Michigan Farm News Washington Legislative Seminar County Leaders Take a Stand for FB Policy A Publication of the Michigan Farm Bureau • May 1986 • BlACK&DECKER .. Super Savings! . 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In- supported by the American industry regulators doesn't stead, we are asking them to Farm Bureau Federation which mean the challenge has been use these new regulatory tools offers a realistic solution to the met. as a roadmap to survival for financial challenges facing Farm Bureau members must themselves and their borrowers. many farmers and their lenders. continue to be out in front sup- The revised guidelines will allow It was with true conviction that banks to restructure loans with- I called the AFBF two-tier debt out having to charge the re- restructuring plan an example .We must talk to our structured loans against their of a constructive, well-analyzed neighbors about the capital requirement as non- approach which our organiza- performing loans. In addition, debt restructuring plan, tion developed with its farmers. qualified banks will be permit- Others agreed with that anal- and more importantly, ted to operate below the mini- ysis. The federal regulators - to our local bankers, mum capital requirement, pro- including the comptroller of the encouraging them to vided they can restore their currency, the Federal Reserve capital to the required level and the Federal Deposit Insur- use it. within five years. ance Corporation (FDIC) - have We urge financially troubled supported the plan. porting the debt restructuring farmers to work with their FDIC was the first to make a plan. We must talk to our neigh- bankers to establish a manage- move. Just a few hours after bors about the plan and, more able debt repayment program. Farm Bureau held a nationwide importantly, to our local The regulatory flexibility pro- media briefing on the plan, bankers - encouraging them to vided by these changes may FDIC notified its member banks use debt restructuring. Perhaps prove most helpful in instances of ways they could help ease a more critical action is to where farm loans are heavily the credit crunch. The next direct our efforts at encourag- loaded on the front end due to morning, the Federal Reserve ing the Farm Credit System to recent weather problems or the Board and Treasury Depart- adopt a more open policy on weight of servicing non-working ment's comptroller of the cur- debt restructuring. debt. rency notified their member When the 1.30 MFB legislative We are entering a particularly banks of capital forebearance leaders went to Washington, critical period in which many plans as previously outlined to D.C., for four days in April, their farm loans must be restruc- FDIC banks. top priority was to support leg- tured, or liquidation will be the We commend the federal reg- islation that would pave the only alternative. I encourage ulators for their actions. With way for FCSto adopt similar your continued support of Farm these key concessions, we be- forebearance policies. While FCS Bureau's two-tier debt restruc- lieve forebearance can work in has been reluctant to adopt turing program. the best interest of borrowers such a policy, we will continue e~R.~ and lenders. to meet and talk with congress- Farm Bureau was the sole men and the FCSto bring about organization instrumental in implementation of such a pro- getting the bank regulations gram. Elton R. Smith, President relaxed to permit refinancing Michigan Farm Bureau and restructuring of marginal 4 RURAL LIVING, MA Y 1986 FRONT 8L CENTER MFBsurpassed Its 1986 membersbip goal on April 3, tbree weeks earlier tban last year, and surged past tbe 95,000 member mark. Credit for accomplishing goal for the 19th consecutive year was given to volunteer members who spent many hours working on the campaign, as well as the dedicated efforts of the entire Farm Bureau family, including in- surance agents and county secretaries. MFB is still battling with Ohio Farm Bureau for total numerical gain in members in the renewal of the "friendly rivalry." The contest will officially end on Aug. 31, with appropriate vic- tory celebrations taking place at the Michigan/Ohio Breakfast to be held in conjunction with the 1987 AFBF annual meeting in Anaheim, Calif., next January. Farmers in tbe soutbern two-tbirds of tbe lower peninsula can now receive AgriVisor grain and livestock market reports. Four FM radio stations are broadcasting the hourly reports on their sidebands: WQLR(106.5 FM), Kalamazoo; WBLV (90.3 FM), Twin Lake; WHNN(96.1 FM), Bay City; and WUOM(91.7 FM), Ann Arbor. For more information on this member-only marketing service, contact your county FB secretary or the MFB Commodity Ac- tivities and Research Department, P.O. Box 30960, Lansing, Mich. 48909, phone 517-323-7000, ext. 547. Tbougb warm weatber bas finally returned to Micbigan, It's not too early to begin tbinking about next January and tbe warm breezes blowing in off tbe Pacific. Sunny, southern California will host the 1987 AFBF annual meeting which will be held in Anaheim, Jan. 11-15. Travel plans are being explored and details will be announced as they become available. Agriculture will be spotligbted during tbe Micbigan Sesquicentennial celebration wbicb will kick-off in June. Montcalm County FB President L. Charles Mulholland is chairing an agricultural subcommittee to the Michigan Sesquicentennial Commission. The subcommit- tee is making plans to highlight the contributions of agriculture to the growth and progress of Michigan during its 150 years of statehood. The celebration will kick-off on June 14, 1986 and continue through Dee. 30, 1987. Agriculture will playa leading role in the kick-off on the state capitol grounds with historical displays and an all-Michigan ag products barbecue. Tbe MACMADirect Marketing Member-to-Member Spring Sale is now underway. FB members can squeeze out additional savings on the purchase of Florida orange juice concen- trate by clipping the $1.50 coupon on page 17 of this issue. The coupon must accompany your prepaid order. Other items offered in the Spring Sale include fresh-snapped Michigan asparagus and fresh citrus products. Order deadline is May 7. Look .for the order blank in your county newsletter or contact your county secretary to see if your county is participating. County FBs have risen to the occasion by contributing well over $16,000 to tbe Extension Management Assistance Team program. The contributions from county FBs are in addition to the $5,000 donation from