. Important Information. Please Read. APPLICATION FORM This offer is an invitation for you to apply for a credit card by completing the attached application and re- To apply simply cut out and complete 1. turning it to the Credit Card Center by August 31, this short application, then mail to: Applicant's Name (please Print) 1987. This invitation may be withdrawn at any time Bank Card Center, P.O.Box 6703 2. for any reason. Rapid City, SO 57709-9944 Street Address A. Offer valid only to Fann Bureau Members. 3. 8. If retired, self-employed or unemployed, proof of City State Zip income in the fonn of an IRS 1040, IRS 1099, recent pay stub, or F8Rm(] 4. Social Security Number W-2 must accompany this application, or offer will be withdrawn. C. 18% Annual Percentage Rate. $12.00 annual membership fee for VISA, waived for First Year. BUreaU 5. 6. Date of Birth FB Membership Authorized User's Name (Please Print) No. D. Free Ride Period: 25-day time period from the billing date until the Due Date. E. The Bank has the right to take any action(s) it feels necessary to detennine the creditworthiness of the party signing this application. MONEYKEX F. Issued by Independence One™ Bank, N.A. 7. Authorized User's Relationship to Applicant APPLICATION MUST BE SIGNED TO BE V/S4' 8. ( ) _ . CONSIDERED. Applicant's Home Phone Number 9. ( 11. Applicant's Employer & Phone Number Applicant's Signature 10. ( ) yrs. ( ) mos. 12. _ Applicant's Monthly Income & Le~gth of Employment Authorized User's Signature CODE: 33.201 WINTER STEEL SALE High productivity tillage tools for Farm Bureau members -American made drop-forged,special alloy steel ... heat treated for longer A Publication of the Michigan Farm Bureau life. -Fits virtually all field equipment (OEM certified). -Precision sharp edges, made to stay sharp. About the Cover -Plain or carbide hardsurfaced for toughest soil conditions. Winter snowfall creates Christmas -Knives for side and front mount. card scenery throughout Michigan's .~ countryside . RIVETED SICKLE ASSEMBLIES 9 ROCK SHARE SAMPLE PRICES Plow Shares (box of 6 w/bolts) Price John Deere, 16",4 bolt $48.91 Case-IHC, 16",4 bolt $48.91 Shins (box of 6) John Deere, WD-3 $38.02 Case-IHC, WI-25 $34.02 Moldboards (soft center) Rural Living is Published Monthly: on the first day. by the Michigan Farm Bureau Infor- John Deere, NU 1036SC $62.28 ea. mation and Public Relations Division. except during July and August when a combined issue is published on Case.IHC, 16".18".20"x5/16" $54.30 ea. July 15. Publication and editorial offices at 7373 West Saginaw Highway. Lansing. Mich. 48917. Post Office Chisel Spikes Box 30960 (zip 48909); phone 517'323-7000, extension 510. Chisel Plow, SD.23 $9.71 ea. Twisted Slash Point, 4" $9.55 ea. Subscriptions: $1.50 per year to members. included in annual dues. $3.00 per year non.members in Michigan. $5.00 per year non-members out of state. Publication No. 345040. Established Jan. 13. 1923 as Disc Blades Michigan Farm News. name changed to Michigan Farm News Rural Living Dec. 1. 1981. Third-class postage 20"x7 gauge $13.74 ea. paid at Lansing. Michigan. and at additional mailing offices. 22"x1/4" $23.75 ea. Cutter Bars Editorial: Connie Turbin, Editor and Business Manager; Donna Wilber. Contributing Editor; Marcia Ditchie. Associate Editor; Cathy J. Kirvan. Associate Editor and Production Manager. New Holland; 479.9 ft. $60.00 New Holland, 495.12 ft. $85.20 Officers: Michigan Farm Bureau President. Elton R. Smith. Caledonia; Vice President. John Laurie. John Deere, Combine 200 Series, 16 ft. $139.20 Cass City; Administrative Director. Robert Braden; Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer. Matthew Butzin; Guards Secretary. William S. Wilkinson. New Holland, 215A.219191 $5.74 ea. Directors: District 1, Marlin Ou!man. Const~ntine; District 2. Lowell Eisenmann. Blissfield; District 3. Gathering Chain James Sayre, Belleville; District 4. Elton R. Smith. Caledonia; District 5. Mark Smuts. Charlotte; District 6. John Deere, AN 102009 $28.49 John Laurie, Cass City; District 7, Larry Snider, Hart; District 8, Lyle LeCronier, Freeland; District 9, Robert Gregory, Traverse City; District 10, Margaret Kartes, West Branch; District 11. Robert Wahmhoff. Baraga. At-large; David Conklin. Corunna; Wayne Wood, Marlette; (one vacancy). Farm Bureau Women: Diane FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT' Horning, Manchester. Young Farmers; Gary Skinner. Ithaca. YOUR LOCAL VENDOR OR COUNTY FB DECEMBER 1986. RURAL LIVING 3 Michigan Farm Bureau •• AgrlPac Raffle Promoted by stat~ and County Young Farmer Committees WIN GRAND PRIZE Caribbean Cruise for Two FIRST PRIZB Northern Michigan Weekend for Two OTUER PRIZES -19" Color TV - Microwave Oven -Video Cassette Recorder -35mm Camera Outfit Drawing will be held at the Michigan Farm Bureau Annual Meeting, AgriPac Breakfast, Dec. 11, 1986, 8 a.m., Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, Grand Rapids. Contact your local Young Farmer Committee or a member of the ~tate Young Farmer Committee for tickets. TIckets may be purchased by MFB members only. Legislative Revie"\V Congressional Action Slows as 99th Congress Draws to a Close Immigration Reform - In early record. The soybean crop was placed • November President Reagan at 2.01 billion bushels, wheat at 2.07 Lansing signed sweeping immigration reform billion bushels and sugar beets at legislation. The new law grants resi~ 24.8 million tons. dency to foreign workers who can Right-to-Farm - The special verify having worked in U. S. agricul- • governmental agencies task ture for the prescribed period, then Com Sales to Canada Duty force proposals to require "manage- make them eligible for permanent • Bound - Canada placed an ment plans," approved by the MDA residency status after three years. import duty on U.S. corn of for "all farm operations," especially The legislation also requires that $1.05/bu. in early November after livestock operations, have been with- federal agents obtain search warrants complaints by Canadian growers that drawn. Such control could have also before enteringJarm fields to check subsidized U.S. exports of corn were extended to erosion, pesticide use, the status of workers. hurting their incomes. The Canadian noise, dust, odor, air and water qual- Import Tribunal has 120 days to ity, local zoning land use plans, cer- make a final ruling but the duty is ef- tain subdivision splits, designation of fective immediately. agricultural development zones, etc. Washington Seed corn, sweet corn and pop- . No further action will be taken un- ping corn are excluded from the duty til reports are received from three since almost all of the corn produced citizen committees which include in Canada is used for livestock feed many ag producers. The committees and corn sweeteners . are on waste management, educa- Pressure Valve for Farm Debt - tion/information and legislation. • A new farm bankruptcy law Farm operations are already reg- was signed into law in late October Soviet Grain Production Up - ulated by several laws. These include by President Reagan, giving a ray of • federal EP A restrictions and state air The Soviets have placed their new hope to some of the farmers official grain production estimate for quality and water quality laws. who are most hopelessly in debt. 1986 at 210 million tons, leading The major issue now is the attitude The new chapter 12 added to the American analysts to up their esti- of the Air Pollution Commission nation's bankruptcy code will allow mates to 195 million tons. Whatever which, in spite of the recommenda- family farmers to payoff debts over a tions of the DNR staff experts, ruled the true figure, USDA officials say longer period as an alternative to be- against the farm exemption in the Air Soviet imports will be the lowest in ing forced into liquidation. eight years. Pollution Act and refused a permit to The new bankruptcy provision is a hog farmer. This is a serious situa- Only 26 million tons of U. S. grain available only to farmers who earn at tion and the MFB board, at its No- are expected to be shipped to the least half their gross income from Soviets next year: 14 million tons of vember meeting, approved financial farm operations and can attribute at support for the farmer involved if he wheat, 11 million tons of coarse least 80% of their debt to it. Under decides to take the issue to court. grains and 1. million tons of miscella- chapter 12, farmers can reorganize This is a major precedent setting neous crops. It was only two years debts of up to $1.5 million by filing a case. ago that the Soviets imported 55.5 reorganization plan within 90 days million tons of U. S. grain. after filing for bankruptcy . Flood Relief - This was ex- In the interval, the first two years of a multi-year pact, the Soviets have • pected to be the major issue reneged on contracted purchases of when the Legislature returned in wheat by a total of more than 5 mil- mid-November. Gov. Blanchard's 1986 Crop Estimates - The lion tons although they have ex- $200 million interest free loan pro- • surprise in USDA's corn crop ceeded contract stipulations in corn gram was introduced. It would be estimate released in mid-November purchases. 