RURAL LIVING -~.~.~~. /.:.;',' ' ~,~.- -.-....-.-..-.. --------=- .... ---- ~._._:_h.J MICHIGAN FARM NEWS 3 great reasons to folldw the sun with _= Member Travel Services! Guaranteed Deep discounts 3 Earn Free travel 1. jowest airfares! One toll-free call to Travel Services, and you take advan- 2 on cruises and - hotels! Farm Bureau Member Travel Services' buying --and cash when _ you return! Our Trip Points and Welcome Back Cash programs actually pay tage of our computerized fare- power gets you the deepest you back for using Travel Services. search program that rapidly discounts on cruises and Start saving your Trip Points now compares fare on all airlines to hotels. Save as much as and spend them later. Selected your destination on the days 20% on selected cruise tours can earn you Welcome Back you wish to travel. sailings and up to 40% on Cash - our way of saying "Wel- We guarantee to find you the selected hotels around the come home - we hope you had a lowest available and applicable world. nice vacation!" airfare on any regularly sched- uled air carrier --or we pay the difference. 1(5 coJfK! • Passport and Visa assistance • Free ticket delivery PLUS: (overnight if necessary) • Travel Advice • Convenient hours- 9 a. m. to 8 p.m. Mon-Fri. For great answers to your questions about travel and trip Points, call our new number: 1-800-354-4272 ".MEMBER --------------- .-. ~~~~~~ES We take better care of yOU ••• worldwide! VOL.67 NO.2 SPRING 1990 MACMA SPRING SALE About the Cover Spring/ and farm equipment in the fields is the groundworkfor a bountiful harvest Similarly, Farm Bureau mem- REDUCED PRICES! bers in Washington, D.C., March 27- 30, will be performing important Red Tart Pitted Cherries groundwork for the new 1990 farm bill Blueberries Cover design and original art by Ray Hilton, Hilton Graphics, Lansing ALSO AVAILABLE Of Special Interest Michigan's Prellliulll FRESH ASPARAGUS Building on a Policy of Competitiveness Keep agriculture moving toward a competitive market orienta- lIb. Bundles tion say the farmer members of Farm Bureau. Read 10 lb. and 20 lb. Bulk Boxes about the FB stand on ag budget cuts, payment limita- tions, flexibility for program and non -program crops in Florida's Best the 1990 farm bill...Page 5 FRESH SWEET CORN Farm Bill Tops Legislative Leaders Priority List Policy in action! That's the FB Washington Legislative Seminar where farmers and politicians meet to discuss ORDER DEADLINE key FB issues from future farm bill legislation to health May 2 DELIVERY insurance deductions for the self-employed...Page 10 May 21-25 Go to the Source ... Learn how rules regulating un- For more information and full derground storage tanks (USTs)may affect your farm or listing of products available, business. This article helps put you in touch with sour- contact your county Farm Bureau or call1-BOO-292-26BO ext. 2305 ces for EPA-USTrules information ...Page 11 Rural Living Is Published Quarterly: on the first day of October, January, April and July by the Michigan Fann Bureau Infonnatlon and Public Relations Division. Publication and editorial offices at 7373 West Saginaw Highway, Lanstng. Michigan 48917, Post Office Box 30960 (ztp 48909): phone 1-517-323-7000, extension 6585. Subscriptions: $1.50 per year to members, tncluded tn annual dues. $3 per year non-members tn Michigan, $5 per year non-members out of state. Publication No. 345040. Established Jan. 13, 1923, as Michigan Fann News, name changed to Michigan Farm News Rural Uvtng Dec. I, 1981. Third-class postage paid at Lanstng. Michigan, and at additional maIltng offices. Editorial: Connie Turbtn, Editor and Bustness Manager. KImberly Marshell Neumann, Assoctate Editor and Production Manager. Officers: Michigan Farm Bureau President, Jack Laurie, Cass City; Vice President Wayne Wood, Mar- lette: Admtnlstratlve Director, Charles Burkett; 1reasurer and ChlefFtnancta1 Officer, Tom Parker; Secretary. William S. Wilkinson. ~ lelfJI Director&: DIstrict I, Marlin Outman, Constantine; District 