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It's paraquat at its best. For more information, see your participating Countrymark Member Association today. r —r* i Gramoxone SUPER KAUintnltnark M INCORPORATED % GROMOXONE* SUPER is a restricted use pesticide. VOL .. 64 NO.4 Tune in to the "Farm Bureau Review" Hear the latest information on About the Cover Farm Bureau organizational With a little help from Michiga activities and events on the greenhouse operators, tiger Iilie weekly 5-minute "Farm bloomed in March to brighten mid-winter days. Bureau Review" radio show aired. on these stations: STATION AIR TIME WATZ. Alpena 6:20 a.m. Sat. WABJ. Adrian 12:27 p.m. Sat. WPAG. Ann Arbor 6:20 a.m. Sat. G-reenhouses are WLEW. Bad Axe greenhouse industry in so WHFB. Benton Harbor 6:20 a.m. Sat. Garden Fantasy -,-. owne WBRN. Big Rapids Rochowiak. WKYO. Caro 6:20 a.m. Sat. WTVB. Coldwater 12:55 p.m. Tues. WDOW. Dowagiac 6:20 a.m. Sat. WZXM. Gaylord WPLB. Greenville WCSR. Hillsdale 6:20 a.m. Sat. WHTC. Holland 12:15 p.m. Sat. WKZO. Kalamazoo WKLA. Ludington WSMA. Marine City 11 6:20 a.m. Sat. WDMJ. Marquette 7:17 a.m. Sat. WCEN. Mt. Pleasant 6:20 a.m. Sat. WOAP. Owosso 6:20 a.m. Sat. WSGW. Saginaw 5:05-6 a.m. Sat. WMKC, St. Ignace WMLM. St. Louis 6:30 a.m. Sat. WMIC, Sandusky 6:20 a.m. Sat. President's Message WKJC. Tawas City 6:20 a.m. Sat. Legislative R,eview WTCM. Traverse City 6:30 a.m. Sat. WBMB, West Branch 6:20 a.m. Sat. Country Almanac . Rural Exchange .. 'Contact the station for day and time of airing A new Michigan Farm Bureau Rural Living is Published Monthly: on the first day. by the Michigan Farm Bureau Infor- mation and Public Relations Division. except during July and August when a combined issue is published on information service to enhance July 15. Publication and editorial offices at 7373 West Saginaw Highway. Lansing. Mich. 48917. Post Office Box 30960 (zip 48909): phone 517-323-7000. extension 510. the activities of county Farm 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 Bureaus and Community Michigan Farm News. name changed to Michigan Farm News Rural Living Dee. 1. 1981. Third-class postage paid at Lansing. Michigan. and at additional mailing offices. Action Groups. Editorial: Connie Turbin. Editor and Business Manager: Donna Wilber. Contributing Editor: Marcia Ditchie. Associate Editor: Kimberly Marshell. Associate Editor and Production Manager. Contact your local station. Let them Officers: Michigan Farm Bureau President. Jack Laurie. Cass City: Vice President. Wayne Wood. Marlette: Administrative Director. Robert Braden: Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer. Tom Parker: know you appreciate their airing of Secretary. William S. Wilkinson. the "Farm Bureau Review"! Directors: District 1. Marlin Outman, Constantine: District 2. Blaine VanSickle. Marshall: District 3. James Sayre. Belleville: District 4. Charleen Thompson. Freeport: District 5. Mark Smuts. Charlotte: District 6. Jack 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- GET THE LATEST SCOOP ON large: David Conklin. Corunna: Diane Horning, Manchester. Wayne Wood. Marlette: Richard Leach. Saginaw. Farm Bureau Women: Young Farmers: Ed Cagney. Scotts. YOUR ORGANIZATION. APRIL 1987, RURAL LIVING 3 Leg1s1at1ve , , .',".' Rev1ew ' , .' ' FB Tells Congress: Stay with the '85 Far1ll Bill , ' ' , AFBF Boa,~d Reaffirms Support • for '85 Farm Bill --:- The AFBF board of directors took action at its March meeting to, urge Congress to stay with the, current farm bill and resist efforts to make changes. The board also urged the secretary of agriculture to ,adjust the 1987 loan rate for crop soybeans as much as he deems possibletokeep the com~od- ity competitive in the world market. Through the FB proposal, soybean producers would receive supplemen- tal paymentS in the form of PIK or generic certificates for the difference between $5.02 and the newly estab- lished loan rate. In preparation for the 1987 MFB Washington Legisl~tive Seminar, MFB Legislative Leaders and Assistant Leaders attended an issues briefing conducted by members of the Public ' Dairy Policy Hea~ngs - The Affairs Division staff at FB Center, March 18, • National Commission on Dairy POlicy, has scheduled the s,econd in a He said a federal standard would more perso'ns; the federal standard series of public regional meetings on likely be required because an insuffi- exempts employers with fewer th~m April 6 at Hudson, Wisconsin. cient number of states have re- 11. employees. The Commission is charged with sponded toa 1985 request to adopt , - Broader definitions in the Mich- developing recommendations to effective state, field sanitation regula- igan standard would, for example, Congress and the secretary of agri- tions . .only 14 states had approved include livestock operations. The culture with special emphasis on how standarqs equivalent to the secre- federal standard excludes livestock new technology will affect the family tary's 1985 guidelines. 0 feeding. ' farm structure of the dairy industry. -.The federal standard is more per- The Commission is seeking testimony formance oriented and has fewer concerning the current milk price sup- Lansing specifics. For example, the Michigan port program, possible alternative standard would specify available programs, and how new technology drinking water of not more than 60 will affect the future structure of the ' Mic~lgan Field Sanitation Stan- degrees; drinking water in the federal dairy' industry. Oral testimony will be • dards - Michigan's Occupa- standards must be "reasonably co~I." limited to 10 minutes, but the Com- tional Health Standards C9mmission , -Finally, the Michigan regulation mission will accept written testimony. is prepared to release the fifth draft includes requirements of information MFB President Jack Laurie serves of field ,sanitation rules for public, posting and training relative to pes- on the 18-member commission. hearings. However, the Commission ticides and available medical assis- must complete an economic' impact tance; posting is not part of the fed- statement prior to p'ublic hearings, eral requirement. Field Sanitation Standard,- which are likely to be scheduled dur- The agricultural community should • Labor Secretary Brock has an- be aware that any stal1dard which re- ing April and May. nounced a preliminary decision to is- The proposed Michigan standards quires the employer to furnish drink- sue.a federal field sanitation stan- differ from federal standards in four ing water is subject to 'the Michigan dard, perhaps as early as April 21. areas: Safe Drinking Water Act. This re- -The Michigan standard applies to quires not only tested water, but any operation employing one or (continued on next page) 4 RURAL LIVING. APRIL 1987 water from properly constructed wells. FB requested and received a written interpretation which indicated that under the law such a provider would be considered a "water hauler," but that no enforcement would take place. The Commission Farmer Action to has taken steps to urge legislation which will exempt farmers from the Back FB Poli~ies "water hauler" licensing require-. ments. Strengthens • Agricultural Labor Camp Rules - MFB is represented on Influence for an ad hoc committee to review and revise ag labor camp rules. The com- mittee has met four or five times and Agriculture in spirited exchanges has not yet completed the preliminary review of the rules. MFB is currently research- I ing the feasibility of conducting a t'sjust a small book, small enough to tuck in your suit pocket or survey on the issues of field sanita- purse. But small though it may be, it carries a lot of weight at the tion standards and the labor camp state capitol. rules. It's the MFB policy book and the reason legislators pay attention to its contents is because they know it reflects the grassroots thinking of their Agricultural Odors - Legal ac- farmer constituents. They know that no other organization invests as • tion against the Air Pollution much time, effort and resources to gain member input in the policy Control Commission (APCC) has development process that Farm Bureau does. been initiated in Ingham County Cir- The ?ow~rfullittle book is a "road map" for MFB's lobbyists, providing cuit Court as authorized by the MFB . them dIrectIon each work day as they interact with the people who Board of Directors. The litigation at- make decisions that will have an impact on the state's agricultural in- tempts to reverse an APCC ruling dustry. When the highly-respected FB lobbyists speak, the decision- which denies the Tobe Strong hog makers listen. operation in Kalamazoo County a But it's farmer-voters, not lobbyists, who put the legislators in office. statutory exemption from the def- That's why their personal contacts are vital to FB's policy execution inition of air pollution. Various process. The farmer-members who take the words in the policy book agricultural groups have joined the they helped to write and turn them into action give the organization its litigation in name and/ or financially. clout in the legislative arena. That's what the Lansing Legislative Sem- It is not known when the case will be inars are all about. heard in Circuit Court. Meanwhile Each year during February and March, hundreds of FB members the various task force groups con- leave their farms to come to the state capital for the series of seminars. tinue to meet. These groups were They start their day with a briefing session by MFB's legislative staff on created by the Department of Agri- current issues of concern to agriculture. Over lunch they visit with their culture to develop recommendations legislators and share, more effectively than anyone else could, just how on agricultural environmental prob- a particular piece of legislation would affect their farming operation .. lems. , After lunch, they visit legislators' offices, attend committee hearings or