MACMA FROZEN FOOD EXPRESS Order Deadline - August 26, 1987 FREE 10 pound box of CHERRIES with a $100 minimum order of any products. Receive four 21;2 pound bags of high score, IQF red tart cherries. A $9.90 value. We want you to share in this year's abundance. INTRODUCING new microwave foods. Making a debut with the August sale are hot-n-moist microwave sandwiches and pastries made by Sa~a Lee and Chef Pierre. Items include: -Monte Cristo Sandwiches - Bacon and Cheese Omelets -Tuna Melt Sandwiches - Egg and Sausage Breakfast -Ruben and Rye Sandwiches S~ndwiches -Pepperoni Cheese Pastry -French Croissants -Denver Omelets -Individual Pie Slices - Cherry, Apple and Peach ADDITIONS to the upcoming MACMA sale also include a greater variety of boneless fish, including Michigan White fish fillets, blackened Cajun catfish fillets and garlic butter catfish fillets. Contact your county Farm Bureau secretary today for order informa- tion. Order deadline is August 26. VOL. 64 NO.7 July-August 1987 A Publication of the Michigan Farm Bureau About the Cover MFB staff and board members prepared over 1400 cooked-to-order steaks for Summerfest participants. July 22. In This Issue Summerfest Celebration A Farm Bureau family SAVE UP TO 32% reunion? You could call it that with over 1500 MFB members and guests attending this July 22 celebration of the Community THANKSGIVING 7 Action Group 50th Anniversary! HOLIDAY CRUISE Citizenship Seminar '87 Past seminar students Nav. 21-28, 1987 return to the 1987 Young People's Citizenship Seminar as EXCITING NEW ITINERARY: Miami, St. Maarten, Mayreau, 10 junior counselors to share their enthusiasm and the lessons of citizenship with the 1987 seminar participants. Martinique, St. Thomas, San Juan Take Pride in America Care and conservation go ABOARD THE SUN PRINCESS* *Reg istered in Britian 15 hand-in-hand in this national program to encourage citizens of every age to "Take Pride in America." COMING IN MARCH! Columns MFB HAWAIIAN President's Message 4 Agrinomic Update .17 ISLAND CRUISE $1475 Legislative Review 6 Grassroots Perspective .18 10 DAYS - 3 ISLANDS Rural Exchange .. .13 Farm Bureau Market Place .23 Circle Island tour - Visit Country Almanac. .14 Advertisers' Index . .23 Pineapple Field, Orchard Nursery, and tour Parker's 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 Ranch July 15. Publication and editorial offices at 7373 West Saginaw Highway. Lansing. Mich. 48917. Post Office City tour of Honolulu and Box 30960 (zip 48909); phone 517-323.7000. extension 510. Subscriptions: $1.50 per year to members. included in annual dues. $3.00 per year non. members in U.S.S. Arizona Memorial 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 Living Dec. 1. 1981. Third-class postage • Volcano National Park 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. Marlette; Administrative Director. Charles Burkett; Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer. Tom Parker; more are available. Call for details. 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. Charlotte; Jack Laurie. Cass City; District 7. Larry Snider. Hart; District 8. Lyle LeCronier. Freeland; District 6. District 9. Robert 1-800-331-1729; in Grand Rapids, Gregory. Traverse City; District 10. Margaret Kartes. West Branch; District 11. Robert Wahmhoff. large; David Conklin. Corunna; Wayne Wood. Marlette; Richard Leach. Saginaw. Farm Bureau Women: Baraga. At- Call 452-9556. Diane Horning. Manchester. Young Farmers; Ed Cagney. Scotts. " JULY-AUGUST 1987. RURAL LIVING 3 President's Message Conserving for the Future A good farmer always plans for the future. He conserves soil, rotates crops and invests in good breeding stock. Perhaps he works to build up a prosperous farm enterprise as a legacy for his children. A good farmer is always thinking beyond this month's bottom line, always giving some thought to what the financial needs may be years down the road. And a good farmer, a wise farmer, recognizes the need to preserve and save a troubled institution that's going to be crucial to the long term prosperity of his industry. The Farm Credit System is worth saving. Sure, the FCS has made some mistakes, both in assumptions about where the farm economy was going and how the system should react. And it's true that the system needs to do more to heal itself, especially when it comes to taking action to work out problem loans. But, it's wrong to turn our backs on the system just because of the errors made in the past. Farmers have too much at stake to write-off the FCS just out of spite. Seeds First of all, remember that the FCS holds 40% of agriculture's real estate loans. If the system went under, and this land went onto the market all at once, land values would take a nose dive . • MFB President Jack Laurie and Second, I know that a major complaint lately is that the FCS has members of the board of direc- been charging rates above what other lenders are offering. But, during tors met in joint session with the the inflationary 1970s Federal Land Banks and Production Credit Asso- Michigan Milk Producers Associ- ciations offered rates below the commercial banks (thanks in part to the ation board of directors, July 9, "lag time" that came from loaning money that was obtained by selling in- at Howell, Michigan. expensive bonds). Just the opposite happened in the last couple of • Hearings conducted by the Na- years ... the system had to loan money that. came from selling expensive tional Dairy Commission took bonds. Traditionally, the FCS has been a competitive counterbalance to President Laurie to Denver, commercial lenders. I'm confident they'll fill that role again now that the July 13, and Dallas, July 14. bond market has stabilized and the system is working its way back to a Laurie serves as a member of sound financial footing. the commission charged with Finally, consider this: no other financial institution is chartered making recommendations to the specifically to serve farmers. Agriculture is their only business. That USDA regarding future dairy means that the FCS is going to work harder than other lenders to meet policy. the needs of farmers simply because it depends upon farmers as their only source of customers. The FCS will.always be there for agriculture . • Following a July 17 briefing on Farm Bureau is urging lawmakers to support a comprehensive farm U.S./Canadian trade issues, credit rescue package designed to help the Farm Credit System and its President Laurie accompanied farmer borrowers. I encourage you to contact your congressman during eight members of the AFBF the summer and ask him to support this legislation. Council of Presidents for a four The Farm Credit System needs the support of every farmer. It'll be a day series of meetings with form of conservation every bit as valuable as that practiced on your farm, Canadian officials. The FB with results just as fertile and long lasting. presidents also toured farms in the provinces of Ontario, Quebec and Prince Edward J~au~O::::: Island . • MFB President Laurie wel- comed members and guests to the MFB Summerfest celebra- tion, July 22 on the grounds of Michigan Farm Bureau FB Center in Lansing. 4 RURAL LIVING. JULY-AUGUST 1987 WHEN YOU REACH65~ A lot of you have been in Farm Bureau from the start. Group Medicare Plus: HMO convenience in the newest of health care plans With good reason. Farm for seniors. No deductibles Bureau has always been to worry about, and for as looking out for your best little as $50.00 per month. interest. And were not Check with your county going to stop-especially secretary regarding the now that you're looking for availability of a Farm ways to fill the many gaps Bureau Medicare Plus somebody left in Medicare group plan for your area. coverage. For More Information: Looking for the best deal for you-that's our job. iii .1 ~''''' .. Contact the Farm Bureau secretary in your county to And we've got three STAY WITH THE find out more about how health insurance programs Farm Bureau is working for you, depending on ONE YOU'VE hard to keep insuring where you live and your TRUSTED FOR Michigan's farming insurance needs. Take a community-just like good look at the way Farm OVER 40 YEARS. we aiways have. Or fill out Bureau keeps you covered- the coupon below and taking over wherever Medicare leaves off. mail it to: Michigan Farm Bureau, Member Services Dept., ~O. Box 30960, Complementary Econo Plan: For hospitaliza' Lansing, MI 48909. tions, you pay only the Medicare deductibles. The plan pays the coinsurance requirements for covered services at only $18.13 per month. PLEASE SEND ME INFORMATION NAME Complementary Comprehensive .Plan: The ADDRESS