Michigan Farm News Farm Bureau Support for EMAT Program Lending a Helping Hand A Publication of the Michigan Farm Bureau • April 1986 Discount Farm Fasteners & Hardware Program ORDER FORM HEXAGON BOLT GRADE # 5 "- ~OARSE THREAD PLATED Quantity per package Price per package ~ .. (.) @ He" Lock Flat 3-1/2 4 5 6 Nuts Washer Washer LGT 1-112 2 2-1/2 3 DIA 40 35 30 25 20 20 10 10 10 150 150 150 1.49 1.43 1.71 1.21 1.38 '1.64 1.60 .94 1.27 1/4 1.16 1.32 1.43 25 20 20 10 10 10 150 150 150 40 35 30 2.09 2.05 2.04 2.53 1.54 2.09 2.64 2.53 1.05 1.60 5/16 1.71 1.98 40 30 20 20 10 10 12 10 8 120 100 100 2.04 2.42 1.43 1.76 2.48 2.59 3.08 2.97 1.38 1.60 3/8 2.42 2.48 10 10 10 10 10 10 8 6 60 60 60 20 1.43 1.71 1.98 2.26 2.59 2.64 2.37 3.08 1.27 1.60 7/16 1.82 1.16 10 10 10 10 10 8 6 5 50 50 50 10 1.87 2.26 2.59 2.92 2.64 2.42 2.59 2.64 1.54 2.37 1/2 1.21 1.71 5 5 5 5 5 5 4 4 25 25 25 1.76 2.04 2.31 2.59 2.59 3.03 3.03 1.43 2.37 5/8 1.27 1.49 5 5 5 5 5 4 4 4 24 18 18 2.42 3.14 3.19 3.52 3.19 3.85 4.40 4.35 1.65 2.53 3/4 2.15 DIRECTIONS FOR ORDERING: CARRIAGE BQLT Quantity per package To order, simply indicate the number of Price per package COARSE THREAD PLATED packages desired by placing a 1, 2 or 3, etc., in LGT 2 4 6 the proper square for the size needed. (Note: You DIA 1-1/2 2-1/2 must order full package quantities only.) Then cir- 50 50 50 50 50 25 25 25 cle the square that you have marked. Be careful to 1/4 1.40 1.95 2.25 2.65 3.00 2.15 2.55 3.07 mark the correct square on this full-page order 50 50 50 50 25 25 25 25 form. Fill out the shipping information below and 5/16 2.40 2.95 3.55 4.27 2.59 3.31 4.03 4.75 enter the total cost for each kind of hardware you 25 25 10 10 10 25 25 25 ordered. 2.75 3.00 3.72 1.92 2.35 2.76 3/8 1.95 2.25 SHIPPING INFORMATION - Please print clearly. 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 1.39 1.65 1.92 2.16 2.51 3.31 3.84 Name 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 Address 1.80 2.16 2.47 2.83 3.48 4.~ 4.75 Zip Send your order to: Hi-Grade Nut & Bolt Com- Phone pany, 1490 Maplelawn S.W., Wyoming, Mich. 49509. Your check, made payable to Hi-Grade Nut Total Cost of Hexagon Bolts $ & Bolt Company, must accompany the order. Total Cost of Hex Nuts $ Freight prepaid on orders of $50 or more. For more information call 616-538-9900 or Total Cost of Lock Washers $ 616-532-9000. Total Cost of Flat Washers $ A complete catalog of available hardware prod- ucts (drill bits, hacksaw blades, bins, etc.) can be Total Cost of Carriage Bolts $ obtained from your county Farm Bureau secretary TOT AL ORDER $ at no cost. Tax (if applicable) $ FaRm~ MEMBERS ONLY GRAND TOTAL $ BUreaU FB's 'nelping nand' Actions Based on Pride in Agriculture The recent "Phil Donahue works like a moratorium on This "one more year" policy Show," broadcast live from foreclosues would have, but it was based on the idea that the Cedar Rapids, Iowa, put U.S. makes good economic sense. I debt problems of agriculture agriculture on center stage. Any encourage you to carefully were caused primarily by forces good intentions on the part of study the proposal and be well- beyond the farmer's control. its producers, other than high prepared when the call for Once these outside forces - viewer ratings, were blown away member action comes (see Agri- like high interest rates, strong in a typhoon of emotions. Frus- nomic Update for additional dollar, low exports, declining trations, fist-waving and denun- deta.i1s). land prices and high production ciation were prevalent; any pro- The crucial keys in our two costs - went back to "normal," ductive solutions to the farm in- tier debt restructuring plan are: everything would be fine. How- come problem were lost in the (1) it benefits financially troubled ever, these outside forces are din. farmers, (2) it benefits lenders not the sole root of the debt Members have shared their holding the debt, and (3) it problems and changes in these concern not only about how this benefits farmers who are in a forces will not relieve the debt television spectacular dragged strong financial position. pressures. down the image of agriculture, It allows some financially Agriculture has run out of but also the image of Farm Bu- troubled farmers to survive "one more years." Approximate- reau, charged with being more when otherwise they could not. ly 100,000 to 125,000 farm op- interested in selling insurance financial institutions will lose erators are at the point where than in helping farmers survive. less money than they would if substantial debt restructuring A ridiculous charge, to be sure, no action is taken, and opera- will be needed over the next two but one that gave critics an op- tors who are currently meeting years to avoid liquidation - portunity to ask: just what is their interest and principal either voluntary or forced. But Farm Bureau doing? obligations will continue to the problem goes beyond just Actions Farm Bu"reauhas have access to sound financial this segment. Loss of a signifi- taken to help farmers survive institutions. cant number of financially this difficult transition period It's an economic fact of life troubled farmers will create a should make every member that no plan will help all farm- domino effect of failed banks, stand tall with pride and I think ers who are in trouble, but we higher farm interest rates t6 it's time we started publicly believe that up to two-thirds of cover the losses and still lower showing that pride. those farm operators in finan- land values. I am sure you share my pride, cial trouble can be helped with I strongly believe that our two for example, that we are the this program. It is a debt tier debt restructuring program only non-government unit to fi- management program - not a is the best possible alternative nancially support the EMAT pro- debt forgiveness program. to the "one more year" policies gram,' a proven-effective "help- For the past five or six years, that have not brought a solu- ing hand" for troubled farm agricultural finance policy has tion to the farm debt problem. families (see story on page 8). been pursued on a "one more The goal of our program is not Farm Bureau's most recent year" basis. The focus has been just to rearrange the list of win- action to address the farm on keeping producers (borrow- ners and losers. The goal is to problem is the two tier debt re- ers) and lenders solvent for one create more winners. It is worthy structuring plan. It is an exam- more year in the hope that the of your su'pport .. ple of the constructive, well- debt/ income situation would analyzed approach our organi- correct itself. Since farm zation takes to develop solu- operators and lenders cannot tions to problems. survive without each other, ac- Granted, it does not have the tions were taken on the as- Elton R. Smith, President emotional appeal that captures sumption that anything that Michigan Farm Bureau the attention of national net- would help one would help the other. 4 RURAL LIVING, APRIL 1986 FRONT & CENTER Over 100 county and state FB legislative leaders and assistants will participate in the 1986 Washington Legislative Seminar, April 15-18. Sponsored annually by the MFB WC?men,the seminar provides members selected by county FBs the opportunity to make per- sonal contacts with members of Congress and other public officials and convince them to take action consistent with FB policies. Briefing meetings for legislative leaders and assistants were held by congressional districts during March. FB Women in seven districts have announced plans for spring rallies. Dates and locations are: District 2, April 8, Adrian; District 3, April 8, Saline; District 5, March 24, Corun- na Fairgrounds; District 6, April 2, Cass City; District 9, April 4, Cadillac; District 10, May 6, Cheboygan; District 11, April 23, Escanaba. Contact your county women's chairperson for more information. Fourteen FB members from Michigan have been appointed to national FB com- modity advisory committees by AFBF President Dean Kleckner. The committees advise the AFBF board of directors on how to implement AFBF policy related to each commodity and will make recommendations for policy resolutions next fall. Appointments include: aquaculture, Leonard Dutcher, Chippewa County; beef cattle, Lowell Eisenmann, Lenawee County; dairy, Wayne Wood, Sanilac County; deciduous fruit and berries, Don Nugent, Benzie County; eggs, Albert Cook, Ingham County; feed grains, Clay Maxwell, Gladwin County; forestry, Warren Suchovsky, Menominee County; nursery and greenhouse, Walter Rochowiak, Wayne County; poultry meat, Austin Greenhoe, Montcalm County; sheep, Duane Tirrell, Eaton County; sugar, John Knoerr, Sanilac County; swine, Michael Pridgeon, Branch County; vegetable and potato, James Sayre, Wayne County; and wheat, John Laurie, Tuscola County. Topics have been selected for the 1986 Young Farmer discussion meet. Competition will begin this summer with county and district meets. District winners will compete at the MFB annual in December for the chance to represent Michigan in the national competition which will be held in Anaheim, Calif., in January 1987. The topics are: • How should conservation programs be structured to assure preservation of our land and