With three and a half million In much the same way, the members, we're certainly big collective buying strength of enough to make a difference. your Farm Bureau membership But we're big together,.and offers you three comprehensive our streQgth comes frorp each major medical plans and an one of us .. HMO plan. at down-to-earth membership. rates. Plus a When we all speak with one wealth of discount buying voice, legislators in Washington services for most everything and Lansing listen. And that from appliances and electronic leads to .improvements like the equipment to travel arrange- repeal of the unjust Federal ments and buying or leasing excise tax on diesel fuel a new car or truck. used in off-highway vehicles; or reinstatement of P.A. 116 But just because we're big refunds for carry-forward losses. doesn't mean you have to deal with an impersonal institution. You'll find we're still your kind of people. You can call in with We're big enough to make a difference any question about your health care coverage and talk to one of and we're big on the little things that mean a lot ... ten real people who do nothing else but answer questions from Farm Bureau members. And the answers are available toll-free; just dial 1 (800) 527-1649. We call it Personalized Service. You'll recognize it as down- home friendly and caring. • available in most counties WHERE BELONGING MAKES A ... MICHIGAN FARM BIJREAIJ DIFFERENCE . ••• FAMILY OF COMPANIES lill ~ IJJ miCHIGan'S FaRm BeST VOL.66 NO.2 APRIL 1989 About the Cover SPRING SALE MSU's sparty Ulustrates the relation- ship between the conswning public andfanners, and their shared stake in Florida's Best the future direction of our land-grant university. Cover design by artist Ray SWEET CORN HUton, HUton Graphics, Lansing. PEANUT BUTTER GRAPEFRUIT Of Special Interest Research: Basic to the Mission of the Land- For more Information and Grant University Research is the key factor in helping full listing of products American farmers produce a nutritious and abundant available, contact your supply of food...page 10 county Farm Bureau or call 1-800-292-2680. Resources: The Bricks and Mortar of Education, Research Today, MSU is a multi-school university with significant successes in many of its 17 colleges, but there are some concerns that more resources are needed to ORDER DEADLINE maintain quality education and research ...page 13 May 3 DELIVERY Revitalization: Building for the Future ofAll Citizens Recognition that MSU's current resources are May 22-26 inadequate to serve Michigan agriculture and develop stu- dent talent for the industry has led to revitalization ef- forts ...page 17 MICHIGAN Rural Leader Newsletter Read this special section PREMIUM of news and information about issues that affect Farm Seal of Quality Bureau and the families who make their living in the FRESH ASPARAGUS state's second largest industry -- agriculture. Rural Liviru! is Published Quarterlv: on the first day of October, Jan~ary, Aprtl and July by the Mich1gan f'ann Bureau Infonnation and PubUc fielations Division. Publication and editorial offices at 7373 West Sagtnaw Highway, Lansing. Mich1gan 48917, Post Office Box 30960 (zip 48909); phone 1-517- 323- 7000. extension 6585. Su bscriptlons: $1.50 per year to members, included in annual dues. $3 per year non-members in Michigan, $5 per year non-members out of state. PubUcation No. 345040. EstabUshed Jan. 13, 1923, as Michigan Farm News. name changed to Mtch1gan Farm News Rural Uvtng Dec. I, 1981.1htrd-c1ass postage paid at Lansing. Michigan, and at additional maJling offices. Editorial: Connie 1\1rbin, Editor and Business Manager; Kimberly MarsheU Neumann, Assoctate Editor and Production Manager. Officers: Michigan Farm Bureau President Jack Laurie, Cass City; Vice President Wayne Wood, Mar- lette; Admtntstrative Director, Charles Burkett; Theasurer and ChtefFtnanctal Officer, Tom Parker; Secretary, WilUam S. Wilkinson. Directors: District I, MarUn Outman, Constantine; District 2, Blaine VanSickle, Marshall; District 3, Diane Homing. Manchester; District 4, Tom Guthrie, Delton; District 5, Mark Smuts, Charlotte; District 6. Wayne Wood, Marlette; District 7, Lany Snider, Hart; District 8, Lyle_LeCronter, Freeland; District 9, Joshua Wunsch, Traverse City; District 10. Margaret Kartes, West Branch; District II, Robert WahmhofT, Baraga. At- Large: David Conklin, Corunna; Jack Laurie, Cass City; Faye Adam, Snover; Richard Leach. Saginaw. Promo- tion and Education, Janis Sanford, Panna. Young Farmers, Pat Albright, Coldwater. APRIL 1989, RURAL UVING 3 MICHIGAN FARM BUREAU PRESCRIPTION PROGRAM @~~~ ~~r~ ~~~~~~ d)~\i ~ ~'"""CAUJQl ~ ~- CAfAlOO--A-~ THS~~ ~ 1t}~~.~ FR~ ~'(\N FE~o.rDRUG-_ FELD XS Aceta CapsUes corrpare to NOTE:With next Extra Str TYLENOL I ~ prescription order see details in this ad. .Cllp out and ~nd arro~ ~lth )our next prescription You save $7.00 compa-ed to T~enoI to receive your XS Aceta caps. Natural Vegetable Calcium 250 Laxative Powder with Vitamin D ....-......--- .. -.... .... '~ -- -- - .. Compare Original to Metnmucil nll\Or or Orange Flnvor 21 oz. 4.99 I Compnre 100 Tab to Os-Cnl 250 mg No sugnr or snit 250 mg $2.95 500 mg $4.95 - MICHIGAN FARM BUREAU FOR A FREE CATALOG CALL TOLL-FREE 1-800-228-3353 Legislative Update School Finance and Education Quality Bills Proposed School Finance Reform Jew schools now levy less Last year, the Senate passed than 17 mills. several "qual1ty"bills, but they House Joint Resolution "B"in- School districts which current- were not considered in the House troduced by Rep. Michael Nye, R- ly levy below the cap would be The Senate reintroduced these Litchfield, and Rep. Glenn brought up to 17 mills. Others bills this session and has al- Oxender, R-Sturgis, is a com- would also have a tax cut but ready passed some of them. prehensive school finance would range between 18 and 29 reform program. It is a constitu- mills, depending on various fac- Twelve Senate tiona! amendment which must tors. For example, one school presently raising less than 7 Education Quality Bills be passed by a two-thirds vote of Introduced both houses, would go on a spe- mills would have to raise 17 mills. Another presently raising cial election ballot in May. It would, to the degree pos- 34 mills would be cut to 17 mills. Another raising 41 mills T here are 12 Senate bills on quality education, all are ex- sible, equalize the differences be- . tween school districts on local would be cut to 23 mills. The dif- pected to pass. They include: property tax rates for school ferences result from a formula S. 123, passed 25-9, provides operations and state aid per based on present spending, for schools to administer a com- pupil. valuation, etc. All schools would petency and employability skills The proposal would: receive additional aid. test to all students in the lOth • Cancel aU previous school The average school operating grade. The test would determine operating millage. tax cut for residential and a pupil's competency in English, • Set new charter millage agricultural property would be math, science and employability (basically 17 mills Jor 12.3 mills or 37 percent. The skills as defined by the State residence, Jarms and timber average business property tax Board of Education. cutover, and 22 mills Jor in- cut would be 7.3 mills or 22 per- S. 39, passed 28-5, would re- dustrial, commerciaL utility cent from current levels. quire local school districts to and developmentaV. develop their own core cur- • 9 mills oj the 17 would be Special Note riculum. Local districts can statewide millage. either develop their own or use • 14 mills oj the 22 would be one developed by the State As Rural Living goes to press, Board of Education . statewide. the House passed HJR "B"but it • 8 mills would be local S. 40 and 43, passed 28-5, failed in the Senate three times. would respectively require local property millage. The Senate then offered a some- • 4 additional mills could be schools boards to prepare an an- what different plan. No vote was nual educational report and voted if necessary. taken, instead a meeting was to • A local income tax option oj adopt and implement a three-to- be held with the governor, five year school improvement 1/2 percentJor school with Senate and House leaders and voter approval. plan for each school within a dis- others to work out the numer- trict. • Limit additional votes to ous differences. A Spring vote is twice yearly. Other Senate bills include S . not likely. 38 on class size, S. 41 on school • Reduce county allocation oj 15 or 18 mills by the school accreditation, and S. 51 on aUocation amount Governor Urges: schools of choice. • Does not change 50 mill Improve Education limitation. Quality Related Legislative • Increase sales and use tax Proposals 2 percentJor a constitution- al trustJund called the Gov. Blanchard's position has been that before any school House Bill 4009 -- includes State Account For Educa- financing proposal passes provid- several reforms including an An- tion (SAFE). The trust also ing more money for schools, it is nual Educational Report to be includes the lottery essential that legislation assur- distributed for each school on revenues and various other ing quality education should be the status of school accredita- revenues. on the books. Several legislative tion, core curriculum adopted: • About 75 percent oj aU leaders agree that the school sys- students' achievement based on schools property tax would tern must assume a greater be capped at 17 mills, a responsibility to ensure a quality (Continued on page 27) education for every student. APRIL 1989. RURAL UVlNG 5 du~try 1n our c()untJ'y that sur. p~~ all ()ther nauorut In prod uctlvtt) and technology MF'B's Policy So. why art we choosmg thas Demonstrates Ume tc, nmmd C\~ryom of the lmpcJrtant:t c,( rnean:h and Commitment to tducaUon 1n agrt(:ulture? MSU/CES/AES We arc f(J(:u~tng on at because pcrhap~ nevcr befon has our tn- dU!itry faced SO many chafienges. I) oltey references In the 1989 80 many lSSue5 wtuch must be MiChIgan Farm Bureau Polley ad~d by t:Xtens.rve re~arch book tnclude: R~ e rc h -- To tmprove care projeds 'nlt~ projects InCludt and management for livestock groundwater qualtty. the effl(:ient and poultry: to develop more ef- u~ of chctJlj(;ab in productIOn fectJve human and veterinary agncult un:. market development medJCal practices (p. 7). and new method~ of packagtng Se~d Breeding u (p. 10). and dbtrtbuUon Dry Bean Research (p. 11). Highly quahHed and lnltned In- Bee Industry -- Cooperative d.rvtduals are Meded to can)" out Extension Setvice (CES) coor- thb rc~an:h. and to Implement dinate spraying to protect bee tnJomlaUon and (;ommunJca. industI)' (p. 13). tton.'i pr~ran1S that take the fe- Agricultural Resource ~t na cmcnt -- CES to l4nd - Grant, ~dTCh but tCl rc~ult~ not only to users. the Jteneral publJc as weD. develop an educational Don't Take ufor But this ~~arch mu~t have program to inform farmers and rural residents of environmen- Granted adequate rundtn~. F'und1n$t that CdJl pro\1dc ~tate-of-the-art tal challenges (p. 19). racl11Ue~ .'undtn~ that can be ~tan ~cment Practices An u too ofttn we tend to take u~d to htre lop-nCltch research MSU be responsible for denn. CO!'granted thaec thtng!t which and tcachtnlit ~~nncl Funding mg generally acceptable and teem conunonplace. yet play an that wt11 enable u~ to have a good manngement pracl1ces for tmportanl role 10 our day to day land grant unJvendty that can altncultuTe (p. 20). ltvtng conUnue to be a leader in the fu- ( hcmlcal Dlsposnl -- Support One of those tnlportant thtnWt tu~ for AgJ1cultuml Experiment Is our Iand.grant untveBUy 5)'5" CornpclHJon for eductlUon and Station (AES) research on tem When MlchJgan ~rtcul I't'~edn'h doUa~ roolt's from methods for farm disposal of tural College was opened tn mdny ,UTtiS Mkh~,Ul h,lS lhrtt mixed chemtcals (p. 29). 18M. It bqtan an era of public 1Th1Jor l41X supportC'd medlc,u ~rtcultural Experiment Sta- supported educalton for altJ1('ul schools Wc h,l\'e ~'er,ll hl~hly tion u Support for ongoing re. ture. a developnlt"fll which stnce quaUfJcd et~leerul~ schools SCdrch In natural resources then ha.!t had a postltve lmpact ,uld many ltbcr,ll .IMs coUe~('s. management: protection from on the l1!e of every U S ctluen &1.11pubUdy financed pests and disease: new The land lUant 5Y~tem But. we h,l\'C only one- uni"'cr. product development: new provk1ed agrtcult u re with an slty de-dtc.lted to .lqtcultun-. the plant/seed vartetles: more effi- educaUonal. research and War industry whJ{'h not onl)' pro\1des cient producUon. processing maUon prottrum !K'cond to none our food supply. but dtn-cUy or and storage methods: and bet- The end ~sult A population ha!l lndtrrrtiy rnlplo)'s n(',lrty 25 per- ter human nulntlon (p. 41). been able to enjoy an abund Ult cent or our l~OlJntl')"!i workforce Exten Ion Service -- Support supply of high qualtty food So t.1Jk to your Ct1e-nds and and recogniUon for education. All of us tn agr1cullu~ an: net~bors Help them under- traJning and information awan of how Mlchtl{an 5t.1te. st.lnd the- CruClcll tmportanc-e of programs. EMAT program. and our land grant uruverstty. pr0\1d1n~ sufflcJe-nl fund~ to financLaJ management training touches our lrves tn SOlne Wil)' our prrmJe-r ('duc-clUon. f('seo4lTCh (pAl ). In l'KotlJl1Uon of that. our 1989 ,md Extension r.ldlJt)'. ~'1ch1gan RI~ht to Know u Commend- Mlch~an f'ann Burt' ~u pollC')' State- l 'nJ\"t'~1t)'. Ing CES educaUon/informa- book makes reference 12 tlm("s L.uld ttmnt . don't take it for Uon efforts (p. 49). to Michigan State UnIvt'l'51ty. the W"anted ~rtcuJtural Safety -- Support CoopernUve Exten!l1on Sc-rvk"e. for MSU study on agricultural the Agr1culturul Expertment Sta- accident lnJ urtes (p. 66) .. Uon and other trnportant pl'Ot{mms (!lee tnwt) Thanks to the land Jlrilnt sys- J.u'k l-lut1e. President tem. we have an tq{nculturc11 In Mlchtgan fann Bu~au • RURAL lJV1.