Ethanol - Several recent watch the legislative body in session . • While the format has remained much the same over the many years events indicate changing atti- tudes about ethanol use as a gasoline ~hat MFB has been sponsoring the Lansing Legislative Seminars, the extender and octane enhancer. Issues do change. This year, immigration reform, labor and insurance Vice President George Bush has legislation, wildlife crop damage, environmental concerns, and alcohol recently announced his strong sup- fuel, were key issues. (See Lansing Review for status report.) port for the use of alcohol fuels such , In addition to the opportunity to share Farm Bureau policy with their legislators, seminar participants learn how to be effective "lobbyists" not as ethanol made from corn and other crops. In a Detroit News article, Vice just once a year, but whenever the need arises for member action on an President Bush said that ethanol issue. They learn how a bill becomes law, how to present effective tes- from farm products could be a good timony at a hearing, how to write letters to legislators that will have an share of the solution to the farm. impact, and how to make the telephone grid successful. surplus. He pointed out that there Why is the involvement of members in MFB's legislative efforts impor- tant? Robert E. Smith, MFB's senior legislative counsel, sums it up very (continued on page 22) simply: "Because we need them!" 0 APRIL 1987, RURAL LIVING 5 President's Message Will u.S. Agriculture Make History ... or Repeat It? Not only is Michigan's Sesquicentennial Year a celebration of our statehood, it is, in many ways, a year-long history lesson. Indeed, recent events demand that we focus our attention on the lessons of history. The idea that a return to the "ever-normal granary" of the 1930s, which is a part of'the Harkin proposal to "Save the Family Farm," does not stand up well when viewed from a historical perspective. Henry Wallace's ever-normal granary idea was not much different from the federal farmer-held grain reserve we have right now. The 1934 drought gave the political base for the idea. The 1973-74 "food shortage" gave rise to the farmer-held reserve. The idea at both times was to store grains during abundance and release them during scarcity. Wallace set several guidelines for his granary idea. Impressed by critics who warned that such a granary would be "easy to fill but impossible to empty," he hoped to avoid building up stocks in such a way as to con- tinually depress prices and damage the farmer. He was also fearful that given the large increases in wheat acreages in 1936 and 1937, govern- ment could not effectively control the wheat economv. For a time it seemed the plan would work. The Commodity Credit Cor- poration was helped by an upward trend in the general price level and the severe droughts of 1934 and 1936 resulted in substantially reduced stocks from the depression peaks. The period of 1933-37 saw demand for cotton increase and corn and wheat stocks reduced by drought. President Laurie chaired the By late 1937, it became apparent that the CCC had been skating on March 4 progress report and thin ice. Despite government restrictions on acreage - a mistake which planning meeting of the Elton the Harkin plan would repeat today - high yields in 1937 pushed cotton, R. Smith Endowed Chair Cam- corn, and wheat production well above average. A general industrial reces- paign Cabinet. sion later in 1937 reduced demand. Only the wartime demand finally bailed County leaders in District IV out the failing system. welcomed President Laurie to What is the history lesson of the ever-normal granary? It won't work. their district membership cam- Critics of the idea were correct then and they are now: "Granaries are paign planning meeting in Com- easy to fill and impossible to empty." We need only to look at our recent stock Park, March 6. history to see that opportunities to empty the farmer-held reserve in the drought years of 1980 and 1983 were missed in favor of political expediency During March, President Laurie to hold up prices. participated in these ag/ com- Through'the 1985 Farm Bill, U. S. agriculture has taken a historically im- modity association meetings: portant step. It is the first serious step that has been taken in many years Michigan Ag Conference, State- toward returning agriculture to the market place and long term economic wide Commodity Conference, viability. We have quite a way to go, but we must not falter. Rather than Michigan Live Stock Exchange fall back on the failed political notions of the past, I urge you to help as Annual Meeting, Michigan U.S. agriculture writes a new chapter in the history books - one in which Horse Council Expo, Michigan farmers are rewarded for hard work and entrepreneurial risk with profits Milk Producers' Annual Meet- from the marketplace. ing, Agriculture and Natural Resources Week, and the Mich- igan Vocational Agriculture Teachers Luncheon. rJJlf~. President Laurie led county FB Legislative Leaders on the or- ganization,s annual Washington Legislative Seminar, March Jack Laurie. President Michigan Farm Bureau 31-April 3. 6 RURAL LIVING, APRIL 1987 Greenhouses are on THE GROW. By Kimberly Marshell Aside from the lilies, the bedding Plugs are grown in a plastic flat of plant season was moving into full usually 406, 512 or 648 plug holes. N estled in Wayne County's swing. The Rochowiaks have a seed- The holes are first filled with a finely two million square feet of ing machine, producing "plugs" ground soil mix. Seeds are emptied greenhouses are 80 thou- which are used to get their bedding into the machine. sand square feet that Walt and Joyce plants off to a good start. A plug is a A vacuum arm picks up the almost Rochowiak call Garden Fantasy. small, square-shaped section of soil microscopic seeds and drops them- The main crop at Garden Fantasy that contains a well-established seed- into the soil. This process is repeated is bedding plants, 99 percent of ling. The plugs are easily removed for each row. It takes 1 minute and which are grown in the greenhouse from their plastic tray and quickly 40 seconds for Rochowiak's machine by using a seeding machine that pro- transplanted into a tray containing to run one flat through. Newer ma- duces "plugs." The remaining one larger holes known as "cell packs." chines can run a flat in 40 seconds. percent are purchased as transplants. The flats are then placed in en- Also produced are holiday crops for vironmentally controlled incubators, Christmas, Easter, Mother's Day, etc. kept at 85 degrees Fahrenheit and Walt has been in business for 22 misted regularly. Depending on the years, 15 years in retail. Joyce, his seed, flats produce well-established wife, has been his partner for 20 of . seedlings in four to six weeks, which those years. An active Farm Bureau are then transplanted into the cell family, Walt is currently Wayne packs. County FB President. The Greenhouse Industry In March, the Rochowiaks were gearing up for Easter sales. Garden "The greenhouse industry is doing Fantasy had 2,000 lilies on ha'nd for excellent now," Walt said. "Weather the holiday. This year Garden Fan- ' has a lot to do with sales. A wet, tasy also had tiger lilies on sale for cold spring causes sales to drop, the month of March, with 150 plants while a nice warm spring will help blooming per week. sell the bedding plants. Bedding "The tiger lilies were sold as winter plants are annuals planted in the cheer-me-ups," Walt said. "They spring after danger of frost has were a good selling item. People passed. They include petunias, really responded well." marigolds, snapdragons and vege- tables. People like to beautify their yards and start their gardens with live plants." Wayne County agriculture is be- Walt Rochowiak demonstrates how easily a coming very specialized. Its horti- plug can be removed from its tray for cultural industry is rated third in the transplanting. nation, growing $14 million annually in flower products. Other agricultural Greenhouse Industry Trends - industry includes sod growers, U-pick Pl~g Growing operations and ornamental tree farms. "Wayne County is within the top Plug growing is developing into a six Michigan counties as far as dollar new dimension in the greenhouse in- production," Walt said, "mainly be- dustry, mainly because of the ex- cause one acre of greenhouse turns pense of purchasing a seeding ma- over, a much larger profit than one chine, $5-8 thousand, Walt said. acre of traditional farm crops. Be- "Production of plugs begins during cause of the profit potential there is December," Walt said. "The small always the chance the problem of growers can purchase plugs during overproduction can occur, like last March, saving money by not having December with the surplus of poin- to heat their buildings for those three settias. months." "Greenhouses have a great in- The practice of purchasing the dustry potential, but it needs good Brightly colored tiger lilies from Garden plugs also eliminates the chances of management. It is an important in- Fantasy cured the winter blahs for many. having a poor germination problem dustry to maintain," Walt added. in individual flats. APRIL 1987, RURAL LIVING 7 The Role of Farm Bureau cut and some loss of space as the Health Department will now be The importance of the agricultural moved into the building. industry to Wayne County was re- "Michigan Farm Bureau is like Big cently proven to Wayne Co. Com- Brother, always ready to help with missioner Edward McNamara, who any problem we've had. They've was proposing to cut the Wayne been a big help on several occa- County Cooperative Extension Ser- sions," Walt said. vice budget by $430,000. While MFB monitors issues at the With help from MFB, Walt put to- state level, it is very important for gether a letter to the commissioner farm operators to watch the develop- explaining the role of agriculture and ment of local issues. When issues the CES in Wayne County. arise which could affect area agri- "Most people don't think of Wayne culture, the county board of directors County as an agricultural area. How- should be contacted. ever, there are 439 farms with Wayne County growers' concern 38,000 acres in agriculture. Each of over the possible loss of their CES these farms pays an average of is a good example of how, once $7,000 in taxes annually, purchase alerted, MFB can work with counties $16 million worth of equipment and to help solve local problems. 