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 OTUEK 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, Dec. 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. NOVEMBER 1985 FARM NEWS VOL. 64 NO. 11 A publication of the Michigan Cover photo courtesy of Farm Bureau the Michigan Travel Bureau In this issue: u.s. House Farm Bill a Mix of Wins/Losses for Farm Bureau With the House farm bill completed, FB members shifted the focus of grassroots lobbying to the Senate 10 Ag in the Classroom Advanced technology and new techiques help volunteers teach students about agriculture 12 Have Another Helping of Michigan-Grown Foods Frankenmuth's Bavarian Inn supports state and local agriculture by serving tons of Michigan farm products 23 COLUMNS Rural Route - page 4 Front and Center - page 15 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 IlIlchlgan Farm l'lewlt RURAL LlVll'lG: Michigan Farm News Rural LIving Is published monthly. on the first day. by the Michigan Farm Burcau Information and Public Relations Division. Publication and editorial offices at 7~7~ West Saginaw Highway. Lansing. Mich. 48909. Post Office Box ~0960; telephone. Lansing 517-~2~-7000. Extension 510. SUBSCRIPTIOl'l FRICE: $1.50 per year to members. Included In annual dues. $~.OO per year non-members in Michigan. $5.00 per year non-members out of state. Publication No. ~45040. Established Jan. I~. 192~ as Michigan Farm News. name changed to Michigan Farm News Rural LIving Dee. I. 1981. Thlrd.c1ass postage paid at Lansing. Michigan. and at additional mailing offices. EDITORIAL: Connie Turbin. Editor and Buslncss Manager: Donna Wilber. Contributing Editor: Marcia Dltchle. Associate Editor: Cathy J. Klrvan. Associate Editor. OFFICERS: 1'1Ichigan Farm Bureau; President. Elton R. Smith. Caledonia: Vice President. John Laurie. Cass City: Administrative Director. Robert Braden: Treasurer and Chid Financial Officer. Matthew But- zin: Secretary. William S. Wilkinson. DIRECTORS: District I. Arthur Bailey. Schoolcrart; District 2. Lowell Eisenmann. Blissfield: District ~. James Sayre. Belleville: District 4. Elton R. Smith. Caledonia: District 5. Albert Cook. Mason; District 6. John Laurie. Cass City; District 7. Robert Rider. 11art; District 8. Lyle LeCronler. Freeland; District 9. Donald Nugent. Frankfort: District 10. Margaret Kartes. West Branch; District II. Bernard Doll. Darter. DIREC:rORS AT LARGE: Dave Conklin. Corunna: Michael Pridgeon. Montgomery: Wayne Wood. Marlette. FARIlI BUREAU WOIllEl'l: Faye Adam. Snover. FARIlI BUREAU YOUl'lG FARIlIERS: David Lott. Mason. MFBmembers took their farm bill message to congress- Members Praised for men during a "Wash- Ington Fly-In" before Efforts on Farm Bill the Douse vote. As this is written, the farm farmers during these stressful stood on the firm foundation of bill debate continues. Even times. Because it was written by their FB policy to deliver the though the final outcome is un- farmers for farmers, rather than farm bill message to our na- known at this time, I will take by politicians for political tional legislators. this opportunity to thank you reasons, it made good eco- I would add a ribbon of valor for your efforts on this crucial nomic sense. to that medal for those dedi- issue. Seldom in the 66-year cated members who reacted to history of our organization have criticism by commodity groups we seen the kind of broad mem- with positions counter to our Farm Bureauistbe ber involvement in the policy policies by reminding them that development/ policy execution voice of agriculture Farm Bureau is the only true process as we have on Farm Bill not only because it is producer organization. Whether '85, and you are to be com- tbe largest general it's to our legislators (the action mended for your own special farm organization in by some of our congressmen in- contributions. dicates we have some "educat- tbe world - but be- ing" to do in that regard as well There probably couldn't have been a worse time, economical- cause it is tbe only real as in agricultural economics), ly and politically, for Congress grassroots organiza- to other members or to the gen- to consider a new farm bill. It's tion, witb policy eral public, we need to deliver difficult enough in normal times decisions made by its that message more often. to pass a farm bill that does not We need to remind them that bring about more federal in- farmer members. Farm Bureau is the voice of tervention into agriculture, but agriculture, not only because it next to impossible in troubled is the largest general farm or- times like these. Times are even more stressful ganization in the world, but While I can appreciate the now than they were when FB's because it is the only real tremendous pressures on our farm bill was written. Yet grassroots organization, with U.S. representatives to "save" members at many county an- policy decisions made by its American agriculture by pour- nual meetings this past month farmer members. Because those ing more and more taxpayer have reaffirmed their beliefs decisions are made by the dollars into farm programs and that the concepts written into members themselves, rather to "solve" our surplus problems FB's farm bill are needed to than handed down from the top with mandatory production and bring prosperity to agriculture. to a membership that has had marketing controls, I find it dif- This is a good barometer that little or no input into them, ficult to understand their gener- we were, and will remain, "on Farm Bureau has the member al lack of good economic sense. track." commitment to execute its They had only to look at history Someone once said that FB policies. to find that those commodities performs at its best during a The Farm Bill '85 battle is not which have received the most crisis. Getting a farm bill yet over, but I am confident federal "help" in the past are passed that will put agriculture that with your continued com- those which are in the most back on the road to prosperity mitment, we will emerge vic- trouble today. is a crisis situation and I'm ex- torious. The future of agricul- Farm Bureau members realized tremely proud of how well our ture depends upon it. that economic fact of life when members have responded to they wrote their farm bill and that challenge. If I could, I took it to Congress. It was a would present a distinguished farm program that would grad- service medal to every member ually lead us to a market- who, time after time during .Elton R. Smith, President oriented agriculture without these past several months, Michigan Farm Bureau pulling the rug out from under 4 RURAL LIVING, NOVEMBER 1985 COUNTRY LEDGER A Memory of Thanksgiving By Carl Gregory room with its roll of white tissue was almost unbelievable When I was a youth, three when compared with our little days stood head and shoulders house out back with last year's above all the rest - the 4th of Sears catalog. July, Christmas and Thanks- But what impressed me most giving. I have special memories of all was the huge iron floor of Thanksgiving. grate in the middle of the Iiv- We were always invited to ingroom through which heat Aunt Maud's. She and Uncle from the coal-fed furnace was Fred lived in the county seat brought into the room. I would about 40 miles distant from our stand on the grate and feel the farm. It is remembered as a surge of warm air wafting up- plied the blade to the steel small city. It wasn't. The popu- ward. At a certain angle, even sharpening rod. lation was never more than from across the room, I could It was a Thanksgiving Day at 5,000. But it had sidewalks, lots see the rising heat. This central Aunt Maud's where I first tasted ,of stores, a depot, beautiful heating system seemed light olives. Not expecting the salty homes and a water tower. years ahead of our woodburning flavor, I immediately scooped We were up at the crack of pot-bellied heater on the farm. up some potatoes and gravy to dawn on Thanksgiving morning. Here at Aunt Maud's I could temper the taste. I was dismally After chores and breakfast, we take off my overshoes and still disappointed. The red pimentos were ready for the long, cold feel comfortable. peeking out of the green ends trip to Aunt Maud's. Father put Thanksgiving Day dinner was had suggested a succulent ex- a thick layer of straw up something to behold. Unlike the otic fruit. against the cab of our old usual midday farm meal served Once, when I walked back Model T truck. With several precisely at noon, Thanksgiving through the dining room after blankets over us, my brother dinner wasn't ready until at dinner, I noticed that my and I were as comfortable as in least three o'clock. This guaran- mother's goblet of grape juice our own bed. teed ravenous appetites for hadn't been touched. Thinking Just before we started, father those who had breakfast eight it a waste of such a treat, I put several gunneysacks filled hours earlier. lifted the goblet to my lips. with cow manure on the truck The turkey, of course, provid- What a surprise. Aunt Maud had for Aunt Maud's roses. The ex- ed the centerpiece for the fes- served grape juice to my brother tremely bumpy roads agitated tive occasion, but to this day and me, but the grown ups had the contents just enough to let I've never seen a more impres- been given grape wine. This was us know we may have left the sive array of silver and table- my first taste of wine, and I farm behind, but not the barn- ware. There was a goblet for found it to be about as appetiz- yard. Sometimes I believe Aunt water, a goblet for grape juice ing as the olives. Maud was as pleased to see the and a goblet for jello with Just before dusk we would bags of manure as she was to orange pieces and sliced Cali- head back to the farm. Chores see us. fornia grapes topped with thick would be late this day. It was Aunt Maud's home was im- whipped cream and a big red back to one fork and one spoon pressive ... big and rambling. cherry. and the frigid temperature of On two sides there was a huge It was the one day during the the little house out back with cbvered porch with white year when a meal required two the catalog. pillars. forks and two spoons. Inside it was truly magnifi- Uncle Fred put on quite a cent. There were curio cabinets, show just before he carved the Carl Gregory, a country boy polished cherry furniture, win- turkey. He had been a butcher who worked in the city most of dow seats with plump cushions as a young man, and never for- his life, was born on a farm in and beautiful potted plants got his early training. He would Montcalm County. He retired to everywhere. The inside bath- pick up the big carving knife Higgins Lake in 1976 where he and with a theatrical flourish is "reliving, with some success," almost whet a tune as he ap- his boyhood. RURAL LIVING, NOVEMBER 1985 5 LEGISLATIVE REVIEW Farm Bill Efforts Shift to Senate Farm Bill '85 - Congres- sional action on the 1985 farm bill has been in the forefront of national news since Congress reconvened in early September. As Rural Living went to press, House action on the bill was nearly completed and the Senate was to begin considera- tion in mid to late October. For detailed information on the various components of the House bill, see page 10. Farm Credit System - Farm Credit Administration Gov. Donald Wilkinson said the re- farm Bill '85 Is a top priority of fB presidents at all levels of the cent assessment by the General organization - national, state and county. AfBf President Robert Delano watches as Ottawa County fB President Curt Eubank and MfB Accounting Office of the sever- President Elton R. Smith sign giant postcard messages to Michigan ity of the farm credit situation Senators Riegle and levin. Many other members attending the Ottawa may be the catalyst for legisla- County annual meeting Oct. 10, where Delano was the guest speaker, signed the postcards which were delivered before the Senate began Its tion to provide federal relief for deliberation of the farm