As sure as you're on your own, you're not alone ... Working for yourself, you can't afford unscheduled time off for a major illness. Regular health care is viral. That's where we can help, with the health care insurance you need at the down-co-earth membership rates you can afford. As a Farm Bureau member, you can choose from three traditional Blue Cross Blue Shield Comprehensive Major Medical plans, starring as low as $42.10 a month; and one HMO plan' for as little as $94.13 a month. Each plan offers you Blue Cross Blue Shield comprehensive major medical insurance at down-co-earth membership rates. The main difference is: as the deductible goes up, the premium goes down. But, whichever plan you choose, you'll be able co afford the regular health care you need co stay viable. For your nearest Farm Bureau office FaRm~ call 1 (800) 292-2680 extension 3239/3240 BUreaU 'available in most counties BECAUSE YOU CAN'T CALL IN SICK VOL. 65 NO.3 March 1988 .~c.'.~ / h' \ A Publication of the Michigan Farm Bureau About the Cover Welcome warm days release streams and ponds from winter's icy grasp. ~. SPRING SALE Order by: May 11, 1988 Delivery: Week of May 23rd In This Issue Leadership Opportunities for Young Farmers ~MICHIGAN Too old to belong to 4-H and Future Farmers of America? ~ASPARAGUS Want to become active in your community and develop your ,.. 8 leadership potential? Learn more about the leadership oppor- tunities through MFB's Young Farmer program. FROZEN SALE County Presidents Urged to Mobilize Grass- roots Action Conference sessions challenge county Order by: August 24, 1988 Delivery: September 12th - 23rd 10 presidents to boost member involvement ganizational programs. in legislative and or- Marketing Michigan Quality The 3rd annual Gov- ernor's Conference on Agriculture emphasized Michigan's mar- miCHIGan'S FaRm BeST 11 keting strength in offering diversity and quality to national and international consumers. Columns President's Message 4 Grassroots Perspective .28 HOLIDAY CITRUS Legislative Review 6 Farm Bureau Market Place .31 SALE Country Almanac . .12 Advertisers' Index . .31 Agrinomic Update .26 Order by: November 18, 1988 Delivery: December 5th - 16th 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 July 15. Publication and editorial offices at 7373 West Saginaw Highway. Lansing. Mich. 48917. Post Office Box 30960 (zip 48909); phone 517-323-7000. extension 6585. Subscriptions: $1.50 per year to members. included in annual dues. $3.00 per year non-members in Michigan. $5.00 per year non-members out of state. Publication No. 345040. Established Jan. 13. 1923 as Michigan Farm News. name changed to Michigan Farm News Rural Living Dec. 1. 1981. Third-class postage paid at Lansing. Michigan. and at additional mailing offices. Editorial: Connie Turbin. Editor and Business Manager; Donna Wilber. Contributing Editor; Marcia Ditchie. Associate Editor; Kimberly Marshell. Associate Editor and Production Manager. 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; Secretary. William S. Wilkinson. M...C...... Direct .... rk.tlng DI'II.lon Directors: District 1. Marlin Outman. Constantine; District 2. Blaine VanSickle. Marshall; District 3. 7373 W••• S.gln.w Hlghw.y Diane Horning. Manchester; District 4. Charleen Thompson. Freeport; District 5. Mark Smuts. Charlone; P.D.Box 30960 District 6. Jack Laurie. Cass City; District 7. Larry Snider. Hart; District 8. Lyle LeCronier. Freeland: District 9. L.n.lng, Mlchlg.n .. 6909 Joshua Wunsch. Traverse City; District 10. Margaret Kartes. West Branch; District 11. Robert Wahmhoff. 517-323-7000 ext. 230"-5-6 Baraga. At-large; David Conklin. Corunna; Wayne Wood. Marlene; Richard Leach. Saginaw. Promotion and Education: Janis Sanford. Parma. Young Farmers: Ed Cagney. Scotts. A MARCH 1988. RURAL LIVING 3 President's Message A Bright Future for FarIning (Excerpts of President Laurie's comments at the Farm and Food POliC'lJConference, Feb. 15 in Lansing.) I'd like to begin my comments by saying that I feel good about the future of agriculture. There have been a lot of positive things happening. Most input costs have dropped, inflation has declined, exports have increased, our country is at peace, and, with some exceptions, basically prosperous. Future demand for food and fiber products looks good, simply based on population gains. Demographic experts predict another billion people to feed by the year 2000. Economists foresee continued world economic growth, particularly in the developing nations that are our prime customers. Economic growth means people in the Pacific Rim, Asia and elsewhere will want to im- prove their diets ... and they'll do so by importing not only our bulk com- modities, but our high-value food products as well. U.S. farmers, I think, are well placed to take advantage of increased Seeds export demand. First of all, our prices are more competitive, thanks to the farm program changes and export enhancement provisions in the .MFB President Jack Laurie 1985 Farm Act, and the recent decline in the value of the dollar against welcomed nearly 600 industry some foreign currencies. In addition, I believe that U.S. agriculture has representatives to the 1988 some advantages that can allow it to be the low-cost producer of many Governor's Conference on the commodities. Future of Michigan Agriculture, For example, we have an unmatched infrastructure of transportation Feb. 2-3 in Lansing. Laurie was and processing facilities. conference co-chair along with We have a favorable climate, good supplies of water and a wide Robert Nichols of the Kellogg range of productive soils. Company. We also have access to tremendous technical and scientific support. You can see a pretty vivid example of this at the Michigan Biotechnology .On Feb. 4. President Laurie Institute(MBI). MBI is going to be cooperating with Michigan State Univer- was in Kalamazoo for a news sity to do some innovative genetic manipulation of corn and other com- backgrounder. He joined FB modities to create new products and markets. leaders from surrounding coun- Perhaps our biggest advantage and asset for the future is that our ties in talking with news media agricultural industry is overwhelmingly made up of aggressive, en- guests about agriculture and trepreneurial family farmers, men and women who are adaptable, eager Farm Bureau. to learn. fast on their feet. The kind of people who. if given the oppor- tunities of a free market system, will quickly adapt to new marketing and • On Feb. 5. Laurie attended the I profit opportunities . Michigan Pork Producers Association annual meeting in Effects of the U.S.-Canada Free Trade Agreement Lansing. To the extent this agreement will stimulate trade between the United .As part of the Saginaw Fashion States and Canada, we can expect broad based economic growth to oc- Square Mall farm show. MFB cur, and that will be to the advantage of farmers in both countries. President Laurie and area However. with respect to agriculture specifically, the assessment by district directors took part in Ag Farm Bureau is that the agreement will not immediately result in a signifi- Olympic events on Feb. 6. cant dismantling of agricultural trade barriers and other forms of govern- ment intervention on either side of the border. .President Laurie attended In reality. the most sensitive products and programs were generally February MFB Cabinet Meetings excluded from liberalization under the agreement, with the idea that they in Grand Rapids. Howell. and will be handled in the GAIT multilateral trade negotiations. Frankenmuth. 4 RURAL LIVING. MARCH 1988 • So, while the agreement will not result in totaIly free agricultural trade between our two countries, FB believes it is a fairly balanced package that does take a step in that direction. Perspectives on Agricultural Trade Because of the production and marketing advantages enjoyed by U.S. farmers, I think we have more to gain than anyone in the world by having a level playing field in agricultural trade. The Reagan administration proposal that most nations completely phase out all of their agricultural subsidies by the turn of the century would go a Economists foresee con- long way toward accomplishing that goal. Although totaIly free agricultural trade seems like a longshot, the con- tinued world economic cept at least provides a clear purpose for the GAIT agricultural trade talks. The United States will not, by itself, reduce subsidies. Other nations wiIl growth, partic:ularly in have to go with us down the road toward reducing government intervention in agriculture and eliminating import barriers. the developing nations We wiIl still need legitimate foreign and domestic food aid programs and that are our prime safety nets for farmers. We need to make sure these programs are not set up in such a way that they send the wrong signal to farmers about produc- customers. tion decisions. A Prosperous Industry in the Future It's clear that we, as farmers, can't be successful any more just by being productive. We have to grow and seIl what people want to buy: not just what people in Detroit, Grand Rapids, or Lansing want to buy. We're going to have to adapt to the needs and wants of consumers in Tokyo, Peking, and Mexico City. In order to get the best feedback on what customers want, we have to have the freest possible world trading system; not just in agricultural goods, but in information. (We need) the kind of information that will tell us more precisely and clearly than any government can, what it is that consumers are willing to buy. I also think that in the future, agriculture is going to be affected more and more by government actions that do not seem directly related to farming. For example, the federal budget mess may result in farm programs be- ing subjected to unfair cuts. Agriculture may be more affected by the tax boost due to an increased tax burden that will drag down our entire economy and suppress demand for our products. We also have a tremen- dous stake in the course that government takes in the controversies over en- vironmental protection, the quality and availability of groundwater, the use and conservation of land, and the promotion of rural development. These are crucial issues that are broader than the interests of anyone commodity group. They affect all of us, as farmers and rural people. In the future, more than ever before, we will need to work in harmony and pre- sent a united front to attack problems that threaten our industry. We did that here on the state level, by forming a committee for animal agriculture in order to handle the issue of livestock management. And on the national level, I serve on a national commission on dairy policy, which represents a new way to investigate and reconcile differing viewpoints within a single industry. In his state of the union address, President Reagan told lawmakers that "Ves, we will have our differences. But let us always remember: What unites us far outweighs whatever divides us." I think that's true for farmers. Let's look for opportunities to work together. Jack Laurie, President Michigan Farm Bureau 5 • MARCH 1988. RURAL LIVING So, while the agreement will not result in totally free agricultural trade between our two countries, FB believes it is a fairly balanced package that does take a step in that direction. Perspectives on Agricultural Trade Because of the production and marketing advantages enjoyed by U.S. farmers, I think we have more to gain than anyone in the world by having a level playing field in agricultural trade. The Reagan administration proposal that most nations completely phase out all of their agricultural subsidies by the turn of the century would go a long way toward accomplishing that goal. Economists foresee con- Although totally free agricultural trade seems like a longshot, the con- tinued world economic cept at least provides a clear purpose for the GAIT agricultural trade talks. The United States will not, by itself, reduce subsidies. Other nations will growth, particularly in have to go with us down the road toward reducing government intervention in agriculture and eliminating import barriers. the developing nations We will still need legitimate foreign and domestic food aid programs and that are our prime safety nets for farmers. We need to make sure these programs are not set up in such a way that they send the wrong signal to farmers about produc- customers. tion decisions. A Prosperous Industry in the Future It's clear that we, as farmers, can't be successful any more just by being productive. We have to grow and sell what people want to buy: not just what people in Detroit, Grand Rapids, or Lansing want to buy. We're going to have to adapt to the needs and wants of consumers in Tokyo, Peking, and Mexico City. t In order to get the best feedback on what customers want, we have to have the freest possible world trading system; not just in agricultural goods, but in information. (We need) the kind of information that will tell us more precisely and clearly than any government can, what it is that consumers are willing to buy. I also think that in the future, agriculture is going to be affected more and more by government actions that do not seem directly related to farming. For example, the federal budget mess may result in farm programs be- ing subjected to unfair cuts. Agriculture may be more affected by the tax boost due to an increased tax burden that will drag down our entire economy and suppress demand for our products. We also have a tremen- dous stake in the course that government takes in the controversies over en- , vironmental protection, the quality and availability of groundwater, the use ," and conservation of land, and the promotion of rural development. These are crucial issues that are broader than the interests of anyone commodity group. They affect all of us, as farmers and rural people. In the future, more than ever before, we will need to work in harmony and pre- sent a united front to attack problems that threaten our industry. We did that here on the state level, by forming a committee for animal agriculture in order to handle the issue of livestock management. And on the national level, I serve on a national commission on dairy policy, which represents a new way to investigate and reconcile differing viewpoints within a single industry. In his state of the union address, President Reagan told lawmakers that "Yes, we will have our differences. But let us always remember: What unites ,.