plan pays both the Medicare deductible CITY STATE and 100% of hospital charges, and provides Master Medical 65 benefits to cover your ZIP 00000 PHONE ( ) FaRm..., prescription drugs and minimize your out,of, pocket expenses. Number eligible for Medicare __ ~ T~ d_ fA)::~ RL BUreaU For the location of your nearest .County Farm Bureau Office call 1 (800) 292-2639, ask for ext. 537 or 538 Legislative Review An important consideration in FB's support of the proposal would be the MFB Protests Michigan form and effectiveness of the "safety net" program that will be left in Field Sanitation Standards place when other programs are phased out. FB would oppose the elimination T he Michigan Farm Bureau voiced its objections to the proposed Michigan field sanitation regulations during a hearing at the public health department in Lansing on July 7. Testifying for the state's largest farm organization, MFB legislative counsel Howard Kelly said of Extension programs from the USDA budget because CES provides valuable educational information to farmers and does not contribute to that Farm Bureau strongly opposes any standards that are more restric- surplus production or in any way in- tive than the federal stand,ards which are now in place. terfere with worldwide trade. "Michigan should not now attempt to make rules which are tougher on the struggling Michigan farmers, growers and loggers than the federal government already has;' Kelly said. The new federal field FB's Farm Credit Plan - • AFBF's proposal to assist the sanitation regulations were not the only new requirements facing nation's troubled Farm Credit Sys- Michigan agriculture this summer, he said. tem, introduced in Congress in July, "An Immigration Reform Act has also caused a great deal of new ad- includes government help in the ministrative work for farmers, and concern about the future availability form of a guarantee of funds to keep of a work force. Right-to-Know laws, proposed new rules in the the FCS solvent. Michigan Pesticide Act, and changes proposed for migrant labor hous- Under the plan, FCS farm bor- ing are all on the farmer's platter this summer;' Kelly said. "Somewhere rowers would also benefit through in their day they have to set aside time to produce the food to feed loan restru~turing. our citizens and attempt to stay afloat as small business operators in The U.S. House and Senate Michigan. Agriculture Committees are currently "Government regulations are important, but right after one set of marking up farm credit proposals. A rules are issued, farmers are told there is an even worse set waiting in major farm credit reform bill is ex- the wings that mayor may not affect them. This does not make for pected to reach both houses of Con- good government. It is difficult to comply with bureaucratic confusion;' gress before the congressional recess he said. in August. Kelly said that Michigan's proposed field sanitation standards would bring thousands of farmers under a law that their competitors in the majority of other states would not have to abide with. Michigan Farm Labor Shortage - agriculture needs competitive edges, not government mandated disad- • The Immigration and vantages, he said. Naturalization Service is moving to "Congress has for years forbidden OSHA from enforcing any stan- unplug the bottleneck in movement dards on an employer with less than 11 employees. We trust that the of farm workers into the U.S. from Michigan Legislature would provide the same protection to Michigan Mexico created by implementation of farmers. It is incomprehensible that the Legislature would take away the new federal immigration law. INS from the small business person a protection which has already been Commissioner Alan Nelson said granted by Congress;' Kelly said. agricultural workers who pay $185 in fees will be admitted to the U.S. for 90 days without full documentation. The INS has also opened more processing centers to help speed the flow of workers across the border for Washington the harvest season. FB generally supports the proposal as a way to point the GATT trade Agricultural Subsidies - negotiations in tl)e right direction, Lansing • An administration proposal to open trade in agricultural products phase out all agricultural subsidies and reduce market intervention by governments. Cooperative Extension over a 10-year period has the • However, FB would support the Funding - The Michigan qualified support of AFBF. U.S. Legislature has approved an addi- representatives made the proposal at proposal only if. agricultural subsidies tional $5-$6 million in funding for a recent trade meeting in Geneva, were eliminated worldwide - not Switzerland. just in the U.S. (continued on page 22) 6 RURAL LIVING, JULY-AUGUST 1987 Summerfest Celebration! With temperatures holding in the 90s throughout the day, the cool, shady Summerfest tent was a perfect place to sit, visit with Farm Bureau friends and listen to a good country band. There was plenty of cold lemonade and ice tea and you could order up a charcoal grilled steak for supper. The more than 1,400 FB members who attended called it a good deal at just two bucks a person. \ \ ,. JULY-AUGUST 1987, RURAL LIVING L 7 • One of the things Sum- merfest stands for is fun and good food. That's what people had plenty of! The purpose of Summerfest was to salute 50 years of FB Community Action Groups. Congratulatory letters came from Gov. Blanchard, delivered by MDA Director Kindinger, and from AFBF President Kleckner. read by MFB President Laurie. A 35 foot banner unfurled from a fire department ladder truck boasted, "Community Action Groups will take you to new heights!!! Join one today!" FB members like Howard Straub, member of the Hay- makers Group, paid their own tribute to Summerfest and the Community Action Group pro- gram. "It's a great idea to have all the community groups come out and celebrate the anniversary of the program. We have just All afternoon. folks lined up to take a shot about all of our members here in the cherry pit spitting contest and to and they're having great time," qualify for the championship. The winner said Howard. "I think Communi- was Dale Volz of Sanilac County with a distance of 42 feet. ty Action Groups are Farm Bureau and they represent just what Farm Bureu is and stands for. " 8 RURAL LIVING, JULY-AUGUST 1987 Inside Information on Hats, Farming Farmers 0 peTrOleum and the County A nnual Meeting (Editor's Note: Everyone needs to farmers, pulled the brim of our hats "pass the hat" and collect ideas, down to shield the sun's glare? How problems and solutions to share often had we lifted our hats to wipe at policy development and coun- sweat from our forehead? How often ty annual meetings. The founda- had we pulled our hat down tight to tion of FB's strength lies in the keep it from blowing off in a strong dedicated involvement of in- April or May wind? How often have dividual members. J. Donald we felt, in despair and frustration, Sutto, Saginaw County FB presi- like throwing the hat on the ground dent, has expressed this idea to and stomping on it? How often have his county through the following we taken our hats off and bowed letter:) our heads to thank God for a long overdue rain? Perhaps these are the rea,sons I save my hats. By J. Donald Sutto President, Saginaw County S everal days ago I came in for dinner, only to find a large shopping bag in the utility room full of hats. My hats! I called Well, as I ate dinner, Barb still in- sisted on throwing them out. She said, "no one else saves hats." I maintained many people do, so we Farm Bureau to my wife Barb, and asked what made a wager, which I said I could she was 'doing with my hats. She prove ,at our annual meeting. Here's replied, "Throwing them away." I the plan - I am requesting that all said, "THROWING THEM AWAY?!" farmers come to our annual meeting She asked, rather sharply, "Is there on Aug. 20 to vote. I'm sure friend- an echo in here?" and continued, ly discussion and possibly even some "those hats are so old and so dirty debate will take place before the you don't wear them and won't let vote is held. So, come, and vote for me wash them because you say they your right to keep all your old don't fit right afterwards. They're go- friends - your hats! ing out." With that, she went to the Once you're at the meeting, exer- kitchen. cise your constitutional rights on As I stood there and looked at all other issues. Seize the chance to those old, dirty hats, I wondered help form the FB policy of the why I felt so attached to them. Was future. FB must maintain its grass- I afraid the hat manufacturers would roots policy development and policy go out of business? Probably not. I execution programs which provide noticed most of them had dark you, the member, with a strong stains just above the brim. I began to voice in legislative and regulatory wonder how often had I, or we as issues. 