2, Blaine VanSickle, Marshall; District 3, Diane Horntng. Manchester; District 4, Tom Guthrie, Delton; DIstrict 5, Mark Smuts, Charlotte; DIstrict 6, mICHIGan'S Wayne Wood, Marlette; District 7, Lany Snider, Hart; DIstrict 8, Lyle LeCronler, Freeland: DIstrict 9, Joshua Wunsch, Traverse CIty; District 10, Margaret Kartes, West Branch: DIstrict II, Robert Wahmhoff, Baraga. At- l(11 FaRm BeST Large: David Conkltn, Corunna; Jack Laurie, Cass City; Faye Adam. Snover; Richard Leach, Saginaw. Promo- tion and Education, Holly Porter, Manchester. Young Farmers, Karen Stoneman, Ithaca. Superflexible Herringbone Gold Chain Necklace 14 Karat Gold 16 Inch Necklace - 35 Gauge Item Number 83516 SUGGESTED RETAIL $220 FAMILY SAVER DELIVERED PRICE $76.84 14 Karat Gold 18 Inch Necklace - 35 Gauge Item Number 83518 SUGGESTED RETAIL $245 FAMILY SAVER DELIVERED PRICE $85.48 Three-Opal Ring 10 Karat Gold Setting Item Number RI01490P SUGGESTED RETAIL $185 FAMILY SAVER DELIVERED PRICE $64.65 Please allow 2-3 weeks delivery SEND CHECK OR MONEY ORDER MONEY BACK GUARANTEE Jewelry catalog availablefor $5.00 The Food Security Act of 1990 Building on a Policy of Competitiveness The Food Security Act of 1985 is scheduled to expire this year. To reauthoIize or modify the FBPosition farm bill programs, Congress must approve a new farm bill. Agricultural price and income The 1990 farm bill should continue to set loan rates accord- support programs are key fea- ing to the loan rate formulas provided in the 1985 law. Target tures of the law, which also in- prices should be frozen at the 1990 level for the duration of new clude provisions regarding farm policy. Production adjustment programs should be trig- conservation,. commodity supply gered by levels of canyover stocks for the commodity in ques- control, agricultural trade, re- tion. However, current trigger levels may need to be modified so search, credit, food stamps, and they are tied to a measure of use, rather than a set quantity. various other programs. Commodity programs for the following crops have worked well Farm Bureau has a vital inter- and should be essentially continued: wheat, feed grains, cotton, est in supporting a new farm bill rice, sugar, wool, honey and peanuts. that continues to promote com- petitiveness of our products, On budget cuts: Agricultural programs must not continue to provides market orientation in bear a disproportionate share of federal budget cuts. Agricul- the use of resources and in allow- tural program spending has been reduced by more than half of ing producers to make marketing its 1986 levels and currently stands at about I percent of the and production decisions, re- total federal budget outlays, which is near average levels in an quires minimal government historical context. stock levels and protects farm in- come. FB believes new farm On payment limitations: FB opposes attempts to lower the policy should continue to move current $50,000 payment limitation and attempts to deny pro- in the general direction set by gram benefits to farmers who exceed an arbitrarily determined the 1985 farm bill with certain level of income, gross annual sales or net worth. modifications and improvements. Background planted the acreage to other com- commodities for which domestic modities. As a result, farmers and international market oppor- have been discouraged from tunities exist. The United States One of the concerns raised in has lost its ability to compete for the 1990 farm bill debate is how rotating acreage among various to give farmers more flexibility in crops. Farmers have been penal- growing markets to which other making decisions about what ized for attempting to respond to nations have been able to market signals that indicate the respond. In addition, farmers crops to plant and harvest. The demand for commodities other have been restricted in making 1985 farm bill strictly assigned than those for which base acres planting decisions in response to producers crop acreage bases ac- cording to