Michigan Farm News MFB Holds Annual Policymaking Session at Grand Rapids A Publication of the Michigan Farm Bureau • January 1986 State Young Farmer Committee Wishes to Thank Our 1985 Contest Sponsors AgriCom SM Chevrolet Dentz Allis Outstanding Young Discussion Meet Distinguished Farm Woman Young Farmer JANUARY 1986 FARM NEWS VOL. 65 NO.1 THE COVER Delegates Bob Anderson, A pu blication John Webb and Kay Webb use of the a break in the general session to continue informal discus- Michigan sion of the policy issues. Farm Bureau Photo By Cathy J. Kirvan In this issue: MFB Annual Meeting Report From the opening of the resolutions session, Dec. 10, to the closing hours of debate on Dec. 13, the over 500 county FB delegates participated in policy consideration, awards and recognition, and informative special sessions at the 66th annual meeting of the Michigan Farm Bureau 10 MFB Member Services MFB works to help members increase their net farm income through legislative and commodity programs and by bringing members savings opportunities through a broad selection of member-only products and services 19 Governor's Conference on Agriculture Focuses on the Big Three: Competition - Survival - Profitability 22 COLUMNS Rural Route - page 4 Agrinomic Update - page 25 Legislative Review - page 6 Discussion Topic - page 26 Rural Exchange - page 14 Farm Bureau Market Place - page 31 Front and Center - page 15 Michigan farm l'Iews RURAL LlVI"G: Michigan f"arm News Rural LIving is published monthly. on the first day. by the Michigan Farm Bureau Information and Public Relations Division. Publication and editorial offices at 7373 West Saginaw Highway. Lansing, Mich. 48917. Post Office Box 30960 (zip 48909): telephone. Lansing 517-323-7000. extension 510. SUBSCRIMIOI'I PRICE: $1.50 per year to members. included in annual dues. $3.00 per year non.members in Michigan. $5.00 per year non-members out of state. Publication No. 345040. Established Jan. 13. 1923 as Michigan f"arm News. name changed to MIchigan f"arm News Rural LIving Dee. I. 1981. Mailed second class postage. permit pending, at Lansing. !'lichigan. Make change of address requests, in writing. to Rural Living of- fices. Lansing. EDITORIAL: Connie Turbin. Editor and Business Manager: Donna Wilber. Contributing Editor: Marcia Ditchle. Associate Editor: Cathy J. I\lrvan. Associate Editor. OffiCERS: Michigan Farm Bureau President. Elton R. Smith. Caledonia: Vice President. John Lauric. Cass City: Administrative Director. Robert Braden: Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer. Matthew Butzin: Secretary. William S. Wilkinson. DIRECTORS: District I. Marlin Outman. Constantine: District 2. Lowell Eisenmann. Blissfield: District 3. James Sayre. Belleville: District 4, Elton R. Smith. Caledonia: District 5. !'lark Smuts. Charlotte: District 6, John Laurie. Cass City: District 7. Larry Snider. Hart: District 8. Lyle LeCronier. Freeland: District 9. Donald Nugent. Frankfort: District 10. Margaret K.artes. West Branch: District II. Robert WahmhofL Baraga. DIRECTORS AT LARGE: David Conklin. Corunna: Michael Pridgeon. Montgomery; Wayne Wood. Marlette. fARM BUREAU WOMEI'I: Diane Horning. Manchester. fARM BUREAU YOUI'IO fARMERS: Gary Skinner. Ithaca. RURAL ROUTE Farm Bureau - Together We Winl (.Editor's Note: The following and added a deeper meaning to The county FB, working with Rural Route column has been the words and ideas expressed MSU,local doctors and others, excerpted from remarks deliv- by the fly-in participants. coordinated a campaign which ered Dee. 11, 1985 by .Elton R. ultimately persuaded the Jack- Smith in his annual president's Local FB Action "as Impact son County Board of Commis- address at the Michigan Farm sioners to maintain their ex- FB members win when Com- isting policy of allowing un- Bureau annual meeting in Grand munity Action Groups, local af- wanted pets to be sold for re- Rapids, Mich.) fairs committees, county boards search purposes. This is per- "Farm Bureau - Together We and others develop and execute haps an even more significant Win!" local policy. Farm Bureau is one win, given recent developments What an appropriate theme of the few action-oriented on the state level with the in- for an organization that has organizations that can quickly troduction of Senate Bills 393 brought about so many "wins" mobilize with the people and and 394. These bills, if enacted, during the years - "wins" that resources necessary to deal would prohibit pound seizure have resulted from members with local issues. and the use of pound animals working together fo"ra common Tom Gill, a member of the for research projects on a state- goal, sharing their time and Wayne County FB board, recog- wide basis. talent, giving of themselves nizes this power. It was with This issue is just one part of a through positive action to deal this in mind that he urged broader concern that FB has with the challenges facing their County President Walt Rocho- been monitoring for some industry .... wiak to use some of the organi- time .... We as a farm organiza- Yes, Farm Bureau is an organ- zation's "political pull" to set tion and as individuals must ization dedicated to the theme up a countywide meeting on work to see that the story of of "Together We Win!" agricultural drainage problems. our commitment to the proper One of the best examples of Publicity from the meeting re- care and treatment of animals this was the "Washington ~ulted in a phone call from is told. Our" Ag in the Class- Fly-In" held this past Septem- William Lucas, Wayne County room" program is an excellent ber. Sixty FB members from executive, and a request for vehicle for positive education across the state took time from Walt to meet with him at his on this subject. their operations to fly to earliest convenience. Washington. Once there, they The outcome of this meeting opened a channel of communi- FB Seeks Fair visited with each of Michigan's 18 congressmen and both U.S. cation to the county drain com- Taxation Policy senators, strongly voicing their missioner's office and resulted Taxation, the size of govern- support of FB policy as it in direct issuance of permits to ment and the federal deficit related to the 1985 farm farmers for cleaning out their continue to be major policy bill .... drains. The system which was issues for our organization. I am sure that many of you established saves farmers close AFBF is currently working to sent postcards and letters to to $500 in permit fees. assure the passage of legisla- Washington, also supporting A similar local win occurred tion that would result in fairer the formation of a market- in Jackson County in 1984 tax treatment of health insur- oriented farm bill. I can assure when the county board, aided a"ncecosts for self-employed in- you that those letters made a by FB member Sandy Gifford dividuals. Passage of legisla- difference. They clearly demon- and others, successfully de- tion, such as FB is currently strated the "grassroots" sup- feated an attempt by animal supporting, would result in a port that FB policy represents rights activists to stop the deduction of one-half of our in- release of pound animals for surance premiums, and would research. 4 RURAL LIVING, JANUARY 1986 MFBPresident Smith and Gov. Blanchard share winning at- titudes about Michigan agri- culture and the state's economic future. provide a reasonable and re- grow, we must first raise the As chairperson of the AFBF sponsible approach to remedy level of income for individual Federal Agricultural Credit this inequity. citizens .... Rising incomes, Study Committee, I can assure Investment tax credit is plus population growth, can you that our organization is another important area which easily combine to outstrip need- working to implement a plan to must be addressed by tax . ed increases in domestic sup- bring about this end. reform .... Federal income tax plies and create demands for Lending institutions outside policies have exerted upward agricultural imports in these of the Farm Credit System are pressure on farmland prices developing nations .... also carrying close to one-third and helped concentrate farm- In 1982, the total amount of of the agricultural loans. FB will land ownership with high in- goods and services purchased encourage these local banks to come farmers and non-farmers in Michigan by foreign assis- use the debt adjustment pro- as opposed to beginning tance program funds exceeded gram of the FmHA. This pro- farmers .... $30 million. This includes gram provides farm loan guar- The current tax code has en- agricultural commodities as antees after certain steps have couraged the substitution of well as machinery and equip- been taken. capital for labor and supported ment, technical knowledge and Wewill also seek changes growth trends in the number of training services. that will allow commercial very small farms and very large These nations are our bright- banks to have the authority to farms at the expense of medium- est future markets - as poor extend the period of time to size family farms. It has re- nations prosper, so will our U.S. write off farm loan losses. This duced efficiency in some farm food and agricultural sector. change will reduce the possibili- activities through induced ty of impairing the bank's changes in management prac- FB Works to Find Positive capital and allow lenders to tices and it has increased sup- Solutions to Ag Credit Issue evaluate a farmer's debt posi- plies and lowered prices for Perhaps one of the most cur- tion more favorably. some farm commodities. rent issues we must face is that The changes we are calling of agricultural credit. Care must for will give lenders more flex- Developing Nations Represent be taken to insure that we ar- ibility in dealing with farmers Brightest Export Future rive at a solution which will and provide both the opportuni- In what has to be considered help farmers, and at the same ty to work out of their current one of the milestone FB "wins," time insure the survival of the difficulties. public law 480 was signed into financial institutions which Member discipline is a key in- law by then-president Eisen- serve agriculture. Of the gredient that determines our hower on July 10, 1954. P.L. $210-plus billion in agricultural success in local communities, 480 has been an ongoing effort debt which USDAestimates ex- in Lansing and in Washington, supplying over $35 billion in isted on Jan. 1, 1985, about D.C. food aid to over 100 countries $120 billion is held by farmer / We must also realize that in- since its inception .... Among operators .... Our concern dividual commodity success the groups advocating a pro- must be for the owner/operators, cannot come at the expense of gram to channel U.S. agricultur- not those who have non-farm another segment of agriculture. al surpluses as aid to less income to manage their debt. The strength of Farm Btlreau developed countries was an FB The Farm Credit System holds policy lies in our ability fo in- Community Action Group in one-third of the total agricultur- volve all segments in the deci- Michigan .... al debt. Because of its impor- sion making processing. Closely related to food aid is tance as a vital source of credit I'm confident that our policy economic aid for foreign coun- for American agriculture, steps will become reality because tries .... For the economies of must be taken to insure confi- "Together We Win" through these (developing) nations to dence in the financial integrity Farm Bureau! of the system. RURAL LIVING, JANUARY 1986 5 Farm Credit - While dele- gates met at the MFB annual meeting, Dec. 10-13, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a farm credit assistance bill in much the same form as one passed earlier by the Senate. It establishes a line of credit with the Treasury Department for the nation's 37 Farm Credit System banks, toughens federal regula- tion of the system and calls for pooling resources among the different units in the entire system to better handle farm credit problems. Like the Senate CONGRESSMANSCDUETTEPRAISESAGRIPAC'S GRASSROOTSSTRUCTURE: version, the bill would require Michigan's congressman