(sa'v:;} r) 2. To taste or enjoy with zest; to relish. Use with relish the first Michigan 4-H cookbook aptly titled Savor It! Enjoy with zest nearly 500 recipes in 14 categories including: • Heritage Section for Sesquicentennial Celebrations • Microwave • Holiday Specialties & Food Gifts • Low Salt, Low Sugar & Special Needs • Kids Cook • Quantity Cooking --------------JlL.LJ~------------- Nutrition information, helpful hints, charts, a history of Michigan 4-h, and many photos of 4-H'ers in action, fill the 160 pages of this double spiral bound cookbook with a washable cover. ------------------------------------------------------------------ D YES, I wish to order __ Enclosed is my check for $ copies of Savor It!, at $6.50 (plus $1.00 for postage) per copy. payable to Michigan 4-H Foundation. Fill out coupon and mail order to: 4-H Cookbook, Michigan 4-H Foundation, 4700 South Hagadorn Road, Suite 220, East Lansing, Michigan 48823-5399. NAME ADDRESS CITY STATE Zl~ VOL. 64 NO.6 June 1987 A Publication of the Michigan Farm Bureau About the Cover Michigan's SesquiTrain will be led by a replica of the prairie schooners that brought settlers to the state. The wagon train will/eave Lansing on June 15. PHOTO BY MARCIA DrrCHIE In This Issue SesquiTrain '87 Rolls into History Officials of the Michigan Sesquicentennial Commission anticipate that WEEKLY CRUISE DEPARTURES more than a half million people will get a glimpse of history as SesquiTrain '87 rolls through the mid-Michigan area, Now Available Through Your Farm Bureau Travel Service 8 June 15-27. FB's Vital Link The Community Action Group pro- Save up to 25% on Five Star Cruise gram marks its 50th anniversary this year with recollections from the first group formed in 1937 and new ideas for Line packages. Even greater savings available for advance cruise 9 the 80s. travel plans through April 1988. Ag Tourism: A New, Profitable Partner An entrepreneurial approach to enhancing two of the state's CARIBBEAN CRUISE - 7 Days Regular $1421 FB Travel $956 14 largest industries, agriculture and tourism, is fostering a new travel experience within our borders. MEXICAN RIVIERA - 7 Days Columns President's Message 4 Agrinomic Update 18 Regular FB Travel $1603 $1032 Legislative Review 5 Grassroots Perspective 19 Country Almanac 12 Farm Bureau Market Place 23 TRANSCANAL CRUISE -10 Days RuralExchange 17 Advertisers' Index 23 Regular FB Travel $2590 $1961 Rural Living is Published Monthly: on the first day. by the Michigan Farm Bureau Infor- mation and Public Reli\tions Division. except during July and August when a combined issue is published on July 15. Publication and editorial offices al 7373 Wesl Saginaw Highway. Lansing. Mich. 48917. Post Office Box 30960 (zip 48909); phone 517-323-7000. extension 510. Cruise package also includes round Subscriptions: $1.50 per year to members. included in annual dues. $3.00 per year non-members in trip airfare and transfers. Michigan. $5.00 per year non.members out of state. Publication No. 345040. Established Jan. 13. 1923 as Michigan Farm News. name changed to Michigan Farm News Rural Liuing Dec. 1. 1981. Third-class postage paid at Lansing. Michigan. and at additional mailing offices. These are only examples of the Editorial: Connie Turbin. Editor and Business Manager: Donna Wilber. Contributing Editor; Marcia Ditchie. Associate Editor; Kimberly Marshell. Associate Editor and Production Manager. available cruise itineraries; many Officers: Michigan Farm Bureau President. Jack Laurie. Cass City; Vice President. Wayne Wood. more are available. Call for details. Marlelle; Administrative Director. Charles Burkell; Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer. Tom Parker; Secretary. William S. Wilkinson. Directors: District 1. Marlin Outman. Constantine; District 2. Blaine VanSickle. Marshall: District 3. For more information, Call James Sayre. Belleville: District 4. Charleen Thompson. Freeport; District 5. Mark Smuts. Charlolle: District 6 . Jack Laurie. Cass City: District 7. Larry Snider. Hart: District 8. Lyle LeCronier. Freeland: District 9. Robert 1-800-331-1729; in Grand Rapids, Gregory. Traverse City; District to. Margaret Kartes. West Branch: District 11. Robert Wahmhoff. Baraga. At. large: David Conklin. Corunna: Wayne Wood. Marlelle: Richard Leach. Saginaw. Farm Bureau Women: Call 452-9556. Diane Horning. Manchester. Young Farmers: Ed Cagney. Scotts. JUNE 1987. RURAL LIVING 3 President's Messag~ Share Your FB Pride All of us at one time or another have felt a sense of pride in our ac- complishments. It may have been a satisfied pride in the excellence of our farming operations, or a warm pride in the togetherness of our fami- lies and loved ones. Or perhaps, the exuberant pride we take in the suc- cess of our favorite sports teams. Most of you who have been involved in Farm Bureau activities have felt a pride in the broad strength and power of our organization. It's an eloquent power that speaks the language of "getting things done" when farmer members work together. I urge you now to tap into that sense of pride to help propel you and your county that last extra step needed to ensure membership target, gain and goal. First of all, membership growth provides the financial fuel to make possible a wide variety of county and state activities. From mall displays that tell the farm story to consumers, to sponsoring students to