MFB. Two checks have already been presented to the Cooperative Extension Service for the formation of an additional EMAT team. Dr. Frank Brewer, who has spearheaded the EMAT program since its inception, reports that Farm Bureau is, to his knowledge, the only non-government unit to provide assistance for this type of program in the entire north central part of the United States. Two FB families will be involved in an "Adopt-An-Acre" project with TV stations during the next several months. Channel 6, Lansing, will "adopt" an acre and follow their crop from planting through harvest and marketing with the Mark Smuts family in Eaton Coun- ty. Channel 12, Flint, will do the same with Billie Squanda and her family in Saginaw County. The TV stations pay the costs involved in producing their crops with the profits, if any, going to charity. In addition to sharing the progress of their crop with their audiences, the stations will also feature segments on related topics. RURAL LIVING. MA Y 1986 5 LEGISLATIVE REVIEW ing plans outlined by AFBF. In The administration had hoped April, the organization launched to retire five million acres into a card writing campaign to U.S. the reserve. A second enroll- senators and representatives ment for the conservation re- seeking support for two-tier serve is to begin May 5. Lyng Regulatory Relief for Ag debt restructuring. expects a more favorable re- Lenders and Borrowers - The During the organization's sponse in the second signup. Federal Deposit Insurance Cor- 26th annual Washington Legis- poration released details of its lative Seminar in mid-April, MFB Whole Uerd Buyout Faces regulatory relief to banks under members delivered personal Controversy - Just a few days pressure from heavy agricultur- messages of support for the after the USDAannounced de- al and energy related lending. program and urged congres- tails of the dairy herd buyout The agency sent letters to 8,500 sional action to assure the pro- program, the executive commit- banks spelling out the new gram is made available to Farm tee of the National Cattlemen's rules and explaining how and Credit System borrowers. Association voted to seek an in- under what conditions they may junction to halt the program be applied. USDA Announces Second until orderly marketings of the In 1985, 68 of the 118 com- Conservation Reserve Enroll- dairy cattle involved can be im- mercial bank failures were agri- ment - Only 838,356 acres on plemented. cultural banks. The number of 10,307 farms were accepted in A few days later, animal wel- ag banks on the problem list the first round of bids for the fare groups sought an injunc- has grown to 302, compared to USDA's conservation reserve. Al- tion to stop the branding of one third as many three years though 4.8 million acres from dairy cattle destined for slaugh- ago. So far this year, 24 bank 44,480 farms were offered in ter. They object to the location failures have been announced the original signup period of the brand. by FDIC, half of them classified which ended March 14, few bids As Rural Living went to press, as ag banks. were accepted because of what the outcome of these actions The action by FDIC and other USDASecretary Richard Lyng was still undetermined. For banking regulatory agencies is termed unrealistically high bids more information about the re- consistent with debt restructur- for removing land from produc- sults of the whole herd buyout tion. see Agrinomic Update, page 18. Liability - Legislation to unrealistic court awards are not pensation for lost wages, medi- reform the tort laws is the num- paid by insurance companies. cal and other costs. ber one issue before the Legis- They are paid by the general Another issue is whether the lature. It is a highly controver- public through higher doctors state should set up a special sial and political issue. The office charges, hospital fund to pay claims over the liability issue is nationwide in charges, product prices or in usual court award. Still another scope and affects every indi- the case of local government, issue is whether lawyers' fees vidual and group. higher prope~ty taxes. should be further limited. The cost of liability suits has Out of the dozens of bills in- Presently they receive one-third reached the point where many troduced in the Legislature, the (after expenses) of the award in insurance companies cannot House passed a package of sev- cases of personal injury and write liability policies in spite of eral bills which the Senate later wrongful death. higher rates. Reinsurance has amended. The House refused to become largely unobtainable. accept the Senate changes and Many counties, townships, the bills were sent to a con- schools and road commissions ference committee. have had their insurance can- The main issues to be resolved celled. Many doctors are re- include whether there should be All types of organizations are fusing to accept obstetrics a limitation on the amount of involved in this issue. FB is cases or any other high risk money that can be awarded for working for tort reform and rea- case. "non-economic losses." These sonable solutions along with The fact is, the costs of are awards over and above com- other groups. 6 RURAL LIVING, MA Y 1986 Ethanol Production';'" S.B. A 10-million gallon ethanol -S.R. 428 was adopted by the 630 passed the Senate 33-0. plant requires the production of Senate. It creates a "Citizens However, it will be difficult for 40,000 acres at an average of Property Tax Study Commis- the bill to gain approval in the 100 bu. per acre. sion" to be appointed by the House Taxation Committee. The The present low price of oil is Senate majority leader. The bill provides for economic help a problem, however, most ex- commission will study property to any company that builds an perts maintain that it is tem- taxes including all present tax ethanol processing plant in porary. In any event, the U.S. re- relief and exemption programs Michigan using Michigan corn. mains at the mercy of foreign (sales tax, P.A. 116, circuit The aid would be in the form of oil producers and oil reserves breaker, personal property, etc.) a per bushel tax credit through continue to decJine. Ethanol is and tax alternatives. In the single business tax. The tax an exceJlent additive to replace 1985-86, total tax exemptions incentive would run through lead in gasoline. It is also less were nearly $8 billion - about 1992 as follows: polluting, leading to cleaner air. 58% of the total state and local tax revenues. -Tax amnesty legislation (H.B. 