bill. the system. The GAO has pro- jected a net loss of $2.6 billion for the Farm Credit System for the 12-month period ending barrier reductions. The request June 30, 1986. comes in the wake of continu- Wilkinson said it is now time ing discussion on protectionist for the federal government to measures. negotiate a loan with FCSin the Uniform Commercial Code same manner it did with Chry- - S.B. 362 passed the Senate Corn as Fuel - Corn was so prior to the recess. It is now a sler. Such a loan could be amor- cheap in the 1930s that some tized and paid back by the controversial issue in the farmers burned it for fuel. farmers who use the system, House. The legislation would Researchers at Ohio State similar to the loan structured permit buyers of agricultural University now believe shelled during the system's early years. products to take the products corn contains enough energy to Those initial loans were repaid free of any lien. Presently, if a make it a potentially economic in full in 1968 .. product has a lien against it the fuel source when corn prices buyer is liable - which can re- are low. One bushel of corn has sult in paying twice for the U.S. I Canadian Trade Agree- a gross heat content of 382,000 product. ment - Canadian Prime Minis- BTUs, which equals the gross The only exception to the ter Brian Mulroney wants an im- heat content of 4.2 gallons of code resulted from part of the proved trade agreement with propane. After figuring propane Grain Dealers' Act amendments the U.S. to give greater stability costs and the efficiency of cap- passed last session. A proce- to the $120 billion bilateral turing the heat content in corn, dure was set up to protect the trade between the two neigh- the new farm fuel would be buyer of the grain as well as the boring countries. Mulroney has worth about $3 a bushel. A spe- lender. asked President Reagan to ex- cial furnace is needed to burn In that case, the grain pro- plore the possibility of a new the corn at peak efficiency. ducer advises the lender where agreement to include the broad- the grain will be sold, the est possible package of mutual- lender advises the buyer there ly beneficial tariff and non-tariff is a lien, the buyer can then 6 RURAL LIVING, NOVEMBER 1985 determine if a lien exists and Legislation Protects Great Lakes can write a two-party check if necessary. The seller of the grain is also liable to heavy fines and jail if he fails to ac- curately advise or pay the lender. A farmer buying grain for his own use is free of any lien on the first $15,000. If S.B. 362 passes in its pres- ent form, all buyers of any ag product would be free of any lien. Lenders are strongly op- posed because it would remove their protection. Farm Bureau has been in the forefront on this issue. On Sept. 30, Gov. Blancbard signed Into law tbe last of four bills (S.B. 46) to protect tbe Great Lakes and develop a water plan. Tbe legislation Wilderness Land - SCR87, creates a IS'member temporary (two year) commission to develop a a resolution introduced by Sen. long-range plan to protect Mlcblgan's water resources. Agriculture will Mack (D-Ironwood), would me- be represented on tbe commission. FB supported tbe legislation and bas recommended names for appointment. Pictured wltb tbe governor at tbe morialize Congress to reject bill signing ceremony are, left to rlgbt: Jon Bartbollc, director, MSUIn- legislation to designate another stitute of Water Researcb; .11mKoskI, Saginaw County drain commis- 90,300 acres as national wilder- sioner: Larry Witte, cblef, DrtR Engineering lft Water Management Divi- ness areas. The land, most of sion: Carol Swlnebart, associate editor, Mlcblgan Sea Grant, MSU;AI Almy, director, MFBPublic Affairs Division: Sen. Patrick McCollougb, which is in the Upper Peninsula, Dearborn; Sen. Mltcb Irwin, Sault Ste. Marie, wbo Introduced tbe legisla- is in three of Michigan's na- tion; Robert E. Smltb, MFBsenior legislative counsel: Carol Danswereau, tional forests. Mlcblgan Environmental Council: Gary Frollck, media aide to Sen. Irwin: The Federal Wilderness Act of and Nancy Woody, administrative aide to Sen. Irwin. 1964 provides that in such areas there shall be "no perma- nent road ... no temporary road no mechanical trans- port and no structure or in- resolution. It was finally sent to "Confined space" would in- stallation." This means that Rep. Jacobetti's Appropriations clude silos, grain bins, corn these vast areas would be off Committee for further consider- cribs, hay mows, manure pits, limits to most people, except ation. Opponents include vari- fruit storage or any confined those who backpack. Studies ous environmental groups. space where dust, fumes, heat, show that less than 1.% of the FB policy, as passed by the air quality or other hazard public use present wilderness delegates last year, "supports could exist, such as being areas. Such areas must be left the multiple use principle of engulfed by bulk material (hay, unmanaged - even to control public land management and grain, fruit, etc.) or liquid. disease, insects, etc. strongly opposes further wilder- The regulations would require The resolution points out that ness designations in Michigan." entry permits, hazardous entry the proposed designation will permits, hot work permits, etc. add to the U.P. unemployment Other requirements would in- MI-OSUA "Confined Space" problem, limit tourism, limit clude training sessions, rescue Proposals - Hearings have good wildlife management and teams, written procedures, been held by the Michigan Oc- harm econom ic growth as the emergency medical services, cupational Health Standards U.P. is just beginning to attract practice drills, recordkeeping, Commission on proposed "con- an expanded wood products in- etc. fined space entry" regulations. dustry. FB testimony stressed the Every employer, including farm The resolution has passed the fact that the proposed rules employers, would be subject to Michigan Senate. At the most would not be practical in agri- the rules. An employer is de- recent hearing before the House culture and that another major fined as anyone hiring one or Oversight Committee, Sen. bureaucracy would be created. more employees for any dura- Mack, Rep. Jacobetti and MFB It was pointed out that farmers tion of time. staff spoke in support of the are aware of such hazards on RURAL LIVING, NOVEMBER 1985 7 the farm due to a variety of and has, for example, a limit of the authority of their employer. educational programs that have $20,000 on his insurance pol- This issue will be very con- been carried out. o icy, the road commission would troversial due to the opposition have to pay all the rest - or of the State Bar, Trial Lawyers $980,000 - plus the accumu- Association, and a new group Taxation - FB continues to lated interest since the filing of called MAIM which speaks for strongly oppose H.B. 4702, the suit. In these cases, it's the the "rights of victims." which imposes a new tax of 2% taxpayer who pays. to .3% on premiums issued by If the governmental unit does Michigan insurance companies. Swine - A new bill, H.B. not have insurance then the This would hit farmers hard. It 5025, would prohibit importing taxpayer pays directly. The applies to 28 different types of of moving swine into this state judge can order the community policies. Some farmers have which have been treated with to bond and the bond be paid testified that they have total the drug chloramphenical. This by a special added tax rate on premiums as high as $1.3,000. updates Michigan law. The use the property in the community. These include workers' comp, of the drug is presently illegal This is outside of any constitu- cars and trucks, liability, by federal law. FB supports the tional limitations. There are at health, life, fire and wind, etc. legislation. least two small communities in Michigan that have had this Liability - The liability issue happen. Land Auctions - H.B. 4679 is finally on the front burner in Two bills were introduced this permits assessors to use agri- the Legislature. It has been a past year, S.B. .327 and S.B. cultural land auction sales as serious issue for some time, but .328. However, over 10 new bills evidence of "true cash value." it has reached the point where were introduced in the Senate FB supports the legislation. many governmental agencies on the whole liability issue, in- (counties, road commissions, cluding malpractice, dram shop Pesticide Management - schools, townships, cities, etc.) and governmental liability. MFB presented testimony at a can no longer get insurance or These resulted from eight rec- hearing on Oct. 1 defending the it is so high that they can't af- ommendations in a 67-page need for farmer use of pesti- ford it. Many large out-of-state Senate report. Fourteen public cides and herbicides. FB recom- insurance companies are refus- hearings by four subcommit- mendations included funding of ing to do busi~ess in Michigan tees were held during the sum- MSU's integrated pest manage- and domestic companies are mer recess. ment research and Extension not assuming the risks. It was found that Indiana in- information programs, and This state of affairs results surance rates for such coverage comments on "re-entry" and from various liberal court deci- are about one-fifth of Michigan's. "protective" clothing regula- sions and the huge awards of- In the House a special com- tions. ten given by judges and juries. mittee has been studying the The issue for governmental liability issue and is expected to agencies is somewhat different issue a report soon. Soil Conservation - H.B. from other liability; prior to Some of the reforms being 47.36 is a 29-page bill that 1964, governments could not considered include: merely brings the state Soil be sued unless they agreed to - Abolish "joint and several Conservation Committee into it. liability" which limits liability conformity with the Executive The legal term "joint and only to the degree of fault. Reorganization Act. The 1965 several liability" is a major prob- -Limit judgements by a "cap" act made the committee a type lem. It can best be described by on non-economic damages. II transfer to the Department of an example. It involves "com- - Reform pre-judgement inter- Agriculture. H.B. 47.36 makes parative negligence." est rules by using treasury bill the committee advisory to the Assume a drunk driver causes rates. department. The seven-member an accident. The plaintiff's - Reform court procedures committee consists of three lawyer will usually sue the road and/ or jury instructions. public officials and four farm- commission as well as the - Reduce judgements by the ers. The legislation has passed driver. The court may find that amount already paid by an in- the House. the drunk driver is 95% to surance company or other third blame but that the road com- party. Known as "collateral Lansing legislative topics are mission is 5% to blame for source." reviewed by Robert E. Smith, whatever reason. Assume the -Grant immunity to employ- MFB senior legislative counsel. jury awards $1 million. ees when they are acting under If the driver is not collectible 8 RURAL LIVING, NOVEMBER 1985 Let It Go ToYour Head! No More OLD HAT! The great American farmer has the confidence and courage to succeed. Your Countrymark Member Cooperative team is here to help you with quality products and service in grain mer. chandising, petroleum, feeds, fertilizers, pesticides, seeds, farm supplies and more. We accept the challenge and the pleasure of serving your agricultural needs. See your participating Countrymark Member Cooperative today. Countrymark brings together the things that have made Landmark, The Ohio Farmers and Agra Land leaders in service for so many years. This new and outstanding farm cooperative continues the tradition of fine quality products, unmatched service and reliability you need today ... products and service in grain merchandising, petroleum, feeds, fertilizers, pesticides, seeds, farm