- us far outweighs whatever divides us." I think that's true for farmers. Let's look for opportunities to work together. Jack Laurie, President Michigan Farm Bureau MARCH 1988, RURAL LIVING 5 tit forts between the Agriculture and Commerce departments to develop world trade. Offices are in Belgium, Africa, Japan, and Hong Kong. The promotion of Michigan will include food prod ucts. The agricultural marketing campaign will include the updating of food standards and in- spection, and use of the "seal of quality. " Funding for these positions is ex- pected to be in the executive budget. The Legislature will determine the final budget, but is expected to stay within the governor's total recom- mendation . • Wetlands - S.B. 470 would exempt wetlands from property •••Develope Es ecially taxation if denied development per- mit. FB has policy on taxation of agricultural wetlands. The rules com- To Plant On Your Farm mittee is working on a definition of wetlands and FB is involved to en- sure uniformity with swampbuster Right Here At Home. rules. Developed especially for your farm, Countrymark Soybean Grain Dealer - H.B. 4757 Varieties are dependable, high-yielders that are disease-resistant, • would eliminate $20,000 net with excellent standability. asset requirement if dealer operates on cash basis . We recommend: Libraries - • H.B. 4769 would allow townships to levy F F R 241 with excellent phytophthora root rot tolerance. 2 mills, instead of the present 1 mill, Medium plant height. Good standability for ease of harvest. Excellent for contractual library services. Re- yield record. Good emergence. Adapted to northern Ohio and quires vote. Michigan. Best in narrow rows and good yield environments. About Vickery maturity. Early Group 2 (125 days) Pickup Trucks - H.B. • 4759 would prohibit those under the age of 18 from riding in back of pickup truck. This measure FFR 332 New! Standability the best due to short plant and strong healthy stems. Excellent phytophthora tolerance and good has been considered in previous years. emergence makes this variety especially suited to wet, heavy soil con- ditions. Adapted to most of Ohio and southern Michigan. Does best Truck Length - S.B. 462 in narrow rows but will do well in wider rows. Excellent yield record • includes truck and trailer com- in research. About Pella maturity. Early Group 3 (134 days) .. binations in size, weight, length and load limits. This bill is important to Other Fine Varieties You Can the forest industry. Last year's bill was vetoed. Plant With Confidence: In Ohio In Michigan Insurance PACs - S.B. • 467 allows insurance com- FFR 226 FFR 112 panies to form Political Action Com- L-8oy 3444 L-8oy H8265 mittees (PACs). FFR 335A FFR 226 Salt Substitute - H.B. • 5205 creates a seven member commission to study alternatives to For results you can count on •.. salt for deicing roads, bridges, etc. Emphasis is on calcium magnesium Count on Countrymark. acetate (CMA) which can be made from corn. The Department of Transportation is using it on the Zilwaukee Bridge as a test. The (continued on page 27) Count;'~,':.k AD.8708.1 4565 Coumbus Pike • Delaware, OH 43015 lit MARCH 1988, RURAL LIVING Leadership Opportunities Available for Young Farmers By Kimberly Marshell T Oo old to belong to 4- Hand Future Farmers of America? Want to become active in your community and develop your leader- ship potential? Farm Bureau needs young adult farmers and young farmers who will benefit from the opportunities FB can offer. "Farm Bureau will continue its successful and influential approach to solving the many problems of farmers, only as its young members are given leadership responsibilities and are encouraged to contribute their energies and abilities to making a better way of life for farm families," said Vie Verchereau, MFB Young Farmer program manager. Vic Verchereau, MFB Young Farmer program manager, is inform- ing District 6 Young Farmer leaders of new programs and activities which they could include in their county Young Farmer Committee plans. Training Ground for New Ed Cagney, Kalamazoo County, is Leaders now serving his second year on the MFB Board of Directors, represen- Young Farmer activities benefit the ting the state Young Farmer Com- FB organization, farming community, mittee. He has been involved in and individuals as new leaders sur- Young Farmers for nine years. face and are given opportunities to "I got involved because it gave me develop their potential, gain con- a chance to talk to other young fidence, experience, and education farmers like myself," said Ed. "I also Jim Mantey, state Young Farmer in the areas of legislation, citizenship, wanted to learn more about Michigan Committee member representing and community involvment. Farm Bureau and about farming District 6, is reviewing the 1988 itself. " goals and objectives of the state Young Farmer program for his district's county program leaders. 8 RURAL LIVING, MARCH 1988 The Young Farmer program was organized to develop leadership, Congratulations Young Farmers! fellowship, and education in the farming community. Distinguished Young Farmer "I got more than I expected from Frank Engler, Isabella County, was joining Young Farmers. When I first named Michigan Farm Bureau's Distin- guished Young Farmer. Contestants are joined I never thought I would have judged on the state and national level for the opportunity to be a leader at the progress and achievements in the in- state level. It has been an interesting dividual'sfarming enterprise, leadership experience bei-;;g on the Michigan participation, and involvement in com- Farm Bureau Board of Directors," munity activities. He is a dairy farmer, with 800 acres of crops including corn, said Ed. "It took a Iitle while to get alfalfa, wheat, oats, and sorghum. Some a feel for the way things work and of the improvements Frank wishes to ac- how important all the decisions are complish in the future are to increase his that the board makes. no-till acreage and computerize hisfarm- ing operation. "I don't see any major changes in the Young Farmer program coming up, just the ongoing challenges of getting new members involved in the program. We need to develop ways Outstanding Young Farm Woman of getting more young farmers in- volved. The economic conditions of Cheryl Cargill, Oceana County, was selected as MFB's Outstanding Young Farm Woman. She and her husband, ~l;'-~ .~~l the past years have not been con- Rex, operate a fruit and vegetable farm ducive to getting young farmers in- and open-air market. Contestants are terested in making farming a career judged on their contributions to and, consequently, interested in agriculture, which are measured in terms of their knowledge of the current Farm Bureau. The ones who have agricultural issues and an ability to decided to continue farming are the communicate those concerns to the judges ones we need to contact and get in- during an interview. Involvement in volved in the organization." community and county FB activities are also essential qualifications. Cheryl believes that FB membership is "an op- Programs Encourage Self-Help portunity to be part of a cooperative ef- fort to improve the quality of Michigan The main criteria for selecting ac- agriculture. " tivities for a county FB Young Farmer committee is need. Program activities should be developed to Discussion Meet Winner fulfill needs of young farmers in the Michigan's Discussion Meet Winner, Gene Graham of Ingham County, skillfully com- county. peted in the national contest at the AFBF annual meeting in New Orleans. Gene "We want to encourage young reached the final round of four contestants. John Ackerman of Illinois was judged the contest winner. farmers to analyze their problems, and then provide them with the tools and knowledge to solve these problems," said Vie. "By emphasiz- ing the importance of having the voice of the young farmer heard, we will have new leadership for the future growth and continuation of the organization. Young farmers bring in fresh ideas and enthusiasm which are the qualities we need to put tomorrow's ideas in today's Farm Bureau policies." If you are interested in learning more about the Young Farmer pro- gram in your area, contact your county FB office. 0 MARCH 1988, RURAL LIVING 9 County Presidents Urged to Mobilize Grassroots Action C ounty Farm Bureau presidents hold the key to FB's legislative success in Washington, according to John Datt, executive director of the AFBF guest speaker at the annual County Presidents' Conference held in Mt. Pleasant in late January. "Your abil- ity to provide leadership in causing Farm Bureau members to become managing the job of president, and spokesperson training. The Presidents' Conference pro- vided the opportunity to introduce the newest incentive package for the Washington office. involved in the issues and reflect revitalization of the Community Action their suppport to the members of Group (CAG) program. The Magic Congress will be the difference. The Vacation Combination for two, pro- challenge is up to you to mobilize vided by FB Travel and valued at the member-strength of the organiza- $1,500, includes a four day cruise to tion." the Bahamas on the Premier Cruise Datt said the major 1988 policy Lines, three days at Walt Disney issues include diesel tax collection World in Orlando, and free use of a reform, avoiding major changes in rental car. the 1985 farm bill, reform of the Any member of a CAG established federal budget process, passage of between Sept. 1, 1987 and July 13, legislation to provide for tax expan- 1988 may become eligible for the sion, adoption of the Canadian grand prize. In addition, county Trade Agreement, and implementa- presidents and Community Activities tion of the 1987 farm credit legislation. Committee (CAC) chairpersons in In other action, the county presi- any county which starts two new John Datt, AFBF Executive Director dents heard motivational speaker CAGs are also eligible. "The .key to the legislative effec- Jolene Brown and had the opportunity Beginning with the Presidents' tiveness of Farm Bureau on national to attend one of four workshops Conference, 25 weekly drawings will policy issues in 1988 will depend on which included county budgets and identify finalists for the grand prize the leadership and involvement of finance, membership reorganization, (continued on page 25) county Farm Bureaus," said Datt, The Wearin' of the Green! County presidents Roger Van Damme of Hiawathaland FB and Bud Wegmeyer of Alpena FB were the first in the state to receive the specially designed green Community Action Group jackets. The jackets are the in- centive prize for county presidents and Community Ac- tivities Committee chairpersons who report establishment of a county Community Activities Committee and two new Com- munity Action Groups. VanDamme (right) and Wegmeyer (left) were presented the jackets by MFB President Jack Laurie at the 1988 Presidents' Conference at Mt. Pleasant. 10 RURAL LIVING, MARCH 1988 • Third Annual Governor's Conference Marketing Michigan Quality T he third annual Governor's Conference on the Future of Michigan Agriculture, held Feb. 2-3 in Lansing, focused on the theme, "Competing in a Global Society." The conference sessions and workshops were designed to emphasize Michigan's need to re- main competitive in domestic markets and to position itself as a worldwide competitor. Nearly 600 members of Michigan's food and agriculture industry par- ticipated in this year's conference where they heard from futurist Joel l' / r A. Barker, author of Discovering the Future: The Business of Paradigms. Barker, who was a popular speaker at last year's con- ference, opened this year's program with a discussion of the globalization of technology and how technological developments could affect the food and agriculture industry in the next 25 years. Barker praised Michigan's strategic planning efforts, saying that the state is "demonstrating that we don't have to be stuck with the old rules." He pointed out that in each of the five major technologies of the future, food issues are on the leading edge. Marketing Michigan Quality The governor chose the audience of food industry representatives to announce plans to establish a pre- mium "Seal of Quality" for Michigan MDA Director Paul Kindinger foods. Futurist Joel Barker opened the gave a status report on MDA pro- "All around the country there is a two-day conference with a gram efforts. growing awareness of the impor- discussion of the five regions of tance of quality in our food. Increas- future and the coming reign of (continued on page 25) quality. MARCH 1988, RURAL LIVING 11 Country Almanac March Mar. 1 CES Animal Waste Management Mar. 10 Cabinet Meeting for Upper Pen in- meeting - Manure Management sula Region, Best Western Pioneer Practices for Producers, 9:45 Inn, Escanaba. a.m.-3 p.m., Holiday Inn, Gaylord. Market Master Series II, Bay Cabinet Meeting for South & County FB Office, Bay City. Southwest Regions, Stouffer's, Mar. 10-12 Westwood Mall ag promotion, Battle Creek. Jackson, sponsored by Jackson Mar. 2 CES Animal Waste Management County FB. meeting - Manure Management Mar. 15-18 Washington Legislative Seminar, Practices for Producers, 9:45 Washington, O. C. a.m.-3 p.m., Ponderosa on U.S. Mar. 17 Market Master Series II, Bay 41 & U.S. 2, Escanaba. County FB Office, Bay City. Mar. 3 Market Master Series II, Bay Mar. 19 MMPA Annual Meeting, Fairchild County FB Office, Bay City. Auditorium, MSU, East Lansing. Mar. 3-5 Young Farmer Leaders Con- Mar. 20-26 National Agriculture Week. ference, Valley Plaza, Midland. Mar. 21-24 Agriculture and Natural Resources Mar. 4 MFB Grain & Livestock Con- Week, MSU, East Lansing. ference, Michigan Biotechnology In- stitute & Sheraton Inn, Lansing. Mar. 23 Michigan Certified Farm Markets & Farm Markets Cooperative Annual Mar. 4-5 Adrian Mall ag promotion, Adrian, Meetings, Brody Hall, MSU, East sponsored by Lenawee County FB. Lansing. Mar. 5 Lakeview Square Mall ag promo- Mar. 24 Governor's Conference on Forestry, tion, Battle Creek, sponsored by Kellogg Ctr., MSU, East Lansing. Branch & Calhoun County FBs. Mar. 29-30 Agricultural Computer Exposition, Mar. 8 Lansing Legislative Seminar for Cadillac, sponsored by Mason Southeast Region, YWCA, County CES. For information, con- Lansing. tact Ext. Oir. G. William Robb, Mar. 9 Cabinet Meeting for North, North- 616-757-4789 or Bob Neumann, east and Northwest Regions, Holi- 517-355-2286. day Inn, Grayling. Lansing Legislative Seminar for West and West Central Regions, YWCA, Lansing. 12 RURAL LIVING. MARCH 1988 CARRIAGE BOLT Quantity per package Price per package COARSE THREAD PLATED LGT Spring Special from Hi-Grade DIA 1-1/2 2-112 4 6 50 50 50 50 50 25 25 25 1/4 1.40 1.95 2.25 2.65 3.00 2.15 2.55 3.07 Deduct an additional 10% off your order 50 50 50 50 25 25 25 25 for refill Grade 5 Hex Head Cap Screws, 5/16 2.40 2.95 3.55 4.27 2.59 3.31 4.03 4.75 25 25 25 25 25 10 10 10 Hex Nuts, Flatwashers, Lockwashers, 3/8 1.95 2.25 2.75 3.00 3.72 1.92 2.35 2.76 Carriage Bolts and all Farm Repair Kits! 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 1.39 1.65 1.92 2.16 2.51 3.31 3.84 OFFER IS GOOD THROUGH 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 APRIL 30 ONLY. 1.80 2.16 2.47 2.83 3.48 4.08 4.75 FARM REPAIR KITS Each square contains the price and quantity per package for each size offered. P"t No. Cottar "Inl HEXAGON BOLT ~ Quantity per package CP-1 $6.50 e- 1/11 •. 3/16- "''''''.d I...rt~' Appro •• 450 dll. pes. GRADE # 5 '~OARSE THREAD PLATED Price per package Cotto. Plnl LGT Hex Lock Flat CP-2 DIA 1-1/2 2-1/2 3-1/2 4 Nuts Washer Washer C 111-.5111" dla. App'OI. 125 pel. $6.50 40 35 30 25 20 20 10 10 10 150 lSO 150 HPC.l HItcIl 1'1. CIIIlI 1/4 1.16 1.32 1.43 1.49 1.43 1.71 1.21 1.38 1.64 1.60 .94 1.27 ~ Asoon.. su" App(0I. 65 pel. $7.00 =-=r:'': 40 35 30 25 20 20 10 10 10 lSO 150 150 HPC.P 5/16 1.71 1.98 2.09 2.05 2.04 2.53 1.54 2.09 2.64 2.53 1.05 1.60 ~ IIIOIt ........ ___ 12 '"' ' $3.50 40 30 20 20 10 10 12 10 120 100 100 Split III' .... 3/8 2.42 2.48 2.04 2.42 1.43 1.76 2.48 2.59 3.08 2.97 1.38 1.60 RP-1-2 llll"~ ala. &III) Au«t .. '-ItIII .. $9.00 AIltIroll. 400 ~I. 20 10 10 10 10 10 10 8 60 60 60 7/16 1/2 1.82 10 1.21 1.16 10 1.71 1.43 10 1.87 1.71 10 2.26 1.98 10 2.59 2.26 10 2.92 2.59 2.64 2.64 2.42 2.37 2.59 5 3.08 50 2.64 1.27 50 1.54 1.60 50 2.37 L-F $6.00 S5-1 ~ ~/ ~-~ ...... --... loc .......... f ........ SocUl Set ScrftI 110.10. 1/4". SIll" llId 3/ .. dla. ,"l~ 5 5 5 5 4 25 25 25 $9.60 ===--- ~ 1Ia~0JI AppIllJ. 110 !In. 5/1 1.27 2.15 5 1.49 2.42 5 1.76 3.14 2.04 3.19 5 2.31 3.52 5 2.59 3.19 2.59 3.85 3.03 4.40 3.03 24 4.35 1.43 18 1.65 2.37 18 2.53 SMS-l $6.50 ..... SIleet Metal Set ... ~: :0."2'.. ~i4 dill.Au'l. 18IIIlM ""'01. 275 IICI. 3/4 WIlod Scr_ WS-1 ~ \':: ~."2 '.. ~. Auort .......... $6.00 Approl. 275 IICI. IlACMIIl( ICIIWI ~ FaRm Bureau MEMBERS ONLY ,"Ill ....... 1-32. MS-l ~ ~'J:"~.4~Z: $6.50 AllPnIl. 375 IICI. ------------------------------------ IlACMIIll ICIIWI lII\Il ... -..to 10.24 TO ORDER: F~Iout the shipping information below and enter the total cost MS-2 $6.50 0--- =,,~~I llId 1/4-20 ... SHIPPING INFORMATION - PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY of each kind of hardware ordered on the appropriate line. "£AS[nm.u RETURN the entire form with your check. Check must accompany order. Please make checks payable to: Hi-Grade Nut & Bolt Company. Complete Name GF-1 $7.25 .. i~ C_I", rr~.T.I~- ....... 75 IICI. all lilt TOTAl. COST r;;J"-9 \~"=-..,_II' =-~ s _ City We-I --. 11- S.Z. Of Part • Quantity $8.00 IICI. 2 __ Slo •• Zip Code 11- Ouanlot, HNe-1 @ -...,... HU IlUfI lUIIl -'. 1/4-5/1 ... 11- SIz. or Pert • Ouanloty $5.50 ...... t2S ~ Phone 11- s.z. Of Part I Ouanlo'y HD IlVTI (IAI) HNF-2 "" tInM. 1/4-5/1 .... ...... 115 IICI. 11- Size or Pert • Quantity $5.50 Send your order \0: Sub To'al • certify that the gooda PUrchaHd are for lann UN only end ell' empt from en tall ... 1M.0Il UlCIl t*4RADE NUT IIOLT COMPANY LNe-1 (t.- :z'1M"rruf. 1490 Maplelawn, S.W. Wyoming. Michigan 49509 $7.00 ~ V4-5/I .... Telephone: (616) 538-9900 or 532.9000 GRAND TOTAL Cuet_1 SIgnet.... F.....au..... __ ip N_ -I ...... t2S ~ ----------------------------------- LNF-2 $7.00 tj :\rUlCll "".=. 1/4-5/1 .... .... 115 ~ YOU MUST ORDER FULL PACKAGE QUANTITIES. FREIGHT PREPAID on orders of $50_00 or more. Mark Your Calendar! March 20 is National Agriculture Day W hat's new about Ag Day 1988? A fine arts poster, the first of a continuing series reproduced from a specially commissioned oil painting, and a Capitol Hill display to attract the at- tention of urban legislators. National Agriculture Day has been celebrated since 1973 by commu- nities and organizations throughout the nation. It is officially recognized by the U.S. Congress. the president and most governors. The U.S. secre- tary of agriculture has served as Carrying the theme. "National Ag- representing urban America, a large- honorary chairperson since 1981 and riculture Day: Honoring America's scale reproduction of the National Secretary Lyng has agreed to serve Providers." this year's poster is the Agriculture Day painting will be the in that capacity for the 1988 obser- first in an annual series of fine arts focus of a display on Capitol Hill. vance. posters designed by nationally known To demonstrate solidarity in the artists which will make up the "Na- agricultural community and the diver- Fine Arts Poster Series tional Ag Day Collection." Each year sity of the industry. flanking each Bart Forbes. nationally known art- a new artist and theme will be side of the reproduction will be wall- ist and the designated artist of the selected. sized boards listing in large print the 1988 Olympics. was commissioned names of individuals and organiza- Capitol Hill Display tion that make up the food and fiber to do an original oil painting which will be reproduced as part of an Ag Designed to attract the attention of industry. 0 Day poster for 1988. all legislators. but especially those 14 RURAL LIVING. MARCH 1988 Selllinar Series Prolllotes State and National FB Policies F rom Lansing to Washington D.C., February and March mark the implementation phase of Farm Bureau's grassroots policy gan Department of Agriculture and MSU's agriculture programs, educa- tion, school finance, property tax, and ag labor issues. Legislative Mission to the Nation's Capital For the group of FB grassroots making process. The intensive lobby- Legislators or their staff represen- lobbyists selected by county FBs to ing effort opens with the series of tatives arrive at noon for luncheon participate in the Washington Legis- Lansing Legislative Seminars attrac- discussions with their FB constituents. lative Seminar, the trip to ting more than 400 county FB Afternoon visits to the State Washington D.C. provides oppor- leaders to the state's capital city for Capitol Building for legislature ses- tunities for input on key national discussions with their area represen- sions or to legislators' offices are issues. tatives and senators. The focus in encouraged. MFB's 28th annual Washington this series of seven seminars is to Seminar participants base their Legislative Seminar, March 15-18, promote FB state policy and to contacts and discussions with the will be led by President Jack Laurie foster year around dialogue with the Michigan legislators on the official and members of the board's legislators. MFB policy on state issues developed Legislative Committee, county FB legislative leaders and their assistants will share FB policies with their U. S. representatives and senators, USDA and administration officials. After arrival in the nation's capital on Tuesday, the group will be brief- ed by AFBF staff regarding what's currently happening "on the hill," and then attend workshops to prepare for their congressional con- tacts. A breakfast meeting with their ~. U.S. representatives is on Wednes- day's agenda with a visit to the USDA that afternoon. The Michigan farmers will meet with Senators Don Riegle and Carl Levin on Thursday morning. Visits to congressional of- fices and attendance at committee hearings are also scheduled by members of the group. Priority issues that will be ad- dressed by the legislative leaders by the delegate body at the MFB an- during their Washington contacts in- The Lansing seminars open with a nual meeting. clude the diesel fuel excise tax, trade morning briefing session covering The final installment of the MFB reform, the federal budget, occupa- such key 1988 legislative issues as State Policies appears on pages tional health standards, and the budget appropriations for the Michi- 16-23. overall farm program with emphasis on staying the course set by Farm Bill '85. 0 ... MARCH 1988. RURAL LIVING 15 1988 Policy Guides MFB Programs The following is the final installment of the Michigan Farm Bureau state policies adopted by the 485 member delegate body at the organization's annual meeting in Grand Rapids, Dec. 1-4, 1987. HIGHW A Y SAFETY Highway accidents spections; renewed emphasis should be in funding in recent years which has greatly take many lives each year. Many people placed on the rules and regulations of reduced law enforcement services espe- are injured and property damaged. We emergency flashing lights, especially on cially in rural areas. Therefore, we en- have, and will continue to support, legisla- police, fire and ambulance vehicles, courage adequate funding for all Sheriff tion which will promote highway safety. because of the public's growing disrespect Departments. We recommend the following to further for public safety; the Michigan driver's reduce highway accidents: SMV signs license should indicate specifically if the should not be used for anything other than licensed person is wearing contact lenses; the law intended. All farmers must main- more responsibility needs to be placed tain their signs and replace them when upon the owners and operators of all- faded or worn; information be provided so terrain vehicles (ATVs), and we support that farmers become aware of the laws in- educational programs to reduce violations volving the movement of farm equipment of current law and dangerous situations; on the highways (e.g.,no more than two we recommend the use of headlights on all wagons or trailers behind a farm tractor); motor vehicles during rain or fog; educa- all horse-drawn vehicles should have tion campaign to encourage seat belt use flashing lights for dusk and night driving for as required by law. Farm Bureau members their own and other vehicle safety. Lights should set an example by obeying this law should be placed so they are visible from and encourage others to wear seat belts. both front and rear; legislation which would Farm Bureau Insurance provides $10,000 allow specialized agricultural trailers to be of additional coverage in the event of ac- treated as farm machinery where licensing, cidental death in a vehicle while wearing a MFB Legislative Counsel Ron Nelson lighting, permit and width regulations are seat belt; reflectorized material should be offers Lansing Seminar participants concerned, whether pulled by a farm truck, on the outer edge of snow blades to be "proof" of the size and complexity of pickup, or a tractor, when moving from more visible at night; where rear vision is the state's annual budget. field to field; farmers should use care to obscured by large equipment, we en- keep field and animal residue off roads as courage installation of appropriate rear- We support fair evidence gathering pro- these create highway safety hazards. If the vision equipment so that drivers may be cedures to be used in the prosecution of farmer scrapes the road clear to the best of aware of traffic conditions to the rear of an alleged perpetrator of crime or crimes. his ability, the farmer shall not be held their machinery while traveling a public Because a lack of respect for the law liable; roads should not be used as head- thoroughfare; education programs relating and law enforcement agencies exists in our lands. It is dangerous to the farmer and to highway rules, regulations and courte- society, we encourage the restoration of hazardous to traffic; irrigation systems sies, for both bicyclists and drivers of autos authority and respect for our law enforce- should be positioned so as not to apply and trucks, should be encouraged. Safety ment officers. We urge Farm Bureau water on public roadways, thereby flags and reflectors should be standard members to cooperate with the criminal eliminating a serious traffic hazard; that all equipment on bicycles used on public justice system and follow through on the drivers stop any time school bus red roads. We encourage further development conviction of suspects charged with crimes. flashing lights are activated; state laws of bike paths for pedestrians, joggers and We encourage the judicial system to use specifying vehicle widths, mud flaps, etc., bicycles, when building or remodeling stronger sentences when sentencing con- should be vigorously enforced; hardtop roads. We commend organizations that victed felons. We favor raising the max- roads should be marked with center lines promote bicycle safety to the entire public. imum fine for a misdemeanor from $100 and sidelines as an aid to safer nighttime LA W ENFORCEMENT We are deeply to $500. driving; county Road Commissions and concerned about crime throughout our We support special police task forces, landowners should be encouraged to clear state and need to be reassured by our which focus on preventing crimes before roadsides and intersections of hazards government officials that preventive they happen, rather than investigating within the road right-of-way that obstruct resources, most notedly the Michigan State them after they happen. These task forces the view of motorists, and road drainage, Police patrols, are not diverted to urban would be set up to watch known repeat of- providing that farmers' liability does not in- areas where organized municipal police fenders. We believe this kind of action will crease in doing so. Permits are available at departments already exist. The availability lead to more and quicker convictions county Road Commissions; renewed em- of state police help and protection is essen- resulting in safer streets for all of us. phasis should be directed toward the plac- tial to the safety of our citizens from the We support attempts to create man- ing of crossroad, yield or stop signs at un- suburbs to all areas of rural Michigan. datory sentences for certain crimes. We marked rural intersections; all rural roads The Michigan State Police is a highly also strongly urge changes in the law to re- should be marked with a name or number. professional department providing all types quire complete restitution to victims in A house number clearly visible from the of services to citizens and other police cases where appropriate. road is essential; mail and newspaper agencies. We strongly urge the Michigan We favor capital punishment. boxes should be placed on the same side State Police be maintained and funded as of the road to make travel with large a total agency providing service to all of machinery safer and easier; the use of the Michigan. check-lane system should be continued Many county Sheriff Departments rather than mandatory annual vehicle in- throughout Michigan have experienced cuts 16 RURAL LIVING, MARCH 1988 • CIVll.. ACTION REFORM In order to and employees, and personnel of public marketing of such food products on the stem the rising tide of lawsuits in our court transportation agencies. open market and thereby competing with system, we recommend legislative action We oppose the legalization of marijuana. private enterprise. that the plaintiff in a lawsuit be required to We encourage the continuation and pro- We urge the executive office and the pay all legal fees including court and motion of Operation HEMP (Help Eliminate Legislature to take strong measures to im- defendant costs if the case is lost and the Marijuana Plantings) which is operated by mediately regain control of the Michigan court finds there was no basis in fact for the Michigan State Police and other similar prison system. We recommend an urgent the suit. We feel the courts should be programs conducted by county Sheriff review of prison administrative policies to responsible for collecting such legal fees Departments in cooperation with the fed- protect the lives and property of the in- from the plaintiff. eral Drug Enforcement Agency. mates and the public. We recommend pro- DRUNK DRIVING Driving is a privilege, Courts should continue to strengthen per remedial action be instituted promptly. not a right. We commend the many penalties imposed on dealers of illegal drugs. ELECTIONS We believe that Farm groups that contributed toward the enact- Bureau should encourage all people to reg- ment of amendments to Michigan's drunk ister and vote. We also