the Young People's Citizenship Seminar, to sending county legislative leaders to Washington, D.C ... all the positive things Farm Bureau does on be- half of agriculture happen because farmers and others voluntarily join the organization each year. Grassroots membership also supports activities on the state level that translate directly back into money-in-the-pocket for farmers. Dollar-saving benefits like tires, batteries anq steel products from Group Purchasing/ Safemark ... discount travel from the Farm Bureau Travel Service ... Seeds group health care coverage for a wide range of budgets ... the AgriCom/ AgriVisor marketing service ... these benefits, and many others, all add • As a member of the National up to savings that more than cover the cost of a year's membership dues. Commission on Dairy Policy, And that doesn't even include the direct and indirect benefits of having a President Laurie was in Syra- full-time legislative, commodity activities, field operations, and informa- cuse, N.Y., May 4 and 5 to tion and public relations staff on duty in Lansing looking after your in- hear testimony from represen- terests. tatives of dairy organizations But memberships do more than just finance Farm Bureau. They and farmers. bring new energy, ideas and enthusias~ into the organization. Farm Bureau thrives on the people power of its members, and that power is .Speaking on the topic, "Farm enriched and renewed by membership growth. Organizations and their Impact At the beginning of this month's column, I mentioned pride in ac- on Ag Policy," MFB President complishments. I've been fortunate to have had the opportunity to travel Jack Laurie addressed a group to many Farm Bureau meetings across the nation, and I've always been of MSU agriculture students, proud of the respect and admiration that's felt for the Michigan Farm May 6. Bureau. Almost every year, we rank near the top in the number of first • MFB President Laurie and place awards for program excellence. But to be eligible for the awards Michigan Townships Association program, a state Farm Bureau must attain AFBF quota. In Michigan's President W. Bryce McGinnis case, that quota is 98,763 members. I'm confident that Farm Bureau met May 7 to strengthen com- members, staff, and affiliate company personnel ... working to- munication liaison between the gether ... can achieve and surpass that level. two organizations. The pride you and I will feel in that accomplishment will reflect a well deserved glow of success on all of our county Farm Bureau and Community Action Group activities. .A television crew was "down on the farm," May 18, when Chan- J~f~ nel 12-Flint taped a feature with MFB President Laurie at the family farm in Tuscola County . • President Laurie met with representatives of Farm Credit Jack Laurie, President Services of Mid-Michigan, May Michigan Farm Bureau 19, to discuss current issues af- fecting the Farm Credit System. 4 RURAL LIVING. JUNE 1987 Legislative Revie", Disaster Aid Still Coming In testimony, an EPA spokesper- the title transfer fee from the present Washington son stated the agency's role should $2 to $10 ($28 million); adding a $4 be that of manager and providing processing fee to vehicle registration technical assistance; states should cost ($3.2 million); increasing the have primary responsibility to re- driver's license fee from $7.50 to Disaster Aid for Wheat - spond to contamination problems. $15 for a new driver's license and $6 • A Senate bill was passed Other witnesses urged the develop- to $12 for renewal ($10 million); in- which will allow wheat producers ment of realistic health effect stan- crease commercial registration fees who were unable to plant their 1987 dards for contaminants, and a re- by 15% ($10 million); increase diesel wheat crop last fall because of ex- examination of modern farm man- fuel sticker from $12 to $25 for out- cessive rains and floods to collect agement and production systems. state trucks and retain the current 92% of the deficiency they would A second hearing was scheduled $92 fee for in-state trucks ($5.6 mil- have earned on a normal crop. for late May regarding pesticide lion); and increasing driver reinstate- In passing the measure the Senate residues on food. ment fee from $25 to $100 ($4.5 resisted a number of costly farm bill million). changes, clearly demonstrating that it Payment Limitations - Cutting the gas tax by 2 cents and does not intend to drastically alter • Members of a House agri- restoring the $90 million in revenues the 1985 Food Security Act. culture subcommittee heard tes- by sharply increasing fees actually in- The Senate bill must be reconciled timony from Texas farmer and TFB creases the tax burden for Michigan with a slightly different version president S.M. True that violations of citizens. Currently, the gas tax is passed earlier by the House before the payment limitations to farmers shared by tourists visiting the state. going to the president for his under the 1985 Farm Bill are the ex- In other changes, a provision has signature. ceptions, not the rule. He urged that been eliminated which would have no further reductions be made in the permitted levying a local gas tax, if Field Sanitation - A court $50,000 limit per farm. Further cuts approved by voters. This would have • order forced the U.S. Depart- in per-farm payment limitations been very difficult to administer. ment of Labor to require all farm could force some farmers to break Other local option fees, if ap- employers of more than 10 field up their operations into smaller and proved by voters, include: vehicle workers to provide nearby drinking less efficient units. 