0 Walt spreads finely ground soil into a plug tray {above} and runs it through the seeding machine {below}. Most of the Easter lilies had a few weeks to go before blooming, but some, like this one (left), couldn't wait. machinery, and pay the 775 people they employ $1. 9 million in salaries," Walt's letter stated. "This important industry depends upon the expertise of Cooperative Extension Service personnel for edu- cation, guidance and technical ad- vice. Not only is this of vital impor- . tance to Wayne County's agriculture and horticulture, the natural re- sources, consumer and social ser- vices they provide are equally impor- tant to the rest of our citizens," con- cluded the letter .. The letter was followed up by a postcard campaign involving FB . members in Wayne and surrounding counties and by other interested peo- . pie. The efforts of the campaign re- sulted in the budget remaining the same with two secretarial positions 8 RURAL LIVING, APRIL 1987 High Achievement~ Ma~k Braden's Farm Bureau Career By Connie Turbin P .A. 344 possible. Dairy, livestock and crop farmers loyally supported n the weeks before Robert "Bob" fruit and vegetable growers in their Braden's retirement on March fight for this bargaining legislation. 31, fluorescent lighting glowed "When it came down to the time almost nightly in the administrative when the Legislature was seriously , offices of Farm Bureau Center as the tonsidering the marketing and bin- retiring MFB administrative director gaining bill, I bet that Farm Bureau sorted through the papers, reports, turned out the biggest crowd 'to ever and ~emorabilia of 25 years' with 'the pack the' House gallery. I don't mean state's largest, most powe'rful farm just fruit and vegetable growers. ' organization. Knowing that this legislation didn't af- "I don't expect any great mention fect them personally, Farm Bureau in the history of the organization," he members were there just to support said. "I dori't think I'm that kind of their fellow farmers and Farm person. I subscribe to the belief that Bureau." there'is no limit to what can be ac- When the legislation successfully complished if you don't care who passed, Bob had already moved on gets the credit. I feel that I have been to a new challenge as the adminis- a -pretty good promoter for Farm Bu- trative director of the Michigan Farm Robert E. Braden reau and agriculture." ' ' Bureau. But he carried with him a "Pretty good" is a characteristic philosophy of grassroots farmer "It has been a challenge, too. It understatement of the personal lead- leadership. "Early on I came to ap- becam'e pretty easy for individual ership that Bob Bracien has given to preciate that Farm Bureau was rec- farmers as they grew larger to also the Farm Bureau organiza'tion since ognized by its members as 'their or- grow more independent. There is the i961 when he stepped in' to lead ganization.' It has been a major danger that you get so big that you MFB's fledgling affiliate, Michigan objective of mine to maintain this 'don't think you need your fellow Agricultural Cooperative Marketing es'prit de corps within our organiza- farmers to support you. But a look at Association. ' tion. the challenges in agriculture right "That was one of the biggest ac- now gives a much different picture. complishments of my career - to The environmental arena is a classic get the MACMA program' going and example of why we must have a make it function on two cylinders," grassroots organization working for he said, comparing the power of the all of agriculture." early marketing cooperative to the As administrative director, Bob has two-cylinder tractor he drove in marshalled the organization's staff 1949. "Getting growers' to hang to- and county leadership to the priority , gether when they really didn't have of rejuvenating the organization's any true bargaining power with proc- most basic unit for member involve- essors was 'pretty tough. At times it ment - the Community Action was a lonely task for the marketing Group program. '''I'd like to see 50% committee"and me. But once we had of our members in CAGs, meeting a marketing and bargaining act each month and talking about Farm passed (P.A. 344), we were able to Bureau issues." . make majo'i strides, both in financing That's a goal he will have to watch the organization and in obtaining develop from the sidelines, he ad- realistic prices for' growers." mits, but in his Farm Bureau career He recalls' with pride how the On the road or on the phone from the FB he has been a' central figure in many broad support' of the entire Farm Bu- Center "Bull Pen, " Braden played a key of the organization's outstanding role in securing bargaining power for r'eau organization made passage of Michigan growers. achievements. (continued on next page) APRIL 1987, RURAL LIVING 9 Bob ranks the statewide member- ship growth from 58,000 member f?lmilies in the early 60s to today's 99,000 among his proudest accom plishments. Since 1982 when the MFB Board Selects New organization reached its all time membership high of 72,362 member Administrative Director families, the membership record has been broken in each subsequent year. "I think Farm Bureau has been successful because we have proven our ability to provide services for our members - and keep up with the times." M eeting in a special board session called on March 20, members of the Michigan Farm Bureau Board of Directors se- lected Charles L. Burkett as the new Among Burkett's achievements are 19 years of ,continued membership growth, nearly doubling statewide memberships, and expanded mem- ber service programs. He has also Throughout his administration, administrative director of the state's directed the corps of regional repre- MFB recorded a distinguished record largest general farm organization. sentatives; who are responsible for of national program achievement, In announcing the appointment, coordinating and assisting in the: im- earning 93 AFBF gold star awards for everything from membership to MFB President Jack Laurie cited plementation of Farm Bureau pro- Burkett's 30 year career with the grams in the county organizations. marketing. In 1986, MFB achieved recognition as the top state Farm Bu- Farm Bureau family and as director "I have felt pride in Farm Bureau's of the Field Operations Division for ability to be an effective and reliable reau in the nation when it was the past 19 years. "Chuck not only tool to be used by farm people for awarded 13 gold stars. has a strong knowledge of Farm Bu- their own benefit and the good of the "The fact is that we (MFB) have reau policies and programs,' but has entire agricultural ind ustry," Burkett practically 'owned' the Young Farmer award since the Young Farmer and said. "I have great confidence in our Rancher program was begun. The organizational structure that brings contribution of our outstanding out the best in volunteer leaders and Young Farmer program to our MFB the professional staff to implement growth is evident. It continues to be Farm Bureau policies and programs." the organization's source of new, dy- According to Burkett, the traditions namic leadership." of organizational excellence are a A lifelong commitment to agricul- must at every level of Farm Bureau. ture and to the statewide organiza- "We have the reputation as the tion that could "make it happen" for 'leader builder' for agriculture and as farmers attracted Bob Braden to the an organization that is out in front on Michigan Farm Bureau 25 years ago. the issues. These are the traditions of "I've always been associated with our past and our priorities for the agriculture - always had the desire future." to serve the industry and be a part of Staying "out in front" on the issues it. Originally, my goal was to farm. means identifying problems and That's where I was headed when I moving aggressively to seek solu- went to agricultural college as a tions, he said. "In agriculture today, mighty green 17 -year-old. If some- we face the challenge of improving one had laid out this career in agri- profitability for farmers and defending culture as a vo-ag teacher, extension production agriculture in the environ- agent, ASCS administrator, and fi- mental arena. Farm Bureau is an or- nally in Farm Bureau, I would have ganit;ation that works for its mem- said 'Oh my, no.' But along the way, bers. I plan to hold that course," he I could see good things that I was said. doing and that I was making a contri- Charles 1. Burkett As administrative director, Burkett bution to agriculture. I decided to will be a member of the Administra- stay with that." proven his leadership and organ- tive Board' and be responsible for Michigan agriculture, in general, izational abilities over the years," developing and implementing pro- and Farm Bureau, in particular, have .Laurie said. "He is well positioned to grams approved by the MFB Board benefitted because of his decision. take Farm Bureau enthusiastically in- of Directors through the Field Opera- Now, his well-earned retirement will to the future." tions, Public Affairs and Information allow him the time to travel with his and Public Relations divisions. D wife, Doris, who has patiently warmed up countless cold suppers, and the leisure of an occasional after- noon "just fishin" with grandsons and old friends. D 10 RURAL LIVING, APRIL 1987 "Family Farm Act" A Change. for the Worse By Donna Wilber The major difference between the Opposition to the "Family Farm original Harkin-Gephardt proposal Act" will be a top priority of. legis- F armers should be looking ahead to what kind of farm policy their industry needs in 1990, , AFBF economist Ross Korves told participants in MFB's statewide com- and the "Family Farm Act" is an ag- ricultural export cartel. Otherwise, it's still the same cali for a government- managed agriculture with mandatory production controls. It assumes, ac- lative leaders when they fly to the nation's capital March 31-April 3 for MFB's 27th annual Washington Leg- islative Seminar. Leach believes that priority is "definitely right." modity conference in Lansing on cording to Korves, that farmers March 12. That could happen, he "aren't smart enough to manage their "Livestock farmers cannot af- said, if only Congress would allow own affairs." the 1985 farm bill to run its course. That assumption, plus acreage cut- ford to lose consumers because But since "crisis drives politics, backs of 25 % below projected levels of cost." - Wayne Adam politics drive policy, and Congress for the '85 farm law, which in turn responds to crisis," efforts are under- has implications of billions of dollars For Wayne Adam, a livestock way to change the direction of the less gross sales for agribusiness, farmer from Sanilac County, the pro- farm act that's just beginning to raises the ire of farmers like Dick posed mandatory production controls work. Congressional response to Leach, Saginaw County cash crop pose different, but equally important, "crisis" doesn't have to make sense, farmer who serves on the MFB . concerns. which the recently-introduced "Fam- board. "The present margin in cattle ily Farm Act" certainly does not, "Mandatory controls, in my esti- feeding is not that good, but this bill Korves said .. mation, would literally shut down the would impose controls on farmers agricultural industry. This bill would that would really be detrimental to not only affect us, as farmers, it the industry," he said. "Feeder cattle would kill many of our rural com- prices would be higher due partly to munities," he said. a 1.5 to 2 million cow reduction of Leach and his wife, Sharon, have the dairy herd, and inputs for live- three sons. Their futures, should they stock would be higher because of decide to remain in farming, would . limited crop acres." . be clouded by the "Family -Farm Act" Korves estimated that the cost of quota provisions. The chance -for feeding livestock would double under young farmers to enter the business the "Family Farm Act" ..~nd that meat diminishes as the value of allotments consumption would decrease up to and/ or. quotas becomes higher than 30%. the value of the commodities pro- "Beef prices are now nearing the duced. His sons could become the retail level where consumers start to victims of the same financial pres- show resistance," Adam said. "Live- sures exper.ienced by those the stock farmers cannot afford to lose Wayne and Faye Adam, Sanilac County, "Family Farm Act" proponents are consumers because of cost. The con- discuss the impact of the "Family Farm Act." trying to "save." trols under this bill would mean that "It would take away the incentive some livestock producers would turn The warmed-over version of l~st to grow; to be on your own, to be to other enterprises with cheaper in- year's Harkin-Gephardt "Save the free to plant what you want and to puts. " Family Farm" bill was introduced in meet the challenges of whatever it That's exactly why, Korves said, the House by Rep. Gephardt, who takes to be successful in farming. I that growers of non-program crops, has announced his presidential as- just can't buy -it!" Leach said. such as fruits and vegetables, ought pirations, and in the Senate by Ma- "This proposal is a real threat to to be concerned, too. As farmers jority Leader Robert Byrd. Original agriculture. That's why farmers need turn to alternatives within Michigan's author Harkin is now a co-sponsor. Farm Bureau to closely monitor the diversified agriculture and idled crop Two Michigan Congressmen, John - mood of Congress and keep a finger land is planted in more specialized Conyers and William Ford, are on what's happening. When the crops, overproduction and the among the co-sponsors ...Others in need for organized action arises, "need" for government programs Michigan's congressional delegation Farm Bureau will be the one to blow would be likely. have assured MFB that their names the whistle." (continued on page 16) will not be added to the list. APRIL 1987, RURAL LIVING 11 Country Almanac Aprll April 2 Safemark Open House, April 9 Safemark Open House, Hub Tire, Stechschulte Gas & Oil. Inc., St. Johns. Owosso. April 11- Easter Flower Show, Belle Isle, April 2 Safemark Open House, S & K May 3 Detroit. Farm & Yard, Owosso. April 19 Easter Sunday. April 4 Safemark Open House, Gerald April 24-26 Shepherd Maple Syrup Festival, Keinath's, Deckerville. Shepherd. April 4 Hereford Association Annual April 25-26 Vermontville Maple Syrup Festival, Meeting and Banquet, 7:00 p.m., Vermontville. Brauns on Alpine, Grand Rapids. April 26 Blessing of the Blossoms, St. April 4 Michigan Simmental Association Joseph High School Auditorium, Spring Show and Sale, Mason. St. Joseph. April 26- Blossomtime Festival, Benton May 3 Harbor/St. Joseph. May 3-9 Mushroom Festival, Mesick. June 11-13 National Asparagus Festival, May 6 MACMA Spring Sale (fresh aspar- Shelby/Hart. agus) order deadline. June 14 Flower Day II, Eastern Market, May 9 Morel Mushroom Festival, . Detroit. Lewiston. June 22-26 Young People's Citizenship May 9-10 National Mushroom Hunting Cham- Seminar, Olivet College, Olivet. pionship, Boyne City. July 4 International Cherry Pit Spitting May 13-16 Holland Tulip Time Festival, Championship, Tree-Mendus Fruit Holland. Farm, Eau Claire. Michigan Association of Farmer July 5-11 National Cherry Festival, Traverse May 14 City .. Cooperatives Legal Tax & Account- ing Seminar, Radisson Hotel, Lan- July 15-19 National Blueberry Festival, South sing. Haven. May 16-23 Michigan Week. July 21-23 Ag Expo, MSU. May 17 Flower Day I, Eastern Market, Detroit. I .I'F~eeFirst Year Annual Membership Fee You've asked us for a special Farm Bureau Second Year only $12.00 credit card-. in response, we've put together,!' a truly exciting program. This program is a. Speclgl 1 ,i':. Cash Advance 24...hours a day offer only available to Farm Bureau meJIlq~rs. IAlmost 3000 Automatic Teller Machines in Michigan alone With this card, you'll have the exclusive opportu ..., nity to show your involvement with the Michigah .iCredit Card Checks Farm Bureau, and you'll receive the unique fea~ Copsolidate your credit cards or use for revolving credit purchases tures that make this card more than just another line of credit. • $100,000 Common Carrier Travel & So don't delay~omplete your application Accident Insurance today and start enjoYing the advantages of your Farm Bureau VISA card. , .'Car Rental Diseounts at Avis@, Hertz@ Corporation, apd National Car Rental@ fi?1?1~~, • PrepaYment Option ' 'Allows you to skip up to 3 consecutive payments 1/ ~ Administrative Director To ~pply for your Farm Bureau Money KeyTM • Exclusive Offer VISA@complete the application on the reverse Available only to Farm Bureau members with current membership side, then mail in the postage paid envelope in- cluded in this magazine. Farm Bureau First of Citibank Credit Card Comparison Money Key VISA@ America VISA@ Discover VISA@ Annual Membership Fee $12 $20 None at this time $20 I" Annual Percentage Rate 18% 18% 19.8% 19.8% Ii' 3%*, minimum 4%*, minimum 3.33% *, minimum $20 (under $720), Minimum Monthly Payment of$10 of$10 of $20 2.77%* (over $720) Prepayment Option Yes No Yes No $.95 2% of advance, Cash Advance Fees No No per transaction min. $2, max. $10 *Amount of outstanding balance (Competitive comparison b~sed on survey completed February, 1987.) FaRm~ TM @ Bureau Money Key VISA Application (Please enter your Farm Bureau Membership No.) Independence One" Bank, NA, Rapid City, SD Please print your name exactly as you About You, The Applicant wish it to appear on your credit card(s). Membership SOC. NumberSEC. NO. FIRST NAME INITIAL LAST NAME DATE O{ BIRTH I I I STREET ADDRESS CITY STATE ZIP CODE +4 NO. OF DEPENDENTS AREA CODE/PHONE NO. ( ) - LENGTH AT PRESENT ADDRESS (YRS.) (MOS.) RENT I LIVE WITHOR RELATIVE :UYING OWN B o I $MO. PAYMENT I NAME AND ADDRESS OF LANDLORD OR MORTGAGE HOLDER YRS. MOS. PREVIOUS ADDRESS CITY STATE ZIP CODE +4 PRESENT EMPLOYER STREET ADDRESS CITY STATE ZIP CODE +4 YRS. MOS. POSITION OTHER MO. INCOME ExceptAlimony,ChildSupportorMaintenance (See * Below) I ~O. GROSS INCOME PREVIOUSLY EMPLOYED BY'(OR UNIVERSITY IFRECENT GRADUATE) I ,AREA CODE/PHONE ( ) NO. CITY STATE AMI $ POSITION (OR DEGREE) ISOURCE HOW LONG (OR YA. GRAD.) NAME AND ADDRESS OF NEAREST RELATIVE NOT LIVING WITH YOU CITY STATE ZIP CODE +4 I RELATIONSHIP APPLICANT'S CITIZENSHIP I NAME AND LOCATION OF Y~UR BANK CHECKING ACCI NO. OUSA o OTHER ISAVINGS ACCI NO. About}oint Applicant (if any) FIRST NAME INITIAL LAST NAME SOC. SEC. NO. RELATIONSHIP TO APP. I STREET ADDRESS CITY ZIPCODE +4 AREA CODE/PHONE NO. ( ) PRESENT EMPLOYER STREET ADDRESS CITY STATE ZIP CODE +4 YRS. MOS. POSITION MO. GROSS INCOME AREA CODE/PHONE NO. OTHER MO. INCOME ExceptAlimony,ChildSupportorMaintenance (See * Below) AMI SOURCE $ ( $ PREVIOUSLY EMPLOYED BY (OR UNIVERSITY IFRECENT GRADUATE) CITY STATE POSITION (OR DEGREE) HOW LONG (OR YA. GRAD.) JOINT APPLICANT'S CITIZENSHIP NAME AND LOCATION OF YOUR BANK CHECKING ACCI NO. o USA o OTHER Pleaselistalldebtspresentlyowing includingalimony,childsupportormaintenance payments which you areobligatedtomake. Credit References (OPEN & CLOSED) Attachadditionalsheetsilnecessary,and indicateany 01youraccountslistedunder anothername. IInone,pleaseindicate NAME OF CREDITOR OR INDIVIDUAL CITY STATE ACCOUNT NO. MO. PAYMENT BALANCE NUMBER OF OTHER CREDIT CARD APPLICATIONS CURRENTLY PENDING You arenotrequiredtodiscloseincome from alimony,childsupportormaintenance payments.However, ilyou arerelyingon income lrom alimony, * Additional Information childsupportormaintenanceas a basislorrepayment 01thisobligation, pleasecomplete below. MONTHLY ALIMONY MONTHLY CHILD SUPPORT MONTHLY MAINTENANCE $ $ $ (W jointaccount, read singular pronouns in the plural.) When I receive my credit card, I agree and understand !hat I am rontrad\.rnIly liable according to the applicable Money Key VISA wstomer agreement as ~ may be amended from tine to tine, and W 1his is a jointapplication we agree sud1 liability is jointand 5e'ieraI. I understand that upon approval of my application,and as a c::oncrltion of membership in the Money Key VISA plan, I may be chaIged a norHefundable ann.Jal membership fee for each plan in which I am granted ~. I agree that the membership fee may be charged to my account, as provided for in the Money Key VISA wstomer agreement. 