0 handled through the banks and was there was no surprise. Despite PCAs with a $200,000 limit with wide-spread weather problems, the repayment beginning the fourth year predicted 8.22 billion bushel harvest through the tenth year. If passed, it is unchanged from the previous fore- would be available to any farmer cast and 7 % less than last year's (continued on page 17) DECEMBER 1986. RURAL LIVING 5 President's Message Meeting the Challenge of Change Michigan Farm Bureau and affiliates have long been considered progressive organizations willing to make the necessary changes to meet the needs of members. During my tenure on the various boards of this organization, we have indeed experienced a great deal of change. Each of the companies has enjoyed success and dealt with significant challenges. Farm Bureau Insurance Group has grown to be the largest, most responsive farm insurer in the state. Farmers Petroleum responded to the needs of members with custom diesel fuel in 1964. It exhibited strong leadership by becoming the first in Michigan to market Agrihol, a blend of gasoline and alcohol, for motor vehicle use in 1979. FPC made significant organizational structure changes with the formation of Farmers Crude Production Co. in 1981. The formation of MACMA in 1961 and its growth to become the largest state Farm Bureau marketing and bargaining association has con- Seeds tributed significantly to our ability to serve farmers. Michigan Farm Bureau Group Purchasing, Inc. was established in 1976 upon the strong recommendation of a state study committee. The I President Smith accompanied member only program was approved because of a need to provide high Governor Blanchard and MDA quality products at volume discount prices. This need still exists today Director Kindinger on a seven and I encourage your continued support of the Safemark program. city tour of the state Oct. 22-23 Michigan Farm Bureau has experienced growth and change as and Nov. 19. The tour launched well. With over 99,000 member families, we are clearly the leading ad- the "Michigan — Heritage of vocate for farmers of this state. Our leadership development program Quality" campaign to promote and other member involvement activities have repeatedly earned gold the state's food and agricultural stars at the American Farm Bureau Federation level. New service-to- industries. member programs including AgriCom/ACRES/AgriVisor, the Family Saver Buyer's Service and Save-On Cars have also served our I Members of the Berrien County members well. A new emphasis on the Community Action Group pro- FB welcomed President Smith gram and the recommendations of the state FB Women's Study Com- to their 1986 annual meeting, mittee, approved by the board of directors in early November, will Nov. 7. assure that our parent organization will be positioned to meet the challenges which lie ahead. IMFB hosted 30 representatives All of these changes have resulted from the directions given by of Michigan commodity and ag- you, our membership. They have resulted from our commitment to ricultural organizations at FB provide service to farmers and rural Michigan. Center, Nov. 13, to discuss im- I want you to know that I am proud of the accomplishments we plications of the Harkin-Gep- have made over the years. Each of you has had an important part in hardt proposal in the U.S. making the Farm Bureau family of companies a strong voice in the Senate for mandatory produc- Legislature, a sign of service in our local communities, and a caring tion controls. AFBF senior organization that reaches out to its membership. economist John Hoseman ad- It has been a high honor to serve as your president during the past dressed the group. 22 years. Our organization has remained strong because of a solid membership base. . . one which has formulated meaningful policy based I President Smith chaired a on fact, not emotion. I am confident Farm Bureau will continue to meeting of the Michigan Agri- "Meet the Challenge of Change." cultural Summit, Nov. 21 at FB Center. MFB hosts the meeting of agricultural leaders quarterly. Elton R. Smith President, Michigan Farm Bureau DECEMBER 1986, RURAL LIVING 7 State Young Farmer Committee presents the Official Sponsors of the 1986 Leadership Contests Catch the excitement! Wednesday, December 10 • Amway Grand Plaza Hotel AgriCom SM Chevrolet Dentz Allis Outstanding Young Discussion Meet Distinguished Farm Woman Young Farmer Holiday Giving Brings Christmas Joy to Farm Youngsters A warm country farmhouse snuggled under a blanket of freshly fallen snow scent of a Christmas pine delight in a child's eyes the and the these are "We realize that many of the flood victims are hurting financially," said Betty Rusch, committee chairperson. "Some of these farm families will not contribute. Donors have been asked to limit their gifts to new toys. They should be wrapped and marked for a boy or girl with the age level in- be able to afford many Christmas dicated. signs that Christmas is just around presents this year. However, children The toys will be collected at county the corner, but for many farm fami- do not understand these problems FB offices or designated locations lies still struggling with the effects of and parents feel added emotional through Dec. 1. In several counties, fall flooding, the holiday season will stress. " the Farm Bureau Insurance Group not be so bright. Gaining support for the project office is the drop off point. Deliveries In the spirit of Christmas, FB was no problem. The Presque Isle will be made to coordinating mid- members in other areas of the state Women's Committee outlined the Michigan agencies in the second are looking for personal and caring project at an Oct. 30 gathering of the week of December. ways to make family celebrations District 10 Women at West Branch. Wegmeyer will be working with more joyous. A vote was taken and the project MFB Regional Representatives Becky In MFB's District 10 counties of was unanimously adopted by all the Jeppesen (Saginaw' Valley), Bernie Alcona, Alpena, Antrim, Charlevoix, counties in attendance. Bishop (Thumb Region) and Pat Cheboygan, Emmet, Iosco, Mont- Key assignments were made and a Lause (West Central) to develop a morency, Ogemaw, Otsego and Dec. 1 deadline was set. To promote successful distribution network. Presque Isle, the FB Women's Com- the project among their county Some of the participating counties mittees have initiated a "Christmas memberships, women's leaders met are considering expanding on the for Agriculture" project that promises with county FB boards of directors project to include selling Christmas to draw support from every county and Community Action Group mem- trees at wholesale prices to farm FB in-thestate. Working with church bers. Project volunteers agreed to families who may otherwise be un- organizations and community agen- contact local churches and civic able to afford a Christmas tree this cies in the mid-Michigan area, the organizations. News media through- year. group plans to collect and distribute out the area were contacted to While the holiday project may not toys for youngsters in farm families. publicize the activity. offer economic benefit to farm fam- According to Paul Wegmeyer, Gifts are being accepted until Dec. ilies for the crucial months ahead, it MFB regional representative for the 1 from FB members, organizations is a heartfelt gesture from FB mem- area, the project idea was first sug- and other individuals who wish to bers in District 10 to say: "We want gested by the-Women's Committee to help make this a truly Merry in Presque Isle County. Christmas for agriculture this year." o DECEMBER 1986, RURAL LIVING 9 Country Almanac December Dec. 1-5 MACMA Holiday Citrus Sale Dec. 1-3 Michigan Horticultural Society Delivery - Contact your county FB Meeting, Grand Plaza Hotel and secretary for delivery details. Grand Center~ Grand Rapids Dec. 1-2 New Presidents' Conference, FB Dec. 1- Safemiuk Winter Steel Sale - Center, Lansing Jan. 9 contact your county FB secretary Dec. 1-2 MFB/FFA Producers' Forum co- for details. Place your order sponsored by MFB Young Farmers through local vendors. and the FFA, Midway Motor Dec. 9-12 MFB and affiliated companies an- Lodge, Lansing nual meetings, Grand Plaza Hot~1 and Grand Center, Grand Rapids. Dec. 1-3 ~FB Policy Development Meeting, See the article on page 11 of this Lansing - Members of the commit- issue. tee will review and correlate nearly 1,200 resolutions submitted by Dec. 16 AgriCom/ AgriVisor Beginning county FBs and advisory commit- Subscriber Seminar, Lansing tees. From these resolutions, the 20 Dec. 17 Michigan Association of Farmer members of the committee will pre- Cooperatives annual meeting, pare a slate of proposed policy Manager-Director Seminar and recommendations to present to the Legal Tax Accounting Seminar, delegate body at the MFB annual Clarion Hotel, Lansing. Registration meeting in Grand Rapids, Dec. deadline is Dec. 12, 1986. 