0 registration fees up to $10; and local water, toilets and handwashing facilities. The department said about driver's license fee up to $3 per year 54,000 growers and 471,600 ($12 for a four-year renewal). The workers will be affected by the order. proposed local impact fees on new Rules requiring the availability of Lansing developments for road improvement drinking water have an effective date up to 1% of the total value or the of May 30; rules regarding hand- actual road improvement cost were washing facilities and field toilets dropped. have an effective date of July 30. Highway Finance - Many The present state formula would • changes have been made in remain unchanged: 39.1% state, Agricultural Chemicals - the 10-bill Senate highway package 39.1 % county, 21.8% cities . • In early May, the Senate Ag- (58 150-159) that was outlined in The Economic Development riculture Committee opened hearings the May Rural Living. Authority which would be created, on reauthorization of the Federal In- The major changes include: elim- would be cut from $120 million to secticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide inating the option for charter taxing the original $96 million to be funded Act (FIFRA). No agricultural groups authorities to levy property taxes, from auto-related sales tax revenues. were permitted to testify at the May with voter approval, of up to five The funding would be evenly divided 1 hearing. The focus of the first . mills for five years for local roads. among four cost areas: road projects hearing was groundwater contam- The package has also been for economic development, road ination. changed to cut the present 15 cents capacity improvement, state acquisi- In opening remarks, Committee per gallon gas tax to 13 cents. The tion of certain roads, and increased Chairperson Sen. Leahy urged revenue loss of about $90 million is rural primary road support. development of strong national to be made up through "fees!' The While the proposed package is groundwater quality standards, a proposed fees and anticipated "revenue neutral" (Le., with revenues view which FB policy supports. revenue are as follows: increasing remaining the same), every study (continued on next page) JUNE 1987. RURAL LIVING 5 • In order to pay for the proposal, tions. Although several things can be Legislative Review 48% would come from the statewide done to balance the budget, the (continued from previous page) property tax and 52% from "state state's fiscal situation would be resources." This includes "earmarking weakened. has indicated a large backlog of road 50% of the annual growth in state The House Fiscal Agency predicts repairs and maintenance is needed. revenues, modifying the Homestead a $19.8 million deficit in 1987 and No doubt there will be many Property Tax program, and dedi- $162.4 million in 1988. changes in the package as it pro- cating .25% of income tax reve- These circumstances affect the gresses through both the Senate and nues." This may prove to be difficult state's fiscal picture: Income tax House. since the entire state budget now revenues were up, but sales tax and depends on annual revenue growth. Single Business Tax revenues are Reflectorized License • The school financing portion of disappointing. Lottery revenue which Plates - This House bill (HB the proposal is very close to the goes to schools is about $40 million 4373) would require both front and recommendations made by the less than estimated. Some new costs rear completely reflectorized license Senate Citizens' Property Tax Com- are emerging such as $50 million for 4f plates on a vehicle. This requirement mission. That study suggested operating the three new prisons. In would add $2 to the license plate $3,000 per pupil and limits property the past five years, the prison pop- fees. It is also estimated that the cost tax school millage to 17 or 18 mills. ulation has increased from 12,000 to to the state for machinery and ot~er However, it suggests that a 2 cent 20,000. Other new prisons will be production changes would be about increase in the sales tax in addition built. It also is not known what the $30 million. FB policy opposes the to other revenues would be needed full effect will be when General bill. to pay for the reform. Motors completes its work force The Michigan Police Officers' It is expected that none of the reduction. Association and the Fraternal Order of Police also oppose the second various proposals will be given serious consideration before the fall Sales Th.x - This bill (S.B. plate and full reflectorization. The • 222), introduced by Sen. Nick groups claim that full reflectorization session of the Legislature, and not until the Michigan School Finance Smith, would give a sales tax ex- makes the numbers more difficult to emption for drain tile used for agri- see. Michigan's present license plates Commission makes its report in Sep- tember or October. It is likely that cultural purposes, and certain grain have reflectorized numbers which bins which meet the definition of be- have proved to be effective. any major reform will have to go on the ballot in the 1988 general ing portable. This legislation passed The secretary of state has con- the Senate in the last session. The sistently opposed both the second election. bill was also reported favorably to plate and full reflectorization as un- Budget Deficit - A some- the House floor where it was used necessary and too costly. This has • what gloomy forecast has been as a vehicle to. complete a package been an issue in other sessions of made by experts on state fiscal mat- of bills on another issue. This was the Legislature. ters. While there is some disagree- done with the understanding that it ment about the amount, it is gener- would be reintroduced early this School Finance - Another ally agreed that a deficit is likely. The session. 