0 JULY-AUGUST 1987, RURAL LIVING 9 T he effect on the students who attend the Young People's Citizenship Seminar is most evident in those who are chosen to return the following summer as junior counselors. This summer, Kim Kuhn of CITIZENSHIP Muskegon County, Mike McCafferty of Branch County, Nancy Laethem of Tuscola County and Paul Knoerr of Saginaw County, returned to act as seasoned seminar leaders. Their SEMINAR '87 responsibility - to help motivate over 200 students to not only par- ticipate, but discover how to incor- porate what they have learned dur- ing the seminar into their lives. "The responsibility of a junior counselor is to act as a catalyst, get- ting the reaction started, without really getting involved in the reac- tion," said Nancy. "We get the political parties going and try to get the leaders to surface, so that they can eventually run the parties themselves. We also get people together, talking and excited about the program. Because once you get them started, they just take off!" The importance of the right to The importance and the vote was stressed throughout the value of an American~ week. The students participated in a . right to vote was em- mock voter registration and valida- phasized throughout the tion process in order to be able to week. Students experienc- vote in the seminar elections. \ ed the voting registration \ Students had the opportunity to and validation process. vote in primary, general and ballot Each election used a dif- proposal elections. Many of the races ferent voting method in were close, with one vote deciding order to familiarize the the winner in some. A tied vote was students with the punch card, Shoup (lever) and broken by the traditional coin toss - ballot means of voting. the same method used to determine the winner of some real-life election ties. Last summer, the seminar election results were also very close, with tied races decided by the coin toss. The seriousness of depending on luck to determine a winner in not only mock, but in real elections, inspired Kim to register to vote as soon as she turned 18, and to encourage her friends to do the same. "When the flip of a coin deter- mines the winner of a tied election, you realize that one person's vote really does make a difference;' Kim said. Nancy, a high school senior, is also ready to exercise her right to vote, "I'm very excited about being able to register to vote when I turn 10 RURAL LIVING, JULY-AUGUST 1987 18, and to be able to vote in the presidential election." Since the 1986 seminar, both Kim and Mike have been actively in- volved as campaign workers. Kim helped a member of her local schoolboard run for office. Mike, a high school senior, worked on the campaigns of state Sen. Nick Smith, who is also chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee, and U.S. Congressman Fred Upton. The Young People's Citizenship Seminar was designed to develop in its participants an understanding of, and an appreciation for, democracy, capitalism and the American way of life. It also provides practical and meaningful experiences in citizenship education through information, dis- cussion, self -expression, participation and self-discipline. "I think that Farm Bureau is in- terested in encouraging youth to get involved in the political system, Important members of the Citizenship staff were junior counselors (left- primarily so that its members will right) Paul Knoerr, Kim Kuhn, Mike McCafferty and Nancy Laethem. They have a voice in the future," Nancy played an important part in getting the students involved in the seminar said. activities and helping break the ice between people on the first day. Having a voice in the future of our country and the responsibility of citizens to exercise the right to vote was stressed.by Becky Jeppesen, political activities coordinator for the seminar and the local affairs special- ist with MFB. "My goal during the seminar was to impress upon the students their responsibilities as voting citizens, the importance of the political party system, and the role voting plays in the make up of our country," Becky said. "When these students leave the seminar, we want them walking tall and feeling proud about being a citizen and eager to participate in all Seminar activities included speakers, political rallies, elections, the privileges that go along with be- and a public hearing. Students ing a citizen," said Vic Verchereau, learned about economics, history seminar chairman and manager of and patriotism. A popular speaker the MFB Young Farmer Department. was Rev. Bruce Hanks (left), a direct descendent of Abraham "The highlight of the seminar, for Lincoln. He delivered a brief history me personally, is that last day when of Lincoln's life, speaking as if he the kids show their true reaction to were Lincoln himself talking to the seminar and to see how many friends. A favorite activity was the close friendships have developed political rallies (above) held several times during the day. during the week," said Vie. "It's that process from the first day when their general attitude is 'O.K.-motivate me,' to that last day when they've become warm, appreciative and have gained a true understanding of what the seminar is all about." 0 JULY-AUGUST 1987, RURAL LIVING 11 National Governor's Conference Looks at Rural Issues Dawn lott, regional FB editor businesses, transportation, processing • of "The Fence Post", and retailing. We know that invited Gov. James Blanchard to agriculture is the base for a stable write a letter concerning the em- rural economy so important to so phasis he was going to place on much of our state. We know that agriculture during the 1987 Gover- food and agriculture, together with nors' Conference. The letter was forest products and tourism- published in the July issue of The. recreation, form a special - and Fence Post, a FB newsletter which renewable ~ resource for Michigan's covers seven NW Michigan counties. present and future. Following are some excerpts from As your governor, I intend to that letter: broaden and intensify our state's Summer Celebration Our nation's governors will soon efforts in this area. (The governor Michigan FB s have been helping have the opportunity to experience specifically cited these actions to sup- the state celebrate its 150th birthday firsthand the beauty and richness of port agriculture:) in 'nULny ways this summer. Michigan's renewable resources when -The availability of farm credit The District 10 Spring Rally held they assemble for the National through state programs. May 5 in Alpena County had a Governors' Association annual -Assisting producers and processors "Michigan My Michigan" theme for meeting July 25-28, in Traverse City, in expanding their operations and in their state birthday party. Special heart of Farm Bureau's northwest finding new markets. cakes (above) were made by Tina . region. -Strengthening efforts to market Gerke and Lila Will. Many of the Michigan's food and agriculture prod- women dressed in antique clothes and brought old family relics to ucts internationally. display. - An aggressive advertisjng campaign Gladwin County FB held a picnic to promote the quality and value of at Beaverton Park June 23. The pic- Michigan's agricultural produce. nic featured Michigan products and -Support basic and applied research the centerpiece was a cake (below) at Michigan State University. decorated by Charlene McLaren. Same of the better knoWn. products on the cake were dairy, blUeberries, cherries, beans, pickles, sugar, pine trees, deer and the Mackinac Bridge. The picnic was hosted by the Busy Beavers Community ActUjn Group. During the conference, the NGA Task Force on Jobs, Growth and Competitiveness will release a report addressing the issues of agricultural diversification, rural economic diver- sification and access to capital. We will discuss legislative reform of the Farm Credit System as part of an overall strategy for agriculture and rural America. Michigan's leaders are aware of the importance of the food and ~ agriculture industry to our state's economy. We know that agriculture means jobs - in farming, agri- " 12 RURAL LIVING, JULY-AUGUST 1987 Rural Exchange Church/Laity Group Teichman to Host Annual Honored Farm Tour Herb Teichman, President of Tree-Mendus Fruit Farm Member organizations of the and creator of the Interna- • tional Cherry Pit Spitting Family