9-12. Dec. 25 Christmas Day ~ComingUp~ Jan. 6 Michigan Soybean Association an- Jan. 10-15 AFBF annual meeting, Anaheim, nual meeting; Zehnders, Franken- California. MFB members may muth. Contact MSA Executive make meeting and travel reserva- Director Keith Reinholt for registra- tions until Dec. 5, 1986. Make yourl tion and meeting information, travel arrangements with Spartan phone 517-652-3294. Travel (1-800-433-0044) and your meeting and hotel reservations with Jan. 6-7 County Leader Institute, Clarion Hotel, Lansing. This is the first in a MFB; reservation forms are avail- biennial series of comprehensive able from your county secretary. training sessions for county FB ex- Jan. 20-21 AgriCom/ AgriVisor Winter ecutive committees and committee Marketing Seminar, Lansing chairpersons. Registrations are Jan. 26- Membership Blitz for 100,000 in made by the county FB. Feb. 6 1987. Membership campaign volunteers will launch the 1987 drive to reach the statewide goal of 100,000 member families. 10 RURAL LIVING. DECEMBER 1986 TEe work of the 20 member 1986 MFB Policy Development Committee won't be complete until the last resolution is dy discussed and debated by the delegate body. W hen you're looking for people to lead Farm Bu- reau in one of its most important activities, you look for the best in the organization's human re- The committee members must be willing to invest that precious re- source — time. . . time to meet with resource people from FB staff at the state and national levels, from state It took an "act of God" to detour the PD Committee from this sched- ule. Committee members who are leaders in their organization and their communities are, first and foremost, source bank. A review of the creden- agencies and commodity organiza- farmers. That meant their top priority tials of the 1986 MFB Policy Devel- tions, with officials of our land-grant in the wake of the worst natural dis- opment Committee indicates that it is university, to gain insight and aster Michigan agriculture had ex- Michigan agriculture's "cream of the knowledge about the issues affecting perienced in this century was to crop" that has been assigned the agriculture and the people involved salvage what crops they could from critical task of leading Farm Bureau's in the industry. the devastation left behind by the policy development process. In ordinary times, the biggest block flood waters. Proven FB leadership at the coun- of invested time for the committee This necessitated setting their ty and district levels is only part of occurs in early November when three crucial three day and night session the criteria for appointment to this days and nights are spent pulling back to Dec. 1-3, with no time for committee. Involvement in commodi- together, from the nearly 1,200 res- the usual county perusal of the pro- ty organizations, school boards and olutions submitted by county FBs posed policies. This means voting local government are pluses for the and state advisory committees, a delegates will go into session on Dec. select 20 who serve in this capacity. slate of approximately 150 recom- 9 "cold," dependent upon their own With the broad range of topics ad- mendations to present to the voting intuition and listening skills of the dressed by MFB's voting delegates, delegates at the MFB annual meet- past year. experiences beyond their own farm ing. Consolidating and correlating Robert E. Smith, MFB senior legis- gates and beyond the FB "gate" lend that many resolutions without losing lative counsel, has been involved in depth and credibility to the task at the intent of those who submitted FB's policy development process for hand. them is no small task. over 30 years as a member and chair Members of the 1986 state PD The timing of this three-day ses- of the state PD committee and as a Committee fill that bill. There's a sion allows the committee to send staff person. He believes that if the member who serves on the state the proposed resolutions to the coun- voting delegates have done their Pork Producers' Committee, one ties for their consideration prior to homework, such as attending the who is president of his local school the annual meeting. This procedure probable issues meetings, the policies board, a township supervisor, a gives voting delegates an opportunity they adopt will reflect the organiza- member of the state Soybean Asso- to gain direction from the members tion's grassroots thinking. ciation, a past president of the state they represent before they cast their "Delaying the committee's three Apple Commission, an MMPA board vote on the positions their organiza- day session is certainly not something member, and a nurse involved in tion will take on the issues. we're willing to accept during normal rural health and safety issues. (continued on page 20) DECEMBER 1986, RURAL LIVING 11 NrID YOUROPERAD NDOESN'TENDON1iIE DarrEn LINE. ELECTION ••• Farm Bureau Candidate Evaluation Ninety-nine of the 113 "Friends" Committees. The method the com- running in state elections were suc- mittee used to analyze the candi- cessful in their campaigns. dates' voting records and positions In the gubernatorial race, Gov. O f the 121 "Friends of Agri- culture" endorsed by Mich- igan Farm Bureau's AgriPac in the 1986 general election, 107 were elected, giving the political ac- on issues, and personal interviews with some candidates also contri- buted to successful endorsements." All eight of the "Friends" endorsed for the U.S. House of Representa-. Blanchard tallied a 69 % -31 % vote against challenger Bill Lucas. Blan- chard carried all but one county in the state and registered the largest gubernatorial victory margin since tion committee an 88 % success tives were successful. In one of the 1928. ratio. key congressional races, incumbent Just three of the 29 candidates en- Grassroots input into the decision- Bill Schuette (R-10th District) won by dorsed for state Senate seats lost making process played a key role in a 51.3%-48.7% margin. The race their elections while seven of the 74 a successful political action year, ac- was closely watched by MFB because "Friends" in the Michigan House cording to Jack Laurie, MFB vice of the future impact it could have in were unsuccessful in their bid for president and chairperson of the next session of Congress. election. AgriPac. "With his re-election, Bill Schuette In the contests for the 3rd District "We involved a lot of people in should retain his seat on the House Court of Appeals, MSU Board of this year's election," Laurie said.- Agriculture Committee," Laurie said, Trustees, State Supreme Court and "AgriPac's success can be directly at- "which will be important if there are State Board of Education, one of tributed to the involvement of county attempts by the new Congress to two AgriPac-endorsed candidates in change farm legislation." each race won. 0 congra tIt" u a tons., "F.nen d" s u.s. Representatives 31st Dick Posthumus (R) 37th James Kosteva (D) 87th Francis Spaniola (D) 2nd Carl Pursell (R) 32nd' Vern Ehlers (R) 39th Jerry Bartnik (D) 88th Robert Bender (R) 5th Paul Henry (R) 33rd Phil Arthurhultz (R) 41st Michael Nye (R) 89th Gary Randall (R) 6th Bob Carr (D) 34th James Barcia (D) 42nd Glenn Oxender (R) 90th Victor Krause (R) 8th Bob Traxler (D) 35th John Engler (R) 43rd Carl Gnodtke (R) 92nd Thomas Mathieu (D) 9th Guy Vander Jagt (R) 36th Connie Binsfeld (R) 44th Lad Stacey (R) 95th Alvin Hoekman (R) 10th Bill Schuette (R) 37th Mitch Irwin (D) 45th Mick Middaugh (R) 96th Mickey Knight (R) 11th Bob Davis (R) 38th Joe Mack (D) 47th Paul Wartner (R) 98th Ed Giese (R) 18th William Broomfield (R) 48th Don Gilmer (R) 99th Joanne Emmons (R) Governor State Representatives 49th William Martin (R) 100th Roland Niederstadt (D) James Blanchard (D) 1st Michael Bennane (D) 50th Mike Griffin (D) 101st Tom Hickner (D) State Senators 7th Nelson Saunders (D) 51st Susan Munsell (R) 102nd Michael Hayes (R) 6th Robert Geake (R) 8th Carolyn Kilpatrick (D) 54th Paul Hillegonds (R) 104th Thomas Power (R) 8th Rudy Nichols (R) 11th Stanley Stopczynski (D) 55th Wm. VanRegenmorter (R) 105th Thomas Alley (D) 9th Doug Carl (R) 14th Joe Young Sr. (D) 58th Debbie Stabenow (D) 106th John Pridnia (R) 11th Norman Shinkle (R) 15th Joe Young Jr. (D) 59th Lynn Jondahl (D) 107th Pat Gagliardi (D) 13th Jack Welborn (R) 18th Sid Ouwinga (R) 61st Mat Dunaskiss (R) 109th Jim Connors (R) 16th Doug Cruce (R) 19th Don VanSingel (R) 65th Judith Miller (R) 17th Richard Fessler (R) 20th Claude Trim (R) 67th David Gubow (D) Secretary of State 18th Lana Pollack (D) 21st Lynn Owen (D) 68th Shirley Johnson (R) Richard Austin (D) 19th Nick Smith (R) 22nd Gary Owen (D) 70th Lloyd Weeks (D) 3rd District Court of Appeals 20th