water resources? • How can farmers and ranchers respond to the opportunities ahead as new technology reduces unit costs and improves market opportunities for all farm commodities? • How can agriculture attract and keep competitive, dependable sources of credit? • What direction will the federal government and farm organizations take in future farm programs? Making the cut for MFB's Fabulous Fifteen (the top three counties in each membership category) is a part of the annual membership campaign competition. This year the honors go to Mackinac-Luce and Antrim in Category I (1-500 members); Midland, Ogemaw and Wexford in Category II (501-1,000 members); Muskegon and Kalamazoo in Category III (1,001-1,500 members); Wayne, Livingston and Macomb in Category IV (1,501-2,100 members); and Kent, Bay and Monroe in Category V (2,101 members and over). Several counties in Categories I and III are at the scrimmage line and just percentage points away from membership goal. Preliminary results of the 1986 farm finance survey - sponsored by MDA, conducted by the Michigan Agricultural Reporting Service and summarized by MSU'sAg Econ Department - indicate that 77% of the state's farms have a strong financial position with debt/ asset ratios of less than 40%. Six percent are experiencing serious financial stress with debt/ asset ratios of at least 70%, down from the 9% reported in last year's survey. The survey also showed 90% of farms with real estate loans are current on their principal and interest payments; 13% had negative farm family incomes in 1985; 4% expect to discontinue farming during 1986; and 11% planned to discontinue during the next two years because of their financial situation. The 23rd annual Young People's Citizenship Seminar is set for June 23-27 at Olivet College. The seminar provides students with several "hands on" experiences that help them understand their responsibilities as U.S. citizens. Each county FB can send five students. The registration deadline is May 1. Contact your county secretary with names of suggested students and/ or sponsoring organizations. RURAL LIVING, APRIL 1986. 5 LEGISLATIVE REVIEW Congress Studies Budget Balancing Measures Senators Announce Bal- discounted 55ftlcwt. to comply anced Budget "Consensus" with Gramm-Rudman-Hollings - Calling legislative action to requirements. amend the U.S. Constitution a "safer route" than a constitu- tional convention, a bipartisan FB Backs Ag Credit Solu- group of senators unveiled a tions - As part of its plan to consensus version of a constitu- implement a two tier debt re- tional amendment to require a duction plan, AfBf is backing balanced budget. proposals in the U.S.Senate that would set in place enabling legislation for an extended loan write off period of 10 years and establish "buy down" interest rates for farm borrQwers. (See Agrinomic Update, page 18). If approved as proposed, the amendment would take effect in Lyng Officially Named RICHARD LYNO 1991 or in the second year after USDA SECRETARY USDASecretary - Richard its ratification by states, which- Lyng, former USDAdeputy sec- ever is later. It would prohibit retary to John Block, officially The Senate approved the Lyng budget outlays from exceeding took office as the secretary of nomination by a .95-2 vote. receipts unless three-fifths of agriculture on March 7. formal Dissenting votes came from the Congress voted otherwise. swearing-in ceremonies were Senate Democrats Donald Riegle The amendment would also scheduled for the following of Michigan and William Prox- require that any bill to increase week. mire of Wisconsin. revenues be approved by a ma- jority in the U.S. House and Senate in roll-call votes. Con- gress would be permitted to waive the provisions in the Alcohol Fuel Continues to Lead event of a declared war. MFBLegislative Want List Gramm-Rudman-Hollings smaller plant are being con- Amendment Dips Effective sidered for construction in Prices to Dairy Producers - Michigan. A 10 million gallon Dairy processors and ultimately plant would require 40,000 dairy producers are feeling the acres of corn to operate, thus effects of the Gramm-Rudman- Alcohol Fuel - S.B. 6.30 creating a new market for Hollings balanced budget continues to be debated in the Michigan corn producers. amendment. A 4 ..3°10 reduction House of Representatives. The There are numerous by- went into effect March 1 for all bill has passed the Senate but products of ethanol production, areas subject to the amend- faces an uncertain future in the including distiller's grain, which ment. House Taxation Committee and could be fed to cattle and hogs; While the price support re- on the House floor. and carbon dioxide, which is mains at the legislated level of S.B. 6.30 would provide incen- used in several industries in- $11. 60 1 cwt., the effective price tives to encourage ethanol pro- cluding the soft drink industry. support dropped 55ft 1cwt. The duction in Michigan. The incen- There is considerable opposi- reason for the drop in the effec- tives would be through credits tion from oil companies, gas tive rate is that payments to on the single business tax, station operators, jobbers and processors for manufactured depending on the number of other organizations. Contact by dairy products, I.e. non-fat dry bushels of corn purchased for farmers with members of the milk, butter and cheese, will be ethanol production. House is important to the suc- Two large plants and a single cess of this bill. 6 RURAL LIVING, APRIL 1986 Property Tax Study - The Senate Republican majority has announced that a IS-member citizens commission will be created to study the property tax in detail. Issues to be ad- dressed include tax limits, assessments, exemptions, ap- peals procedure, taxation of personal property/and possible tax alternatives. A Senate resolution will create the commission which will be appointed by Senate Majority Leader John Engler (R-Mt. Pleas- ant). The report of its findings is due in December 1986. Gov. Blanchard has applauded the Senate effort. Major changes in the property tax structure would require that other tax programs be devel- MFBPublic Affairs Director AI Almy traces the involvement of FB oped to fund schools and local members and staff in the process of MFBpolicy execution. The PD I PX lesson took place at the Information I State 8t National Affairs Con- government. ference. Feb. 26-27 in Lansing. See article on page 15. Sen. DeMaso (R-Battle Creek) has also announced a privately financed study of all tax exemp- Overload on Bridges - H.B. A new automated computer- tions to determine if any such 4801, sponsored by Rep. Mux- ized collection system, insti- exemptions should be repealed low (R-Brown City), would in- tuted less than a month ago, or modified. crease the fine for load viola- has already resulted in over $1 The Treasury Department re- tions on bridges. Currently only million in delinquent taxes be": ports that all tax exemptions a minimal fine is assessed if a ing paid. State Treasurer Robert amount to nearly $8 billion in truck damages a bridge. Bowman has said that "scof- potential revenues. The largest There have been several ex- flaws" are on notice that failure and fastest-growing exemptions amples of trucks, which are to pay proper taxes will not be are in proPE1rtytaxes, which in- grossly overweight for the tolerated. He said "get to us cludes exempt property owned bridge, causing serious damage before we get to you." Present by government, religious insti- and, in fact, collapse of the law provides for 9% interest and tutions and charitable groups; bridge. H.B. 4801 would place 5% per month penalty up to property tax refund programs; responsibility on the truck 25%. After the amnesty period, etc. owner or operator. the interest will be 1% above prime and up to 50% penalty. Concern has been expressed Tax Amnesty - Unpaid state that in many rural areas this taxes have increased about would restrict the flow of farm Great Lakes Water Re- products to market. 