend will in county programs - or they likely continue so we've had to could turn their challenges into evaluate what the role of the opportunities. Oakland County Farm B.ureau will be in the future." Communications: Oakland County, once the site A Top Priority of several of the nation's most They chose the latter and progressive farms, is now an ur- have turned their urbanization ban area as the metropolitan problem into an opportunity to population spills over city limits share the story of agriculture - into the surrounding country- and of Farm Bureau - with side. Condos pop up overnight non-farmers. between farms, it seems, and The Michigan State Fair, Aug. the sprawling city of Pontiac is 23-Sept. 2, provided a prime a geographic barrier between target audience for this priority the remaining prime farmland goal as the Oakland County FB in the north and south sections volunteers replaced MFB staff of the county. as the organizers and coor- dinators of the FB exhibit in "Agriculture's Amazing Acre." I "Involvement in the State Fair is a family tradition. The whole family goes, we take two or three trailers and we're there constantly," Scramlin said. "I've 8 RURAL LIVING, SEPTEMBER 1985 r- I ,l.ibbon Kural-Urban :~~tunityfor Oakland County always felt sort of guilty that farmers who participate, too. modities and forget our organi- the MFB staff had to travel from Communications is a two-way zation." Lansing to Detroit every day to street and it's not just the The Oakland County FB presi- handle the exhibit when we live farmer who is doing the edu- dent also believes that farmers just 35 miles away. cating. We learn from the city should beware of laying too "We thought this would be a people." much "heavy stuff" on urban good project for Oakland Coun- Oakland County FB has used people. "You can lose people by ty. We're short on people power some of its financial resources accentuating the negative. but we knew that members to build an agricultural promo- When they get to know us, they from surrounding counties like tion trailer for use at urban find that we are eternal opti- to participate in this activity. shopping mall displays. mists. That can't help but show We felt if we could organize and "It starts out as a little 4'x4' through even when we're talk- coordinate the display, this trailer, but it pops open and ing about our problems. But we would free up the staff people spreads out. It has a built-in have to remember to accentu- who have better things to do, projector and screen to show ate the positive and there are especially this time of year slide-tape presentations," lots of positive things about our when policy development is get- Scramlin said. "It's a real handy industry." ting kicked off." unit and we're still perfecting Scramlin believes that FB's in- it." A Salute to Insurance Agents volvement in tt:Ie State Fair is Scramlin said years of ex- There's a positive side to important and offers more op- perience at mall displays have Oakland County FB's unique portunity for interaction with taught them not to put so situation, too, and the county city people than county fairs. much emphasis on commodi- board is accentuating it. "Many of the people we meet ties that FB takes second bill- "In a county like ours, where at county fairs are those who ing. you have a growing insurance are pretty well tied to agricul- "People in the organization business and a dwindling farm ture and are real supportive of think agriculture and Farm Bu- population, it's easy for the the industry. But the people reau are synonymous, but we county board and the insurance who come to the State Fair have to remember that there company to get miles apart aren't that kind of people; are a lot of people who don't philosophically," Scramlin said. they're really urban people. You know about our organization," "There's potential for animosity. see hundreds of people every he said. "Many of them, for ex- "But there's no two ways day who have never seen a farm ample, think Farm Bureau is a about it. The insurance people animal. Their image of farmers government agency. It's a have really done a lot for our is the basic, old stereotype so shame to go to that much work membership. The county board we have a real education oppor- promoting our various com- realized that while they do a lot tunity. for us, what we were doing for "I think it's good for the them was somewhat lacking. RURAL LIVING, SEPTEMBER 1985 9 "50 we decided - why not have a big party where the in- surance people could invite their clients and we could have a mix of regular and associate mem bers having fun together?" The "big party" will be a pig roast on Sept. 7. The invitation list includes all of Oakland County's 2,260 members and their families, including grand- pa and grandma, for whom Bingo wilI be an option to the more strenuous activities. A petting zoo, a milking contest and an appearance by Ronald McDonald are just part of this family day. "There will be opportunities to find out what Farm Bureau is and what Farm Bureau Insur- ance Group has to offer, but mostly it will be a fun day," Southeast Regional Representative Susan Garner and Oakland County Scramlin said. FB President L.C. Scramlin envision a bright future for the county During the activity, county organization, despite the influx of non-farm residents to the county. "( think the (county's) role will change, but it will be a very important leaders hope to surface interest role," says Garner. in programs such as the Women's Committee, Young Farmers and local affairs. And Oakland County FB is footing "I really see a bright future it's one more opportunity for the bill for the big event and for the Oakland County Farm Oakland County to focus on its FBIG agents are serving on Bureau 10 years down the road, rural-urban comm unications committees doing much of the even when the city moves fur- priority. footwork while farmers are in ther into the country," she said. Southeast Regional Represen- their peak work