supplies, and more. Countr INCORPORATED U.S. Douse Farm Bill a Mix of Wins I Losses for Farm Bureau By Donna Wilber and Cathy J. Klrvan As the U.S. House completed its version of Farm Bill '85 in early October, thousands of dedicated FB members across Michigan were trying to make sense of the legislative "score- board." Had their valiant fight for a farm bill similar to the one they had helped write (H.R. 1965) been worth their time and effort? Had they won or lost? A little of both, it seemed, but the general concensus was that without the grassroots member Michigan Senators Don Riegle and Carl Levin. with their ag aides John involvement in lobbying efforts, Graykowskl and Anne Sullivan. listened Intently to farm bill concerns expressed by MfB members during a "Washlngton fly-In" In mld-Sep- the "score" would have been tember_ The farm bill reported out by the Senate Ag Committee was con- much more lopsided in favor of sidered more In line with fB polley than the Douse bill. fB members will a federal farm program with no now concentrate on Influencing changes In the Senate bill and later In similarity to Farm Bureau's conference committee. farmer-developed farm bill. Defeat of the Bedell market- to continue the sugar, wool and $200 million increase in fund- ing certificate program was soybean programs, but came ing for the PL 480 program. counted as a major FB victory. out with a draw on the wheat The House also passed con- The Bedell plan called for and feedgrains program. servation and credit programs higher price supports for wheat The House-passed bill.con- in line with FB policies. and feed grains and sharply- tinues the use of loans and The pork and beef check-off reduced production if the pro- target prices for wheat and programs without initiating gram was approved in a farmer feedgrains but relates them to referenda or opportunity for referendum. While it was called the market, a concept support- producer refund were approved. "voluntary," non-participating ed by FB. The legislation also FB does not oppose check-off farmers would have been pro- contains a marketing loan pro- programs, but believes that pro- hibited from selling their grain vision, implemented at the ducers involved should have the for use in the United States. FB discretion of the USDAsecre- opportunity to vote in a referen- opposed the plan because of its tary, under which producers dum before it is initiated. potential for expanding govern- would receive a nine-month. ment intervention into agricul- recourse loan and could redeem Congressional ture, and its expected devas- that loan at market-clearing Response Disappointing tating effect on trade and the levels. FB opposed that provi- What was most frustrating to livestock and poultry industries. sion as an untried concept. FB members in Michigan was Entered in the "loss" column Farm Bureau, and agriculture the general lack of response by was passage of dairy legislation in general, lost an important the state's congressmen to the that includes assessment/ diver- scoring opportunity when the grassroots contacts of their sion programs. FB opposed the House approved making cargo farmer constituents. How U.S. dairy bill on the grounds that preference apply to blended representatives cour'd ignore dairy farmers should not have credit and food donation pro- the avalanche of cards, letters, to bear the costs of programs grams (PL 480), but did score phone calls and personal con- which have failed to solve past with approval of an export tacts from FB farmer-members surplus problems. bonus program (BICEP)and a supporting their organization's FB scored on the House vote position is a mystery to those 10 RURAL LIVING, NOVEMBER 1985 who contributed their time and more responsible action by They asked the senators to sup- efforts to the farm bill cam- Michigan's senators. port the provisions in S. 908, paign. FB's farm bill. On the dairy issue, only four Senate Farm Bill Action As Rural Living went to press, of 18 Michigan congressmen - The Senate was scheduled to FB members had high hopes VanderJagt, Broomfield, Davis begin its consideration of the that their message would ring and Pursell - voted in line with farm bill in mid to late October clear in the Senate, and that, FB policy. (after Rural Living went to after a House-Senate conference press), but major lobbying ef- committee ironed out the dif- forts by MFB members were ferences in the two farm bills, launched Oct. 3 with postcard the scoreboard would show signing campaigns at county market-oriented agriculture the annual meetings. winner. Major emphasis of the cam- paign on the Senate farm bill was opposition to legislation that would permit establish- ment of mandatory production and marketing controls, opposi- tion to mandatory beef and pork check-offs without prior producer referenda and volun- tary refund provisions, and favoring tying the dairy price / support level to the level of net Branch County hog farmer !'lIke Pridgeon outlined his concerns government purchases of dairy about mandatory controls for the products, with the first price senators. Defeat of the Bedell support adjustment in 1986. marketing certificate program and two other follow-up attempts Several MFB board members for mandatory controls was con- were scheduled to visit Wash- sidered a major victory for FB. ington, D.C., the week of Oct. 14 to reiterate the message car- On the Bedell amendment, ried to Sens. Carl Levin and Don congressmen followed party lines on the market-oriented vs. Riegle by nearly 60 MFB mem- bers in September. \ government-managed agricul- The "fly-in" participants, who State Young Farmer Committee ture issue - Democrats against also met with their congress- members took time during a re- FB's position, with the excep- men, told the senators first- cent meeting to phone county YF chairpersons, urging them to tion of Bob Carr, and Republi- hand that they prefer a market- contact their V.S. congressmen. cans for FB's position, with the oriented agriculture and a farm Above, Mark Lauwers talks with a exception of House Ag Commit- bill that isn't a budget buster. YF chairperson from District 5. tee member Bill Schuette. Schuette, who is listed as a co- sponsor of FB's farm bill, voted in opposition to most key provi- sions of FB's proposal. The political analysis of this lack of support for the farmer- developed policies of the world's largest farm organization was put on "hold" as FB members shifted their policy execution ef- forts toward the Senate. With only two "targets" instead of 18, and one of those a co- sponsor of FB's farm bill (Sen. Riegle), there were high hopes Rep. Carl Pursell (left) was visited by fly-In participants Eugene Baker, that there would be more re- Uilisdale, Neal Sanford, Jackson, and Gene Maynard, Shlawassee. Pursell sponsiveness to the farm con- was one of only four Michigan congressmen who voted In line with FB stituency, and consequently polley on the dairy program. RURAL LlVINO, NOVEMBER 1985 11 ~D [I]~~LrJU[E] C~~[s][s]BDDM By Marcia Ditchie classroom instruction. Science Bureaus to work with their local subjects include plant and ani- schools and it is only available Through the use of a com- mal identification, nutrition and through Michigan Farm Bureau," puter program which utilizes a animal reproduction. Math Kartes said. Ag in the Class- "grain chomping" combine studies involve farm production room volunteers should contact moving across the bottom of decisions and the social studies Kartes for the computer soft- the screen, urban children in segment explores careers in ag- ware. Michigan will soon gain a better riculture. The language arts Over 140 members partici- understanding of agriculture. section provides spelling les- pated in the Ag in the Class- Known as "Farm &. Food sons based on agricultural room workshops in Lansing and Bytes," the agricultural com- terms. Gaylord on Sept. 24 and 25. In puter program was introduced "The new program provides addition to the introduction of at Agriculture in the Classroom an added tool for county Farm the "Farm &. Food Bytes" pro- workshops in September. It is designed for fourth, fifth and sixth grade students as an en- richment exercise for language arts, science, math and social studies. "The computer software pro- gram is designed to help stu- dents become more aware of agriculture while they learn computer skills," said Rose- mary Kartes, manager of the MFB Women's Department. "The program was developed in Iowa by an agricultural task force, which included the Iowa Farm Bureau, and is being adapted to Michigan." The program, which is com- patible with Apple and IBM com- puters, includes five menus Elementary school children will soon be able to learn more about agri- which correlate with regular culture while they practice computer skills through the use of the "Farm 8t Food Bytes" computer program. The program was Introduced by MFB Women's Department Manager Rosemary Kartes at the Ag In the Class- room workshops. 12 RURAL LIVING, NOVEMBER 1985 ~VICllOH nts IRE ----- ~ ./ Effective preparation can add to the success of a presentation, whether In the classroom or at a meeting. Lansing and Gaylord workshop par- ticipants were guided through the 10 building blocks for a successful presentation by Mike Kovacic, MFBYoung Farmer Department manager. school children in Michigan "farm Bureau policy adopted No, this funny little creature Isn't real, but Eaton County Ag In the have viewed the presentation," by members nationwide states Classroom volunteer Pat Tirrell said Faye Adam, chairperson of that this program and others, takes a real lamb to classrooms. the MfB Women's Committee. especialIy at the elementary She shared some presentation techniques with participants at "Other state farm Bureaus also level, are a priority. Programs th~ Lansing workshop. use it and have reached several like this develop an understand- thousand additional school ing of economics, supply and gram, participants received children." demand and the source of food step-by-step instruction for The purpose of the workshops and fibre," she said. organizing presentations and this faIl, Adam said, was to help "Each of us has a respon- preparing themselves as pre- volunteers sharpen their pre- sibility to promote our industry senters. sentation skills and see first- - we are directly involved and Each workshop included dem- hand what other volunteers we can do it best." onstrations by county volun- have found to be successful in teers of the presentations they the classroom and on farm use in classrooms and for on- tours. farm tours by school children. Volunteers sharing their ideas at the Lansing workshop were Jean Creyts and Pat Tirrell, both from Eaton County, and Anne Block of Saginaw County. At the Gaylord workshop, Diana Uitvlugt of Kalkaska County, Peggy Wagner from NWMichi- gan, Julie Schwab of Bay and Elaine Putney of Benzie County shared their presentations. Michigan farm Bureau started providing volunteers with re- source information 10 years ago when the "fabulous food Machine" slide-tape presenta- tion was developed. The pro- gram has since been updated This float, depicting presentation of an Agriculture In the Classroom and is now called the "fabulous lesson, won the Presque Isle County Farm Bureau Women a "most origi- food friends." nal" award In the Rogers City Nautical Festival Parade last summer. By "During the last 10 years, it is request, the float was also entered In the Posen Potato Festival Parade estimated that over 100,000 In September. RURAL LIVING, NOVEMBER 1985 1.3 RURAL EXCHANGE RURAL RASCALS U.P. Expo Includes Ag Upper Peninsula County Farm Bureaus took the lead in show- casing agriculture at the In- dustrial Expo U.P. '85, held in Marquette Sept. 26-27. "Pride is running very high, since this is the first time agriculture has been included in the biannual exposition," reports Ann Jousma, MFB regional represen- This mink centerpiece