2.3% each year. A new" Amnes- sources Commission - S.B. ty Law" will permit tax delin- 629/ increasing the Great Lakes quents to voluntarily pay back Right to Know - H.B. 4111, Water Resources Planning Com- taxes whether they failed to pay known as "Right to Know/" has mission from 15 to 16 mem- knowingly or unknowingly. Dur- passed the House and is on the bers/ is currently under con- ing the amnesty period, there Senate floor. This has been very sideration in the House. The would not be any fines or penal- controversial for two years. It bill, sponsored by Sen. Nick ties. It is expected that at least applies to any employer using Smith (R- Addison), passed the $50 million will be collected. It chemicals of any kind, includ- Senate but faces an uncertain is estimated that there are ing pesticides. future in the House. The addi- about 160/000 delinquent tax- FB has been very active in a tion of one member appointed payers. coalition and succeeded in add- by the governor would provide for agricultural representation (continued on page 22) on the commission. RURAL LIVING, APRIL 1986 7 Farm Bureau Support for Extension Management Assistance Teams Lending a Uelping Uand By Donna Wilber hand" got a helping hand from the Michigan Farm Bureau and "A helping hand in a time of county Farm Bureaus in the agriculture's need" is how form of a financial donation. MSU'sCooperative Extension Michigan Farm Bureau has Service describes its "New Eco- been a strong supporter of the nomic Realities in Michigan EMAT program since its initia- Agriculture" program. Initiated tion, and successfully used its in the fall of 1984, its objective legislative clout to gain funding was to improve profitability in for expansion of the program. Michigan agriculture over the The MFB board of directors, at long term - while dealing di- its February meeting, decided rectly and immediately with the to take that support a step fur- short-term problems of finan- ther. cially distressed farmers. The board had wrestled with a A key part of that program is variety of proposals to assist the Extension Management As- distressed farmers. A strong sistance Teams (EMATs),com- desire for a program that would posed of farm management spe- benefit individual farmers cialists, home economists and resulted in approval of the agricultural agents who meet $10,000 commitment to EMAT. with farm families to develop The board members decided strategies for dealing, both this was a positive, construc- financially and emotionally, tive, immediate response to with their economic problems. their members, friends and Yesterday, there were 1.3 neighbors who were victims of EMATsworking throughout the current farm economic "reali- state responding to farm fami- ties.~' The program had been lies who had requested assis- tance. Today, there are 14 teams because that "helping 8 RURAL LIVING, APRIL 1986 "We know BMA T works. " - Elton Smith proven effective, and support Grassroots Support was made to Dean Anderson by for EMAT was written into MFB When the 16 farmers who sit MFB President Elton R. Smith policy. on the MFB board voted to con- during an Agriculture &: Natural MFB President Elton R. Smith tribute $10,000 to the EMAT Resources Week program. presented the $10,000 check to program, they were confident The Genesee County FB led CESofficials during a news con- that county FBs would come up the way with a $5,000 contribu- ference at. Kellogg Center on with half of that commitment. tion. President Sandra Hill said Feb. 24 and told its receivers County FB boards, they were the generous donation was a that the reason for the con- certain, would welcome the op- board decision. tribution. was, "We know EMAT works." The 13 existing teams were spread thin and the back- log of farm families who had re- quested help was growing. Pres- ident Smith asked that the donation be used for the forma- tion of an additional team . . Responding to the donation, Dr. Frank Brewer, assistant director of Extension for agri- culture and marketing pro- grams who has spearheaded the EMAT program since its incep- tion, said, "This allows us to ex- pand our existing efforts to help farm families. It is the first time, to my knowledge, that a non-government unit has pro- vided assistance for this type of program in the entire north central part of the U.S." Brewer paid tribute to MFB's support of the program. "As im- Genesee County President Sandra Dill proudly presents a check for portant as the dollars has been $5,000 to CESI El'IATrepresentatives John Leach and Denry Allen. The the support of your membership check represents the largest donation by a county FB since l'IFB board members approved the joint state and county plan to support the El'IAT - people talking to legislators program. about the importance of this project. "The dollars now will be ex- portunity to help their troubled flOur board members believe tremely valuable. It will enable neighbors in a positive way. the program is working very lis to provide assistance much Their confidence in the re- well. When they found out that quicker and assure enough re- sponse of county boards was on there was a two-month backlog sources to continue the pro- target, but the degree of that for some of the teams in certain gram," he said. response has been beyond ex- areas, they thought this is one pectations. As Rural Living goes way we, as Farm Bureau mem- to press, the response of 27 bers, could help other farmers counties has enabled Farm in Michigan who need help," Bureau to make an additional Hill said. contribution to the EMAT pro- gram. Presentation of another check - this time for $5,000 - RURAL LIVING, APRIL 1986 9 "ow Does EMAT Work? The EMAT process usually begins when a farmer contacts an Extension agent and asks for help. The agent then works with the family to gather the re- quired information and farm records. The standing EMAT team is augmented with spe- cialists in subjects pertinent to particular farm or family prob- lems and areas of production. The team visits with the family for a day, reviewing financial records and facilities, and analyzing the farm / family situ- Saginaw County PB members wanted to support a program that works, ation. county Vice President Bill Somers (left) told an interviewer from the Strengths and weaknesses are Saginaw News at a press conference where the county's EMAT contribu- tion of $500 was presented to Saginaw County Extension Director Walt outlined and opportunities and Laramie (center). options are explained to the family. The family is sent a writ- ten summary of the visit, in- During a news conference in ization, could do something for cluding analyses and recom- Flint on March 10, Hill present- people we could not otherwise mendations. At the family's re- ed a certificate of appreciation reach with our 'helping hand.''' quest, follow-up can also take to Genesee CESDirector Henry Scramlin said the donation the form of further visits and Allen. The certificate read: "Our also provided a "vote of con- phone consultations. Farm Bureau members commend fidence" for the CES in general. Is EMAT Only for Financially the Cooperative Extension Ser- "Our Extension director Distressed Farm Families? vice for responding to the needs makes almost as many board of Michigan farm families meetings as I do. We have a No. Farm families who simply through its EMAT program. We really good relationship ..Now, want to be sure they are on are proud to be a part of a when the Extension (budget) is solid financial ground and are statewide Farm Bureau effort to under the gun so bad, we felt making appropriate manage- finance an additional EMAT to really pleased to give them our ment decisions may request a assist farmers during this dif- support. visit from EMAT. ficult transition period in "This donation not only helps The aim of the "New Econom- agriculture. The EMAT program our fellow farmers, it also pro- ic Realities in Michigan Agricul- has our endorsement and our fi- vided us the opportunity to give ture" program, of which EMAT nancial support." a pat on the back to Extension is a part, is to improve profit- for doing what nobody else ability in Michigan agriculture A Tribute to CES could for farmers. We're guilty over the long term. That means Oakland County FB was next sometimes of taking Extension a commitment by EMATs to in line with a $2,700 contribu- for granted. Now, when all of a those farms that will likely play tion. sudden we've got our back to a major role in the future ex- "We're all frustrated by the the wall, that 'hand' that Exten- pansion of Michigan agricul- hard times facing farmers and sion Service reaches out to help ture. ,very seldom is there a way you really means a lot. If You Need Help, How , feel you can help a fellow farm- "We felt our donation tells Ex- Do You Contact EMAT? er," said President L.C. Scram- tension that we need and appre- Iin. "Our" board felt this was ciate them," Scramlin said. Simply tell your county ag something positive we could do agent that you would like a visit and they felt it was really super from an EMAT team or call the that we had this opportunity. It Cooperative Extension Service was a way that we, as an organ- office in your county. 