Farm Concerns Coalition Contest, accepts an A m- of the Michigan Ecumenical Forum bassador of Tourism Award have announced plans for the an- from Paula Blanchard. nual farm tour in the Saginaw- Teichman was cited at Genesee communities of Montrose special ceremonies in Lansing for his contribu- and Saginaw, Wed., Aug. 19. Tour tions to Michigan tourism participants will visit Leach Farms in and for "spending as much Saginaw County where sugar beets, time prmnoting dry beans, soybeans, corn and southwestern Michigan as he does his own fruit farm. " wheat are produced. In the after- noon, the group will tour the 165 acre Montrose Orchards and farm market in Genesee County. According to the organizers, tour objectives are to foster awareness among clergy and laity of the capital Ag/Tourism Conference Offers demands and risks of a farm busi- Special Discount for FB Members ness, including how farm families are rebuilding after the flood disaster of MFB members interested in attending the first Michigan Ag/T ourism 1986. • Conference at Lake Michigan College, Benton Harbor, Sept. 21-22, Tour cost is $5 and includes can use the coupon below to receive an exclusive $5 discount on the con- luncheon. For more information or ference registration fee. to register for the tour, contact Alice Keynote speaker for the conference will be Orion Samuelson, WGN radio Happel, 62299 Happel Road, Burr and television farm director, who will address common issues and concerns Oak, Mich. 49030, phone: 616- facing individuals and businesses in ag/tourism. Samuelson's remarks will 651-2207. Make checks payable to complement exhibits, workshops and "familiarity tours" of area ag/tourism the Michigan Ecumenical Forum. sites. Participants may select one of four tours. The tours will highlight ex- Register by Aug. 14. amples of successful combinations of agriculture, food and tourism. Scheduled sessions include: starting an ag/tourism business, developing an effective promotional brochure, improving an existing ag/tourism business, marketing and hospitality, and getting to know the tour business. FARMETTE Cost of the one-and-a-half day conference is $50 which includes three meals and reception, conference sessions and tours. Lodging is not includ- By Andrea Hofmeister ed. However, special overnight rates are available to conference participants Tuscola County at area lodging facilities. To receive registration information, write or call: Ag Tourism Conference, Michigan State University, 131 Natural Resources Building, East Lansing, Mich. 48824-1222; phone 517-353-5190. I am looking forward to attending the first Michigan Ag/T ourism Conference, Sept. 21-22 at Lake Michigan College, Benton Harbor. As a Michigan Farm Bureau member, this coupon entitles me to a $5 discount on the conference registration fee. Name Address Phone: (__ )" \ "Dear, we're on vacation, this is City/State/Zip a campsite. It's suppose to have weeds!" County Farm Bureau MFB Membership # JULY-AUGUST 1987, RURAL LIVING 13 Country Almanac August Aug. 2-8 Huron County Fair, Bad Axe. Aug. 17 District 11 W Policy Development Oakland County 4-H Fair, Meeting. Davisburg. Aug. 17-22 Newaygo County Fair, Fremont. Sanilac County Fair, Sandusky. Northern District Fair, Cadillac. Aug. 2-9 Clare County Ag Fair, Harrison. Aug. 17-23 Genesee County Ag Fair, Genesee. Muskegon County Fair, Ravenna. Ogemaw County Ag Fair, West Aug. 3-6 Clinton Co. 4-H Fair, St. Johns. Branch. Aug. 3-8 Kent County 4-H Fair, Lowell. Aug. 18 District lIE Policy Development Meeting. Aug. 3-8 Monroe County Fair, Monroe. Aug. 18-23 Armada Ag Fair, Armada. Aug. 4-8 St. Clair County Ag Fair, Goodells. U.P. State Fair, Escanaba. Aug. 5 District 2 Policy Development Mtg. Aug. 20 MFB Statewide Policy Development Aug. 6. District 8 Policy Development Mtg. Conference, Clarion Hotel, Lansing. Aug. 6-9 Ontonagon County Ag Fair, Saginaw County FB Annual Greenland. Meeting, 6:30 p.m., KC Hall, Aug. 8-15 Isabella County Fair, Mt. Pleasant. Williams Road, Saginaw. Aug. 9-15 Branch County Fair, Coldwater. Aug. 20-23 Iron County Fair, Iron River. Jackson County Fair, Jackson. Aug. 21-23 Baraga County Fair, Pelkie. Shiawassee County Fair, Corunna. Aug. 23-29' Alpena County Fair, Alpena. Aug. 10-14 Missaukee Falmouth Ag Fair, Aug. 24-29 Kalamazoo County Ag Fair, Falmouth. Kalamazoo. Aug. 10-15 Bay County Fair, Bay City. Aug. 24-29 Western Michigan Fair, Ludington. Otsego County Fair, Gaylord. Aug. 25 Bay County FB Annual Meeting, Aug. 10-16 Lapeer County Ag Fair, Imlay City. 7 p.m., Williams Township Hall, Aug. 11 District 6 Policy Development Mtg. . Auburn. District 8 Policy Development Mtg. Aug. 25 District 10 Policy Development Meeting, Gaylord. Aug. 11-15 Montmorency County Fair, Atlanta. Aug. 26-30 Oceana County Ag Fair, Hart. Aug. 12 District 4 Policy Development Meeting, '8 p.m., Kent County FB Aug. 27 District 3 Policy Development Mtg. Office, Comstock Park. District 7 Policy Development Mtg. Aug. 12-15 Kalkaska County Ag Fair, Kalkaska. Tuscola County FB Annual Meet- Aug. 15 Gratiot County FB Annual Meeting, ing, 6:30 p.m., KC Hall, Caro. 5:30 p.m., Moose Lodge, St. Louis. Aug. 27-30 Houghton 4-H Fair, Hancock. Aug. 15-16 Antrim County Farm Fair, Bellaire. Aug. 28-30 Schoolcraft County Fair, Aug. 15-22 Northern Michigan Fair, Cheboygan. Manistique. Aug. 16-22 Calhoun County Ag Fair, Marshall. Aug.28- Michigan State Fair, . Sept. 7 Detroit. Lenawee County Ag Fair, Adrian. Aug. 31- Northwestern Michigan Fair, Midland County Ag Fair, Midland. Sept. 5 Traverse City. 14 RURAL LIVING. JULY-AUGUST 1987 TAKE PHI DE IN Take Pride in America is a broad- AMERICA based volunteer effort in which anyone can participate. A list of 50 ways every citizen can participate in the campaign is available to help people get started and to suggest other volunteer activities. Suggested activities include: community clean up/fix up campaigns, tree and flower planting projects, recycling cam- - paigns, park supervision programs and awards programs for outstanding conservation or community "Take Pride" efforts. Representatives of the Soil Con- servation Service, Agriculture Stabilization and Conservation Ser- vice, Farmers Home Administration "Our goal is to strengthen the conservation ethic of all T ake Pride in America is the name of a nationwide cam- paign by the U.S. departments of Agriculture, Education, and In- and Cooperative Extension Service are coordinating Take Pride in America efforts at the state and county level. Local organizations or terior to involve all citizens in the groups and individuals who want to people toward soil, water care, rehabilitation and preservation learn more about the campaign and and other resources in of our nation's resources. Everyone is how they might participate in the encouraged to "Take Pride in campaign should contact their local Michigan and the nation. " America" and is invited to do what USDA office. they can to improve the use and A national awards program will care of public and private resources. recognize individuals, and public and "Our goal is to strengthen the private groups that carry out out- conservation ethic of all people standing stewardship actions or toward soil, water and other awareness efforts on behalf of public resources in Michigan and the na- or private resources. National finalists tion," said Homer R. Hilner, chair- will receive their awards and be person of Michigan's Take Pride in recognized at a special Take Pride in America Coordinating Committee. America awards ceremony in "When people are proud of their Washington, D.C. Local USDA of- land or community they tend to be fices have the entry forms. more careful about its use and care:' The Department of Agriculture has The Take Pride in America effort conducted several events including began with the 1986 State of the special programs at the USDA Union Address when President building and Jefferson Auditorium, a Reagan reminded people that every new exhibit and "dash for trash" race American shares the responsibility for for young people during Awareness the nation's parks, forests and other Week (May 17-23) to initiate 1987 resources. The 1986 Take Pride in activities. Sept. 13-19 has been America campaign, which focused selected for Take Pride in America on care and protection of the na- work-fest week. Volunteer and com- tion's public lands, was expanded to munity projects will be highlighted include private, as well as public during the special week to recognize land, in the 1987 and successive work being done to improve and campaigns. protect community resources. 