'ltlu haY8 1he righ!to take any action(s) you feel necessary to detennine the creditworthiness of any party signing below. By signing below, I ronfinn !hat 1he information given to you on 1his application is true. I understand that a personal identification number (P.I.N.) will be mailed to me approximately seven (7) days after I receive my card. NOTE: BOTH SIGNATURES REOUIRED FOR A JOINT ACCOUNT DATE DRIVER'S LICENSE NO. AND STATE OF ISSUE APPLICANT'S SIGNATURE X DATE DRIVER'S LICENSE NO. AND STATE OF ISSUE JOINT APPLICANT'S SIG~ATURE X SIGNATURE(S) OF OTHER PERSON(S) PERMITTED TO USE ACCOUNT X X PLEASE PRINT SIGNATURE RELATIONSHIP X X PLEASE PRINT SIGNATURE RELATIONSHIP BANK USE ONLY APP. NO. IAPP. TYPE V M B S1 S2 II CDS UA IA RE 1M AC AA DL PP BK SRC II EMPLOYEE NUMBER: MP VP VE CC EE HO XX NT CR BK LMT AFF ----- GBl GB2 DATE INIT LOll (LAST 6 DIGITS) BANK NO. VISA NO. Origin Code 202 Rural Exchange. MSU Honors 1987 of their campaign. "It helped to have a breakfast for the membership team FARMETTE where they heard a little pep talk By Andrea Hofmeister Distinguished Service from the regional representative and Tuscola County the membership chairperson," he Recipients said. "The chairperson was really fired ujJ to do the job right!" . Another county FB in the mem- bership spotlight is Alpena. County President Bud Wegmeyer and his membership crew wrote 68 new members through the first week of March. Fifty-four were regular farmer memberships. Alpena County has . reached both membership goal and target. "It was a matter of taking the word out to the prospects, like a little bit of evangelism," said Wegmeyer. He also credits the team approach for the success. "Two of us went out to- gether 95 percent of the time," he "We. were playing in the barn with said. "It just seemed like a more re- Daddy and he told us to come in laxed atmosphere when there were a Elwood Kirkpatrick and help you with the spring pair of us." D cleaning. " Elwood Kirkpatrick, a Huron • County Farm Bureau member, received the 1987 Distinguished Ser- vice to Agriculture Award from the Michigan State University College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, March 26. Award recipients were nominated for the honor and selected on the evidence of success and leadership in community activities and affairs. The award was presented during the President's Luncheon by James H. Anderson, Dean, College of ANR, during ANR Week at MSU. Other recipients were Jon Haindl of Schoolcraft County and Jordan B. Tatter of Berrien County. 0 Northeast Counties Fire Up Membership Campaigns The Montmorency County FB • was the first in the state to reach membership goal and farmer MFB Women's Committee members who delivered specially designed grabber jars to Michigan legislators, March 18 to promote Agriculture Week, didn't expect to bring member target. County President together two branches of government. House Agriculture chairperson Thomas Hickner John Noffze credits their success to a (left) stopped Appeals Court Judge Myron Wahls to share the Michigan-grown and proc- "go get 'em" attitude from the start essed snacks that filled the jars and to explain the purpose of Agriculture Day activities. APRIL 1987. RURAL LIVING 15 Comm~dity Conference Your Local Safemark (continued from page 11) Permit~to-Farm I Right-to-Farm Conference participants were up- dated on the' controversial "Permit- to-Farm/Right-to-Farm" issue by MFB legislative counsel Ron Nelson. "Permit-to-Farm is'dead; Righf-to- Farm is in total confusion," he re- Open House ported. The permit-to-farm issue arose last year when citizens challenged live- is stock operations, especially hog op- erations, because of the odors in- Comi~g Soon! volved. A task force made up of rep- resentativesof various state depart- ments and agencies recomm"ended a permit-to-farm system including some controlov"er local zoning and land use planning. MFB and other agricul- tural groups 'strongly, opposed the Watch for the announcement , " report and it was dropped. Following withdrawal of the report, three study committees were formed of the Safemark Open House - information/education, management, waste arid legislatIon. MFB is represented on the committees which in your area. Check out are in the process of developing rec- ommendations to strengthen and $afemark's top quality clarify the Right-fo-Farm law, Nelson said. Recommendations currently in- clude local' mediation and arbitration p~od~cts ... at affordable (called for in policy adopted by " voting delegates at the MFB annual meeting last December) and provi- prices. sion for expansion or change in farm operations. " . . A recommendation is also' being developed' to' provide direction' for lagoon storage arid waste water ap- plication permits currently required by law regardless of the siZe of 'the farm. The current recommendation would require a permit if the farm has over 1,000 animal units .. Farms with less than 1,000 animal units would be exempt from permit if certain waste management practices are followed and the' operation has no record of complaints. " Nelson stressed tha't the recom- mendations are preliminary and are subject to further review and revision before public comment. He urged the farmers to closely monitor local Farm Bureau membership mak~s the difference! zoning proposals that may be devel- oped in their communities which are Safemark products ar~' sold only to Farm Bureau members. not" in the best interest of commercial agriculture. 0 THE SAFEMARK MARGIN: QUALITY • SERViCE • DEPENDA~ILlTY • ECONOMY 16 RURAL LIVING. APRIL 1987 Opinion: Board Policy Michigan Ag Handbooks are Necessary Industry Look~ (Editor's Note: This article is the seventh in an eight part series on co- operatives, based on surveys and research conducted by Dr. William Into its Future Black and Dr. Ronald Knutson of the Texas A&M University System and distributed by the American Institute of Cooperation.) T he 1987 Governor's Confer- Typically, no single coo]:?erative board member is familiar with all the ence on the Future of Mich- existing policies that have been perpetuated or enacted. During their re- igan Agriculture, Feb. 25-26, cent study, Drs. Black and Knutson attended a. meeting of approxi- in Lansing drew Michigan legislators mately 150 board members from throughout the United States. The and representatives from every sector researchers asked for a show of hands from directors who knew all the of the food and agricultural industry. policies of their cooperative. One hand appeared. When asked how the The two days of workshops and gen- information had been acquired, the director replied, "I just recently eral sessions addressed the confer- transferred all policies of the cooperative into a board policy bQok." ence theme, "Opportunities, Alterna- In the absence of a board policy handbook, board members rely on tives, and Innovations." the memory of veteran board members, cooperative managers, or A keynote address by futurist Joel research into past reports and minutes of board meetings to ascertain Barker, president of Infinity Limited, existing policy. The result can mean delays or inconsistencies in deci- Inc., opened the conference with a sion-making. discussion of future economic trends A board policy handbook is also an invaluable source document for . and methods. of dealing with the rad- new cooperative board members. To be valuable to new and existing ical changes expected in the food cooperative directors, it should be updated frequently. Furthermore, and agricultural industry. there must be a policy performance review annually. Boards must Participants also had the opportu- evaluate decisions made and programs implemented. nity to attend three workshops or fo- cus group sessions during the confer- NOW READY FOR EASY PLANTING ence. Workshop topics covered fi- nancial options and cash flow strate- (f--J1;~(-~'~ _~~l- One of Nature's Loveliest Sights! gies for 1987, the implications of tax j-ill/-- (, .. ~~ .' ~,,#: 'i, PINK MIST reform for farms and food-related ("('.y , ( ~ ,r' SMOKE TREE $ 2 00 - II~. ;, .) , "~ businesses, merchandising and diver- ~~\~ I~", l- ~) .... sification to match consumer trends, the importance of quality to profit- ~ f " .. \~.~~~ '.l' .. ~~q ..... ,~,~ ~~ .• '~y, ea. (2 for $3.75) (3 for $4,95) ability and competitive advantage, in- '. \.(L I \,..;' '-~) ~ j} In June, when most other trees novations in packaging and product ;\....(,~:~'l.v ~~. ' ... 'J.' y ~. have q.uit blo.oming, the beauti- development; supply management and contracting, the future of bio- l.~W~d- f. ,-' \...~\ _ _. ~ . :t' ~_ ~_.. '-" J . ful "Pmk Mist" Smoke Trees (~otinu.s coggygria) b~rst fo~th With big clusters of light pmk technology, effects of the '86 ~ ~ ~ panicles resembling big clouds weather disaster, and agricultural I '- \ ~/'" -.::: ~ of smoke so dense you can't see tourism. ,.. ~~ (II -. ., through them. The tree resem- Focus groups met to share views .,.