season. "It's "I think its role will change tative Susan Garner sees the giving us a chance to work to- slightly, but it will be a very im- event as a chance for the mixed gether," said Scramlin. "We portant role. membership to get to know think it's real important to have "It's exciting to watch the each other. "It will give us the a good relationship and a mu- progressive attitudes of the opportunity to make the associ- tual respect for each other." board members. They're ready ate members aware that rural for a changing society and the and urban people have many Reaching Target computer era. They're looking common problems, such as an Achievement at all those things and how they schools, roads and bridges, Despite its growing urban can be most effective. taxes and solid waste manage- population, Oakland County FB "One of the things I admire ment, and that Farm Bureau ad- made its 1985 target (gain in most about Oakland County is dresses those problems," she regular members) for the first how they're always looking for said. time in several years. Scramlin ways to help other counties. "We all have families and we credits regional representative They look at whether what all have moral responsibilities Garner for making it happen. they're doing is benefiting a to our children and their fu- "Susie should be real proud of neighboring county and how tures, We have many areas in this accomplishment," he said. they can help the rest of the common with our urban neigh- "She really got on our board region. bors and we should focu's on about their responsibilities in "It's a kind of caring, family those common areas rather the drive for regular members attitude that can result in a than pointing out how different and they're very proud that really strong, united organiza- we are." they achieved target." tion, which is what we all Garner is proud of the Oak- want," she said. land County FB board, too, and visualizes a bright future for the organization. 10 RURAL LIVING, SEPTEMBER 1985 Let's Dear It for Our County FB Secretaries! By Cathy J. Kirvan gives them time to share ideas earned yardage for signing new with other secretaries," he said. members and bonus yards were The image most members awarded if the county reached have of their county Farm 'Bogus Bucks' Offered gain, target or goal by May 31. Bureau is often the image pro. as Membership Incentive At the end of the incentive jected by the county FB secre- The important role secretaries program, yardage was totaled tary. play in the membership cam- and the secretaries received 10 Recognizing the important paign was recognized this year "bogus bucks" for each yard role the secretaries play, with a "Blitz to Get Rich" incen- gained. The "bogus bucks" Michigan Farm Bureau has tive program. Secretaries were were used to bid on over 100 started an aggressive training designated the "center" on the program. It includes quarterly county FB membership team. meetings held on a regional or "Just like in football, the en- bi-regional basis and a state- tire drive revolves around the wide conference during the center," Walter said. "The summer. center is the person who helps This year's Statewide Secre- start the drive in motion and taries' Conference was held July keeps the momentum going as 17-18 at Schuss Mountain. Ac- the team pushes closer and cording to Scott Walter, coor- closer to goal." dinator of member records and The efforts of the county county services for MFB, the secretaries were rewarded with purpose of the conference is to "yardage" for participating in a keep the secretaries up to date variety of activities, including ,iJ-- on administrative changes, attendance at regional secretar- ( refresh their memories on ser- ies' meetings, goal getters con- vice to member programs, offer new learning experiences and expose them to motivational ference, kick-off meetings, membership committee meet- ings, board meetings and vic- .. Livingston County fB secretary speakers. tory parties. Secretaries also Cleo Dutkiewicz shares practical information about using the new "It also gets their batteries computerized field Comm com- recharged for the year and munication system. RURAL LIVING, SEPTEMBER 1985 11 items at a special auction dur- "] 985 MFB All-State Squad" Other highlights of the con- ing the statewide conference. T-shirts. ference included updates on There were also "division" Blue Cross Blue Shield, Medi- Special Recognition champions. For the contest the care, Health Maintenance Or- for Top Counties FB regions were divided into ganizations, MACMA direct Some secretaries received ad- two divisions, with the secre- marketing sales, the Field Com- ditional rewards for outstanding taries from the top region in munications program, insur- "play" during the blitz. MFB each division winning a trip for ance procedures and MFB ser- named an all-state squad, made two to the Sept. 14 MSUvs. vice to member programs. C. up of the top "center" from Arizona State football game. Leslie Charles, a motivational each region. Prior to the auc- They also received an MSUcap speaker, gave the secretaries tion, they were presented with or beverage warmer. tips on polishing their profes- sional skills. ALL-STATE SQUAD SAGINAW VALLEY REGION DIVISION CUAI'IPIONS Rita Eisenberger, Isabella SOUTUWEST REGION TUUI'IB REGION TUUI'IB CONFERENCE Mary Dick, Van Buren Cathy Tinsey, Huron Deanna Sawdon, Tuscola SOUTU REGION NORTUEAST REGION Marta Jacob, St. Clair Ardath Gillette, Hillsdale Mary Seibert, Alcona Marilyn Batkie, Sanilac SOUTUEAST REGION NORTUWEST REGION Cathy Tinsey, Huron Cleo Dutkiewicz, Livingston Bonnie Putney, Benzie Pat Woodward, Lapeer CENTRAL REGION NORTU REGION Marilyn Knight Clinton Nancy Gabara, Presque Isle NORTUWEST CONFERENCE WEST REGION UPPER PENINSULA REGION Alida Bevans, Wexford Jeanne Flinn, Ionia Carolyn Hesselink, Chippewa Bonnie Schripsema, Missaukee WEST CENTRAL REGION Bev lott, Kalkaska Helen Witte, Newaygo Joyce Edge, NW Michigan Sharon Carlson, Ottawa Lori Clements, Manistee Bonnie Putney, Benzie 12 RURAL LIVING, SEPTEMBER 1985 AG~85 Welcome to the Farm Bureau and Agra Land Tent! "Together We Win" was "UB's theme at Ag Expo '85, July 23-25 at MSU. At the AgriCom booth. farmers learned they can increase their profits by subscrib- ing to AgriCom and AgriVisor services. Agra Land's feeder pigs drew attention from all ages. At the FBIG booth, topics of discus- sion ranged from estate planning to auto and farm insurance. farmers visiting the FPC booth could watch a demonstration of the new card-activated. 