0 JULY-AUGUST 1987, RURAL LIVING 15 Oil overcharge refund worth $8/10,000 gal,lons used An oil overcharge refund opportunity will be worth at least $8 per 10.000 gallons for all crude oil.based fuels and greases APPLICATION FOR CRUDE OIL REFUND that farmers purchased from independent Prepared by the American Farm Bureau Federation to meet Department of Energy requirements (non-cooperative) suppliers between August 1973 and January 1981. 1. Check V: Q. Where do I apply for a refund? A. The Office of Hearings and Appeals of the U.S. Department of Energy is in D Ibought all.or part. of my gasoline. diesel. kerosene. lubricating oil.propane. greases. and heating oilfrom an independent (non-cooperative) supplier between August 1973 and January 1981. If you check this box then continue to fillout this refund application. charge of the refund program. Ifthese products were purchased totally from your local cooperative. STOP HERE. You do not need to fillout this application form. Regional petroleum cooperatives will receive refunds which are intended to benefit farmers and Q. What caused the refunds? ranchers who are members of the petroleum cooperatives.) A. Crude oil was under government Also STOP HERE ifyou purchased a grand total of 10.000 gallons or less of these crude oil products between price controls during that time and some August 1 973 and January 1 981 . energy companies charged more than they should have for crude oil.Everyone who purchased products refined from that oil 2. Check V those activitieson your farm that used petroleum products: therefore paid a higher price than they nor- mally would have. Lawsuits were filedand D Planting o Spraying o Tillage o Heat Buildings o Dry Crops the companies agreed to settlements worth several billiondollars. The money o Cultivating o Harvesting o Irrigation o Transportation o Other was divided into several funds by negotiated settlement. 3. Fillin below to indicate the amount of petroleum products purchased for both on- and off- farm use from independent (non-cooperative) suppliers Q. Do I need a lawyer to filea claim? A. No. ifyou are a farmer just use this DIESEL & MOTOR OIL form. Consumers who don't resell the GASOLINE FUEL OIL PROPANE & GREASE products as Jjetroleum need only to be gallons able to prove the amount they purchased. Aug. - Dec. 1973 Q. If I can't locate records showing 1974 gallonage, can I estimate it? 1975 A. Yes. but a fulldescription of your estimation technique must be included 1976 with the application. 1977 Q. What if I only have sales slips 1978 showing dollar value of purchases? 1979 A. You should be able to estimate the number of gallons purchased by dividing 1980 the amount you spent each year by the SUBTOTAL price for that product in your area during that period. GALLONS GRAND TOTAL ~ Q. What willhappen to my refund ap- plication when it reaches DOE? 4. Check V how you arrived at the yearly figures for petroleum use: A. DOE willassign ita reference num- o State off-road fuel tax exemption records o Sales receipts ber and send you a letter confirming its o Local fuel supplier records o Credit card purchase Slips receipt and reference number (Make a copy of the application for your files before you send it.) o Other Other estimating methods may be used. For instance. ifnone of these documents is available. you may estimate Some applicants willbe spot checked on petroleum use by multiplying your average number of acres farmed per year by USDA's national average of 23.8 a random basis for documentation of pur- gallons/acre/year of petroleum. Then multiply that figure by 7.44 years. '.. chases. Do not send supporting in- voices unless asked. acres/ye~r x 23.8 x 7.44 = Gallons Grand Total DOE willsend you a written decision on your claim. If a refund is approved itwill 5. Ifyou did business under more than one name or corporation. please listnames and take another 60 days or more for the dates when used: check to be mailed. 6. Name & address of person to receive Q. What's the minimum number of Applicant's Information refund ifdifferent than applicant gallons needed to qualify for a refund? A. The U.S. Treasury willnot write a Name check for less than S 15 because itcosts Corporation that much to process it.Therefore itwill State ZiD City definitely be worthwhile to filea claim if you purchased a grand totalof more than Social Securitv No. - - - - 19.000 gallons of petroleum products. And. because the fund isdrawing interest. itis very possible that you could get a re- 7. Contact Person's Name Daytime Phone fund if your grand total is more than 10.000 gallons for the 7'f2-year period. 8. Signature Date Return before December 31, 1987, to: Department of Energy, Office of Hearings & Appeals, Q. What is the deadline for filing a refund claim? 1000 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20585 A. December 31. 1987. 16 RURAL LIVING, JULY-AUGUST 1987 Agrinomic Update Standards Seek to Improve Grain Quality and Marketability Several major changes in grain is now illegal to add any foreign same price for wheat as before, • standards became effective material or re-introduce screenings to since processors and other end-users May 1, 1987. Aimed at efforts to grain traded in the domestic market. of wheat can now bid the price of more accurately describe the grain A similar prohibition will be effective wheat with no dockage (previously being traded and/ or to improve the January 1, 1988 for all exported any wheat with up to 0.49% dock- quality of grain, the Federal Grain grain and oilseeds. age) at its true value. With the Inspection Service (FGIS) recently These changes should all help to assurance that they are not paying announced the following changes, as improve the marketability of grain in for any dockage when it is reported they relate to the issuance of official the domestic and export markets as such, the value of clean wheat is grade certificates: and provide incentives to producers now as much as one-cent higher. • Dockage, defined as all matter to market cleaner, higher quality By the same token, reporting pro- other than wheat, which is readily grain than in the past. tein content corrected to a 12 % removable, will be reported to the Unfortunately, the effect these constant moisture does not alter the nearest O. 1 %. In the past, dockage changes will have on the value of value of producers' wheat. Elevator certification was rounded DOWN to grain as it moves in commerce are operators, who have established dis- the nearest one-half or whole per- being misrepresented by some grain counts for wheat with less than 12% cent, resulting most often in un- buyers. moisture because correcting the pro- derstating the amount of dockage. For instance, the change made in tein content to that level results in • Protein content of wheat will be reporting dockage in wheat has lowering the protein reading, are reported, corrected to a constant changed the value of a bushel of misleading producers. 12% moisture, rather than on an wheat only slightly - at most, one The deception does n"ot justify the "as is" basis. This will permit a cent per bushel if wheat is priced at discounts. Persistence by the grain more accurate evaluation of the $2.50 per bushel. On the average, trade in following such a practice will protein value of"wheat offered for the effect would be only one-half only strengthen producers' reasoning sale to processors and importers. cent per bushel. The net effect- for pricing grain on a dry-matter In addition, based on the Grain bottom line-however, is that wheat basis. 0 Quality Improvement Act of 1986, it producers should receive exactly the Tips & Trends Corn - Carryover stocks of 6.3 Soybeans - A soybean market pace than in past rebuilding phases. billion bu. remain a burden in the rally which opened in mid-February The report also indicates early spring corn trade. However, active par- was fueled by 1987 planting inten- storms claimed calf losses as high as ticipation in recent government pro- tions reports that production levels 250,000 head. gram offerings, and similar pro- would not be high enough to meet grams/participation next year, may export and domestic demand. The Hogs - Cash price weakness is ex- mean cutting into supplies as early rally was further supported by a pected in the third and fourth quar- as the next marketing year. sharp rise in precious metals and ter. Expansion is taking place, but crude oil prices. The falling dollar not at an alarming rate. Wheat - An export bonus offer ac- meant the best overseas commodity cepted by Russia gave good support selling prices in ten years. A pre- Horticultural Crops - The U.S. to the spring wheat market. The pur- planting weather scare finished off Customs Service has completed chases complete the sale of 4 mmt the big rally. On June 30, USDA development of regulations for coun- (147 million bu.) provided under the reported soybean stocks at 865 try of origin labeling on apple juice, EEP program and meet the require- million bu. and has submitted the regulations to ments under the long-term grain the Treasury Department for review. agreement between the U.S. and Cattle - USDA Cattle Inventory Implementation is expected by late Russia. Report (June 30) indicates the in- summer. 