believe that Farm driving laws. Bureau should expand efforts to provide We also commend the police for their in- education and information on elections. creased attention to this problem, and we Persons should not be permitted to vote urge the Legislature to continue monitoring in any election in any community where results to be sure that intoxicated drivers they have not established a permanent are removed from our highways. residence for at least 30 days. We favor However, the problem still exists, since college students not being allowed to vote half of all fatal accidents involve drunk in the district where they attend college drivers. Therefore, we strongly recommend unless they are a permanent resident of mandatory jail sentences for drunk drivers, the district. Convicted felons should not be which should include drug and alcohol permitted to vote while imprisoned. rehabilitation programs. All convictions We recommend that: national election must be submitted to the Department of projections on Election Day not be released state so that offenders' driving records are to the public until all polls are closed in the updated. Issue briefing prior to meeting with continental United States; clear, concise We believe the responsible authorities legislators provoked concern and ques- and simple language be used on all ballot should direct their efforts toward removing tions from the Lansing Legislative issues; requirements for bilingual ballots in the repeat offenders from the highways. Seminar participants. any public election be eliminated and only People addicted to alcohol and drugs need English used; Michigan Farm Bureau, help. We encourage our judges to insist PRISONS Michigan's prisons are over- along with the Michigan Townships these offenders enter an alcohol abuse crowded and the cost of new facilities are Association, seek legislative changes to treatment program. After treatment license expensive. We support the increased use allow for local units to reduce the number may be granted on a probation period of of restitution as a means of sentencing con- of precincts at elections when it can be six months. We support state funding of victed offenders. We recommend the state documented that the higher numbers are the DUI program. of Michigan eliminate early release for unwarranted. We support national legislative efforts to multiple offenders. We support a reform We support: changing the current require every state to have a legal drinking system utilizing public work projects for the lO-year voter file (four years active and six age of 21 years old. convicted inmates that would aid in offset- years inactive) to a five year active voter NARCOTICS AND HARMFUL ting the cost of the prison system. We sup- file; changing terms of office for county DRUGS We encourage government of- port adequate funding for remodeling and commissions to four years, elected on a ficials, starting with the attorney general, to construction of penal institutions to meet staggered basis; use of department of state reorder law enforcement priorities so that only minimum federal standards. We feel resources to help local election officials significant efforts are directed toward the that humane treatment is vital to proper maintain registration files with greater ac- organized crime activities in the distribution rehabilitation of prisoners, but oppose addi- curacy; reform in the election of state of illegal drugs. tions to the prison environment that sup- Supreme Court justices. We feel that con- We strongly support a significant increase ports criminal activities, both within and sideration should be given to changing the in the number of existing law enforcement outside the institution, such as unlimited election process to allow a vote on the personnel assigned to the enforcement of and uncensored telephone and mail candidates at the August primary election laws necessary to dramatically reduce the privileges. We further oppose lavish addi- to narrow the field. illegal importation, manufacture, and tions to the prisons. We oppose: voter registration by mail; distribution of narcotics and harmful drugs. The State of Michigan is currently search- voting on ballot questions by mail with the The insidious marketing of illegal drugs by ing for sites on which to build regional exception of the present absentee ballot organized crime has touched most of our prisons near population centers. Instead of system; reducing the voter registration lives and the health and welfare of our residents being concerned about living deadline from 30 to 20 days, before an citizens are being jeopardized. close to a prison, we believe they should election; granting county clerks the author- We encourage massive, direct and consider the employment possibilities and ity to appoint deputy registrars with coun- realistic education efforts to inform youths, the prison's need for goods and services. tywide registration authority; giving depart- parents and others about the harmful ef- We support solutions to correct possible ment of state personnel authority to reg- fects of drug abuse. Such efforts should inequities in funding the county judicial ister voters at group meetings; in recent begin at elementary school level and con- system for expenses incurred because of years, there has been an increase in the tinue through the higher grades. Rehabilita- crimes committed at state and federal cor- number of recall elections. During the tion centers and drug information programs rectional facilities. recall process our elected officials are inef- are now available to drug users in most We are not opposed to prison farms pro- fective. Because in many cases the elected parts of Michigan. We support mandatory, ducing food for exclusive use within the officials were retained, we support an random drug testing for all public officials prison system, but we strongly oppose the amendment to the Michigan Constitution to .. MARCH 1988, RURAL LIVING 17 increase the percentage of voter signatures pressure that this places on Farm Bureau over protective structures and seat belts required to initiate a recall election, thereby members, hospitals, physicians, local through films, demonstrations and semi- more adequately representing the wishes of governments, and others, we continue to nars, etc; continue to promote the Agri- the electorate. This would reduce the cost support the adoption of the following com- cultural Accident Rescue Program to emer- to taxpayers by reducing the number of prehensive tort reform measures: abolish gency rescue personnel, farm families, and unnecessary elections. joint and several liability and allow defen- others; educate farm employers about their RURAL CRIME We are concerned about dants to name other principal defendants responsibility to enforce MI-OSHA regula- the number of crimes committed in rural to the suit; mandate structured settlements tions; make available to county Farm areas. We commend Farm Bureau mem- for large monetary judgments; cap non- Bureaus, at cost, "engine emergency stop" bers and members of the Michigan Rural economic damages; reform prejudgment decals that can be attached to farm equip- Crime Prevention Council for their efforts interest rules by reducing the interest rate; ment; encourage Farm Bureau members to to continually create an awareness among reform court procedures and! or jury in- conduct an annual safety survey of their rural residents to watch out for, and report, structions to inform the jury that judgments agricultural operations to reduce risks such crime and suspicious activity. are nontaxable, perform calculations that as missing guards and shields on tractors Radio or television programs that alert reduce future damages to present value, and agricultural machinery; encourage viewers to acts of crime and offer citizens review contingency fee arrangements; Farm Bureau members when they pur- an opportunity to anonymously give police reform the collateral source rule to man- chase used agricultural machinery to obtain information on these crimes, have proven date revealing other sources of compensa- and install all of the safety shielding and effective. The "Crime Stoppers" program tion for damages available to the plaintiff; guards that are available for that particular on TV-5 in Saginaw is an excellent exam- enact a maximum seven-year statute of machine. Such safety items include the pIe. These types of programs should be ex- limitation on liability claims; prohibit the fil- PTO Master Shield and the PTO Stub panded statewide. ing of liability claims in circuits other than Shield; not allow additional passengers, in- We recommend that Michigan Farm those whose jurisdiction includes the loca- cluding children, to ride on agricultural Bureau continue to provide leadership in tion of the event from which the liability equipment so as to reduce the number of promoting crime prevention to Farm claims arises, or the plaintiff's home ad- tragic deaths and injuries which result from Bureau members and county Farm dress; prohibit any person from filing a passengers falling off and being crushed by Bureaus. The Operation Identification, liability claim if the person is trespassing or farm equipment. Operation Eyes or Neighborhood Watch breaking a law at the time of an injury; ar- To assist communication with police, fire programs should be expanded to those bitration boards to consider all cases of departments and ambulance services, rural rural areas that demonstrate a need for alleged malpractice to decide which cases residents should have their house numbers such programs to reduce crime and should be allowed to enter the court plainly visible for day and night identifica- suspicious activity. system; changes in the law which allows tion of their property. House numbers Michigan Farm Bureau shall make people up to the age of 21 to sue for com- should be highly visible from the nearest available to the county Farm Bureaus, plications of birth. public roadway. upon request and at cost, Operation Eyes PRODUCT LIABILITY AND CON- A strong effort should be made to urge or Neighborhood Watch, and Operation SUMER SAFETY We support making machinery companies to standardize the Identification materials. parties responsible for damages and losses positions of all major operating controls of NO-FAULT AUTOMOBILE INSUR- caused by their unsubstantiated claims farm tractors, combines and other powered ANCE We support the general principles against approved products that result in farm machinery as much as possible. This inherent in Michigan No-Fault Insurance market losses and the filing of frivolous standardized position would eliminate oper- law in that people injured in automobile lawsuits. We urge legislation correcting ator error with equipment controls and accidents now receive economic compensa- these problems be enacted. help prevent many farm accidents. tion more quickly and equitably. There re- We are concerned with the effect that A statistically valid farm accident survey main aspects of the law which restrict rights these unsubstantiated, incorrect, or mis- has not been conducted in Michigan since and responsibilities of the individual and directed claims may have on consumer 1968. We recommend that Michigan Farm unnecessarily increase claims costs of no- awareness especially in respect to actual Bureau support the 1988 Michigan Agricul- fault, and ultimately the insurance pre- emergency situations which may arise in- tural Accident Injury Pilot Study to be con- miums paid by motorists. volving food safety. ducted by Michigan State University. This A court decision has removed much of AG TOURISM LIABILITY High liability study will be conducted in two Michigan the effectiveness of Michigan's No-Fault rates discourage on-farm educational tours, counties being organized with Farm Bureau Auto Insurance law. We propose that this visits, and agricultural rides. Farm Bureau volunteers and local farmers within the be corrected through legislative action. should work with the Legislature to limit study area. The purpose of the survey is to TORT LIABILITY REFORM Farm liability insurance rates to farmers providing gather information about farm accidents Bureau supported the adoption of com- on-farm educational rides, and other farm and work related illnesses and we urge prehensive tort reform measures and and agriculture experiences. Community Action Groups, Promotion and because the new laws were only a basic AGRICULTURAL SAFETY Farm ac- Education Committees, and county Young start, they must continue to be broadened. cidents continue to be a problem. Farmers Farmer Committees to fully cooperate in The indiscriminate filing of tort liability and farm workers are inherently exposed to the survey. We encourage this survey to claims through lawsuits, and the sometimes moving machinery parts and potentially be expanded to more counties. Using the excessive judgments that are rendered, is a dangerous situations. Many farmers, farm information gathered, this will enable Farm phenomenon that is costing Farm Bureau family members and employees are seri- Bureau to implement programs that will in- members, and others, much money. It is ously injured each year because of farm crease the quality of life for farm families not uncommon for plaintiffs in such cases accidents. and their employees. to be awarded multi-million dollar judg- Michigan Farm Bureau should promote GENERAL ASSISTANCE The general ments. farm safety to: increase the farmer's aware- assistance programs that provide for the Costs associated with paying the judg- ness to farming practices that are unsafe, support of some residents of this state are ments are borne largely by the defendant's thereby reducing exposure to accidents; needed to provide temporary incomes insurance company, and subsequently, provide first-on-the-scene programs for when eligibility requirements are met. passed on to its insureds through higher in- farm families; encourage our members to However, due to the fact that general surance premiums. take CPR and first aid certification classes; assistance can become lucrative, in some To alleviate the tremendous economic emphasize the importance and use of roll- 18 RURAL LIVING, MARCH 1988 cases recipients find it more attractive to fort to develop a safer workplace for em- tained along the trail; the construction and receive assistance than seek gainful employ- ployees and farm family members. maintenance of fencing to protect property ment. We commend MSU and others who owners would be costly; by the establish- We support legislation passed in 1984 cooperated in developing an information ment of rail trails, these trails would in- requiring general assistance recipients to packet that assists agricultural employers in crease the threat of vandalism, theft, tres- register for job training programs or have meeting the posting and training require- passing and liability lawsuits to the adjacent their benefits terminated for up to three ments of the act. landowners. months. We support the efforts that have RAIL TRAILS A coalition of citizen We urge that every effort be employed