~O. APRIL I gag BUMPER-CROP SOYBEAN VARIETIES Sx to eight years of intensIve research are spent on the development of each new Country- mark soybean variety. Thousands of new varieties are tested each year In laboratory and greenhouse screens for resistance to phytophthora root rot and other dIseases. Field testIng In Ohio and MIchigan provides data on yield l standablHty. seed qualIty and stress tolerance. We Recommend: FFR 190 New In 19881 OUlytt'ldlng .1nytJ,'ng Of lhl\ m.llurlly In aUI r-t'S(":1rd1 trials. Fast t"mt'lqt'nct' ;~nd qUICk 9rOWth IIrt' CQmbln~ with OUlSl.,ndlng pt'YlOphtt,ora roOt rOl lolt"rancl'". A. t.111t"r varl("ty Wllh slrong he:"lhy SI3/ks. RKom. ~nd("d for Mlchlg.ln :lnd Nontl("'f n OhIO Aboul Corsy 79 m:lt\J/llY Group , 1119 d,'Y"') FFR 398 New for 19891 Wry 3ttr3Ctivt'. short 1.11(" Group 3 v.1iI~l}' wIth Outsl:Jndlng YI(~ldr~ord of 65 8 PA In O.S.u. trtal~. F:Ul l"mt'rgenct' ;lnd c!xct'lIt'nl slandablltt}' P'I.lnl In n.mow or wlde" rOwS 011 moderate planl populallom for lop ylC"4d) Brown pube~Cl"nCl"Abou« 2 day~ I..ter u,.m WII/lclm~. (141 c:1.IY\) FFR 332 New Breedlngl StJndJbll,ty ttlt'" bl"~l dut' to short pllmt and ~trong healthy stt"m~ Excellt'nt phytophttlOr.l tofelJnct'" tind Nnl"rgl"nce m,qk(fthh v.Jrlety e~eCfal'y sUltr"d to he.JVu~rltoll condilions AdJpled to most Ol Ohio .1nd ~oulhern MIchIgan Doe~ be-Iter In nar/O\N row) .1nd hlgh<-r popult3tlonlt bul WIll do w<,,11 In WIder (0Mf~ Extefl("nt yield record AbOUl P~IlJ matlJflty EJrly Group 3 I' J4 c:1.Jyltl HILTON _JlIII 1 .. Hoceb in thf \ ~ ...... 11IIAla Kingdom Club W 1r nil IlIA J08'U _ at Hilton IUII_ •• ,...1CCOIIUOOdation't' .&~M'_he .. tWrplnft's room. Wneyland. \Valt D~ney World and such other de~UnaUons 3l:a HawaiJ. San Fran~ and Paradise Cuest Ranch in \Vyomtng. D~ounts at m~t Hilton Hotels and NaUonal Car RentallocaUoru:s throughout the U.S. 10% dl5count at The Disney Stores located at Pier 39 in San FranciSCo. Southern Cal1forn1a'~ Glendale Callerta and South Cobt Plaza in Co~ta Mesa. Reduced rates on cruiseS to the Baham~. the Caribbean and Ala8ka. Use of the Magic Kingdom Club Travel Center~ in Cal1fornJa and Florida, providing lnfonnatlon and ~Uon ~rv1Ces for Club vacaUo~, a1.rl1neUckets and rental CaJ1j. These beneflt5 and ~~ are available e:.xclu~lve)yto MagiC KIngdom Club members. For a com. plele Ust of Club benefit.:) and prograIllS. obtain a Club membcnlhlp card by :M:nding a note wtlh your name and add~ to: ldLchlgan Farm Bureau, ATTN: Membershlp Services MKC, P.O. Box 30960, 7373 W. Saginaw HWJJ., Lansing, M1 48909. I.•.•.•.•..................••........•.•.......•..............•............................................... J iii Research: Basic to the Mission of the Land Grant University A shiny red apple. defaced by the poison symbol of skull and scare tactics. demanded an end to the use of many of their impor- crops need to grow. Partially be- cause of these fertilizers, farmers crossbones. served as a powerful tant production inputs? Reas- have been able to push produc- graphic on the CBS program. surances from the farm and tion levels higher and higher "60 Minutes." aired Feb. 26. In a scientific communities and each year. Yet concerns over the segment called "A is for Apple," government agencies would not use of pesticides and commercial the National Resources Defense be enough. The answer. of fertilizers have been expressed Council (NRDC)charged that the course. lies in research. that there can be too much of a use of Alar in apple production good thing. would eventually cause cancer in "For several years, MSU's MSU Researchers Rising Agricultural Experiment Station many children. Other news media followed to the Challenge looked for ways to manage harm- suit and within days. the ques- ful insects without harming our- tion of food safety was posed on Researchers in MSU's College selves and our environment. The the front pages of major ofAgriculture and Natural IPMprogram in Michigan was newspapers, and on radio and Resources are well aware of the one of the first of its kind 'IV news and talk shows. growing consumer demand for designed to tackle agricultural in- Mothers and Others for Pesticide food produced with a minimum sect problems within the broader Limits, a project of the NRDC, of chemicals. and a growing context of environmental and created public seIVicean- realization on the part of farmers ecological systems," he said. nouncements for airing on major of the economic and environment For example, MSU en- 'IV stations and opened a hotline benefits of reducing chemical in- tomologist Dean Haynes recently to provide parents with informa- puts. They are working on completed several years of re- tion on how to protect their numerous research projects re- search on the Colorado potato children from pesticide residues. lated to what they call sus- beetle, a pest that became resis- It wasn't only concerned con- tainable agriculture, seeking tant to all sorts of chemicals. sumers. members of the apple in- alternatives and/ or supplements "In a four-year period in re- dustry. and government agencies to commercial inputs of pes- search plots at Gull Lake, we responsible for protecting the ticides. herbicides, fertilizers and grew 15 crop sequences with no public from potential health other chemicals. These include pesticides, no damage and no hazards who were jolted by the integrated pest management reduction in yield," Haynes said. NRDCcharges. The entire (IPM),various tillage systems, 'We used a 60-day variety of agricultural community recog- cover crops and better manure potatoes instead of the tradition- nized that while this particular management. al gO-dayvarieties. With that, we controversy would eventually "Such techniques can help were able to change our planting lose its lead -story position to farmers reduce their reliance on times to avoid times when the other events of the day, the chal- sometimes expensive inputs Colorado potato beetle is active. lenge of responding to the grow- while, at the same time, make it 'We discovered a connection ing concerns of health -conscious easier to conserve soil and avoid to horsenettle, a weed that was consumers still lay ahead of environmental pollution." said growing in corn plots nearby. It's them. Bob Craig, manager of MFB's a host to a different potato beetle How could American farmers Commodity Activities and Re- and that potato beetle had its continue to produce a safe. search Department. "In conven- own natural parasites. Those nutritious, abundant supply of tional agriculture. commercial parasites moved from the wild food for our nation and much of fertilizers are used to provide the potato beetle to the Colorado the world if panic-stricken con- nitrogen, phosphorous, potas- potato beetle on our crops. Some sumers. victims of unscientific sium and other elements that farmers would have killed off 10 RURAL UVING. APRIL 1989 that weed in the first place, but fuel bills. Excessive use or easier and more reliable. Today, to do that would put you back misuse of chemicals can cause breeders can generate more off- on the pesticides treadmill," he environmental damage, which spring from genetically superior said. could get you in trouble with animals with artificial insemina- Haynes says that MSU re- your neighbors or the govern- tion, multiple ovulation and searchers are confident that ment and end up costing you a embryo transfers. similar scenarios can be worked lot more money," he said. out for other insect pests. The Value of In the area of field crops, Selecting the Best fruits and vegetables, a major Biotechnology MSUresearch focus is on using sources of nitrogen other than Agricultural Experiment Sta- By using biotechnology to un- solely commercial fertilizer, while tion plant breeders are con- lock nature's secrets, MSUscien- still maintaining or increasing cerned with forests as well as tists are helping build biolog- production levels. Those sources fields and orchards. MSUhelped ically sophisticated agricultl;1ral include leguminous crops such the state's forests recover from production systems that could as alfalfa, soybeans, vetch and heavy logging at the turn of the lessen our dependence on costly animal manure. century, establishing the synthetic fuels and chemicals. LeeJacobs of MSU's Crop and country's first forestry teaching Such biology-based systems Soil Sciences Department is help- program in 1903. In the mid- would have distinct economic ing farmers, as part of the 1950s, MSUscientists dis- and environmental advantages, Michigan Energy Conservation covered they could breed trees according to Eldor Paul, chairper- Program, recognize they have a and develop new species which son of the Department of Crop rich source of nutrients in would mature quicker, resist dis- and Soil Sciences. manures -- and they will have eases and insects better, and "Critics are saying the present potential pollution problems if adapt to Michigan's growing con- U.S. agricultural system is non- they mismanage them. ditions. AES breeders work to viable," Paul said. 'They say we 'We're getting farmers to look perfect animals as well as can't compete in world markets at manure in a positive way, as plants. They have spent years and that we're ruining the en- having a resource value, instead evaluating individual animals for vironment. In the long run, of as a negative aspect of animal desired traits, selecting the best biotechnology has major pos- agriculture," Jacobs said. animals to breed, and monitor- sibilities for developing alterna- He doesn't tell farmers they ing the progeny in efforts to tive agricultural systems and a will save a fortune by substitut- genetically improve the state's cleaner environment." ing manures for fertilizers. 'The cattle herds. The complex genetic structure important thing for farmers to Researchers developed new of major agricultural crops pose realize is there are other costs in- techniques and refined proce- a particular challenge to the volved besides their fertilizer, dures that made the job of scientists who seek to under- pesticides, herbicides and tractor genetically improving dairy cattle stand them, Paul said. But, Photos courtesy of MSU Alumni Magazine APRIL 1989. RURAL LIVING 11 blotechnolom' ~ Ieadtng to breakthroughs that would not be poss1bl~ With traditional plant bn:edlng processes. AgrIcultural Expc~nt Statton scienUsts are usIng biotechnology to under- stand and eventually manipulate th~ way plants respond to cold. restst d~a-~. produce valuable 0115 and enzymes. and the way antmals n-Jtht dIseases and reproduce Researchfor all Citizens Research projects at MSU arc widespread and diverse. from n~httn~ a~alnst cancer with the cyclotron and blomedfcnl break- throulths to biotechnology ap- plJcaUons for cornstarch. from searchlnl( for answers to lIve- stock waste resource problems to addressln~ the water qualIty concerns shared by ru rnl and urban clUzens Thnnks to a $2 mUlton endow- ment from the Charles Stewart Mott FoundnUon of FlInt. MSU wtl1lncrease Us focus on balanc- In~ a~rtcullurnl and environmen- tal practices. or the $2 mUllon. $1.5 mUlton will endow the Char- les Stewart Moll Dlsll~ulShed ProfessorshIp In SustaInable Altrtculture. TIle remnlnIn~ $500.000 wUl endow four Char- les Stewart Moll Fellowships In the S4'lme area. Wtth the Moll FoundtlUon gin. MSU achieved $94 mUllon. or 59 percent. of Us $160 mUllon capi- tal ~oal of lhe canlpa~n known as MSU 2000: Access to Oppor- tunity. The Elton R Sn1Jlh ChaIr for Food and ~r1culLurnl Policy Is a Jklrt of MSU 2000. and has received the commJlmenl of nnancl41l support (rom Fa (anlUles. employees. ngrtbusl- nesSC"s and corporollons throughoullhe stale who recog- n.lz.ethe need for such a vttal resource. fContnbutors to thts article W(>rc Donna wtUx'r. IrfFB I1yormation & Publ~c Relations Diuision: Bob Craig. MFa ConunodLt!l Acttuitl.cs and. Research Dcpartmc.>nt and Fu- tures. AES pubUcatlonJ Photo courtesy oj MSU Alumni Magazine RURAL UVING, APRIL 1989 By Donna WUber Photos courtesy oj MSU Alwnni Magazine When the Agricultural College The omission of "agriculture" ponents. Today, MSU is a multi- of the State of Michigan was from its name reflected the socio- school university with Significant founded in 1855. there was no economic changes that had successes in many of its 17 col- question about its mission. As taken place. With those changes leges. While its growth and na- the first land-grant college in the came a shift in emphasis at the tional recognition are a source of nation. it was created specifically land -grant university from pride to students. faculty. alum- for the teaching of scientlflc agriculture to a much broader ni. state leadership. and most agriculture. In fact. the condition base. Michigan citizens. there are for the land it received from the It's been a lot of years since some concerns that MSU's Col- federal government to build a col- MSU has been Jokingly referred lege of Agriculture and Natural lege was that it ofTerinstruction to as "Moo U" by its Big Ten op- Resources. and particularly Ex- in agriculture' and the mechani- tension and research. do not cal arts. have the resources necessary to Michigan State University has maintain the leadership position had six names during its 134- MSU has held. notJust in the year history. but it was not until United States. but worldwide. 