24-hour fuel dispenser . . '" Visitors were winners, too, at ~ drawings sponsored by MFB and affiliates. Prizes included Continuing a family tradition, third MFBand fPC hats, fB jackets, generation farmer Ned VanderPloeg, Safemark playing cards, Agra 21h weeks old, visited Ag Expo. Uis Land grain scoops, MACMAin- parents, Laurie & William, and grand- farm & Garden's Geraldine sulated cups, fBIG road atlases Smith interviewed expo coor- parents, Uenrietta & Robert. are Kent and fPC penetrating oil. County FB members. dinator Bill Bickert. RURAL LIVING, SEPTEMBER 1985 1.3 RURAL EXCHANGE Early Gain Nets Big Fish for Wexford County FB Membership Workers Wexford County Farm Bureau incentive as his six teams bat- biting when membership coach was first in the Northwest tled for top honors. John Zakrajsek, along with Region to net membership gain The Wexford team achieved team members Dave Crawford, and target, so the winning team gain and target in February Myron Bridson and Eugene got an opportunity to net some (and have since gone over their Rogers boarded the Sea Joy II in big fish. A chartered fishing membership goal due to their Frankfort. trip, offered by Northwest Con- early start), but waited until The winning combo pulled in ference General Manager An- mid-July to claim their reward. a fine catch consisting of eight drew Ferdinand, proved to be The sun was shining, the lake lake trout and four king salmon an effective membership blitz was calm and the fish were during the five-hour fishing trip. Wexford County fB directors Big lake trout and fighting Membership chairperson John Myron Bridson and Eugene salmon are no match for fBIG Zakrajsek is as proud of this big Rogers get ready to reap the agent Dave Crawford. Crawford catch as he is of Wexford County rewards of their 1985 member- and his fB companions aboard fB's early wins in membership ship efforts and reap the lakes of the Sea Joy II pulled in eight gain and target. trout and salmon. lake trout and and four king salmon. Chippewa County FB Uosts 4.U'ers Over 250 members of the In- ternational 4-H Youth Exchange Association and their families were treated to a farm tour and barbecue supper at the John Kronemeyer dairy farm in Pickford on July 17. The dinner was sponsored by the Chippewa County Farm Bureau. The IFYE held its annual alumni conference at Lake Superior State College in Sault Ste. Marie. The group included represen- tatives from 15 countries and 30 states. 14 RURAL LIVING, SEPTEMBER 1985 RURAL RASCAL - This little Group Digs in to 'Real' Treat tyke (right) appeared on the front page of The Duron Dally Tribune The Hemlock Community Ac- recently. Writer I photographer tion Group really knows how, Sandra Dogan reports: II As I was not only to promote, but to en- taking this adorable child's photo, a man walked up and joy, our products. After our said, 'Do you know whose grand- June meeting, we had a potluck son that Is?' It wasn't hard to luncheon and celebrated dairy guess - with Jack Laurie (Mf'B month with a dessert prepared vice president) standing there beaming from ear to ear. Guthrey, by Linda Beyersdorf that even Ilh, Is a real cutie and loved pos- her husband Skip couldn't Ing for me." Guthrey was enjoy- finish. Ing a milk break during a district Linda concocted a banana Dolsteln show In the Thumb. De Is the son of Doug and Tammy split for 14 people, using one- Laurie of Cass City. and-a-half gallons of ice cream, several different toppings, about eight bananas, a can of nuts and a whole can of Juice Drinker Supports whipped cream. She topped it American Labeling all off with several red cherries. Recently I heard a discussion Our FB group has members of on the radio of the problem of many different ages, but when imported apple juice, and Farm it came to a big banana split Bureau's plans to ask the gov- ernment to label the juice as to its source. That's a good idea, but will take some time. Meanwhile, why not label American grown and produced juice with big stickers of your own? As a consumer of apple juice, I wasn't aware that some of it is imported. Mrs. E. Buckman that you had to eat with a large Harper Woods, Wayne County spoon, everyone became a kid. So why not enjoy a "REAL" dairy treat at your next meeting FARMETTE and become one of us kids! By Andrea Hofmeister Hemlock Community Action Tuscola County Group, Saginaw County Rural Living magazine wel- comes contributions to Rural Exchange from FB members. Materials must be received on the first day of the month preceding month of issue. Photos will be returned if re- quested. Send photo contribu- REAL RASCALS- Margaret tions, announcements of Keilly began cutting her son county events, and/or com- Jim's hair back In 1925, and at 92 years of age, stili does. She mentary to Rural Living, Attn: ". , . there go my garden Rural Exchange, P.O. Box lives In a wing of Jim and Mary hoers, tomato pickers, Jam Kellly's home In Brown City. Jim 30960, Lansing, Mich. 48909. sealers and potato diggers. and his son, James, operate a Now J can get something 500-acre dairy farm in Lapeer County. done!" RURAL LIVING, SEPTEMBER 1985 15 Delano Calls for Grassroots Contacts to Support FB's Farm Bill Proposals AFBF President Robert Delano million from producers' pockets Sept. 30. If Congress fails to called on America's farmers to without their prior approval. reach concensus on dairy pro- use the summer congressional "Most unacceptable of all is a gram provisions by that