from the lOth District, who was elected in congressional appropriation for 1984 with support from MFB AgriPac, interrupted a busy congressional any purchase of FCSobligations schedule to be present at the t 985 AgriPac Breakfast, Dec. t 2 at Grand by the Treasury Department. Rapids. Rep. Bill Schuette told those attending the Thursday morning breakfast that votes on the federal budget and tax reform were being held in Washington, D.C. De briefly reviewed the issues facing Congress before the holiday recess and told the audience that he expected a farm Farm Bill '85 - FB is urging bill to be completed before the holidays. De also gave assurances that Congress and the president to Congress would not let the Farm Credit System fail. support H.R. 2100, the compro- mise farm bill approved by a House-Senate conference com- added tax. However an amend- farmers who apply fertilizers mittee. ment was passed to strike the and pesticides. FB has since value added tax in favor of a been told that the sponsors will The bill puts a cap on excess higher feedstock tax on petro- exclude farmers and ranchers stocks of major export com- chemical companies, reaffirm- from the provision when the bill modities; ties loan rates to ing the underlying principle of goes to conference committee. average market prices; offers a the program that polluters bear short-term target price freeze; the financial responsibility for legislates an export bonus in- Leaded Gas Testing - The clean-up. centive program; ties dairy sup- EPA has presented an outline of Another controversial section ports to government purchases; the tests they plan to conduct would have established a and protects fragile lands by with the USDAto determine federal cause of action and mandating a 40 million acre what effect a ban on leaded gas allowed victims exposed to conservation reserve. would have on older farm en- hazardous wastes to sue for gines. Before the tests begin, damages in federal court. It was EPAwants the farm community Superfund - The House of defeated by a vote of 261 to to evaluate the plans. Representatives has approved a 162. The EPA tentatively plans to five year, $10 billion reauthori- A third provision of concern test five older gasoline powered zation of the Superfund Toxic to FB was an amendment which engines to include: an Interna- Waste Clean-up Program, clear- would have required companies tional 444 tractor, a John Deere ing the way for House/Senate to report emissions and re- 520 tractor, a Ford 8N tractor, a conference committee work ex- leases of chemicals or sub- John Deere model 95 combine pected to start when Congress stances causing cancer or other and possibly a truck. The study returns in January. The bill was chronic health effects and to will also examine the effects of approved by 391 to 33. report annually to local emer- selected additives. The farm im- Among the more controver- gency health committees. FB plements will be tested under sial portions of the bill was the opposed the amendment be- various power settings for a method of financing the $10 cause of the implications to total of 100 hours of operation. billion program through a value 6 RURAL LIVING, JANUARY 1986 FB Backs Ethanol Plant Development IIFuel From Cornll - Devel- through the steady availability use market for corn larger than opment of three ethanol fuel of high protein distiller's grain most world markets. processing plants is in the off- as a lower cost feed for cattle Farmers and consumers will ing for Michigan if the Legis- and hogs. In addition, a variety have to throw their support lature passes an incentive pro- of jobs and new economic activ- behind S.B. 59.3 because getting posal, S.B. 59.3. ity would be generated in rural final passage of the legislation areas through the sale of by- will be most difficult. Reaction products. from major oil companies is The use of ethanol in gasoline mixed; some will strongly op- (gasohol) has greatly increased pose it. There is division, too, throughout the country as a among the state departments. safe replacement for lead as an The departments of agriculture octane booster and ethanol has and commerce support the bill; The bill was introduced by benefits in the environment. the departments of treasury Sen. Harmon Cropsey (R-Decatur) Burning gasohol reduces air and transportation strongly op- and Sen. Gary Corbin (D-Clio). A pollution, particularly hydrocar- pose it. total of 21 senators signed the bons and carbon monoxide. In One hearing has been held by bill, however, this does not addition, using gasohol greatly the Senate Finance Committee. guarantee that all would vote reduces the need for foreign oil. Due to strong opposition, a sub- for it. Michigan consumers have pur- committee was appointed to As introduced, the bill pro- chased 50 million gallons of study the issue. vides for continuation of the ethanol fuel (gasohol) each year If Michig~n farmers want this present 1rt per gallon tax ex- making the state one of the major, new market for corn emption for six months. By that largest users of the "fuel from then every farmer must let his time there must be five million farms." The sale of corn for state senator, representative gallons of ethanol production, ethanol alcohol production has and the governor's office know or the law expires. If there is a reached about 220 million that farmers strongly support five million gallon production bushels, creating a domestic S.B.593. rate at that time, the exemption goes to 4rt in state and 2rt out of state. In another six months, Water Planning Commis- the production rate must be 10 sion - Gov. Blanchard spoke million gallons, or the law ex- to the first meeting of the new pires. IS-member commission. He Companies willing to invest in stated that "our future will de- Michigan say they can meet pend on our stewardship of the those deadlines. At present abundant water with which we there are commitments for one have been endowed" and "it is plant in Gratiot County, one in critical that we elevate water Washtenaw County and a third policy to the status it deserves in Jackson County. These plant in Michigan government." locations wou Id create a The commission has two tremendous new markef for years to develop policies for the Michigan farmers. A 10 million state and make recommenda- gallon plant would require four tions to the governor and Legis- million bushels of corn. That lature. Present state water law supply is the equivalent of and regu'lations, Great Lakes 40,000 acres with an average diversion proposals, state agen- yield of 100 bu.l acre. Savings cy policies and responsibilities, in transportation alone means etc., will all be evaluated. at least 5rt cents more per While the commission does bushel on the price. not have an appointed member Livestock farmers would also specifically representing agri- benefit from ethanol production (continued on page 29) RURAL LIVING, JANUARY 1986 7 COMMITMENT ... TO AGRICULTURE, TO MICHIGAN, TO TOMORROW FaRm~ FARM BUREAU ~ INSURANCE Bureau r.- ..... IiIlTUJl ........ GROUP '" 1M • UllIN IIJIAJ lil .... It -.n Selling top quality feed just isn't enough anymore. In today's marketplace, Countrymark gives you the competitive edge with a complete line of profit.making feeds and feeding programs. Countrymark sets the standards with practical, easily im. plemented information and feeding programs based on the latest research and technology in nutritional science. Dairy Pro RC for example, a new patented concept in dairy pro. duction provides "regulated carbohydrates" that work welI with hay, haylage or corn silage, as well as, all combinations. You can expect milk production to increase by up to 15 pounds per cow per day. Setting the standards doesn't happen overnight. Years of research and field testing have gone into each and every type of Countrymark feed. Get the technical expertise you need to be more productive and more profitable. There's a tailor-made program just for your farm. -Dairy -Goats -Swine -Poultry -Beef -Rabbits -Sheep -And More -Horses See Your Nearest Countrymark Member Cooperative Feed Dealer Today. Countrt~!~ FD-8512-1 35 E. Chestnut Street - Columbus, Ohio 43216 Farm Bureau Delegates Urged to Focus on IBetter Times' for Their Industry The 66th Michigan Farm Bu- ture. It represents both small delegate body, during one of reau annual meeting, held Dee. farms and large farms, and it the most challenging of all 10-13 in Grand Rapids, opened represents the varying degrees years for agriculture, empha- with a charge from Tuscola of the state's farm business sized faith in their industry, in County farmer Jack Laurie to viability. This year, as in few themselves and their fellow the delegate body to focus on other years during our 66-year farmers, in their organization, the "better times of tomorrow" history, it also represents the and in the future," he said. for their agricultural industry attitude of the agricultural com- During the four days of policy rather than on the "good times munity during a time of adversi- consideration which followed, of yesterday and the bad times ty for our industry. the delegates took action on a of today." "This attitude will reflect in total of ] 41 proposals ranging Laurie chaired the 20-member the policy decisions we make from property tax reform to the Policy Development Committee during this annual meeting. involvement of churches in that recommended 141 policy This attitude about the future farm labor issues. positions to the 504 voting of our industry will be projected FB delegates called for sever- delegates for their action. to all our publics - the mem- al reforms in the property tax "During these trying times for bers we represent, the con- system including a new rural- those of us in agriculture, it sumers we feed, the decision- residential classification con- takes self-discipline to project a makers who impact our lives," sisting of non-farm rural resi- winning spirit. That is our he told the delegates. dential property to prevent such challenge, a challenge we must, "During our policy decision housing from impacting on ag- and will, meet," Laurie said. process, we will focus not on ricultural land valuations. "This delegate body is represen- the good times of yesterday nor Strong opposition to attempts tative of Michigan agriculture the bad times of today, but on by churches and religious today. It represents the many the better times of tomorrow. groups to force organized labor commodities that are part of Let the record show that this negotiations between farmers Michigan's diversified agricul- and farm workers was adopted by the delegate body. 10 RURAL LIVING, JANUARY 1986 MFB ANNUAL MEETING REPORT "In recent efforts involving "If the whole herd buyout Governor 'Bullish' the Farm Labor Organizing concept becomes part of the Committee (FLOC)and Camp- 1985 farm bill, we authorize our About Future for bell's Soup Company, promi- AFBF elected officials to use Michigan Agriculture nent religious organizations their discretion in support of, or donated many thousands of opposition to, various portions In a message to Farm Bureau dollars to the organizers of of the concept depending on delegates, Gov. James Blan- FLOCand actively participated the impact it may have on the chard pledged his commitment in secondary boycotts against agricultural industry." to assuring that agriculture and the Campbell Soup Company to Speaking in support of the agribusiness are "full partners" pressure Campbell's tomato resolution, several delegates in the economic development of growers into recognizing and said that the position state- Michigan's future. negotiating labor contracts with ment, which will be forwarded ''I'm bullish about the future FLOC," the delegates stated. to the AFBF Policy Development of Michigan and I'm bullish "We strongly oppose this type Committee for its considera- about the future of agriculture of church and religious organi- tion, would provide flexibility to in Michigan," Blanchard said. zation activity and encourage have input in the farm bill "The times have not been easy. all church members to become "that's going to be a