4706) has passed the Leg- islature and has been sent to the governor. It provides an amnesty period beginning in May and ending no later than June 30, 1986. Penalties would be waived for those who failed to pay delinquent state taxes for whatever reason. If they fail to pay delinquent taxes during the amnesty period, a 50% penalty will be added. Increased penalties will also go into effect after July 1, 1986. The present penalty of 25% will go to 50% and interest rates will be 1% The fuel from farms means new markets for Michigan corn. Supplying a to-million gallon ethanol plant In this state would require the pro- ~aboveprime. State officials ex- duction of 40,000 acres of corn at a"naverage production of tOO .J pect to collect about $50 mil- bushels per acre. lion from a large portion of the 160,000 delinquent taxpayers. -Property Tax Revenue Limit -1986 and 1987: 50«l for the In the case of a future embarg<1 - The Headlee Amendment al- first 1.5 million bu. and 5«l for it would provide an alternative' lows property tax revenues to the next 11 million bu. fuel. Brazil is presently using be no higher than the previous -1988 and 1989: 40«l for the pure ethanol in its cars and year's revenue adjusted for in- first 1.875 million bu. and 5«l trucks. flation. The Tax Commission for the next 11 million bu. has announced that the reve- -The phase out would decline nue increase can be no higher Taxation Legislation - each year until its expiration at in 1986 than 3.6%. If the in- Several tax measures have been the end of 1992. crease is higher, then the tax considered or are waiting for The credit could not exceed rate (millage) must be rolled consideration. $1.3 million per tax year. This back. The lowest allowed in- eH.B. 4879 is now law. It incentive needs to be enacted crease was 3.2% in 1984. The allows land auction sales to be to compete with other states highest was 13.5% in 1981. used to help determine farm- that are getting the facilities. land values for assessment pur- MFB is working with the gover- nor's office to urge his support. poses. eH.B. 5136 has passed the P.A. 116 - H.B. 4788 is in- A new company has an option tended to correct a problem in- on land in Shlawassee County House and is in the Senate volving credits received from for a plant. Other possibilities Finance Committee. It would re- P.A. 116. Currently a farmer are In Gratiot, Washtenaw and quire an affidavit to show the enrolled in P.A. 116 may claim Jackson counties. Just one or sale price of property. two plants would create a major (continued on page 21) new market for Michigan corn. RURAL LIVING, MA Y 1986 7 Washington Legislative Seminar County Leaders Take a Stand for FB Policy Washington's famous cherry television sets in public places Dawn participated as an as- blossoms had come and gone. and watched news updates in sistant legislative leader last Plans for walks to appointed silence. year, earning her the creden- rounds in warm sunshine, in- That was the challenging tials as a full-fledged, experi- stead of heart-jolting rides with scenario for participants in the enced legislative leader this aggressive cab drivers, were 1986 Washington Legislative year. To her, the marked con- hampered by chilly breezes and Seminar, April 15-18. But nei- trast between the 1985 and persistent showers. ther rain nor cold nor world 1986 seminars is vivid. Concern about increased, headliner events kept the 130 "Last year, the sun was shin- widespread acts of terrorism farmers from completing their ing — no coats, no umbrellas — following the U.S. bombing of mission. In fact, the somber the cherry blossoms were in Libya weighed heavily on the mood of Washington and the minds of decision-makers and bleak weather set a tempo for those who had come to Wash- the seriousness of this year's ington to influence the important mission, according to decision-makers. Security was MFB's Outstanding Young Farm tightened in government build- Woman, Dawn Wilkinson of Alle- ings. People clustered around gan County. Congressmen and administration officials who visited with the Michi- gan legislative leaders received non-alcoholic sparkling grape and Even with busy schedules, there cherry juice. Here, MFB Women's Committee Chairperson Diane Horn- was time for a little fun. This ing presents the gifts to Michigan's U.S. senators, Carl Levin and Don police officer won't soon forget Riegle. The FB Women have sponsored the annual lobbying mission to the visit from MFB's Outstanding the nation's capital for 2 6 years. Young Farm Woman. 8 RURAL LIVinG, MAY 1986 Regarding the spending cuts required by the Gramm- Rudman-Hollings amendment, the MFB legislative leaders told their U.S. representatives and senators that they were seeking equitable treatment for agricul- ture. They explained that farm- ers are willing to take their fair share of spending cuts, but not the disproportionate share caused by exemption of major domestic entitlement programs. While Farm Bureau supported the Gramm-Rudman-Hollings MFBlegislative leaders didn't limit themselves to lobbying the Michi. amendment as the best alter- gan congressional delegation. Eight MFBmembers visited with Robert native at the time, the legisla- Dole. Senate majority leader and member of the Senate Agriculture tive leaders said the organiza- Committee. tion believes the law should be amended to repeal the exemp- tion of these programs, and that Congress should adopt a glorious full bloom and every- the high cost of health care three-year freeze and fix pro- thing was very upbeat," she coverage for farmers and other gram. said. "The farm situation back self-employed people. Equity was also the issue home was bad but there was. Was the mission accom- when MFB's legislative leaders hope in what could be accom- plished? While only time will tell discussed the health insurance plished through the new farm the end results, the current issue with their congressmen. bill. We were all working on the scoreboard shows that gains Employers who furnish health farm bill and that provided a lot were made. insurance coverage for their of motivation. When the Michigan group ar- employees may deduct the full ''I'm sorry for the people who rived in Washington, FB's two- are here for the first time this tier debt restructuring plan had year and didn't get to see the been well-accepted by bank reg- cherry blossoms and haven't ulators. Regulatory changes enjoyed the sunshine. But I had been made which enabled think that what's been done agricultural banks and farmers