10 RURAL LIVING, APRIL 1986 Pilot Program Explores Video Applications "We put the pilot project are," said Cary Blake, coordina- together to learn how we can tor of broadcast services and use video technology to com- cameraman/ editor for the proj- municate better with members," ect. "Likewise, we have been said Mike Rogers, manager of able to make the discussion Broadcast/ A-V Department. topics more interesting and in- "Video can be a very effective formative by using colorful way to communicate because it computer graphics and illustra- uses pictures and sound to tell tions." a story in an interesting way. A key part of the project has Selected Community Action "We think monthly Communi- been staff people going to in- Groups are learning that their ty Action Group meetings may dividual CAG meetings where home video cassette recorders be an ideal place to present the group members watch the (VCRs)are not only useful for video information." tape in order to evaluate the taping movies and TV shows, One of the topics covered in production. "That's valuable for but may also be an important the February tape was an ex- us because the groups have new communications link with planation 'of the Group Purchas- been direct and honest in their their Farm Bureau organization. ing-Safemark service. suggestions," Blake said. Five groups - the Maple River "That was a good subject to "We're using this project to Rowdies in Clinton County, the explain using video," Rogers not only find out how Farm Saturday Night Specials in Ing- said. "We were able to take the Bureau members like getting in- ham County, the Brady Neigh- viewer right out to the ware- formation through video, but bors in Saginaw County, the Ar- house. Group Purchasing man- also to polish our production cada Sodpusters in Gratiot ager Harold Chase showed, on (continued on page 22) County and the Pioneer Group camera, exactly how and why a from the Northwest Michigan Safemark tractor tire is better County Farm Bureau - are par- than the competition's." ticipating in a unique pilot The tapes have included fea- video project that is designed tures on the Lansing Legislative to test the usefulness of video Seminars, with statements by tapes at monthly CAG meet- key legislators on the value of ings .. Farm Bureau member contacts; During February, March and a news story about the Presi- April the groups received a dents' Conference and a feature video tape produced by the about the MACMA Member-to- Michigan Farm Bureau Broad- Member Direct Marketing pro- cast and Audio/Visual Services gram. Department. The tapes pre- "Using video, we were able to sented an interview on the transport the viewers to these discussion topic, news and activities to give them a feel !'IFBbroadcaster and video tech- special features. The five for how dynamic the events nician Cary Blake blends Inter- groups were asked to assist in view footage and video graphics the project because they are ac- to create a monthly video cas- tive in Farm Bureau and repre- sette. Five Community Action Groups participate In an !'IFB sent a wide variety of producers pilot program to explore applica- and interests. tions of video technology. RURAL LIVING, APRIL 1986 11 RURAL EXCHANGE Community Action Group Spearheads Vo-Ag Recognition Members of the Alpena Coun- M.C. for the occasion was dleton, MFB Director of Informa- ty Challengers Community Ac- Sienna Samp, former vo-ag stu- tion and Public Relations Mike tion Group are proud that their dent and FFA leader, but the Kovacic, and Fred and Carol- county is turning out talented spotlight was on the students. ynne Wegmeyer, representing leaders for agriculture through Certificates of recognition were the Challengers Community Ac- the high school vocational agri- presented to the students by tion Group. culture program and comple- Alpena County FB President mentary activities of the FFA Chuck Beegle and MFB Regional and 4-H. Representative Kris Ranger. This pride found appropriate Receiving the certificates FAKMETTE expression in a "Senior Ag were Richard Bloom, Waneta By Andrea Hofmeister Leaders Recognition Program," Burr, Tracey Chapman, Sue Tuscola County organized and sponsored by the Eagling, Becky Ferguson, Paul Alpena Challengers, but charac- Gamage, Mark Haugerud, terized by the kind of ag com- Theresa Howard, David Jagst, munity support that has fostered James Johnson, Lori Konecke, these young leaders in the David Lumsden, John McCon- Alpena vo-ag program. nell, Amy Modrzejewski, Jerry The recognition program took Niedbala, Brian Shumaker, Curt place March 6 at the Alpena Stoddard, Leonard Thomas and Four Seasons Best Western Patty Zbytowski. where 13 of 19 young ag lead- Special guests and speakers ers braved blustering winter at the dinner included Alpena winds and below zero tempera- Community Schools vocational tures to take part in the first education instructor and FFA "Ag Leader Banquet" to honor advisor Bill Bartow, Alpena graduating seniors in the County CES Director Jack Mid- "Okay. That's it. Everybody Alpena Community School vo- out. Spring is here at lastl" ag program. RURAL RASCALS FB Young Farmers Invite Southwest I Blossom Queens to Tour Local Farms After just three years, Young tri-county members of the FB Farmers in the southwest FB Women and Information Com- region can take credit for estab- mittees. Other sponsors and lishing a seasonal tradition that supporters of the tour include spells spring to area residents area farms and agribusinesses. as sure as the appearance of On the morning of April 19, the first robin. The Blossom the queens and tour partici- Queens Farm Tour has become pants will gather at the Youth a popular event in the annual Memorial Building in Berrien Blossom Festival held in the Springs at 7:30 a.m. The tour southwest communities each and related activities usually year. end by 4:30 p.m. Young Farmers in the Berrien, According to the tour's pub- Kerrle and Brent Weisenberger, Cass and Van Buren County licity chairperson, Leslie Leitz, cbildren of Don and Keille Farm Bureaus, who organize the this year's tour will feature four Weisenberger of Cbesanlng, are annual tour, have announced farming operations. busy belplng mom and dad take April 19 as this year's tour date. For more information, contact care of tbe baby cblcks at tbe Saginaw County Young Farmers' Although initiated and planned the Berrien County Farm Bureau, small animal bootb. Tbe bootb by Young Farmers, they extend 616-473-4791. was part of Farm Bureau's mall thanks for major support from display at tbe Fasblon Square Mall In Saginaw, Feb. 6-9. 12 RURAL LIVING, APRIL 1986. A New Name • • • Performance trials prove it: Countrymark's hybrid line-up puts grain in the bin ... lots of it. University Trials showed exceptional yields! Countrymark hybrids are yield trial proven. Plus, they stand strong and fight off disease. Countrymark's seedcorn performs because of research. An extensive national breeding program, coupled with localized studies, creates the seed that meets your tough standards. See your Countrymark member cooperative today for details. The Proven Performers Plant With Confidence C388X C533AX (90 Days) (97 Days) C433X C565X (93 Days) (98 Days) C677X (103 Days) Counti INCORPORATED AD.8508.2 Confer4 Februa ance industry issues that im- 1986 COUNTY PRESIDENTS' CONFERENCE pact MFB's insurance affiliate and its statewide network'of agents and insureds; the com- With the business of spring county committee coordination puter automation system, planting still ahead, county FB and develop an effective com- dubbed Field Comm, which is presidents or their represen- munications "image" for the being developed to serve MFB, tatives from 59 of 69 county county FB organization. FBIG and county FBs; election FBs convened in Lansing Feb. "It was a long, serious agen- year strategies of the organiza- 18 and 19 for the annual MFB da," said MFB's Administrative tion's political action arm - Presidents' Conference. The Director Robert E. Braden. "But AgriPac; membership status conference provides an annual the issues in our industry and and awards program informa- forum for county leaders to in our organization demand tion; and finally, a panel discus- communicate with state FB of- that county leaders be provided sion of the farm credit situation ficers and directors, and with with the most up-to-the-minute by area representatives of the the organization's management information about the chal- farm credit system. team. lenges in agriculture and in The presidents also received The 1986 conference was no Farm Bureau. an advance briefing on an MFB exception. An information- "Through the Presidents' Con- plan to support the Extension packed agenda awaited the men ference and follow-up meetings Management Assistance Teams and women when they arrived on the district level, we are in- (EMATs)with a contribution of at the Lansing Hilton Inn on the volving these key county offi- $10,000 (see article on page 8). morning of Feb. 18. Sessions cers and their boards in carry- Evaluation forms received during the conference ranged ing out the management objec- from the participants following from an overview of MFB's long tives of the organization at the conference show that the range goal plan to a hypotheti- every FB level," Braden said. county leaders recognize the cal case study designed to The two-day conference sched- importance of their role in im- assist the county leaders in ule included sessions on insur- plementing effective local pro- identifying ways to improve grams. 