0 • proposal to shift a part of Senate Fiscal Agency predicts a school financing away from the deficit ranging from a possible $9.2 property tax to other sources is being Lansing legislative topics are million to around $100 million by introduced by Sen. Rudy Nichols (R- reviewed by Robert E. Smith, MFB Sept. 30, depending on what is Waterford). The proposal would: done about supplemental appropria- senior legislative counsel. • Cut the average property tax for schools to 20 mills. It would be a statewide uniform property tax. This would decrease as valuations rise to about 17 mills. Voters would have to approve such a statewide property tax in the 1988 election . • Each school district would receive $3,000 per pupil from the state, at a total cost of nearly $5 billion. It would eliminate the present school aid formula. Present per pupU spend- ing ranges from $1,800 to more than $5,000. Local school districts would also be permitted to raise additional operational millage up to four mills if approved by voters. Currently, the average school millage is 33 mills. 6 RURAL LIVING. JUNE 1987 MEMBERSHIP EXPRESS Let's All Get Aboard the 1987 Membership Express to AFBF Quota and Beyond! FaRm~ Bureau To help push the MFB Membership Campaign to American Farm Bureau Federation quota of 98,763, and MFB's goal of 100,000 members, Michigan Farm Bureau announces the MEMBERSHIP EXPRESS CONTEST . • Each volunteer membership worker who qualifies for 1987 membership in the Prestigious Michigan Farm Bureau Key Club will win a trip to a 1987 Detroit Lions football game. The trip bonus includes one ticket, bus transportation. and meal. To qualify for the Key Club and the fall trip bonus, volunteers must sign a minimum of five (5) regular members. Regular memberships signed beginning September 1, 1986, through August 31, 1987, will qualify for this contest. ! / Any Key Club member who signs two additional regular members, for a total of seven (7), will earn a guest trip bonus for the D~troit Lions game . • The top four (4) volunteer membership workers in the state. based on TOTAL MEMBERSHIPS SIGNED (both regular and associate members/minimum of five memberships) from May 1, 1987 through August 31,1987, will win a special three day trip bonus for two. Winners will travel by train to Chicago for three days and two nights. Trip bonus dates will be announced. M FB winners will accompany winners in a similar Farm Bureau Insurance Group membership contest. SesquiTrain '87 Rolls into History By Marcia Ditchie H istorywill come to life for thousands of mid-Michigan residents when the largest single wagon train since the early 1830s rolls through five central Michigan counties in celebration of Michigan's Sesquicentennial. SesquiTrain '87, composed of over 100 covered wagons, prairie schoo- ners, freight wagons and horse- drawn buggies from Michigan, 18 states and Canada, will move at an estimated 4 mph as it travels a ISO-mile round trip route. The Judy Class, SesquiTrain director, receiued a Michigan Sesquicentennial flag from Pat wagon train will assemble at Casey, agricultural aduisor to Gou. Blanchard at a news conference at the capitol on Lansing's Francis Park on June 14 April 29. The flag will be flown from the official sesquicentennial wagon as it makes its and leave the next morning for the 150 mile trip through mid-Michigan. 13 day "birthday party," arriving back in Lansing, at the state capitol Special birthday cards will be col- of the bicentennial wagon train in building on June 27. lected at each encampment and car- 1976, 150,000 people viewed the "We will have over 600 people par- ried by the wagons. The cards col- train as it traveled across lower ticipating in SesquiTrain '87," said lected along the ISO-mile route will Michigan. SesquiTrain '87 will in- Judy Class, SesquiTrain director. be presented to Gov. Blanchard and clude even more wagons." "This will probably be the biggest the Sesquicentennial Commission During its 13-day, II-city trip, the wagon train since the U.S. Bicenten- when the wagon train returns to Lan- sesquicentennial wagon train will nial, when all of the state wagon sing. FB Community Action Groups follow several historic trails once trains merged going into Valley throughout the state will send birth- traveled by Indians, wagons and Forge in 1976. This event will be day greetings for the presentation. stagecoaches. On June 18-19, Ses- something people may never have The cards will be placed with the ses- quiTrain '87 will travel from Marshall another chance to see," she said. quicentennial display in the state his- tl) Jackson on the once famous wa- Nightly encampments are