0 dustry is turning inventory at a lower JULY-AUGUST 1987, RURAL LIVING 17 Grassroots Perspective ''You Said It" Discussion Topic Here's how Community Action Group members responded after dis- cussion of the June topic, "Farm Right to Farm Update Credit Update": -The majority (48%) of CAG members rated FB's plan for the farm Background Resources, the Department of Public credit system as fair, 33% rated the Health and many private experts. Because of the complexity of the plan good and 19% rated it poor. . The Management Practices Sub- "Right-to-Farm" issue, the Michigan committee was given the responsibil- - When asked their opinion about Department of Agriculture established ity to develop a uniform set of man- what extent the state and federal a "Right to' Farm Task Force" in agen:tent and design standards and governments should be involved in 1985. It is made up of representa- specifications for use by the MDA providing credit to farmers or tives from various departments of director as "generally accepted guaranteeing loans made by lenders. state government and is charged with agricultural and management prac- Members said: 44% involved, 43% making recommendations on regula- tices." These standards could also be not involved and 13% very involved. ting intensive livestock operations. adopted by other agencies and Mich- -Comments on what FB should be A report issued by the task force in igan State University for use in as- doing to keep competitive sources of 1986 generated a great deal of con- sisting animal agriculture producers credit available to farmers included: troversy. A number of recommenda- statewide. support credit system. convince farm- tions were made regarding criteria for farm management practices to qualify The Legislative Subcommittee was ers not to borrow more than they to develop suggested changes to the can pay back. work with creditors to for protection under the Right to Farm law. Due to the controversial Right to Farm Act and/or other en- keep the interest low and to give ad- vironmentallaws and regulations. vice. and work with individuals. nature and limited distribution of the recommendations, they were later The Information and Education Sub- -CAG m~mbers made the follow- committee was charged with publicity dropped. ing suggestions: the ad hoc commit- or information programs that would In October of 1986, the MDA or- tee should be dissolved when their be needed after the other subcom- ganized "Multidisciplinary Evaluation work is done; better inspections mittee reports were completed. Teams" to begin a long term inves- should be made before loans are is- A series of meetings, discussions tigative process. Again, the goal was sued: government should be in- and reviews took place from the to make recommendations on the volved with guaranteed loans only; beginning of the AWRC until June of livestock waste management problem and with local control, boards can this year. From that process came in the state. The teams were later react quickly and understand local recommendations to modify certain named the "Animal Waste Resource differences and conditions better. state policies on livestock waste Committee" (AWRC) and further segmented into legislative, manage- management. ment practices, and information and Proposals education subcommittees. These sub- The committee recommendations committees were formed to draw In September upon the knowledge of technical ex- on changes in the Right-to-Farm-Act were: perts and the committee members' practical experience. In addition, the - A farm would be protected from Promotion & Education a nuisance suit if the farm had been process included an extensive review Committee of what was written in scientific there for one year or more, was not literature regarding livestock manage- a nuisance at the time it began, and The purpose and goals of the conforms to "generally accepted ment. Promotion and Education Com- agricultural and management prac- The teams started with 60 people mittee will be outlined in next tices." and grew during the nine month month's topic. The discussion Those practices would not be in- process to its present total of over will be designed to encourage cluded directly in the law, but would 250 people. The group represented Community Action Groups to a variety of interests including Mich- be promulgated as rules based on seek ways to work with the Pro- igan Farm Bureau, the Soil Conser- Soil Conservation Servic~ technical motion and Education Commit- vation Service, Michigan State Uni- specifications. Current law does not tees in their counties. versity, the Department of Natural (continued on next page) 18 RURAL LIVING. JULY-AUGUST 1987 charges into surface waters; or an scheduled to be released for mass Discussion Topic HOLD that does not directly dis- distribution by August 1. The MDA (continued from previous page) charge into surface waters but a) will hold public hearings on the does not have an animal waste man- report during the first two weeks of define these practices. The proposed agement plan, or b) the site cannot November and December, and sub- specifications would pertain only to meet standards and specifications for mit the report to the Agriculture livestock waste management prac- the plan; an HDLO with less than Commission at its February 1988 tices. It's not clear what this means to 1000 units that is causing or has meeting. The commission will then non-livestock producers who seek caused water pollution. make recommendations to the Legis- protection under the Act, but it is • Existing non-polluting farms are lature. anticipated that non-livestock stan- not required to have a permit or a Farm Bureau members should dards will be promulgated by the waste management plan. carefully consider these proposals MDA at a later date. Finally, proposed Air Pollution and be prepared to offer input during • A farm would not be protected Control Act amendments would the consideration process. 0 from a nuisance suit if the nuisance more clearly exempt agriculture from results from "negligent or improper having to obtain an air quality per- Discussion Questions farm operation." mit. • Do you feel these proposals are fair • A person who alleges that a farm and equitable? does not conform to the above re- Opportunities for Comment • Are there sufficient protections quirements for protection from These recommendations are ex- against nuisance suits? nuisance suits has two options - pected to be part of a final report on • Are there too many restrictions on mediation through local government "Right to Farm" that the MDA is livestock operations? Too few? channels, or arbitration through state government channels. Either option requires that both parties agree in ad- vance to participate in the process and jointly share the cost. . CHECK SAFEMARK'S For local government mediation, complainants would make a written request to the township supervisor or SUPERIORITY chief locally-elected officer for media- tion. The supervisor or local officer Three Year Field Hazard Warranty would be required to submit written findings and recommendations to the On All Farm Tires parties in the dispute within 30 days of the written request. For state government arbitration, complainants would make a written Multi-Angle request to MDA for arbitration, which Extra pounds of rubber in the would be binding and based on husky undertread and wide, methods of the American Arbitration ground-biting cleats. Association. The committee recommended this Three Rib Front proposed policy for the state of Long field service; smooth Michigan: • A waste management plan will be rolling on the road. required for a new or expanded High Density Livestock Operation (HOLD) Rib Implement with less than the equivalent of 1000 Rib Implement is designed for animal units (the number of animals free-rolling wheels. that generate a volume of waste pro- duced by 1000 slaughter or feeder The Safemark Margin: Quality • Service • Dependability • Economy cattle) provided that waste is not directly discharged into surface water. No plan will be required for an