1963. when the name was changed to Michigan State University in the new constitu- Still the Finest of All tion. that the word agriculture was dropped. Between its In a videotaped message to original Agricultural College of county FB board members at- the State of Michigan to today's tending cabinet meetings Michigan State University. there throughout the state in March. were State Agricultural College. MSU President John DiBiaggio Michigan Agricultural College. recognized that there are Michigan State College of Agricul- resource problems. but said ture and Applied Science. and MSU is "still the finest of allland- Michigan State University of grant universities." and that it is Agriculture and Applied Science. meeting the objectives of a land- grant institution. APRIL 19B9. RURAL UVlNG 13 "1 want us to maintain that commitment to the land-grant mission ....1 can't do that without help from our agricultural leaders ... " John DiBiaggio, MS U President John DiBiaggio, President Tom Reed, Member Michigan State University MSU Board of Trustees ''The problem that it faces is Legislature on more than one oc- oldest land-grant college in the that its resources are simply in- casion that special consideration nation, and a strong agricultural adequate for it to meet all the has to be given to these two com- consideration in all of our laws. I demands placed upon it," Di- ponents of the university." think it's important that our re- Biaggio told the county leaders. The president told the county search and Extension efforts There are problems, too, he leaders that the fragmentation in don't get sidetracked from said, because along with the Michigan's diversified agriculture production agriculture," he said. change in economy over the keeps the industry from being as Smith said, for a time, it was years, the appreciation for the unified as it should be in for- considered a little old fashioned importance of agriculture warding the cause in which to be so concemed with produc- diminished among political every segment has a stake. "I tion agriculture, and that at- leaders at the state and federal hope that the awareness is grow- titude did create a shift toward levels. This has had a negative ing that through unity, through more urban-oriented programs. impact on the Cooperative Exten- a joining of forces of all the "But the bottom line is produc- sion Service (CES) and the agricultural components, we will tion agriculture is the key to a Agricultural Experiment Station be more successful in gaining strong economic future in the (AES). the kind of support that agricul- total realm of agriculture and "Their dollars come, in great tural education and research natural resources. Whether it's part, from the federal govem- genuinely require in order to packaging, marketing or agribusi- ment where there have been remain competitive," he said. ness, if we let down our efforts red uctions over the last several "Iwant us to maintain that on production agriculture, we're years," he said. "Increases in commitment to the land -grant going to lose in all phases," he state funding have been very, mission ... .I can't do that without said. very modest, through no fault of help from our agricultural 'What happens at Michigan anyone -- the govemor, the Legis- leaders," he concluded. State University in research is lature, or anyone else -- because going to partially determine the the economy has been very Destiny is in Farmers' economic success of Michigan fragil.e." farmers in years to come. If we CES and AES only get the Hands can have innovative kinds of re- dollars which the federal and search that's applicable to state govemment awards them. Sen. Nick Smith, who chairs Michigan, maybe even a little They get no share of the dollars the Agriculture and Forestry more so than it's applicable to that come from student tuition Committee, believes that be- other areas of the United States, and fees. cause of its fresh water supply and if we can have a Cooperative "The rest of the university can and its manufacturing base, Extension Service that gets infor- share those dollars and so, in es- Michigan will see an expansion mation to the state's agricultural sence, CES and AES get a little of part-time farming and an over- producers quicker and more ef- shortchanged from the rest of all expansion of production fectivelythan other Information the university," DiBiaggio said. agriculture. systems in other states, Mich- "Nobody is receiving all the "Because of that, I think it is igan is not only going to start money they need at this time vital to the total economy of holding its own, we're going to and these two components Michigan that we continue to start surging ahead in terms of receive .somewh at less. We have have a strong agricultural college agriculture's contribution to the made the argument before the at Michigan State University, the total Michigan economy and 14 RURAL UVlNG, APRIL 1989 "Agriculture is the key to a strong economic future in the total realm of agriculture and natural resources. " Sen. Nick Smith, Chair Senate Agriculture Committee Rep. Tom Rickner, Chair Sen. Nick Smith. Chair Rouse Agriculture Committee Senate Agriculture Committee agriculture's expansion in our the university. I think it is ap- support that institution if we're state compared to other states. propriate. as we enter the 1990s, going to be able to assist our "Farmers have got to under- that Michigan State University farmers in meeting the challen- stand that the destiny of what examine what its historical invol- ges of the next century." he said. happens is in their hands. They vement in agriculture has been, have got to be active with their as well as its involvement in own Extension Service in their other areas outside of agriculture. The Farmer is the Key counties. They must communi- "Given that we're dealing with cate their concerns to their legis- a world of reduced resources, or During the eight years that lators, both state and federal. at least constrained resources. Tom Reed has sexved on the They must communicate their the university over the long haul MSU Board of Trustees, he's concerns to the administration of will probably have difficulty, like been an outspoken standard- the College of Agriculture and our other major institutions. in bearer for agriculture, the land- Natural Resources, the Coopera- being able to meet all of the grant philosophy. quality tive Extension Service and the demands that are being placed education at affordable costs, Agricultural Experiment Station. on it. and fiscal responsibility. He's "Nothing will happen unless "However. I do think it is time- proud of his alma mater and is they make it happen." he said. ly that leaders within the univer- determined to keep it on the cut- sity, the faculty and staff, the ting edge, a leader in agricul- MSU Board of Trustees, along tural research and education. Time for Critical "If we want to stay viable in with the agricultural community. Examination take a look at the current the agricultural industry. then priorities they have in the univer- we'd better stay on the cutting Rep. Tom Hickner. who chairs sity, both in terms of the big pic- edge and be the leaders of that the House Agriculture Commit- ture as well as within the ind ustry and its technology. tee, calls MSU the premier different aspects of agriculture That can't happen without a agricultural land-grant univer- and examine whether or not strong agricultural college and sity in America. providing impor- those fit the economic realities of without an Extension Service tant basic and applied research the next decade," he said. that's extremely capable of dis- in agricultural related projects. Hickner said he supports the seminating information daily," Research and education. he efforts of the Cooperative Exten- Reed said. 'We have been the believes, will be particularly im- sion Service to do a critical ex- leader in the nation. If the time portant to agriculture in meeting amination of what it is doing and does come when we're not the the challenges of the 1990s. He what it needs to do. leader, whoever takes that role also believes in timely reassess- "I would hope that the Legisla- over will leave us sitting in the ments by institutions like MSU. ture would also do a critical ex- dust. It's foolishness for us not "I think every institution from amination of what we're doing to be on top, in control, and that time to time needs to reassess and what we want to do. I would happens from the grassroots up. what its principle mission is. as hope that the Legislature would "It happens with producers well as the goals and objectives maintain and expand its level of saying -- we need more from this to accomplish that mission," he support to the university. We institution -- not saying it isn't said. 'That applies to virtually have one of the best resources in working so let's scrap it. every institution in government. the country. if not in the world. Producers themselves need to at every level of government. and sitting right here in Michigan for get active. get involved. and work that certainly ought to apply to Michigan agriculture. We need to towards strong Extension and re- APRIL 1969, RURAL UVING 15 Isnl rcsponstve is because the has a respons1bUtty In the close farm communny hasn't relaUOnshtp that should extst be- demandtd that rnponse tween the Canner. the Extension FarmtB have a respons1bility to agent. and the specialistS. be a lot mort supporttve of the it can happen. rm optimtstic systtm we currently have Get In- that It will happen. But It can't volved wtth tt II it nttds chang- happen Without the active invol- lng. gtvc It SOI11(: dtrttuon Ask vement of farmers making It hap- the ExtensJon agent to come to pen." Reed said. your (ann. walk him through your flcld or your mtlkn1g parlor. uk htm .. or her -- to help you solve a problem II the system works rtght. the agcntln the field As d1sscrntnat- tng lnIonnauon to the fanners as It comn down the p1pe (rom the tlearch ~~ an ~ry (ew eJq)('rtmcnt statiOns, but he or tarme.,.. out t~~ who do not grt she Is also taking the problems • caD or a IeUu Crom thdr back from the fann conununtty politidan uktng (or hdp at dec. to the untverstty Thert is a lion Ume 1donl think at's lnap resource. a ~aJth of tnfonnallon proprtale at aU to uk that Cavor on campus But tf the s~ctdl1sts to be returned Stapic a note on don't ~d calls. they s1l 1n their of- your conU1buUon check saytng 'I fltts wondertn~ why nobody wdl be getung back to you be. cart's about thenl and WhLlt they cause we need support Cor have to olIer aancwtun at MSU . Then put a '"I'm concerned about the rem1nder on your calendar to young famu~rs There's a ~ent:ra- caD them when budget time tiOn out there now, if thry hL1Vt comes around It will make a dll not had an actt~ a~ent 1n thetr lermce." he uJd county, they really havc no ldea Reed .pent seven year. a5 a 01 the resources that are av,I11. county Ext~n agmt under a able to thnn dJrector who bel1eved that the I th1nk the key to chLln~ifllt work got done In the Reid . not dlnctiOn 1.5 the fanncr out in the In the otnce 'They Rave me a field Ife d~5Il't h41ve to do It two-way radio and 1 bought a with placards and marches on ptckup truck. and the director the canlpu!J He has to do it "-1th told me not to come back to the comnlunJcallon and involvc- omce untl1rd met every farmer ment. and n:c~nJUon that he In the county tie also told me there would be some Carmt'B who dJdn, want to talk to me and ••d have to go back a couple 01 times before I convtnced them I was worth talk1ng to. but not to .. In the ofIlce." he recalls 't got to wheft fanneB knew I was out In the county some. where and probably c~ enough to them so I could swtnll In and look at their problem I did not have answers to all oC them. but I did have the radio hooked to. telephone patch so I could ca1l and get the answer whlJe • was standing nght there In the 8eJd If I dldnl get the answa'. I could get a specialist In • car headed that way '''Ye heard Canners complain the turnaround time LMll lm. Ph.otos courtesy oj MSU Alwnni Magazine mediate today. the system just tin, as responsIVe The nD!K)n It .. Photos courtesy ofMSU Alwnni Afagazfne Revitalization: Buildingfor the Future of All Citizens There is no better time for stu- revilalizatfon efforts within the mented, it would constitute the dents to begin a rewarding CANR Three revital17..atfon task most Significant changes In the career in agriculture. It promises force/study conlnlfttees -- under- college's undergraduate cur- a lifetime of challenge and con- graduate education, anlnlal ricula in over a quarter century. tribution. But we cannot ade- agriculture, and Ule future of Ex- "It is very important to note quately prepare students for the tension -- are in various stages that the preliminary report does societal and economic demands of their assignments. not emphas17~ just department of an integrated and competitive curricular revital17..ation," he world market in agriculture Mqjor Curricula said. "Rather, we have consistent- using out-of-date facilities and ly emphas17~d a college-wide, reduced faculty, said James OVerhaulPToposed cooperative approach to cur- Anderson, dean of MSU's College ricular revision." of Agriculture and Natural After a year of extensive Dean Anderson said CANR's Resources (CANR). delibemtion, the 13-membcr undergraduate programs must ''\Vorld technology and com- Task Force for Curricular not merely keep pacc with petitive talent in other countries Revital17...ationrrCR), under the change, but anticipate change. is already eroding this nation's leadership of agricultural "By proposing a major over- ability to maintain its power in economics professor Larry Con- haul of our undergraduatc cur- agricultural trade. As much as nor, released its preliminary ricula, the TCR is respond1ng to this university needs realistic recommendations. The TCR's the anticipated needs of our facilities to continue serving preliminary report contains 113 graduates as they move into Michigan agriculture, it needs to recommendations covering such statc, national and lnternaUonal develop the student talent that areas as curriculum, recruit- employment arenas," he said. wtll help assure the economic ment, admissions, teaching and Those anticipated needs are strength of American agriculture non-formal education. Before reflectcd in recommendations during the decades ahead:' he drafting its report, the task force that all gmduates of CANR un- said. met with students, alumni, facul- dergraduate programs have at Dean Anderson's recognition ty, university administrators and least nine credits in communica- that MSU's current resources are employer groups. Connor said tions courses: 15 credits in math- inadequate to serve Michigan many of the recommendations ematics, statiStics and computer agriculture and develop student resulted directly from those meet- usage courses: at least six talent for the industry -- recogni- ings. credJts in each of the natural, so- tion that is shared by the agricul- Connor believes that if the cial and bllslness science areas: tural community -- has led to recommendations are imple- and foreign language requlre- 17 ments if the faculty judge that 'The TCR found little evidence and a decreasing availability of skills in reading and writing a that Farm Bureau, the state's faculty and staff at MSU. foreign language are necessary. various commodity groups, the The committee targeted renova- The task force also dealt with Soil Conservation Service. the tion and expansion of the dairy student recruitment and iden- Michigan United ConselVation plant. the meat laboratory, An- tified image and understanding Club or