sched- torical museum. gon trail - Territorial Road. uled in Charlotte, June 15; Olivet, The official sesquicentennial wagon Also known as the St. Joseph Trail, June 16; Marshall, June 17; Albion, will be pulled by two 2,000 pound it dates back to 1829. The trail ex- June 18; Jackson, June 19-21; giant Belgian horses. The wagon is tended from Detroit to the mouth of Munith, June 22; Pinckney, June an authentic replica of a prairie the St. Joseph River where the city 23; Brighton, June 24; Fowlerville, schooner which brought early settlers of St. Joseph now stands, and basi- June 25; and Williamston, June 26. to the midwest. It was fashioned after cally followed the route that is now At each encampment, historic obser- plans in the Smithsonian Institution 1-94. Settlers who took the trail es- vances and displays, and local enter- in Washington, D.C., and was part tablished homes and farms in the tainment will be provided to visitors. of the wagon train which traveled to Kalamazoo Valley. Travelers to Chi- Calhoun, Eaton, Ingham, Jackson Valley Forge to help celebrate the cago would follow the trail to the and Livingston county Farm Bureaus nation's bicentennial in 1976. mouth of the St. Joseph River and will furnish hay for the horses at each Over a half million people are ex- then take a steamship to the city. of the encampment locations. pected to watch SesquiTrain '87 roll SesquiTrain '87 will also follow a "This particular route was selected through the mid-Michigan area. portion of another main historic so as many people as possible, es- "The wagon train has more than wagon trail, the Grand River Trail, pecially children, could see the doubled in size from what we anti- June 25-27, as it travels from wagon train," said Class. "We cipated," said Class. "I have told Brighton to Lansing. The Grand wanted to provide them with the op- the local coordinators to plan on River Trail, which later became U.S. portunity to learn about history and 20,000-50,000 visitors a night de- 16 and follows present-day 1-96, make it accessible to as many people pending on their location. When 15 branched out of Detroit extending to as possible." Michigan wagons joined a segment Grand Haven, opening settlement of the Grand River Valley. 0 8 RURAL LIVING. JUNE 1987 From the Very First FB's Vital Link Community Action Groups By Donna Wilber F arm prices, trade issues, rural roads, soil conservation, school financing, the federal govern- ment and the farm problem - up- coming discussion topics for Com- munity Action Groups? While they may still be "front burner" concerns of farmers today, that list is a page from Farm Bureau history - topics discussed by FB Community Groups 50 years ago. It was in 1937 when neighborhood groups of farmers, gathered together to share good food, special fellow- ship and spirited exchanges of opin- ~.//?~ e-n~A~-;~ ~~/ g~ ions on current issues, became part ~auing complieb witlr all tire cOll~ition5 of organi~atilln is of a full-fledged FB program. It was a program that would become known muarbeb tlris c!ratter as as the "backbone" of the Michigan Farm Bureau, the vital link between Qtommuni41 jI1arm !blure~u ~ o. I the state organization and its grass- roots members, a leadership training Nub as suc~ is entitleb to all t~e tig~~s sub prittileges of ground, a means through which indi- 5UC~ lJrgauir;Ntians in its cdatillnslrips Utitlr t~c ftlic~igmt vidual members could express their opinions and provide direction for ~tate 1f:arm !Bureau. policy. Michigan's First Community Group eaI~is awub is mabc possihle tqrouglr tire biligent, In the March 1937 issue of the unselfisq sertticts of tire members of QIammuniill ,,-arm Michigan Farm News, MFB Organi- ~uresu ~o. ! to tire caust of an llcgani~eb agriculblt't zation Director J. F. Yaeger told about his visit to the Paw Paw Com- fOT ~ic~i9au. munity Farm Bureau meeting in Van Buren County. Following a potluck supper, "a really grand affair," he said, members of the group enjoyed a few mental contests and then spent In Testimony Whel'eof we have hereunto set our' hands and a large portion of the evening dis- cussing the Farm Bureau program, past and present. "Many points were clarified, opin- ions freely given and questions an- swered. All was done in a spirit of friendliness. There was disagreement of opinion, but without temper," he wrote. (continued on page 10) JUNE 1987. RURAL LIVING 9 1987, the program's Golden An- to carry out action on those issues, CAG's niversary year, was the Superior and develop a plan for establishing Young Farmers in Chippewa County. new groups. (continued from page 9) The group has targeted promotion The Green Meadow Plow Jockies "The 40 folks present were as en- and education as a priority project. Group in Kalamazoo County has thusiastic a Farm Bureau group as Under the leadership of Promotion successfully blended the interests of I've seen anywhere. Similar local and Education Committee represen- members ranging in age from under Farm Bureau activities, so necessary tative Tom Gage, group members 30 to over 50. They're mostly full- to maintaining interest, are going on will be actively involved in the Ag in time farmers, but a few part-time throughout Michigan. The lack of the Classroom project. farm couples and the local FBIG participating, informed membership The new group is chaired by Randy agent are also a vital part of