expira- recess, Aug. 2 through Sept. 4, budget busting farm program tion date, the dairy program to meet with elected represen- that would increase the sea of will revert to provisions in the tatives in their home districts, red ink," he said. 1949 Food and Agriculture Act. urging support for Farm Bu- "These are not social calls," Under that act which provides reau's proposed farm program Delano contin ued. "The idea is for parity to dairy farmers, the legislation. to get understanding and com- support price would jump from In a nationwide teleconfer- mitment." the current $11.10 per cwt. to ence Aug. 7 with the presidents There are approximately 18- approximately $16.25 per cwt. of 47 state Farm Bureaus, working days between the time "That price probably sounds Delano said the personal con- Congress goes back in session good to a lot of dairy farmers," tact by constituents was and the scheduled expiration of commented MFB President/ necessary because members of current dairy law at midnight, AFBF Vice President Elton both the House and Senate Smith. "But the fact is that the agriculture committees are con- parity price level would break sidering measures that offer no Key Areas for the dairy program. Dairy hope for farmers to achieve Farm Bill Action farmers know that parity is out- long-term profitability. moded and that government He stressed to the state costs for the dairy title have got leaders that Farm Bureau's - Develop understanding and to be within reasonable limits number one goal is the passage a sense of urgency of impli- - or there will be no dairy pro- of economically-sound and rea- cations to agriculture of gram." sonable farm program provi- Congress' consideration of A transition to market orien- sions in the 1985 farm bill that mandatory production con- tation for farmers along with trols. will get farmers firmly on the fiscally responsible programs -Improve farm income track to improved farm income. for support commodities is the through Farm Bureau farm "Because of Congress' failure cornerstone of the Farm Bu- to address real problems with bill within budget guide- reau's proposed farm bill legis- real solutions, we (farmers) are lines, particularly loan and lation. "That's what Michigan now being offered such unac- target price provisions and Farm Bureau members said ceptable options as mandatory the farmer-held reserve. they wanted in the 1985 Farm production and marketing con- -Continue developing sup- Bill through our policy develop- trols, a dairy program that port for Farm Bureau con- ment process. That's what our charges farmers for the privi- cept to tie dairy price sup- congressional representatives lege of being in business and ports to level of federal and senators will be hearing livestock check-off programs government dairy pur- from Michigan members until that arbitrarily take nearly $150 chases. No assessment or the FB proposals H.B. 1965 and diversion program. S. 908 are passed," Smith said. -Obtain support for Farm Bureau position in beef and pork mandatory check-off programs, including an in- itial referendum and refund provisions. 16 RURAL LIVING, SEPTEMBER 1985 FRONT &. CENTER Gratiot County FB member Larry DeVuyst has been appointed to the Federal Farm Credit Board by President Reagan. He will represent the 7th district, which includes Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin and North Dakota. The Federal Farm Credit Board is the policy-making arm of the Federal Farm Credit Administration which supervises and coordinates the activities of the Federal Farm Credit System. Oct. 1 is the deadline for submitting entry forms for the 1985 MFBStar Awards pro- gram. A packet containing the planning guides and entry forms for the 11 program areas was distributed to county FB secretaries and presidents last January. Counties wiII be divided into five categories based on Aug . .31, 1984 membership size and evaluated competitively with other counties in the same membership category for each program area. Program areas include com- modity, Community Action Groups, direct marketing, information, local affairs, membership, policy development, policy execution, Safemark, FB Women and FB Young Farmers. To be eligible for the star awards program, a county must have a gain in membership over 1984. With county FB annual meetings underway, members of the 1985 MFBPolicy Development Committee will soon begin their task of reviewing proposed policy recom- mendations from county FBs. The 20-member committee includes (by district): Dave Corning, Kalamazoo; Brenda Heisler, Albion; Jim VanBuskirk, Carleton; Earl Benedict, Saranac; Jack Anderson, St. Johns; Robert Young, North Branch; K. Tim Bull, Kent City; Richard Leach Jr., Saginaw; Duane Evans, Frankfort; Norman Veliquette, Elk Rapids; and Cecil Veeser, Harris. Rep- resenting the FB Young Farmers are Ed Cagney, Scotts; Doug Darling, Maybee; and Gary Skin- ner, Ithaca. Representing FB Women are Eleanor Krafft, Frankenmuth; Kathy Kosters, Caledonia; and Jeaneen Smuts, Charlotte. At large members from the MFB board are Jack Laurie, Cass City; Jim Sayre, Belleville; and Dave Conklin, Corunna. Young Farmer district discussion meets are underway across the st.Bte. The top three winners from each district contest will compete at the MFB annual meeting in December for the state title. District discussion meets have been scheduled for Dist. 1, Sept. 24; Dist. 2, Sept. 10; Dist . .3, Sept. 18; Dist. 4, Sept. 12; Dist. 5, Sept. 25; Dist. 6, Aug. 24; Dist. 7, Sept. 11; Dist. 8, Aug. 27; Dist. 9, Aug. 29; Dist. 10, Aug. 28; and Dist. 11, Sept. 15. The Michigan Society of Planning Officials will hold its 40th anniversary con- ference Oct. 3-5 at Sugar Loaf Resort in Leelanau County. Among the workshops scheduled are proposed revisions to the subdivision control act, the role of the planning commission in economic development, changing land uses in rural areas, performance zoning, protecting groundwater resources and current issues in planning and zoning