was given tative for the U.P. to Paula Blanchard following her An "All U.P. Dinner" kicked address at the "AII U.P. Dinner" off the expo on the evening of during Industrial Expo U.P. '85. All, SUCCESSI - SIx-year-old Sept. 25. "The menu featured Brooke Vander Donlng and her commodities from all U.P. coun- Gov. James Blanchard, de- calf relax after a fine performance ties, and the county Farm Bu- livered a keynote address that In a showmanship class at the reaus were instrumental in mak- saluted the Industrial Expo U.P. local 4-D fair. They're waiting to learn how others In the Sunshine ing arrangements," Jousma as a showcase for Michigan's Dairy Club of Grant did In the said. "All during the expo, peo- finest products. competition. Brooke Is the daugh- "In addition to the usual em- ter of Nlkll and Charlotte Vander ple were commenting on how Donlng of Newaygo County. delicious the dinner was. Many phasis on industrial products, had not been aware of the large this year we are also featuring variety of commodities grown in agricultural products - start- the Upper Peninsula." ing with tonight's delicious din- The menu included broccoli ner," she said. Blanchard also salad, roast sirloin of beef, commended fB members for roast leg of lamb with jelly, their excellent promotion of oven brown new potatoes, cauli- agriculture at the expo. flower with cheese sauce, hot following her speech, she was rolls with honey butter and presented with a plaque and the strawberry jam, and vanilla ice mink centerpiece in apprecia- >J cream topped with maple syrup. tion for her participation. J,f't.... Chippewa County FB mem- STOPI I'M TICKLISDI- Kattle and bers prepared the strawberry Michael Reilly pose on their back jam and the honey butter was steps with pet racoon "Bumbles." supplied in cooperation with Looks like Michael's not enjoying Rural Rascals Do Grow Up - Bumbles' friendly pat on the arm. the Copper Country fB. "farm And They Keep Baving Fun They are the children of James Bureau members in Menominee and Sally Reilly of Lapeer County. and Mackinac-Luce counties were instrumental in arranging for the donation of milk and ice FAKMETTE cream through local dairy coop- By Andrea Hofmeister eratives," Jousma said. Tuscola County An unusual mink centerpiece and "touch of mink" corsages, made by Patricia's Creations of Bark River, were provided in cooperation with Iron Range fB. A brochure describing the scope and importance of U.P. Clinton County farmers Bud and agriculture, prepared by the Irmy Black surprised their family Hiawathaland fB in cooperation when they readily agreed to pose with the U.P. Cooperative Exten- for a "Rural Rascals" photo: Irmy quickly dropped her dish towel sion Service, was distributed to and jumped on Bud's lap. The everyone at the dinner. scene probably wouldn't have "I could Just leave It there for a school Paula Blanchard, special ad- surprised their fellow FB mem- bus shelter tax write-off tourist visor to the Michigan Depart- bers In the Clark-Chandler Com- munity Action Group. attraction greenhouse " ment of Commerce and wife of 14 RURAL LIVING, NOVEMBER 1985 FRONT &. CENTER . The annual meetings of MFBand its affiliated companies will kick-off on Tues- day. Dec. 10 with the FPCannual at 10 a.m., followed by the MACMAluncheon and annual meeting program at noon. After a fruit and ice cream social sponsored by MACMA's Direct Marketing Division, delegates to the MFB annual will convene at 3 p.m. for their opening ses- sion. Rounding out the first day's activities is the County Presidents' and Campaign Managers' Banquet at 6 p.m. with MSUassistant football coach Larry Bielat as keynote speaker. A delegate breakfast on Wednesday morning, sponsored by FB Women, will feature an address by Bert White, AFBF Women's Committee chairperson. Young Farmer Discussion Meet semifinals begin at 10 a.m. with the finals at 1:30 p.m. Dennis Conway, director of the DNR's P.A. 116 program, will address the commodity session beginning at 10 a.m. President Elton R. Smith will deliver his annual address at the noon luncheon. The resolutions session will reconvene at 2:30 p.m., followed by the YF awards program where winners of the Discus- sion Meet, Distinguished Young Farmer and Outstanding Young Farm Woman contests will be announced. County presidents and their award-winning committees will be in the limelight during an awards banquet and program. A Las Vegas night, silent auction spon- sored by FB Women for AgriPac, and a hoedown top off Wednesday's agenda. Thursday's activities will kick-off with the annual Agripac Breakfast which will feature a speaker and the YF/ AgriPac raffle drawing. The resolutions session starts at 8:30 a.m. and continues until 4 p.m. with a break for lunch. Gov. Blanchard has been invited to address the delegate body. Caucuses for odd-numbered districts are scheduled for 4 p.m. The annual banquet, beginning at 6:30 p.m., will feature the DSA award presentation and an address by Capt. Gerald Coffee, U.S. Navy, who spent seven years as a POWin Vietnam. Friday's agenda includes resolutions and election of directors. The MFB Women's Com- mittee will hold a health screening fair during the annual meeting. The screen will include a health risk appraisal, blood pressure check and cholesterol test. An MFB display area will be open on Wednesday and Thursday for delegates to visit exhibits highlighting FB benefits and programs. Tickets are still available from county Young Farmer committee members. board members and secretaries for the AgriPac Raffle (license No. R4635-23S). Pro- ceeds from the raffle will be used to support "Friends of Agriculture" in the 1986 elections. Prizes include a week-long Carribbean cruise, a weekend in Northern Michigan, a color TV, a microwave oven, a VCR and a 35mm camera outfit. Tickets cost $2.50 and may be pur- chased by MFB members only. The drawing will take place at the AgriPac Breakfast on Dec. 12 during the MFB annual meeting. Just 22 months after the Farm Bureau Services. Inc. reorganization meeting In Lansing. from whicb tbe new Agra Land cooperative emerged. sbareholders approved tbe sale of assets to Mid-States Terminals, Inc .. Toledo. Oblo. a subsidiary of Coun- tymark. Inc.. Columbus. Ohio. Countrymark did not disclose the purchase price, but did say that the transfer would include issuance of Mid-States Terminals preferred stock to Agra Land. Officials of the two cooperatives said many Agra Land employees will be retained. Countrymark officials say they will maintain some operations in Agra Land's present office in Lansing during the transition, but have no plans for a permanent Lansing office. The 11th annual America 8t Me Essay Contest, sponsored by Farm Bureau Insurance Group, is being introduced in schools throughout Michigan. Open to any 8th grader, this year's contest will be held Oct. 28-Nov. 15. The theme is "Why I Am Important to America's future." Prizes included award certificates and plaques for local winners and their schools, and savings bonds ranging from $200 to $1,000 for the top 10 state winners. FBIG expects over 10,000 students from 600 schools to submit essays. Among the finalist judges in the contest are Gov. James Blanchard and Lt. Gov. Martha Griffiths. As sponsor of the contest, fBIG has earned 11 national awards from the Freedoms Foundation at Valley forge . .RURAL LIVING, NOV~MB~R 1985 15 1985 HOLIDAY CITRUS SALE Quantity Commodity Description Price Amount Florida Navel Oranges, tree-ripened, seedless, 4/5 bushel $14.65 Florida Pink Grapefruit, tree-ripened, seedless, 4/5 bushel $10.65 Florida Tangeloes, tree-ripened, seedless, 4/5 bushel $12.15 California Navel Oranges, tree-ripened, seedless, 4/5 bushel $16.35 Hi-Density Orange Juice Cone. (makes 72 oz.), 24-12 oz. cans $35.75 Hi-Density Grapefruit Juice Cone. (makes 72 oz.), 6-12 oz. cans .. $ 6.70 Packed in Juice Grapefruit Sections, 24-16 oz. cans $22.05 Florida Skinless Peanuts, 20 oz. vacuum packed can $ 2.40 Florida Big Can Redskin Peanuts, 4 lb. party pleaser $ 6.20 Fresh Florida Pecan Halves, large stewart variety, 1 lb. bag $ 4.15 Michigan Hi-Density Apple Cider Concentrate, 24-12 oz. cans $24.50 Michigan Grape Juice Cone., the grower's choice, 24-12 oz. cans. $26.25 Cheddar Broccoli Soup, 6-28 oz. containers $18.25 Cream of Asparagus Soup, 6-28 oz. containers $16.95 Raspberries, 10 Ibs., Individually Quick Frozen $18.50 Red Tart Cherries, 10 Ibs., Individually Quick Frozen $ 8.75 Dark Sweet Cherries, 10 Ibs., Individually Quick Frozen $11.35 Peach Slices, 10 Ibs., Individually Quick Frozen $10.50 Mixed Fruit, 10 Ibs., Individually Quick Frozen $10.80 Whole Strawberries, 10 Ibs., Individually Quick Frozen $10.50 Sliced Mushrooms, 10 Ibs., Individually Quick Frozen $15.10 Sliced Apples, 10 Ibs., Individually Quick Frozen $ 5.90 Broccoli Spears, 12-2 lb. packages $19.70 Garden Peas, 12-21h lb. packages $21.70 "Peet's" Vintage Ham, 4-4 lb. halves (priced per pound) $2.11/lb. /fPeet's" Thick Cut Bacon, 12-1 lb., vac pac $23.00 Hickory Stick Summer Sausage, 4 Ibs $ 9.75 Indiana Popcorn, 5 lb. bag $ 2.00 New Mexico Pralined Pecans, 12 oz. can, vac pac $ 3.35 Wise. AA Grade Sharp Cheddar Cheese, 4-1 lb., vac pac $11.95 Wise. AA Grade Medium Cheddar Cheese, 4-1 lb., vac pac $11.80 Wise. AA Grade Colby Cheese, 4-1 lb., vac pac $11.25 Wise. AA Grade Monterey Jack Cheese, 4-1 lb., vac pac $11.25 Variety Pack: AA Grade, sharp, med., colby, caraway, 4-1 lb., vac pac $12.95 Variety Spread: 6-1 lb. tubs, 2 sharp, 2 cheddar wine, 2 swiss almond $1'5.00 Nacho Cheese, 6-1 lb. tubs " $14.75 Michigan's Farm Best Gift Pack $28.50 Cherry Bowl Pack $20.00 Michigan Sampler $17.75 Michigan Supreme $38.50 TOTAL UNITS TOTAL S Name County Address 1st Phone 2nd Phone All New and Different Gift Pack Selections. D MICHIGAN'S FARM BEST Young Smoked Broiler, 21h Ibs.• Michigan Cheese Cake, 11 oz. Cherry Almondine Meat Sauce, 10 oz. MICHIGAN SAMPLER Boneless Smoked Ham, 21h Ibs. Concord Salad Dressing/Meat Marinade, 12 oz. Red Raspberry Seedless Preserves, 10 oz. Blueberry Growers Preserves, 12 oz. MSU Cheddar Cheese, 1h lb. Plum Preserves, 10 oz. Hickory Summer Sausage, 1 lb. MSU Cheddar Cheese, 1h lb. MSU Tilsiter Cheese, 1h lb. MSU Dagano Cheese, 1h lb. MICHIGAN SUPREME Hickory Summer Sausage, 1 lb. Boneless Smoked Ham, 21h Ibs. Young Smoked Broiler, 21h Ibs. CHERRY BOWL PACK Wild Honey (in a glass mug), 1 'A Ibs. Cherry Bowl 11 oz. glasses Log Hut Tin Maple Syrup, pint (med. amber) Yogurt Cherries, 4 oz. Hickory Summer Sausage, 1 lb. Dried Tart Cherries, 4 oz. Cherry Nut Fudge, 1h lb. Cherry Almondine Meat Sauce, 10 oz. Cherry Almondine Meat Sauce, 10 oz. Cherry Nut Fudge, 1h lb. Red Raspberry Seedless Preserves, 10 oz. Maraschino Cherries, 6 oz. MSU Cheddar Cheese, 1h lb. Cherry Fruit Filling, 20 oz. MSU Tilsiter Cheese, '/z lb. •Orders should be made on the accompanying form (opposite page). Order Deadline: Wednesday, November 20, 1985 Delivery Dates: Dec. 2-19 (except during the MFB annual, Dec. 10-13) LOCAL MEMBER-TO-MEMBER ORDERING INFORMATION Akona 517-736-8220 Hiawathaland 9~3508 Montcalm 517-831-4094 Allegan 616-673-6651 Hillsdale 517-437-2458 Montmorency 517-742-4248 Alpena 517-727-3047 Huron 517-269-9911 Muskegon 616-744-1116 Antrim 616-588-6074 Ingham 517-663-3819 Newaygo 616-924-0545 Arenac 517-846-6100 Ionia 616-527-3960 Northwest Michigan Bay 517-879-2324 Iron Range 906-875-6195 616-947-2941 Benzie 616-352-4940 or 875-4541 Oakland 313-853-6131 Branch 517-741-7353 Isabella 517-772-0996 Oceana 616-861-5855 Calhoun 616-781-2849 Jackson 517-784-9166 Ogemaw 517-345-1501 Cass 616-445-3849 Kalamazoo 616-342-0212 Osceola 616-832-9093 or 445-3840 or 746-4922 Otsego 517-732-5884 Charlevoix 616-582-6017 Kalkaska 616-258-4631 Ottawa 616-895-4381 Cheboygan 616-625-2239 Kent 616-784-1092 Presque Isle 517-734-2692 Chippewa 906-647-5569 Lapeer 313-664-4551 Saginaw 517-792-9687 Clare 517-386-7448 Lenawee 517-265-5255 St. Clair 313-384-1381 Clinton 517-224-3722 or 265-2891 or 367-3750 