existing HOLD with less than 1000 units that is not causing surface or groundwater pollution. NOTICE • A surface Discharge Permit will Michigan Farm Bureau Group Blue Cross I be required for an HOLD with more than 1000 animal units; an HDLO Blue Shield Reopening Plan Selection with less than 1000 units that dis- Cards Due August 31, 1987. JULY-AUGUST 1987. RURAL LIVING 19 Legislative Review • New state, intermediate and local consolidation or cooperative pro- (continued fram page 6) district responsibilities. grams. • Restructure the Department of - adjustments in. other revenue the Cooperative Extension Service Education .. sources. and the agricultural experiment • Require development and use of a .The revenue system for funding station. K-12 plan containing required course K-12 education should include an The additional funding will support work. equitable distribution of resources to a broad range of CES programs • Better teacher training. every child in the Michigan Public from marketing education and sup- It is estimated that more than Schools. port to nutrient management, 50% of the school districts fail to The final report is expected to be livestock odors, forestry issues, and meet standards of quality needed in released in September or October for finding solutions to the problems fac- course content and instruction. The action in the fall legislative session. ing agriculture to improve the eco- proposal will require much more This issue should receive major at- nomic advantage of farmers. work and time. tention in the 1987 FB policy FB serves on the Property Tax development process . Oyersize Farm Equipment Revenue subcommittee which is • - Govj Blanchard has signed meeting once a week. Other sub- Income Thx Rollback - into law a bill to allow the move- committees are Distribution of State • The Senate has passed S.B. 7 ment of wider farm equipment on Aid and a Steering Committee. and 8 to rollback the income tax most public roads. The new law There is a consensus on goals for from 4.6% to 4.4%, however, it was amends the state's motor vehicle evaluating school finance reform pro- expected that the House would hold code. it up because of the expected deficit posals which include: The new law, Public Act 90, this year. The governor supported .School operating property taxes allows the movement of any sized the rollback and also proposed a should be reduced by a minimum of farm equipment on roadways during "10/20" plan under which the state daylight hours, as long as the move- $1.6 billion, a cut of approximately 50%. would pay the first 10 mils on the ment of the equipment does not im- • All classes of property should first $20,000 market value of a pede the flow of traffic. The new law receive at least a 50% reduction in home. This would be paid for by allows any sized farm equipment on roadways after dark as long as it school operating property taxes. taxing insurance premiums, bank in- does not move left of center. Also, • Each of the following changes tangibles, military pay, etc. The the equipment must display a tail should be considered as a potential House has now combined both of light or be followed by a vehicle source of revenue to fund a high- these proposals. Instead of a tax rate displaying tail lights. quality, K-12 education program: cut, the so-called $170 million - increases in the rate and/or federal tax windfall would be used to School Finance Reform increase personal tax exemptions • base of the sales tax. Commission - The first from the present $1,500 to $1,900 - business tax increases, in- draft overall proposal from the in 1987, $1,950 in 1988 and $2,000 cluding changes in the Single Education Quality Subcommittee in 1989. Business Tax. states that "Education must still be primarily directed by locally elected - increases in the rate and/or Sales Th.x - S.B. 222 has base of the personal income tax. • school boards ..:' However, the passed the Senate and is in - narrowing of the state "ultimate responsibility" lies with the the House Taxation Committee. It Homestead Property Tax rebate pro- state as required by the Constitution would exempt agricultural drain tile gram (P.A. 116 would not be and "All children in the state must and portable grain bins for sales tax. affected). have an equal opportunity to learn It includes a definition of grain bin - the possible adoption of a essential skills, etc." Therefore, "all portability. uniform, statewide school operating districts should be required to adopt millage rate. Highway Legislation - A and implement student and system standards." And where consistent - possible changes in school pen- • joint House-Senate subcom- sion funding. mittee is working on an agreeable "failure occurs the State must - local revenue options including package of 10 or more bills. Key assume temporary control of the local sales or income tax. provisions include: districts' programs:' This means: - measures to broaden the prop- • Proposes increases in user fees • State standards for "core require- erty tax base, such as reducing or totaling approximately $90 million ments" (required and elective eliminating exemptions and abate- generated by: courses) and "acceptable educational ments. - increasing the title transfer fee results" (determined by testing) for - increased operating efficiencies $2 to $10 ($28 million total). achievement, employability, etc., and through school district reorganization, make the information public. (continued on page 21) 20 RURAL LIVING, JULY-AUGUST 1987 Legislative RevIew year 1986-87 levels with the largest also expected that there will be a (continued from page 20) increase in the Department of Cor- $51.6 million deficit for the present rections (16.2%), capital outlay pro- year 1986-87. 0 - adding a $4 processing fee to jects decreased by 31.8%. Revenues vehicle registration cost ($32 million for 1987-88 are expected to be total) . $6.4 78 billion with expenditures Lansing legislative topics are reviewed - increasing driver license fee estimated at $6.573 billion. This by Robert E. Smith, MFB senior $7.50 to $15 for new and $6 to $12 could mean a deficit of about $94.5 legislative consel. for renewal ($10 million total). million in the 1987-88 budget. It is ..---------,I - increasing commercial registra- tion fees by 15% ($10 million total). - increasing diesel fuel sticker from $12 to $25 for out-of-state trucks and retain $92 fee for in-state trucks ($5.6 million total). I H Farmers, Protect I I - increasing driver reinstatement fee $25 to $100 ($4.5 million total). Your Engines!" • Allows the following local options by vote of people: Tetraethyl Lead has been all but eliminated in I - up to $10 per year vehicle registration fee. I gasoline thanks to an EPA decree. Unfor- - up to $3 per year on driver's license ($12 total on four-year renewal) . tunately the. valve seats in engines built for leaded gasoline will slowly - but surely - I • Creates an Economic Development Authority to be funded by $96 self-destruct without lead protection or a proper lead substitute. I million from the auto-related sales tax (general fund). The revenue would be distributed as follows: Tractors, combines, light and medium size trucks, marine and RV engines through 1985, I - 25 % for road projects required by economic development; and auto engines before 1974 are all in dan- ger of real damage I - 25 % for capacity improvement projects; - 25 % for trunkline take over without proper valve seat protection. I projects; and - 25 % for rural primary road support. ing All Farmers Petro- leum Dealers are offer- INDEX VSPTM I • Establishes a four-year matching fund in the Department of Transpor- tation using state trunkline dollars to match locally-raised revenue on a Valve Seat Protec- tant in pump gasoline and/or conveni- I I receding basis (two-for-one down to ent take-home one-half-for-one) . • At one point, the present 15 cents per gallon gas tax was reduced to ., For Information containers so now you can I 13 cents. It is now back to 15 cents and a further increase is being con- sidered. The Joint Legislative Com- Call '-800.292.2640 worry one less prob- lem this year! about I mittee will continue to work on the highway issue during the summer recess because an agreement could -- - I not be reached during the legislative session. At least two public hearings I g ~g=~ g~'l=j .:.- ;-.