law. For more information contact MSPO,P.O. Box 8099, Rochester, Mich. 48.308-8099. The Michigan Soybean Association and the Soybean Promotion Committee of Michigan have moved their headquarters to Frankenmuth. Keith Reinholt has been named executive director of the association and will serve as the staff coordinator of Soybean Associa- tion programs and activities in Michigan. The new address is P.O. Box 287, Frankenmuth, Mich. 487.34, phone 517-652-.3294. MSUand the Michigan Land Improvement Contractors' Association started install- ing a subsurface irrigation and drainage system in early August that will be used in a five-year water management study. Researchers plan to find new ways of improving drainage and irrigation system designs and to determine the most effective management techniques for those systems. The study is divided into two phases, with the first phase including installation of a .39-acre combination subsurface irrigation and drainage system in a clay texture soil. The second phase involves a 40-acre system to be installed next summer in a lighter loamy soil. Each phase will be monitored throughout the growing season to determine the effects of variable spacing on soil moisture, water table and yield. FB members interested in presenting ag lessons to grade school students have un- til Sept. 3 to make reservations for one of two Ag in the Classroom workshops. Sponsored by the MFB Women's Committee, the workshops will be held in Lansing on Sept. 24 at the Sheraton Inn and on Sept. 25 at the Chalet Center in Gaylord. Cost of the day-long workshop is $15 per person, which includes lunch, refreshments and resource materials. Reservations should be sent to the MFB Women's Dept. by the Sept. .3 deadline. RURAL LIVING, SEPTEMBER 1985 17 Michigan Farm Bureau AgriPac Raffle Promoted by State and County Young Farmer Committees WIN GRAND PRIZE Carribean Cruise for Two ,, FIRST PRIZE Northern Michigan Weekend for Two OTUER PRIZES -19" Color TV - Microwave Oven -Video Cassette Recorder -35mm Camera Outfit Drawing will be held at the Michigan Farm Bureau Annual , Meeting, AgriPac Breakfast, Dee. 12, 1985, 8 a.m., Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, Grand Rapids. Contact your local Young Farmer Committee or a member of the State Young Farmer Committee for tickets. Tickets may be purchased by MFB members only. County and State Coordinators Exchange Ideas at MACMA Conference By Cathy J. Kirvan Building morale is another said this has worked very well goal. "There's nothing like go- in counties where it has been Offering top Quality products ing to a meeting with a whole tried. "find a farm Bureau at reasonable prices while ex- group of people who are doing leader in another part of the panding markets for their mem- the same thing you are to get county who is willing to take bers' products is the goal of all psyched up on it again," orders. The more exposure you state farm Bureau direct mar- Moon said. have, the more sales you'll get." keting programs. That message • Make the program as social came through loud and clear to Four Keys to a as you can. He suggested serv- the 60 people, from across the Successful Program ing refreshments for both the state and nation, attending the Eppelheimer outlined four workers and customers. "1 know MACMADirect Marketing Con- steps that will lead to a suc- how busy delivery time is, but ference, July .30 in Traverse City. cessful direct marketing pro- it's difficult for a first time for the first time, the con- gram. buyer to understand what is go- ference included both county • Use of a preferred mailing ing on. During distribution, member-to-member sale coor- list. He suggested that counties 'your group should try to pre- dinators and direct marketing take advantage of the new pre- sent a good image of the organ- personnel from other state ferred customer mailing list ser- ization." farm Bureaus. vice that MACMAis offering. "1 .Use program as a member- "This year we had the oppor- am convinced that we lose sales ship tool. Counties that prepare tunity to combine the two just because people who have a preferred customer mailing groups and we thought it was bought before aren't aware of list for MACMAwill receive a list very beneficial for both," said each sale." of the non-member buyers dur- Sharon Moon, marketing coordi- • Divide county into sections ing the next membership cam- nator of MACMA's Direct Market- for sales and/ or delivery. He paign. "People who have been ing Division. "Our county peo- ple got a better idea of the pro- gram we run in other states and the state people got a better understanding of our overall program." Exchanging information is the purpose of the conference, said division manager Bob Eppel- heimer. "The objective is to find out if there is anything that we should be doing that we're not," he said. "Direct marketing sales are a major source of funding for many county farm Bureau programs and a~tivities, so we do everything possible to im- prove them." Eppelheimer said getting together at the conference also gives the county people the op- portunity to discuss promotion During the afternoon of the MACMADirect Marketing Conference, par. ideas and surface problems. ticipants toured Boskydel Vineyard in Leelanau County. Proprietor Ber- "Many times what one county nard Rink (right) explained that the site of the vineyard, a sunny slope has a problem with, another overlooking Lake Leelanau, affords the grapes enough heat and sunlight county has already found a to reach the maturity needed to produce table wines at this latitude. solution for." RURAL LIVING, SEPTEMBER 1985 19 exposed to Farm Bureau through the direct marketing program make good membership pros- pects," he said. Crop and Price Outlook for Direct Marketing Products Conference participants also heard crop and price outlooks on many of the products sold through the member-to-member program. Noel Stuckman, general man- ager of the Michigan Agricul- tural Cooperative Marketing