other potential thony Hall, a swine research as the most serious recruitment cooperators were involved in the facility, horse training and teach- problems facing CANR There is CANR'srecruitment effort. Such ing facility, swine farrowing and a low awareness level of the tech- support groups should be in- nursery facilities and the Live- nological developments and volved in enhancing the image of stock Pavilion as the areas of scientific advances which have careers in agriculture and greatest need. reshaped modem agriculture natural resources. They could in- 'While remodeling and upgrad- and its role in contemporary troduce potential MSUstudents ing facilities is a critical element society. the TCR said, and a to the various career oppor- in the process of revitalizing "basic ignorance" of the multi- tunities available in agriculture animal agriculture, bricks and plicity of professional oppor- and natural resources and even mortar are not the whole tunities available in agriculture. provide the college recruitment answer," Anderson said. "Addi- officewith names of such in- tional faculty and staff are dividuals. Further, these or- needed as well. Faculty posi- There is no better time for ganizations could develop tions, Extension field staff and students to begin a and/ or expand scholar- support technicians as well as ship/financial assistance the availability of increased rewarding career in programs to help attract top- operating dollars are all part of agriculture. It promises a caliber students to the CANR," the equation." the task force said. Anderson said it will take the lifetime of challenge and In April, followinga series of support of all of agriculture to contribution. But we meetings with the CANRfaculty, make it happen. cannot adequately prepare students and alumni, the TCR "Some years ago, the agricul- will submit its final recommend a- tural community gave its endor- students for the societal tions to Dean Anderson. That sement to initiatives in support and economic demands of document will also include of the plant and soil sciences. As an integrated and specific strategies for implement- a result, old and dilapidated ing the recommendations. classrooms and laboratories have competitive world market in been replaced by an up-to-date agriculture using Revitalizing Michigan's functional plant and soil science out-of-date facilities and building. It didn't happen over- Animal Agriculture night and it didn't happen reduced faculty. without the support of the entire "I believe that 1989 can be the agricultural establishment. But "Perhaps even worse, the ten- year when Michigan State Univer- it did happen. Nowit's time to dency to equate undergraduate sity, Michigan agriculture and focus the support of all agricul- training in agriculture with farm- state government join forces to ture on initiatives to strengthen ing necessarily links the percep- begin the process of revitalizing animal agriculture. It, too, will tion of agricultural careers to the state's animal agriculture. It take time, but we must make a the fluctuating economic condi- is do-able!" That's the opinion of start. We must begin the tions in production agriculture," CANRDean Anderson, who set process," he said. the report states. "It is widely as- the wheels in motion for that to The process has started. Com- sumed, for example, that be- happen by appointing a six-mem- mittee proposals will receive feed- cause farmers are experiencing ber Animal Agriculture Revitaliza- back from industry leaders and difficult times, the entire agricul- tion Committee, headed by others, priorities will be set, and tural industry is in severe Agricultural Experiment Station plans developed. Anderson hopes economic straits. Surprisingly Director Bob Gast. all this can happen by the sum- enough, this view is as Anderson said while there is mer of 1989. widespread in rural America as great potential for expansion of in the cities and suburbs." animal agriculture in Michigan, the industry is being threatened CES Study Committee The report calls for a number Appointed of recruitment strategies, rang- by a broad range of factors. ing from direct mail activities to Those factors, according to high school visitations. A major Anderson, include increased This year, the 75-year-old shortcoming in current recruit- global competition, the need for Michigan Cooperative Extension ment efforts is CANR'sfailure to increased food processing within Service (MCES)will have its draw on the resources of or- the state, environmental con- "pulse" taken by a 14-member ganizations such as Farm cems, recent weather extremes, study committee appointed by Bureau, it noted. health considerations, dated Dean Anderson and chaired by teaching and research facilities, John Cantlon. '!\vo former MFB 18 RURAL UVlNG, APRIL 1989 board members, Vivian Lott of In- other organizations beyond the resources will be required and gham County and Mike Pridgeon university, and outline the how should they be allocated to of Branch County, are members professional needs of the MCES. properly address this agenda? of the committee charged with We need to examine alternatives What is the optimum organiza- reviewing the MCES and making for restructuring the organiza- tional structure of the MCES to recommendations for its tion so as to enhance its effec- maximize effectiveness and mini- revitalization. tiveness, minimize mize organizational conflict? In the beginning, MCES ac- administrative overhead, and How should the MCES delivery tivities were devoted almost ex- reaffirm our commitment to serv- programs be organized to make clusively to agriculture, forestry, ing people." maximum use of M5U's rapid in- home economics and related formation delivery systems and areas. Today, MCES is not only other present or emerging net- concerned about these areas, Today, Michigan works? Is MCES adequately and but also to improving the quality Cooperative Extension appropriately reaching minority of life in small towns and rural audiences and employing ap- villages through a variety of Service is not only propriate numbers of minorities programs. Youth development concerned about and protected classes? and human nutrition programs In giving the committee mem- have been extended to agriculture and forestry, bers their charge, Anderson told Michigan's inner cities. but also to improving the them, "The revitalization of rural "Agriculture, the nature of quality of life in small Michigan, the improvement of technology, the economics and the quality of life and the expec- social structure of rural and towns and rural villages tations of our people necessitate urban Michigan, have all under- through a variety of that we make accessible the gone profound changes since programs. resources of this university to a MCES took on its present form," broad spectrum of the public in said Dean Anderson. "Nowis an the most efficient manner pos- appropriate time to make an in- The study committee is sible -- while keeping our re- depth study of the MCES. We charged to review and make search and development support need to examine the agenda and recommendations in a number commitments to the agricultural priorities for serving the people of areas including: What should and natural resources sectors of of Michigan, establish new and be the agenda and priorities of the state." productive relationships with the MCES at the turn of the cen- other segments of the university, tury and beyond? What special ANR Week,.March 18-25, Designed to Help People Improve Environments Over 1{)()agriculture and natural resource activities took place in March on the campus of Michigan State University during ANRWeek. In keeping with the land-grant tradition, the con- tent of ANRWeek changes with the times to meet people's information needs and interests. This year's program focused on the recognition, improvement and management of human and natural resources. Among the week's agricultural sessions were on intensive use of forages, more effective han- dling of pesticides to reduce environmental contamination risk and, because of drought, reduc- ing farm business risk. Other agricultural sessions included a special program about sustainable agriculture and a day-long discussion about direct marketing for farmers. A wide variety of programs focused on improving the outdooor environment. These included day-long meetings and discussions on such topics as the expanded use of wildflowers and herbs in Michigan, water quality management, the improvement of packaging to help reduce solid waste, and improving coinmunities under the recently approved state environmental bond proposals. Special emphasis is also placed on Michigan's young people during ANRWeek. More than 1,000 high school students participated in the state FFAconvention, and an education competi- tion was offered to grade school and high school students who are involved with the Cotumix science project. Students also learned about the range of good career opportunities now available in agricul- ture and natural resources. Times have never been better for careers in these two areas, which range from managing a floral shop to doing research in biotechnology. For example, the food processing industry will need more than 20,000 agricultural engineers each year for the foresee- APRIL 1989, RURAL UVING 19 Young Farmer Leader Conference The Spark of Leadership There is boisterous applause and cheers when their "Farm Bureau Jeopardy" team scores. With only a moment's hesitation, they offer differing views on marketing, fann economics and they listen carefully as consultant Mike Salisbury shares the "secrets" of better farm financial management. They are fully in- volved in every general session, round table discussion, workshop and social activity. They are Farm Bureau Young Fanners, whose spark of leadership charged the three-day Leaders' Conference, Mar. 2-4, in Midland. According to Pat Albright, this year's chairperson and MFBboard representative for the Young Farmer program, the annual conference is the program's cornerstone event for surfacing new leadership. 'This conference gives young farmers and Young Farmer leaders the opportunity to go off to an excellent con- ference, away from the farm, and learn more about Farm Bureau. We give them a Young Farmers' view of what Farm Bureau is all about in addition to workshops on finances, working with the Legislature and Congress, farm policy and so on," he said .. Team competitions in the Farm Bureau Jeopardy game serve as aJust for fun quiz on organization his- tory, services and identity. Jeopardy answers like 'Where belonging makes a difference," prompts the question, 'What is the Farm Bureau logo...er...slogan?" 'The FB Jeopardy game is great fun with any Farm Bureau group," said Mike Kovacic, MFB Informa- tion Division director, who adapted the popular 1V game show using Farm Bureau categories. "But young farmers really get into the game show spirit! They get totally involved in the contest and they're learning about Farm Bureau." Such spirit carries the conference to a successful conclusion each year although the program is by no means a "cookie cutter" event, vows Albright. 'We had just an excellent, excellent conference in 1988. The committee was really charged up in our next meeting. Out in the counties, Young Farmers were ready to go to work. New county Young Farmer groups were springing up almost immediately. Everyone was so energized by the success, we really went to work to make this year's even better." Eight workshops and general sessions conducted by consultants and organization resource people in- cluded: farm labor; aiming your farm at the future; news media - creating a positive image; congres- sional insight: Farm Bureau and you; bucks, banking and you; agriculture 1990: a look ahead; and building better working relationships in farm families. Each young farmer participant attended two workshops in addition to general sessions. Farm Bureau Jeopardy isfun and informative as anyone who has played it will attest The game was designed around the topics of the FB organization's history, services and identity. 20 RURAL UVlNG, APRIL 1989 into the picture. "I was able to common and what their unique see all the work and effort and concerns are." what Farm Bureau can do as an State Young Farmer Commit- organization. Until then I probab- tee members, who may volunteer ly tended to think of Farm as many as 20 to 30 days a year Bureau as the county board of to Young Farmer programs, directors and the insurance carry much of the responsibility people. After the conference I for developing new Young said, 'here's something I can gain Farmer groups in their counties. from.'" 