reality." High interest rates and the informed and involved in how Emphasizing the unifying factor credit crunch have made it ex- their state and national church of the resolution, one delegate tremely difficult for farmers to organizations use their money, said, "Now we can go home and hold on to their land, not to and learn what political posi- say, 'Together We Win!''' mention worry about tapping tions are taken by their church. Following adjournment, Presi- new markets. We further encourage all FB dent Elton R. Smith compli- "But with our state's diversi- m'embers to be more forceful in mented the 504-member dele- ty, our abundant water and with expressing farm family view- gate body. "They were very ac- the research genius of Michigan points to church policymakers." tive and aggressive in their State University, and the talents Delegates also adopted policy discussion, but what was really of many others, we still have it to keep agricultural weather great was their positive attitude within our power not only to be services as a priority in both about the future of agriculture a major agricultural state, which state and federal government. in spite of the financial stress we are, but to be the food capi- Weather has more impact on we know some farmers are ex- tal of the world." year to year changes in food periencing. This positive at- Blanchard said that in spite of production and energy usage titude was demonstrated time agriculture's problems, farm ex- than any other single factor, and time again during this an- ports in Michigan increased by they stated, and expressed con- nual meeting." $103 million in Michigan. cern about recommendations to Policies adopted by the voting "That's in a period of great un- eliminate funding for special- . delegates during the four-day fairness in the value of the ized agricultural weather ser- . session dealing with state dollar and serious trade prob- vices. issues direct the Michigan Farm lems. I think, in spite of the The delegates went on record Bureau in its activities during many problems we face, the to strongly support continued 1986. Those adopted dealing outlook is for Michigan to con- production of ethanol alcohol with national and international tinue to show an increase in ex- from farm products and urged issues are forwarded as recom- ports, in agribusiness and in that "every effort be made to mendations to AFBF. The AFBF the diversity and strength of provide economic incentives to Policy Development Committee, our agricultural community," encourage alcohol production chaired by MFB President/ AFBF he said. facilities in Michigan." Vice President Elton R. Smith, The governor recognized MFB Minutes before the gavel fell will prepare a slate of policy for its strong support for his ef- to bring the 66th annual meet- recommendations to submit to forts to make Michigan the ing of the Michigan Farm Bu- voting delegates at the national "comeback state." reau to a close, the delegate annual meeting in Atlanta, "We had a plan for Michigan's body passed a resolution con- Georgia, Jan. 11-16, 1986. comeback and you've been part cerning the whole herd buyout of it. Now we've got to sit down concept which, at that time, and plan about Michigan's was still under discussion by future," he said. the House-Senate conferees. The resolution, which passed unanimously, stated: RURAL LIVING, JANUARY 1986 11 MFB ANNUAL MEETING REPORT 1985 Young Farmer Contest Winners "onored at Annual Meeting Three young farmers captured ship experiences of serving on service, and the use of a com- titles and prizes during MFB's the Allegan County FB board puter for a year. annual meeting. Competition and on several of its commit- Runner-up in the Outstanding for the titles of Outstanding tees, pi us her record of com- Young Farm Woman contest was Young Farm Woman, Distin- munity service and personal ef- Rebecca Clark from Mackinac- guished Young Farmer and Dis- forts to promote the agricultur- Luce County FB. She and her cussion Meet winner is spon- al industry, were factors in the husband, Donald, operate a sored annually by the organiza- judges' selection. 350-acre dairy farm. tion to surface potential leaders As the Outstanding Young Fred Leitz Jr. III of Berrien for the future and develop their Farm Woman, Wilkinson will County won the Distinguished leadership skills. serve as a spokesperson for Young Farmer title. Leitz and Dawn Wilkinson of Allegan MFB at a number of activities his wife, Leslie, are partners in County emerged from the finals during the coming year. In addi- the family's 1, 700-acre farm, with the title of MFB's Outstand- tion to an expense-paid trip to specializing in fruit, tomatoes ing Young Farm Woman for Washington, D.C., next April to (continued on page 28) 1985. She and her husband, serve as a legislative leader dur- Warren, operate an BOO-acre ing the organization's annual hog operation. In addition to lobbying mission, she also re- her responsibilities on the farm, ceived a year's subscription to Wilkinson works at Fennville AgriCom, Farm Bureau's com- Christian Academy. Her leader- puterized market information Best Farm Bill Would be Balanced Federal Budget, USDASpokesperson Tells Producers The best farm bill Congress "Extending the current farm could deliver to American agri- bill or freezing current loan culture this year is a balanced rates and target prices for federal budget, Alan Tracy, U.S. another four or five years does Department of Agriculture nothing more than lock in the deputy assistant secretary told failure of past policies. Nor producers attending the Michi- would either action make any gan Agricultural Cooperative headway toward reducing the Marketing Association (MACMA) government's role as an ar- annual meeting Dee. 10. tificial manipulator of the "You cannot run your farms marketplace," he said. "It won't or your marketing cooperative put profits into your pockets. It by continually spending more won't improve the prices you money than you take in - and gain through your bargaining neither can the federal govern- cooperative. And it won't sell ment," Tracy said. "Farmers American farm products in the have had to pay a high price worldwide markets." because of the current budget Tracy said that decisions deficit. It's helped keep interest which must be made by Con- rates high, it's reduced our gress during the next several export markets, and it's mort- days could influence the course gaged the futures of our chil- of American agriculture for dren and our grandchildren." years to come. Young Farmer presentations were Tracy said that farmers do "Farmers are waiting for Con- made at the MFB annual banquet, Dec. 12. Pictured above are Dawn need a new farm bill this year gress to make those decisions, Wilkinson, Outstanding Young Farm and that an extension of the Woman (top): Distinguished Young (continued on page 28) present farm policy is "totally Farmer Fred Leitz Jr. III and his wife, Leslie (center): and Discussion unacceptable." Meet winner Larry Priest, and his wife, Elaine. 12 RURAL LIVING, JANUARY 1986 MF8 ANNUAL MEETING REPORT Kalamazoo County There's a Pot 0' Gold in Chippewa County Farmer Receives Award-winning Chippewa program areas: information, FB's nighest Donor County FB committees, under local affairs, membership, poli- the direction of County Presi- cy development, policy execu- Arthur Bailey, a farmer from dent Bob Hesselink, found a pot tion and Safemark. Schoolcraft in Kalamazoo Coun- 0' gold at the annual county Runners up in the annual ty, received Michigan Farm Bu- awards program. Chippewa was awards competition were Jack- reau's highest honor during cer- named "Top County Farm son, Kent and Macomb coun- emonies at the organization's Bureau" with gold stars in six ties; each receiving five gold annual banquet, Dec. 12. He stars. Jackson County was was pre.sented with the Distin- presented with gold stars for guished Service to Agriculture program excellence in local af- award by MFB President Elton R. fairs, membership, policy Smith before a crowd of nearly development, Safemark and 1,000 farmers and industry Young Farmers. Kent County FB leaders from other ag organiza- received gold stars for Com- tions, government agencies and munity Action Groups, direct Michigan State University. marketing, membership, policy development and policy execu- tion. Gold stars for information, local affairs, membership, poli- cy development and policy ex- ecution were awarded to the Macomb County FB. Four county FBs also received four-star recognition ~or pro- Chippewa County President Bob Uesselink smiles as he accepts gram excellence. The four-star the "Top County Farm Bureau" counties were Huron, M~costa, award from MFB President Elton Ogemaw and Sanilac. Smith. Chippewa County was pre- sented with gold stars in six pro- The awards program was fol- gram areas. lowed by a Las Vegas-style fun night and western Jamboree. Retiring MFBDistrict 1 Director Art Bailey accepts the Distin- guished Service to Agriculture award from MFBPresident Smith. Farm Bureau Donors News People A journalist from the Kalam- Runners-up in the 1985 ag Farm Bureau's Distinguished zoo Gazette and a broadcaster communicator awards program Service to Agriculture award is from WHAK radio in Rogers City were: Sandra Hogan, Huron Dai- presented to those individuals were honored by Michigan Farm ly Tribune, Bad Axe, nominated who have demonstrated out- Bureau as "Top Agricultural by Huron County Farm Bureau; standing dedication and com- Communicators of the Year" for Phillip Cloud, WIONradio in mitment to the well-being of 1985. Gold quills, the symbol of Ionia, nominated by the Ionia Michigan~s agricultural in- excellent in journalism, were County Farm Bureau; and Gale dustry. Bailey was cited for his presented.to the Gazette's Mike Langford, Mayville Monitor, leadership as a member of the Van Buren and WHAK's Harvey nominated by the Tuscola MFB board of directors for 16 Klann during a reception held County Farm Bureau. Hogan, years and for contributions to in conjunction with the MFB an- Cloud and Langford were his local community. nual meeting. presented with certificates of Bailey has served as secretary The ag communicator award appreciation for "outstanding of the board of education in his is presented annually to service to the agricultural com- community for several years recognize members of the news munity." and has been active in the First media for outstanding service MFB has sponsored the an- to the ag community and for nual news media recognition (continued on page 28) promoting a better understand- program since 1975. ing of the ag industry by the non-farm public. RURAL LIVING, JANUARY 1986 1.3 RURAL EXCHANGE Rafne, Auction Raise Funds for AgriPac Nominations for 1986 Mother of Year Sought With another election year Farmer raffle brought in over just around the corner, Michi- $5,000. Shiawassee County Farm Bu- gan Farm Bureau's political ac- Bonnie Puffpaff of Montcalm reau member Myra Spike re- tion committee, AgriPac, ex- County won the top prize in the ports that nominations are be- pects to report contributions of Young Farmer raffle - a Carrib- ing sought for Michigan's 1986 $30,000 in 1985. bean Cruise. Bob Verellen of Mother of the Year. Spike won The FB Women and Young Macomb County won a weekend the title in 1976. Farmers added to the tally with in northern Michigan. Winner of The annual search for fundraiser promotions at the the color television was Charles Mothers of the Year has been an 1985 MFB annual meeting. Over Chapin of Mecosta County. activity of the American $1,500 was raised at the Silent Leonard Russell of Tuscola won Mothers Committee, Inc., for Auction, Dec. 11, sponsored by a microwave oven and Jim over 45 years to highlight the the MFB Women, and the Young Droscha of Eaton County won a role of mothers in the home, 35mm camera outfit. community, nation and the world. RURAL RASCAL Nominees must be: - At least 45 years of age. -An active member of a religio~s body. - An active participant in com- munity, state, national and in- ternational activities. - Married in a legally accepted ceremony. - A mother with one or more children (including adopted), the youngest of which is at least 15 years old. For complete rules and nomi- nation forms, contact Mrs. ABOVE: Kalamazoo County FB PresI- dent Rod Van Middlesworth got an David Hickman Sr., 3489 W. armful of awards at the MFB annual. River Road, Muskegon, Mich. Kalamazoo earned the Golden Trac- 49445; phone 6]6-744-9728. tor, Fabulous 15 and traveling trophy awards In the 1985 member- Completed nominations must ship campaign and plans a repeat be postmarked by Jan. ] 5, performance in this year's drive. 