John Schwarz (R) 23rd Phil Hoffman (R) 71st Sal Rocca (D) Elizabeth Weaver 21st Harmon Cropsey (R) 25th Dennis Dutko (D) 73rd Nick Ciaramitaro (D) MSU Board of Trustees 22nd Harry Gast (R) 27th Joe Porreca (D) 74th John Maynard (D) Barbara Sawyer (D) 23rd Ed Fredricks (R) 28th Robert DeMars (D) 77th Dick Allen (R) State Supreme Court 24th William Sederburg (R) 29th Rick Sitz (D) 78th Keith Muxlow (R) Robert Griffin 26th Gilbert DiNello (D) 30th Joe Palamara (D) 79th Nate Jonker (D) State Board of Education 27th Arthur Miller Jr. (D) 32nd Richard A. Young (D) 82nd Thomas Scott (D) Annetta Miller (D) 28th Dan DeGrow (R) 33rd William Keith (D) 84th John Strand (R) 30th Fred Dillingham (R) 35th Lyn Bankes (R) 86th Lewis Dodak (D) 14 RURAL LIVING. DECEMBER 1986 Mother Nature Plays No Favorites in Farming Game T wo television stations - WLNS-Channel 6, Lansing and WJRT- Channel 12, Flint - went into the business of farming this crop year. Like most "real" farmers, they experienced commodity prices that were lower than production costs, plus the perils of Mother Nature. FARM WATCH The stations "adopted" acres on the farms of two FB member families. Channel 6 had an acre of c;:orn on the farm of Mark and Jeaneen Smuts in Eaton County, and Channel 12 had two acres, one of corn and the other of soybeans, on the farm of Bob and Billie Squanda in Saginaw County. TV crews mpnitored their '~c,ropsfrom planting this spring through harvest and marketing this fall and snpred the progress with their viewers. The bottom line was a loss for' both stations but, according to the Smutses and Squandas, it was a gain for ag understanding. Expenses for Channel 12~s acre of corn totaled $201.60. They received $143.45 for that commodity for a loss of $58.15. They did better on their soybeans, with expenses of $143.50 and receipts of $139.89, for a loss of only $3.61. c "Instead of using the custom rate for combining, we actually took the depreciation off the combine. They would have lost a lot more had we The two Michigan TV sta- used the custom rates," said Billie Squanda. "For the fertilizer and seed, we used the actual costs of what we put into the ground. For labor, we tions that "adopted" crops didn't figure a lot. What farmer is making much from his labor these days? in their viewing areas If prices had been up where they should be, Channel 12 would have made a profit. quickly learned that "The farming game this year was something else! With the weather and the depressed prices, it showed the public what was actually happening on Mother Nature still has a the farm and I think it was a valuable experience for the Channel 12 firm hold on farming people," she said. One of the things they learned, Billie said, is that "you can't farm by ap- schedules and profits. pointment." On the day the soybeans were to be taken to market, Chan- nel 12 made an appointment to follow their crop to the elevator. Bob was delayed taking fuel to the field, so it was up to Billie to transport the soy- beans, with the TV crew following her to the elevator. "So they learned, too, that some farm women are actively involved in the farm operation," she said. Ken Santa, the Channel 12 reporter assigned to the "Farm Watch" proj- ect, was honored by the Saginaw County FB as "Agricultural Com~ municator of the Year." The yield on Channel 6's acre of .com was excellent - 164 dry bushels - but it cost them $41 for drying. They paid $75 for rent of the land, $10 for labor, $23.73 for seed corn, $22.53 for fertilizer, $8.72 for potash, $17.44 for nitrogen, $10 for fuel, $3 for insurance, $10 for repairs and $12 for equipment investment, for total expenses of $192.41. It was sold on Oct. 30 for $1.30 a bushel, minus the $41 drying cost, leaving them $20.22 "in the red." Neither of the stations' acres were in government programs. "We thought the government program would have been too compli- cated to explain to the average TV viewer, but we did explain to Leisa Hall, the reporter who followed the crop throughout the project, how the station would have fared under the program," Mark said. He said the time his family invested in the project was well worthwhile. "Agriculture got a lot of good press and we've been able to inform a lot of people who didn't understand about the business of farming. The Channel 6 people were great and gave us excellent coverage," Mark said. 0 DECEMBER 1986. RURAL LIVING 15 Agrinomic Update Farmers Face Key Tax Decisions Before 1986 Ends Farmers and other taxpayers decisions should be made before the rent limit is $5,000, but it will jump • have until Dec. 31, 1986, to end of the current tax year. Farmers to $10,000 in 1987. For example, make key financial decisions that will are encouraged to consult with a tax with the purchase of a major piece of affect the income tax they pay next accountant since the effects of the equipment, a buyer can deduct the year and in the years to come. As in changes will vary from one farm op- first $10,000 of depreciable assets in other sectors of the economy, farm eration to another. the purchase year. The allowance operators will experience some gains One thing is certain, beginning in had been scheduled to increase at a and losses. There is still a lot to learn 1987 farming decisions will be based later date independent of tax reform. about the way the, transition rules are more on profit and loss and less on On the negative side, farm pro- written and how they will be inter- the ability to shelter income from tax- ducers will lose investment tax credit, preted. Unfortunately, the full impact ation. In the long run this could income averaging and the previous of tax reform on agricultural opera- serve to the benefit of full-time exclusion of 60 % of capital gains in- tions and investments won't be farmers. come. Farm operators with unused known for some time. Farmers and ranchers stand to investment tax credits will be allowed While tax reforI11 was touted as a benefit' from the lower tax rates and to carryforward just 65 % of the total way to simplify the' tax system, the increased personal exemptions. In value. ' final version is still an unwieldy, com- addition, farmers and other self- The new tax law also provides a plicated document that's certain to employed persons will receive a 25 % 15 year ITC carryback provision make tax accountants wealthy and deduction for health insurance costs which allows deductions limited to bewilder the ordinary taxpayer. Pro- through 1989. FB fought an uphill 50 % of the carryover total, or the ponents of tax reform predict the battle to gain this advantage at a time total net tax liability for the past 15 economy will expand as a result of when most tax benefits were being years or $ 750 per year. the tax changes. If that is true, eliminated. Depreciation schedules will be farmers need to be in a position to Farm operators will retain an ex- stretched over a longer period. The share in the growth. pensing provision which allows them law also allows farmers to continue An early, basic understanding is to immediately deduct a portion of using cash accounting, but limits de- essential since some management the cost of qualified assets. The cur- (continued on next page) Tips & Trends ments, the profit or loss is passed through to shareholders . . -For many fium operators, Sosial Security taxes represent a greater burden than.income ,taxes. Through tax planning, Iirriityour ~xposure to self- employed FICA taxes .. -Weigh the acivantages ofh~vingyourspouse serve as an, employee 6f your f~rm. operation. There may be tax advantages from the deduction of health benefit costs, Social Security and other employee expenses. -The treatment of deductions and wages for children has been changed. The double exemption available for cnildren unoer 19 or who were students is gone. Children claimed as dependents on their parents' return arert6 longer-eligible to claim a per- sonaLexernptionforthem)selves on their own return. - Notethe. changes in. the"J1ewdepreciatiop schedules and the change in the expensing provision which allows deduction'oithe first $10,000 in depreciable assets in the purchase of machinery and equipment 16 RURAL LIVING. DECEMBER 1986 Agrinomic Update farmers than farmers. Some livestock Legislative Review analysts estimate as many as one- (continued from page 5) (continued from previous page) third of the cattle placed in feedlots ductions or prepayment expenses to are there for tax investment pur- having major losses due to a weather 50 % of the total expense incurred in . poses. The new restrictions on disaster in 1986. Changes could be the year of purchase. Under a cash passive losses will undoubtedly made by the Legislature. accounting system, expenses are gen- change agricultural investment pat- Transportation - The Michigan erally deducted when paid and in- terns. • Department of Transportation come recognized when it is received. Opinions vary on whether this has announced a two year program Dairy