through their hearts this year is to pursue debt restructuring. much more important. There was little progress, "This year, for what's happen- however, within the Farm Credit ing here, for what's happening System and Farm Bureau be- in other parts of the world, for lieved it was imperative that what's happening back home Congress indicate its concern on the farm, we all share ser- about the system's lack of co- ious concerns. The weather may operation. Resolutions were in- have been appropriate for the troduced in the House and serious situation this year, but Senate expressing the sense of it wasn't a deterrent," she said. Congress that the FCSfacilitate and participate in an agricultur- Did They Listen? al loan restructuring program. The "mission" of Dawn and By the time the MFB group the other legislative leaders was headed home, Congressmen Bill to convince their congressmen Schuette and Dale Kildee had During the legislative leaders' that Farm Bureau has the best agreed to co-sponsor the House briefing by White nouse staff, solutions to the farm credit resolution and Sen. Carl Levin Becky Clark of Mackinac-Luce problems, spending cuts under became a co-sponsor for the County assured an administra- tion budget official that farmers Gramm-Rudman-Hollings and Senate resolution. don't mind taking their "fair share" of cuts under Gramm. RUdman-nollings, but feel that exempting the entitlement pro- grams isn't equitable. RURAL LIVING, MA Y 1986 9 cost of the coverage as a busi- Dawn's first step toward es- ness expense. This deduction is tablishing herself as a reliable not available to self-employed source of ag information will be people or workers who must to send notes of appreciation to buy their own health insurance all who met with the MFB group. coverage. "With the Libyan crisis going on The legislative leaders asked and the deficit and other issues their congressmen to support weighing on their minds, a word legislation which would allow of encouragement and thanking self-employed people t9 deduct them for their time can boost one-half of their insurance their day," she said. premiums as a business ex- After the thank you notes pense on their federal income comes the ongoing process of tax return. While such legisla- keeping the lines of communi- tion has been introduced in the cations open. "Of course it is past (and co-sponsored by sev- going to take time when you sit eral Michigan congressmen), down to formulate your thoughts prospects for passage have not on paper to relay to your con- been good until this year when gressmen. You may never know it was included in the Senate the value of the time you spend Finance Committee's tax bill. until some day he comes back to you and says, 'Thank you. I Follow Up Important didn.t know that and I needed As Outstanding Young Farm to know that for a vote. Your in- Woman, Dawn was involved in formation was timely .... some high level meetings along Dawn said she has a special Last fall. when he spoke at the with the group events. She feels interest in helping urban legis- Ottawa County FB annual meet- ing. Dawn asked then AFBF Presi. follow up to those meetings is lators, who have only fond dent Robert Delano if she could very important to achieving memories of visiting their visit his farm following this Farm Bureau's goals. grandparents' farm, to better year's Washington Legislative "The people we met with in understand modern day farm- Seminar to write an article for her county newsletter. De agreed the USDA,White House and ers' needs. "They may remem- and she spent two days with him Congress seemed very receptive ber the happy go lucky days of and his wife on their Virginia to Farm Bureau's ideas," Dawn agriculture," she said. "We farm. said. "They realize and ap- haven.t seen those kinds of preciate the efforts we make to days since rebuilding agricul- share our viewpoints. Whether ture after the Great Depression. they agree with everything or "You have to make them not, they respect our efforts as aware of what is going on out we respect theirs. there. You have to make them "We're building mutual re- understand that until you're out spect, but it.s like any relation- there, facing the elements and ship. You don.t just jump in, the lenders, you don't really have one event, occasion or know what it feels like inside," seminar and then go home and As a "communicator for agri- not be heard from again. With culture," Dawn put this philoso- the contacts we built during phy into practice while in Wash- this seminar, our congressmen ington. She invited Michigan and administration officials see Sen. Don Riegle to a farm tour us as potentially reliable in Michigan this summer. He sources of agricultural informa- agreed to come. tion. And with the right follow- "You don't have to be a lob- up, we can become 'information byist who puts on a suit and packets' in ourselves. carries a briefcase to Lansing or Since she was returning to Wash- ington as Allegan County FB's "But you only become reliable Washington. We can be lobby- senior legislative leader. Dawn by staying consistent and that ists at home," she said. shared her "prize" as winner of takes some effort on the part of the Outstanding Young Farm the participants," she said. Woman title with the contest's first runner-up. Becky Clark of l'Iackinac-Luce County FB. 10 RURAL LIVING. MA Y 1986 Counties' Respond to Legal Defense Fund Appeal Although the final tally of against them. When MASAwas tices had been challenged by a contributions from' county FBs terminated in late 1982, the governmental unit," Gaskill to the MFB Legal Defense Fund fund was transferred to MFB says. "Legal costs can be very isn't in, preliminary results of where it is administered by the substantial for the individual, the February through April MFB Agricultural Labor Advisory and in most cases, the farmers drive show that the 1986 fund- Committee with final authority would be unable to pursue com- raising goal of $4,500 was sur- for funds disposition by the plete due process if they had to passed. Contributions from the MFB board of directors. rely solely on their own finan- counties will be matched by At the time of the transfer, cial resources." MFB to bolster the depleted the fund had an accumulated That's where the MFB Legal Legal Defense Fund for a com- balance of slightly more than Defense Fund can make a dif- bined balance of over $13,000, $10,000. In the intervening ference, he explains. "Because reports Ron Gaskill, MFB's local three years, 12 requests for