As- sociation, updated the group on Michigan products offered in the direct marketing program. He also discussed the apple juice import situation and reported that U.S. apple pro- The first stop on the afternoon tour was the packing plant of Cherry ducers are facing stiff competi- Central Co-op where cherries were being canned and frozen. After the cherry processing is completed, the plant changes over to pack plums tion from imports. and apples. "Many of the best known brands of apple juice, such as Minutemaid, Tree Top and Hi-C contain little or no juice from He said the price of oranges same on grapefruit, grapefruit U.S. apples," Stuckman said. would probably drop between concentrate, tangelos and "Last year, 55% of the apple $1.50 and $2.00 per box. peanuts. He said pecan prices juice consumed in this country Orange juice concentrate will should drop between 25ft. and was brought in from other also be less expensive, he said. 50ft. per pound if Florida con- countries, such as South Africa, Prices should be about the tinues to get good rainfall. Argentina, the European coun- The Wisconsin cheese offered tries, India, Israel and about 20 in direct marketing sales will others. Many of those countries continue to be top quality subsidize production and ex- Grade" AA" from the Lake to port. It's causing some real Lake cooperative, reported Deb- problems. bie Sutton of the Wisconsin "Michigan apple growers will Farm Bureau Marketing Associa- harvest a record crop this year, tion. Conference participants and with the cheap imports tak- were able to sample some of ing our juice market, we may the new Wisconsin FB cheese have some trouble in finding products including nacho markets for juice apples at a cheese sauce and hot and mild reasonable price." salsa. Stuckman assured the group Following the morning ses- that MACMA apple juice concen- sion, the group toured a cherry trate is made from all Michigan processing plant, a grape vine- apples and cider. yard and winery, and the North- The Florida Farm Bureau cit- west Michigan Horticultural rus marketing program is alive Research Station where they and well, reported Roy Singleton ended the conference with a of the Florida Agricultural Mar- hog roast. An added treat at the keting Association. "Despite all hog roast was fried alligator, the problems we've had in the provided by the Florida Farm last four years with freezes and Steve Trede of Illinois and Roy Bureau. canker disease, this year's crop Singleton of Florida prepared a looks pretty good." special treat courtesy of the Florida Farm Bureau - fried alligator. 20 RURAL LIVING, SEPTEMBER 1985 Long-Term Investment By Marcia Dltchie awards committee that we would try to make the scholar- Delegates to the 1984 Michi- ships available as long as we gan Farm Bureau annual meet- could and we're already working ing recognized the role that on next year's scholarship pro- education will play in the future gram:' of agriculture when they A $300 scholarship is spon- adopted the following policy sored by the Van Buren County statement: "The opportunities FB. Established in 1978, the in agriculture and related busi- scholarship can be used at any nesses are unlimited, ranging Michigan college or university. from the production of food and Applicants for this scholar- Farm Bureau fiber to transportation, process- ing, marketing, natural re- ship must reside in Van Buren County and be from an FB fami- sources research and technolo- ly. Further criteria for the Scholarships gy. Modern agriculture in its scholarship requires that the broadest sense requires highly student be pursuing a degree in Benefit Students trained anQ competent people:' agriculture or ag business and Several county FBs have plans an ag vocation. and Agriculture's taken the lead in offering finan- A $100 scholarship is spon- cial assistance to students en- sored by the Emmet County FB. Future rolled in ag or related courses Established in 1981, the schol- either on an individual basis or arship is granted to students at- through cooperation with other tending North Central Michigan ag organizations such as 4-H, College in Petoskey. Preference which often works with Iim ited is given to students enrolled in funds. an ag-related field, though that "We suggested to the county is not necessary. 4-H awards committee that The Ogemaw County Farm Bu- Oakland County Farm Bureau reau Scholarship Fund is a $100 would offer a scholarship to general scholarship which can reward some of the youths who be used at the college of the have done an outstanding job if winner's choice. The scholar- the committee would help us ship was established in 1980. run the program," said L. C. Applicants must be from a Scramlin, Oakland County FB family which have been Oge- president. maw County FB members for "We had intended on offering five years or more and be enter- two $500 scholarships, but we ing at least their second year of had such a tremendous response college study. with super applicants that we Missaukee County Farm Bu- awarded three scholarships," reau sponsors a $500 scholar- Scramlin said. "There were 500 ship which can be used at the people present when Oakland (continued on page 24) County Farm Bureau made the presentation. We told the 4-H RURAL LIVING, SEPTEMBER 1985 21 OUR DAILY BREAD Farm tour encourages clergy and laity to look at family farm concerns By Marcia Dltchie lay people to gain a better "We try to be somewhere understanding of the issues fac- within easy travel from urban Ancient philosopher Marcus ing farmers. centers as it is urban people we Aurelius once said, "Change, "The tour helps develop an change, the constancy of understanding of some of the change; there's nothing so con- problems and concerns of fami- stant as change." That state- ly farmers," said Claudine ment was accurate for several Jackson, chairperson of the centuries, but in the last 30 or coalition's 1985 farm tour and 40 years it has not held true for a member of the Livingston agriculture, and