'We try to have a good working Young Farmers also represent relationship with the county a very broad spectrum of agricul- Young Farmers. The district ture. Albright points out for ex- Young Farmer representative is ample, that in addition to dairy, really the best resource for the swine and cash crop farmers, the local program. He or she can give Young Farmer Committee is also ideas and help with information comprised of producers of about possible projects, what's specialty crops or stock such as been tried, and what has been turkeys, ducks, bedding plants, successful for others. In the and fruit and vegetables. "In counties our input and support Pat Albright, State Young Fanner Michigan we have so much diver- really has more meaning. After Committee Chairperson. sity, but around my farm, there all, we're farming and going to aren't bedding plant operations. meetings -- finding the time to be Albright attributes the recent Working with these other young involved." higher attendance to a schedul- farmers gives me the chance to ing change which opens the con- understand what we have in ference on Thursday afternoon and runs through mid-afternoon on Saturday. "Particularly for young farmers this is a very im- portant scheduling change. With Laurie Reminds Young Farmers: You Have a one or both partners working at Stake in the Future of MSU! a second job off the farm, the change from mid-week con- ference to the end of the week Michigan State University, the nation's oldest land- makes it easier to attend." One element of the program grant university should not be takenJor granted, MFB that always brings success is the President Jack Laurie told a crowd oj nearly 200 young chance to meet and talk with Jarmers in Midland attending the annual Young Farmers other young farmers. "Beingwith Leaders' Conference. other young farmers like myself "Michigan State University has played a vital role in is probably the biggest thing that got me fired up about Farm making American agriculture the envy oj the world," Bureau, but also seeing how the Laurie said. "Farmers have benefited directly Jrom the re- state Young Farmer Committee search conducted by MSU, but it is consumers who are works to develop programs such the ultimate beneficiaries oJthe saJest, most wholesome, as the Discussion Meet, Out- cheapestfood supply in the world." standing Young Farm Woman and Distinguished Young Laurie told the young farmers that they have a stake in Farmer," Albright said. ''That ensuring MSU's continued commitment to agriculture. was eight years ago. Since then I "We have got to be sure that our voices are heard in have met so many wonderful support oj MSU's College oj Agriculture and Natural people." . Resources, its Cooperative Extension Service, the Agricul- Albright said he is grateful to Farm Bureau for the oppor- tural Experiment Station and the veterinary school," he tunities that have been offered to said. him through involvement and He urged the youngfarmers to become involved with leadership development. Even their county Cooperative Extension Service programs, to though he came from a staunch take advantage of the information opportunities offered Farm Bureau family in Branch County, Albright says that it was by CES and "visibly demonstrate support of the land- not until he returned from grant university to our legislators." Michigan State University and at- tended the YF Leader Conference that he began to see where he fit APRIL 1989, RURAL UVlNG 21 Gail Rubingh MFB Outstanding Young Farm Woman Walking up the road the family farm, community, and and DHIA,leadership classes, neighbor's dairy farm to feed the Farm Bureau. Her Farm Bureau and our (Extension) agent." calves or help with the milking, activities include organizing With the birth of a second nine-year-old Gail Powell fixed county rural-urban events, child in March and spring work her future on a farm of her very presenting Agriculture in the just ahead, Gail will be busy own with cows and com and Classroom lessons and conduct- with her young family, but that kids -- 12 of them. The neigh- ing farm tours for school suits her just fine. "Right now bors, glad of her bright interest children, and fundraising for the my goal is to be a good parent. and cheerful help, welcomed the Elton R. Smith Endowed Chair There are so many sad situa- little girl from town and en- for Food and Agricultural Policy tions that we hear about now, I couraged her dreams of farming at Michigan State University. want to be there for my kids. I life. want to see the farm prosper "NowI look back and I just and I want to be a part of that. " want to laugh," says Gail Powell Walking up the road the Gail and Glenn farm in Rubingh of Antrim County, who neighbor's dairy farm to partnership with his brother in did marry a farmer, lives on a Ellsworth, Antrim County. dairy farm and still loves the feed the calves or help with "Glenn is pretty much the country life she chose. 'Well, I the milking, nine-year-old herdsman and his brother does went to college for two years. the field work and raises the Then one summer I met Glenn Gail Powellfixed her feed." through a friend in Ellsworth future on afarm of her The Rubinghs have also been and it went from there." very own with cows and honored as 1987 Outstanding Gail admits that helping out Young Dairy Couple for District on the neighbor's farm didn't corn and kids --12 of them. 12 of the Michigan Milk prepare her for full-time farm- The neighbors, glad of her Producers' Association. ing, but she credits family, bright interest and cheerful The couple is active in their friends, Extension personnel local church, school activities, and Farm Bureau with giving help, welcomed the little and 4-H dairy youth program. her "on the job training." girlfrom town and Michigan Farm Bureau's Out- ''The first year we were mar- encouraged her dreams of standing Young Farm Woman is ried, the county Farm Bureau sharing the enthusiasm about sent us to the (Young Farmer) farming life. agriculture she discovered as a Leader Conference. After that we young girl with others through went three or four times. I just Getting involved in a leader- the Agriculture in the Classroom grabbed hold of it and said to ship role, whether with Farm program. 'We're helping show myself, 'This is great!' I didn't Bureau or MSU/Extension, is third and fourth graders that have a farming background so it just the first step to taking ad- milk doesn't just come from the helped me to adjust to a lot of vantage of everything offered. "I grocery store. We're also there things," says Gail. don't know what we'd do without for career day at the high school Involvement in Farm Bureau either one," she says. 'With to show teenagers what's avail- has continued to play an impor- Farm Bureau the first thing that able in agriculture. At least we tant role in her life. Last Decem- comes to my mind is legislation. help them see what percentage ber, she was selected the The farmer can't leave and go to ofjobs really come from different Michigan Farm Bureau Out- Lansing and Washington every types of agriculture." standing Young Farm Woman. time some issue comes up. With The award recognizes Gail's in- Extension, that's a lot closer to volvement and support for the home. There's 4-H, and the fair, 22 RURAL LIVING, APRIL 1989 d)iHd (j~! FOR SPRlttG PLfittTlttG ORDER NOW AND SAVE UP TO 50% ON THIS CHOICE NURSERY STOCK! SCMfet - -+-- ..... - Red lttapee COVER THOSE HARD- TO-FILL BARE SPOTS WITH BLAZING COLOR! EXCELlENT AS EITHEA A LAWN OR STAEET TREE .•• 0 NLV $1 95 ea 3 for '5.75 6 for '10.95 12 for '19.95 . Grows in any soil . Needs no special care. You'll be thrilled with the beauty 01 the SCARLET REO ~~ . Thrives in sun or partial shade MAPLE TREE (Acer rubrum). The rich green leaves 01 . Quick, even, disciplined spreading Spring are complemented by dainty red flowers, loll owed by red seeds. In the FALL THE LEAVESTURN TOAREGAL PRIVET HEDGE . Guaranteed . Inexpensive. SCARLETto brighten your Autumn lorweeks. Therounded shapeliness of this rapidly growing tree will please you too. EXTREMElY HARDY AND DISEASE RESISTANT, the 10 FOR $1.98 40 lor $ 7.00 60 lor $11.00 100 for $17.50 CREEPlttG RED SEDUM Red Maple will grow to 35 It. tall and will live for years. Amur River North - most p~pul.ar trimmed You'll receive strong, heavily rooted, hand selected, 2-4 It. collected trees. hedge height, in America. making a thick, to the grou nd. The lustrous Can be malntaln~d dense hedge right down at any green leaves stay. on 4 FOR $1.00 till late fall. Lasts for generations. ReqUIres 8 for $1.75 12 for $2.50 practically no care. Plant 1112' apart for a 24 for $4.75 48 for $9.25 SPECIAL- beautiful living fence. You'll be thrilled with this hardy ground You receive healthy l' 10 PLANTS to 3' plants. ped to Calif. Not ship- or Ariz. cover Dragon's spots all year - - Sedum with and Blood. spurium, attractive, amazes Fills you thick sometimes those with ugly evergreen brilliant, called trouble foliage star- ONLY like flowers June thru Sept. You get hardy. $1.95 ~ northern, nursery-grown FULL ONE-YEAR GUARANTEE If not 100% satisfied, JUST RETURN THE plants. 25 50 plants plants $ 3.95 $ 6.95 ONLY $1.95 ea. ORIGINAL SHIPPING LABEL, within one year 100 plants $11.95 of receipt, for free replacement or purchase 200 plants $20.95 3 lor '5.75 9 lor '15.95 6Ior'10.95 12 lor '19.95 price refund. your choice. The WARRANTY IS GIANT VOID unless the ORIGINAL SHIPPING LABEL Nowyou can purchasethe .:.~ IS RETURNED. QUINAUL T, ever.popular,ever.beautllul COlorado "- EVERBEARING Blue Spruce (Picea pungens glauca) at thiS speCIallow FREE Planting instructions supplied with every order. price only S1.95 each. these versatile Blue Spruce are ______ All items clearlyCLIP HERE labeled. -. BEARS lovely as single accent planting, a prIVacyrow or wind STRfiWBERRI ES ALL ~EASON break, and as a colorful corner grouping. You'll receive IHOUSE OF WESLEY, NURSERY DIVISION I select, OIcelybranched 5.year.oldtransplanted trees that I II The biggest most luscious-tasting straw- DEPT. 4937-75 are at least 1 to 2 feet tall. Having been transplanted, berries they grow you've ever big as tea cups! tasted. Heavy-bearers, They're firm, the root system is well developed and will help the tree 1704 Morrissey Drive I deep red and a mouth-watering delight for get off to a fast start. Bloomington, Illinois 61704 Send items checked below' I i• HOW deserts, preserves, freezing and eating fresh. Masses of Color Early in the Spring! CAT. I PERIWINKL I PLA NT 4-Sea so n NAME OF ITEM MANY COST Beauty Now! CREEPlriG PHLOX I NO. N6172 5.YR. BLUE SPRUCE $ I 6 FOR $1.00 18 FOR $2.50 12 FOR $1.75 ; N6607 N6811 Q. STRAWBERRIES PERIWINKLE 25 for You'll be amazed the way Creeping Phlox (P. subulata) which only grows about 4" tall. spreads and spreads to be more beautiful year after year! Best of all, it gives gorgeous color long before I N6813 N6814 N6816 CR. RED SEDUM CREEPING PHLOX PRIVET HEDGE $1.98 50 sq. ft. most spring flowers. Stays green all year - a wonderful ground cover or border. Thrives in par- I tial shade or full sun. Strong field divisions, our choice of red. blue, white or pink. r I N6817 Po s t a ge and Handlin g ROYAL RED MAPLE IllinoisResidents add 6112% Sales Tax. $ $ 1.50 _ 191 I 50 for $2.98 100 sq. ft. (100 for $4.98 - - :~I Name TOTAL AMOUNT S _ _ 200 sq. ft. (Reg. 10 for $1.00) IAddress Shade-loving, wide-spreading Periwinkle I (Vinca minor) thrives under hedges, on slopes, in rock gardens, in poor soil - places 'City where grass won't grow. Dainty lavender- 'I ~~---------- ----~ blue flowers in the spring. Green foliage all winter! One plant will fill two square feet. ~ IState Zip _ Nicely rooted, ready to transplant. County Leaders Plant Seeds of FB Policy . Perhaps as important as the seed that will go into the ground this Spring are the seeds of FB policy sown by FB leaders in Washington, D.C., duri~g the 1989 Washington Legislative Seminar May the road rise up to meet you. May the winds be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face, the rains fall soft upon your fields. And until we meet again, May God hold you in the hollow of His hand. An Irish Blessing .Anving in the nation's capital with a balmy March breeze at their back, luggage in tow, and the promise of at least one sunny after- noon, it seemed that Michigan Farm Bureau's Washington Legislative Seminar participants had been blessed with the luck of the Irish. During their three-day stay, March 14-17, luck -- Irish or otheIWise -- would be needed as the group of 125 Michigan farmers made the rounds of congressional offices, USDA, and meetings to promote the MFB legislative agenda for 1989. Priority issues were FB's No to More Taxes campaign, farm market advertising, reclassification of an- hydrous ammonia, pesticide legislation, and country of origin label- ing for fruit juices. Convincing their U.S. senators and representatives to resist new tax initiatives was the first order of business for the MFB legislative leaders. They cut through the blarney of tax talk, reminding the con- gressmen that for the past eight years, federal revenue has grown by an average of $47.9 billion each year. If these increased revenues had been used, even in part, by Congress to reduce the deficit instead of financing new programs, there would be little, if any deficit today. But luckily, they told the lawmakers, the deficit can still be defeated without new taxes. The Office of Management and Budget estimates federal tax receipts will increase by $61 billion for this fiscal year, $80 billion in 1990, and $78 billion in 1991. Another estimate by the Congressional Budget Office has federal tax receipts increasing by $72 billion this fiscal year. Using these government figures, the farmers made their case for a budget freeze which would result in a balanced national budget by 1994; the first since 1961. MFB and county FB legislative leaders delivered their message at breakfast meetings on Wednesday morning with their U.S. repre- sentatives and Thursday morning with U.S. Senators Riegle and Levin. The group also hosted Michigan Congressman Bill Schuette at a Friday morning breakfast. Schuette is a member of the House Agriculture Committee. Seminar organizers made certain that bright red apples were dis- tributed to legislators, giving the farmers an opportunity to press for support of country of origin labeling. Today over 65 percent of the apple juice being consumed does not come from apples produced in the United States. Yet consumers have no way of knowing they are consuming a product produced with foreign ingredients. Recently U.S. Customs issued proposed rules to require processors to list the source of major supplier if 75 percent or more of the fruit con- APRIL 1969, RURAL UVING 25 Veterans of the 1988 Washing- That problem was solved this ton Legislative Seminar found year with a revolutionary new themselves battling once again to concept called a "satellite media oppose the reclassification of an- tour." MFB purchased an hour of hydrous anunonia from non-flam- satellite time between 5:30 p.m. mable gas to poisonous gas. and 6:30 p.m. during the first The reclassification effort was day of the seminar and offered thwarted in 1988, due in part to five minute segments, free of Farm Bureau action, but renew- charge, to Michigan 1V stations ed efforts by the U.S. Depart- for use during their evening ment of Transportation brought newscasts. opposition again from farmers Television news anchors back and Farm Bureau. home in Michigan had their Reclassification of anhydrous choice of talking live to MFB ammonia to poisonous gas President Jack Laurie, or to their U.S. Sen. Carl Levin met with would dramatically impact the local farmers involved in the the FB legislative leaders costs of shipping insurance, safe- seminar, from near the capitol Thursday morning, Mar. 16. ty and availability of the fertilizer. building. centrate for juice is imported 