been made in exposing those recipients groups has started a movement to convert to protect the rights of the adjacent prop- fraudulently receiving aid and urge con- abandoned railroad beds into recreation erty owners when a railroad bed is aban- tinuation of these efforts. trails which would be developed under the doned. Workfare programs are far better than Department of Natural Resources and welfare for those physically and mentally would be operated as state parks with a Policy Reaffirmations able to work. The dignity of work is impor- user fee being charged. The trail would be tant to every individual. It should, how- for hikers, bicyclists, horseback riders, jog- COMMISSION SYSTEM OF GOVERN- ever, be coupled with a skills improvement gers and non-motorized vehicles. MENT Since 1945, the Michigan Depart- program. The 1, 000 mile long rail trail would ment of Agriculture has been controlled by We urge local governments, commis- follow abandoned railroad beds and would the commission system. The bipartisan sions, nonprofit agencies, etc., to use the circle the Lower Peninsula, cross the commission is appointed by the governor Department of Social Services employment Mackinac Bridge and continue to the and approved by the Legislature. The program. This program will result in a western border of the Upper Peninsula. commission sets policy for the department boost in self-respect and the probability of The concept of the trail is that it would be and hires the director. becoming self-sufficient. a world tourist attraction and was named Under this commission system, the We support general assistance for those the Sesquicentennial Discover Michigan average tenure of the director has been who need it, but it should not be available Trail. nine years, which allows for continuity of to those on strike. General assistance bene- Concern has been shown by the agricul- programs. Prior to this system, the direc- fits should not be higher than surrounding ture community as to a variety of situations tors appointed by the governor served an states. surrounding this trail, both positive and average of 2.6 years. Michigan should require a six-month negative. The rail trail opens new and in- The present commission system has residence before being eligible for general teresting possibilities for added income for allowed for continuity and consistency of assistance benefits. farmers in the form of farm markets, bed programs. We strongly support maintaining ENGUSH AS NATIONAL LAN- and breakfast in farm homes and farm the commission system of government, in- GUAGE Farmers are often required by tours. It also opens the doors to increase cluding authority for the commission to civil rights standards to do posting of warn- litter, liability, vandalism, theft and the employ the director. ing signs and instructions in language other questions of easements and right-of-ways MICHIGAN AGRICULTURAL PRO- than English. The inconvenience and addi- to name a few. DUCTION PROMOTION FUNDS State tional expense caused by this ruling is un- The question of the 100-year-old rever- funding has been used to promote many fair. We urge that English be adopted as sion clause which would revert the aban- Michigan products including agricultural the one and only official language for the doned railroad bed property back to the products. Agricultural commodity promo- United States and the state of Michigan. original landowners was rendered null and tion groups have, in cooperation with the AIDS TESTING The potential losses to void with recent laws and court cases. Michigan Department of Agriculture, insurers as a result of indiscriminate in- However, the adjacent landowners have developed and carried out several Michigan surance coverage for Acquired Immune continued to pay taxes on the right-of-way agricultural product promotions. We sup- Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) victims could for this land in many cases. port the use of state funding when avail- have disastrous effects on the insurance We urge the passage of legislation that able through the Michigan Department of industry. We believe that all insurers, would allow all abandoned railroad beds to Agriculture to match commodity group whether life, accident, or health insurance revert back to adjacent landowners, or funds for promotion of Michigan agricul- companies, should have the right to re- would grant those landowners have first tural products. Such funds should not be quest AIDS tests. We also support an in- right of refusal for the purchase of those used for advertising product brands. creased effort in educating the public on abandoned railroad beds. Railroad beds the dangers of this disease and we support should be blocked with fences or other the research efforts being conducted to find methods to restrict unauthorized travel as a cure. soon as the railroad bed is abandoned. JURY VERDICTS We urge the judicial We oppose the establishment of hiking, branch of government consider revising the bicycling, horseback or motor driven vehi- criminal jury instructions to clarify what cle trails on former railroad right-of-ways sanctions would be applicable to the "guilty unless the adjacent property on both sides but mentally ill" verdict as opposed to the of the abandoned railroad bed is state "not guilty by reason of insanity" verdict. owned land. Farm Bureau members' con- We believe the trial judge should be able to cerns include: a conflict of land use in zon- state the sanction options to both of these ed agricultural areas; the possible loss of verdicts for a full understanding by the jury tax base; the requirement of additional in their deliberations. police and fire protection (occasionally, RIGHT-TO-KNOW The Right-to-Know state parks have been closed for unruly Act deals with hazardous materials in the behavior and vandalism even when all en- workplace and the proper furnishing of in- trances and exits are controlled); many formation to employees. Agriculture is in- right-of-ways across railroad tracks were cluded in this act. granted by the railroad companies to peo- We encourage Farm Bureau members to ple having property on both sides of the become informed about and conform to tracks and the moving of equipment or the Michigan Right-to-Know Act, in an ef- livestock across a rail trail could be a hazard to trail users; costly rest areas .. MARCH 1988, RURAL LIVING would need to be established and main- 19 MARKETING AND BARGAINING UCI~ that th 1 COI"I~rtut(,1an agncuhural DISEASE CO:\'TROL Control of plant LEGISLATION Th~ MIChlglln AgncUltuUll t!ntt'rpnw and .houkl ~ rf'CoC]l\Ized a1 and animal d~ea'e' IS a constant challenge Markltt rnj And &rqll n ng Act (P A 344 M C5uchby the aate of MlChlCJan We C5Upport to farmer~ Many contagtOus diseases can tI~ndll!dl ha pro.""n 10 be A fmr And efforu to bener dt'"f,"~ whal for('~ Industry ~ ,-pread by the casual movemenl be. ~qu obll( proc~dur" throU9h whICh mar ectlVltte~ .houkl ~ con~ldered 6qTlCuhurlll tween farm~ by farmers and vanous agci- klttlnq llnd h4rqll n nq f) ~li1Uon~ And proc regardIng K1Ll~ luch a~ truck IicenW1 tax buslnt''iS repr~wnlallVes Farmers and farm ~ "4)1'1 nll!~:>t~t~ frull "nd ~4(~tllbfe pnc~., on equlpmt'nl and supply purchaw-s nghl vis Ion muSI consumtly follow practICes 10 and ()(h"r ClI!rm,of cr~ We ,upport aq 10 farm and olher .. mlnlml2(' 'preadlng dIseases between gr" \ol(.xl on 10 d~f~nd mlltketlng llnd We art' oppowd to Wg~latlOO IMt farms Dl'S"posable footwear. sanlllZlng bllrga nlOg ma!Of IV tul~ tOIlCl'pt l4(g,l4stton l1uthonz~1 tht! !lUlIe of MJC:h19anto lea1t' f()()(wear and other disease control prac. W~ \AI ()PP.:>~ Any ~Ul')rh by opponenl, larqe tracts of !ltAle owned for~1 lands over ttee'S must be strictly followed Educallon of of P A ~ and nllh(:>041form borglll"unq a long penod of l1mt' for Ihe purpow of farm vmton WIllak<> help to further ensure I"q ,Idl :>0 If:>w~lIk~n or cnppl~ II' o~r" comm~rclal company harVt'~IInI'1' ond prOCtdur~' co The I,~u~ of how n('w vaMtle' of vanous crea'ilng re'itracllons on pestICide use pose mAk~ If mor~ ~ork4bl~ llm~ndmt'nl'l 10 crop' ar~ rt!kll~d from MSU wed mud many uncertalnlleS as 10 their future avail- rh~ f~d~rdl AqtK ulturdl f "" Prt)t1lc~' Nt 10 Ing proqrarm I" of dtt'p conc ..m 10 Mteh, abIlity While considerable progress has ll' ow mllrk"fln9 IS' (XMIIOn, 10 r4(prl'wnl glln ogTlCuhur" been made to develop bIologICal controls AI prodU( l'n of A (omm«1Ity undl'r Ih~ HI~fOnc411ywh ..n n~w wed van~taes are against pests, much remains to be done ma)(>n!y rul~ (l:>nCll'pt Ot bon to O .....I..t d(>vllioped by Iht' MSU publ~ r"~arch W~ ~upport continued research to further ferm.:", In oth~r CJtllt~.. Jrl Itw drYll'lopm"nt proqrDm (\ f~w hundr~d pound\ of !.tOed dt'velop effective biologICal pesl conlrol llnd l'nMtrrwnt of lItlltl' mllrktllnq and M\I-= lw~n r"wa~d to th .. MIChigan Foun progroms barglllnlnq ~91,llItlon datlon Seed A\-.oclllltOn for loaeawd WATER RIGHTS Agnculrure i5 highly Wfi U'9'-' tMI f~rm Bur\:Au "I 011kwl ... dt'wlopmenl and dlwao;e .a"t'mng The dt'pendenl on water MIChigan is well 9 w Ih" h qtw,r prlorlly 10 m4rk.:-Ianq ond foundnhon W'~d group Itwn produce$ ond known for liS abundant water resources b4tqll OInq ~qt,llIhon 14'1J~ foundatIOn ~~d to MIChigan Crop 1m However. the demands for water and the BANKRUPTrY 0"- AGRICULTURAL proY~ment A!.~14hOn m~mben to grow lights to II. arc IncreaSing areas of conflict. ItANIlI~RS Aqrl(ultu,tll producll'n or" c"rttfh:d ~-=d C"rtlh~d ~Ild I.. then $Old to The demond for watGr from the three wy ...,~ly 41ffll'ctltdw~n handkn of ogrKul com~rc141 'arm"r' lorgeflt sectorfl of MlChlgan's economy- lur,,1 produ h hI" fOTbonkrupt'y Th~ Soy~an PromotK>n Commln~ll of ognculture Industry. tounsm-ts expected (fig ,Iah >1'1ot both th" 'tal~ nnd f"d-=rol MlChlgc'Sn.th~ MlChlgc'1f'\Beon Comml~ on. 10 Increase dunng the r~t of Ihe 19805 I...wf, ,~h M ttw P"mh4bl" AgTlCultural MlChigM Found4110n S€-=d A'I.6OCklllOn Becau~ 5e"lemenl of disputes by courl ac- Commod rw, Art (PAC-A) ond th .. MIChl ","d MlCh'9c'1nCrop Improwm~nl ~..., lIOn under current common law IS slow, gdn Grd 1'1 (Nil!.>,.. A~t h4u' btl~n ndopI"d UO'l all CO'ltnbulll to th~ Vc'104i:ty develop expenslV4I!. tedIOuS ond unc~rtoln. we will wh, h b.-g 1'110 r"dLK" farm"r I; n4rv to Pc'1t, to be appointed by the county Board of fArm.." In o,d", to l",r"4<'-' 0 14rm"r, MSU fccuhy and \l4ff royA1t~ for thell CommlSslOnll1'!l from persons nominated by ct\al'l(" 10 r~C:1l1""'Om\' cornJWn'lolhof'\ In cl rn~arch actlVlt~f> but rathllr $Upportln local Inlerestlld group=». the board shall b4\nkrupt\.\i of cl hc:mdkr of Agn<. uhun: Cr"~lng th~lt wWw<; to b4,: comP'=utlYe conS\.it of fIve members of which two shall p,odUC1< ""It b.-1"'\l1l (\ farm~ s b4nkruptcy Wllh ~lmlw n:~Otch UOlts at other ~ fuU-hm4l!formers, one of whom shall be ~tatu' should b-, uP9r~d from "" un~ unIY'ltSlt~:i an ungator U5Ulg 0 mOJOr omount of water. cur"d cr"d fl:>r10 a ,-'C'ur"d cr"d,tot. end INSPECTION Of MOISTURE one reprewnllng recrcollonal users, one thlll ., c;.hnn~ ~. mad" In th" '"dllrel bonk TESTING f:QlTIPMEflii Farmer5 who homeowner. and one pe~n representing rupt y (:ad" 10 prohlb t a truTon " forward con grom coni nU4lS on a ~ water area ~ No JXlrrmt tTACt hasl .. contr.ct or 41 ca...h ~ but The L4i!'g\Slatwe h.ls ule ...ded Ihe pro- should be put mlO effect until CllIiCClJwater h.\I" not ".t been pa d grolm unt March of 1QSS We req.l~ tlMlt short~ areas are e~abtshed Th4l county Board ol Comm;.ss.onen may Implement a fOIlESTllY AS AN AGIUCULTl'RAL th4l leg sl.1ture CQtdufl~ moo 1m thloS pro- ENTERPRISE We b.! ~,,~ .. 'lU fT\Gn" gr4m and eJl;tensts Because monitoring and for an assessment against landowners who for mineral deposits. We support l~glsJatlon enforcement of flow could be costly and contributed to the Impairment of a drain requiring owners of minerai rights to notify complex. \,\,>e recommend that disputes through abusive practices such as E'xcesslve landowners of thl!ir Intent to explorll for. or regarding stream flow be resolved by the erosion from improper soil management. develop. minerals. Every att\!mpl should b~ propoS{>d county Water US{> Review Board pasturing of livestock In or on drain sys- made to mutually negotiate easements end on a case by case basis. modify the tems and Improper Installation of drainage damage. S{>verance rule to allow riparian rights to be Inlets. We recommend that any person leasing restored to lands that have been rejoined Notice of any change of design or oil, gas or minerai rights ba required to to parcels that currently have riparian assessment from the proposed project register with the state of Michigan and rights. provided that minimum water levels presented at the drain hearing should be display the license Issued for identification. are maintained; the Riparian Doctrine delivered or mailed to all landowners In the An agricultural Impact stalement should should be appl~ble to groundwater. The drainage district before the construction be required when an appllcallon for a use of monitoring wells should be applied begins. drilling permit Is flied. to determine the cone of InOuence. When a drain fails to perform the pur. TRESPASS BY OFF ROAD amount of draw-down. rate of recovery. poses for which it was designed and con. VEHICLES Trespassing by off. road and whether the water table Is being per- structed. the drain commissioner should be recreallonal vehicles (ORVs) Is a nuisance manently affected; allow the Interbasln notified and empowered to act, with con. and oftan results In significant damage to transfer of Irrigation water on land which Is currence of an appointed three-person crops. The Recrcllllonll) TrcspllSS ACI, P A. Immediately contiguous and adjacent to board. to repair and/or clean out the drain 323 of 1976, requires Ihe operalor of l)O land which touches lakes. streams or other obstruction 10 bring It 10 original standards ORV to oblaln written permission before watercourse so long as such land Is held In wfthout petition and long delays. operating the ORV on prlvale land. Public the ownership of an Individual or other Drainage laws In other nearby states pro- Act 159 of 1980. known as Ihe Turfing legal entity and IS held for the purpose of vide for roullne maintenance which benefits Law, provides for penalties, Including agricultural production of food and fiber; agriculture specifically and the community restitution, when crops llre damaged. require all fresh water wells and Irrigation In general. We believe that all revisions to Citizens should be made aware of thi! Illw units to have check valves or proper safety the drain code should be limited to drain and violators should be proseculed to the equipment to protect both ground and sur- Issues and not Include other Issues such as fullesl extent of the law. face water from possible contamination: re- water rights. irrigation or any other waler WILDERNESS DESIGNATION Ex. quire a statewide and state funded hydro- Issues. We arc opposed to a complete perlence has shown Ihat Ihe no managll logical study to be completed to Identify rewrite of the Drain Code. We