14 RURAL LIVING, APRIL 1986 important communications role in policy execution. "Information Committees playa vital role in communi- cating the goals of the county Farm Bureau to the members, and disseminating policy infor- mation, when appropriate, to the general public," said Mike Kovacic, MFB Information and Public Relations Division direc- tor. Kovacic said the conference was designed to help the re- spective committee members better understand their mutual nee Scbedule Fills roles in successful policy execu- tion activities. "You can't promote the or- 'y-Marcb Calendar ganization's policy position without information," he said. "You need the support of your membership on the issues and you have to do that through providing timely and accurate information. On some issues, the county Farm Bureau needs the support of the general public, and you can't do that without sharing information." He added that publicizing the policy implementation success- INFORMATION/STATE 8t NATIONAL AFFAIRS es of the state and county FB organizations plays an impor- tant role, too, in developing an "I guess I'm not too old to "These committees need to image of Farm Bureau as a "pro- learn yet," was the jocular be partners in the policy execu- active voice for agriculture." response of a veteran county tion process," said AI Almy, The teamwork concept drew Farm Bureau leader to the Infor- director of the MFB Public Af- positive responses from the mation / State &. National Affairs fairs Division. "They need to conference participants. Conference, Feb. 26-27 in Lan- work together at the county _"This was a very moving, sing. Veterans and novice com- level. Publicity can be a very im- motivation building meeting," mittee members who attended portant part of policy execu- said one participant. "As a new the conference discussed topics tion, particularly on legislative State and National Affairs Com- that were not new - just pre- and regulatory issues. mittee chairperson, I appreciate sented in a way that gave a "We saw this conference as an and need these seminars to uniquely practical application opportunity to help State and help me do the best job possi- to volunteer involvement in National Affairs Committee ble." policy execution and informa- members understand that they Said another, "I came away tion activities of the county need not act alone in policy ex- not only enlightened, but Farm Bureau. ecution activities. There are motivated to put forth more Using a current state policy other committee and volunteer effort and enthusiasm. issue as a case study, the 80 resources in the county that "We have a great need to county FB leaders representing they should work with and use have this training for effective both the county information for the common goal of policy leadership. I believe this is a network and State and National implementation." 'great' organization and the Affairs Committees learned how Information Committee mem- only way we are going to the committees can work to- bers got the "Together We Win" resolve our problems is by gether for successful FB policy message, too, regarding their working together ... and implementation. 'Together We Can Win!'" RURAL LIVING, APRIL 1986 15 1986 MFB LEADERS' CONFERENCE When agriculture was-in its Salisbury said. "I work with a growth stage, the key challenge lot of people today who have a was for farmers to produce the weak capital structure, too greatest quantity of commodi- much unproductive debt and ties possible at any cost and unproductive assets and they allow the marketplace to absorb just do not pay any attention to that cost with some return to the appropriate structure that a producers. Now that the indus- farm needs to make money. try is in its mature stage, farm- "The tools I like to see used ers must produce what they can for financial management, espe- most efficiently at the lowest cially by young farmers, are a Joe and Sue Kutchey had a good cost possible. The challenge good set of double entry books reason for missing last year's leader conference - 13-month- facing farmers today is to fully - one for tax purposes that can old Amanda kept their calendar understand the financial aspects be on a cash basis and another full. But the Kutcheys are back of their own operations. on the accrued basis for man- again in 1986. What's their rat- ing for this year's conference? agement purposes," he said. "It was greatl We liked the whole Salisbury said another key to programl" surviving the financial crisis that is gripping the agricultural They're willing to make a com- industry is for fanners to in- mitment to get that kind of ed- crease their management skills. ucation. This is the first year "There are five stages of I've seen that commitment to management - planning, or- quality," Salisbury said. ganizing, coordinating, control- "When I first started conduct- ling and evaluation. Most every- ing workshops on farm manage- one is good at planning, organ- ment at these conferences, we izing and coordination, but were on the front end of the weak in controlling cash flows, farm financial crisis and I think market strategies and market a lot of the questions were to planning," he said. blame other people. The ques- "The biggest weakness I see tions I hear today are more "There are five stages of (finan- is that we have a real weak way cial) management - planning, oriented towards what they can organizing, coordinating, con- to evaluate what we did last do with their own operations to trolling and evaluation," Mike year. We don't learn from his- make them successfuL" he Salisbury, workshop instructor at tory, we just go on repeating the MFBLeaders' Conference, said. the same mistakes. I see this so During the planning stages told his audience of FB Women and Young Farmers~ often, someone not willing to for the joint leader conference, make changes in their operation members of the state Young That was the message Mike to make it more profitable." farmer and Women's Commit- Salisbury, president of Salisbury Salisbury has been a work- tees worked closely together to Management, Inc., stressed in shop presentor at the annual select workshOp and g~neral the workshops he conducted at Young farmer leader confer- session topics that would ap- the MfB Leaders' Conference, ence for five years. He said he peal to both groups. Three par- March 5-7 in Lansing. His farm has seen a change in attitude ticipants in this year's con- management and financial plan- among workshop participants. ference, who had previously at- ning workshops were just two "The groups I work with today tended the separate confer- sessions offered at the first-ever are much more aware of the ences, gave the joint venture joint leadership conference need for sound financial man- high marks. sponsored by the MfB Young agement. They don't just listen "I thought the conference was farmer and Women's Commit- to me and say 'Gee, that's nice: excellent," said Carolyn Bene- tees. They listen and say 'What can I dict, who farms 1,800 acres of "In agriculture we can mea- do on my farm to make it more corn, soybeans and wheat with sure our progress and thus we profitable? Where can I go to her husband Earl near Saranac can measure our profitability, school to learn these things?' in Ionia County. She attended but we have to understand what the last fB Women's leadership it takes to make good profits," conference in 1984. 16 RURAL LIVING, APRIL 1986 "There was so much offered to enrich your life. The session STATEWIDE COMMODITY CONFERENCE on stress management will be extremely useful on our farm," she said. "The enrichment Farmers attending the MFB ing off the effect through more workshops taught us that by Statewide Commodity Confer- direct payments to producers. having a positive attitude, you ence at Battle Creek, March 13, Idleman quipped that govern- can hang in there, slugging got some straight-from-the-hip ment has advertised a "blue away, regardless of whether it's information about the direction light special" coming at harvest in a leadership position in your of the ag economy. The program with the new lower priced crop. county or in your own farming featured legislative and farm Until then, importers will be buy- operation." credit updates, an ASCSreview ing "hand to mouth," he said. The conference also received of the 1986 wheat and feed On the plus side of the ag praise from Joe and Sue Kut- grains program, and workshops economic equation, Idleman chey, who operate a 200-acre on field crops, forestry, hor- noted that inputs cost for fuel, vegetable farm near Washington ticultural crops, livestock and fertilizer, land and credit would in Macomb County. They at- dairy, and poultry. continue to trend downward tended the Young Farmer leader In a brief presentation via over the next several years. He conference two years ago. telephone conference call, Jeff also forecast a growing demand "I thought it was greatl" Joe Idleman, associate director of from the Third World nations said. "We liked the whole pro- the Illinois FB Commodities due to improvements in the in- gram. We discovered that we're Division, gave producers some ternational economy. going to have to do a lot more strategic advice for 1986. In summary, Idleman said bookkeeping, which is good." Lower support prices are tak- that there is tremendous pres- "The joint conference provided ing the market price security sure on producers to improve us with the opportunity to talk out of the equation for non par- their economic education so with people from other areas of ticipating producers. Govern- they will be able to strategize the state about how their farm- ment, Idleman said, knows that for fluctuations in price, in- ing operation works versus its actions will push down prices terest rate uncertainty and ours," Sue said. "We're also go- in the market place, but is trad- other factors. ing to try some of the tech- niques that we learned in the stress management workshop because it really deals with We're Squeezing Out everything you're going through." More Savings for Other workshops offered dur- ing the three-day conference in- Farm Bureau Members cluded farm safety, beginning and advanced estate planning, Use this coupon to save on Florida Farm legislative updates, exports and Bureau Hi-Density Orange Juice Concentrate commodities, FB involvement, when placing a prepaid order for the MACMA the new farm bill, teamwork, Spring Sale. Order deadline is May 7th. leadership skills and sessions Contact your county Farm Bureau. on the Young Farmer program and FB Women's program. -------------------------- The 150 conference partici- pants were sent home on a high ~~SAVE!