Copper Country 906-523-4540 Livingston 517-546-4920 St. Joseph 616-467-6308 or 827-3956 Mackinac-Luce 906-477-6183 Sanilac 313-648-2800 Eaton 517-543-5565 Macomb 313-781-4241 Shiawassee 517-725-5174 Emmet 616-347-7252 Manistee 616-889-4472 Tuscola 517-673-4155 Genesee see county Mecosta 616-796-1473 Van Buren 616-657-5561 newsletter Menominee 906-753-6639 Washtenaw 313-429-7527 Gladwin 517-426-7704 Midland 517-835-6517 Wayne 313-729-0799 Gratiot 517-875-4626 Missaukee 616-825-2952 Wexford 616-775-0126 or 875-2200 Monroe 313-269-3275 V'AII Come! Make Your Plans Now! Flight Reservations Due November 10 New at the 1986 AFBF Annual Meeting -Trade Show Featuring many of the nation's top agricultural sup- pliers, commodity brokers and marketing associations -Farm Bureau Country Fair Designed in the old south tradition with southern cooking, dancing and entertainment featuring Danny Davis and the Nashville Brass -Michigan/Ohio Breakfast PLUS - House of Delegates - Young Farmer Discussion Meet Competition - Special Interest Conferences - Nationally Known Speakers - Recognition and Awards Program Starring the Roy Clark Show Don't delay in making your plans to attend the 1986 AFBF Annual Meeting. Four travel packages are available for MFB members. Contact your county FB secretary for a reservation form. Deadline for flight reservations is Nov. 10 to take advantage of ultrasaver rates. Final payment for all travel packages must be made by Dec. 6. AFBF Annual Meeting, January 11-16, 1986 MACMA Gift Packs a ICberryl Good Idea for Uoliday Celebrations The MACMA direct marketing program is putting a bright, cherry-red bow on their holiday season promotions with the ad- dition of the new Cherry Bowl Gift Pack to their line of "Michi- gan Farm Best" products. MACMA Direct Marketing Man- ager Bob Eppelheimer, who sold the gift pack idea to Cherry Bowl organizers, says the pro- motion is an opportunity to package and sell more of "Mich- igan's Farm Best" to consumers here in Michigan and around the country. "Wherever we talk about this all-Michigan Cherry Bowl Gift Pack," he says, "we're pro- moting it for holiday giving, holiday parties or as a conve- MSU Dairy Club members have begun assembling the newall-Michigan Cherry Bowl Gift Packs In preparation for MACMA'sholiday sale and nient snack pack for Cherry orders from Cherry Bowl II sponsoring organizations. Bowl game day." The new gift pack includes Cherry Bowl by the NCAA, there such taste-tempting Michigan just wasn't enough time for a specialities as cherry nut fudge, lot of the Michigan businesses candied sweet maraschino cher- to develop good tie-in promo- ries, yogurt cherries, cherry tions for Cherry Bowl," he says. almondine, dried cherry nug- The gift packs will be avail- gets and cherry fruit filling. able to Michigan Farm Bureau Also included are two Cherry members through the 1985 Hol- Bowl double Old fashioned iday Citrus Sale product line. glasses. The Direct Marketing program "Naturally, we have a stand- also offers the Michigan's Farm ing order from Cherry Bowl, Inc. Best Pack, Michigan Supreme for the pack to use in their con- Pack and Michigan Sampler. tacts with the prospective col- (See product information and leges and universities around order form on pages 16-17 of the country," Eppelheimer says. this issue.) Also through Cherry Bowl, Inc., Like the Michigan Farm Best Eppelheimer is offering the Gift Pack introduced just two Cherry Bowl Gift Pack as a tie-in years ago, the Cherry Bowl specialty item to sponsoring product pack is assembled by organizations. students in MSU's Dairy Club. "This is the first year that The money earned by the stu- MACMAexpects to sell 3,000 of we've been able to do some dents goes to fund club ac- the various gift packs which will complementary promotion to tivities and projects. be available through the 1985 the Cherry Bowl. Last year, with Holiday Citrus Sale. the late summer approval of the RURAL LIVING, NOVEMBER 1985 19 Michigan Farm Bureau # 1 Membership Growth in state & Nation Shows Farmers' Commitment to FB "People used to say that it ship high, and especially for lated MFB on its 18 years of was impossible to get farmers their gain in regular members. continuous growth. to organize. They said farmers "In spite of this being a hard Michigan led the nation in were too independent - that year for farmers and ranchers, 1985 membership growth, they would never be much good member gains by counties like achieving 108% of goal and at working together because Ottawa and states like Michigan ending the year with 92,39.3 each farmer is too much in add up to a projected AFBF member families - 9,340 more competition with his neighbor. membership gain of over than last year - and an in- But, today, from coast to coast 30,000 new member families," crease in farmer members. and all points in between, he said. "We are gaining in Sixty-five of Michigan's 69 farmers have learned to membership this year because county FBs had a gain in mem- organize and to work together farmers and ranchers generally bership and 52 counties sur- - through Farm Bureau." recognize that Farm Bureau is a passed their membership goal. With that statement, AFBF problem-solver - and there are In addition, 45 achieved target President Robert Delano opened plenty of problems to solve." (growth in regular members). his message to Ottawa County Delano said Ottawa's mem- County FB membership teams FB members at their annual bership achievements, in a will be recognized for their meeting, Oct. 10. Delano paid county of greatly diversified outstanding contributions to tribute to the county for being agriculture, "again proves how the 1985 campaign at the an- first in the state to reach goal in independent farmers can organ- nual County Presidents' and their membership category, for ize and act together to get Campaign Managers' Banquet, achieving their all-time member- things done." He also congratu- Dec. 10 in Grand Rapids. 1985 Goal Counties Target Counties Final Regional Standings (in order of reporting) (in order of reporting) Southeast - 122.18% Kalamazoo Berrien Mecosta Kent Emmet West - 111.95% Jackson Wexford Manistee Otsego Kalkaska Emmet North - 111.69% Hillsdale Ogemaw Lenawee Oakland Mackinac-Luce West Central - 110.60% Menominee Allegan St. Joseph Macomb Southwest - 108.46% Monroe St. Clair Menominee Allegan Central - 106.71 % Wayne Clinton Calhoun Antrim South - 105.84% Muskegon Cass Gladwin Otsego North east - 104. 19% Ottawa Van Buren Muskegon Presque Isle Saginaw Valley - 101.58% Kent Ingham Copper Country Lenawee Northwest - 101.36% St. Joseph Tuscola Iron Range Clinton Thumb - 100.50% Mecosta Livingston Arenac Eaton Upper Peninsula - 100.49% Mackinac-Luce losco Newaygo Ogemaw Oakland Hillsdale Monroe Tuscola Wexford Saginaw Washtenaw Barry Final District Standings Cheboygan Midland Hiawathaland Charlevoix Bay Manistee Ottawa Huron District 3 - 124.25% Calhoun Copper Country Kalkaska Ionia District 4 - 113.82% Antrim Eaton Kalamazoo Montcalm Gladwin District 10 - 109.49% Alpena Jackson Oceana Washtenaw Osceola Chippewa District 1- 108.46% Wayne Newaygo Oceana Isabella Alcona District 7 - 108.12% Isabella Mason Cheboygan District 5 - 106.71 % Genesee Sanilac District 2 - 105.84% Charlevoix Chippewa District 6 - 101.85% Macomb Barry District 8 - 101.45% District 9 - 101.36% NOTE: Counties achieving gain but not goal include: Alcona, Arenac, District 11 - 100.49% Branch, Clare, Hiawathaland, Huron, Ionia, Lapeer, Missaukee, Montcalm, Northwest Michigan, Presque Isle and Shiawassee. 20 RURAL LIVING, NOVEMBER 1985 Trade Show Country Fair Will Kick-Off I 1986 AFBF Annual Meeting in Atlanta Spectacular pre-convention and remarks by U.S. Sen. Sam Package I (Drive I Dotel) - activities and an agricultural Nunn, Georgia's senior senator. Includes five nights at the trade show await Farm Bureau Conferences on livestock, inter- Atlanta Hyatt Regency Hotel, members attending the Ameri- national trade, farm labor and convention registration, can Farm Bureau Federation's FB Women will be held in the Michigan/Ohio Breakfast and 67th annual meeting in Atlanta, afternoon, followed by an open the FB "Country Fair," Cost: Jan. 11-16 .. Resolutions Committee meeting $249 per person based on dou- The trade show - the first where FB members can express ble occupancy. ever to be associated with the their views on proposed AFBF Package II (8us to Atlanta I AFBF annual meeting - will policy. Monday evening activi- Nashville Tour) - Includes open Saturday, Jan. 11, the day ties include the AFBF Young roundtrip bus transportation, before the convention officially Farmer awards and recognition one night at the Holiday Inn in begins, and run through Jan. program and an FB dance. Corbin, Ky., four nights at the 14. Exhibitors include Deutz- Highlights of Tuesday's gen- Atlanta Hyatt Regency, conven- Allis, J.1. Case, Ciba-Geigy eral session include presenta- tion registration, Michigan/ Corp., DuPont Co., Monsanto, tion of a DSA award and, ten- Ohio Breakfast, two nights in Union Carbide, the Chicago tatively, addresses by U.S Trade Nashville, including a perfor- Board of Trade, Mid America Representative Clayton Yeutter mance at the Grand Ole Opry, Commodity Exchange and sev- and U.S. Sen. Robert Dole. Con- and tour of Music City, U.S.A. eral state Farm Bureaus or their ferences on grains, insurance, Cost: $379 per person based on affiliated marketing associa- FB leadership and economic double occupancy. tions, including the Florida issues will be held Tuesday Package III (Flight! Dote I) Agricultural Marketing Associa- afternoon. The annual awards - Includes roundtrip air tion (FAMA) and the Michigan program for state FBs will be transportation, five nights at Agricultural Cooperative Mar- that evening, featuring The Roy the Atlanta Hyatt Regency, keting Association (MACMA). Clark Show. Michigan/Ohio Breakfast, con- A Farm Bureau "Country The resolutions session be- vention registration, FB "Coun- Fair," designed in the old south gins on Wednesday morning. try Fair" and roundtrip transfer tradition, with southern cook- Delegates from the 48 state FBs service between hotel and air- ing, country-style entertainment and Puerto Rico will vote on port. Cost: $411 per person and dancing will be held Satur- resolutions recommended by based on double occupancy. day evening, Jan. 11. Featured the AFBF Policy Development Package IV (Flight! Dotel! entertainment for the country Committee, which is chaired by Cruise) - Includes roundtrip show will be trumpeteer Danny MFB President/ AFBF Vice Presi- air transportation, six nights at Davis and the Nashville Brass. dent Elton R. Smith. Several the Atlanta Hyatt Regency, con- members of the MFB board will vention registration, Michi- Convention Dlgbligbts serve as voting delegates and gan/Ohio Breakfast, FB "Coun- The convention opens on Sun- alternates from Michigan. Re- try fair" and Carribean cruise day, Jan. 12 with national gional caucuses will also be (three nights). Cost: Starts at Discussion Meet competition held on Wednesday. $9.35. and a vesper service. The convention will conclude Brochures describing the tour A special event for members on Thursday with final discus- packages in detail are available from Michigan and Ohio is a - sion and action on resolutions, from county FB secretaries and joint breakfast, scheduled for and election of AfBF directors. the MFB Information & Public Monday morning, Jan. 13. Relations Division, P.O. Box Convention Tours .30960, Lansing, Mich. 48909. Next on the agenda is a gen- eral session featuring recogni- Four travel packages have For those who choose to fly, tion of state FB membership been arranged for MfB mem- reservations - with a flight de- achievements, AFBF President bers. posit of $45 - must be made Robert Delano's annual address, by Nov. 10 to guarantee the low presentation of a Distinguished rate. Full payment for all tour Service to Agriculture award packages must be received