historical production have been assigned. patterns. A farmer would forfeit As a result, the United States has not been able to respond to (continued on page 7) one-fifth of his base each year he demand for oilseeds and other SPRING 1990, RURAL UVING 5 The first thing you'll notice when you put the cost of a Zetor tractor or implement on your ledger is its low price. It'll slip into your cash flow without making waves. Operating costs won't make a ripple, either. Repairs are few and far between, parts are delivered within 24 hours and Zetor's easy maintenance and fuel- sipping diesels keep expenses down. In the field, you'll discover the durable quality for which Zetor is prized throughout the world. Zetor tractors, for example, have advanced engineering, The world's first name flat operator's decks, cast iron frames, for quality farm machinery. exceptional power-to-weight ratios and the kind of built-in versatility that will make ZETO" your Zetor your first choice for every chore. See for yourself. Visit your nearest Zetor dealer now and check out the line. tractors. manure/lime spreaders drum mowers. fork lifts. rotary rakes Then Czech your books. and tedders. and more 7301 Allentown Blvd., Harrisburg, PA 17112 (717) 540-5618 VISIT THE ZElDR DEALER NEAREST you. • CHELSEA • RUDYARD • STERLING H&S Farm Repair, Inc Rlke Equipment Sterling Sales & Service 313-475-7547 906-478-5581 517-654-3173 • MCBRIDE • HARTFORD • BROWN CIITV Parr & Son, Inc. Scherer's Hldaway Farm Un-Lo-Dr Systems, Inc. 517-762-5051 616-424-3727 313-346-3359 Food Security Act Each of these proposals has other commodities are actually advantages. If payments are dis- grown on the farm, producers (continued from page 5) continued on acreage shifted to will not be discouraged from alternative crops, producers of growing a particular commodity market opportunities, conseIVa- non-program crops are protected because of the potential loss of from competing against farm pro- deficiency payments. Therefore, tion objectives and agronomic gram crop base holders who the producer would supposedly considerations. would use deficiency payments make planting decisions based There is a broad consensus as an income supplement to on the attractiveness of market that farmers should have greater produce non-program crops. Dis- prices for each crop he is con- flexibility in making planting continuing payments on shifted sidering. Under this approach, decisions, however, the manner. of providing that freedom is the acreage avoids inequities and dis- production of an oilseed crop tortions among producers in dif- would not have to compete subject of extensive debate. In- ferent circumstances and among against the target price for a pro- dividual farmers will be affected regions of the country. gram crop. by easing planting restrictions in However, if payments are unique ways based on the com- made on base acres even though modities they produce, the alter- natives they have, the extent of freedom they are given and the effect the program flexibility has on their income. Each proposal would mean some winners and FBPosition some losers as agriculture ad- justs more rapidly to oppor- tunities that may arise. Producers should be allowed to interchange the base acreage among program crops and approved non-program crops provided that total deficiency pay- ments and total crop base acreage on the farm do There is a not increase. Deficiency payments should be made only on the permitted acreages planted to the pro- broad consen- gram crop on an established crop acreage base for the individual farm. sus that farm- We must emphasize the need for flexibility that ers should have does not lead to inequitable treatment of producers. It must be impressed upon Congress that agricul- greater flexi- tural commodities are interrelated. Program flexibility that comes at the expense of non-program bility in making crop producers is unfair and inequitable. planting Flexibility: FB's flexibility plan would allow farmers to move out