1986. LEFT: This Rural Rascal, along with hundreds of other members attend- ) Ing the MFB annual meeting, en- joyed the Ice cream social spon- sored by MACMA's Direct Marketing ( Division and the Michigan chapter of the American Dairy Association. Duron Proud of Two Charter Members We understand that there are Bureau dues were $5 a year or \\, . I not very many "life" members $35 for a life membership. "The in the state, so we thought we'd life membership sounded like share the stories of two Huron County Farm Bureau members such a good deal, so I took it," Ralph says. \ whose memberships date back He was always very active in to when the county unit was the organization, serving as !'Ilchlgan's !'Iother of the Year in organized in 1919. county president in 1943 and 1976, Myra Spike, plays great- Ralph & Lorene Brown are 1944. He worked hard to help grandmother of 1985 as she charter members of Huron comforts slx-week-old Randi organize several community Marie Kettler so mom Nancy can County FB, having taken over groups and the couple has al- watch dad Dale compete in the Ralph's mother's membership ways been group members. Discussion Meet at the MFB an- in 1927. At that time, Farm nual meeting last month. (continued on page 28) 14 RURAL LIVING, JANUARY 1986 FRONT & CENTER Elton R. Smith of Kent County, who has headed MFB since 1964, was re-elected president Dec. 13. Members of the MFB Executive Committee are Jack Laurie of Tuscola County and Jim Sayre of Wayne County. Newly elected board members are Marlin Outman of St. Joseph County (District 3), Mark Smuts of Eaton County (District 5), Larry Snider of Oceana County (District 7), and Robert Wahmhoff of Copper Country (District 11). Also elected were Diane Horning of Washtenaw Coun- ty, representing FB Women; and Gary Skinner of Gratiot County, representing FB Young Farmers. In other elections held during the annual meetings of MFB and its affiliates, FPC members elected David DeJanovich of Washtenaw County and re-elected Hugh White of Calhoun County to serve two year terms on the cooperative's board of directors. MACMA members elected Richard Walsworth, Larry Snider and P. C. Morrison of Oceana County, Herb Umlor of Ottawa County, and George Stover of Berrien County. MFB Young Farmer and Women's Committee members will be hosting county com- mittee leaders at the Executive Club Conference, Jan. 7-8, 1986 at the Flint Hyatt Regency. The agenda includes leadership workshops on effective organization, teamwork, public speak- ing and conducting effective meetings. The conference also promises to be fun and inspiring thanks to an outstanding line up of motivational guest speakers. Seven MFB board members will serve as voting delegates from l'Iichigan during the resolutions session at the 1986 AFBF annual meeting, Jan. 11-16 in Atlanta, Georgia. Delegates include President Elton R. Smith of Kent County, Vice President Jack Laurie of Tuscola County, Third Member of Executive Committee Jim Sayre of Wayne County, Lowell Eisenmann of Lenawee County, Don Nugent of Benzie County, Dave Conklin of Shiawassee County and Women's Committee Chairperson Diane Horning of Washtenaw County. Alternate delegates include Mark Smuts of Eaton County, Wayne Wood of Sanilac County, Margaret Kartes of Ogemaw County, Lyle LeCronier of Bay County, Young Farmer Committee Chairperson Gary Skinner of Gratiot County, Mike Pridgeon of Branch County and Bob Wahmhoff of Copper Country. "Our $10 Billion Annual Farm Labor Bill" will be the topic of the Farm Labor Con- ference to be held in conjunction with the 1986 AFBF annual meeting. The conference will in- clude remarks by Congressman Romano L. Mazzoli (D-Ky.), chairperson of the Immigration Sub- committee of the House Judiciary Committee, on the impact of the Immigration Act reforms. A labor legislation panel discussion will also be part of the program. The conference will be held on Jan. 13. Gov. James Blanchard and MSU President John DiBiaggio will be among the featured speakers when Michigan's legislators. agricultural leaders and state government policymakers get together Jan. 8, 1986 at the Lansing Civic Center for the 38th annual Agriculture-Legislative Reception. The event, which is sponsored by the Michigan Agricultural Conference, gives recognition to legislators who have demonstrated substantial support to Michigan agriculture during the past year. AFBF President Robert Delano to Step Down: In a speech to state presidents attending the annual AFBF Resolutions Committee meeting Dee. 16 in Chicago, Delano said he would not seek re-election. He will have served six years as AFBF president by the time his successor takes over in January at the AFBF annual meeting. Delano said he will return to his 400-acre farm in Richmond County, Virginia, where he grows wheat, corn and soybeans. RURAL LIVING, JANUARY 1986 15. Becom£' A j\>lidligall Fann Burcau j\>kmbcr 41 FROM CHERRY PIE ( r FIXIN'S TO NUTS 'N BOLTS • Save up to 60% on major purchases of name brand furniture, appliances • & more! FARM BUREAU ~ Farm Bureau's Buyer's Service program can save you 20% to 60% on your next purchase of furniture. MEMBERS SAVE! appliances. carpeting, televisions. stereos. goods and luxury items. The Family Saver Buyer's sporting Ei Service costs only 520 per year; compare programs costing as much as 5795. Shop with the it to Family Saver "Quik Quote" system and save hundreds of dollars! T • Save on American made cars and Discount savings right down to the trucks-l % over dealer cost!! You can save hundreds of dollars on your next nuts and bolts in your farm or New Car or Truck purchase with the Sav-On-Cars home workshop pricing and purchase system. For just 59, request a personalized Car Option computer printout Use Farm Bureau's Discount Hardware lvlail showing both wholesale and retail costs. Make Order Service to stock your home or farm your own deal with your local dealership. or buy workshop with storage bins. repair kits. and a directly from Sav-On-Cars at an average of just 1% wide selection of nuts and bolts. sawblades. and over dealer cost! more. Product descriptions and order sheets are available from the county Farm Bureau: Freight Get top quality auto, truck and farm is even pre-paid on orders of 550 or more. tires and batteries at group purchasing discount prices These automotive products are available to Farm Bureau members and are sold under the "Safemark" brand. Safemark is a low-overhead. no-frills group purchasing program available through 53 Michigan dealers and vendors. Choose Affordable protection and personal service for your family's health care needs Michigan Farm Bureau members can choose from three Blue Cross/Blue Shield administered group health care plans designed to meet family health insurance needs at an affordable cost. Members are also eligible for group enrollment in one of seven health maintenance organizations (HMO's) throughout the state. Farm Bureau has been providing health insurance for members for over 30 years. Personal. expert assistance on benefits and claims is an important sen'ice plus of the 0.1ichigan Farm Bureau health care group. Dollar-saving member-only insurance • Accidental Death and Dismembenncnt insurance plans for your vehicles, farm provides no cost coverage for acccidental death or injury (in participating counties). and personal protection • Guaranteed AJTest Bond Certificate guarantees bail You may already know that Farm Bureau Insurance for any member arrested for specific traffic Group is lvlichigan's largest farm insurer. offering \'iolations. exclusive programs for farmer-members, like FBIG Universal Life. homeowners, auto, farm. IRA, Farmowners and Ag V/ork Comp insurance. recreational vehicle and business policies protect But even if YOll don't farm. you can take advantage of people in communities across the state. top quality. money-saving programs like: • Mutual Auto Insurance provides complete coverage \Vith 450 agents and agency managers throughout for your personal cars and trucks at competitive !\.lichigan. you can always depend on hometown rates . service from Farm Bureau Insurance Group. • Special Auto Insurance benefits: Farm Bureau tvlutual auto policies also include a new benefit at no extra cost to you: 5 lO.OOO of coverage per person for fatal injuries while properly wearing a seat belt. Another benefit of our i\lutual auto insurance is emergency road service.' \\'hich is included in comprehensive cO\'erages at no additional charge to members . • Member Life Insurance protects your whole family for just 525 a year. FaRm~ Bureau Get into High-Tech at a lower cost with your AT&T/Farm Bureau Discount Receive a 30% discount on the purchase of AT&T personal computers for home, farm, or office. You won't sacrifice service or training for these member only savings! AT&T has an extensive network for representatives to provide service and offer training so you can get the most value out of your system. Call AT&T toll free at 1-800-247-1212, extension 99. Let them help you select an AT&T personal computer co meet your needs. Be sure to ask for your 30% member-only discount! Get NuVision Family Eye Care at Savings-to-Member prices Farm Bureau families can save 20% on a complete pair of lenses and frames at all NuVision optical centers. Save, too, on both hard and soft contact lenses. To take advantage of this discount, use your Vision Family Plan card at any NuVision Center and present it when ordering glasses. Family Plan cards are available from your County Farm Bureau Secretary. I want to save with Farm Bureau member programs! Fill out and mail this card IDDAYl Name: Last First Middle Address: Street/Road, RR, &Jx, P.O. &Jx, Apt. Membership Dues $45 per year with the following exceptions: Hillsdale County - $46 City State Zip Berrien, Livingscon and Van Buren Counties - $47 Gratiot, Isabella and Shiawassee Counties - $50 County New Member Service Can Uelp Increase Net Farm Income Farm Bureau's computerized AgriCom and AgriVisor h~ve national news, delivered con- information program, AgriCom, been joined by a new AgriVisor tinuously five days a week. The and the AgriVisor marketing ad- FM radio sideband service. new service is available to visory service offer members The new sideband radio ser- members in the southern two- the opportunity to become part vice provides the same market- thirds of the Lower Peninsula. of an elite group of producers ing information and advisories AgriVisor's advice is compiled who are teamed up with profes- as the computerized AgriVisor by five full-time marketing sionals to market their com- service. Sideband subscribers analysts and is based on both modities. Now the computerized receive grain and livestock fundamental supply and de- information delivery offered by prices, market advice and some mand factors and technical market analysis. Members can subscribe to the basic AgriVisor package, which includes the sideband radio, newsletters and seminars, for $468 a year. Members can also subscribe to one of AgriCom / AgriVisor' s six market information and ad- visory service options via com- puter. The computerized infor- mation system is available throughout Michigan. Buyer's Service Means Big Savings on Major Purchases Farm Bureau members have Displays by MFBAgriCom, a computerized agricultural information system, and AT&Tpersonal computers attracted many delegates in- the opportunity to save 20% to terested in the high tech applications for their farming operation. 