by Tiffany Travel by Dec. 6. RURAL LIVING, NOVEMBER 1985 21 Conference to Address Ag's Future "Competition, Survival and ing land values and institu- Ulgbligbts on Profitability" is the theme of tional rules affect ag credit. Wednesday, Nov. 20 the Governor's Conference on - How to Meet the Interna- The second day will start with the Future of Michigan Agricul- tional Trade Challenge - Ex- a question and answer session ture, set for Nov. 19-20 at the perts will explore the latest in with key state government de- Hyatt Regency, Flint. The event research, technology and mar- partment heads and MSUlead- is co-sponsored by Gov. James ket development from an inter- ers. Several workshops will be Blanchard and the Michigan national perspective to help offered once on Wednesday Department of Agriculture. MFB farmers gain and keep a com- morning. President Elton R. Smith is a petitive edge. -Agricultural Assistance Net- member of the conference advi- -Our U.S. Cheap Food Polley work - This workshop will re- sory committee. - Michigan congressmen, ag view the history and overall pur- All persons associated with organization leaders and MSU pose of the network, who par- the agricultural industry - specialists will discuss the fac- ticipated, operation of the farmers, suppliers, processors, tors that make food prices fluc- hotline, the EMAT program, the grocers, restaurateurs and con- tuate, the "national food loan program and how it func- sumers - are invited to attend. policy" and other issues that in- tions and the long-range out- "We must look for new, in- fluence our country's policies look. novative ways to keep Michigan's and attitudes toward food. - Your Role in Pesticide Man- vital agricultural industry grow- -Increasing Profits by Saying agement - Participants will ing," said MDA Director Paul Yes to Michigan Agriculture - hear a report on the public Kindinger, in announcing the Michigan has gained national hearings and be updated on conference. "Now, more than attention through efforts to pro- rules, licenses and emerging ever, we need to closely ex- mote its own products. Several issues. amine economic policies and leading Michigan companies - Food Processing, Ag Tourism marketing strategies that will and commodity groups will give and Forestry - Workshop impact on our ability to build a tips on how to make the pro- presenters will explain the stronger future." gram work. Target Industry program, the -Agriculture and You in the Berrien County ag tourism proj- Ulgbligbts on Next Century - Have an impact Tuesday, Nov. 19 ect and future plans for these on the future! Brainstorm with programs. The conference opens with a other ag industry represen- - ~merging Issues in Live- keynote address on "What the tatives on new trends, emerging stock, Poultry and Dairy - This Future Holds for Agriculture" by issues and challenges of the workshop will review current Paul Hawken, author of The next 20 years. and emerging issues, MDA's Next ~conomy. - Consumer Demand and How programs and what assistance Participants can choose from to Meet It- Consumer ad- is available. several workshops, offered once vocates, retailers and resear- -Beating Your Competition in the morning and once in the chers will focus on food safety, With a Better Product - Par- afternoon. Kansas Gov. John quality, trends, demands and ticipants will learn about MDA's Carlin will speak at the lun- other challenges facing the program and emerging issues. cheon on Tuesday. food industry. - Opening and Operating a - Tax Rellef Programs for - You Don't Sell Misery: You Food Business - MDA's new Agriculture - This workshop Sell Opportunity - Media ex- booklet on how to make it work will explore how taxation and perts will discuss the current for you will be available, along property tax reform initiatives image of the ag industry and with resource people. affect the ag industry. Legisla- how it can be enhanced. - The Crisis in Ag ~ducatlon - tors, government leaders and In the evening, participants MSUleaders will discuss this tax experts will be involved. are invited to a reception, fol- important issue. - How Do WeAssure Ourselves lowed by a banquet and address - Positive Approaches to Pre- Agricultural Credit in the by Gov. James Blanchard. serving Our Natural Resources Future? - Bankers, ag credit - The MDA and Soil Conserva- specialists and farmers will tion Service joint project will be discuss problems in the ag explained. credit system and how chang- (continued on page 30) 22 RURAL LIVING, NOVEMBER 1985 Dave Another Delping of Mich.igan-Orown Foods Starting this fall, Zehnder said persons attending agricultural meetings at the Bavarian Inn will know all about the Michigan products served in the restau- rant. "We have a flyer that we'll use as kind of a placecard on the tables. It will let the bean grower know that we're trying to use his beans, and let the dairyman know that we're try- ing to use his milk products." Other Michigan products served in 1984 include eight tons of beef; five tons of rhubarb and pastry flour; four tons of frozen apples, veal, cucumbers and soybean oil; three tons of melons, cherries and onions; two tons of blueber- Tbe fare at tbe Bavarian Inn ranges from tbelr famous cblcken dinners to German specialties. Last year, tbe Frankenmutb restaurant served ries, celery, strawberries, 752,000 tons of Mlcblgan agricultural products. medium cheese and fresh eggs; and one ton of turkey, parsley, plums, pickles and carrots. By Cathy J. Klrvan The restaurant served 20 tons of cabbage, 18 tons of Spy ap- When you think of Franken- ples (many processed with muth, you probably think of oranges and cranberries into chicken dinners or old-style cranberry relish), 16 tons of German foods. But next time sauerkraut, 16 tons of pork and you visit, you may start think- 14 tons of butter. ing about Michigan agricultural A Michigan commodity that products. may not lead the list in tonnage Bill Zehnder, manager of the but is very popular with agricul- Bavarian Inn, proudly reports tural industry patrons, is navy that the restaurant served an beans (two tons). average of one pound of Michi- "Beans are very popular in gan commodities to each of its this area because so many are 750,000 customers in 1984. grown here," Zehnder said. "We choose Michigan prod- "One agricultural group asked ucts because they're good," he us to serve bean soup, bean said. "We've always tried to use salad and baked beans." local products, but in the last He said they've recently ex- five years or so we've really con- panded the use of fresh pota- centrated on it." toes (six tons). "We worked with an MSUstaff person to find the Manager Bill Zebnder (left) Ice cream leads the list, with cbecks tbe quality of squasb be- 65 tons served last year. Not far best varieties of Michigan pota- Ing processed In tbe annual behind is squash, with 60 tons toes that hold up in our steam "squasb round-up." Tbe 80 tons served. Milk (45 tons) is next table set-up." of blue bubbard squasb Is pur- cbased from Saginaw County FB with cottage cheese and beet member Fred Weiss. sugar tied for fourth at 28 tons. RURAL LIVING. NOVEMBER 1985 2.3 FBIGBegins Battle ~gainst Claims Fraud Farm Bureau Insurance fraudulent or partially fraudu- out by American insurance Group's two property-casualty lent," said Don Bradshaw, vice companies on fraudulent companies, Farm Bureau Mutual president and general manager claims, and that one out of and Farm Bureau General, could of FB Mutual and FB General. every 10 claims is a fraud. save millions of dollars over the "It's a national problem, and Insurance companies are next several years through a the more we grow the more we developing new strategies for new fraud control program. will be exposed to it." foiling criminals who file "As with any insurance com- The U.S. Chamber of Com- fraudulent claims for arson, pany in the United States, a cer- merce reports that in 198.3 auto theft, traffic accidents and tain portion of our claims are more than $4 billion was paid home thefts. "The great majority of our claims are legitimate claims filed by honest policyholders," AgriCom Bradshaw said, "but the fraudu- lent few are costing us a lot of money. Our research shows that we can realize a substantial sav- ings through fraud control." The core of FBIG's new fraud control program is a Special In- Proud Sponsorsof the vestigative Unit, whose mem- bers will be highly trained in in- 1985 Michigan Farm Bureau vestigating suspicious claims. The need for the unit was Outstanding Young Farm Woman revealed after a thorough study of FBIG's 1984 claims files was conducted by Gary Blair, presi- Competition dent of Gary Blair and Associ- ates of Columbus, Ohio. Blair's organization specializes in de- termining a company's expo- This year's winner will sure to claims fraud and also helps companies form Special receive free use of the Investigative Units. AgriCom computerized in- "Fraud is a problem that in- surance companies of all sizes formation system for one must face," Blair said. "The year! problem pervades the industry. No company is immune." Blair's training programs will help adjusters, agents and un- derwriters become better ac- . Michigan quainted with the schemes used in fraudulent claims. "Aware- Agriculture's ness of fraud and how the fraud Information is perpetrated is one of the most important factors in elimi- Connection nating the potential fraud," he said. oJ Last year FBIG incurred more AgriCom I than $80 million in claims losses. "Even if only a small WUL....JUUUUUUUU UUL....JUUUUUWWU percentage of that total is at- L...JUUUUUUUUUI--J Affiliated with Farm Bureau ACRES. l..-IWL...JL...J L...JL....J WUUUi-.) tributable to claims fraud, it and illinois Farm Bureau AGRIVISOR~ W WI 'W still figures out to hundreds of AgriCom is a registered service mark of MFB. thousands - or even millions FB ACRES is a registered service mark of AFBF. - of dollars lost to claims fraud," Bradshaw said. 24 RURAL LIVING, NOVEMBER 1985 DEUTZ ALLIS The winner of Michigan Farm Bureau's Distinguished Young Farmer award - will receive the use of a high horse power tractor from Deutz All is for one year. FaRm~ BUreaU AWARD SPONSOR DISTINGUISHED YOUNG FARMER Deutz Allis is sponsoring the Michigan Farm Bureau Distinguished Young Farmer Contest at the 1985 MFB annual meeting, Dec. 10-13, Grand Rapids. AG R I N OM I L U P D A'f E u.s. Grain Quality Must Remain nigh to Satisfy World Buyers Grain producers have been kernels, foreign materials, etc.) ulations intended to protect the plagued with a host of factors will move to the corners; public. that have combined to impact heavier particles will remain in Domestic users of grain have the market. The strong dollar, the center. Unloading at the an advantage over export buy- U.S. trade policy and increased receiving side is usually done ers because they can pick and world production are the princi- through a vacuum system, choose supplies based on sam- pal culprits for the sharp reduc- causing additional damage. ple tests. Over the last few tion of exported U.S. grain. Furthermore, the grain is years, the market has generally As producers scramble to re- usually destined for distribution been characterized as a tain their share of the world to many buyers within the im- "buyer's market." With the deck grain market, the long debated porting country. It is probable stacked in their favor, buyers issue of grain quality is heating that the grades and quality of have been able to make selec- up again. Quality of grain grain received by end-users will tive purchases. should not bear any significant not be representative of what At this point, the effort to blame for declining U.S. ex- had been shipped. change the system is being ports, however, the issue needs This is only one source of discussed at various levels. Pro- to be addressed in terms of complaint and certainly does ducers have responded to eco- maintaining what little market not absolve