~\.., ~'-1 bles one large cloud of smoke- , .. like a pink cloud resting on a tree and ideas about promoting and ad- trunk. And then in the fall the vertising Michigan's food and agricul- tree is ablaze in a beautiful array ture industry. Group topics included of red scarlet and orange foliage. consumer awareness, Michigan in- Grows to about 15 feet. Especi- ally lovely when three are plant- dustry awareness, processing aware- ed together. You receive choice, ness and international awareness. hand selected 11/2 to 3' trees. Free Other highlights of the opening planting guide included with day session were a Michigan wine FULL I-YEAR GUARANTEE every order. tasting reception, sponsored by the If within one year of receipt ~our order any plants do not live,: of'---------- ORDER HOUSE OF WESLEY, NURSERY DIVISION HERE-------------- : Michigan Grape and Wine Industry Just RETURN THE ORIGINAL. Dept. 9818-52 : Council, and the Governor's Ban- SHIPPING LABEL ONLY for a; 2200 East Oakland Avenue • quet featuring Michigan food prod- free replacement or purchase. Bloomington, Illinois 61701 • ucts. The banquet program included price refund, your choice. We. : guarantee plants to be vigorous,: Send me N6818 Smoke Trees POSTAGE PREPAID. an address by Gov. James Blanchard healthy, and first class in every. NAME - ; and remarks by Michigan State Uni- way. The WARRANTY IS VOID: ADDRESS • versity President John DiBiaggio. 0 UNLESS THE ORIGINAL 'SHIP-. CITY ; PING LABEL IS RETURNED .• STATE. ZIP __ I -------------------------- 1 APRIL 1987, RURAL LIVING 17 Grassroots Perspective The Challenger Community Action Group ''You Said It" CAG Hosts Vo-Ag Honors Banquet Here's how Community Action The Challenger Community Action Group of Alpena County sa- Group members responded after • luted 18 students of the Alpena High School vocational agricul- discussion of the January topic, ture program at a banquet held Tuesday, Feb. 24. "Managing Stress": Vocational agriculture instructor and FFA advisor Bill Bartow of Alpena -Community Action Group mem- praised the students for their accomplishments in school and at home. bers responded affirmatively (89 %) Bartow has been instrumental in building the 4-H and FFA programs for when asked whether assistance is students in the county. available in their communities to help The following students received certificates of achievement: Tami farm families in distress; 11 % of Abram, Dawn Bartow, Christopher Cook, Laura Dziesinski, Bob Ed- those who responded said that com- monds, Brenda Fussey, Pat Glennie, Margie Hale, Matthew Howard, munity resources were not available. Brian Pleiness, Anne Schalkofski, Dawn Shumaker, Chad Skiera, Gary CAG members listed the Extension Suszek, David Wallace, Mary Werth and Ronald Worth. Service and EMAT teams, clergy, Keynote speaker for the program was Paul Wegmeyer, MFB regional crisis centers, county departments of representative for the North Region counties. He is a graduate of Alpena social services and mental health, High and'Michigan State University. He is also a former state FFA presi- friends, farmer groups and other dent. CAG members as sources of help Members of the Challenger group are: Bob and Marlene Banks, Bill and support. and Peggy Bartow, Mel and Judy Matchett, Ron and Shirley Torsch, Gill -When asked whether plans need and Karen Van Wagoner, Charles and Dottie Wagner, and Fred and to be made to create more support Carolynne Wegmeyer. 0 systems in the community which would help families adapt to ongoing agricultural changes, CAG members Discussion Topic were about evenly split - 45 % Yes; 55% No. CAG members recommended that Emphasis on Community Action .Groups financially or emotionally stressed far:nilies could be reached through With the exception of the policy Throughout the state, farmer mem- television advertisements, church and • development process, no other bers began meeting in monthly dis- school programs, local news media, program within the Michigan Farm cussion groups. As a creative way to and referrals by lending organiza- Bureau has provided more members promote interest in the program, a tions. an opportunity to become knowl- new member service - health care edgeably involved with issues of insurance - was initiated exclusively local, state and national concern than for group members. the Community Action Group pro- The program continued to gain gram. popularity, reaching a statewide high In May The roots of this member program ' of 1,686 groups in 1958. However, date back to the mid 1930s. Late in involvement began declining in the 1936, a group of county FB leaders early 60s after membership in a Sesquicentennial Celebration gathered in Lansing to discuss ways group was removed as a requirement to improve member involvement to obtain health insurance. Currently, Rural Michigan is being asked to within the organization. They wished there are approximately 586 groups. play an active role in state and to include more FB members in Many organizations would envy local Sesquicentennial celebra- county and state affairs. From this MFB's asset of having 586 local tions. Michigan Farm Bureau has meeting, the Community Action' groups meeting throughout the state. been participating in ag-oriented Group program was founded. The The FB Community Group program, events and this topic will suggest first Community Action Group, the however, is in need of revitalization. some ways that Community Ac- "Michigan First," was formed in 1937 As the average age of group mem- tion Groups can provide input in Van Buren County. bers grows older, the importance of and ideas on the county level. The idea of members meeting with forming new, younger groups be- other members to discuss local issues comes more essential to the con- became a popular new activity. tinued effectiveness of the program. (continued on next page) 18 RURAL LIVING, APRIL 1987 Traditionally, Community Action Groups meet to discuss local, state, and national issues. Some groups have been extremely active in as- sisting the local policy development Holland-Germany- process, rural/urban programs, and Austria- Liechtenstein- countywide education on agricultural Switzerland - France- issues. The success of the program often Belgium is a result of friendships which are strengthened over the years. This bond of friendship can be a primary July 11-July 25, 1987 reason the group stays together. CaU toll-free: Some groups have faithfully met for 1-800-331 ..1729 all of the 50 years this program has In Grand Rapids, call been in existence. 452 ..9556 However, as the number of Com- munity Groups decline, much recent speculation has been given to their appropriateness. Are Community Ac- tion Groups a viable method for in- The FARM BUREAU CONTI- FARM BUREAU creasing involvement of members? In NENTAL TOUR, scheduled to TRAVEL SERVICE 1986, the county leadership ex- " pressed concern over the trend of depart July 11 and return July provides personal- declining group numbers. In re- 25, is a totally escorted Euro- ized, money-saving sponse, MFB mailed a number of pean travel vacation designed travel packages to surveys to Community Action for Michigan Farm Bureau mem- vacation destinations Groups, county FB board members, throughout the world. bers only. Convenient depar- and to a random sampling of farmer Use your FARM tures are planned from,Lansing members. BUREAU TRA VEL As the results of the surveys were and Grand Rapids. SERVICE member- reviewed, it became clear that even The FARM BUREAU TRA VEL only benefit whenever members who were not involved you travel! with Community Action Groups, did SERVICE has limited the size of this tour, so you'll share the And be sure to find have interest in meeting with out more about our neighbors in their community. Over memories of your summer in Deep Discount Travel 64 % of respondents to this survey Europe with a small group of indicated that "it was a good idea to program offering sav- fellow travelers. ings of up to 50%. meet with neighbors on a monthly basis to discuss local issues." Call one of our experienced Just ask for the Deep Currently, there are a number of travel consultants, Mary Beth or Discount Desk when activities planned to increase involve- you call. Joyce, using the Farm Bureau "ment of Community Action Groups. MFB has appointed a special task Travel Service toll-free line, or force to assist in the revitalization clip the request form below to process. The most important element receive the FARM BUREAU which the task force will study is in- CONTINENTAL tour brochure. creasing the involvement of Com- munity Action Groups in county FB activities. Please rush me the full-color information brochure describing the FARM With the Community Action Group BUREAU CONTINENTAL tour to Holland, Germany, Austria, Liechenstein, program serving as a vehicle for Switzerland, France and Belgium. member inv'olvement, literally hun- dreds of FB leaders could surface. Name Through a renewed emphasis with the county FB, the Community Ac- Address tion Group program is on a come- City/ Town back trail. The county FB boards of State Zip Code (continued on page 22) MFB Membership # Mail to: Farm Bureau Travel Service, 2421 Eastern Avenue, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49507. APRIL 1987. RURAL LIVING 19 CARRIAGE BOLT ~ Quantity per package Price per package COARSE THREAD PLATED LGT Spring Special from Hi-Grade DIA 1.1/2 2.1/2 4 5 6 50 50 50 50 50 25 25 25 1/4 1.40 1.95 2.25 2.65 3.00 2.15 2.55 3.07 Deduct an additional 10 % off your order 50 50 50 50 25 25 25 25 for refill Grade 5 Hex Head Cap Screws, 5/16 2.40 2.95 3.55 4.27 2.59 3.31 4.03 4.75 25 25 25 25 25 10 10 Hex Nuts, Flatwashers, Lockwashers, 1.95 10 3/8 2.25 2.75 3.00 3.72 1.92 2.35 2.76 Carriage Bolts and all Farm Repair Kits! 