the too often has been the cause of co- DeWitt, who also serves on the group. operative failure," Yaeger told the Chippewa County FB Board. Other Group member Steve Gazdag be- Farm News readers. group officers are Tom Gage, co- lieves that expansion and strength- chairperson; Tim Hoolsema, discus- ening of the CAG program should be sion leader; Vicki Gage, Rural a priority for the organization, but "Many points were clarified, Leader reporter; Marilyn Hoolsema, says that the changing lifestyles of minuteman; and Bruce Berkompas, those involved in agriculture today opinions freely given and ques- secretary. present some challenges for group tions answered. All was done in organizers. "Meeting the Challenge of Change" a spirit of friendliness. There When you organize a group, he While the topics discussed by said, "you're putting together a struc- was disagreement of opinion, Community Action Groups in 1987 ture, not just a meeting, and that's a but without temper." bear some similarity to those dis- challenge when lifestyles are getting cussed by the neighborhood groups to be so much different. back in 1937, the socio-economic The Paw Paw group was later cer- environment in which the program tified by MFB as Community Farm operates has changed dramatically. "Farm Bureau represents a lot Bureau No. 1. The charter read, in In 1937, group members worked part: "This award is made possible through MFB to gain rural electrifica- of those part-time farmers and through the diligent, unselfish ser- tion. Today, television sets in every the organization needs their vices of the members of Community rural home bring entertainment that perspective and involvement." Farm Bureau No. 1 to the cause of may outrank a CAG meeting on an organized agriculture for Mich- members' priority lists. In 1937, igan." Community Group meetings were a Fifty years later, that group, now social highlight in the lives of "There are fewer and fewer full- named the Michigan First Community farmers. Today, farmers have the time farmers today. Young farmers, Action Group, still meets regularly same pressures for time devoted to especially, are having a hard time and some of its charter members are school, church and civic affairs and and many have had to take off-farm still active, including the group's recreational opportunities as their ur- jobs. That's changed their outlook to organizer and first president, Max ban neighbors. Community Action some extent," he said. "Farm Bureau Hood. Groups have a tough time competing represents a lot of those part-time Community Group attendance in for a share of a busy member's time. farmers and the organization needs 1937 was a family affair - baby sit- In 1937, groups were made up of their perspective and involvement." ters hadn't been "discovered" yet, full-time farmers with the same in- Structuring the program so CAGs Max recalls. After the potluck sup- terests and concerns. Today, the have more opportunities for involve- per, one of the older children looked changing structure of the agricultural ment in the policy development! after the younger ones in the kitchen industry has resulted in a new "mix" policy execution process is important, while the grown-ups participated in of group members with different in- Steve believes. "It's something that the meeting. terests and points of view. needs to be done because that's what Despite these challenges, delegates Farm Bureau is all about," he said. Another "First" 50 Years Later to the 1986 MFB annual meeting re- The Community Action Group affirmed a long-standing belief in the Social Activities Important Aspect program is half a century old but that importance of the program. They Steve and other members of the doesn't mean that it's an "old folks" went on record for not only main- Plow Jockies applaud the CAG activity. The social, educational and taining, but expanding, the program, "Rural Spotlight" video tape for leadership development opportunities with support from the state and adding a new dimension to the infor- that attracted members to get in- county levels to make it happen. mation and education benefits of be- volved in Community Groups 50 They called for a "merger" of the longing to a group. But they believe years ago are still considered impor- county CAG Committee and Local that the social aspects of the program tant benefits to many members to- Affairs Committee. The resulting new are important, too, for creating the day. Community Activities Committee, special fellowship that develops be- The first new young farmer Com- they said, should help county boards tween group members. munity Action Group to organize in identify local issues and utilize CAGs 10 RURAL LIVING. JUNE 1987 In February, the Plow Jockies and the Futuristics, a group formed as an outgrowth of the county's Young Farmer Committee, combined their creative talents to stage a "Winter Sweetheart's Mystery Dinner." The "mystery" became evident when guests were given a menu of mind-teaser items, such as cupid's I fingers, love boat, turtle doves, pas- sion's promise and maiden's reward. They were allowed 10 selections from a list of 22 items. Guests who ordered a snow fence to go with their snowdrifts, but no cupid's fin- gers, ended up eating their mashed potatoes with a knife! The two groups plan to make the joint fun evening an annual affair. "There's a lot of competition for