'We want media coverage of from another country, or alterna- our Washingtorr Legislative Semi- tively replace the major supplier nar to get our message across to marking requirement with true the non-farm public," said Presi- country of origin marking, listing dent Laurie, "and Michigan all suppliers. The farmers asked television stations want to cover their representatives in Congress us. But up until now, the distan- to write to Customs to support ces involved have been a the country of origin marking problem. Satellite technology has rules. solved that problem." On behalf of farm marketers, 1V stations from across the Michigan legislative leaders Michigan took part in the satel- also sought cosponsors in the lite media tour, asking questions House and Senate for legislation on everything from FB's "No to that would amend the Highway U.S. Rep. Bill Schuette, who is More Taxes" campaign to how a member of the House Agricul- the FB members were enj oying ture and Budget committees, their trip to the nation's capital. received a warm welcome from the FB group. The farmer lobbyists encour- aged Senators Riegle and Levin and their U.S. Representatives to co-sponsor new legislation which would prevent reclassification as a poisonous gas. Farm Bureau policy supports, if necessary, reclassification of anhydrous am- monia as a corrosive gas. U.S. Sen. Don Riegle visits with Allegan Co. FB member Jim Loew Media Coverage Boosts before taking the podium at the Seminar Effectiveness Mar. 16 meeting with FB legisla- Live television interviews with tive leaders. One of the problems faced by MFB President Jack Laurie and state Farm Bureaus when they county FB members drew the in- Beautification Act to allow signs terest of seven Michigan 1Vsta- and display advertising for the go to Washington, D.C., for their annual lobbying missions has tions during the satellite media direct sale of produce by tour from Washington. D.C. farmers. A key to the success of been getting television coverage these direct marketing opera- by stations back home. Few 1V Other media activities held in tions is advertising to inform con- stations will agree to use video conjunction with the 1989 sumers of the market location provided by any group, including Washington Legislative Seminar and products available, and is FB, preferring to do such inter- included a live satellite radio especially important to markets views themselves. But most sta- news conference and a news located along the interstate and tions don't have the budgets to briefing with members of the other highways heavily used by send a crew to Washington to Washington press corps who ser- tourists. cover the legislative seminar. vice Michigan media. 26 RURAL LIVING, APRIl. 1989 Legislative Update FB Employees and (Continued from page 5) Agents Raise $9,157 for Special Adoption provement plan including class- Program. room management, involvement of building administrators, Four children with special teachers students, parents, etc. needs will soon have permanent The plan would be updated an- homes, thanks to the efforts of nually and kept on file by the in- several Farm Bureau employees termediate school district. The and Farm Bureau Insurance State Board of Education would agents. annually review a random Through a home officeand sample of the plans and report agency force campaign called to the Senate and House educa- HUGS (HelpUs Give Security), tion committees. employees and agents helped Bob and Dorothy DeBolt, Core Currlulum -- to be deter- raise $9,157 -- enough to match foWld.ers of AASK, accept a check mined by the local board to be at least four hard-to-place for $9,157 to support their nation- based on the "Michigan K-12 children with adoptive families. al adoption programfrom MFB program standards of quality." The money was presented to President Jack Laurie Required courses could be avail- AASK-Midwest(Aidto the Adop- able within the district or by a tion of Special Kids), which will consortium of districts. use the money specifically to Over 5,000 special needs Skills Tests -- A basic and benefit Michigan children and children have found permanent, employability skills test could be Michigan families. loving adoptive homes through taken in the lOth grade and Contributions came from the DeBolts' efforts. would be required before many sources in the Farm As the keynote speakers of the graduating from high school. Bureau Family. Many agents 1989 FB Insurance sales conven- Farm Bureau Polley -- As and employees made personal tion, the DeBolts related stories determined by the policy develop- donations. Several fundraising of triumphs in raising their large ment process and voted on by events, organized by home office family of special needs children. the delegates at the 1988 MFB volunteers, helped raise 'We learned more from our annual meeting states in part: thousands of dollars (a home of- kids about the power of attitude, 'While school finance is a most fice bake sale made $740 in one about untapped human poten- complex issue. We believe the fol- and a half hours!). tial, and about what is impor- lowing should be considered: Agents also helped raise tant in life than we ever did from Significant decrease of school money whenever they sold life in- college, from any seminar or property taxes. surance, since FB Insurance book, or from any adult," Reduce the current 50 mill added cash to the HUGS total Dorothy DeBolt said. "Over the limitation. when agents reached certain years, we've seen these physical- Share a portion of industrial, sales levels. ly-challenged kids handle more commercial and utility valua- Through this combined effort, obstacles and more challenges tions for education. the Farm Bureau Family was and overcome all of them. These Increase the sales tax and ear- able to present a significant con- kids aren't handicapped." mark it for school aid. tribution to the AASKadoption She also spoke about a valu- Equalize per pupil spending. program. The check was able lesson her children taught Permit local districts by vote presented to AASKat the 1989 her: 'What these children have to use the income tax to replace FB Insurance convention in taught us over and over is that it a portion of the property tax Grand Rapids. isn't circumstances that shape (could be collected by the state Accepting the check on behalf our lives; it's our attitudes and returned to the district). ofAASKwere humanitarians toward those circumstances. Full funding of transportation Bob and Dorothy DeBolt, who These children made us so for students. raised 20 children, 14 of whom aware of all the blessings that All state aid formulas must be were adopted. we all take for granted. When fully funded. There also must be Their adopted children in- was the last time that you full funding for state mandated cluded those who were thought about the fact that your programs. " paralyzed, blind, orphaned, legs work, that your children's abandoned, war-wounded, limb- legs work? We are all so lucky." Legislative topics are prepared by less, emotionally disturbed, or the staff of the MFB Public Affairs victims of abuse. Division The DeBolts founded AASK America, the country's first na- tional adoption program for children with special needs. APRIL 1989, RURAL UVlNG 27 SHOULD BE ON YOUR TABLE 1. ASPARAGUS IS 7. ASPARAGUS IS VER- NUTRITIOUS. SATILE. - It's wealth of nutrients, fiber, and very low - Breakfast to dinner, in salads or breads, and sodium and calorie contents makes main courses too, asparagus can be used in a asparagus a nutritionally wise choice for variety of ways. today's health-conscious consumers. 8. ASPARAGUS IS.COMPLI- 2. ASPARAGUS IS GOOD MENTARY. FOR THE WAISTLINE. - Its long, graceful spears enhance the - Only 20 calories per 5.3 ounce serving. appearance of any dish. 3. ASPARAGUS IS DELI- 9. MICHIGAN ASPARAGUS CIOUS. IS ALL GREEN. - Nothing tastes better than a freshly cooked - It's all useable. serving of Michigan Asparagus. 10. ASPARAGUS IS GOOD 4. ASPARAGUS IS FOR THE BLOOD. ELEGANT. - Highest vegetable source of folic acid, - Professional chefs know putting fresh which promotes blood cell fonnation; and asparagus on the plate adds beauty. rutin, which strengthens capillary walls. 5. ASPARAGUS IS EASY TO PREPARE. - Steam or stir-fry, microwave, or use in a recipe. 6. ASPARAGUS IS A TIME SAVER. - Cooks in 5-8 minutes on a conventional stovetop, 4-7 minutes in the microwave. Volume 8 Number 4 April1989 among consumers about the Protection Agency. They fully FB President safety of apples. apple products realize the necessity of using UrgesFDAto and the overall food supply." Laurie said. "Producers are chemicals safely because their families eat the same food Reassure losing markets and consumer products that are produced. confidence in the safety of their processed and sold to con- Consumers food has been shaken. sumers. American fanners go to "It is tragic that the people fea- great expense and effort to tured in the program were al- produce a safe. nutritious. abun- The program segment on "60 lowed by CBS to make severe dant supply of food for our na- Minutes" which focused on the and damaging comments about tion and much of the world," he use of Alar in apple production food products. In the case of ap- said. was a "gross injustice to the U.S. ples and apple products. it Laurie said as commissioner apple industry specifically and portrayed near total contamina- of the FDA. Young is responsible the safety of our food supply in tion with Alar. Such misrepresen- for the protection of the public general." according to Michigan tation is not supported by either from potential health hazards Farm Bureau President Jack common sense or scientific fact. presented by contaminated and Laurie. In a letter to Frank For example. less than 5 percent mislabeled foods. 'This major Young. commissioner of the Food of the nation's apple crop is responsibility provides you with and Drug Administration (FDA). treated with Alar. a unique opportunity to put Laurie urged the agency to use "In Michigan. producers are aside consumer concerns caused "whatever means are necessary" very aware of their responsibility by the CBS program," Laurie told to reassure consumers about the to use chemicals in accordance the commissioner. safety of their food supply. with label instructions estab- "The impact of the CBS lished by the Environmental program resulted in confusion ------~------ Declining Use of Alar On the basis of results from still ongoing animal studies of potential carcinogenicity. the En- vironmental Protection Agency (EPA)recently announced that it plans to halt use of the product. Once used on 40 percent of ap- ples to increase their firmness. enhance color and extend stor- age life. Alar currently is applied to perhaps 5 percent of the apple crop. After questions were raised about Alar's use on apples. major baby food manufacturers size. Alar is also used in peanut two years ago required their sup- farming and by some cherry ugal Defense pliers to abstain from its use. Analyses of fruit samples, in- producers in states other than Michigan. Fund Growing cluding applesauce and apple The Michigan Processing juice for children, show either no Apple Growers Division of Farmers can't always go it Alar residues or levels well MACMAreported Michigan apple alone in court and if the court's within EPA tolerances. For ex- processors no longer accept fruit legal decision would set a sig- ample, when Alar's use was more treated with the chemical. How- nlficant precedent on a question widespread, the FDAin 1986 ever, 50 percent of the country's of common concern to Michigan analyzed apples, applesauce, apple juice comes from foreign farmers, they can turn to the apple juice and other products countries, many of which may Michigan Farm Bureau Legal for Alar. None of the apple still use Alar. Defense Fund for help. product samples exceeded 1 ppm The Environmental Protection The fund has been in opera- alar. The EPA tolerance for Alar Agency (EPA)has not yet banned tion for several years and FB is 20 ppm for apples and apple the use of Alar, however, the members have realized the impor- products. At the same time agency is recommending that tance of this fund for gaining canned cherries tested had a fruit farmers not use this chemi- favorable court decisions on is- level of 5.9 ppm Alar and the cal. The EPA is currently in the sues that affect the Michigan tolerance for that product is 55 process of conducting a series of agricultural community. ppm. tests to determine the level of The FDA's monitoring pro- danger associated with Alar. grams are continually modified Riegle said, "I hope the USDA to expand coverage, reflect new moves quickly on our request. pesticide use patterns or answer We have to get some answers on -. newly raised questions. Alar, and if there is a serious problem, we're going to act on it. Accurate information is impor- tant to use from both a health ------~------ perspective and because we're dealing with one of Michigan's major agricultural products." Riegle Urges The Legal Defense Fund may USDA to Speed ------~------ be used to initiate or continue legal proceedings in questions in- Detection Process volving agricultural issues of con- cern to Michigan farmers. of Alar Youth Employment Emphasis is placed upon those issues where legal precedence Seminar Offered could be established. Further em- Michigan Senator Donald phasis is placed on issues that Riegle, urged the United States support MFBpolicies. Department of Agriculture The Michigan Department of (USDA)to assist in the develop- Labor is conducting a series of The voting delegates of the training sessions on youth 1988 MFB annual meeting ment of fast and accurate testing for the chemical known as Alar. employment during April and passed a recommendation that In a letter to the USDA,Riegle May at various locations county FBs contribute 5 cents also urged the approval of a throughout the state. per member, based on prior year grant application submitted by The Youth Employment Stan- membership, to the fund and Neogen, Inc.. of Lansing, to dards Act, child labor provisions were encouraged to make add!