U.S. grain handlers nomic signals and are deliv- share is left. from some responsibility. ering grain which meets mini- The principal complaint is U.S. grain producers, by using mum quality requirements. In- that grain quality is affected by the latest technology in plant- terior elevators have recognized handling and shipment, there- ing, cultivating and harvesting the benefit of this practice and fore, the grain shipped is not of practices, are capable of pro- export elevators learned that the same quality as grain re- ducing a high quality, clean economic rule long ago. cdved. The Federal Grain In- product. It must be remem- The 1985 farm bill, being spection Service (FGIS)has re- bered that the product is a field debated in the U.S. Congress, ceived 65 complaints, repre- crop and as such, quality varies addresses the issue of grain senting about 2% of shipments, with growing conditions. It is quality. Amendments to the bill from foreign buyers over the reasonable to assume that each would forbid the addition of last 11 months. This is up from year quality variations will oc- dockage and foreign material to 24 complaints for the last fiscal cur within a given commodity grain destined for export; forbid year. across the entire producing deteriorating grain quality by Even though this fiscal year range. blending; forbid blending grains shows a significant increase, it u.S. grain handling systems with a moisture difference does not represent a large are based on blending to ac- greater than 4%; re-establish volume. Many of the complaints complish moisture and grade moisture content as a grading are simply not verifiable be- standards. Many people accuse standard; and establish a new cause the original integrity of the grain trade of deteriorating grade for each type of grain the grain is lost as it moves the quality of good grain by that exceeds U.S. No. 1 grade. through import channels. Re- blending it with poor quality All of these suggested producing the same sample grain. The grain handlers argue changes would have a cost im- drawn by FGISonce the grain that they are, in fact, upgrading pact to the domestic handler / has been distributed to the all grain to make everything exporter. Grain handlers will foreign buyer is difficult. saleable. resist carrying the burden of Take the example of a super While most criticism of grain the new costs, and will attempt tanker loaded to capacity with quality comes from the import to pass along the cost of com- two million bushels of corn. buyer, complaints by domestic plying with the new standards The drop from the spout to users are also received. The ma- to the producer. Before a the bottom of the ship's hold is jor complaint by the domestic change is implemented, there approximately 100 feet. As a buyers relates to insect infesta- must be absolute assurance result, particle separation will tion. This question is fairly well that the cost of that change be occur as loading is taking addressed by EPA and FDA reg- equitably borne by growers, place. Lighter particles (broken shippers and buyers. 26 RURAL LIVING, NOVEMBER 1985 Senator Urges Farmers to Use Extra Care in Grain Marketing During Volatile ~conomic Times A word of caution was issued considered among the general be obtained from grain elevator to Michigan's grain farmers last creditors in this elevator in- operators, the Cooperative Ex- month, urging them to use solvency. tension Service, and the Michi- "prudent business practices" Additional information may gan Department of Agriculture. when marketing their grain through elevators. An information letter issued to the state's farmers by state Sen. Nick Smith, with the sup- BUY YOUR NEXT CAR OR TRUCK AT port 9f the Michigan Grain and Agri-Dealers Association, out- 550* OVER FACTORY INVOICE lined basic precautions that producers should follow. Save hundreds of dollars on -If you sell grain for cash, don't delay in cashing your a new American car or truck! check. Sav-On Cars is furnishing Farm Bureau members important -If grain is to be stored under car-cost information which will save you substantial time a warehouse receipt, try to get a receipt within 15 days. The and money when shopping for your next car. * law requires that the receipt Save-on Cars with Your Farm Bureau - HERE'SHOW: must be issued within 30 days. • Select as many cars or trucks as you are seriously considering. Fill in the appropriate in- This will insure at least some formation on the coupon below. payment under the bonding • Within one business day of receiving your request we will return to you a computer printout personalized for the specific model(s) you have selected. This Car-Option responsibility of the elevator. Printout will show you the wholesale and retail cost for the base model and for each - If the grain is to be mar- and every option available on that particular model. keted under a delayed price • You pick the options YOU want, at home, without being pressured. Then, at the bot- agreement, take advantage of tom of your Car-Option Printout you will find a simple form to fill out which will help you calculate the final dealer invoice cost, including any mandatory charges. the new provision of the law • Use this price to negotiate your best deal with your local dealer, OR, purchase the that allows filing of the lien vehicle from us for $50* over dealer invoice. with the secretary of state. The ---------------.-..----------------- filing of this notice of in- Please send me a price and options printout for each model listed below. debtedness will establish a Style priority as a creditor if the Model Year Make Model IMPORTANT elevator should suffer an in- Example solvency. Information and LESABRE 4-DOOR 1986 BUICK LIMITED SEDAN forms on how to do this are available from your grain dealer. Michigan Farm Bureau also encourages producers to be rd cautious and to understand the 3 car payment provisions and current PRICES: $9 for 1 car, $17 for 2 cars, $24 for 3 cars. status of forward contracts or PLEASEPRINT scale tickets marked "spot sale:' This Is important in the Name event of a grain elevator in- Address solvency or bankruptcy. For example, in a recent City <;tate Zip elevator closing a number of Here is my: OCheck OMastercard or Visa Card # Expiration Dale producers had delivered grain Farm Bureau Membership # under a forward contract or Mail with payment to: Sav-On Cars "spot sale" agreement. How- 30301 Northwestern Hwy. Farmington Hills. MI 48018 ever, they did not collect pay- Phone: 313-851-3344 ment. Now these producers are 'Some vehicles cost more, depending on make and model. RURAL LIVING, NOVEMBER 1985 27 The Discussion Topic is used by Community Ac- tion Groups for monthly The Farm Credit System polley discussions. In response to the needs of could handle its problems itself, Farm Credit Associations farmers, Farm Bureau has made to the admission that it will this Reorganize In Michigan farm credit and the crisis in the year post its first operating loss PCAs and FLBAs in Michigan Farm Credit System (FCS)a pri- since the system was formed in are in the process of being ority policy concern. the 1930s. The FCSwill prob- reorganized and consolidated. A special FB task force has ably need some type of federal According to James Bremer, been meeting to study the farm government assistance within president of the new Farm credit problem. The task force, two years to avoid collapse or Credit Services of Mid-Michigan, chaired by MFB President/ AFBF at least partial liquidation. PCAs and the FLBAs were de- Vice President Elton Smith, will The worsening of the financial signed to complement each make recommendations to the situation of the nation's largest other's lending. In practice, AFBF board of directors. In ad- ag lender has already precipi- however, coordination was ex- dition, Smith and AFBF Presi- tated some action in Congress, tremely difficult because each dent Robert Delano met Sept. with both House and Senate ag association had different ter- 20 with Donald Wilkinson, Farm committees pledging to hold ritories. For example, Michigan Credit Administration governor, hearings on the farm credit currently has eight PCAs and 10 and other representatives of the situation. Several pieces of FLBAs. nation's agricultural lending in- legislation dealing with credit In spring 1982, the board of stitutions to discuss the overall have been proposed, and House FCS's seventh district (Michi- farm credit situation. and Senate farm bill proposals gan, Wisconsin, Minnesota and contain credit titles. North Dakota) decided to devel- Sources of Farm Credit Debt As holder of more than a op common boundaries in the Outstanding farm debt totals third of the total farm loans, district. The consolidations are about $214 billion, of which the FCShas written off more. occurring as merger votes are close to $74 billion (almost than $600 million in the past held and counties are trans- 35%) is owed to the FCS.The two years - about twice as ferred according to plans ap- largest single source of farm much last year as in 1983. The proved by the state and district. credit, the FCSconsists of General Accounting Office re- "The primary advantages of Federal Land Bank Associations cently projected that the FCS this decision are member ser- (FLBAs) and Production Credit will have a net loss of $2.6 vices and financial savings," Associations (PCAs)within 12 billion - the biggest annual Bremer said. "Presently the Farm Credit Districts across the deficit in banking history - for PCAs and FLBAs have consider- nation. It also contains 12 the 12 months ending June 30, able duplication of costs and regional banks for farm cooper- 1986. services. A common customer atives and one central bank for The 12 FLBAs (which deal in will find that there are two dif- co-ops. long-term capital for purchase ferent accounting systems, two _ Another one-fourth of the of farmland and are the largest different loan officers, and in farm debt, about $51 billion, is component of the FCS)could re- many instances, different office owed to commercial lending in- port a net operating loss this facilities. All that will change." stitutions. The remainder is year of $350 million to $400 divided between the Farmers million. Some $6 billion of their Actions By Farm Home Administration; private $50 billion loan total is under- Credit Administration individuals; the Commodity collateralized. The FLBAs re- In early September 1985, Don Credit Corporation, for com- ported a loss of $207 million for Wilkinson, Farm Credit Admin- modity loans on crops to par- the first half of 1985. istration governor, announced ticipating farmers; and to Among the PCAs, 11 were li- that the Federal Farm Credit retailers of farm equipment and quidated in 1984 and about 50 Board had taken several actions supplies, for outstanding credit more were merged. Dr. Charles in response to the credit dis- on purchases. Harshbarger, assistant director tress in agriculture. (The Farm of the FCS's economic analysis Crisis In the FCS Credit Board, composed of division, told FB leaders meet- farmers, ranchers and leaders The FCSshifted its public ing in August 1985 that as position recently, from saying it many as 35 PCAs across the (continued on page :30) was battered but unbroken and country may have to be liqui- dated this year. 28 RURAL LIVING, NOVEMBER 1985 Discount Farm Fasteners & Hardware Program ORDER FORM HEXAGON BOLT ~ Quantity per package GRADE # 5 ~OARSE THREAD PLATED Price per package Hel( 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 1/2 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 6 must order full package quantities only.) Then cir- 50 50 50 50 50 25 25 25 cle the square that you have m~rked. 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 1.39 1.65 1.92 2.16 2.51 3.31 3.84 Name 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. 