vigorously ment concept applied 10 certain areas the source. quahty and quantity of our oppose amendments that would add addi. under Ihe Wilderness ACI of 1964 has groundwater tional and unnecessary expenses and resulted In the serious degn~datlon of the We appreaate new research that Is being delays to drainage projects. resource. A preponderance of avldanca done on crop and soil moisture. We feel County Farm Bureaus should schedule has demonstrated thel ther r~moval of all the final decisIon on Irrigation scheduling Informallon meetings with their counly man-made (acilities has t(~$ulted In sanita. should be left to the best management drain commissioner, Soli Conservation tlon and health problems that threaten tho decision of the farmer District and others who may have an 1m. values the act was daslgncd 10 preserva. DRAIN CODE REVISION Michigan pact on maintaining and Improving agricul. Estllblished wilderneS5 criteria further farmland is enhanced by an adequate and ural drainage. threalen such arellS by prohibiting the well-managed drain system Nearly 12 We will aggressively pursue Ihese revi- amploymant of power lools and vahlclas In million acres of Michigan farmland require sions to the drain code and urge that watershad management, trail maintenance, drainage to produce food. feed and fiber. Michigan Farm Bureau be represented on soil trealment. noxious weed control, wa)11! We support amendments recommended groups seeking to revise the Drain Code. managemant and fire prolection. by the Michigan Department of Agriculture AIR POLLUTION CONTROL COMJ\lIS- Wilderness management iJ Incon)h.lent Drain Code Task Force which would relain SION The long standing exemption of with sound multiple-use prindplea. We op- authortty for adminIStration of the Dram agricultural odors from the definition of air pose further expanllion and urga rlt-evalua. Code In the Department of Agriculture pollution has been overturned by the Air tion of all existing wlldernau areas. We support reVlSKms In the Drain CodlZ Pollution Control Comm~~lon. this will WOOD I-:NI-:RGY Michigan ha~ large whICh would benefrt agnculture including. have a significant and negative Impact on areas o( timber both In public and private but not limited to. the following provide farmers throughout the state. We wfll ~up- ownerllhlp. Thlt production, harveitlng, access to the mlnonty of the landowners in port pauage of legislation to clarify agri- proce~ilng and transportation of wood peUtions for a dram. require construction culture's exemption from mdu~trlal air products provldea Job. and iSn Important standazds that mmUTUzenegatIve public poUution standards. economic b~e. We support Ihe concept o( opmlOn aspects of drain cOr\$truction and AGRICULTURAL IMPACT STATE- wood anergy as a viable use of low grade mamtenance, encourage a program by M Ero..'T Whenever a proposed proJect in timber, especially as a renewable fuel local governmentaJ u",~ to manage storm- an agricultural area requires an environ- resource The adopllon of wood energy water coming from urban areas In a man- mental impact statement, we recommend r.hould be encouraged where economlcaUy ner compatible WIth overaU watershed that an economic Impact ~atemenl and an feaSible needs. provtde for the establishment of a agrlculturallmpact &tatement a~ be TAXATION A balanced and equllable fund for annuaJ mamtenance work on each requited tax itructure at the national, itat\! and local new drcun comtructed or In exishmce as of MINERAL, GAS AND OIL RIGHTS level& Is neca~&ary to create job opportu- a s.pecJied date The fund. not to exceed Public Act 42 of 1963 permlli oil and gas nities through economic development and the three-year es.tunated maJ11tenance cost, nghu to revert 10 the owner of the prop- the creation of a healthy b\alne~5 climate. would be establu.hed by an annuaJ a~ erty unless they are reregWered by Ihe We support a good mix of revenue ment on ~ndownen benefiting from the owner of the speaHc minerai or petroleum ~urces, credits and exampUons to help , I dram PWY050.0nfor reunbursmg a land- owner for approved maintenance per- nghu We bdeve thi$ pnndple should be extended to other kinds of mineral rights direct and encourage economic activity A tax ~tructure can re~ult In encouraging I . I formed on that portiOn of the dr am on the We recommend that the present 20-year or d1ilCOuraging economic activity by landowner's property should be provided claun period be reduced to 10 years creating a noncompetitive atmosphere Tax • I examptlomi and Cledl11 are often u~ed to ,.. MARCH 1988 RURAl UVlNG 21 bring balance and equity to the system. We support updating and funding the when county matching funds are not avail- Some of these techniques have been used five-year plan for staffing agricultural re- able. County road commission permission to promote agricultural production in search developed by the MSU Agricultural is required. Michigan and make It competitive with Experiment Station and Cooperative Exten- HEALTH Farm Bureau members have a other states. We continue to strongly sup- sion Service. real concern for their family's good health. port those tax expenditures used to create 4-H We agree with and support the MSU We encourage members to support health jobs and tax equity for the agricultural Five-Year Plan statement that: "4-H Youth promotion and disease prevention through economy. Development Programs represent a contin- practicing good health habits. Farm Bureau ROAD BRIDGE AND PROPERTY TAX uing effort to aid young people as they members should serve on local health and ASSESSMENT We oppose the practice mature in an age of technology character- hospital boards where decisions are made of bridge construction and repair being ized by compelling social problems. Activi- affecting services and costs. assessed to property owners when a drain- ties focus on contributing to the growth We recommend: a long-range education age network is cleaned and/or improved. and development of Michigan young peo- program be launched to help Farm Bureau PREMIUM TAX There is presently a ple to help cultivate and nurture personal members understand the importance of proposal to tax insurance premiums at a values which will enable boys and girls to health, wellness and related issues; en- rate of 2% on workers' compensation, life, assume responsibilities as citizens in a state liability, auto, truck, and group accident and national democratic society. A five-fold and health; and 3% on fire and a1\ied thrust, planned and conducted with the lines. We oppose such legislation. assistance of local community volunteer SALE OF TAX REVERTED LANDS leaders, is designed to: help youth apply The state of Michigan has gained owner- knowledge and science through various ship of many parcels of land due to non- projects, appreciate the worth of work, payment of property taxes. Some of these assist in the choice of a satisfying career, parcels are small, isolated, and difficult and manage their lives wisely, and become ef- expensive to manage. These tracts may be fective leaders and future citizens." more valuable and put to better use as We are proud that MFB is supporting privately owned land. We support the sale the 4-H foundation both financia1\y and or trade of such tracts to private individuals. with leadership. We urge county Farm MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY Bureau members to participate in this AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STA- program. TION The mission of the Agricultural Ex- NORTHERN MICHIGAN CRITICAL periment Station is to provide a viable ROAD USE FUND Northern Michigan research and development program in agriculture and forest industries experience Michigan for agriculture and natural many unique, seasonal problems in the resources. transportation of commodities. We support Specific goals are to provide support for enactment of a Critical Road Use Fund. a productive and expanding agriculture for The creation of such a fund is necessary to Michigan; the development of management improve the northern Michigan transpor- strategies for wise utilization of natural tation infrastructure in order to continue resources; protection of crops, livestock, development of a growing agriculture and forests, and other natural resources from forestry industry. Lansing Legislative Seminars provide pests and other hazards; new product COUNTY ROAD COMMISSIONS The public affairs experience for FFA development; greater efficiency in produc- Board of County Road Commissioners is a students such as these young men and tion, processing, storage, transportation, unit of local government responsible for women fram the Charlotte chapter who marketing; better human nutrition; wise maintenance and construction of most attended the Feb. 9 seminar. community development; improved hous- roads within a county. The three-member ing and well-being; assist developing coun- boards have six-year staggered terms and couraging medical interns to serve in rural tries; and expand export markets for are, in most cases, appointed by the areas for a determined length of time as a Michigan produced commodities. county Board of Commissioners. condition for receiving subsidized educa- Michigan is in direct competition with not A local option provision in the law per- tion; that at Farm Bureau meetings, health only other states, but also other countries; mits the election of the board of county and we1\ness should be incorporated, and and to remain competitive, we must have Road Commissioners. They are elected in health screening should be promoted; that up-to-date research from the various 26 counties. We continue to support this the general public respect the rights of Michigan Experiment Stations. We stress system of local control selection and op- physically disabled persons by not utilizing the need for appropriate funds for the pose any effort to shift control of county spaces reserved for the handicapped. We outlying MSU Experiment Stations with roads to some other agency. encourage law enforcement agencies to special consideration to the Upper We believe each county should have the better police such spaces for violations. Peninsula. option to decide if it needs a three or five MEDICAL HEALTH CARE FACIU- We are proud of the work done at the member county Road Commission regard- TIES County medical care facilities have Experiment Station. We commend the per- less of population. provided health care to rural Michigan for sonnel for their efforts to maintain quality We believe that county Road Commis- many years. Thirty-nine such facilities cur- research programs on limited appropria- sions must dedicate themselves to using rently exist in Michigan, but their future tions. the most economical means possible, in- may be threatened unless some changes Good research is a continuing process cluding the receiving of private bids on all are made. and cannot be turned on and off. Agricul- road construction, to reconstruct and main- In 1980, the Legislature imposed tural research has proven to be a sound in- tain quality roads and to make tax reve- Maintenance of Effort Assessments against vestment that has returned great dividends nues cover as many of the pressing needs county medical care facilities when such to a1\ citizens for over a century. We urge as possible. facilities treat patients whose medical bills the Legislature to recognize the need to Currently, townships that are financia1\y are paid by Medicaid. These assessments appropriate sufficient funds to carry on able have the right to contract for their are not levied against similar facilities in the research projects. own road building program, especia1\y private sector. 22 RURAL LIVING, MARCH 1988 II In 1984 the Legislature froze the daily JOB TRAINING Continuation of job rate for assessments (Maintenance of Effort training programs will be necessary to help Assessments) which relieved some eco- nomic pressure for the counties. Further efforts may be needed to ensure many unemployed people, including eco- nomically displaced farmers, find employ- ment. We support job training programs to Thank You that county medical care facilities remain available to provide important health care services to rural residents. encourage employers to hire the unem- ployed and initiate on the job training. The Youth Corps and Workfare programs have Sponsors! We support the establishment of active been effective and we encourage the con- dialogue between Farm Bureau, at all tinuance of such programs. levels, and other organizations interested in rural health care to identify issues that will MI-OSHA CONFINED SPACE EN- TRY Confined spaces, including toxic or The be important to rural health care availability oxygen deficit atmospheres in agricultural Michigan Farm Bureau when future Maintenance of Effort Assess- confined spaces, have contributed to work- ment negotiations take place with the place fatalities over the past several years. Young Farmer Program Legislature in 1988. We are not opposed to a MI-OSHA con- AGRICULTURAL FIRST AID Safety in fined space entry regulation as long as the Wishes to the workplace should be a goal of every regulation is easily adaptable to existing Farm Bureau member. Nationwide, agricul- farm workplaces, requires a minimal Thank the 1987 ture is one of the most hazardous occupa- amount of administration, and specifically tions. Farm Bureau is not opposed to first designates agricultural confined spaces. Contest Sponsors aid regulations as long as the regulations PUBLIC UTILITIES Activities of public are not excessive upon the employer; are utility companies take them across much of practical, factual documentation of need; Michigan's farmland. They often damage include agricultural representation in the underground tile in farmlands when install- drafting process; and actually help to ad- ing new facilities. Farm owners should be GREAT LAKES minister basic first aid to injured workers. notified a minimum of 30 days prior to in- We support the concept of 911 emer- stallation of such new facilities so the gency telephone communications as it pro- farmer can identify the locations of tile and vides the public more direct and immediate prevent damages. access to police, fire and emergency Electric and telephone utility transmission medical agencies. We encourage the lines, gas lines and oil rights-of-way for cooperative exploration by state and local these purposes should be standardized as units of goverment in establishing 911 nearly as possible with contracts or other emergency telephone regions throughout legal instruments including as many protec- Michigan. We support planning and im- tions to the owner as possible. Utility com- plementation efforts having the participa- panies should physically expose under- tion of all levels of government within a ground wires and pipes when requested by 911 region. the landowner. We encourage our members to become We further believe that consideration CPR and first aid trained. should be given to the leasing rather than We will continue to work with the Agri- sale of rights-of-way. Great Lakes Hybrids, Inc. cultural First Aid Advisory Committee and We support legislation that would return make input as needed. abandoned utility routes (routes unused for MI-OSHA We encourage all farmers to two years) to the land tracts originally Sponsors of: become aware of any occupational hazards yielding these lands for the utility purposes. 