60% on purchases of furniture, appliances, carpeting, elec- tronics/ sporting goods and more by participating in the "Family Saver" program. New Program Offers Special Discount on The Family Saver service AT&TPersonal Computers and Software saves by eliminating the middle- man. You order merchandise di- Farm Bureau members across high capacity memory expand- rect from the factory or distrib- the country are "tooling up" for able to 640K power. utor and it is shipped directly the computerized information To take advantage of the dis- to you or a warehouse in a city age through a new member-only count pricing opportunity / near where you live. The service program that gives you a 30% members simply make a toll passes on the savings of not discount on the purchase of free call to, 1-800-247-1212/ ex- having the high cost of inven- AT&T personal computers. tension 99. An AT&T telemar- tory / warehousing, showrooms, Members can also receive dis- keting representative will be sales commissions, etc. counts on compatible software available to review model selec- The Family Saver service packages for the AT&T com- tion and cost. Be sure to give costs only $20 for the first year. puter or for the computer they your MFB membership number The annual renewal fee is $15/ currently own. to receive the 30% discount. but that amount is not charged AT&T representatives spent More information about com- until you have saved $1,000 or three days at the 1985 MFB an- patible software packages for more in price Quotes and/ or nual meeting where they dem- home, farm and business is purchases. onstrated the Model 6300 per- available by calling collect, sonal computer, a powerful and 616-388-3000. versatile home computer with RURAL LIVING, JANUARY 1986 19 Safemark Approaches 10th Anniversary When delegates at the 1976 MFB annual meeting gave the go ahead for a new program to provide group purchasing power to farmer members, they were confident that the sales of Safemark farm, car and truck tires, batteries and implement parts would save farmers money and offer them high quality. For nearly 10 years, the Safemark Group Purchasing program has been doing just that ... providing top of the line quality at low group purchasing prices. The products, sold under the Safemark brand, are manu- factured by companies such as General Tire Corp., Kelly Spring- Safemark's Group purchasing program for farm implements, tires and batteries has been helping FB members in Michigan save money on field, General Battery Corp., Ex- quality products for nearly 10 years. ide, Weise, Exxon and others. In addition, Safemark tires carry road and field hazard warran- ties. A statewide network of Save With PH's Discount Uardware Program Safemark dealers serves Farm Bureau members in Michigan. Farm Bureau members can save up to 50% on the pur- chase of fasteners and other hardware through a discount program offered with Hi-Grade Nut and Bolt Co. of Mich. "We are stocked to be a total supplier of farm fasteners for Farm Bureau members," says Hi-Grade owner Ken McNeil. "In Among the most widely ac- most cases we provide UPS cepted Safemark products is same day service from our the steel implements line. Farm warehouse. If a farmer needs a Bureau members have respond- specialized piece such as an ex- ed eagerly to the opportunity to tra long bolt or fine thread, we purchase tough steel tillage have the sources to get it for tools at prices well below dealer him or her in less than a week." prices. Savings up to 60% are Freight on orders of $50 or realized on some parts. Tillage more is prepaid, excluding bins. A new farm fastener discount tools are sold on a special order Hi-Grade offers "farm pack" program is gaining recognition as another money saving member twice a year through local Safe- quantities stocked in diameters only service to members. Dis- mark vendors. of up to 1/4" through 3/4" in 6" plays like this one at the MFBan- lengths, and long bolts of 1/2" nual meeting are spreading the through I" diameter up to 12" word. long. Plow bolts, carriage bolts, special fasteners and farm re- The company can also pro- pair kits of cotter pins, stove vide top hitch pins, shatter- bolts, roll pins, solderless ter- proof steel hacksaw blades and minals, sheet metal screws, frames, nylon cable tie wraps, hitch pin clips, lock nuts, etc., high speed drill bit index sets are also available. and individual drills. 20 RURAL LIVING. JANUARY 1986 Michigan Farm Bureau Members Receive Extra Benefit With Mutual Auto Policy There is an auto insurance policy available exclusively to This no-cost coverage for mem- bers will pay $10,000 to the iIIlI ~ miCHlGan"S FaRm B8ST MFB members, and it offers you estate of any occupant who is a lot more than complete cover- fatally injured in an auto acci- MID-WINTER age at competitive prices. dent while properly wearing a Besides coverage for personal cars, trucks and commercial trucks, an auto policy fro~ seat belt. The $10,000 coverage for seat belt wearers applies to the SALE Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance driver and passengers alike, as Featuring: Co. of Michigan provides other long as the vehicle is insured by special benefits for FB mem- Farm Bureau Mutual. - Fresh citrus bers. A Mutual Auto policy also of- For example, any occupant fers another benefit for mem- - Fruit concentrates wearing a seat belt in any vehi- bers: emergency road service -Meats c1e.insured by Farm Bureau included in comprehensive cov- Mutual is covered by a $10,000 erage at no extra charge. -Cheeses death benefit at no extra cost. Watch for product listing in the February Rural Living Member Life Insurance: $25 Buys a Lot of Protection You can't beat it: for just $25 for three times the amount list- ORDER DEADLINE: you get an entire year of life in- ed in the original schedule of February 12th surance coverage for you, your benefits for their policies. spouse and your children. This means a.lot more cover- DELIVERY: That's why the Member Life age at no extra cost. Here's a Weeks of March 3rd and 10th policy from Farm Bureau Life In- specific example: The original surance Co. of Michigan is one policy shows $5,180 coverage of the best values for FB mem- for a member at age 30 and bers. The amount of coverage is $1,000 on the spouse. With the based on your age and family increase for the 1985-86 year, Variety of Uealth Care composition, but whether these amounts become $15,540 Plans Available to you're 18 or 65, the annual cost on the member and $3,000 on Qualifying Members is still just $25, the spouse. Thirty years of experience Best of all, when you renew Members enrolling for the coupled with excellent health your policy you may get an in- first time will receive benefits care plans are good reasons for crease in benefits if the pro- as listed in the original sched- choosing a Farm Bureau Blue gram loss experience permits it ule, although they will be eligi- Cross Blue Shield or Health (and it usually does). For exam- ble for any benefit increases Maintenance Organization ple, for the 1985-86 policy year, that may be declared when they (HMO) plan for your family's renewing members are covered renew their policies. health care needs. The variety of plans is designed to meet the health insurance needs of al- New Car and Truck Pricing I Purchasing Program most any member at an afford- Offers Savings Opportunities to FB Members able price. FB's maximum benefit plan - Did you know that your FB A $9 investment brings you a Comprehensive - pays doctors' membership offers you an op- personalized car option com- reasonable charges and .365 portunity to save hundreds of puter printout showing the days of hospitalization, in- dollars on the purchase of your wholesale and retail costs for cluding surgery and maternity. next new car or truck? The Sav- the model and options you se- The plan includes Catastrophic On Cars program provides lect. With this information, you Master Medical that pays doc- members with a computerized can negotiate the best deal with tors' office calls and prescrip- auto and truck pricing system a local dealership or purchase tion drugs, with a small deduc- that allows you to purchase your vehicle from Sav-On Cars, tible. American-made vehicles for 10/0 Inc. (continued on page 29) over dealer cost. I RURAL LIVING, JANUARY 1986 21 Governor's Conference . - on Agriculture Focuses on the Big Three: Competition Survival Profitability By Donna Wilber "The food chain - a human chain" is a phrase used to de- scribe Michigan's food industry and every link in that chain was represented at the Governor's Conference on the Future of Ag- riculture, Nov. 19-20. Nearly 600 farmers, farm organization leaders, ag-related state govern- ment and MSUrepresentatives, and agribusiness people gath- ered at the Flint Hyatt Regency for the two-day conference which focused on "Competition, Survival and Profitability" for agriculture in Michigan. Michigan agriculture has the resources to build on its tradi- "The food chain - the human chain" stretched across the farm belt states to share common concerns when Kansas Gov. John Carlin ad- tional strength and not only dressed participants at the Governor's Conference on the Future of survive, but become the strong- Michigan Agriculture in rtovember. Carlin was introduced by Michigan est, most diverse industry in Gov. James Blanchard. the nation, Gov. James Blan- chard said in his opening re- marks. "During the past three years, we have acted on the "Opening and Operating a Food We have a dynamic support sys- firm belief that agriculture Business." MFB Vice President tem of research and Extension must be a vital part of our Jack Laurie served as a panelist to help us build a better'in- state's overall economic devel- for the "U.S. Cheap Food Policy" dustry. We have broad recogni- opment plans. This conference workshop and pointed to some tion of our industry's value to is the result of that commit- of the "positives" that Michigan the state's economy. We have ment," he said. agriculture has that other government officials and legis- Conference participants had a states do not. lators who are supportive of our choice of 16 workshops to at- "We have the unique oppor- industry. And we have dedi- tend on topics ranging from tunities of an agricultural diver- cated people within the indus- "How Do We Meet the Interna- sity second only to California. tional Trade Challenge" to 22 RURAL LIVING, JANUARY 1986 Evans saw reasons for opti- mism for the state's poultry, fruit and vegetable industries, but "little hope" for Michigan's dairy farmers. He predicted that beans could become a major in- dustry in the state. Sugar will not make a comeback, he said, because of the substitute sweet- ener competition. For grain farmers, he predicted prices re- maining at support levels with a gradual increase in exports. The economic forecaster ad- vised Michigan to target its poultry, fruit and vegetable in- dustries for the best growth op- try illustrating their commit- portunities. State government, ment to its future well-being by he said, should work coopera- participating in this conference," tively with producers to create a Laurie said. brand-name program for those He told workshop participants commodities. "It will take a lot that while the problems and op- of hard work and promotion, portunities facing agriculture but it's worked in other states are primarily national and inter- and it can work for Michigan," national in scope, there are he said. some things that the state of The governor of Kansas, John Michigan can do. Carlin, appeared on the pro- "The governor's farm loan gram to share his experiences program was certainly an exam- with the farm crisis in his state, ple. Providing property tax relief along with his views on what through P.A. 116 is another. needs to be done to assure the State government can also create survival of agriculture. incentives for the production of "One of the realities we must ethanol to utilize otherwise sur- accept is that there will be plus crops, attract food proc- fewer family farms. There are essing plants to Michigan, and many who don't want to accept promote the sale of Michigan that fact. There's a certain ele- agricultural products, especially ment in all of us that wants to those of which a major portion keep what we've had. But there TOP: Farmers, educators and is produced within our state," is another group among us that legislators had the opportunity he said. looks at the transition and says to share their views as members we must accept whatever it Economic forecaster Dr. of a conference panel on U.S. cheap food policy. Pictured here Michael Evans of Washington, brings. In my judgement of are Jack Laurie, MFBvice presi- D.C., a keynote speaker at the what is best and practical, I dent, and Larry Connor, chairper- conference, told the crowd that believe the approach lies some- son of the MSUDepartment of he was "cautiously optimistic" where in between saving every- Agricultural Economics. about an economic turnaround one and following Darwin's ABOVE:Economic forecaster Dr. in the agricultural sector. Sta- theory of survival of the fittest" Michael Evans told conference Carlin said. bilization of the dollar and a participants he was "cautiously optimistic" about the future of decline in interest rates will "There's no way we can agriculture. De advised Michigan help, he said, and while "severe guarantee an income to every to target its poultry, fruit and competition" from other coun- farmer and protect everyone vegetable industries for the best tries exporting agricultural who farms today. But if we growth opportunities. products will continue, most don't do some significant sectors of U.S. agriculture will (continued on page .30) compete effectively. RURAL LIVING, JANUARY 1986 2.3 AT&T and Farm Bureau "A Partnership Farm Bureau members can count on" .. v ...