$1.~~ note by Donna Axum, a motiva- on the purchase of one full case of tional speaker and former Miss • Florida Farm Bureau's "Florida's Best" Hi-Density Orange Juice • America. Through sharing per- Dealer: limit one coupon per item and oller is limited to "Florida's Best" Hi-Density Orange sonal experiences, Axum re- Juice only. Any other use constitutes fraud. Proof of purchase of sufficient merchandise to cover coupons submitted must be shown on request. lated that no matter how great the challenge or task, success can be achieved by utilizing the six "P's" to success - purpose, Customer's Signature planning, persistence, positive EXPIRES MAY 8, 1986 attitude, pride and power. (~()lJP()~ --------------------------- RURAL LIVING, APRIL 1986 17 AGRINOMIC UPDATE Ag Credit Solutions Offered by AFBF Financial conditions of many Congress Starts Work billion in ag debt. Farm bank farmers and farm lenders have on Bank Side of failures have increased, ac- deteriorated significantly over Farm Credit Cruncb counting for over half of the na- the past four years. This finan- tion's commercial bank col- While Congress early last year cial stress is transmitted to lapses last year. worked on shoring up the Farm- farm lenders through loan Instead of an infusion of fed- ers Home Administration lend- delinquencies and losses and eral money, like the Farm Credit ing programs and later rushed inadequate security for loans. System says it will eventually to provide assistance to the Problems of farmers and lend- need, the banks want regulatory Farm Credit System, it put off ers stem from a combination of relief that will allow them to action to help banks and their lower current incomes in farm- work with their farm borrowers borrowers. Now it's the banks ing, prospects for slow income instead of being forced to fore- turn. Congress recently began growth, and a drop in the value close on them. work on legislation that could of farmers' assets as land prices Current regulations generally possibly lead to help for com- adjust to these market expecta- work against forebearance by mercial banks and their farm tions. banks. If a banker writes off a borrowers. The current distress among portion of a farmer's loan, the Commercial banks hold about farmers and lenders is rooted in bank must immediately show it $50 billion of the nation's $210 the inflationary decade of the as a loss on its books. Instead, 1970s and sharply different ec- onomic conditions in the 1980s. By the early 1980s the factors How Two-Tier Debt Restructuring Works that had given rise to the ex- pansion had reversed direction. i Assume $.300,000 at 11% interest. A farmer and his or her Worldwide recession weakened lender determine that of the $.300,000 in debt owed, the international markets and infla- farmer can pay $200,000 over 10 years at the normal rate of tion was reduced by slower 11% interest. This amount would go in tier one. The remain- monetary growth. Real interest ing amount would go in tier two. Thus~ the debt would be rates, which had been low or restructured as follows: negative throughout the 1970s, jumped to 8% to 10%. First Year: Tier One First Year: Tier Two Farm commodities were too $200,000 $100,000 at .3% interest. plentiful to sustain the prices (The farmer pays $20,000 (The farmer pays $3,000 in that had prevailed during the in principal and $22,000 interest the first year.) 1970s causing commodity in interest the first year.) prices and farmers' incomes to drop significantly. Land values, The second year, an amount from tier two equal to the which depend on b9th current amount of principal paid off ($20,000) on the loan in tier one farm income and prospects for is shifted to tier one. Thus tier two becomes smaller and tier future income growth, also be- one amount remains the same. gan to decline. The debt levels that some farmers had assumed Second Year: Tier One Second Year: Tier Two over the 1970s were no longer $200,000 (includes $180,000 $80,000 at .3% interest sustainable. remaining from the first (Farmer pays $2,400 in The available data suggests year and $20,000 shifted interest.) from tier two.) that one-third of all family-size commercial farms, owning al- most one-half of all farm debt, • The 3% interest rate for tier two is an example of an interest buydown are experiencing some degree enabled by existing or planned state and federal programs. Each year a sum equal to the amount of paid off tier one debt is shifted from tier two. of financial difficulty. In the example above, all of tier two debt will be shifted to tier one in five years. After 15 years, all of the debt will be paid off. 18 RURAL LIVING, APRIL 1986 the banks want to be able to amortize write-offs over a 10-year period. AFBF Proposes Two-Tier Debt Restructuring Take Advantage Now of Farm Bureau backs this ap- Springtime Savings at proach. !he organization says Your New Countrymark that much of the nation's farm Supplierl debt needs restructuring and that lenders shouldn't be pen- alized for working with their borrowers. A proposal for two ,tier farm debt restructuring was adopted by the AFBF board of directors in early March. The plan calls for the debt restructuring ac- tion to be implemented by agri- cultural lenders, allowing a qualifying borrower to make payments based on the farming operation's cash flow. The manageable debt amount would be considered "tier one" SALE! debt. Whatever amount of the total debt that would not be April 1st adequately serviced would be assigned a special category, Le., "tier two" debt, upon which thru 25th the farmer would have to pay minimum interest and no prin- Exceptional values and ser- cipal. As the borrower paid off vices in supplies and merchan- tier one debt, obligations from dise for farm and home are tier two would be substituted yours at your local Coun- until the entire debt became trymark Member Association tier one, and finally was repaid and Farm Centers. in full. Changes in current banking Take advantage - "Make A regulations are necessary if FB's List" of your farm and home needs. You'll enjoy top quality plan is to be implemented. merchandise and save yourself a FB is supporting legislation bundle in the process. (S. 1943) that would allow banks to write off farm loans Countrymark - "Setting the over 10 years. A similar pro- Standards" in farm supply and posal was nearly included in the home merchandise. Senate farm bill. As separate legislation it will have substan- tial support. Another proposal, S. 1906, would "buy down" interest rates for farm borrowers through funds from the federal government, the states and lenders. Because S. 1906 would cost between $500 million and $1 billion a year, it is thought to have less of a chance of get- (continued on page 21) FS.860}.} 35 E. Chestnut 51. • Columbus, Ohio 43216 RURAL LIVING, APRIL 1986' The Discussion Topic is used by Community Ac- Bio-Research in tion Groups for monthly polley discussions. Agriculture's Future As U.S. farmers respond to the bovine growth hormone, but purchases and income subsi- fierce worldwide competition, a there could be some benefits dies, numerous farmers and technological revolution that from tying research goals with rural businesses were displaced. some experts believe could environmental concerns. "fortunately, World War II and create opportunities and chal- "If biotechnology is used to the post-World-War II economic lenges for agriculture hovers on genetically engineer plants that boom provided many displaced the horizon. need less water and fewer chem- farmers with good, high-paying Biotechnology - the direct ical fertilizers, ground water jobs," Kenney says. "The auto- manipulation of genes, hor- depletion and contamination mobile factories and steel mills mones and other biological would be alleviated. Creating absorbed the farmers." substances by man - was in- plants that work more effective- Today, however, that scenario troduced to the world 1.3years ly with integrated pest manage- does not apply and controlling ago when the first gene was ment techniques would allow the implementation of new cloned. Since its inception, bio- reductions in pesticide use." technology is imperative to an technology has captured the Another possibility, Kenney orderly economic and social imagination of both consumer says, is engineering perennial, transition, Kenney says. and scientist. rather than annual, field crops. Research programs focusing This would reduce energy costs Researcb Sbould Aim to on biotechnology are common and cut topsoil losses. Increase Farm Profits among universities and private But not everyone agrees with institutions throughout the Attempts to Control that outlook. "It remains to be world. While many scientists