the outcome of some cases is affairs and farm labor special- legal assistance were received so important to Michigan agri- ist. from FB members. Of the 12, culture, support from the Legal Rebuilding the fund was di- six requests were approved, Defense Fund is granted. By rected by MFB policy adopted in ranging from $1,000 to $4,000. sharing the cost of an impor- 1984. It called for contributions The cases involved tests of farm tant court action, the agricul- by the counties of 5ff. per mem- labor laws and disputes chal- tural community at large can be ber beginning in 1986 and con- lenging the Right-to-Farm Act. assured that a decision will be tinuing annually until a max- As a result, in January of this reached only after careful con- imum principal balance of year when a letter went to coun- sideration of all the facts." $25,000 has been accumulated ty FB presidents requesting Michigan is one of five state in the fund. contributions, the balance of FBs to have established a legal "County Farm Bureau contri- the MFB Legal Defense Fund service/ legal defense fund to butions are the only revenue had been drawn down to $4,000. help support tests of agricultur- source the fund has," Gaskill "In each of the cases where a al law. In other states, support points out. "In order to become grant was made, the defendant's for challenges to agricultural an effective tool to help Michi- farm labor or agricultural prac- law are addressed on an ad hoc gan agriculture, the fund must basis. be adequately financed to con- tribute a larger amount of money to individual court cases. For example, 'a $4,500 grant is a lot of money, but it is very small when the accumu- lated cost to litigate a case ex- ceeds $60,000." The fund was originally estab- lished by a former MFB affiliate, the Michigan Agricultural Ser- vices Association, to assist farmers with legal costs in- curred when a court action which could have significant impact on the Michigan agricul- Oceana County fruit and vegetable grower Jerry Brandel fought at. tural industry is brought tempts by the U.S. Department of Labor to prohibit the practice of In- dependent contracting on his farming operation for nine years. The price tag on legal fees and court costs? Nearly $60,000. RURAL LIVING, MA Y 1986 11 RURAL EXCHANGE Rural Rascals Pitch in on Spring Work Open nouse nighIights Montcalm's Ag Day The Montcalm County FB Jessica 8t Alison Mohr (right) help plant tulips in a deep tire Women hosted an open house' track on their grandparents' at the county office in Stanton Tuscola County farm. "You have to commemorate Ag Day. Area to find some good after.a bad happening," says Barbara Mohr. merchants were invited. Those "After one of our guys made a attending had a chance to win tire mark in the lawn again, the an "Agricultural Understanding little ones helped haul in some - Farm Bureau" mug. A book- dirt and we made a pretty sight out of the situation." Jessica and let giving Montcalm County Alison are the children of Greg statistics was prepared by the and Lynn Mohr. Greg is the county Extension office and dairyman on Mohrland Farm. made available to everyone at- The Rascals in the photo below, tending the open house and Glen and Karen Lininger, live in luncheon. Andalusia, Alabama. "We're not Table tents with information sure who enjoyed the ride more - the children or the chickens," about Ag Day were distributed says their aunt, Sharon Lininger, to three local restaurants. who works in the MFBAccounting "We felt it was a good way to Department. get our information across to our urban neighbors as we had guests from the EMT unit, banks, elevators, newspaper, doctors' offices, the telephone company, the community col- lege and insurance agents," said FB Women's Chairperson Move over Connie Turbin, Connie Sally Thomsen. nand is practicing for your job as editor of Rural Livingl She's even getting an agriculture back- ground as the oldest daughter of Tony and Denise nand, dairy 'Pot of Gold'? farmers and FB members in Che- boygan County. Farmers nit Air Waves for Ag Understanding Day In recognition of Ag Under- dairy herd buyout. There were standing Day, two past presi- 12 participants with 10 of the dents of Saginaw County FB, Ed- 12 non-farmers. ward Hebeler and Richard FB Women's Chairperson Billie Leach, were on WSGWradio to Squanda bought prizes for answer call in questions about those people who asked ques- farming. tions Ed and Dick weren't sure The one-hour show covered about or just plain couldn't everything from the value of the answer. Bags of groceries con- mammary system of the male taining bread, cereal, popcorn, hog used for breeding pur- crabapples, pickles, navy beans, Looking out the kitchen window one day, Tuscola County FB poses, to how much feed it asparagus, muffin mix and member Barbara Mohr saw an un- takes to get 100 pounds of milk sugar (donated by Great Lakes usual view. "1 saw this double from a cow. The public was in- Sugar Growers and Michigan rainbow - with one rainbow ap- pearing as though maybe our liq- terested in knowing how cash Sugar Company), were waiting uid manure container is a 'pot of crop farmers are being affected for the lucky winners. Prizes gold,'" she says. "Believe me, the in these troubled times and were claimed at the county of- farmer needs that kind of 'pot' asked for information on the fice. right now and in a hurryl" 12 RURAL LIVING, MA Y 1986 Conference Leaves Participant 'Feeling Good' Cheboygan FB Women lIonor Ag Day Baby They called it the leadership Meijer's Distribution Warehouse conference for the Young Farm- or 5tate Police Academy. Joseph Allen Clark, son of Mr. ers and Women's Committee One dinner included an ele- &. Mrs. Chester Clark, was and that's all I knew when Betty gant meal and a chance to hear honored as the first baby born Hopkins and I headed toward from the Distinguished Young on Ag Day in Cheboygan Coun- Lansing. With Grandma's, Farmer, Outstanding Young ty. The contest is sponsored an- children's, husband's and the Farm Woman and Discussion nually by the FB Women. Women's Committee's bless- Meet winner - all energetic Information Chairperson Myra ings, we were off for three days speakers. Hand reports that the women of personal growth and relaxa- To give us the final feeling of were unable to take a photo of tion. awe, Donna Axum, a former the food basket presentation Having faith in yourself was Miss America, beautifully spoke this year because the mother the theme throughout the con- the secrets of success and sang was