people's time these days," Steve This Chippewa County group were the first Young Farmers to form. a Co~munity Ac. said. "But when people can have fun tion Group in 1987, the Golden Anniversary Year of the Communrty ActIon Group together as well as learning, they'll program. Pictured here are members of the group, who c~/1 th.emselves the Su.perio~ find the time to be involved." Young Farmers: Randy DeWitt, chairperson; Karen DeWItt; Tim Hoolsema, dlScu~slon leader; and Marilyn Hoolsema, minuteman. Other officers are: Tom Gage, co-chaIr- Let's Celebrate! person; Vicky Gage. Rural Leader reporter; and Bruce Berkompas, secretary. Some of the pioneer "Farm Bu-. reau Spirit" that fostered the rapid growth of the Community Action Group program 50 years ago will be recaptured for a Golden Anniversary How to Start a celebration. Called "Summerfest," the big event will take place on the Community Action Group FB Center grounds in Lansing on July 22, timed to coincide with Every FB member should consider joining a Community Action MSU's Ag Expo. Members attending Group. It's fun! It's educational! It provides you with opportunities to Ag Expo can spend most of the day build your leadership skills, address local issues, promote agriculture, visiting its many attractions, and then help set policy for the state's largest farm organization. participate in the Summerfest which Call your county FB secretary to see if there's a group in your runs from 3 to 7 p.m. neighborhood. Or, start a new group. It's easy: Summerfest activities will include a -Find someone who will host your first meeting. It could be you! In- steak barbecue complete with all the formal meetings conducted in the comfortable surroundings of an in:. trimmings; a live country band; pie dividual's home are part of what makes for a successful CAG. eating, egg toss and goat milking -Make a list of potential members for your group. These could be contests; and other country fair style neighbors, farmers you know who produce the same commodity as you games. Tickets for the event, at a do, friends, family, even non-Farm Bureau members who will surely modest charge of $2 per person, will want to join wh.en they find out what FB has to offer. The most impor- be available soon. tant factor in developing your list, is to seek various personalities who Vic Verchereau, Summerfest coor- will enjoy meeting on a regular basis. dinator, expects sev~ral thousand FB -Invite these people to your meeting. Personal invitations are best, members will participate in the event. followed by a postcard reminder. "It will be a celebration to pay tribute -Various materials are available to assist your group in its first to a program that has served the meeting. MFB will provide a starter kit outlining what needs to be ac- membership well for over -SO years," complished during the first meeting. A notebook will be provided which he said. "It will also illustrate the includes the responsibilities of each CAG officer: chairperson, discussion organization's total commitment to leader, Rural Leader rep'orter, minuteman and secretary. Request this expanding the Community Action material from Community Programs Dept., Michigan Farm Bureau, Group program and making it even P.O. Box 30960, Lansing, MI 48909; phone 517-323-7000, Ext. 541. more valuable to members in the -To ensure good attendance at your second meeting, personal invita- .' future." tions are again essential. You may wish to have a new host couple. Additional 50th Anniversary cele- Moving your meetings around to other homes may encourage atten- bration activities are being planned dance. for the 1987 MFB annual meeting. 0 JUNE 1987. RURAL LIVING 11 Country Almanac June June 11-13 National A~paragus Festival, June 19-21 Strawberry Festival, Belleville. Shelby/Hart. June 22-26 Young People's Citizenship June 14 Flower Day II, Eastern Market, Seminar, Olivet College, Olivet. Detroit. June 26-28 National Pickle Festival, Linwood June 15 SesquiTrain '87 leaves Lansing's Bicentennial Park, Linwood. Francis Park for 13-day, 150 mile June 30- Marion Farm Exhibit Assoc. birthday party. July 4 Fair, Marion. ~ComingUp~ July 1-5 Lake Odessa Civic & Ag Fair, Lake July 13-18 Vassar Fair, Vassar. Odessa. July 15-19 National Blueberry Festival, July 4 ~nternational Cherry Pit Spitting South Haven. Championship, Tree-Mendus Fruit July 16-18 Dairy Festival, Elsie. Farm, Eau Claire. July 18-25 Barry County Ag Fair, Hastings. July 4-8 Gratiot Agricultural Fair, Ithaca. July 19-25 Croswell Agricultural Fair, July 5-11 Montcalm County 4-H Fair, Croswell. Greenville. July 19-25 Eaton County 4-H Fair, Charlotte. July 5-11 National Cherry Festival, Traverse July 20-26 Fowlerville Agricultural Fair, City. Fowlerville. July 9-10 Michigan Cattlemen's Assoc. July 21-23 Ag Expo, MSU. Summer Round-Up, Mackinac Hotel and Conference Center, July 21-25 Wayne County Fair, Belleville. Mackinac Island. July 22 1987 Farm Bureau Summerfest, July 10-11 Strawberry Festival, Chassell. Farm Bureau Center, Lansing. July 11-18 Van Buren County Youth Fair, July 23-26 Oscoda County Fair, Mio. Hartford. July 23-26 Sparta Area Fair, Sparta. July 12-18 Mecosta County Agricultural Fair, July 24-26 Alger County Fair, Chatham. Big Rapids. July 24-26 Menominee County Fair, July 13-18 Berlin Fair, Marne. Stephenson. 