Biotecb's Impact seen just how disruptive bio- disagree on the virtues of bio- A number of possibilities have technology will be on the farm technology, most believe that been mentioned to control the economy," says Michigan farm its potential is just beginning to impact of the new technology. Bureau economist Robert G. unfold. One is establishing advisory Craig. To agriculture, biotechnology councils to explore the social "We certainly have an advan- could eventually mean major ramifications of new tech- tage here in Michigan with our breakthroughs in plant and nology. Council members would diversified agriculture that al- animal science; animals that analyze the effects on farmers, lows farmers more flexibility in grow faster on less feed; dis- rural businesses and banks, their production and marketing ease and drought-resistant consumers and taxpayers. decisions. Likewise, the market plants of higher nutritive value; Another possibility is some kind system and the technical skills and livestock bred to produce of system to control the produc- of individual farmers will deter- pharmaceutical products, such tion and marketing of farm mine the speed and effective- as insulin or interferon, rather commodities. ness of implementing biotech- than food products. The likelihood of success for nology." Martin Kenney, a rural sociol- either approach is limited, Ken- Craig says that the ultimate ogist at Ohio State University, ney says. "In the past, advisory goal of ag research should be to believes that biotechnology councils have been ineffective. help farmers be more efficient research should be carefully And federal farm programs that and profitable. "Biotechnology targeted and its advances prohibit food costs from drop- creates real opportunities for carefully implemented. He is ping, which would be the ulti- farmers to grow more and high- researching the effects of new mate effect of supply manage- er quality crops using fewer in- technology on the structure of ment, would not be supported puts and resources, thus, lower- agriculture. by urban and suburban con- ing the cost of production per Kenney says technology gressmen. " commodity unit." transfer could be disruptive, In the 19.30s, agriculture went Dr. Robert Gast, director of but if pointed in the right direc- through a similar period of the Agricultural Experiment Sta- tion it could benefit everyone - rapid change with virtually tion at Michigan State Universi- farmers, consumers, taxpayers unlimited application of new ty, agrees that the social and and agribusiness. He says bio- technology. Despite the federal economic implications of bio- technology is now aimed mostly government's best efforts to technology are very important. at yield enhancement, such as soften the blow through land (continued on next page) 20 RURAL LIVING, APRIL 1986 Qiscussion Topic world markets. "The rest of the Agrinomic Update world is going to go with agri- (continued from previous page) (continued from page 19) cultural technology and it is go- "It is an area that we'll be ing to remarkably reduce over- ting into law than other pro- getting into more and more as all production costs/" he says. posals giving lenders flexibility, we begin to develop new tech- "Those people who lag behind with minimal federal outlays. nologies such as the bovine are not going to be competitive Chances for some type of leg- growth hormone/" he says. on a global market, so it is islation are good because bank But Gast sees biotechnology critical and essential that we groups are in agreement and as necessary for Michigan farm- stay out in front." the regulatory agencies are ers to remain competitive in He adds that the real promise receptive. Most of the debate of biotechnology is not simply will occur in the House and the ability to increase yields but Senate banking committees, the promise of helping farmers not the agriculture committees, > produce more efficiently at which engineered the Farm lower cost. Credit System legislation. "We feel that we have a two- Interest Buydown MACMA fold role at the Agricultural Ex- periment Station/" Gast says. Program Closer "One, I think that if you are The USDA recently announced SPRING really going to be in a position guidelines for the $490 million to take advantage of new devel- interest rate buydown program SALE opments we have got to be in- volved in the developmental authorized by the 1985 farm bill. process. We have to make sure The program, through Farm- we have scientists on the cut- ers Home Administration guar- ting edge to make sure that antees, will enable lenders to Michigan farmers have those make new loans or refinance ex- technologies as soon as any- isting ones by reducing interest body. Mark Your Calendar rates by up to four percentage "Second, we have to have the points. The lender will pay half infrastructure to make sure that of the buydown and Fm.HA the eJuice Concentrates our agricultural producers are other half. eTender Asparagus the early adaptors. It is the ear- To qualify, borrowers have to ly adaptors who have the com- be unable to get a loan else- eMeats and Cheeses petitive edge and make money where at reasonable rates and on technological development/" terms; must be unable to make Gast says. loan payments unless the inter- Stock up for the summer months! est rate is reduced; and must Discussion Questions show enough projected income ORDER DEADLINE: May 7th - How would biotechnology to make repayments on the DELIVERY: Week of May 19th change the way that future loan. generations farm? Interest rate buydowns will -What role could farmers and not be provided to farmers who Farm Bureau have in monitor- can liquidate "non-essential ing the application of biotech- assets" and ensure a positive Attention Farmers! ~ology? cash flow. Loans under the buy- GROW - How will farmers become in- down must project a positive formed users of biotechology? cash flow for the entire term. Your Own -Will biotechnology affect only' FmHA made several other re- FUEL! large, specialized farming op- visions in its guaranteed loan erations or have an impact on program aimed at clarifying The new corn burning all of production agriculture? what is a "family farm" for pur- furnace that you've heard -Do you think it is desirable to poses of loan eligibility. It said about on Paul Harvey's News is control in some way the intro- joint operations could qualify if available here in Michigan! Call or duction of biotechnology? If they were indeed run by people write for more information. yes, in what ways should it be "related by blood or marriage." QUAD-L CORP. controlled? 7001 Vista de Oro, Rockford, Mich. 49341 Phone: 616-874-6261 RUR/lL LIVING, APRIL 1986 21 Lansing Review be $27 million which would not Pesticide Applications - (continued from page 7) be made up by the $2.00 per Rules governing pesticide ap- vehicle fee. The extra would plicators had been presented by ing amendments to prevent du- come out of the road fund. the MDA and considered before plication and confusion for Owners of newer vehicles would the Joint Rules Committee. The farmers. It finally passed only also have the added cost of in- MDA has withdrawn the rules when the major groups came to stalling front license brackets. for further revision, following an agreement. The bill prohibits Law enforcement organiza- discussions with various in- counties from passing such reg- tions are supporting the bill, terest groups and concerns ex- ulations. but the secretary of state is op- pressed by the members of the posing the bill, as is the county Joint Rules Committee. Certified Seed - H.B. 5338, road association and others. sponsored by Rep. Bender (R-Mid- FB is concerned that this ex- pensive program would likely Lansing legislative topics are dleville), addresses the problem erode funds for roads. reviewed by the MFB Public of shortages of specific varie- ties of certified seed during Affairs Division. years when the specific vari- Gleaners - H.B. 4494 eties of seed are not available amends the gleaner's law, which under the Michigan three tier provides for the gleaning of Pilot Program system. (continued from page 11) crops left in the field. It extends Most other states have a four the life of the law and increases skills. Farm Bureau members tier system of certified seed and the tax credit from 10% to seem to be sophisticated video those fourth generation seeds 20%. The bill has received viewers and have suggested cannot be legally sold in the favorable action in the House. many ideas for improving the state. H.B. 5338 offers a program." mechanism to provide for the The monthly productions sale of those seeds when a Drainage - H.B. 4749, spon- were planned with the assis. shortage is determined by the sored by Rep. Gnodtke (R- tance of a staff advisory com- MDA director and the director of Sawyer), would expand the mittee consisting of Vic Ver- the MSUAgricultural Experi- funding of drainage projects to chereau, coordinator of the ment Station. units of government. Under cur- Community Action Group pro- rent drain law, units of govern- gram and Young Farmer Depart- ment (including school dis- Essential Insurance - The ment manager; Marcia Ditchie, tricts, even though they own