- ATlaT For information on how you can receive a 30% discount on AT&T computers, please fill out the coup,on below or dial 1-800-247-1212, extension 99. Software for farm, home and business available at member discount prices. Call collect 616-388-3000. --------------------~~-----------------, Yes, I want to know more about AT&T special discount to Farm Bureau Farmers. I o Student I I am a: o I would like to be contacted by Approximate budget I o Farmer/producer o Other AT&T Marketing promptly for the computer I Commodities: _ o I have a computer - o I am planning to make a buying o Less than $1,000.00 I o Commodity o I am considering buying a MOdel decision for a computer 0$1,000.00-$3,000.00 r Trader computer o In the next month 0$3,000.00-$5,000.00 o Educator o In the next 3 months o More than $5,000.00 I o I am a Farm Bureau member o In the next 6 months I Name _ I MAil TO: I Add re 5 5 _ AT&T I City State Zip _ Attn: Paul E. Split : 781 Kenmoor Southeast I Phone ( ) County Grand Rapids, MI 49506 I -------------~--------------------- I AGRINOMIC IlPDATE Farm Economic Outlook for 1986 Michigan Farm Bureau spon- continue to ease its credit hold. comparison, 1980 U.S. net farm sored a Farm Credit Seminar for Many economists have been income was approximately $.32 MFB staff and district directors urging the Fed to loosen credit billion. on Nov. 25, 1985. At that semi- conditions and drive down in- Michigan's nominal net cash nar, MFB agricultural economist terest rates further to stimulate farm income is projected to be Robert G. Craig presented a faster economic growth. Concern approximately $760 million state and national farm econ- about the government's huge which is down from the 1980 omic outlook. The following is a borrowing needs has faded as figure of $820 million. Accord- summary of that presentation. have worries about rekindling ing to Dr. John Ferris of the inflationary pressures if the MSUAgricultural Economics De- u.s. Economy economy was further stimu- partment, the nominal net cash Civilian employment is near lated. income in 1986 should increase 108 million persons, an all-time to $884 million. The increase is high, with the unemployment Micbigan Economy due to lower costs, especially rate near 7.1°/0. interest expense and other pro- The Michigan unemployment The Gross National Product duction expenses, stable mar- rate continues to fluctuate (GNP)continues to increase for ketings and a sizeable increase around the 10°/0 level. This is a the third quarter of 1985 and is in government payments. significant improvement from near an annual rate of 4 ..3°/0. Farmland values have dropped 1982 when we had the nation's This continued growth of the significantly since the early highest rate which was over national economy is evident in 1980s in both Michigan and the 17°/0 during certain months. many sectors including hous- nation due to the decline in U.S. The automobile industry has ing, manufacturing of durable farm exports, falling commodity seen a tremendous rebound in goods such as cars, and service prices and credit conditions. the last few years, but Michigan areas. motor vehicle production has Retail prices, as measured by Economic Outlook been soft this year. July produc- the U.S. Consumer Price Index tion units of 212,674 was 5°1o The U.S. economy is expected for all urban consumers, have above a year ago, but down to show continued growth in stabilized in the .3°/0 to 4°1o area 21°/0 from May of this year. 1986 with an annual growth on an annual basis. Food prices Clearly, the car and truck in- rate in GNP of .3°/0 to 5°1o. continue to increase but at a dustry is the state's top in- Michigan's economy should slower pace than the inflatio.n dustry, with agriculture being parallel the nation. Interest rate, and therefore, real costs second and continuing to show rates are projected to decline have declined to consumers for stable growth. This is the tradi- some more and then level off food items. tional line-up of these two in- with long-term rates under 10°/0 Short-term interest rates dustries and is a change from and short-term rates between (l.3-week Treasury Bills) con- 1981 when agriculture was 6°1o and 8°1o. tinue to soften, with bids in ranked as the state's No.1 in- The farm economy is pro- mid-November 1985 closing at dustry due to good growth in it jected to finally bottom in 1986 around 7.22°/0, which is down and a serious decline in the or 1987. Much depends on the from over 10°10 in July 1984. automobile industry. 1985 farm bill, agricultural Other interest rates continue to credit conditions and national post additional drops with the Agricultur.al Sector fiscal, monetary and trade poli- yield on bellwether 3D-year cies. Farmland prices are ex- The farm economy nationally Treasury Bonds dropping below pected to stabilize in 1986. The is in one of the steepest de- 10°/0 for the first time since value of the U.S. dollar will con- clines in several decades. Cash 1980. tinue to gradually decline which receipts from marketings of The decline in interest rates should stimulate agricultural crops, livestock and livestock has been triggered by actions exports. products is down and govern- and future expectations that ment payments are up. Net (continued on page 30) the Federal Reserve System will farm income is expected to be below $22 billion for 1985. In RURAL LIVING, JANUARY 1986 25 The Discussion Topic is used by Community Ac- tion Groups for monthly The Social and Economic policy discussions. Situation in Latin America By Thomas G. Sander difference between births and rates have risen recently as a Senior Associate for Latin deaths was reflected in a popu- result of a squeeze between America, Universities Field Staff lation increase that was almost population growth and un- International 3% annually. Since then, ~atin satisfactory levels of economic Americans have adopted the growth. Latin America is the most use of birth control, either on The Latin American nations developed region of the Third their own or through publicly vary with respect to their popu- World, but the great majority of supported family planning pro- lation problems. Argentina, its people are poor. Poverty is grams, so that the regional rate Uruguay, Cuba and Chile have an inheritance of the past that of population growth is down to low growth rates (1.6% annually recent economic development, 2.3% a year. or less), reflecting their high urbanization, social mobility Nevertheless, all studies pro- levels of urbanization and and an expanded middle class ject continued increases well in- education; but poor countries have failed to overcome. Rapid to the next century because of like Ecuador and Guatemala population growth. explains why continue growing at more than there are probably more poor in 3%. Brazil, Mexico and Colom- total numbers than 50 years bia are in between, with sharp ago. Rapid population drops in fertility accompanying The individual countries differ growth explains why their economic development. sharply in their social and A second major social process economic conditions. Argen- there are probably is urbanization. The region has tina, which has an educated undergone a shift of population more poor in total from the countryside to cities population, is 800/0 urban, and has built a high level of pros- numbers than 50 that is without parallel in perity through commercial agri- human history. Brazil, Mexico culture and industry, bears years ago. and Colombia have changed almost no resemblance to Haiti from two-thirds rural to two- and Honduras, which are pre- thirds urban in the past 40 dominantly rural and whose il- years. the disproportionate share of literate or semi-literate people Mexico City, with 17 million the population in the 18 to 45 live in poverty. Between these people, is believed to be the age group. In 2020, for exam- extremes are countries like largest urban conglomeration ple, Brazil will have grown from Brazil, Mexico and Colombia, in the world, while Sao Paulo, its present 135 million to 250 which together include over half Brazil, is not far behind, at 14 million, with Mexico going from the population of the region million. Both will have at least 77 million to 162 million. and have impressively improved 24 million by the end of this High rates of population economic production and edu- century. Thirty percent of growth place a severe strain on cation in the past 30 years. Brazil's population now live in the efforts of governments to Certain major social proc- 10 metropolitan centers, each improve standards of living. In- esses are essential to under- with over a million inhabitants. vestments in education, health standing Latin America today. The negative symbols of ur- and housing for the new popu- None is more important than banization are poor transporta- lation increments leave nothing population growth. Improved tion systems, expanding slums, to improve social conditions or health care lowered mortality inadequate public services and to increase production. Current- and infant mortality rates with- the army of street peddlers. ly the most dramatic population out a corresponding drop in With insufficient public re- problem is the need to create birth rates. Historically, high sources to help them, the poor jobs for individuals born in the death rates kept population in- create their own jobs, build past 25 years and now entering creases low, but by 1960, the their houses and provide their the labor market. Unemploy- own transportation. Positive ef- ment and underemployment 26 RURAL LIVING, JANUARY 1986 fects of urbanization include of issuing more money. A sec- stemming from the overvalued concentrating the population ond financing bottleneck has dollar, has helped. Industrial and facilitating the extension of been lack of internal savings growth has also taken place by educational and health services. and investment as people chose using idle plant capacity with- An urban population also to consume rather than to save. out new investment. adopts modern attitudes more A third problem is a shortage of But, in many of the countries, readily through the communica- foreign exchange. inflation continues to be a tions media. From 1981 to 1983, Latin severe problem as a result of Since World War II, Latin America suffered its worst devaluations (which increase Americans have pinned their economic crisis since World War the cost of imports), ongoing hopes on economic develop- II. Fortunately, in 1984 the budget deficits and wage in- ment, involving