farmers who participated in change will produce a positive or to replace 183 critically deficient the whole herd buyout will be allowed negative effect on American agri- bridges; 75 will be replaced or re- to apply the old rules on capital culture. Most observers predict long paired in 1987 and 105 in 1988. In gains regardless of when they sell. run benefits, helping to key produc- most cases, 80% will be paid by the FB fought for this exception when tion decisions to profit and loss while Federal Highway Bridge Replace- the rules were being written. It was discouraging overproduction. Some ment and Rehabilitation fund. The viewed as a matter of fairness for critics warn it will depress land values rest will come from the state Critical dairy farmers who participated in the in the short term by eliminating Bridge Program. Only one of the whole herd buyout. potential buyers. D projects will be on a state highway. Under the old tax system, many This program follows the repair or non-farm investors had taken advan- replacement of 140 bridges last vear. Agrinomic Update was prepared tage of tax benefits in agriculture. Flood damage to the federal high- by Robert G. Craig, manager, MFB Although precise figures are lacking, way aid system totals $4 million ($1 Commodity Activities and Research it is widely held that a greater share million on state roads and $3 million Dept., and AgriCom project leader. of the benefits accrued to non- on county primary roads). Counties can receive 75% reimbursement Opinion from the Federal Emergency Man- agement Agency (FEMA) and 12 % Involving Cooperative Members state reimbursement on roads other than county primary roads; 100% in Decision Making federal reimbursement is available for most county primary roads. About (Editor's Note: This article is the third in an eight part series on 18 % of the county roads are on the cooperatives, based on surveys and research conducted by Dr. Wil- federal system. liam Black and Dr. Ronald D. Knutson of the Texas A&M University The state highway formula expires System and distributed by the American Institute of Cooperation.) again this year unless the Legislature either extends the formula until next In a recent survey of co-op members, only 19 % said they had session or comes to grips with this ever served on a committee of their co-op. The same survey showed very controversial issue. It was that on the average, co-op members had at least one year of college delayed a year ago to provide time education. This would indicate that although co-op members are cer- for a special House-Senate Fiscal tainly capable of understanding what goes on in the co-op, including Study Committee to determine the board policy, co-ops fail to genuinely involve members in the deci- revenue needed to meet mainte- sion making. A widening gap is developing between what members nance and construction costs. The want, what management wants, and what the board of directors report will be out around Dec. 1 and wants. will likely call for increased gas taxes Additional survey findings indicate that members are progressive and other revenue sources. and willing to accept change. Annual meetings should provide op- portunities for members to express their ideas and be involved in Grain Insurance - Three bills decision making. Unfortunately, some annual meetings have • dealing with grain insurance developed into closed affairs. Indeed, some co-ops do not make have been sent to subcommittees for financial reports available to the membership. There is no way that discussion. The intent of the bills is to ag co-ops can be progressive institutions if these practices continue. provide farmers with insurance to Having members serve on co-op committees makes good sense. protect them in the event of a failure Through committee participation, members are made to feel a part of of a grain dealer. the co-op. They are involved and have valuable input into the deci- HB 5473 (Rep. Randall, R-Elwell) sion making process. These committees are usually chaired by a and HB 5487 (Rep. Spaniola, D- member of the board and committee decisions are submitted to the Corunna) are similar as they would board of directors, after considerable research and study by commit- set up a state fund of $3 million to tee members. The advice of the committee can shorten the time that $5 million funded by a check-off or the board of directors must spend in decision making and result in assessment on each bushel or hun- more sound decisions to strengthen the organization internally and dredweight of covered commodities. among the constituencies they serve. One suggested assessment fee (continued on page 19) DECEMBER 1986, RURAL LIVING 17 Grassroots Perspective Last month you probably no- Discussion Topic • ticed the new design and topics on the discussion topic page. Along with the background information on The Emerging Crisis in the current discussion topic, we'll be reporting your comments on a pre- vious topic, letting you know what's Ground Water Quality coming up next month and featuring a Community Action Group. Water, in its many forms, is a applied or disposed of, they can • basic and vital ingredient in pose a threat to the environment. Want to see your group featured on this page? Then send us informa- plant, animal and human life, and it Congress showed its concern over tion about your activities! is a critical component of agricultural the clean water issue by reauthorizing Tell us when your group was orga- production .. Most people take for the Federal Water Pollution Control nized, when you meet, what kind of granted that adequate quantities of Act in October. Because President special projects you've undertaken fresh and pure water will always be Reagan vetoed the bill, claiming that over the years, what you~re up to available. Unfortunately, the quality the total package was too costly, the now, how lively your discussions of water in many areas is not all that act is expected to be among the first are ... and anything else you can we have come to expect. pieces of legislation reintroduced in think of! If possible, send a picture There has been an aggressive pro- the 100th Congress. also. Black and white photos are gram to clean up the waters of our The version that Congress will re- preferred. state, primarily aimed at the in- consider is not expected to be very Send the information and photo dustrial and manufacturing sectors. different from the measure approved to: Rural Living, P.O. Box 30960, So far the focus has not been on in October. That package included a Lansing, Mich. 48909, then keep agriculture, in part because industrial pollution control section that autho- your eye on this page. D water quality problems have been so rized $400 million over the life of the much more severe and pervasive. bill to help control non-point source But agricultural water quality is pollution, including farmland runoff. clearly an emerging issue. A primary Although there will be no federally "You Said It" concern is the presence of nitrates mandated controls as there are for and phosphates in both surface and discharges from point sources such Here's how Community Action ground water. There are many as industrial sites, it is expected that Groups responded after discussion of sources of those pollutants: states will be required to develop the September topic "Antibiotics in -The application rate of plant non-point pollution control plans. Feed": nutrients, fertilizer and manure often It is unlikely that other changes will -Sixty-one percent of the livestock exceeds the rates at which the plants be made in the basic legislation when producers said their operations can use the material. With the rainfall it is reintroduced. The current law re- would be affected if the use of low patterns typical to Michigan, these quires states to develop non-point levels of antibiotics in feed was cur- valuable nutrients may be carried source plans, and virtually all states, .tailed. away either to surface or ground including Michigan, have complied to -Fifty-three percent said they were water. In addition, concentrated some degree. "The fact that the pro- not concerned about the impact on livestock operations may result in posed act was vetoed will set back their health from exposure to an- nutrients leaching through the soil in- Michigan's program, but not kill it," tibiotics. to the ground water. said Al Almy, director of MFB's - Eight-five percent said farmers are -Septic tanks are common in rural Public Affairs Division. generally aware of the concerns areas. If not properly installed and He advises that farmers follow "about the routine uses of low level maintained, they can result in addi- these re~ommended practices: amounts of antibiotics in feed. tional contribution of pollutants to -Schedule a regular and aggres- both ground and surface water. sive soil testing program to assure - Underground fuel tanks, if not that fertilizers and manure" are