=. I I · will be held; one in the Detroit area, FUEL--PRO'DUCTS and the other in the U. P. • Michigan's Budget - The budget bills are presently on I Quality Without Compromise VSPTMValveSeat Protectant • Fuel Injection Cleaner • "Summer Premium" Die8el Cetane Additive I I the governor's desk. The Senate • "20 Below" Winter Die8el Additive Fiscal Agency reports that 1987-88 appropriations will increase $207.3 million, or 3.3 %, over the present JULY-AUGUST 1987, RURAL LIVING L ---------- INDEX INDUSTRIES, Caledonia, Michigan 49316 21 KALLMAN & CROPSEY MFB Declines ATTORNEYS AT LAW NFO Offer; Asks GENERAL PRACTICE IN ALL STATE & FEDERAL COURTS for More Details FARM REORGANIZATIONS - CHAPTER 12 BANKRUPTCY The Michigan Farm Bureau • has declined a request by the BUSINESS REORGANIZATIONS - CHAPTER 11 BANKRUPTCY National Farmers Organization WAGEEARNERPLANS-CHAPTERI3BANKRUPTCY (NFO) to join them in marketing ef- forts for agricultural commodities. In LIQUIDATIONS - CHAPTER 7 BANKRUPTCY a letter to NFO President Devon WILLS/TRUSTS - PROBATE ESTATES Woodland of Iowa, MFB President PERSONAL INJURY Jack Laurie cited the organization's already existing marketing programs REAL ESTATE - CONDEMNATION and lack of details on the proposed FEDERAL & STATE ADMINISTRATIVE LAW joint marketing program as reasons for declining the request at this time. BUSINESS/CORPORATION LAW "Michigan Farm Bureau is keenly WORKMAN'S COMPENSATION interested and very much involved in CRIMINAL LAW helping its members realize maxi- mum net income from the market- PROPER1Y TAX APPEALS place," Laurie told Woodland. "We SOCIAL SECURITY CiAIMS have researched various marketing programs, organized an affiliate com- (517) 484-0693 pany to operate marketing pro- grams, and assisted the affiliate to successfully implement the programs. "Currently, effective marketing ALAN L. CROPSEY programs are operating for various (Fonner State Senator) fruits and vegetables as well as DAVID A. KALLMAN feeder pigs. Computerized marketing information and advice on wheat, KALLMAN & CROPSEY soybeans, feedgrains and livestock 205 West Saginaw Street are also being provided for Farm Lansing, Michigan 48933 Bureau members to improve their in- come in the marketplace," Laurie said. Laurie did leave the door open for future discussions, however. "When complete details of the proposed joint marketing program are developed, you may send me a copy for more thorough evaluation," he told Woodland. Laurie said that in Michigan, FB has been meeting with NFO and other farm organizations periodically for a number of years. "We feel this has been a positive action' on the part of all farm groups and provided a much better under- standing of each others' concerns, and we sincerely look forward to continuing these discussions' in the future," he said. 0 22 RURAL LIVING, JUL V-AUGUST 1987 Farm Bureau Market Place CLASSIFIED AD POLICY HAY LISTING REAL ESTATE MISCELLANEOUS HILLSDALE HAY, 1Ne.: Brian Hasty, Sales CONDO AT NEW SMYRNA BEACH, FLA., OLD TIME fIDDLE MUSIC - Twelve - Farm Bureau members pay Manager, 106 S. County Line ROild, Tekon- FOR SALE OR RENT. Completely furnished. Michigan Fiddlers or Twelve Canadian Fiddlers 25 cents per word for all sha, Mich. 49092; home phone 517-765-2099. two bedrooms, two baths. ocean view from the on a sixty minute cassette $4.50 each. For listof classified advertise~ents. Litchfield sales phone 517-542-3438 fourth floor. Tastefully decorated. Phone other Fiddlers. send long S.A.S.E. to Fiddle (Wednesdays only). All hay NIR tested. 517-669-8252. (7/8-21p) Music. Kinde. Mich. 48445. (7/8-2t-31p) (l2-tfn) - All other advertisers pay WHATLEY REALTY INe.: Farms-Homes- TWO GUARANTEED QUAUTY PRINTED 50 cents per word for one inser- HOWELLLIVESTOCKAUCTION: Billor Larry Commercial. 4571 West US 223, Adrian, MI WIll LEGALFORMS. $2.50. Four $4.00. NSF tion and 45 cents per word for Sheridan, P.O. Box 157, Howell, Mich. 49221. Phone 517-263-7855 or 517-423- Services, Box 2257. Lynchburg. Va. 24501- 48843; office phone 517 -548-3300. (12-tfn) 7411. Auctioneer, Realtor, Vaughn Jo Lewis, 0257. (5-3t-17p-ts) two or more consecutive inser- 3310 Paragon Road, Tipton, M149287. Phone tions of the same ad. 517-431-2571. (4-6t-27p) ATTORNEY: Farm born and raised. Engaged in General Practice at Law. Experienced in - All advertisements are subject to FOR SALE: RESTAURANT WITH LARGE 4 most areas of law and can bring needed exper- FOR HOMEMAKERS BEDROOM HOME. Sanilac County. Extra 101. tise to most problems. Particular emphasis on a IS-word minimum charge, in- Growing business. Owners retiring. Call even- estates and planning. financial problems. torts. cluding member ads. ings - Miss Holly 313-798-8359. (6-6t-17p) land and bankruptcy. Particular knowledge of PECANS: Quart each halves, pieces, meal. agriculture. Available statewide. Call or write - Please indicate if you are a Farm Three-quart sampler, $9.95. Canecreek Farm, Thomas J. Budzynski. 25550 North River Cookeville, TN 38502-2727. (4-7t-15p-ts) Road. MI. Clemens. MI. Phone 313-463-5253. Bureau member. MISCELLANEOUS (4-7t-57p) -The deadline for ads is the fIrst WRITE YOUR OWN WIll: It's legal. Save TIlREE PHASE POWER FROM YOUR SINGLE Monday of the month preceding PHASE ELECTRICAL SERVICE. Roto-Phase money. 4-Forms filloul. $3.50 prepaid. Fast publication. NURSERY STOCK Generators have been American-made and service. Pick's. Depl. RL. Tompkinsville. KY 42167. (7/8-6t-19p-ts) backed for 24 years. From fractional motors up - All ads must be pre-paid and BERRY PLANTS - Raspberries, strawberries, to 100 hp. Economical power for dryers, ele- LIVEfISH fOR STOCKING PONDS. Also sup- may be pre-paid up to one year blueberries, currants, gooseberries, others. Free vators. irrigation equipment, automated feed- plies. feed. windmills. aerators. Stoney Creek catalog. Makielski Berry Nursery, 7130 Platt ers, dairy equipment, machine tools. etc. in advance. Road, Depl. RL, Ypsilanti, Mich. 48197. Remote control and oilfield equipment also Trout Farm. Grant. MI 49327. Phone 616- 834-7720. (6-6t-18p) Phone 313-434-3673. (l1-12t-22p) available. Discounts to FB members. Phone -It is the responsibility of the 1-800-922-7255. (5-3t-52p) MAIL CAll - MAIL BOX SIGNAL. See from advertiser to re-insert the ad on STRAWBERRY PLANTS - ASPARAGUS the house if mail has arrived. Molded plastic CROWNS. Certified plants grown on fumigated EMERGENCY ALERT SYSTEMS - Offer pro- a month-by-month or year-by- sand. Free brochure. Krohne Plant Farms, RI. tection for medical, police and fire. Summons with stainless steel spring. EASY "STICK ON" INSTALLATION. $3.50 + $.50 postage each. year basis. 6, Box 586, Dowagiac, Mich. 49047. help immediately. Lenawee Medical Alert M T L Industries. 5486 Dixon Road. Vassar. (l0-12t-21p) Systems. 2693 Prairie Drive. Adrian. Mich. Mich. 48768. (7/8-45p) - The publisher has the right to 49221. Phone 517-263-5317. (7/8-25p) reject any advertising copy FOR SALE: BAG SAWDUST AND WOOD submitted. SHAVINGS for nursery or livestock bedding. $1.50 per bag. Phone 313-724-0326. Delivery LIVESTOCK Farm Bureau mem- - No ads will be taken over the available. (5-6t-16p) phone. REGISTERED ANGUS BREEDING STOCK: For sale at all times. Bordner Angus Farms, NEED COLLEGE MONEY? Billions available now! Scholarships. grants. loans. Guarantee bers pay 25 cents MAIL YOUR AD WITH PAYMENT TO: 68730 County Farm Road, Sturgis, M149091. Phone 616-651-8353. (4-12t-2Op) you qualify for five financial sources. Most ap- plying receive over 20! Send $3.00 for bro- per word for all chure. instructions. short questionnaire (RE- Rural Living DISPERSAL:REGISTEREDSIMMENTAL.Bred FUNDABLE). Nationwide Scholarship Finders, classified ads. cows, with calf or withoul. Open yearling Box 2257, Lynchburg, Va. 24501-0227. P.O. Box 30960 heifers. Robert Bowler, Germfask, Mich. (5-3t-37p-ts) Lansing, Mich. 48909 49836. Phone 906-586-6121. (7/8-3t-2Op) Advertisers' Index Rural Living would like to thank these advertisers for their support: Blue Cross Blue Shield . . .5 Kallman-Cropsey . .22 Farm Bureau Insurance Group . 24 MACMA Direct Marketing . . .2 Farm Bureau Travel Service .. 3 Safemark (MFB Group Purchasing) . .19 Index, Inc . .21 JULY-AUGUST 1987, RURAL LIVING 23 ••• to last a lifetime From Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company of Michigan Yes, a Universql Life policy from Farm Bureau Universal Life is so flexible that it can meet Life can last you a lifetime ... changing with your life insurance needs for yaur entire your needs, providing cash when you need it, lifetime. 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Making your future FARM BUREAU ~ a little more predictable INSURANCE GROUR fARM etJIlUU MUTUAl • fARM IlURLW lIR • fARM UfAU GENIIAl • II AHNUm Michigan Farm Bureau Rural Living Magazine Non-Profit Org. P.O. Box 30960 U.S. Postage 7373 W. Saginaw Hwy. PA I 0 Lansing, Michigan 48909 Grand Rapids, MI Permit No. 380