ill. ference. Lots of valuable infor- "America" as a slide presenta- "We did, however, get good mation was learned and enthu- tion showed scenes of our coun- coverage in the Cheboygan siasm billowed our sails. try. Tribune," she says, "and we will To add variety, one afternoon Thank you, Farm Bureau, for be kept well informed about the was spent touring the GM chas- this great opportunity! baby since his grandmother, sis plant. The assembly line was Dorothy Clark, is activ~ on the Jane Boyce, Dexter fascinating but we sure felt Women's Committee and serves Washtenaw County lucky we lived "down on the on the board of directors." farm." Others toured the Tie a Green Ribbon Female Farmer Takes Pride in Partnership Role 'Round the Old Oak Tree I have wanted to send some 50, please call me a "working Passers-by at Delta Plaza in possible articles for the Rural farmer," I am proud to bear Escanaba were asked to tie a Exchange column for quite that name! green ribbon around an old oak sometime, but since my hu.s- tree, fence post or mailbox to Myra Hand, Afton band broke his arm in February, show their support for agricul- Cheboygan County I have been extra busy being ture. his right hand (sorry, I couldn't "Green is for prosperity - if the farmer prospers, everyone resist the double pun). I don't know if you're ready FAKMETTE does!" That's the message Hia- for another poem or not but By Andrea Hofmeister wathaland County FB was trying after the extra work I have done Tuscola County to get across by using this on the farm this winter, believe novel approach at their Ag Un- me, this one comes from the derstanding Day mall display. heartl Handing out the ribbons and message also gave volunteers Call Me a Working Farmer at the booth the opportunity to Please don't call me a "farm talk about membership. wife," I'm not married to The idea for distributing the our land. ribbons came from a newspaper I'm married to my husband, report on two farm women from and we farm hand in hand. Colby, Wis., who had used the And please don't say I don't technique successfully in a "work out," until you spend local project. a day with me. Other attractions at the Delta I work out in the barn, in the parlor, and out in the fields you'll see. \ \- -- ~ Plaza Ag Day included a mini tractor pull and MMPA's pink cow. Lawyers and doctors can be \ -' Hiawathaland planned to give women or men, for a farmer "Considering the ruts we left out the ribbons again at a dis- it is the same. here last fall, this may be the play at the Marquette Mall in year to switch to ridge-till." April. RURAL LIVING, MA Y 1986 13 New Service Gives MFB Group Members Direct Access to Blue Cross Blue Shield Information As MFB plans high-tech sys- Hubbard, manager of BCBSMa- changes requiring their signa- tems to deliver faster, more jor Group Services. "Where we ture. These include: flexible service to county FBs had complaints, we now get eRequests for adding or remov- through programs like the Field compliments," he says. ing dependents (30 days prior Communications II computer- "There is much, much more notification is required) ized network, careful attention satisfaction among the sub- eAddress changes is also being given to develop- scribers in these groups primar- eChanges in coverage options ing high-touch systems of com- ily because they get a more eBCBSenrollment/rates munication. The result is new consistent response to their services like the direct inquiry questions. about coverages and Another plus for the direct phone line for the organization's claims. Ultimately there are response phone line. system, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michi- fewer delays in claims process- says VanderMolen, is that the gan subscribers. ing because there is a clearer BCBSstaff members in the unit interpretation of the coverages will be able to answer inquiries instead of the 'let's try it and about Medicare coverages and see' approach to claims." claims. "Previously those ques- Hubbard says liaison between tions were handled separately. MFB and BCBSrepresentatives This is just another example of has been excellent. "We have the kind of responsiveness we been working on this plan for a wanted to build into this sub- statewide service number for scriber service." several months, and we will Subscribers can help make continue to cooperate in pro- the system work for everyone's viding start-up information to benefit by being adequately the real focus of the program - prepared when initiating an in- GROWING TOGETHER -tv the more than 34,000 family health care contracts served in the Farm Bureau group," he says. "We want this service to be quiry. You will need the follow- ing basic information: group number and contract number. For claims inquiries, you will also need patient name, date of responsive and efficient from service and type of service. the start," says MFB Member Inquiries can be made by Setting up a special unit to Services Department Manager phone or letter. Written corre- serve group members takes a John VanderMolen. "That's why spondence should be directed page out of books by social and we have established a phased-in to: Blue Cross Blue Shield of economic prognosticators who plan to notify our group mem- Michigan, Major Groups Inquiry advise establishing. more per- bers of the number." Department No. 0202, 600 sonalized links between busi- According to VanderMolen, Lafayette East, Detroit, Mich. nesses and clients. The new toll once the transition is com- 48226. free telephone number will give pleted, MFB subscribers will no Subscribers in the MFB group both Medicare and non-Medi- longer use the regional service can begin using letter inquiries care subcribers access to a offices in Grand Rapids, Lan- to the unit immediately. Infor- specially trained BCBSservice sing, Detroit and Marquette. mation about the statewide staff in Detroit who will handle Any calls regarding claims, telephone line, which will oper- all inquiries for the Farm Bu- benefits, billings or requests for ate from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. reau group. 