should prob- County Farm Bureau. "We feel it ably now be: change, change, is very important to involve the ever accelerating pace of church leadership in these change. tours because if they don't have Along with the rapid rate of an understanding and apprecia- change in agriculture has come tion of agriculture, then we challenges: challenges to keep can't expect the laity to. abreast of advances in science "This year we held the tour at and technology, challenges to a dairy farm and hog operation maintain an adequate and safe because we wanted the clergy food supply, challenges to keep to have an understanding of agriculture the most productive livestock and the role it plays in industry in the world with a feeding people, the care that smaller workforce, and the animals are given and how im- challenge of sharing agricul- portant that is to farmers as ture's story with the other 98% well as consumers, and to give of the population. them some idea of the econom- In order to address that last ic investment of agriculture," challenge, a Family Farm Con- Jackson said. cerns Coalition was established The first year the tour was by the Michigan Council of held in Livingston County and Churches eight years ago to included stops at dairy and develop a better understanding grain farms. The second year it At the Felch hog farm, it was dif. of what agriculture is about and was held in Ottawa County with ficult to distinguish which was more curious - tour participants some of the concerns of the ag visits to fruit and swine opera- or the young hogs. industry. For the last three tions and this year the tour was years, the coalition has spon- held July 31 in Genesee County. sored farm tours for clergy and 22 RURAL LIVING, SEPTEMBER 1985 would like to have involved in He stressed three areas of has a favorable climate and it these tours," Jackson said. major concern. has an adequate distribution of The Pinkston dairy farm was "We have a science and tech- moisture and all of that is con- the first stop for the 58 par- nology that is, for the most ducive to agricultural produc- ticipants, including ministers part, resource consum ing. We tion. You can't export that. and lay people from the Detroit need to look at resources in a We've got to have some system metropolitan area, Midland, mentality of stewardship and of stabilizing world markets to Flint and west Michigan, as well conservation where we use our export our surplus commodi- as local farmers. The farm is resources over and over again. ties. " owned by Blaine and Jeanette People on family farms have Pinkston and is operated in recognized that all the time, partnership with their son but other segments of society Plan for Christmas now! Garth, who fielded questions do not. from tour participants as he walked them through the farm's "Second, we need to develop a kind of technology that lends M!CH!GAN operation. itself more to the broad range Pinkston stressed the safety precautions taken to protect of agriculture. "Third, technology not only Gift Packs consumers. He told the partici- has to be politically and socially pants that each dairy farm is acceptable, it has to be ecologi- Put MACMA on your list subject to health and safety in- cally acceptable because here of Christmas gifts with our spections by the MDA and ex- again, we have to be concerned plained how samples are taken about the future." _ Gourmet Food Packs. by the milk hauler each day the Anderson also explained why Contact your county Farm milk is picked up for delivery to agriculture is currently experi- the processing plant. Tour par- encing economic problems. Bureau or MACMA by ticipants were surprised when "There are tremendous cash Nov. 20th and we will he said: "If antibiotics show up flow problems in agriculture UPS anywhere in the in the test samples, the whole and if you couple that with lower 48 states. tank of milk has to be dumped. other factors, you can under- Consumer protection is at the stand why agriculture is in the Businesses and fund farmer's expense." shape it is in," he said. raisers welcome. The second stop on the tour "Land prices have fallen while was at the Larry Felch hog interest rates have risen. Conse- farm. Felch, who sells feeder pigs, explained the care he quently, there are more people moving out of agriculture. In MACMAII gives each young pig through addition, there was no way that iron, vitamin and vaccination farmers, the USDAor MDA could Direct M,arketing shots. He also told the tour par- have anticipated the rising 517-323-7000, ext. 712 ticipants that he has less health value of the U.S. dollar over- problems with his pigs by using seas, which has literally clob- a confinement system rather bered exports. The federal gov- Your Florida vacation home is waiting for you at than allowing them to run ernment needs to develop a ORANGE MANOR loose. system to stabilize the agricul- MOBILE HOME PARK Keynote speaker during the tural industry to allow for fluc- -All adult, 4Q-plus environment -Recrea- tour was Dr. James Anderson, tuations in the world market. tional clubhouses -Fishing lake with pier dean of the MSUCollege of "We're fortunate to live on the -Two swimming pools -16 shuffleboard courts -Located just two miles south of Agriculture and Natural Re- fringe of the largest single, con- Cypress Gardens sources. "Science and technol- tinuous land mass in the world For more information call or write: ogy has brought about a lot of that has three things," said Orange Manor Mobile Home Park changes in agriculture and will Anderson. "It has fertile soil, it 18 Kinsmen Drive Winter Haven, FL 33880 in the future," Anderson told 813-324-4968 the urban audience, "and it will not come without some cost." Please send me more information on Orange Manor Mobile Home Park. Name Address City State Zip Phone(-.l Rl9/85 RURAL LIVING, SEPTEMBER 1985 23 Future Investment tivities. Contributions to the Participating Dealers (continued from page 21) scholarship fund are made on a Agra Land, Inc. voluntary basis by county 19 Railroad Street college or university of the win- Coldwater, MI 49036 women's committees, county FB (517) 279-8491 ner's choice. Applicants for the boards, Community Action Agra Land, Inc. scholarship must be a resident Groups and individuals. 