not monitored, can result in substantial overapplied. contamination to ground water. In January Tanks over 1,100 gallons are now - Employ tillage practices that minimize wind "and water erosion. required to be registered and mon- - Leave a vegetative strip along itored for leakage. ditches or streams, or replace the Managing Stress -The improper application of pesti- natural vegetation with sod. cides or disposal of residue and con- - Manage livestock confinement tainers is still another potential source areas to minimize manure runoff. How Community Action Groups of ground water and surface water -Consider whether land under cul- can act as support groups in times contamination. Pesticides are a tivation is really suitable for crops or of farm stress. necessary ingredient to modern agri- whether farming it creates more ero- culture. However, when improperly (continued on next page) 18 RURAL LIVING, DECEMBER 1986 Discussion Topic Efficiency and Cost Reduction" has MSU Weather Disaster Pro- been released. Some key points are: • posal - FB supports an MSU (continued from previous page) -The 1986-87 budget proposal is proposal for additional state funding . sion and ground water quality prob- the first of its kind in the state's to help farmers solve many weather lems. history as it is balanced according to disaster problems. This includes: Further deterioration of water qual- generally accepted accounting prin- ; - Purchase of two near infra-red ity will have an adverse effect on ciples. (NIR) analyzers to be placed in rural residents and farmers alike. -The state saved $350 million in rhobile units which will go to counties Public pressure to identify and cor- borrowing costs because of the im- to analyze forage, grain and silage. rect water pollution problem areas proved credit rating resulting from Testing would be for nutrition quality will continue, and agriculture will paying off the $1.7 billion deficit. and mold, including mycotoxin and have an important role to play in the There is a $500 million positive cash aflotoxin. cleanup effort. balance. Additional millions will also -Soil testing to assess nutrient Discussion Questions be saved by local units of govern- leaching, denitrification and soil com- ment due to the state's solvency. The paction will be encouraged. -What are the most probable sources interest costs to schools, townships, - Additional funding for the job of non-point ground water pollu- counties, etc., for bonds and loans retraining program through the tion in your area? rise or fall according to the state's Department of Labor. - Has the ground water quality credit rating. - Expanding the EMA T program, changed in your area in the past -State employment is below the including special flood relief teams. five, 10 or 25 years? 1979-80 peak. - Providing special marketing and - What type of farming practices are -The MDA is credited with saving storage information. you using to protect your ground $85,800 due to efficiency techniques. - Assisting with rural community water? D and small town problems . Ag Education Council - Gov. • Blanchard, by executive order, Legislative Review has established a 36-member Council • Irrevocable Letter of Credit - SB 857 (Sen. Smith, R-Addi- (continued from page 17) on the Revitalization of Agriculture son) provides for either a bond or an amount would be l/4 of 1 cent. Both Through Research and Education. irrevocable letter of credit by a grain sponsors agree in concept to a Several farm leaders are on the dealer. The concept is to provide an referendum of the affected growers. council, along with agribusiness rep- alternative as bonds are difficult to If a grain dealer goes bankrupt, resentatives, vo-ag personnel and ed- obtain and expensive if available. By payments could be made to pro- ucationalleaders. The directors of obtaining a letter of credit, the seller ducers very quickly rather than hav- the departments of agriculture and would receive the same measure of ing to wait out the long and often in- education will co-chair the council. protection and the dealer would not volved bankruptcy proceedings. MFB President Elton R. Smith and be required to obtain a bond. The bill The proposals would limit pay- William Tracy, superintendent of the has been reported out of the Senate ments to 100 % of a valid claim up Branch Intermediate School District, Agriculture Committee. to $20,000 and 80 % of the amount are co-vice chairpersons. of the claim over $20,000 and up to The council will recommend to the Taxation - The special Senate- $100,000. The Michigan Agricultural governor a plan to restore ag educa- • appointed task force is still in Insurance Corp. would be created to tion in the entire K-12 school system the process of writing a report on administer the fund. FB has sup- and also ways to integrate ag re- property tax and school finance. FB ported such a fund, provided af- search and education in all schools' testified before the committee at fected producers have an opportunity curricula. The aim is to revitalize the hearings held in August. to vote on the issue. A referendum development of scientific and profes- would be handled the same way as sional expertise in the field of agri- Prison Farms - SB 808 (N. producers now vote on whether.to culture. There is a critical need for • Smith, R-Addison) would fund, by check-off, research and pro- students to understand agriculture in amend the present Prison Industries motion funds for various commod- general and recognize the oppor- Act to allow for the sale of certain ities. tunities in the scientific and agri- prod ucts grown on prison farms. HB 5474 (Rep. Randall) would re- business fields. Prison farms would be able to sell voke the license of any grain dealer Formation of the council fulfills grain, hay and straw but not any who fails to pay an assessment under one of the recommendations from product directly consumed by the grain fund law if passed. last year's Governor's Conference on humans. The bill passed the Senate Present law can be protective, pro- Agriculture. It is also in line with FB and is in the House Corrections vided farmers have a warehouse re- policy; FB Women's Committees Committee. D ceipt or certified price later agree- have been active for the past several ments. years in bringing agriculture into the classroom. This issue is recognized Lansing legislative topics are Government Cost Reduction - throughout the country, but Michigan reviewed by Robert E. Smith, MFB • The third annual Department of is one of the first states to take ac- senior legislative counsel. Management and Budget "Report on tion. DECEMBER 1986. RURAL LIVING 19 MFB PD Process Laurie will say thanks to Smith for his dynamic leadership. rounding World Bank activities focuses on whether negative com- (continued from page 11) State government leaders will petition for U.S. and Canadian share how President Smith has had a farmers has been created through times" he said. "But these are not positive impact on Michigan agricul- financial and technical assistance to norm~l times and I'm confident that ture, and MSU representatives will developing nations. our delegate body, when given the show their appreciation for Smith's Riddleberger is expected to ad- facts by people they trust who have strong support of the College of dress the questions of whether third thoroughly studied all sides of the Agriculture and Natural Resources, world lending creates competition for issue, will make the right decisions." its research and extension efforts. U.S. farmers, the proper role of the Members of the 1986 MFB Policy Other program highlights are being U.S. government in World Bank ac- Development Committee are: Dist. kept "under wraps" for unveiling that tivities, and whether the loans and 1, George Brossman, Cass County; night, so there will be some surprises credits should be continued. Dist. 2, Brenda Heisler, Calhoun; in store for the Smiths and for the The second topic at the Commod- Dist. 3, Jim VanBuskirk, Monroe; audience. ity Session will be the proposed Dist. 4, John Finkbeiner, Kent; Dist. The evening will have its nostalgic Michigan Agricultural Assistance 5, Jack Anderson, Clinton; Dist. 6, moments, but because the word "re- Loan Program announced by Gov. David Milligan, Tuscola; Dist. 7, K. tirement" is not in Elton R. Smith's James Blanchard on Oct. 13. The Tim Bull, Muskegon; Dist. 8, Roger vocabulary, it will be a celebration of proposal would make available $200 Roslund, Gratiot; Dist. 9, Duane continuing accomplishments rather million in interest free deferred Evans, Benzie; Dist. 10, Thomas than a farewell party. The energetic repayment loans to farmers affected Foltz, Emmet; and Dist. 11, Ed farmer plans to remain very much in- by the fall flood and rain damage. DeWitt, Chippewa. volved in agricultural activities. So Robert G. Craig, manager of the Representing Young .Farmers are this year's annual banquet will be a MFB Commodity Activities