1987 Distinguished Young and voluntarily adopt safety programs. We We support legislation to require licens- also support the concept of appropriate ing of land acquisition agents for oil, gas Farmer Contest safety regulation. We oppose MI-OSHA and utility companies. The legislation and regulations that are more strict than ex- should require that landowners be inform- isting federal OSHA standards. ed of their legal rights, the proposed use of 1987 Outstanding Young As MI-OSHA continues as an enforce- the land, the amount of royalty, if any, Farm Woman Contest ment agency, it is essential that representa- and the state agency that can provide fur- tion be provided for agriculture. We sup- ther information. port the creation of an Agricultural Ad- AQUACULTURE Michigan can be proud visory Committee which shall be consulted on all MI-OSHA regulatory proposals affec- of a very diverse agriculture, which sup- plies a variety to our diet and stability in FaRm(] BUreaU ting the agricultural industry. our economy. With a varied climate and We favor educational programs and no soils surrounded by the Great Lakes there penalty first-time inspections. are many opportunities for unique agricul- EMPLOYMENT SERVICES The original tural products. Aquaculture and commer- purpose of the Michigan Employment cial fishing are major contributions to our Travel Service Security Commission, part of the federal Michigan food basket. We urge that these system, was to bring together employers activities be recognized by the Michigan and qualified employees. Department of Agriculture for their con- 1-800-331-1729 We will work with other organizations to tribution to our agricultural economy. We assess problems with the labor exchange support the allocation of funds for the Sponsor of: function of the employment service and research and updating of fish population develop legislation to achieve an employ- surveys to more effectively manage and 1987 State Discussion ment service at the state and federal levels utilize this natural resource. Meet Contest which answers the job exchange needs of agriculture . • MARCH 1988, RURAL LIVING 23 Presidents' Conference (continued from page 10) drawing. The grand prize winner's name will be drawn at Summerfest '88, July 20. As part of another incentive pro- gram, county FB presidents who have established a county CAC and set up two new CAGs in their coun- ties, will be awarded specially designed CAG jackets. At the Presidents' Conference Alpena County Presi- dent Bud Wegmeyer and Roger VanDamme, president of Hiawatha- land FB, received their jackets from MFB President Jack Laurie. 0 Governor's Conference (continued from page 11) ingly, consumers are looking for nutritional value, wholesomeness, freshness, and flavor," he said. "Michigan foods are very high quality, and now is the time to begin marketing that quality." He continued, "To assure that consumers who buy Michigan foods know that they're getting the highest and best quality product, we will be putting in place a premium seal of quality for Michigan-grown foods Count On Countrymark .... which meet the highest standards of the Michigan Department of Agricul- Premium Baler Twine. ture." for dependability, good quality and genuinely high value. Blanchard told the conference au- ~. dience that input from the food in- Quality and value are two important features of Countrymark dustry is needed to establish the Premium Baler Twine. Made from rugged Hennequen fiber, quality standards and make the pro- Countrymark twine offers excellent knot strength and loo- gram work. dependable performance. Modern manufacturing techniques Other conference highlights in- cluded workshops focused on inter- and quality control procedures help make this premium twine national trade development and strength and size consistent ball after ball. global competitiveness, a preview by Net Weight Feel Balls per bale MDA Director Kindinger of the new per bale per bale lib) fall/ winter advertisements for the We have the 7,200 2 40 food and agricultural marketing cam- paign, and a status report on MDA size right for 9,000 2 40 10,000 2 40 program efforts to address the needs your farm. Big Round 16,000 2 39 of Michigan's food industry. Count On ... Binder 24,000 6(8Ib) 48 MFB President Jack Laurie and Kellogg Company Vice Chair Robert Nichols served as co-chairpersons for the conference. 0 See Your Participating Country mark Outlet FS.880).) 4565 ColumbusPike. Delaware.OH 43015 ,. MARCH 1988, RURAL LIVING 25 Agrinomic Update 1988 Corn Program Participation The adjoining worksheet has for the 1988 corn program ends In the worksheet we have used a • been developed to guide Farm April 15. full deficiency payment for the pro- Bureau members on 1988 corn pro- In addition, wheat and feed grain jected payment and used last year's gram participation. The USDA final producers may enroll in the 0/92 program as a guide to other details. details of the 1988 farm programs optional acreage diversion program. Our working example includes: were delayed until the federal budget Under the terms of 0/92, a farmer -Target Price $2.93 deficit reconciliation took place in could idle all or a portion - up to -Loan Rate $1.77 late December. 92% -of his permitted acreage and - Fall Corn Price $1.90 Certain key program announce- receive a deficiency payment. The - Fall Soybean Prices $5.70 ments include the projected deficiency payment made under 0/92 is - Acreage 200 payment for corn of $1.10/bushel. guaranteed not to fall below the -Corn Base 100 The advanced deficiency payment estimated deficiency payment rate of - ASCS Yield 120 will be 40 % of the estimated final $1.10/bushel for corn and $1.53/ - Expected Corn Yield 130 payment. One-half of the 40% will bushel for wheat. Program enroll- - Expected Bean Yield 40 be paid in cash at the time of pro- ment for 0/92 will be held through We assumed the out-of-program gram sign-up and the rest of the March 11. farm would stay with a 50-50 rotation. payment will be made in generic cer- (cantinued on next page) tificates some time in May. Sign-up 1988 PROGRAM WORKSHEET This example uses 200 acres with 100 acres of corn base. EXAMPLE YOUR FARM NOT IN 20% 20+ FULL NOT IN 20% 20+ FULL PROGRAM ONLY 10% PLD 0/92 PROGRAM ONLY 10% PLD 0/92 CORN 1. Base Acres 100 100 100 100 2. ASCS Yield 120 120 120 3. Expected Yield 130 130 130 130 4. Acres Planted 100 80 70 0 5. Program Bushels 9,600 8,400 8,400 (line 2) X (line 4) 6. Expected Production 13,000 10,400 9,100 0 (line 3) X (line 4) 7. Variable Costs Per Acre 180 180 180 180 (fert., seed, chem., etc.) SOYBEANS 8. Expected Yield 40 40 40 40 9. Acres Planted 100 100 100 100 10. Diversion Payment 2,100 2,100 $1.75 X (line 1) x (line 2) x 10% 11. Deficiency Payment $10,560 $9,240 $8,501 (line 5) x ($1.10) 12. Corn Sales $24,700 $19,760 $17,290 $ 0 (line 6) x ($1.90) 13. Cost Savings $3,600 $5,400 $18,000 (line 7) x non-planted acres 14. Additional Costs $ 300 $ 450 $ 1,500 $15 x non-planted acres 15. Soybean Sales $22,800 $22,800 $22,800 $22,800 (line 8) x (line 9) x $5.70 16. Gross Revenue $45,500 $56,420 $56,380 $49,901 lines 10 + 11 + 12 + 13 + 15 - 14 17. Advance Payments $4,224 $4,746 $4,746 SO.44 x (line 5) + (50% x line 10) 26 RURAL LIVING, MARCH 1988 .. Agrinomic Update - Fall cash corn prices must ap- (continued from previous page) proach $2.20 before opting out of the program is best, even with no Make your own assumptions and yield reduction as set-aside comes plug your own numbers in. Work back into production. through as many examples as you Longer-term considerations reduce can. Each example brings more the attractiveness of adding more understanding of the possibilities. soybeans. Program bases depend on We worked through dozens of ex- acres planted. To cut corn acreage amples changing price levels, the this year reduces corn base in years ratio of corn and soybean prices, to come. Rotation also argues yields, the ratio of corn and soybean against an all-bean crop plan. yields, and the ratio of expected and Opting out of programs cuts you ASCS yields. We also changed off from PIK possibilities. "PIK & several factors at the same time. The general conclusions are: Roll" has been profitable. You may have an ASCS farm on How To Have a - Basic program participation is still which all beans is a good option. Or recommended. a farm with such a small base that Green Thumb -0/92 is not competitive . you will choose to leave the pro- - Leaving the program and planting more soybeans is attractive with gram and plant more corn. Each farm is unique. Do your homework . . .Without an prices over $6 and more than three times corn prices. on each unit. 0 Aching Back! Some other observations include: -Higher soybean prices reduce the Agrinomic Update is prepared monthly by the MFB Commodity M ulch has been the natural friend of smart gardeners since time began. Mulch is made profit impact of corn base. Activities and Research Depart- by running weeds, used-up crops, - Paid land diversion (PLD) is ment (CARD). This month's topic kitchen scraps (bones and all), more attractive with short crops, but was prepared by Robert Craig, shrub and tree trimmings (up to 3" it takes a severe drought to make manager, CARD. thick) ... virtually anything organic PLD work . ... through a Kemp Shredder/ ~- Chipper! Inside a Kemp, up to 54 carbon- steel blades reduce everything into Legislative Review millions of tiny pieces - in seconds! (continued from page 7) Till all you can make into your r soil. It will turn even the poorest federal EPA estimates salt caused $5 Death Penalty - Senate soils into rich, dark, crumbly loam. ~. billion damage last year to roads, • Joint Resolution "M" would After crops are up, spread Kemp- cars, etc. put issue on 1988 ballot. Would ready mulch over your garden to ~. apply to first degree murder. FB prevent weed growth, hold needed • State Income Tax - S.B. policy supports. moisture and feed your plants . 8 passed. It allows for an Ruth Stout summed up this easy, Truck Weights - H.B. carefree way of gardening in her lo-- $1,500 exemption on children's • 5335 would reduce truck gross book, How To Have A Green earnings including interest income. Thumb Without An Aching Back. FB supported. weight limits to 80,000 pounds (presently 164,000 pounds). Several ~ • Railroad Rights-of-Way - surrounding states have the lower EARLY ORDER BONANZAI S.B. 299 allows abandoned limit. • Save over $100 • Get a Free copy of Ruth's book rights-of-way to revert to property owner and provides for the pro- Education Reform - cedure. If property is not claimed, it • Several bills. Senate committee r is to be put up for sale. Also pro- working on S.B. 547 requires a core curricula; S.B. 548 requires K-12 .. vides requirements for any state department owning a right-of-way. school board to develop an annual school improvement plan; S.B. 549 • Ethanol - S.B. 531, P.A. requires annual school education 269, creates a task force to report to be available to the public. r study alternative fuels with ethanol. Finance reform will receive a great ... Could lead to mandatory use in deal of attention. House Taxation some areas, such as Colorado, for Committee is having special study • air pollution control. sessions on numerous proposals. The governor and legislative leaders • Crime - Sixty-nine bills have have agreed to establish a joint ~.- been introduced; eight have (continued on page 30) passed. The rest of the bills are ~ either on House or Senate floor. MARCH 1988, RURAL LIVING 27 ~ Grassroots Perspective "You Said It" Here's how Community Action Group members around the state CAG Friends Remembered responded after discussion of the Members of the Stalwart County-Liners Community Action Group December 1987 topic, "Improving • in Chippewa County offer this memorial for FB members Bob and Net Farm Income." Carolyn Wilson, who were killed in an auto acddent Christmas Eve 1987. Bob and Carolyn's Farm Bureau roots went deep. They were Recommended actions: among the original members when the Chippewa County FB was • Add income through diversified formed. Bob was an agent for FB Insurance for 28 years, retir- business enterprises. ing in 1986. During that time he supported many FB-sponsored • Manage inputs more carefully to programs including the America and Me essay contests for school reduce costs/waste. children. • Attention to product quality. They were probably best known by their fellow FB members as • Increase foreign trade opportunities. coordinators for the county's direct marketing program for citrus, frozen fruits and vegetables. Those who helped on delivery day FB's role in implementing these had a brief glimpse of the many hours that the Wilsons volun- ideas: teered before the products were in the hands of the members. • Working with lawmakers and Bob and Carolyn were always there when something needed to government agencies . be done whether in their church, school, community or family. • Demonstrate FB unity in support of Bob was involved in township government, serving for 37 years policies. as treasurer. They were Mom and Dad to six children and several .Continue support for agriculture exchange students. 