10 cards will be referred to the Monday through Friday, will be Responses by other groups statewide service number. sent to group subscribers by that have established dedicated Member subscribers should mail. inquiry phone lines indicate in- continue to contact their coun- creased satisfaction, says Lee ty FB secretary for any contract 14 RURAL LIVING, MA Y 1986 Wellness Report Shows FB Members Are in Good Shape The results are out - you're "Participation in the pilot pro- ty' type foods," Kartes said. in pretty good shape! gram was a great success with "Stress management and con- That's the word from Rose- more than 370 members in- centration on a proper diet are mary Kartes, MFB Women's De- volved," Kartes said. "Generally two key areas which need more partment manager and educa- speaking, Michigan Farm Bu- attention." tion coordinator, who recently reau members are in pretty Kartes encourages all FB received a summary report of good shape. Statistically, it members to monitor their diet health risk profiles for FB looks like our members are and see their family physician members who participated in a healthier than the average to establish a regular health pilot program at the 1985 MFB population." maintenance program. annual meeting. The health Just how do MFB members "In a follow up report of ques- screening project was co- compare to the general public? tionnaires sent from partici- sponsored by the MFB Women Overall, FB members who volun- pants of the complimentary and the Wellness Center at teered for the tests displayed health screening, a vast majori- Metropolitan Hospital in Grand low symptoms of heart disease ty said that they valued the in- Rapids. and cancer. In addition, the pro- formation they received and Recognizing heart disease as gram results show that very few that it did have an impact on the leading cause of death in FB members smoke, further re- their personal health improve- our country, the health screen- ducing the risks of heart and ment program," said Bridget ing fair was designed to identify related diseases. White of the Wellness Center. members with indications of However, many of the partici- "When asked if the health significant health risks. The pants were classified as being screening program should be screening included a health over their ideal weight, and offered again next year, 91.5% questionnaire, cholesterol test cholesterol levels of the FB said YES!" and blood pressure check. Com- members tested higher than Cost for the health screening puter printouts of the analysis average. profile was supported by con- were mailed to each participant. "These results show that we tributions from county FBs to Any individuals identified as need to concentrate more on the MFB Women's project fund. having abnormal test results nutritional programs by adjust- The project dollars are ear- were personally contacted by ing our diets to limit the marked for health and safety Metropolitan Hospital's medical regular intake of fried and 'fat- programs for all MFB members. staff. Members who took 15 minutes to participate In the health screening program at the 1985 MFBannual meeting completed a questionnaire and were tested for blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Results of the tests were recently mailed to those members. A group summary, complied by Metropolitan Hospital In Grand Rapids, shows that FB members are In pretty good shape. RURAL LIVING, MA Y 1986 15 AGRINOMIC UPDATE Commodity Interests Caught in Buyout Balancing Act Based on the number of bids accepted, USDA has determined that the dairy termination pro- gram will reduce the milk sup- ply by 12.28 billion pounds dur- ing the 18-month program, slightly more than the 12 bil- lion pound target specified by the 1985 Food Security Act. All bids of $22.50/ cwt. or less were accepted. Nationwide, bids ranged from $3.40 to $1,0001 cwt. The number of producers sub- mitting bids totaled 39,534; 13,988 bids (35°/0 of total bids) DAIRY nERn were accepted at an average bid BUYOUT of $14.63/cwt. This signup represents about 8.7°10 of Preliminary Bid Acceptance 1986's estimated production. Number of Uerds per County Nationally there will be 1,550,403 animals removed from production; 951,619 are milk cows, 340,789 are heifers and 257,995 are calves. The cost of the dairy termina- tion program will total $1.827 billion, spread out.over five years. The dairy industry will pay for about 38% of the cost. Producer assessments will National Buyout Periods generate about $700 million with the government contribut- Period 1 633,176 cows 66.53% ing $1.1 billion. Period 2 103,984 cows 10.92% Michigan bids ranged from $4 Period 3 214,459 cows 22.54% to well over $100/cwt., with $15.241 cwt. the average. Michi- gan had the fifth largest Michigan Statistics signup, representing 11.67% of the state's milk production. Total Bids Submitted 1,945 In accepting bids up to Accepted Bids 846 $22.50, USDAsaid considera- Cows Accepted 46,146 tion was given to what it would Heifers Accepted 22,565 cost the CCC to purchase, store Calves Accepted 14,332 and handle the surplus dairy products from 100 pounds of 83,043 head milk for one year in the absence of such a program. Michigan Buyout Periods The signup should have an appreciable effect on produc- Period 1 545 bids 27,771 cows 60% tion, but could be offset some- Period 2 III bids 6,236 cows 13.5% what by the increased output Period 3 190 bids 12,139 cows 26.3<10 from the 92% of the non-partic- 16 RURAL LIVING, MA Y 1986 ipating dairy farmers. The as- ings of the dairy cattle involved proportion to cows slaughtered ses'sments effective April 1, the can be implemented. under the buyout program," possible additional assessment In an effort to stabilize the Kleckner said. Oct. 1, plus the lowered support market, USDAreleased a state- price Jan. 1, 1987, could thin ment indicating that the influx Animal Welfare Group the ranks of some of the non- of dairy cattle to the market is Tries to Stop Branding participating producers. only 2% to 3% of the existing USDA is requiring that cattle volume and reminded the live- to be slaughtered under the Livestock Industry Concerned stock industry that even with- dairy herd buyout program be Livestock producers, who an- out the dairy termination pro- branded to insure that they do ticipated a slaughter of about gram, some of the cows would not return to another dairy 600,000 cows, are very con- have gone to market under nor- herd. Where to brand the cattle, cerned now that more than mal culling practices. however, has created much con- 951,000 cows will be available Farm Bureau has called on troversy. for slaughter. Also, two-thirds the USDAsecretary to take im- Animal welfare advocates of the cows to be slaughtered mediate steps to limit the ad- questioned the need for brand- are scheduled to go to market verse effects the program is ing, but told USDAthat if it was in the first five months of the having on the