growth of pro- region as a whole underwent a creases. duction and government poli- recovery, growing 3.1%, how- The principal economic objec- cies on salaries, taxes and ever per capita income improved tive of the Latin American coun- social welfare that would guar- only 0.6%. The 1984 trend tries is to increase the pace of antee benefits to all of the seemed to continue in 1985. economic growth. New invest- population. Until 1980, most The inability of most of the ment will be necessary, but Latin American countries ex- countries to earn enough for- foreign banks are loathe to in- perienced solid economic eign exchange from exports and crease their exposure and econ- growth. The common model other sources to service their omies are not sufficiently stable was a mixed economy with the debts precipitated the crisis of yet to attract significant private state playing a dominant role, 1981 to 1983. Through the investment. Although Latin especially through its control of 1970s private banks abroad America seems to be emerging resources like petroleum, elec- were willing to finance the com- from the crisis of the early tricity and transportation, while mercial deficits resulting from 1980s, the performance of in- setting the rules for participa- excessive imports of petroleum, dividual countries varies and tion of the domestic and for- machinery and consumer goods. the future is uncertain. In many eign private sectors. Though As overall debt rose and inter- countries the per capita income the rich benefited more than est rates jumped after 1979, level of 1980 will not be reached the poor, most segments of the the burden of debt service again in 1990, if then. Peru, population improved their stan- became intolerable. A number Argentina, Chile and Uruguay dards of living. of countries had also over- are poorer today than they were The chief focus of develop- valued their currencies and 20 years ago. Some countries ment was industrialization. The were experiencing unprecedent- like Brazil, Argentina and major countries were trans- ed high inflation. Venezuela seem to have a prom- formed from exporters of agri- The adjustment process, mon- ising future, but others like cultural and mining products itored by the International Haiti and El Salvador could be and importers of manufactured Monetary Fund, required the disasters. Population growth, goods into seriously industrial- countries to cut imports and try unsatisfactory economic perfor- ized economies, with over 20% to expand exports. The chief in- mance and the frustration of of the labor force in manufac- strument for doing this was de- youth over their prospects are turing. Industry stimulated the valuing their currencies, which central features of the present expansion of commerce and made imports more expensive which will continue into the government services, move- and exports cheaper. The gov- future. ment of population into the ernments also agreed to cut their budget deficits and, in Discussion Questions cities, and the growth of the middle class and labor unions. some cases, real wages. These •Should the U.S. allow unre- Development has faced three measures led to recession and a stricted imports from Latin major financing problems. One rise in unemployment. In com- America so those countries was the capacity of the govern- pensation, the banks exempted can improve their economies ment to pay for infrastructure, the debtors from paying back and service their foreign debt? social services and its other ac- principal and provided new •Does U.S. foreign aid have a tivities. Although tax policies money over the crisis. role in improving the social and collection gradually im- The 1984-85 recovery is a and economic conditions of proved, governments frequently process to be expected after a Latin America? ran deficits which they financed recession bottoms out. An in- by the inflationary mechanism crease in exports to the U.S., RURAL LIViriG, JAMJARY 1986 27 Young Farmers tools to respond to the flow of The Browns have six children, the marketplace, and they need 21 grandchildren and six great- (continued from page 12) the incentives to shift their grandchildren. A nephew, Wal- and corn. The Leitz family resources accordingly. lace Hagen, now works their packs and ships their commodi- "Just as your cooperatives farm. ties. Leitz is the president of the have repositioned themselves Lillian Leipprandt's member- Berrien County Farm Bureau. for the future, so must we do ship goes back to 1919 when Judges in this competition base the same in the broader context her future husband sold her their decisions on management of agricultural policy, for father an FB membership. When technique, innovative practices today's generations as well as she married E. T. Leipprandt, a and progress made in the farm- for tomorrow's," Tracy said. charter member, he had already ing operation since the young purchased a life membership. farmer started. E. T. worked diligently to As the organization's Distin- organize the Farm Bureau in guished Young Farmer, Leitz DSA Award Huron County because the receives the use of a Deutz Allis (continued from page 1.3) farmers had so many problems tractor for one year, and an and needed to be organized to Methodist Church of Portage for solve them. "He served as coun- expense-paid trip to Atlanta, over 40 years. He has been ac- ty president in the late 1920s," Georgia, to compete in the na- tive in the Kalamazoo County L~lIian says. She remembers the tional contest at the American Farm Bureau, serving on var- board meetings when the Farm Bureau Federation annual ious committees and as presi- women and children also at- meeting in early January. dent. He is also a member of tended. "It wasn't easy to get Runner-up in the Distinguished the Production Credit Associa- around in those days and it Young Farmer contest was Dan tion, the Federal Land Bank and would usually be very late when Hopkins of Mecosta County. the Michigan Live Stock Ex- we got home from those meet- Hopkins and his wife, Johanna, change. He served on the MFB ings," she recalls. E. T. also operate a 160-acre dairy farm. board from 1969 to 1985, and served on the state board at Larry Priest of Berrien County was also a member of the Farm one time. talked his way to the title of Bureau Insurance Group and The Leipprandts were very ef- Discussion Meet winner and the Michigan Farm Bureau Group fective in organizing communi- use of a Chevy S-10 pickup Purchasing, Inc. boards. ty groups on the west side of truck for a year. Priest also In presenting the award to Huron County. They were mem- receives an expense-paid trip to Bailey, Smith said, "During my bers of the Hayes Group which Atlanta, Georgia, to participate years of association with Lillian still attends. She recalls in the national Discussion Meet. Arthur, my respect for him as a the county picnics', annual Priest and his wife, Elaine, farmer, a farm leader, a com- meetings and women's pro- operate a 180-acre farm special- munity leader, and most of all grams. /II have so many pleas- izing in corn and soybeans. as a caring, giving human be- ant memories," she reflected, Runner-up in the contest was Gene Graham of Ingham Coun- ing, has continually grown." "and so many nice friends all ty, who operates a beef and over the county and state." She cash crop farm with his family continues to read the Farm and teaches vo-ag. Charter Members Bureau publications "to keep current on what is going on." (continued from page 14) The Leipprandts retired from their dairy operation about 25 MACMA Annual Ralph was a 4-H leader for over years ago when they moved to 20 years and served on the fair (continued from page 12) Pigeon. E. T. passed away in board for 10 years. 1976. They have four children, and their patience is beginning Since retiring from their dairy 13 grandchildren and 13 great- to grow rather thin. The time farm in 1970, the Browns live in grandchildren. Their son, Bruce, has come for American farm Ubly and spend their winters in lives on the home farm 'which policy to stop lurching from Florida. Lorene was a teacher he operates with his brother, crisis to crisis. Farmers need and Ralph drove a school bus DeWitt Charles; and Charles' stability and consistency in for several years after leaving sons, Tim and Phil, as E.T.L. farm policies. They need the the farm. They are stili inter- Farms. ested in the principles of Farm Bureau and always attend the Mildred Oeschger, Bay Port county annual meeting. Huron County Farm Bureau Information Chairperson 28 RURAL LIVING, JANUARY 1986 Lansing Review -The lender is subject to a 90-day imprisonment and $1,000 Uealth Plan (continued from page 7) penalty for any of the following: (continued from page 21) providing false information to culture, FB expects to work Dimension III is a mid-priced, the buyer, notifying buyers closely with the commission co-pay plan with a $3 prescrip- other than those listed by the because water policies are tion drug rider. Subscribers pay farmer, or for failure to notify critical to agriculture. FB an annual deductible for all the buyer within 11 days of the studies and policies on water health care services until a the payment of the loan. issues are recognized as being stop-loss limit is reached. - A buyer shall issue a joint comprehensive and practical. The Econo plan is a low-cost, check when requested by the lender, or issue a check directly co-pay plan that provides the Uniform Commercial Code to the secured party if request- same basic benefits as the - S.B. 362, introduced by Sen. ed by lender and authorized by Comprehensive plan except that Nick Smith and several others, the seller. subscribers are required to has passed both houses and is -The buyer must not withhold share the cost by paying a expected to be signed by Gov. any portion of the payment small percentage of the benefit Blanchard. The bill provides fur- unless the buyer has perfected costs. ther amendments to the Uni- a lien. HMO plans are available form Commercial Code to apply - A buyer is subject to a through many county Farm Bu- to all farm commodities and penalty of 90-days imprison- reaus. HMOs offer broad bene- provide a procedure to limit the ment and a $1,000 fine or both fits with emphasis on preven- problem of buyers of farm com- for failure to issue a joint check tive health care. modities (farmers, elevators, when requested. Complementary Medicare cov- livestock, sales, etc.) from hav- -The lender has a maximum erage is available through the ing to pay for the product a sec- of two years to take action Comprehensive and Econo plans ond time because of a pre- against a buyer who has vio- at a reduced rate that will help existing lien. lated any section of the law. fill the deductibles and co-pays The new law, which becomes This has been a very con- of Medicare and even extend effective Jan. 1, 1986, will pro- troversial bill with strong op- some coverage. tect both buyers and lenders. It position from lenders. Under is similar to the amendments the old law, lenders had few made a year ago in the Grain worries. If the lien on a com- Dealers' Act, but now applies to modity was not paid by the bor- all commodities. rower, the lender simply went to Under the provisions of the the buyer and forced him or her Free 88-pg. catalog of sausage-making supplies with cures, seasonings, spices, equipment. You can amendment: to pay the debt. This resulted in cure and smoke meat, game, fowl, fish. Includes -The farmer must provide a the buyer paying twice for the info on anew, illustrated, 500-pg. book with 200 recipes. Join 100,000 satisfied customers. written list, not to exceed five product. Farmers, as well as THE SAUSAGE MAKER buyers and points of delivery, if elevators and other buyers, 177-198AMilitaryRd. Buffalo, N.Y. 14207 requested by the lender having have been caught in this trap. a secured interest on the com- Under the new law, each party arn $10to $20per hour modity. (lender, producer and buyer) to -The farmer may only sell to the transaction has a duty to in your neighliorhood write orders for Mason Shoes the listed buyers. If sales are assure fairness. Present the Mason Shoe catalog to neighbors, relatives or friends. Let them thumb through the made to unlisted buyers with- pages, over 400 up-to-date shoe styles. out notifying the lender, the Then take their order. Their deposit Land Auctions - H.B. 4879, -from $3.00 to $18.50 per pair-is farmer is subject to a maximum introduced by Rep. Ladd Stacy yours to keep. That's right, you get penalty, not to exceed three paid before the order is sent to and others, would permit as- Mason. No investment ... ever. years in prison and a $10,000 sessors to use agricultural land Catalog and sales tools are free. fine or both. However, payment (Get started, just send the auction sales for evidence of of the debt would be an ab- coupon below to Mason.) "true cash value." The bill has MASON SHOE MFG. CO. solute defense and eliminate 1251 First Ave. passed the House and is in the Chippewa Falls, WI the penalty. 