0 research. • Opportunities. to share entrepre- neurial ideas. Other suggestions for improving farm income: Discussion Topic • Roadside markets, ag tourism. • New crops and new by-product uses such as ethanol from corn. Status of the Ethanol Industry • Increase products promotion. The use of alcohol fuels has a The Michigan tax exemption was • long history in the United phased out several years ago. Getting Together States. Efforts to develop markets for Although oil prices have dropped alcohol fuels distilled from agricultural considerably in recent years, ethanol New Community Action Groups products were first made in the early production and use has increased. In • formed last month are: 1979 only 8 million bushels of grain 1900s. Although usage declined Ingham County - The Super when cheap gasoline became avail- were used for ethanol, but the 1987 Colliders able from U.S. oil fields, alcohol figures are expected to total about Clinton County - Class 02 fuels were again marketed briefly in 340 million bushels. Irregulars the 1930s. About 7 % of all gasoline sold to- Hiawathaland - St. Nicholas The spiraling oil prices of the 1970s day is an ethanol blend. There are stimulated new interest in ethanol about 55 ethanol producing plants in These new CAG members are alcohol made from corn and other over 20 states, but only one operating now eligible for the Magic Vacation farm crops. This modern product plant in Michigan. That facility, in drawing. Finalists, whose names are was a 90% gasoline/10% alcohol Jackson County, has a 3 million selected in a weekly drawing through blend called gasohol. gallon a year capacity, considered July 13, may win a Caribbean Federal legislation in 1978 and small by industry standards. Cruise/Florida vacation for two. 1980 also helped boost ethanol pro- The following persons are weekly duction. Today, tax incentives con- Prospects for the Future finalists through Feb. 8: tinue to be important in ensuring Antrim County - Lila Carpenter, that alcohol fuels are cost com- The National Advisory Panel on No Man's Land petitive. Currently, the fuels have a Cost-Effectiveness of Fuel Ethanol Presque Isle County - Leann 6 cent per gallon federal fuel tax ex- Production recently released its 129 Hopp, Countryside Diversified emption, while 28 states have addi- page report. The in depth study keys Huron County - Lori Swartzen- tional exemptions of varying amounts. druber, The Zookeepers 28 RURAL LIVING, MARCH 1988 • in on several areas including the tically grown feedstock that is not organization in the state to offer technology and economics of the in- subject to foreign domination. ethanol blended fuel to the public. dustry; ethanol fuels and agriculture; In the report, Bill Swank, FB policy passed by the voting air quality benefits of ethanol chairperson of the panel and ex- delegates at the state annual meeting blended fuel; and ethanol and U.S. ecutive vice president of the Ohio states in part: "Ethanol is the best energy security. Farm Bureau, said "ethanol produc- replacement for the required reduc- The major conclusions of the tion is good for everybody-the tion of lead in fuel. It contributes to panel include: federal treasury because it reduces a clean and safe environment • Ethanol's steady growth has been farm program payments, the farmer through major reductions of supported by federal and/or state because it means higher corn prices, pollutants in carbon monoxide and incentives. for cleaner air because it reduces hydrocarbons. • Ethanol is recognized as a gaso- carbon monoxide and for energy in- "We encourage additional research line extender, octane enhancer and dependence because it reduces the using ethanol. .. continued production a means of improving air quality by need for imported oil." from farm products" and "economic cutting carbon monoxide 10-30%. He pointed out that continuation incentives to encourage ... production • Increased production efficiency of the 6 cent per gallon federal tax facilities in Michigan." D could reduce the cost. exemption or its equivalent is essen- .Current federal tax incentives tial. He also noted that the Congres- Discussion Questions: make ethanol blends price sional Budget Reports from 1982 to competitive. 1987 show $17 billion in subsidies to • How many members of your group • Research is needed into human the U.S. gas and oil industry ... far use ethanol fuels? consumption of high protein and more than the assistance provided to • What are some reasons members vitamin-rich food by-products cur- ethanol. of your group do or do not use rently used in livestock feed. ethanol fuels? .The federal government should A Michigan Perspective • Do you think there should continue provide stable and com:istent incen- to be a 6 cent! gallon federal tax tives and include ethanol as a part The Michigan Department of exemption for ethanol fuel? of long-term energy policies. Agriculture reports that gasohol con- • What kind of incentives should the • Ethanol can provide a major sumption in the state in 1987 was state or federal government provide market for corn and other feed 15 % greater than in 1986. Helped to increase the use of ethanol grains, increase farm income, and in large part by aggressive promotion fuels? save on federal farm program costs efforts, Michigan, for the past six or to more than offset current federal seven years, has been one of the This month's Discussion Topic tax incentives. top three states in the nation in con- was prepared by Robert E. • Ethanol is one of a very few sumption of gasohol. Smith, MFB senior legislative available liquid fuel alternatives to Michigan Farm Bureau has been a counsel. reduce the increasing United States leader in the promotion of ethanol. dependence on foreign oil. Ethanol Farmers Petroleum Cooperative, an is produced from renewable, domes- MFB affiliate company, was the first Ag Olympics Draw Mall Show Visitors Farm Bureau members from Bay, Gratiot, Midland, Saginaw, • Huron and Tuscola counties took a little bit of the farm to the Saginaw Fashion Square Mall, Feb. 4-6. With commodity displays and special program activities, the farmers provided education and entertain- ment to their city neighbors. One mall show activity was especially popular. The FB leaders and news media representatives competed in Agriculture Olympic events such as shelling and shoveling corn. The contestants were blindfolded for the difficult potato toss event and the toy wagon race. FB's Ag Olympic contestants were MFB President Jack Laurie; MFB directors Wayne Wood, Lyle LeCronier, and Dick Leach; and county presidents Don Sutto of Saginaw and Tom Fleischmann of Bay County. News media representatives in the competition were Dave Hebert, The Valley Farmer, and Dan Lee, Tri-County Citizen. Dennis Mahoney of Saginaw County, general chairperson of the mall show, explained that the project not only promotes the various com- modities produced in Michigan, but also gives FB members the oppor- tunity to help non-farmers understand more about the business of farming. D r. MARCH 1988. RURAL LIVING 29 Legislative Review Your Local Safel1lark (continued from page 27) Tire & Battery Dealer House-Senate committee to develop recommendations on an education Sprillg finance program. Open HOllse Property Tax Reform - • 10 bill Senate package carried over from last session dealing with anlilO% Sale D{lY numerous assessing, equalization, . IS appeals, etc. issues . A new MSU assessment study of farmland in the central region found COining Soon! it to be grossly overassessed, averag- Il~ ing 45%, high of 77%. One of the two study counties were under- assessed by 12 %. This is 1986 data. Watch for the announcelllent • Environmental Bonds - S. B. 651, allows general obligation bonds for recreation of the Safelllar'k Open House facilities, contamination clean-up, solid waste and resource recovery alternatives, waste water treatment, Sale in your area. Cileck out loan programs for these purposes. Requires vote. Safenlark's top quality Gov. Blanchard proposed an $800 million "Build Michigan" bond program to pay for toxic waste pr.oducts ... at special sale cleanup, recycling, and other en- vironmental problems . • prices. • Animal Care - H.B. 5302, Randall, R- Elwell, prohibits abandonment without provision for SAFEMABK adequate care . Wetlands - H.B. 4817, • Gagliardi, 0- Drummond Island, requires state to purchase certain wetlands . Animal Industry Act- • 5.B. 511 complete rewrite on livestock laws. Passed Senate, in House Agriculture Committee . Polyhouse - H.B. 4341, • passed House, exempts poly- vinyl greenhouses for horticultural plantings as real property. FB supports . Pesticide - H.B. 205, a • major law rewrite. FB amend- ments ensure that farmers can con- tinue to do their own application. Has passed House. The Senate Ag- riculture Committee is giving careful Farm Bureau membership makes the difference! study to the bill. 0 Safemark products are sold only to Farm Bureau members. Lansing legislative topics are reviewed by the MFB Public THE SAFEMARK MARGIN: QUALITY. SERVICE. DEPENDABILITY. ECONOMY Affairs Division. 30 RURAL LIVING, MARCH 1988 , , FarJDBureau Market Place ~ --------------- CLASSIFIED AD POLICY FARM EQUIPMENT LIVESTOCK MISCELLANEOUS t Farm Bureau members pay 25 cents per word for all \ classified advertisements. • All other advertisers pay FOR SALE: 550 P.S.1.I2 WASHER 6 GALLON SOAP TANK - hose. 5 way mix valve. $395. Groesser Equipment. G.P.M. PRESSURE UPS COD Phone 616-941-4241. (l-3t-20pl 35' REGISTERED ANGUS BREEDING STOCK: For sale at all times. Bordner Angus Farms. 68730 County Farm Road. Sturgis. MI 49091. Phone 616-651-8353. BABY CHICKS - (4-12t.20p) Free prices and details. LUXURIOUS GERMAN long lasting. Makes unique, SOAPS. Send SASE to Superior Scents. Box 23 RL. Eagle River. M149924. FOR SALE: Two sets horse drawn bobsleds. Aromatic. affordable gilt. (2-4t.20p) ~. 50 cents per word for one inser- FOR SALE: NEW AND USED IRRIGATION Shephard Hatchery, Route 1. Dept. MI. Can. One near.mlnt. box. seat - $395. One recon. EQUIPMENT. Also. equipment lor manure nelton. IN 47520. 13-3t-15p.ts) ditioned - $195. Phone 517.769.2674. ~ tion and 45 cents per word for (3.2Op) pumping and spreading with traveling gun. two or more consecutive inser- Plummer Supply. Inc. Phone 1-800.632- 7731. fREE: COLORfUL POULTRY CATALOG. ~tions of the same ad. (2-3t-19p) Offering top quality chicks (Bantams. Exotics. OLD TIME FIDDLE MUSIC ON SIXTY Standards) at rock.bottom prices. Clinton MINUTE CASSETTES. '325 Twelve Michigan PRESSURE WASHER - Steam Jenny 760.C. Hatchery. Box 548-MRL. Clinton. Missouri Fiddlers. '326 Twelve Canadian Fiddlers. ~ All adverttsements are subject to llOV. 2.5 GPM. Runs good. $250. Phone 64735. Phone 816-885.8500. (3-4t-24p-2ts) '327 Waltzes to Remember. and '328 Horn. ~ a IS-word minimum charge, in- 517.676-2362. (2-2t-13pl pipes. Reels.Jigs Polkas. $4.50 each. Fiddle cluding member ads. Music. Kinde. MI48445. (3.2t-32p) I FOR SALE: CULTIVATOR - rear.mount. 4 row. wide rolling shields. good shape - $230. NEED COLLEGE MONEY? Billions available • Please indicate if you are a Farm HAY LISTING Can load. will hold. Frankenmuth. Phone now! Scholarships. grants. loans. Guarantee ~ Bureau member. 517.652-6612. (3- 16pl you qua lily lor 5 linanclal sources! Moslapply. ing receive over 20! Send $3 lor brochure. in. HA Y FOR SALE: All qualities and grades The deadline for ads is the first WANTED: USED FARM MACHINERY. structions. short questionnaire. (REFUND. available. Call lor a list ollarms between 9 a.m. Monday of the month preceding Especially tractors. combines. corn heads and ABLE) Nationwide Scholarship Finders. Box and 4 p.m. Phone 517-724-6478 or 517.736- corn pickers. 25 years in business. Shinabery 2257. Lynchburg. VA 24501.0257. ~ publication. Brothers. Phone 517-523-2803 evenings. 8245. ALCONA COUNTY HAY GROWERS. (3-2t.37p'lsl (3-25p) (3.12t.17p) ' • All ads must be pre-paid and INCOME TAX & ACCOUNTING - Do you ... may be pre-paid up to one year FORKLIFTS: 3 pt. hitch tractor mounted. Lilt know all your deductions? I have twenty years up to 5' without hydraulics. $395. Custom built experience and can help you lind the hidden in advance. NURSERY STOCK ones! We can even check your previous years *' equipment also available. Contact Agritek rnc .. 135 Franklin. Holland. MI 49424. Phone 10 make sure you did not pay unnecessarily. It is the responsibility of the 616-399.H021 or 616-875-8735. (3-30p) Our specialty is FARMS and home businesses. BERRY PLANTS - Raspberries. strawberries. ,. advertiser to re-insert the ad on blueberries. currants. gooseberries. others. Free Give us a call. we can help. Bob Ranger Tax & FOR SALE: lIOO GALLON ZERO BULK MILK Accounting. 111 Genesee Street. Suite 400. a month-by-month or year-by- catalog. Makielskl Berty Nursery. 7130 Platt TANK. auto washer. 5 h.p. compressor. Lapeer. MI 48446. Phone 313-664.3533. t year basis. Road. Dept. RL. Ypsilanti. Mich. 48197. Excellent condition. $4.000 firm. Phone 517- (3.66p) Phone 313.434.3673. (l1.12t-22p) 584-3705. (3-20p) /"• The publisher has the right to HARDY NORTHERN GROWN STRAW. ATTORNEY: Farm born and raised. Engaged in General Practice at Law. Particular emphasis reject any advertising copy BERRY AND ASPARAGUS PLANTS - Free submitted. REAL ESTATE Brochure. Krohne Plant Farms. Rt. 6. Box 586 on linanclal problems. bankruptcy. negligence. contracts. land. estates and planning. Particular RL. Dowagiac. Mich. 49047. (l1-13t-21p) knowledge 01 agricultural problems. Call or - • No ads will be taken over the CONDO AT NEW SMYRNA BEACH, FLA .. write Thomas J. BudzynskI. 43777 Groesbeck. HYBRID POPLAR - 12 cents. American FOR RENT. Completely lurnished. two Mt. Clemens. MI 48043. Phone 313-463. phone. Chestnut. other trees and wildlile shrubs. Cold bedrooms. two baths. ocean view lrom the 5253. (1.6t-4OpI Stream Farm. 2030T Freesoil Road. Freesoil. ~AIL YOUR AD lourth 1I00r. Tastelully decorated. Phone Mich. 49411. Phone 616-464-5809. 517-669.8252. (3.21p) SHEEPMEN'S TOUR - England. Scotland. WITH PAYMENT TO: (l1.6t-19p) ~ Wales. Visitlarms and major tourist sites. June FLORIDA - Mobile home 10 x 42. $5.800. 26. July 7. 1988. Contact Norm Braun. 11541 Rural Living Friendly park near Busch Garden and other at. GLADIOLUS BULBS - Send lor FREE Brady. Chesaning. MI48616. Phone 517.845- BROCHURE' Poest Gladiolus. Box 55. Dept. P.O. Box 30960 tractions. have pictures. Phone 517 -393-2516. RL. Zeeland. MI49464. Phone 616- 772.6049. 2532. (3.26p) (2-2t-19p) Lansing, Mich. 48909 (2-3t-15p) , Advertisers' Index , " Countrymark, Kemp Company Rural Living would like to thank these advertisers Blue Cross Blue Shield Inc 7, 25 27 2 Farm Bureau Young Farmers Hi-Grade Nut & Bolt Company MACMA Direct Marketing ..... for their support: .. . .23 . 13 .. 3 Farm Bureau Insurance Group .32 Safemark (MFB Group Puurchasing) . .30 Farm Bureau Travel Service .. . 24 'MARCH 1988, RURAL LIVING 31 YOUR IRA . •• AfTER If you are not covered by a company pension plan - and most farmers aren't - the new tax law still allows all the IRA advantages you had before. THENEW That means you can stilldeposit up to $2,000 each year into your Individual Retirement Account (or $2,250 if your spouse is not TAX LAW, employed) and deduct the entire amount from your taxable income. JUST AS Not everybody can do that under the new law, so the time has never been better for you to open an IRA with fB Annuity Company. Not VALUABLE only are your deposits tax deductible, but all your interest earnings accumulate tax-deferred, pro- tected from taxes until you take your money out. AS EVER. And, of course, yqu'll earn a high rate of interest on your IRA deposits. fB Annuity offers another big advantage - our IRA guarantees you a lifetime retirement income. When you start an IRA with us, you're starting something that will pay you back for the rest of your life. Remember, farmers can especially benefit from an IRA, since they usually are not covered by company pension plans and therefore are per- mitted the full IRA tax deduction under the new law. Remember, too, that you have until you fIle your 1987 tax return (up to April 15, 1988) to make deposits into your IRA and still deduct them Making your future from your 1987 taxable income. An IRA from fB Annuity Comr:my is more a little more predictable important than ever to your successful fmancial future. Call your farm Bureau Insurance agent FARM BUREAU ~ today to open your own IRA... and look forward INSURANCE to years of tax savings, high interest, and a lifetime INN IUVlJ _ • fAIN GROUR IUVlJ lI'I • fARM IUVlJ GENERAl • F8 Nft1TY retirement income. Michigan Farm Bureau Rural Living Magazine Non-Profit Org. P.O. Box 30960 U.S. Postage 7373 W. Saginaw Hwy. PA I0 Lansing, Michigan 48909 Grand Rapids, MI Permit No. 380