3 East Main Street of Missaukee County, from an The annual scholarship is Hart, MI 49420 FB family and pursuing a given to a student from an FB (616) 873-2158 degree in agriculture or ag family who is enrolled at Michi- Agra Land, Inc. business. 214 East Main Street gan State University in any of Marcellus, MI 49067 Among the newest county FB the following courses of study: (616) 646-5115 scholarships is the Wexford ag technology, veterinary medi- Agra Land, Inc. County Farm Bureau Agricultural cine, food science, food market- 301 E. Pickard Scholarship Fund. Established ing, leadership training in Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858 this year, the county will be (517) 773-3670 agriculture, ag journalism, food granting two $500 ag scholar- Agra Land, Inc. packaging, horticulture, human 100 S. Mable Street ships which can be used at any medicine or teaching of voca- Pinconning, MI 48650 Michigan college or university. tional agriculture or human (517) 879-3411 Applicants must be from an ecology. Agra Land, Inc. FB member family and reside in Applications for the scholar- 425 Water Street Wexford County. Priority for the Portland, MI.48875 ship are available from county (517) 647-4722 scholarship will be given to FB offices and the MFB Women's Agra Land, Inc. juniors or seniors or a second Department. The tentative dead- 173 Church Street year student in a two-year ag line for applications for the Remus, MI 49340 course. 1986-87 school year is March L (517) 967-3511 One of the oldest FB- 1.986. Agra Land, Inc. sponsored scholarships is the 145 S. Main Street The recipient of this year's Scottville, MI 49454 Ruth M. Day Nurse's Scholar- scholarship is Kevin E, Evans of (616) 757-3780 ship. Established in the late Litchfield who is enrolled in ag Agra Land, Inc. 1940s, the nursing scholarship engineering. He will receive a 408 N. Clinton Street is in honor of Ruth M. Day, who total of $400 to be divided St. Johns, Ml 48879 served 16 years as Jackson (517) 224-2381 among fall, winter and spring County FB president. Agra Land, Inc. term tuition fees. 144 Hall Street Sponsored by the Jackson Also available to students at- Traverse City, MI 49684 County FB Women, priority for tending Michigan State Univer- (616) 946-5836 the annual $300 scholarship is sity is the Glynn McBride/ Michi- Boyce Feed Company given to children of FB mem- gan Association of Farmer Co- 306 S. Main bers. It can be used at the col- Brooklyn, MI 49230 operatives Scholarship. Estab- (51 7) 592-3266 lege or university of the appli- lished in 1983, the purpose of Buchanan Co-ops, Inc. cant's choice. this scholarship is to foster in- 122 Days A venue This listing may not include terest in and encourage the Buchanan, MI 49107 all county FB scholarships. For development of leadership for (616) 695-6823 further information on any of farmer cooperatives. Farmers Petroleum Cooperative, Inc. these scholarships, or to see if 212 East Livingston Street Applicants for this scholar- Highland, MI 48031 your county sponsors one, con- ship must be a junior or senior (313) 887-4109 tact your county FB secretary. enrolled in ag economics, ani- Farmers Petroleum Cooperative, Inc. The most well-known FB- mal science, horticulture or 1877 S. Sandusky Road sponsored scholarship is the crop and soil science. Sandusky, MI 48471 Marge Karker-Farm Bureau (313) 648-3032 The first recipient of the Scholarship which was devel- Lipscomb's General Store scholarship was David Horny of 3475 46th Street oped in 1966 in honor of Marge Chesaning, a crop science and Climax, MI 49034 Karker. who served 20 years as ag education major who re- (616) 962-6104 coordinator of MFB women's ac- ceived a $500 scholarship. The Ruth Farmers Elevator, Inc. 1985-86 scholarship recipient 4600 Ruth Road Ruth, MI 48470 will be named later this year (517) 864-3391 and will receive a $LOOO Vestaburg Marketing Association scholarship for use during 1986 First Street. winter and spring terms. Vestaburg, MI 48891 (51 7) 268-5272 West Branch Farmers Cooperative 105 N. Seventh Street West Branch, MI 48661 (51 7) 345-0428 24 - We're TO CELEBRATE OUR NEW PAINT DEPARTMENT -~ RED or WHITE $7.98 Per Gallon in 5 Co-op exterior flat house and barn paint gallon pails is an economical paint for use on ex- terior woods, masonry and primed metals. Easy to apply. Soap and water clean up. Buy 15 gallons of any CO-OP@ house and barn paint - receive a free pair of Liberty Overalls and save $30 off the regular price of paint. Now through Sept. 20 when you buy 15 gallons of any CO-OP@ Paint you can receive a FREE pair of Liberty@ Overalls. Take your pick - brown duck or camouflage for a $30 value. Just send in the coupon below and your sales receipt signed by the co-op manager and we'll - GIVE YOU LIBERTY after a hard days work of paint- ing. One pair per customer, please. ------------------ GIVE ME LIBERTY MAIL TO: UNIVERSAL COOPERATIVES WITH MY 15 GALLON PAINT PLANT P.O. Box 2508 CO-OP PAINT PURCHASE!! ALLIANCE, OHIO 44601 AGiiA Name LAnD Address City State Zip Phone Store Location TM Size Style (a) (b) Brown Duck Camouflage Phone ATTENTION CONSUMER: Complete coupon, indicating size and style. Attach your sales receipt lor 15 gallons or more 800-292-2639 (one offer per address) to your proof of purchase/sales receipt which must be signed by the store manager or designee OFFER VALID NOW THROUGH SEPTEMBER 20,1985 at PARTICIPATING CO-OP DEALERS. AGRINOMIC UPDATE rSUPEKPOoI7 For 28 years, the Michigan' Independent Cooperative Milk As the pioneering state, dairy industry operated a Producers Association. Due to Michigan's dairy industry has unique marketing system called some of the differences between been working to reinstate the "superpool premiums"