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 1.39 1.65 1.92 2.16 2.51 3.31 3.84 OFFER ISGOOD THROUGH 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 APRIL 30 ONLY. 1.80 2.16 2.47 2.83 3.48 4.08 4.75 FARM REPAIR KITS Each square contains the price and quantity per package for each size offered. Pari No. t ()@ Colt" Pins HEXAGON BOLT Quantity per package CP-1 $6.50 e- 1/lS".3/1S" Assorted lan.lhs ApprOI. 450 pes. dl•. GRADE # 5 ~OARSE THREAD PLATED Price per package Cotler Pins LGT Hex Lock Flat Cp-2 lIS •• 5/16" dl•. DIA 1.1/2 2.1/2 3-1/2 4 Nuts Washer Washer C- Approl. 125 pes. $6.50 40 35 30 25 20 20 10 10 10 150 150 150 HPC-1 Nltell PinSizesClips 1/4 1.16 1.32 1.43 1.49 1.43 1.71 1.21 1.38 1.64 1.60 .94 1.27 $7.00 ~ Auorted Approl. S5 pes. 40 35 30 25 20 20 10 10 10 150 150 150 5/16 1.71 1.98 2.09 2.05 2.04 2.53 1.54 2.09 2.64 2.53 1.05 1.60 HPC-P ~ =-=:'rti.~n moil ..... 111ft . $3.50 Appm. II IICI. 40 30 20 20 10 10 12 10 8 120 100 100 Spill III' .... 3/8 2.42 2.48 2.04 2.42 1.43 1.76 2.48 2.59 3.08 2.97 1.38 1.60 RP.1.2 1/16"-311" dll. IBI[) Auorted ....1tIII _. $9.00 AptlfDl. 400 pCI. 20 10 10 10 10 10 10 8 60 60 60 7116 1.82 1.16 1.43 1.71 1.98 2.26 2.59 2.64 2.37 3.08 1.27 1.60 Locnullln Ind L.F FI..... ~ ..... I 10 10 10 10 10 10 8 6 5 50 50 50 $6.00 ~ ~/ Apprll ... IICIo 1.21 1.87 2.26 2.59 2.92 2.64 2.42 2.59 2.64 1.54 2.37 Soebt Set Sc... 1/2 1.71 SS.l :ci ~~iJ~r.: ~{I\6" 5 5 5 5 5 4 25 25 25 $9.60 ==--- ~ ha kl" Approl. 180 pcs. 5/8 3/4 1.27 '5 2.15 1.49 2.42 1.76 3.14 2.04 3.19 5 2.31 3.52 5 2.59 4 3.19 2.59 3.85 4 3.03 4 4.40 3.03 24 4.35 1.43 18 1.65 2.37 18 2.53 SMS-1 $6.50 ..... Shllt lleUl ~8::0."12 IIlo~i4 dla. Au't. IItlIlIla Approa. 275 pes. Screws WOOdScr... WS-1 ~ ~: :0."12 sdla~' Auortedllllltlla $6.00 Approl. 275 pes. IIACllIIIE ICIIWS nuta 8-32, ~ FaRm Bureau MEMBERS ONLY MS-1 willi ilia $6.50 ~ :~~'~.rl~~ Approl. 375 pcI. I I -------------~--------------~------- TO ORDER: Fill out the shipping information below and enter the total cost SHIPPING INFORMATION - PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY MS.2 $6.50 ~ MACHIIIE willi .nd :;~~:'-Wo SClIlWS .... IlIb 10.24 114.20 d1a. ":c~' • of each kind of hardware ordered on the appropriate line. 'RWI. FlnUl1S RETURN the entire form with your check. Check must accompany order . Please make checks payable to: Hi.Grade Nut & Bolt Company. CompleteName GF.l $7.25 tr Conbllns .11 rtlu~.~. Approa. tile 1~r:..'1ld 75 IICI. TOTAL $_____ COST Complete Addre.s City WC-1 ~..g i~,E~ IMCIIlrI for 1NllIU1a, Item Size or Part • Quantity $8.00 IICI. -.- ="~5 2. __ Siele Zip Code Hf.ll IltITI CUSSl Size or Part • Quantity Item HNC-1 3. Item Size or Part , Ouantity ------ $5.50 @ COIne t111'11d. 114-5/1 Appra. 125 IICI. d1a. .. Item Size or Part , Quantity Phone HNF.2 NO IIUTI (SA£) fine tInId. 114-5/1 d1a. 5. .... 125 IICI. Item Size or Part , Quantity $5.50 Icertify thai the goodl purchaMd Ire fot firm u .. only Ind ell- 1lYL0ll LOCIl Send your order to: HI.QRADE NUT' BOLT 1490 Maplelawn, S.W. COMPANY Tu (If Sub Tot.1 epPlicable) empt from alii ..... LNC-1 (f~ ='''''''Ud . V4-5/1 .... Wyoming, Michigan 49509 GRANO TOTAL $7.00 ..... 125 IICI. Telephone: (616) 538-9900 or 532.9000 ______________________________ Customer'aSlgneture Farm BurNu ~ Memberahlp Number_.JI 1lYL0ll LOCIl LNF-2 $7.00 0 ::'~. 114-5/1 __ .... • 125 IICIo YOU MUST ORDER FULL PACKAGE QUANTITIES. FREIGHT PREPAID on orders of $50.00 or more. Agrinomic Update USDA Benefits Tied to Conservation Program ' Sev~ral sections of the Food sign-up goal of 48,900 acres. In the district. Failure to do so ~eans in-. • Security Act 9f 1985 (the '85 sign-up which ended Feb. 27, Mich- eiigibility for USDA program benefits. Far!TI Bill) make the goals of the igan farmers bid 67,012 acres for the Swampbuster provisions' apply USDA farm and conservation pro- CRP; 58,697 acres were accepted. when naturally occurring wetlands. grams more consistent by tying The statewide average rental rate are converted to croplands. Although eligibility for USDA program benefits ~as $59.54 per acre. During the there are some exceptions, USDA to specific conservation provisions. February sign-up, farmers.were given farm program benefits are jeopar- These provisions ~ncourage the re- . the option of contract start dates in dized unless produCtion of annually duction of soil erosion and the reten- 1987 0T 1988, however; the $2 corn tilled crops on newly converted tion of wetlands. The provisions are base reduction bonus is limited to wetlands. is discontinued. known as Conservati~n Reserve, 1987 contracts. Farmers who apply for USDA pro- Conservation. Compliance, Sod- Officials anticipate that another gram'benefits must certify that they buster, and Swampbuster. sign-up period will be announced in will not produce ~n agricultural com- Programs ~overed by the regula- July or August for the 1988 pro- modity on highly erodible land dur- tions are: USDA price and income gram. ing the crop year in which benefits supports, disaster payments, crop in- Conservation Compliance provi- are squght unless they do so under surance, FmHA. loans, Commodity sions encourage farmers to controi an approved conservation plan. Credit Corpqration storage pay- erosion on existing cropland. To re- Plans must include specific conserva- ments, farm storage facility loans and main eligible for certain USDA pro~ tion measures that will allow land to other programs under, ~hich pay- gram benefits, farmers must develop be cropped without excessive ero- ments are made with respect to com- and be using a locally-approved con- sion. , modities produced by the fanner. servation plan for those highly erodi- Anyone who is denied eligibility for The Conservation Reserve offers ble fields by Jan. 1, 1990. The plan USDA program benefits under either producers help in retiring highly must be fully implemented by Jan. 1, the highly erodible lands or wetlands erodible cropland through 10 year 1995. conservation provisions has the right rental contracts. In addition, the Sodbuster provisions apply when to appeal. Any appeal should be ASCS will share up to half of the planting annually tilled crops on a made through the local agency office cost of establishing 'permanent highly erodible field that was not that rendered the adverse determina- grasses, legumes, trees, windbreaks used for crop production during the tion. Farmers who think they may be or wildlife plantings on such lands. period 1981-85. Use of such a highly farming highly erodible land should According to Robert Payne, ASCS erodible field for crops must be car- con.tact their local conservation c,?nservation program specialist, the ried out under a conservation system district office immediately. 0 USDA identified 680,000 CRP eli- approved by the local conservation gible acres in Michigan with an initial ~i s Potato Industry Commission Act tivities as a commodity organization arguing that mandatory crop assess- and P .A. 232 Litigation - In a deci- . engaged in generic advertising, pro- ments collected by the Michigan Ap- sion issued March 2, aU. S. District ~otion, market development and re- ple Committee and the majority rule Court judge in Kalamazoo upheld ar- search are neither precluded nor pre- concept 'are pre-empted by the fed- guments by the Michigan Potato In- empted by the federal Agricultural eral AFPA. rhe Michigan Attorney dustry CO!TImission, defending its Fair Practices Act. General's Office argues .that P .A. right to collect commodity assess- Similar argumen~s are set forth in' 232 was an existing state law when meT}ts under provisions of the MPIC, an appeals brief filed by the State of the. federal act was enacted and is Commission Act of 1970. This law is Michigan to the U.S. Supreme exempt by the language and intent of similar to P.A. 232' (the Michigan' Cqurt. The question before the Court the federal act. 0 Agricultural Commodity Marketing is whether it will hear an appeal by a Act). The Court found that MPIC ac- . Michigan apple grower/processor, APRIL 1987. RURAL LIVING 21 During the extension, the Legis- Discussion Topic Legislative Review lature will review a House-Senate' (continued from page 19) (continued from page 5) fiscal study report prepared by a con- sulting firm. The report states in part: directors have been encouraged to are six billion bushels of corn in -Current revenue estimates for all assist Community Action Groups by storage with no one to buy it. The roads will lack $17.6 billion through developing more local opportunities current price support for corn alone 1994; (State trunk line $2.8 billion; and activities for these grassroots is $11 billion annually. He further county primary $4.4 billion; county members. stated that alcohol blended with local $4.4 billion; city [major and gasoline is environmentally clean and local] $3.4 billion; and passenger/ Want to see your group lowers auto emissions of carbon freight $2.6 billion.) This estimate monoxide, hydrocarbons and also ni- . assumes that all road and bridge featured in Rural Living? trogen oxides which are a major needs are met by 1994. cause of acid rains. Send information to: He said that GM and Ford wel- - Priority needs are $10 billion of the total $17.6 billion. Rural Livi~g, P.O. Box come the use of ethanol blends in - Increased state' and local revenu'e their cars and that the balance of 30960, Lansing, MI. trade would improve as oil imports options include: Eliminate fuel tax ceiling (2 cent 48909. could be lowered cutting our depen- increase to start, could rise according dence on the OPEC nations. to a formula); reduce diesel discount; MFB has been an information and The vice president said, "It's time study truck taxation; use bonding; action-oriented organization, speak- to put consideration of an ethanol remove government vehicle fuel tax ing out on behalf of farmers across standard on a fast track ... Ethanol