54774 Senate Finance Committee. FB -The lender must notify has supported the legislation. MASON SHOE MFG. CO., Dept F.791 potential buyers, listed by the 1251 First Ave. Under present law, assessors Chippewa Falls, WI 54774 farmer, of any secured lien on Raeh giaat free catalog aad etartiag kit to: are prohibited from using auc- the commodity. NAME tion sale prices for this pur- ADDRESS -The lender must notify the pose. CITY buyer within 11 days of the pay- STATE ZIP ment of the lien. RURAL LIVING, JANUARY 1986 29 more aggressive as exporters, Wbeat Market Conference on Ag take advantage of their land World and U.S. wheat funda- (continued from page 2.3) grant universities and encour- mentals have remained fairly age research to develop new static. Reductions in Argentine things and make some changes products. soon, we're going to continue to wheat due to flooding indicates The Governor's Conference on a 5°1o to 6°1o loss, but the larger lose many of our youngest and the Future of Michigan Agricul- Australian crop offsets the Ar- best-trained farmers. Then we will find that we aren't experien- ture was co-chaired by Elwood gentine loss. Absence of Chi- cing a transition - but a dra- Kirkpatrick, president of Michi- nese and Soviet buying of U.S. matic and irreversible change," gan Milk Producers Association, wheat has been negative, but and Frederik G. H. Meijer, chair- replaced to some degree by he said. person of Meijer, Inc. MFB Presi- American BICEP efforts. Carlin said that there is a role dent Elton R. Smith served as a Midwest cash prices reached for government in agriculture, member of the advisory com- loan redemption levels and has but that future farm policy mittee. already increased farmer sell- must provide reliability and stability. ing. The "Washington Washout" "For too long, our farm policy that occurred in soybeans has been short-term and often spawned some negative spill- crisis-oriented. I believe no farm Agrinomic Update over into wheat and corn last program can work for a capital- week that also encouraged cash (continued from page 25) intensive, export industry if it sales of both. does not provide for stability Corn Market The odds are high that we are and long-range planning cap- at or near the seasonal top for Cash tightness due to heavy ability. Under current practices, wheat and if the county loan use of the governmental loan many programs simply do not rate is touched again, then program by farmers has brought have an opportunity to be effec- 1985 program and non-program cash prices back to near loan tive before they are changed," he wheat should be sold. With the level at major inland and river said. "The fact is, farmers can- high stocks of wheat around terminals. Export demand con- not make sound economic deci- the world, 1986 will notice a tinues weak and disappointing. sions when there is no certainty steady decline for the first eight Commitments are down 33°/0 in our policy. Over a period of months. from year ago levels and weekly time, this inability has taken, export inspections are on par Soybean Meal l'Iarket and will continue to take, its with the USDA's export estimate toll not only on agriculture, but Despite the sudden plunge in of 1,625 million bushels for the on agribusinesses and on this soybean prices, soybean meal current marketing year. country's entire economy." prices have stayed fairly stable USDAestim ated the 1985 Carlin targeted politics, both with good demand by both Iive- crop at 8.7 billion bushels, traditional and commodity-wise, stock and poultry producers. more than 1.1 billion larger for getting in the way of the Meal prices are subject to the than last year and a new record. development of sound farm pol- supply-demand trends for it, With last year's carryover of 1.3 icy. not on some possible changes billion, total corn supplies for "We have to realize that in- in the farm bill. 1985-86 will be 10 billion bush- dividual commodity success With soybean prices expected els, just shy of the pre-PIK level cannot be based on feeding off to trend lower in early 1986, of 10.4 billion bushels. another segment of agriculture. meal prices are expected to be For too long, limited profits Soybean Market stable to lower also. Expansion have been based on cannibal- continues in both livestock and Wet weather slowed soybean ism. Agriculture will not survive poultry numbers so the range is harvest. Large weekly loan en- if our policy continues to pit expected to be $125 to $145 tries held the price' above the one entity against another," he per ton, basis CBT futures. This October lows until the recent said. is quite a drop from 1983 prices "Washington Washout" came. He listed reducing the deficit which were over $260 per ton. The U.S. Senate, adopting large and an improved trade policy as The relatively low feed prices parts of the American Soybean ways the federal government will encourage expansion in Association's plan of $4 loan could help ensure the survival both livestock and poultry pro- rate with a $30 cash and $5 duction. of agriculture. State govern- commodity payments per acre, ments, he said, should become drove the soybean market into new contract lows. I .30 RURAL LIVING, JANUARY 198 61 FARM BUREAU MARKET PLACE FARM EQUIPMENT MISCELLANEOUS FOR UOMEMAKERS DOGS Complete Line of New and Used Irri- part.time sales opportunity - Major "oney recipes for baking and cook- For Sale: Registered Australian gation f:qulpment - Also equipment U.S. shoe manufacturer seeks sales peo- Ing. 20 recipes only $1.00. Send a SASE Shepherd pups. Good workers and for manure pumping and spreading by ple to handle an established line of over to K & D Sales. Box 417. Fraser. Mich. loyal family friends. Bob Thuemmel. gun. tanker. or injection. Plummer 400 styles. No travel. No investment. 48026. (12-2t-20p) 8778 Thuemmel Road. Port Austin. Mich. Supply. Inc .. 1-8oo-632-773l. Earn extra money in your own local area 48467. Phone 517-738-8667. (12-2t-21 p) ( 1-12t-24b) during your spare time. Write for details to Vic Mason. Mason Shoe Company. WANTf:D: 1'1.1.corn picker and 1'1.". Dept. K-995. 1251 First Avenue. Chip- field equipment. Phone 517-523-2803. pewa Falls. WI 54774. ( 1-3t-54p-ts) evenings. (2-12t-] Op-ts) CLASSIFIED AD POLICY "og Equipment - Del-Air heat ex- changers. Osborne feeders. K.G. John- son farrowing crates. Chore-Time feed- -Farm Bureau members pay 25 cents per word for all ing. Mix-Mill systems. Hamilton Distri- LIVESTOCK classified advertisements. buting Company. 616-751'516l. -All other advertisers pay 50 cents per word for one insertion (6-12t-17p-ts) Milking Shorthorn: Young bulls. year- and 4S cents per word for two or more consecutive insertions lings and calves for sale. Write or visit Grain Dryers - Stormor Ezee-Dry. Farm Stanley M. Powell and Family. Ingleside of the same ad. Fans Automatic. Used Dryers. PTO and Farm. Route 2 . .3248 Powell Hwy .. Ionia. -All advertisements are subject to a IS-word minimum Automatic. Hamilton Distributing Com- Mich. 48846. (I 0-4t-27p) charge, including member ads. pany.616-751-516l. (6-12t-17p.ts) Dieterle Corriedale sheep. give shear - Please indicate if you are a Farm Bureau member. Irrigation Pipe - 5.250 ft. of 6 in.; pleasure. Breeding stock. Blue ribbon -The deadline for ads is the first Monday of the month ] .050 ft. of 4 in. Ford V-8 Gorman Rupp fleeced flock. Spinning Fleece's. phone pump. water winch traveler. Phone preceding publication. 313-429.7874. (5-12t-15p) 313.522-0162. (] 2-6t-20p) - All ads must be pre-paid and may be pre-paid up to one Duroc Boars and Gilts sound and year in advance. Snow blower - 7 ft. front mount on 90 durable. Delivery available. Jim -It is the responsibility of the advertiser to re-insert the ad on M.F. gas with chains. Low hours on trac. Previch. 8147 Forrister Road. Adrian. tor since major. With Freeman loader. Mich. 49221. 517-265-4112. a month-by-month or year-by-year basis. bucket and 6 ft. blade. All in A-I condi- (6-l2t-18p) -The publisher has the right to reject any advertising copy tion. Phone Fowler. 517-593-.3124. submitted. (1-2t-24p) Free: Colorful poultry catalog. Offer- -No ads will be taken over the phone. ing top quality chicks (Bantams-Exotics- For Sale - IH 504 diesel with duals. IH Standards) at rock-bottom prices. Clin- B-414 diesel with loader. $2.000 each. Fill out form below and mail to: ton Hatchery. Box 548-MRL. Clinton. Phone 5] 7-772-4258 after 5 p.m. Missouri 64735. Phone 816-885-8500. Rural Living, P.o. Box 30960, Lansing, Mich. 48909 (1-2t-19p) ( 1-2t-24p-ts) Stainless steel 300 lb. bulk milk tank with compressor. Two lawn trac- tors with snow blade and six other at- tachments. Phone .31.3'664-24.32. (] - I 8p) Name NURSERY STOCK Address Berry Plants - Raspberries. strawber- MISCELLANEOUS ries. blueberries. currants. gooseberries. others. Free catalog. Makielski Berry Property Posted Signs - 1'10"unting Nursery. 7130 Platt Road. Dept. RL. Ypsi- - Trapping - Private Property. lanti. Mich. 48]97. Phone 313-434-3673. OFarm Bureau member ONon-member Permanent (cold resistant) plastic 8" x8". (] 1-12t-22p) $5.3.00 per 100 minimum. including Run the following ad in the issue(s): shipping. Individual signs for your farm Michigan certified strawberry plants on request. ASA Co" .3153 U.S. 2.3 South. available as low as $59 per thousand. 15 Alpena. MI 49707. Phone 517-354-5198. varieties all grown on fumigated sandy ( 1-2t-.34p) loam soil. Krolme Plant Farms. Rt. 6. Box 586. Dowagiac. Mich. 49047. Phone 616- Will Forms - Make your own will easilyl 424-3450. (11-8t-32p) Ready to fill in. Mail $3.95 (2 for $5.95) to: Forms. Box 3609. New Haven. CT American chestnut seedlings by mail 06525. (12-6t-24p-ts) order. Coldstream Farm. 20308 Freesoil Road. Freesoil. Mich. 4941 I. Phone Winter is a pace apart - apart from 616-464-5809. (12-2t-15p) the rush. Bcd and Breakfast at Ludington. with 175 crosscountry ski "ybrid Poplar. as little as 12< each. trails; snowshoes (provided. gratis) Other trees and shrubs. Coldstream toboggans. and Its hot tub/spa. is a Farm. 2030T Freesoil Road. Freesoil. place where your part is to enjoy. For Mich. 4941 I. Phone 616-464-5809. reservations call collect 616-843-9768. (12-6t-20p) ( 12-2t-42p) Why die without a will? Two legal "Will Forms" and easy instructions. Only $4 ... Order Todayl Guaranteedl TY- Company. Box 1022-MF. Prior. OK 74362. REAL ESTATE (I 1-6t-22p-ts) Winter In east Texasl Lovely furnished Old-time Fiddle Music on cassette. mobile home on wooded lot available for Send SASE for list to Fiddle Music. 448 E. rent by month or season. Small western Main St.. Kinde. Mich. 48445. ( 1-.3t-15p) town right out of the movies. No snow to shovel. no traffic to combat. Comfor- ACCOUNTING and INCOME TAXES table winter temperatures. Call or write Words lnsertions TotaIOue _ done by a CPA. REASONABLE RATES. lor details. Ken Mickall1. Star Rt. I. Box Small businesses and Individuals 115. Coldspring. Texas 77331. Phone welcome. 31.3-.348-2982. (1-4t-16pc) 409.65.3-2268. (1-2t-53p) ------------------------ I RURAL LIVING, JANUARY 1986 31 I Michigan Farm Bureau Non-Profit Organization Rural Living Magazine U.S. POSTAGE P.O. Box 30960 7373 W. Saginaw Hwy. PAID Lansing, Michigan 48909 Lansing. Michigan Permit No. 37