12 RURAL LIVING. JUNE 1987 Agriculture Tourism natural beauty of an orchard setting, at highway welcome centers. Also By Connie Turbin farm fresh fruit "and fruit products, available at the center? were samples with a tourism experience for out of of Michigan products. W hat do ice cream, or- state and urban dwellers, has proven Other key promotional activities in- chards, maple syrup, blos- to be profitable pluses for fruit pro- cluded advertising on Chicago radio som honey and the Great ducers and farm market operators stations, and working with the state Lakes have in common? They are like Dave Amon of Williamsburg, Jim to install highway signs directing peo- just a few of the enjoyable elements Robinette of Grand Rapids, and ple to ag tourism information centers. that make country living in Michigan Sandy Hill of Montrose. Individual efforts by Amon, Robin- so special. They are also the simple, The three agreed to share their ex- ette and the Hills were successful in outdoor pleasures that make Mich- perience and enthusiasm for this new assessing their ag tourism potential igan a great place to vacation. consumer market in an ag tourism and capitalizing on existing tourist Sharing what is special about workshop presentation at the Gover- trade to encourage more visitors to Michigan with visitors from through- nor's Conference on the Future of their businesses. They advertised in out the country and within our own Michigan Agriculture" February tourist magazines, joined bus tour state has built a strong tourism in- 25-26, 1987. They agreed the diver- associations, and collaborated with dustry here. Now a new entrepre- sity of Michigan's agricultural industry local restaurants. neurial approach to enhancing two of offers the opportunity for a variety of The profits are there, they agreed, the state's largest industries - agri- tourism experiences - and new profit but there are challenges, too. Areas culture and tourism - is fostering a centers for farmers. that need to be considered are park- new travel experience within our Phyllis Dowsett, executive director ing availablity, product quality, prod- borders: ag tourism. of the Southwestern Michigan Tourist uct mix, and adequate road signs. Council, joined the farm owner / op- Support from local, regional and erators in the workshop presentation statewide agencies is needed to to describe the cooperative success of move the ag tourism industry ahead. regional tourism planning to comple- The Future of Ag Tourism ment individual efforts. An already completed study of the Ag Tourism Works ag tourism potential conducted by In southwest Michigan, Van Buren, university, agri-business, and govern- Cass, and Berrien counties took a ment groups strengthened the intui- regional approach to ag tourism, tive knowledge that travel and vaca- Dowsett said. tion experiences on the farm will at- Farm market operators formed an tract tourism dollars. agriculture committee of the south- west Michigan Tourist Council. The Cooperative Extension Service and the Tourist Council worked with the committee to promote the many out- standing farm markets in their area. Farm market displays with a "country" ac- The effort resulted in more visitors cent provide visual appeal and promote than ever to their ag related tourist sales. attractions. Some agriculture entrepreneurs in To encourage visitors, the commit- Michigan have already recognized tee produced "Pick Michigan" bro- and pursued ag tourism ventures that chures, which contained maps and have added fun and profit to their discount coupons for farm market farming businesses. Combining the products. They were made available 14 RURAL LIVING. JUNE 1987 A New, Profitable Partner The study group recommendations How Farm Bureau Can Help provided the impetus for the work- Working together, Farm Bureau shop session during the Governor's members can take a giant step in Conference this year. A second con- promoting ag tourism through the ference on ag tourism is expected County FB. According to Juliann this fall and will be held in coopera- Chamberlain, program manager for tion with Michigan State University. the new Promotion and Education Current initiatives to promote ag Committee, committees are now or- tourism include a joint effort between ganizing in county FBs around the the Michigan Department of Com- state. She suggests that committee merce and the Michigan Department structure might be able to provide of Agriculture to promote ag tourism. key support and cooperative leader- The promotion and advertising cam- ship for an ag tourism project in the paign will be kicked off in July with county. television and radio ads. "Ag tourism can be a blossom tour, a bicycle ride along a country road, a hayride through apple coun- try, a visit to buy produce, a walk Ag tourism can be a blos- around a livestock farm. a bus ride som tour, a bicycle ride through cherry orchards, and many other things," said Chamberlain. along a country road, a "The result is the enjoyment and ap- Ag tourism experiences run the gamut preciation of agriculture through the hayride through apple happy experiences these new travel from appreciation of a blossoming orchard to good-natured summer fun like the Inter- country, a visit to buy pro- consumers take home from a vaca- national Cherry Pit Spit held each year at tion to the farm." 0 Tree-Mendus Fruit Farm, Eau Claire. duce, a walk ar~und a live- stock fami, a bus ride , t" ., •• \," _...