49509. Your check, made payable to Hi-Grade Nut Total Cost of Hexagon Bolts $ & 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) $ FaRm~ MEMBERS ONLY GRAND TOTAL $ BUreaU "But we put two caveats on regulator, FCA needs the same Discussion Topic that statement," he said. "One enforcement authorities as are (continued from page 28) was the system's ability and will- held by other federal financial of ag co-ops, is part of the Farm ingness to quickly consolidate regulators if it is to protect the Credit Administration, which is its capital. The other was that safety and the soundness of a federal agency that regulates the agricultural economy would system institutions," Wilkinson the Farm Credit System.) not continue to deteriorate. Re- said. "These include th.e power Wilkinson said that the board cent projections have caused us to issue cease and desist orders, was concerned with the safety to modify our position." levy civil money penalties, and and soundness of the institu- Wilkinson pointed out that remove officers and directors of tions it regulates, the protec- FCSearnings declined dramati- system institutions." tion of those who invest in the cally in the second quarter of Wilkinson said that several securities sold to raise loan 1985, and crop reports by the federal assistance alternatives funds, and with the credit wor- USDAshow that commodity need to be explored, including: thy borrowers who depend on prices will further deteriorate, use of a government guaran- the system as a source of re- resulting in questionable debt teed security or a guarantee on liable credit. For some time, he repayment ability and even low- individual farm loans; a said, the board has maintained er collateral value. "All of this Chrysler-type loan from the that the system has the re- leads us to believe that the federal goverment to the FCS; sources to take care of its own Farm Credit System is rapidly creation of a new organization problems. approaching the time when it or expansion of an existing will require federal financial mechanism to acquire non- SAVE 00 ,!~~'. assistance unless major new performing real or fina.ncial ASSEMBLE YOUR OWN forces alter these trends. Fail- assets to stabilize the decline in SKID LOADER ing that, we expect assistance will be needed in 18 to 24 collateral values and to relieve financial institutions of non- ORD~~&~NS months," he said. accrual loans; a direct infusion <;., 2a, , ,'" , :,' I Th1Wm,odelsa,':ail~ble.,Manyattachmentsat factory dm!Ct prices, The Farm Credit Board took of government capital into the '", '::'; Our desIgn englnee .... ""th over 25 year.; of , :~:: experience and over 15.000 skid loaders in oper . two actions to deal with those system; and a buydown of inter- ai'' ,,'4', , problems. First, it approved _ I .;.... ... ation. n,"""o/!,erthe FIR,Sf Skid,IO,ader,in kit :~faS:a~';,,".:~Yo~~~~~rcT~~7tel:~~~ed easy to assemble using conventional tools. regulations on an expedited est rates. Send $9.95 (orcomplele assembly instructions. • bluepnnts. full color brochure. pnce IISI.and basis that implement FCA's Discussion Questions price compansons against existing assembled skid loade .... OIDEITODAY. statutory authority to mandate -Is a federal "bailout" of the POWEI EQUIPMEIIT COINUTIOII 9900 Oren Road Easl. Opus Center loss sharing between and Farm Credit System needed? Minnetonka, MS 55343 among system institutions. - Do you think the FCShas taken "Negotiation of voluntary loss all the steps it can to solve Free 88-pg. catalog of sausage-making supplies sharing agreements is simply its own problems? with cures, seasonings, spices, equipment. You can cure and smoke meat, game, fowl, fish. Includes too time consuming and costly," - Will a reorganized FCSbetter info on a new, illustrated, 500-pg. book with 200 Wilkinson said. "And the threat recipes. Join 100,000 satisfied customers. meet your. borrowing needs? always exists that some institu- THE SAUSAGE MAKER 177 - 198A Military Rd. Buffalo, N. Y. 14207 tions may balk at approving them. The regulations will en- Conference on Ag Your Florida vacation home is waiting for you at. , sure that system resources are (continued from page 22) ORANGE MANOR brought to bear quickly and ef- MOBILE HOME PARK A general session and lun- fectively to meet system obliga- -All adult, 4D-plus environment -Recrea- cheon will follow. Workshop tional clubhouses -Fishing lake with pier tions to investors and borrow- leaders will present a summary -Two swimming pools -16 shuffleboard ers when and if needed. of participant input. The lun- courts -Located just two miles south of "We also felt this authority is Cypress Gardens cheon speaker is Paula Blan- necessary because it would be chard, who will discuss promo- For more information call or write: inappropriate for FCA to seek Orange Manor Mobile Home Park tion of Michigan products. 18 Kinsmen Drive federal assistance until the sys- Winter Haven, FL 33880 tem has made maximum use of Registration Information 813-324--4968 its own resources." Cost of the conference is $40 The board also directed the Please send me more information on if received by Nov. 4; and $50 if Orange Manor Mobile Home Park. FCA to begin discussions with received after that date. For Name Congress and the Reagan ad- registration information, write ministration to enact enhanced Address to the MDA at P.O. Box 30017, regulatory authorities for FCA City Lansing, Mich. 48909 or call and to establish a plan for fed- State Zip 517-373-1104. eral assistance to the system. Phonel---.l RL 11/85, "In order to be a more effective .30 RURAL LIVING, NOVEMBER 1985 FARM BUREAU MARKET PLACE FARM EQUIPMENT MISCELLANEOUS NURSERY STOCK NURSERY STOCK Complete Line of l'Iew and Used Irri- Satellite Antenna Brokers l'Ieeded - Berry Plants - Raspberries. strawber- Mlcbigan certified strawberry plants gation Equipment - Also equipment no experience required. Buy direct from ries. blueberries. currants. gooseberries. available as low as $59 per thousand. 15 for manure pumping and spreading by distributor. Bypass middleman. Whole- others. Free catalog. Makielski Berry varieties all grown on fumigated sandy gun. tanker. or injection. Plummer sale $499. Retail $1.195. Call day or Nursery. 71.30 Platt Road. Dept. RL. Ypsi- loam soli. Krohne Plant Farms. Rt. 6. Box Supply. Inc.. 1-800-632-7731. night: 303.636.0663 or write: Antenna. lanti. Mich. 48197. Phone 31~434-.3673. 586. Dowagiac. Mich. 49047. Phone 616- ( 1-12t-23p) P.O. Box 15236. Colorado Springs. Col- (11-12t-22b) 424-3450. (l1-8t-32p) orado 80935. (2-tfn-33b-ts) WAI'ITED:1'1.1.cornplcker and 1'1.". field equipment. Phone 517-523-2803. Speciall Rural mailbox f1ip.up evenings. (2-12t-10p-ts) signals. Tells in a glance if mall has been delivered. Eliminate those un- "og Equipment - Dei-Air heat ex- necessary trips in the rain and snow. CLASSIFIED AD POLICY changers. Osborne feeders. K.G. John- Ideal Christmas gifts. Money back guar- son farrowing crates. Chore-Time feed- antee. $3.00 each plus 85\t postage: or 3 ing. Mix-Mill systems. Hamilton Distri- for $10 postage paid. Order yours today. - Farm Bureau members pay 25 cents per word for all buting Company. 616-751-5161. Home Products. 4436 Northington Dr .. classified advertisements. (6-12t-17p-ts) Adrian. Mich. 49221. (11-2t-50p) -All other advertisers pay 50 cents per word for one insertion Grain Dryers - Stormor Ezee-Dry. Farm Book Salel Hardcovers. $1.00 each! and 45 cents per word for two or more consecutive insertions Fans Automatic. Used Dryers. PTO and Over 400 titles: fiction. western. mys- of the same ad. Automatic. Hamilton Distributing Com- tery. Children's series books and pany.616-751-5161. (6-12t-17p-ts) classics. Glenn Smith. Box 1513. Dept. -All advertisements are subject to a IS-word minimum F-IO. Akron. OH 44309. (10-2t-25p-ts) charge. including member ads. - Please indicate if you are a Farm Bureau member. Alternate Energy: 2 models of wood LIVESTOCK burning forced air furnaces. 3 models of .The deadline for ads is the first Monday of the month wood burning hot water boilers. All with preceding publication. automatic controls and several other Milking Shorthorn: Young bulls. year- - All ads must be pre-paid and may be pre-paid up to one lings and calves for sale. Write or visit features for safety and convenience. Made in Michigan 8 years by a Farm year in advance. Stanley M. Powell and Family. Ingleside Farm. Route 2. 3248 Powell Hwy .. Ionia. Bureau member for 36 years. Ivan Hunt. -It is the responsibility of the advertiser to re-insert the ad on Rome Enterprises. Onsted. MI 49265. Mich. 48846. (10-4t-27p) a month-by-month or year-by-year basis. (10-2t-50p) -The publisher has the right to reject any advertising copy Dieterle Corrledale sheep. give shear Inexpensive yet distinctive solid submitted. pleasure. Breeding stock. Blue ribbon wood 18111 Inch ship steering wheels. neeced nock. Spinning Fleece's. phone Each wheel will add nautical beauty to -No ads will be taken over the phone. 313-429.7874. (5-12t-15p) your home or office wall and renect your good taste. Send only $9.95 plus $2.00 Fill out form below and mail to: Duroc Boars and Gilts sound and taxes and shipping to Heritage Wharf, Kural Living, P.o. Box 30960, Lansing, Mich. 48909 durable. Delivery available. Jim P.O. Box 3250. Montrose. Mich. 48457. Prevlch. 8147 Forrister Road. Adrian. Mich. 49221. 517-265-4112. (6-12t-18p) Why die without a will? Two legal "Will (11-44p) ------------------------ Forms" and easy instructions. Only Performance tested Angus breeding Name $4 ... Order Todayl Guaranteedl TY- stock and crossbred club calves. Rea- Company. Box 1022-MF. Prior. OK 74362. sonably priced. Delivery available. Bord- ( 11-6t-22p-ts) ner Angus Farms. Sturgis. Mich. Call Address _ 616-651-8353. (7-6t-20p) REAL ESTATE 79 acre frontage on small lake. good FOR DOMEMAKERS nshing and deer hunting. Broomfield DFarm Bureau member DNon-member Township. Isabella County. Call evenings Guardian Service glass coversl Pyrex or before 8 a.m .• 517-866-2300. (11-21 p) and Corning percolator parts. Steven- Run the following ad in the issue(s): son's. Box 3392A. Orange. CA 92665. Cbeboygan County: 240 acres of (9-4t-15p-ts) prime hunting land. 1/4 mile north of Black Lake. frontage on two roads. Most- 10 inexpensive. simple desserts. ly timber and some tillable land. Under Easily prepared desserts from tasty $.300 per acre. Don Helton 8( Assoc .. Inc. cheese cake to delicious chewy squares. Phone 517-439-9373 and ask for Don. Send $2.00 to Heritage Wharf, P.O. Box ( 11-39p-ts) 3250. Montrose. Mich. 48457. (11-26p) Free Catalog 10". Buy or sell land In the Ozarks and 15 other states. Recipes. fantastic venison. buffalo. American Farm 8( Investment Digest. salmon. Six recipes for $3.00. SASE. Box 3546. Watson. St. louis. MO 63139. 197. Haslett. Mich. 48840 (11-2t-15p) Phone 800-325-9943. (11-26p-ts) MARK YOUR-CALENDARI MiChigan Farm Bure'au 66th Annual Meeting Dec. 10-13, 1985 Amway Grand Plaza Dotel • Grand Center Words Insertions Total Due _ Grand Rapids, Michigan I RURAL LIVING. NOVEMBER 1985 31 I America's First And Michigan's Finest ... • • Farlllowners Insurance For Michigan Farmers Only Ever since Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company of Michigan introduced the first Farmowners policy in the nation in 1960, we've been the leader in Michigan farm protection. We insure more Michigan farms than any other company because we provide the complete and innovative coverages you need. Our Farmowners program is exclusively for Michigan Farm Bureau members, so you can be sure of coverages designed for your individual needs. When it comes to Michigan farm protection, we don't play follow the leader; we're right out front with the coverages you need. Call your Farm Bureau Insurance agent today. Making your future a little more predictable FARM BUREAU ~ INSURANCE GROUP Michigan Farm Burea Rural Living Magazin Non-Profit Organization P.O. Box 30960 U.S. POSTAGE 7373 W. Saginaw Hw~ PAID Lansing, Michigan 4E Lansing. Michigan Permit No. 37