and Re- Ed Cagney, Kalamazoo County; gala affair, with well-earned tributes search Department, will report on the Mary Kartes, Ogemaw; and Tom to a distinguished farm leader - but latest legislative action to implement Woelmer, Monroe. Representing FB without the sad farewells that are the program. Women are Alice Happel, St. Jo- often a part of such recognition. seph; Kathy Kosters, Kent; and The Welsh Auditorium has balcony Health Fair Jeaneen Smuts, Eaton. seating for members who wish to Serving at-large are three members A "Wellness" health fair will again take part in this special occasion be part of the MFB annual meeting. of the MFB board: Jack Laurie, without attending the 6:30 banquet. Tuscola County, who chairs the Sponsored by the FB Women in co- The program will start at approx- operation with Michigan Blue Care committee; Jim Sayre, Wayne; and imately 7:45 p.m. Early arrival is ad- Marlin Outman, St. Joseph. Network, the health risk screening vised as a big crowd is expected. will be available between 8 a.m. and Annual Banquet: Tribute to ERS 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 10, and Wodd Bank Spokeperson between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. on The Grand Center's Welsh Audi- to Address Commodity Session Thursday, Dec. 11. Appointments torium will be packed with FB mem- bers and representatives of Michigan On Wednesday, Dec. 10, MFB are necessary. and U.S. agriculture on Thursday members will have a rare opportunity Participants will receive direct night, Dec. 11. It's not just the tradi- to pose some tough questions on home mail of all results with an ex- tional MFB Annual Banquet that will overseas agricultural financing to a planation letter. In addition, individ- be the big draw this year. The reason representative of the World Bank. ual follow-up will be made on abnor- for juggling schedules and possibly Peter Riddleberger, public affairs ad- mal tests. There is no charge for this fighting a snowstorm to "be there" is viser for the World Bank, will be the health screening. the opportunity to pay tribute to MFB Commodity Session guest AgriPac Activities MFB President Elton R. Smith, who speaker. A lively question and will step down at the close of the an- answer session is expected to follow The FB Women are sponsoring a nual meeting from the position he his presentation. Silent Auction for AgriPac on has held for the past 22 years. Established in 1960, the interna- Wednesday evening, Dec. 10, during Smith and MFB's first lady, Lynde, tional lending institution is head- the Las Vegas Night and Jamboree. will receive accolades for their years quartered in Washington, D.C., but Hand crafted items up for bid include of service to Farm Bureau and to the its loan portfolio represents $165 a ceramic Christmas tree, ceramic agricultural industry. AFBF President billion in loans and credits to 41 duck, wooden pig, hand puppets, Dean Kleckner and immediate past developing nations. The largest share grape vine wreaths, quilt of a farm president .Bob Delano will be among of the World Bank's lending is for scene, corn husk wreath, comforter, the delegation of national FB figures agricultural and rural development. desk set, embroidered pillow cases, a who will be on hand to salute the While the World Bank and its sub- 16" teddy bear and a "cow in a Smiths. On behalf of members and sidiaries are owned by 151 member crate." Other items include a District the organization's affiliated com- countries, significant funding con- 8 FB Women's cookbook and 10 lb. panies, MFB Vice President Jack tributions are made by the U.S. and bags of sugar and lots more! Stop by Canada. Current controversy sur- 20 RURAL LIVING. DECEMBER 1986 the auction table in the Ambassador Ballroom and put in your bid! Great prizes are in store for the lucky winners of the Young Three New Farmer/ AgriPac Raffle! Top prize, which will be drawn at the AgriPac Breakfast, is a week-long Caribbean FB Member Services cruise. Other prizes include a week- end in northern Michigan, a 19" color TV, a microwave oven, a VCR and a 35mm camera outfit. Tickets, Give Holidays an which are $2.50, may only be pur- chased by MFB members (Raffle license #R643-23S). Extra Glitter YO\l can also support "Friends" by attending the AgriPac Breakfast on Thursday morning, Dec. 1 ~. Stop by the AgriPac booth at the trade show and buy your ticket. Proceeds from T •• " .. his holiday season the Mich- igan.Farm B.ureau is wrapping up three very attractive mem- the $15 tickets, auction and the raffle ber service packages that are sure to will b~ used to help elect "Friends of add some glitter to your Christmas Agriculture" in the 1988 elections. decorating plans, post holiday vaca- tion or winter hobbies. So don't wait Stars Are Shining in G41nd Rapids until Christm'as to open these exciting Plan to be at the MFB Awards gifts! ' Banquet on Wednesday evening, You'll say,. "It's just what I Dec. 10, to cheer for your county wanted," but there's no secret to this during the star awards presentation. special gift giving. In recent s~rveys Competition was very tough this year conducted by MFB, members said for the top slot and a new county they wanted three new services: an has earned the title "Top County ec<;momica'I credit card, a discount. Farm Bureau of the Year"! travel service and a buying service to Entries in the 1986 star award save both time and money.' . contest totaled 195. Leading the '-'Vhen. you take off the ribbons, pack were 33 entries from county FB you'll find FB's new Diamond Classic Women's Committees, followed by VISA@ credit card. This card,. ~ffers 24 entries from Information Commit- more than' just another line of credit tees, 23 entries in the direct market- forFB families. Members wil]'receive ing area, 21 in policy development, car rental discounts, $100,000 com- 20 from Young Farmer Committees, mon carrier insurance, cash advances and 16 entries each in Safemark, throughout the U.S. and Cari~da, policy execution and local affairs. and credit card chec:ks so that Y9U The newest star award program area can convert other charge balances - Electing "Friends of Agriculture" over to .the Farm Bureau VISA card. - drew 12 entries. There were eight FB's Diamond Classic VISA card isa entries in the commodity activ- full.featured card, accepteH aI1d recc ities/ marketing area and six In Com- ognized around the world .. munity Action Group. In addition, MFB members have:tbls card 38 counties qualified for a gold star available to them free' f6r the first in membership by reaching goal. year. After the first year, there's .a New to this year's awards program reduced annual fee of just $12 .. Your , will be announcement of the winners Farm Bureau VISA card provides a of the three Youn'g. Farmer contests full 25 day grace period for payment - Distinguished Young Farmer, on new/purchases. Look for informa- Outstanding Young Farm Woman tion and an' application forin on page and the Discussion Meet competition. 2 of this issue. o Open your second giftpackage and discover the new Farm Bureau Travel Service: Thanks to discounts on airlin.e ticketing, car 'rental and hotel accommodations, you and your DECEMBER 1986. RURAL LIVING 21 Rural Exchange Stauffer, FFA FARMETTE By Andrea Hofmeister Recognize Agri ~ Tuscola County Science Teachers FFA and the Stauffer Agricul- • tural Products Division of Chesebrough-Pond's Inc. are spon- soring an awards program designed to recognize outstanding ag edu- cators who emphasize agri-science in their classrooms. The program con- sists of state, regional and national awards to teachers in grades 7 through 12. The progra.m also seeks to empha- size the technological side of agri- RURAL RASCALS - There's culture to young people planning more than one way to get into a barn! The careers. "We want to show the public team is made up of Maegan, 4, and that agriculture is a high-tech industry Za.chary, 6, children of Larry and Brenda Hatfield, Mecosta County FB members. with a wide variety of challenging ca- reer opportunities for academically talented students," said Dr. Larry Case, national FFA advisor. The program focuses on four areas BCBS Plan of agri-science: biological, environ- "[ knew that it would be a skimpy mental, engineering and agri-business Christmas, so I wrapped each Changes Allowed technologies. Teachers will be evalu- sock separately .... " MFB and Blue Cross Blue ated on how well they meet student • Shield have announced that and community needs, creative members of the MFB BCBS group teaching techniques, stimulation of who wish to convert their health care student growth, promotion of pro- gram benefits to outsiders and other 150 Years and coverage to a less costly plan may do so. To make the change to a lower crtteria. 