is exemption; consider increasing com- the state since 1919. The Commun- an idea whose time has come." prehensive transportation sales tax ity Acti'on Group program has served Other developments include: revenue proportion; consider eco- as an important tool in that. effort for -EPA approval of a DuPont "meth- nomic development fund. 50 of those years. Now in its golden anol-ethanol'blend" consisting of 5 % - Local revenue recommendations anniversary year, the program is at a methanol and at least 2.5% ethanol. include: crossroads. County FB members are The fuel blend is intended to reduce Expand special assessments and needed to assist in rejuvenating what air pollution. establish charter authorities and issue has become an important part of the -The Colorado Air Pollution Com- bonds to retire backlog. This would FB network o'f leadership building. mission is considering mandating shift much of the cost to local rev- FB members are asked to join in the ethanol use in gasoline because of enues, probably property taxes, effort of starting new Community Ac- serious air pollution problems and to Use property taxes and special as- tion Groups. prevent EPA sanctions. sessments to increase non-user con- As Paul Harvey said in his recent -Rep. Jondahl supports ethanol tributions. (Farm Bureau policy op- radio broadcast, "We don't need use and has written Gov. Blanchard poses returning to the property tax another organization, our nation urging that the departments of Ag- for roads. The policy supports "user already' has too many organizations. riculture and Commerce find a taxes" if'revenue increases are What we need is to breathe fire into method to fund a program to en- needed.) the belly of this most respected one courage ethanol production in Authorize local development or im- (Farm Bureau)." Michigan. pact fees; local fuel taxes and sales The 50th anniversary year of the -Sen. Cropsey is planning to in- taxes. Community Action Group program is troduce another ethanol bill this year. - Revise current distribution for- a timely opportunity to provide new His bill in the 1986 session was mulas by giving more to the st~te emphasis on this grassroots program passed in the Senate 33-0, but did and less to county and local roads. that means so much to the future of not get out of the House Taxation Presently, the state r~ceives 39.1 % , our organization . Committee. counties 39.1 % and municipalities -The Michigan Department of 21.8%. Ten percent of the highway Discussion Questions Commerce Energy Division is hold- revenue is earmarked for compre- - How can the Community Action ing a meeting on ethanol and other hensive transportation. Group program attract more alternative sources of energy. Farm The road formula and other issues members? Bureau is involved. will be very controversial. FB also - During the height of the program supports a "Critical Road Use Fund" success, health care coverage was Transportation - The Legisla- for some of the special problems in offered exclusively to Community • ture has extended the expira- the Upper Peninsula and Northern Action Group members. What type tion date for transportation funding Michigan agriculture and forest in- of member benefits could be offered to June 1, 1987. This is the third ex- dustry. D to increase member interest in the tension. program? - How can Community Action Lansing legislative topics are Groups be involved in all county reviewed by Robert E. Smith, MFB Farm Bureau activities? D senior legislative counsel. 22 RURAL LIVING, APRIL 1987 Farm Bureau Market Place CLASSIFIED AD POLICY REAL ESTATE MISCELLANEOUS LIVESTOCK CONDO AT NEW SMYRNA BEACH. FLA.• NEED COLLEGE MONEY? Billions available MILKING SHORTHORNS: Young bulls, year- • Farm Bureau members pay FOR SALE OR RENT. Completely furnished. now! Scholarships. grants. loans. Guarantee lings and calves for sale. Write or visit Stanley 25 cents per word for all two bedrooms. two baths. ocean view from the you qualify for five financial sources. Most ap- M. Powell and Family. Ingleside Farm, Rt. 2, classified advertisements. fourth floor. Tastefully decorated. Phone plying receive over 20! Send $3.00 for bro- 3248 Powell Hwy .. Ionia, Mich. 48846. 517-669-8252. (4-21p) chure. instructions. questionnaire (REFUND- (4-27p) ABLEl. Nationwide Scholarship F.i!1ders,Box • All other advertisers pay WHATLEY REALTY INC.: Farms-Homes- 2257. Lynchburg. Va. 24501-0227. FREE: COLORFULPOULTRY CATALOG. Of- 50 cents per word for one inser- Commercial. 4571 West US 223. Adrian. MI (3-2t-37p-ts) fering top 'quality chicks (Bantams-Exotics- tion and 45 cents per word for 49221. Phone 517-263-7855 or 517-423- Standards) at rock-bottom prices. Clinton Hat- 7411. Auctioneer. Realtor. Vaughn Jo Lewis. chery, Box 548-MRL. Clinton, Mo. 64735. two or more consecutive inser- 3310 Paragon Road. Tipton. M149287. Phone Phone 816-885-8500. (3-3t-24p-ts) tions of the same ad. 517-431-2571. (4-6t-27p) NURSERY STOCK REGISTERED ANGUS BREEDING STOCK: • All advertisements are subject to BARN PAINTING: Professional. superior refer- For sale at all times. Bordner Angus Farms. ences. and reasonable rates. $150 spring dis- BERRY PLANTS - Raspberries, strawberries, 68730 County Farm Road. Sturgis. MI 49091. a IS-word minimum charge. in- blueberries. currants, gooseberries, others. Free Phone 616-651-8353. (4-12t-20p) count. Phone 517-353-7447 or 517-483. cluding member ads. 9194. Call after 2 p.m. (4-16p-ts) catalog. Makielski Berry Nursery. 7130 Platt Road. Dept. RL, Ypsilanti, Mich. 48197. • Please indicate if you are a Farm Phone 313-434-3673. (1l-12t-22p) Bureau member. MISCELLANEOUS STRAWBERRY PLANTS ASPARAGUS FARM: EQUIPMENT CROWNS. Certified plants grown on fumigated .The deadline for ads is the first LOOK WHAT YOU CAN DO. Stay at home sand. Free brochure. Krohne Plant Farms, Rt. Monday of the month preceding 6, Box 586, Dowagiac, Mich. 49047. FOR SALE: J.D. 13 ft. grain head. Floating cut- and make money too. Send a self-addressed (1O-12t-21p) ter bar. Newer style Hume reel with hyd.-Iift. publication. stamped envelope to: Bugg. 928 Gill Avenue. $975.00. Phone 517-652-6612. (4-20p) Oxford, M148051. (4-26p) FOR SALE: HYBRID POPLAR 12 cents each. • All ads must be pre-paid and BED AND BREAKFASTAT LUDINGTON on American Chestnut and other trees and shrubs. HOG EQUIPMENT - Del-Air heat ex- may be pre-paid up to one year Coldstream Farm, 2030T Freesoil Road, Free- changers, Osborne feeders. K.G. Johnson far- Good Creek. New: barn loft hide-away at soil, Mich. 49411. Phone 616-464-5809. rowing crates. Chore-Time feeding, Mix-Mill in advance. creek's edge. Grace ,and Robert 616- (12-5t-20p) systems. Hamilton Distributing Co .. 843-9768. (3-4t-20p) 616-751-5161. (6-12t-22p-ts) OLD TIME FIDDLE MUSIC- Twelve Michigan GLADIOLUS BULBS - Free brochure. Send • No ads will be taken over the self-addressed, stamped envelope to Poest GRAIN DRYERS - Stormor Ezee-Dry. Farm Fiddlers or Twelve Canadian Fiddlers on a sixty Gladiolus, Box 55, Department RL, Zeeland, Fans Automatic, Used Dryers, PTO and Auto- phone. minute cassette $4.50 each. For list of other Mich. 49464. Phone 616-772-6049. (2-2t-19p) matic. Hamilton Distributing Co., phone Fiddlers, send long S.A.S.E. to Fiddle Music. 616-751-5161. (6-12t-17p-ts) Kinde, Mich. 48445. (3-2t-31p) STRAWBERRY PLANTS - (Md. virus free) MAIL YOUR AD Earlinglow All Star, Sparkle 25 - $5, 100 - $14, TRACTOR REPAIR MANUALS - How to re- WITH PAYMENT TO: EDUCATIONAL CASSETTES by certified 1,000 - $75. Add 15% shipping. 1& J Wolver- pair your tractor. Write today for free catalog. teacher. self-contained, self-correcting, mini- ton Nursery, 6197 Lake, Millington, M148746. Russell Stevens. Route 1, Box 320, Coushatta, lessons. For price list 'and description. "The Phone 517-871-2325. (4-2t-26p-ts) La. 71019. (2-4t.20p-ts) Rural Living Listening Learner," 500 North Road. Fenton, P.O. Box 30960 M148430. (4-25p) HOG PRODUCERS - YOU CAN USE STARR Lansing, Mich. 48909 PLASTIC FLUSH TRAYS for nursery pens and ATTORNEY: Farm born and raised. Engaged farrowing stalls to eliminate daily manure handl- in General Practice at Law. Experienced in most areas of law and can bring needed exper- HAY LISTING ing. Improve bacteria control. They can be used in any type of building on any type of floor. tise to most problems. Particular emphasis on Starr Farrowing Stalls with adjustable swing-up FOR HOMEMAKERS estates and planning. financial problems, torts, HILLSDALE HAY, INC.: Brian Hasty, Sales sides. Choice of waterers and sides. Starr land and bankruptcy. Particular knowledge of Manager, 106 S. County Line Road, Tekon- Nursery Pens, singles, side-by-side and stacked. agriculture. Available statewide. Call or write sha, Mich. 49092; home phone 517-765-2099. Keep your pigs warm and dry. Free literature GUARDIAN SERVICEGLASSLIDS! Hundreds Thomas J. Budzynski. 25550 North River Litchfield sales phone 517-542-3438 and prices. Starr National, 219 Main Street, of other cookware parts. Stevensons, Box Road. Mt. Clemens. MI. Phone 313-463-5253. (Wednesdays only). All hay NIR tested. Colchester. III. 62326, toll free 1-800-233- 3392RL, Orange, Calif. 92665. (2-4t-I5p-ts) (4-7t-57p) (12-tfn) 5502 - in Illinois 1-800-854-6480. (4-80p-ts) PECANS: Quart each halves, pieces, meal. INCREDIBLE INFORMATION - Jeeps' HOWELLLIVESTOCKAUCTION: Billor Larry Three-quart sampler, $9.95. Canecreek Farm, Cars' 4x4's seized in drug raids for under Sheridan, P.O. Box 157, Howell, Mich. Cookeville, TN 38502-2727. (4-7t- I5p-ts) $100.007 Call for facts today! Phone 48843; office phone 517-548-3300. (12-tfn) 615-269-6701. extension 566. (3-2t-19p-ts) APRIL 1987, RURAL LIVING 23 Plarland Welke M?yville, Lape@r County 3&'h'EARS Leonat;e Veeser Harris, Mesominee County 25 YEARS Michigan Farm Bureau Rural Living Magazine Non-Profit Org. P.O. Box 30960 U.S. Postage 7373 W. Saginaw Hwy. P A 10 Lansing, Michigan 48909 Grand Rapids, MI Permit No. 380