- develop an on-the-spot test to under the federal Fair Labor tional discretionary contribu- detect Alar. The test would quick- Standards Act and the applica- tions whenever possible. Since ly detect the level of Alar present tion of federal minimum wage January, county contributions in apples or apple products. Cur- and overtime, Michigan mini- have totaled over $3,519, bring- rent testing procedures require mum wages as it applies to ing the total fund up to over extensive lab work and time to youth workers, and vocational $26,885. complete. technical services are on the The delegates also recom- Alar is a growth regulator agenda. The program runs from mended that MFB contribute, up used by apple producers to im- 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. to a maximum of$12,500 an- prove the size, color and quality For more information call the nually, an amount equal to that of fruit. This product prevents department at 1-517-322-1825. contributed by the county FBs. premature fruit, specifically ap- ples, from dropping off the trees ------~------------~------ before they have reached full agricultural economist conduct- of Quality. This fresh Michigan Covered Load ing price and market anaylsis. asparagus is hand-snapped, Exemption In his new position, Olsen will work with the red tart cheny in- hydro-cooled and packed with uniform quality. It can be or- dustIy to restore profitability to dered in one pound bunches, or ReP. Van Singel, R-Grant, the production of cherries. in the economical 10 and 20 sponsored House Bill 4316 Before accepting the MACMA pound bulk boxes. which clarifies agriculture's ex- position, Olsen, and his family, Other new items on the spring emption for covering of loads. were living in Washington where sale order form are Florida's Best The law, which takes effectApril he was an attorney with the Southern Style Peanut Butter, in I, was unclear and did not Washington House of Representa- smooth or crunchy. In order to provide agriculture with an equi- tives and did consulting work provide the freshest product pos- table exemption. As written, the with various state agencies. sible, the peanut butter will be law provided an exemption when ground after Michigan's order is a farmer was operating a truck placed. This cholesterol-free but if the truck were operated by product contains no artificial someone else, the exemption ------~------ flavors or preseIVatives and is would not apply. packed in a three-pound reus- In addition, the bill, as able pail. Also available from reported out of the House Florida is hydro-cooled, frozen sweet com and 100 percent pure Transportation Committee, clarifies the exemption. The load MACMA Spring Florida orange juice, made only does not have to be covered, but Sale Deadline from Florida oranges. if the commodity being For more information contact transported could blow off, it May 3 your county Farm Bureau, or would have to be loaded at least phone 1-800-292-2680 exten- six inches below the top of the sion 2305 or 2306. Deliveries truck. This exemption is impor- Some of the year's first fresh will be made the week of May 22- tant because certain com- Michigan produce is available 26. modities deteriorate rapidly through the Michigan Agricul- when covered. tural Cooperative Marketing As- The bill does not change the sociation Direct Marketing law, which specifies that both Division's spring sale. Don't miss the May 3 deadline ------~------ the driver of the truck and the in- to order Michigan's best avail- dividual responsible for loading able asparagus, proudly bearing the truck may be fined up to the new Michigan Premium Seal $500 and ninety days in jail if the load is not properly loaded and secured. Thus, it is the responsibility of the driver and ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• the individual loading to make sure the commodities are proper- Order Your MFB and AFBF 1989 Policy Books ly loaded to minimize any risk of a commodity leaking or other- wise escaping from the vehicle. Literally hundreds of hours have been dedicated to developing, debating and formulating Farm Bureau policy for our state and national organization. Be informed and be involved in promoting the policy goals of your organization. Order your free copies of ------~------ these two important books. Complete the form below and mail to: Michigan Farm Bureau, Public Affairs Division, P.O. Box 30960, Lansing, MI 48909. Please send me a copy of the 1989 policy book for: Fonner MACMA Michigan Farm Bureau American Farm Bureau Federation Employee Rejoins Staff Name _ RCk Olsen was recently ap- Mailing Address _ pointed to the position of man- ager of the MACMARed Tart Cheny Division. He was employ- ed by MACMAfrom 1973-1975 as an area representative work- ing in membership acquisition and maintenance and as an L ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• __ •••••••••••• - •• - •••••••••••••••••• April Discussion Topic such as horticulture, water Discussion Questions: quality and solid waste." Land - Grant, In Genesee County local fund- 1)What local Extension ing not only pays for the county Don't Take It For office but also covers all of the projects or meetings have your members been involved with in Granted cost of a horticultural agent and a third of the cost of John Leech, the past year? 2) What additional needs in the agricultural agent. your county could be met .As farmers around the world adopt new methods and produc- ''The county Farm Bureau has been very supportive of our fund- through cooperative county FB and Extension efforts? tion techniques, Michigan ing," he said. "In addition, they 3) Has your county FB passed producers need to stay on the have assisted in the effort to resolutions in support of local cutting edge by taking full ad- keep our officefrom being relo- Extension programs? vantage of technological innova- cated from the west edge of Flint 4) Have these resolutions been tions. to the downtown, which would fOIWardedby your county board At the same time, farmers and be very inconvenient for farmers." of directors or Community Ac- their families need opportunities In Wayne County, FB has tivities Committee to your county for leadership development, as- fought the elimination of all board of commissioners? sistance with time and stress county funding for the Extension 5) How can your group be- management, financial and es- Service. In 1987, Wayne County come more involved in local Ex- tate planning, even dietary and FB President Walter Rochowiak tension programs? nutrition information. organized agricultural interests All of these education and in- to save county funding for Exten- formation needs are met in a sion activities that benefited everyone from greenhouse large part by a vital component of our land grant system: the growers to sod farmers. County FBs also take responsibility for ------~------ Michigan State University Cooperative Extension SeIVice. helping to initiate programs. In Declining levels of federal sup- 1986, the Gratiot County FB worked with their local Exten- January Discussion Topic port make county funding of Ex- tension activities more important sion service to form "Positive Responses: than ever before. In many instan- ces county Farm Bureau involve- People for Gratiot," a self-help program to promote communica- Conservation ment made the difference tions and understanding in the wake of that year's devastating Compliance between having a merely ade- quate county Extension program flood. and having an outstanding one. Bob and Sue Chaffin, mem- The followingis the percent of County Extension offices in bers of the Gratiot County Sod- group members who feel they the state at a minimum have a busters Community Action have cropland on their farms county director (who sometimes Group, were among 11 couples which is considered to be highly doubles as the agricultural who volunteered to form support erodible: Yes 65% No 35%. agent), a home economics agent groups for farm neighbors and When group members were and a youth development coor- friends. asked if accurate, up-to-date soil dinator. These staff people are Genesee Extension staff work maps were available for their financed by federal and state with the county FB on Ag in the county, their responses were: funds. County commissions ap- Classroom projects. Agricultural Yes 90% No 10%. propriate money to fund agents in Genesee, Ingham and The followingis the percentage facilities, clerical assistance and other counties even serve on of group members who feel that supplies. county Promotion and Education their local SCS office has ade- Strong FB support helps committees. quate resources to help them Saginaw County's Extension Ser- Michigan agriculture can be develop a conservation plan: Yes vice maintain four district proud of its Extension program. 94% No 6%. agricultural agents. 'We've had a But county FB members have to When group members were good working relationship with take an interest and respon- asked if they had contacted the the county Farm Bureau," said sibility in assisting local staff to SCS to develop a conservation Saginaw County Extension Direc- meet the needs of local people. plan, their responses were: Yes tor Jim Thews. This year the Extension Ser- 73% No 27%. Although the four agents are vice celebrates its 75th anniver- The follOwingis the percentage state funded, Thews said "it's sary. Consider using the of group members who have filed critical to have agricultural sup- anniversary as an opportunity to completed plans with their coun- port for funding of the local of- invite local Extension staff to ty SCS office: Yes 53% No 47%. fice. And I think looking into the your Community Action Group future it's important to focus on meeting this month, to discuss local funding for specific issues your group's ideas and concerns. ------~------ Rural Spotlight Avail- new goal this year to form one "Change My Life," is a nine- new group. Macomb County was minute, fast-paced video for able at County Office the first to reach their goal this Junior high and high school stu- year of one new group, they have dents. All young people should yet to pick a name. have a chance to see this video Comm~nity Action Groups are Eaton County was the second and learn about the exciting especially encouraged this county to achieve this year's goal career opportunities in agricul- month to watch the April Rural of forming one new group. They ture, said Chamberlain. Spotlight video, available at their call themselves the Eaton Mostly county office. The show contains Lamb Gang. the "Land Grant - Don't Take It Across the state six other new For Granted" discussion topic, as well as an overview of the groups have formed since the first of the year. ------~------ Washington Legislative Seminar, CAGs are the grassroots base a feature on the importance of which makes Michigan Farm the Young Farmer program, and a profile of a top-notch county Bureau the strongest voice for Citizenship Seminar agriculture in this state. Best membership team. wishes to the new, and Plannedfor June seasoned, groups. ------~------ Over 200 Michigan high school Junior and seniors will be selected in the coming months to Videos Available for ------~------ attend the annual Michigan Farm Bureau Young People's FBMembers Citizenship Seminar, June 19-23 at Olivet College. The seminar April will be the last month New Ag Career will help students better under- until September for the Rural stand their responsibilities as Spotlight Community Action Programs U.S. citizens. Group videos. But if you'd like a video for your CAG meeting this The American Farm Bureau summer, just contact the Broad- Federation has created 'The cast and Audio/Visual Services Choice is Yours," a classroom Department at the Farm Bureau learning kit to inform students Center in Lansing. making career choices of oppor- Dozens of dynamic video tunities available in agriculture. programs are available, from The data base includes ap- "The Winner's Attitude" by Zig proximately 260 career titles Ziglar, to "Promotion and Educa- with brief descriptions, educa- tion ... Opportunties Unlimited", tional or training requirements to 'The Farmer's Stake in and salary ranges. 'The careers Groundwater Quality." The are broad-based with a heavy em- videos are free to use, but there phasis on agriculture and agri- may be a small charge for ship- business, especially in the areas ping. of science and biotechnology," The seminar focuses on four And don't forget: if you missed said Julie Chamberlain, mana- topics: our country's democratic any of this year's Rural Spotlight ger' MFB Promotion and Educa- political system, the American programs, they should still be on tion program. free enterprise market system, file at your county FB office. The material is designed for the American way of life, and students in grades 7-9. Kits in- people and governments around the world. Students are exposed ------~------ clude a computer software program (Apple-compatible only), teacher's guides, four in-class ac- to a variety of viewpoints from political. motivational and tivities for students, and a wall patriotic speakers. NewAction chart for display in the class- The students are involved in room. Cost for the kit is $15, and political activities where they can Groups Forming is available by contacting Cham- run for a state or county office, berlain at 1-517-323-7000, ex- or help a candidate campaign. tension 3213. All students participate in party The drive to form new Com- rallies, caucuses and conven- munity Action Groups is still Also available is a new ag career video from Michigan State tions. They also learn to vote going. Counties were given the using paper ballot, voting goal last year to form two new University, Michigan Farm Bureau and your local Coopera- machine and computer punch groups, the counties which tive Extension Service office. card methods. achieved that goal were given a Participating county FB's are encouraged to contact area high school counselors and social science teachers to identify stu- dents who would benefit from the experience. A video is avail- able to use for promotion of the program. This year's special banquet speaker is Greg Barton. original- ly from Homer. Mich .. who earned two gold medals in canoe- ing/kayaking during the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games. He is the first American to ever win a solo gold medal in kayaking. For more information contact your county Farm Bureau or seminar coordinator Julie Cham- berlain. 