0 Still Growing premium program, group subscribers must contact the county FB secretary To honor the efforts of Mich- and request the change. For exam- • igan's original pioneer families, ple, a subscriber to the BCBS Com- Laurie to Study Consumers Power Co. and the State prehensive plan could reduce their Historical Commission are distributing premium costs by converting cov- Dairy Policy 126 sesquicentennial plaques for erage to the Dimension III or Econo display at farms that have remained plans, or to a Health Maintenance MFB Vice President Jack in the family since at least 1836. Organization (HMO). • Laurie is among the 18 dairy In its infancy, Michigan proved to According to John VanderMolen, farmers recently appointed by Ag be a popular place for pioneers. In manager of the MFB Member Ser- Secretary Lyng to serve on the na- the statehood decade, between 1830 vices Department which administers tional Commission on Dairy Policy. and 1840, its population grew more the MFB group health care plans, the rhe commission will study the dairy rapidly than any other state or ter- change option was negotiated to re- price support program and the effects rttory. lieve some of the financial stress on of new milk production technologies. The plaques will be distributed farm families while still providing Their findings will be reported to the throughout 1987 as part of the quality health care protection. 0 secretary and Congress to help deter- state's sesquicentennial observation. mine the future operation of the o federal price support program for milk. 0 22 RURAL LIVING, DECEMBER 1986 FarfD Bureau Market Place CLASSIFIED AD POLICY FARM EQUIPMENT MISCELLANEOUS REAL ESTATE COMPLETEUNE OF NEW AND USED IRRI. CONDO AT NEW SMYRNA BEACH, FLA., • Farm Bureau members pay GATION EQUIPMENT - Also equipment for "OLD TIME FIDDLE MUSIC." Twelve Michi- FOR SALE OR RENT. Completely furnished, gan fiddlers on a sixty minute cassette .. Send 25 cents per word for all manure pumping and spreading by gun, two bedrooms, two baths, ocean view from the $4.50 to Fiddle Music, 448 E. Main St., Kinde, fourth floor. Tastefully decorated. Phone c1a.ssified advertisements. tanker, or injection. Plummer Supply, Inc., Mich. 48445. (l2-2t-24p) 1-800-632-7731. (l-12t-24p) 517-669-8252. (12-21p) • All other advertisers pay HOG EQUIPMENT Del-Air heat ex- WRITE YOUR OWN WILL: It's legal. Four will FOR SALE: FURNISHED 12XGo MARLETTE 50 cents per word for one inser- changers, Osborne feeders, K.G. Johnson far- forms to fill out. $3.00 prepaid. Fast service. MOBILEwith expando,in Eustice, Fla. Own lot tion and 45 cents per word for rowing crates, Chore-Time feeding. Mix-Mill Moneyback guaranteed. PICK's, Dept. MIC. on canal to Lake Yale. More information on re- systems. Hamilton Distributing Co .. Tompkinsville, Ky. 42167. (6-6t-23p-ts) quest. Phone 616-843-4143. (l2-2t-23p) two or more consecutive inser- 616-751-5161. (6-12t-22p-ts) tions of the same ad. FOR SALE: HOUSE AND 137 ACRES in Delta GRAIN DRYERS - Storm or Ezee-Dry, Farm WHY DIE WITHOUT A WILL?Two legal "Will County of Michigan's U.P. Bordered by three Fans Automatic. Used Dryers, PTO and Auto- Forms" and easy instructions. Only $4 .. roads, trout stream, apple orchard. Close to • All advertisements are subject to Order Today! Gooranteed! TY-Company, Box matic. Hamilton Distributing Co., phone schools and churches. Has R-3 zoning, plus a IS-word minimum charge, in- 616-751-5161. (6-12t-17p-ts) 1022-MF, Prior, Okla. 74362. (6-6t-22p-tss) commercial frontage. Great for development or cluding member ads. subdivide - $65,000. Serious inquiries call col- WANTED: LATE MODEL TRACTORS, com- "OLD TIME FIDDLE MUSIC ON CASSETTE." lect, Fries, Va. Phone 703-744-7701. • Please indicate if you are a Farm bines, corn heads and cornpickers. Shinabery Send long SASE for list. Fiddle Music. 448 E. (12-2t-43p-ts) Equipment Co., 517-448-8091 or evenings, Main St., Kinde, Mich. 48445. (l2-2t-20p) Bureau member. 517-523-2803. Ask for Bob Jr. or Wayne. (2-12t-20p-ts) • The deadline for ads is the first OVER 100 RECIPES FROM GRANDMA'S DOGS Monday of the month preceding FOR SALE: 8 SURGE ELECTRICPULSATORS KITCHEN. Variety, delicious, easy. $9.95 - for pipeline, 8 Surge milker claws and 2 SMS. 7347 Willis Road, Brown City, Mich. publication. 48416. (11-2t-18p-ts) FOR SALE: AUSTRALIAN SHEPHERD PUPS. vacuum tanks for Surge pumps. Phone 616-924-2147, Fremont. (12-21p) Good with cattle, watch dogs and loving, loyal • All ads must be pre-paid and family members. Ready to go Nov. 22. Zielland NICE CHRISTMASGIFT - RURALMAILBOX Farms. Phone 517-874-4616. (l2-3t-20p) may be pre-paid up to one year PIPE THAWING EQUIPMENT - Ice breaker FLIP.UP SIGNAL. Tells at a glance from your in advance. thaws pipes quickly and safely. Saves time, window if your mail has arrived. Easy to install. labor and money! Simply attach cables to frozen $3.00 + $.85 postage each or 3 for $1O.0p pipes and plug unit into a convenient grounded postpaid. Order today. Don Holmes, 4436 • It is the responsibility of the electrical outlet. Phone 313-761-4329. FOR HOMEMAKERS Northington Drive, Adrian, Mich. 49221. advertiser to re-insert the ad on (l2-4t-32p) . (11-2t-40p) a month-by-month or year-by- GUARDIAN SERVICE GLASS LIDS! Pyrex year basis. NEED COLLEGEMONEY? Over $4 billion now percolator and Corning parts. Stevensons, Box LIVESTOCK available in scholarships, grants, financial aid! 3392RL, Orange, Calif. 92665. (1O-3t-15p-ts) • The publisher has the right to Income, grades, need unimportant. Guarantee reject any advertising copy MILKING SHORTHORNS: Young bulls, year- you qualify for five financial sources. Most ap- plying receive over 20. Send $3.00 for submitted. lings and calves for sale. Write or visit Stanley brochure. instructions, questionnaire (RE- NURSERY STOCK M. Powell and Family. Ingleside Farm, Rt. 2, 3248 Powell Hwy., Ionia, Mich. 48846. FUNDABLE). Nationwide Scholarship Finders, • No ads will be taken over the (1O-6t-27p) Box 2257, Lynchburg, Va. 24501-0227. BERRY PLANTS - Raspberries, strawberries, phone. (11-2t-44p-ts) blueberries. currants, gooseberries, others. Free catalog. Makielski Berry Nursery, 7130 Platt Road, Dept. RL, Ypsilanti, Mich. 48197. HAY LISTING Phone 313-434-3673. (11-12t-22p) MAIL YOUR AD REAL ESTATE WITII PAYMENT TO: STRAWBERRY PLANTS ASPARAGUS HILLSDALE HAY, INC.: Brian Hasty, Sales ARKANSAS: 3i5 ACRES OF BEAUTIFUL CROWNS. Certified plants grown on fumigated Manager, 106 S. County Line Road, Tekon- ROLLING HILLS near Mountain View, Ark. sand. Free brochure. Krohne Plant Farms. Rt. Rural Living sha, Mich. 49092; home phone 517-765-2099. Creek running through property. 175 acres 6, Box 586, Dowagiac, Mich. 49047. P.O. Box 30960 Litchfield sales phone 517 -542-3438 with new fence. New 30x30 hay barn. 130 (l0-12t-21p) LansiD9, Mich. 48909 (Wednesdays only). All hay NIR tested. acres in pasture with four ponds. County road (12-tfn) runs through property. Contact REENDERS FOR SALE: HYBRID POPLAR 12 cents each. BLUEBERRY FARMS, 14079 - 168th Ave., American Chestnut and other trees and shrubs. HOWELLLIVESTOCKAUCTION: Billor Larry Grand Haven, Mich. 49417. Phone 616- Coldstream Farm, 2030 Freesoil Road, Free- Sheridan. P.O. Box 157, Howell, Mich. 842-6675, 616-842-5380 or 616-842-5068. soil. Mich. 49411. Phone 616-404-5809. 48843: office phone 517-548-3300. (12-tfn) (l1-3t-54p) .(12-5t-20p) DECEMBER 1986, RURAL LIVING 23 The new S~ p~ 7)4~ A~ From Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company of Michigan It's here. Your Farm Bureau Insurance agent is now choose. And all your interest earnings accumulate tax offering a new product that will fill important financial deferred - protected from income taxes until your needs in your life and save you tax dollars at the same annuity starts making payments to you. - time. Our new Single Premium Deferred Annuity can It's called the Single Premium Deferred Annuity, a make a major difference in the quality of your life during big name that makes some big promises. The "Single your retirement years. Compare it with-a certificate of Premium" means you make a deposit one time only. The deposit (CD) for example. CD rates have gone down, "Deferred Annuity" means that from the date your policy their interest earnings are taxable, and a CD won't guar- matures (a date you select), you will receive an income antee you an income for the rest of your life. for the rest of your life - an income you can't outlive! It's clear that our new Single Premium Deferred Of course, your annuity will earn a high rate of Annuity is the best home for your money. Call your Farm interest as it matures ... a rate guaranteed up to five Bureau Insurance Group agent today, and find out more years at a time, depending on the guarantee period you about this profitable new way to fund your retirement. FARM BUREAU ~ Making your future INSURANCE a little more predictable GROUR FARM BUREAU MJTIJl\L • FARM BlJlEAU lfE • FARM BlIlAlJ GN£RAl • FB AoW..ITY Michigan Farm Bureau Non-Profit Org. Rural Living Magazine U.S. Postage P.O. Box 30960 P A 10 7373.W. Saginaw Hwy. Grand Rapids, MI Lansing, Michigan 48909 Permit No. 320