livestock in- necessary, the forehead would 18-month program. dustry. In a message to Lyng, be the best place. The thick hair Following announcement of AFBF President Dean Kleckner on the forehead, however, the program's details, prices for urged USDAto distribute the makes this choice difficult. The live cattle declined by the limit dairy slaughter as evenly as processors objected to'the tra- for several days at the Chicago possible over the three slaugh- ditional beef branding on the Mercantile Exchange. The reac- ter periods and to increase rump because of damage to the tion also rolled into the pork government purchases of red hide. USDA finally decided on complex with lower prices. meat, as required under the the right jaw as the location. On April 8, the National Cat- 1985 Food Security Act. In reponse, animal welfare tlemen's Association filed suit "The additional USDApur- groups filed suit in federal against the USDAto halt the chases of red meat should com- court in early April to stop the program until orderly market- mence immediately and should branding of dairy cattle destined directly coincide with and be in for slaughter. Feeding Program Costs A Little Countrymark Hi-Tech Swine Feeds are specially formulated to meet the nutritionai demands of modern hogs with superior genetic capabilities for Returns A Lot faster gains, more efficient feed conversions and higher carcass quality. For starting, growing, finishing, breedin~ - Hi.Tech S~ine Feed~ bring the latest nutritional advancements from agricultural experiment stations, land grant universities and Cooperative Research Farms, Inc., supported in part by Countrymark, Incorporated. You owe it to yourself to let your Countrym~rk repres~ntative demo~strate your possibilities with a computer. Evaluate qUIckly and Simply your estimates of cost, break-even selling or purchase prices or the value of corn fed to hogs. FD.6602.2 "Setting The Standards" Count;Y:::~.':l\ 35 E. Chestnut S1. • Columbus, OH 43216 As time passed, though, New Life fo'r Old Barns needs changed. Many farmers have no need for the loft areas of the barn but do need large expanses of space to house their equipment. This was the case with Alan Shumaker, a cash crop farmer from Charlotte who recognized the value of his barn and appreciated its look and history, but who really needed a place to work on tools and to store his combine, trac- tor and other equipment. ") didn't need the lofts. What I did need was space to store my machinery ,and a place to work away from the weather," Alan said. ") contacted Dave Ciolek and asked him to come out to evaluate my barn. He said he could remove the lofts, retruss the barn, and cut a new door in the east end of the barn. "The cost was about a third the cost of a new pole barn with "1 liked the way my barn looked, but because of the lofts it the same capacity. ) signed the wasn't useful. Many times I'd think, , wish it would Just blow contract that day, and within a down,' But it was soUd, and it has a new roof. If I could have the week of his starting the project, support structure altered, I knew that it would be useful to store Dave had com pletely retrussed my equipment and as a workshop, but I thought that' would be the barn and made it sturdier too expensive. than it had been. Now I can "It turned out that I could have the interior altered without drive every piece of equipment I changing the look of the barn, and the cost was reasonable." have into the barn." Al Shumaker After the barn was retrussed Charlotte cash crop farmer and the hole cut for the new door, Alan got involved in the renovation. He put down a new By Janice Child move a barn if necessary, con- cement floor and a new cement tribute to the longevity of the approach to the doorway and Barns come in all shapes and barns. Unlike nails or spikes, filled in the cattle troughs. He sizes. Many in Michigan that the wooden pegs don't rot. also put in the new door. Even were built in the early 19th cen- "Old barns are a wonderful with these additional expenses, tury have withstood harsh win- link with our past," said Dave the cost of the project was less ters, wet springs and steamy Ciolek, a contractor from Birch than half the cost of buying a summers because of the quality Run who works with farmers to new pole barn. of construction. renovate barns to meet present "The barn is as good as new needs. "They were built by now," Alan said. ")n fact, it's The farmers who built these hand, really demonstrating the better. It doesn't creak any barns used post and beam con- ingenuity of our forefathers. more in the wind; it's much struction and virgin lumber - Without large cranes or power sturdier. And, since I want to usually white pine for the walls equipment or even the benefit use it as a workshop, I appreci- and tamarind for the roof raft- of sawmills - just working to- ate the insulation from the ers. As a result of the high pitch gether - these farmers pooled cold." contents, density, strength and their resources and their knowl- When evaluating barns to de- resistance to rot of these edge and built barns that fit termine if they can be re- woods, the barns have stood for their immediate needs and trussed, Dave concentrates on more than 150 years and will lasted for generations." four main areas. stand for many more. The post and beam construction, used primarily to allow farmers to 18 RURAL LIVING, MA Y 1986 First, he checks the roof to determine if it leaks, and whether minor repairs would render it usable. Second, he checks to see if the barn is split or broken due to rotting of any Everything's Coming-up Savings! • of the beams. Third, he looks at the structure's foundation to determine if it has shifted, given way, sunk or caused the barn to be out of shape or to lean. And, finally, he tries to determine if the barn, when converted, would meet the .....,..;-. farmer's needs. "Generally," Dave said, "we've In the MACMA Spring Sale found that most of the barns in Michigan were constructed out of high quality white pine. We rarely see rot or infestations of pests. In fact, the quality of these barns is superior to any- thing that could be built today because that quality lumber - virgin stock - is no longer available." Part of the reason why a barn conversion is so much less ex- pensive than building a new Save on Fresh & Frozen MACMA Fruits, pole barn, for example, is that Vegetables & Citrus Products. most of the materials are al- ready there. "Someone long ago - often the owner's grand- FRESH ASPARAGUS 84