primary elements of the Essen- information services coordina- substantial acreages of land) tial Insurance Reform Act (P.A. tor; legislative counsel Ron are not mandated to pay for 10 of 1986) take effect April 1, Nelson; and regional represen- any drainage projects. H.B. 1986. It conforms to FB policy tatives Doug Fleming, Becky 4749 provides that any unit of as stated in the 1986 policy Jeppesen and Andrew Ferdi- government within the drainage book. nand. district be required to pay its By eliminating some of the fair share. The pilot video project is part territory provisions of the old of a comprehensive evaluation law, greater competition should and upgrading of the Communi- occur, which will encourage Wine Coolers - Rules to im- ty Action Group program being more companies to write in- plement a la-cent deposit on coordinated by Verchereau. surance in all areas of the state. wine coolers may be considered In May the video project will Expensive subsidies are great- in the Joint Rules Committee. be evaluated with an eye toward Iy reduced by this legislation. However, there is a question of the cost and feasibility of pro- the legality and constitutionality viding video communications to of implementing the deposit Farm Bureau members in the License Plates - H.B. 5919 without legislation. If the rules future. Options include pro- is beginning to receive consid- prove to be inadequate to ad- viding a regular video discus- erable attention as it would re- dress the problem, legislation sion tape to groups and produc- quire two totally reflectorized will have to be introduced to re- ing video training materials for license plates for every vehicle quire a la-cent deposit on wine other MFB programs. Communi- except road tractors. coolers. ty Action Groups across the An additional tax would be state have received a survey to added of $1.00 for each plate. find out how many groups have Some estimate the cost would access to a VCR or plan to pur- chase one in the next year. 22 RURAL LIVING, APRIL 1986 (,FARM BUREAU MARKET PLACE FARM EQUIPMENT DOGS REAL ESTATE REAL ESTATE Complete Line of l'Iew and Used Irrl. Collie Puppies - (smooth) champion Bed and Breakfast at Ludington on Apple Orchard for sale due to Illness of gatlon Equipment - Also equipment sire and dam. Good temperment. Shots Good Creek, romances spring. especially owner. Approximately five acres of trees. for manure pumping and spreading by and eyes checked. Good homes only. spring wedding anniversaries or 20 acres total. Modern colonial house. 4 gun, tanker. or Injection. Plummer Call 616-652-1454. (4-20p) Mother's Day (gift certificates!) Visit bedrooms. 2'/1 baths. finished base- Supply, Inc., 1-800-6.32-77.31. nearby maple sugar shack; 4 plays. I ment. Cold storage and cider mill. All ( 1-12t.24p) Gordon Setter Pups - Champion pedi- opera, music - soothing. (4-2t-.37p) equipment available or for sale separate- gree. show, hunting or best friend . ly. North of Lapeer. Mich. Phone Hog ~qulpment - Dei-Air heat ex- J.P./Jones Pride. Ellen Jones • .34478 Homestead - Lake Michigan resort. .31.3-79.3-7485. (4-4.3p) changers. Osborne feeders. K.G. John- 64th Ave., Paw Paw, Mich. 49079. Phone Glen Arbor. Sleeping Bear Dunes. Water- son farrowing crates. Chore-Time feed- 616-624-1467. (4-2.3p) front condo. Sleeps 8. Beach Club. 20% Condo In l'IewSmyrna Beach, florida. ing. Mlx.MIII systems. Hamilton Distri- discount for fellow Farm Bureau mem- Available for rent by the week or month buting Company, 616-751'5161. bers. Phone 517-74.3-5115. (4-22p) beginning In May. Reasonable rates, (6-12t-17p-ts) DAY Phone 517-.39.3-7857. (4-21) Grain Dryers - Stormor Ezee-Dry, Farm Alfalfa Hay for Sale - 1st cutting. Fans Automatic. Automatic. Hamilton pany.616-751-5161. Used Dryers, PTO and Distributing Com- (6-12t-17p-ts) $1.25 per bale. 2nd and .3rd, $1.50 per bale. Excellent quality. Phone Crystal In Montcalm County. 517-2.35-67.36 or 517- BIRD Irrigation Pipe - 5.250 ft. of 6 in.: 1,050 ft. of 4 in. Ford V-8 Gorman Rupp pump. water winch traveler. Phone 2.35-4207. NURSERY STOCK (4-2t-20p) DAMAGE $289 CONTROL COMPLETE .31.3-522-0162. (12-6t-20p) Wanted: farm tractors, N.1. corn pickers, Berry Plants - Raspberries. strawber- (less battery) J.D. Qulk-Tach corn heads and N.H. chop- ries, blueberries. currants. gooseberries. pers, hayblnes and other equipment. others. Free catalog. Maklelskl Berry Phone 517-52.3-280.3 evenings. Nursery. 71.30 Platt Road. Dept. RL. Ypsi- (2-12t-20p-ts) lantI. Mich. 48197. Phone .31.3-4.34-.367.3. (11-12t-22p) for Sale - Starllne 9 cups and 48 stan- chions. Very good condition. $20 each. Call after 5 p.m. Phone .31.3-781-.3.345. JlIlchlgan certified strawberry plants available as low as $59 per thousand. 15 (4-2Ip) varieties all grown on fumigated sandy loam soil. Krohne Plant Farms. Rt. 6, Box 586. Dowagiac, Mich. 49047. Phone 616- LIVESTOCK 424-.3450. (11-8t-.32p) Order early! COVERS 8-12 ACRES Avoid mid-season delays! Gladiolus Bulbs: We're back by Buckbam-Wheaton Club Lamb and Production Sale. April 20, 1986. Sun- popular demand. Buy direct from grower • LOUD SHRIEKS MODEL AVA-2 and save. All large. healthy bulbs. Rain- day. I p.m. at the Buckham Farm, Kala- bow Brite mixture. 50 bulbs. $7.00. 100 (not bangs) (on post) mazoo. Mich. Seiling 100 Suffolk. 25 Hamp, 20 Shrop wethers. 10 Suffolk bulbs, $12.00. Postpaid. Send orders to Poest Gladiolus. Box 55. Dept. R. • RUGGED OUTDOOR FULLY AUTOMATIC rams. 40 Suffolk ewes lambs, yearlings RATED (electric eye) Zeeland. Mich. 49464. (2-.3t-.39p) and mature ewes. George Buckham, ,616-.375-7676 or Jeff Buckham. 616- Hybrid Poplar, as little as 12( each . • SET & FORGET IT! POWER .375-1212. (4-42p) Other trees and shrubs. Coldstream Farm, 20.30T Freesoll Road, Freesoll. • LOWEST COST METHOD (battery or AC) Dieterle Corrledale sheep, give shear Mich. 49411. Phone 616-464-5809. pleasure. Breeding stock. Blue ribbon ( 12-6t-20p) fleeced flock. Spinning Fleece's. phone TEL: (503) 342-1271~ TELEX 706017 .31.3-429-7874. (5-12t-15p) Asparagus Roots - sand grown on Duroc Boars and Gilts sound and virgin soiL Decatur. Mich. Phone AV-ALARM " CORPORATION 616-42.3-5491. (4-15p) durable. Delivery available. Jim 675-0 CONGER ST .• EUGENE, OR 97402 Prevlch, 8147 Forrlster Road. Adrian. Mich. 49221. 517-265-4112. MISCELLANEOUS SERVING AGRICULTURE SINCE 1967. (6-12t-18p) free: Colorful poultry catalog. Offer- Will forms - Make your own will easily! ing top quality chicks (Bantams-Exotlcs- Ready to fill in. Two forms only $.3.25. Standards) at rock-bottom prices. Clin- Mail to: Forms. Box .3609, New Haven. CT CLASSIFIED AD POLICY ton Hatchery. Box 548-MRL. Clinton, 06525. (12-9t-22p-ts) Missouri 647.35. Phone 816-885-8500. (4-2t-24p-tss) Why die without a will? Two legal "Will -Farm Bureau members pay 25 cents per word for all Forms" and easy Instructions. Only classified advertisements. Breeders of milking shorthorns $4 ... Order Todayl Guaranteedl TY- since 1907. Breeding stock for sale at -All other advertisers pay 50 cents per word for one\insertion Company. Box 1022-MF. Prior, OK 74.362. all times. Henry Motz Son "Be Home" ( 11-6t-22p-ts) and 45 cents per word for two or more consecutive insertions Farm. 4279 W. Richardson, Elkton. Mich. of the same ad. 487.31. (.3-2t-19p) ACCOUI'ITlI'IGand II'ICOJll~ TAX~S -All advertisements are subject to a I5-word minimum done by a CPA, REASONABLE RATES. Yorkshire Boars and gilts. Open and Small businesses and Individuals charge, including member ads. bred, delivery available. Satisfaction guaranteed. Bill McCalla. 4100 Stone welcome . .31.3-.348-2982. (1-4t-16p) - Please indicate if you are a Farm Bureau member. School. Ann Arbor. Mich. 48104. Phone Gallons O'l'Iutsl Fresh shelled! Quart -The deadline for ads is the first Monday of the month .31.3-971-1804. (.3-2t-20p) preceding publication. each pecan halves. walnuts, brazlls. sliced almonds. $14.95 postpaid. Guaranteed. - All ads must be pre-paid and may be pre-paid up to one JlIllklng Shorthorn: Young bulls, year- Canecreek farm. Cookeville. TN .38502- lings and calves for sale. Write or visit 2727 (2-.3t-22p-ts) year in advance. Stanley M. Powell and Family. Ingleside -It is the responsibility of the advertiser to re-insert the ad on Farm. Route 2, .3248 Powell Hwy., Ionia. Lose weight and make money while Mich. 48846. (.3-6t-27p) a month-by-month or year-by-year basis. you lose. Satisfaction guaranteed. Con- tact your HerbaLife Distributor at -The publisher has the right to reject any advertising copy Production Sale - May 24. I p.m. 517-.389-.377.3. (4-2t-16p) submitted. Romneys. white. colored. 1985 Michigan Premier Breeder flock. 10"10off for 4-H or Live fish for stocking ponds. Also -No ads will be taken over the phone. FFA members. Hillside Farm. G. Bellalrs, aerators. equipment and weed control 8.351 Big Lake Rd., Clarkston, Mich. chemicals. Phone 616-8.34-7720. Grant. MAIL YOUR AD WITH PAYMENTTO: 48016. Phone.3I.3-625-2665. (4-20p) Mich. (4-6-8-15p) Rural Living, P.o. Box 30960, Lansing, Mich. 48909 I RURAL LIVING, APRIL 1986 Michigan Farm Bureau Rural Living Magazine Non-Profit Organization P.O. Box 30960 U.S. POSTAGE 7373 W. S,aginaw Hwy. Lansing, Michigan 48909 PAID Lansing, Michigan Permit No. 37