1-517-323-7000. exten- sion 3213. ------~------ Facing the 1990s County secretaries and office managers wi1llearn how to prepare for the challenges which lay ahead for Farm Bureau in the 1990s at their annual con- ference set for May 10-11 in The Michigan Farm Bureau Center in Lansing has a newly con- Traverse City. structed, updated sign proudly displaying the new logo and identify- Secretaries and managers will ing the Jact that the building is the home oj the Jamily oj Farm Bureau participate in various companies. Amid the many recently constructed buildings near the cen- workshops. including FCll ter, the new sign stands out so visitors will be able to easily ftnd the automated accounting. FB MFB Family oj Companies Center. Jeopardy (designed to teach par- ticipants about FB structure. his- tory and philosophy). building teamwork within the office. in- report target. also became the surance office seIVice. how to help build leadership. under- Membership Drive first county to reach 1989 coun- standing and dealing with dif- Pushes Closer to ty gain. Mecosta has since been followed by Shiawassee and ferent personalities. and learning how to handle confrontation and Goal Emmet counties in reporting 1989 county gain. In addition. conflict. Also planned are two award Hiawathaland in the Upper recognition programs. Twenty The annual statewide member- Peninsula and Eaton County. secretaries will be recognized for ship drive continues to move from the central region. have their outstanding service to towards the 1989 goal of reported their 1989 target. Michigan Farm Bureau Blue 100.000 members. As of mid- "There still remain several Cross /Blue Shield subscribers March. total membership was slots in the Fabulous 15 state- during the BC/BS recognition 92.211. Only 7.789 short of the wide contest and the race for the banquet. Five secretaries will goal. first goal county was still un- receive recognition awards for "County achievements con- claimed as of mid-March." their efforts in membership at tinue to mount with several the membership excellence reaching milestones this past awards program. month." said Doug Fleming. manager Member Services ----_ .....~------ Department. "Mecosta County. ------~------ the first county in the state to Rus Gardner Repeats Also at the convention, Ed Wil- Rural Leader Avail- liams, agency manager for the able to MFB As- as Top FB Agent of the Livingston and Oakland coun- sociate Membership Year ties, received the Distinguished Management Award as the top agency manager in the state. Each issue of Rural Living Rs Gardner. FB Insurance Williams earned the award for magazine contains a special agent in the Novi area of Oak- his agency's outstanding sales Rural Leader section. Rural land County, earned the 1988 and service achievements during Leader topics are those Distinguished Sales Award, 1988 and for his outstanding which are of interest to Farm recognizing him as the top FB record of recruiting and develop- Bureau families involved in agent in the state. ing new agents. production agriculture or or- This is the second year in a Williams, who added five new row Gardner earned the award, agents in 1988, heads 23 agents ganization activities. serving Livingston and Oakland If you are not currently which is presented annually to receiving the monthly Rural the compapy's top agent in counties. Michigan, based on outstanding In another major award pre- Leader newsletter and are in- sales achievements and client sentation, Richard Smith, per- terested in having monthly sonal producing agency manager service. updates on organization ac- Gardner, a former teacher and in Wayne County, received the tivities or events. please send coach in the Novi schools, has a 1988 Elton R Smith Award. The your name and address to history of being the best in the award, named in honor of the Michigan Farm Bureau, Mem- field. As a wrestling coach, he past MFB president. was present- ber Communications Depart- was named Coach of the Year in ed to Richard Smith for his con- ment' P.O. Box 30960, Michigan three times. tributions to the success of his Lansing. Michigan 48909. Gardner, an agent since 1983, community and the entire MFB and request to be added to received the Distinguished Sales organization. the mailing list. Your request Award during the recent FB In- subscription will be in effect until Dec. 31. 1989. surance sales convention in Grand Rapids. ------~----- High quality with a money-back guarantee. It's 100% nutritionally complete and balanced food for adult dogs. And it has a taste your dog will love. If your dog doesn't like the taste of Big Red Nug- gets, just return the unused portion of the bag to the place of purchase for a full refund. Unconditionally Guaranteed. See your participating Countrymark Outlet today. Count On ... Co~if!!:~.':.k 4565 Columbus Pike' Delaware. OH 43015 FD.8712.2 MACMA!MFB Fruit and Vegetable Marketing Conference stresses Consumer Needs FOOd marketers will have to meet consumer needs to profit in today's marketplace, said Tom Pierson, of Michigan State Uni- versity Department of Agricul- tural Economics. Pierson gave his views on food marketing for the fruit and veg- etable industries at a Michigan Giving his views onJood. marketing Jor the fruit and vegetable in- Farm Bureau and MACMAspon- dustries to a group oj 90 people at the recent MFB and MACMA spon- sored fruit and vegetable in- sored marketing conJerence is Tom Pierson, oj MSU' s Department oj dustry marketing conference, Agrf.cultural Economics. held Feb. 28 in Grand Rapids. 'There has never been such a Pierson termed aisles of boxes foods, which includes foods sold drastic change in consumer and jars the "death valley" of su- from fast food restaurants, take demographics as there has been permarkets. He indicated that out from regular restaurants, in the last twenty years," said processed product marketers home delivered foods, and fully- Pierson. 'There are new patterns can improve their sales by ad- prepared and cooked foods sold in housekeeping, shopping and ding variety and excitement to from supermarkets and con- eating." Pierson indicated the their marketing plans. venience stores. "This segment of food industry cannot turn a deaf s"Food processors are moving the food system is growing at 18 ear to those changes. 'We must away from the image of the tin percent per year. and currently understand the needs of the con- can," said Pierson. "Microwave- makes up 10 percent to 15 per- sumer, and change to meet those able and individual serving pack- cent of the food market," he said. needs." he said. aging has become a trade He predicted that by the early Pierson indicated that to many standard." 1990s, 25 percent of all meals consumers, convenience has be- Processors have also added eaten at home will be prepared come more important than price. zing to their existing product elsewhere. "Poverty of time is more impor- lines by including new varia- tant than poverty of what's in tions. Pierson used recently intro- Farmers Should Devise the pocket," he said. According duced Cajun-style stewed to Pierson, 55 .percent of today'~ tomatoes and pineapple blend "Plan B" to Find Labor consumers are in one person or applesauce as examples. He said two people households. ''These . these new products do not com- In another session. the 90 con- people want to be in and out of pete with the existing product. ference participants were told to the store in a few minutes, and but attract new audiences. ex- prepare for a tight migrant labor have dinner on the table in less panding sales. market in 1989. Howard Kelly, than a half an hour." Pierson said consumer desire MFB legislative counsel, said be- However, consumers do not for nutritious food products is a cause of the tightening legisla- want to sacrifice quality for con- trend. not a fad. He cited the tion to control illegal immigra- venience. demand for low sodium, low tion from Mexico, there will be "Size, color and condition of cholesterol, low sugar. low fat. more open jobs in the border produce items are essential to su- low calorie, and high fiber items. states. To fill those jobs, border permarket operators," said Pier- He also added that people like to state employers will be offering son. "fall off of the wagon" occasional- better compensation to the legal "Produce buyers price the ly, and when they do. they. want migrant force, many of which hardest on low-value produce, to do it to the extreme; explain- normally travel to Michigan and but they will pay top dollar for ing the popularity of "Hagen other states each spring. high quality, value-added items. Das" ice cream and "Dove" ice 'You don't know the entice- They !mow they can sell the cream bars. ments these workers will get higher value items at a substan- "Price is still important to con- from their Texas employers tial mark-up." The key to a sumers' .. said Pierson, ''but only before they get up here," said grocery produce section's suc- as a component of perceived Kelly. As a result, without ade- cess is in its consistency of value. It isn't the selling point it quate planning, many Michigan quality, because, according to was years ago." farmers may find themselves Pierson, 'We will all buy a batch According to Pierson, the short of labor during the harvest of rubbish once, but we won't fastest growing segment of the season. come back again." food system is in fresh, prepared In the event a farmer is faced to meet supply through opening been pushing for legislation to with a labor shortage, he may go new markets and promotion. have country of origin labeling to his local Michigan Employ- put on apple juice to identify ment Security Commission juices made from foreign con- (MESC)office. MESC can put in Processing Apple Picture centrate. If this legislation is a labor request to another state is Bright passed, it is hoped that it would or county. Under another option, encourage the use of domestic the H2A program, foreign nation- "Michigan is becoming a more apple juice. Butler said he would als may be brought in. In that important part of the nation's like to see another juice proces- case, all transportation, and a apple processing industry," said sor or juice concentrator in wage of $4.22 per hour, must be Tom Butler, manager of the Michigan. "Concentrate from paid by the employer. Before MACMAProcessing Apple Grow- Michigan would compete with using the H2A program and the ers Division. New applesauce top of the line imported con- MESC, the employer must first product blends, individual snack centrate' in terms of price, and make every effort to find domes- size applesauce containers, and would be of superior taste and tic workers. a heightened demand forjuice overall quality," said Butler. According to Kelly,the H2A all means good news for process- program has only been applied ing apple growers. "Michigan's Cautious Optimismfor Asparagus "Asparagus will hold its own for the next few years," said Harry Foster, manager of the MACMAAsparagus Division. ''The asparagus price to proces- sors was agreed upon last year at 57 cents per pound," he said. Eighty-five percent to 90 percent of Michigan's asparagus crop is processed each year, but there is a limited amount of room for more processing and asparagus unless new products and uses are developed. 'The fresh market Attendance and interest were high at the recent MFB and MAGMA is one release valve for the sponsored fruit and vegetable marketing conference as 90 people Michigan asparagus industry's gathered in Grand Rapids to learn and share ideas and problems. prod uction, and will become more important in future years," said Foster .. for once in Michigan and denied. processing capacity is greater Some programs being planned He does not anticipate that it will than ever before," said Butler. to promote Michigan asparagus be used very much by Michigan We have been able to sell the include the naming of Mayas Na- farmers. "The MESC will have to crop with very little carry over for tional Asparagus Month, involve- playa large part in helping to the past 10 years." Sixty percent ment in the Michigan Premium solve the problem," said Kelly. to 65 percent of Michigan's apple Seal of Quality program, a food crop is sold for processing. editor's tour to be held during Butler has a few concerns for the asparagus season, and a Michigan Cherry cooperative promotion of fresh the industry. "There has been an Holdings Remain High increase in Washington of Gran- asparagus with Kraft Food Ser- ny Smith apples being put into vice and the Washington Aspara- "The cherry industry is faced slices," said Butler. He also said gus Growers. with a large inventory of prod- that new processing equipment According to Foster, aspara- uct," reported Bob Craig, MFB has been developed so that red gus acreage increased about Commodity Activities and delicious apples can be made 5,000 acres over the last 10 Research Department manager. into sauce without being peeled. years. He expects acreage to in- "Howeverthere is optimism in "Because of their shape, they crease another 5,000 acres in the fact that demand for cherries could not be peeled before, and the next 10 years. "In the fu- is increasing by about 4 percent weren't used in sauce. If the ture," said Foster, "there will per year," Craig said. MACMA machine is put into wide use in probably be fewer, but larger and Cherry Division Manager Rick Washington, it could drastically more intense, and, hopefully, Olsen said in the short run, pas- change the processing apple successful growers." sage of a federal marketing order market in Michigan." may help ease the cherry industry's over-supply problem, The Michigan Processing ------~------ Apple Growers Committee has but in the long run, demand has CORDLESS PHONES Colt CPIOOO Family Saver Delivered Price - $54.95 Maximum Range Full Feature CordlesS Phone Features 46/49MHz frequencies for clearer, crisper sound. Privacy and Auto- secure helps prevent unauthorized use. Standby talk switch allows you to answer calls away from base. Other features include: Automatic last number redial, battery charge indicator, and switchable tone/pulse dialing. Suggested Retall- $99.95 • 3-Year Wcuranty • Auto Secure Code Privacy • 49/46 MHz Frequencies! 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