of continuous cropping without sacrific- decisions. ing base acreage. Currently, farmers who may wish to grow a crop other than the program crop for any reason may not do so without reducing his future There are two separate forms in which planting flexibility base acreage. policies may be constructed. Producers may be permitted to Equity: The plan does not unfairly subsidize either grow alternative crops on farm the non-program crops or the other program crops program base acres with their that producers may grow on crop acreage base. base history preseIVed but receive no payments for acreage devoted to the alternative produc- Simplicity: The plan is simple and straightforward. tion. Or, producers could receive It will save the government money, because it will payments based upon historical lower the farm program costs each time a producer crop acreage bases regardless of decides to grow a crop other than the designated pro- whether they continued to plant the original farm program crop gram crop on his base acreage. or not. SPRING 1990, RURAL UVlNG 7 l'v1ichigan Farm Bureau Prescri ption Pro ram \ 32 Page Discount Drug Catalog. Prescription and non-prescription medication at savings up to 80%. FElifEDRUG- PRESCRIPTION SERVICE Name F el d You Name Feld You Drug Strength Brend GenerIc Save Drug Strength Brand Generic Save Amoxll Cops (100) 250mg 19.95 10.95 45% Premarln Ta bs 0.3mg 16.95 7.95 53% 500mg 34.50 17.95 48% 0.625mg 22.50 8.95 60% Dor,'occl.N Tobs(100)50mg 20.95 11.95 43% 1.25mg 29.95 9.95 67% 100mg 36.50 14.95 59% 2.5mg 51.75 14.95 71% Inderol Tobs (100) 10mg 19.50 4.95 75% Provera Tabs (100) 10mg 41. 25 16.95 59% 20mg 25.95 5.95 77% Siow-K Tabs (100) 14.75 6.95 53% 40mg 32.95 6.95 79% Synlhroid Tabs (l00) 0.15mg 16.25 3.25 80% 60mg 42.25 7.95 81% 0.2mg 18.75 3.50 81 % 80mg 50.75 8.95 82% 0.3mg 24.25 3.95 84% Kdlex Cops (100) 250mg 89.95 19.95 78% Theo-Dur SA Tabs 100mg 13.95 8.95 36% 500mg 172.75 29.95 83% 200mg 18.75 10.95 42% Lanoxin Tabs (100) 0.25mg 7.75 2.95 62% 300mg 21. 95 12.95 41 % Losix Tubs (100) 20mg 12.50 4.95 60% Transderm-Nilro 5mg 37.95 17.95 53% 40mg 16.25 5.95 63% Palch (30) 10mg 42.95 24.95 42% 80mg 25.25 11.95 53% 15 mg 46.95 28.95 38% Micro-K Enlencl1ps 10m Eq 13.25 7.95 40% Tylenol w/Codelne #3 18.75 7.95 58% Molrin Tubs (100) 400mg 14.95 7.95 47% Tabs (100) . #4 33.25 11.95 64% 600mg 19.75 10.95 45% Valium Tabs (100) 2mg 28.95 6.95 76% 800mg 24.25 15.95 34% 5mg 43.25 7.95 82% 10mg 70.50 10.95 84% FELQI}JRUG-PRESCRIPTION SERVICE $:10.00 Off Orders "V\Ti~h Feld DrLlg and a FREE Bortle ~f Ac;e~a Table~s. Aceta Tal:>Ie'ts are CC>rrJparal:>le 'to TyIenC>I Reg.. liar Strength. .see c:Ie'tEds on ccx..pc>rlS belC>vv "for F'lstn...Jctic>rls.. Call 1-800-228-3353 For Ordering Information. r-:-------:-1 1--:-------:--. ~I Save $4.00 I I Save $2.00 I ~ ~11VIIch. rI) Farm Bureau lVIernbers save $4.00 on this oreler with Fe/d Drug. Coupon nJaY not be used II I NIic:h. Farm BLreau Members save $2.00 on this order with Feld Drug. Coupon ITJBYnot be used II I with any other promotion or coupon and expires AprI 30, I I ~ with any other promotion or coupon and expires AprI30, I 1991.Send to Fe/d Drug 5023 L..: ca. Grov~ Sf.. ~ HE 68106 or:.J 1991. Senc:/ to Feld Drug 5023 Grov~ Sf.. Omaha, NE 68106 or~ ~ 1-800-228-3353. L..:------- cal1-BOO-22B-3353. ~r=======:1 6 I Save $2.00 I I Save $2.001 r-------::1 I ~~c::;;, e;,;::::=;.::;ve II 11VIIch. Farm BLreau Members save $2.00 on this order with Feld II ~ ~ Drug. Coupon may not be used with any other promotion or I ~I Drug. Coupon nJaY not be used with any other promotion or I oI COLpOn and expires AprI30, 1991. Send to Feld Drug 5023 ccxpon and expires AprI30, 1991. Senc:/ to Feld Drug 5023 " ~ ------- LGrov~ St. Omaha, NE 6B106 cal1-BDO-22B-33S3,. or~ L.: ca. ------- Grover Sf.. ~ NE 68106 or~ 1-BOO-22B-3353. °r-------, ~I FREE I [FREE ACETA) ~ I CATALOG I I TABLETS I I lot ~ "'"' I Mch.FarmBLreauMemberssave II ~ ~ Mch Farm &reau Members this cotpon with yotr retll11 fi-st ~ this cotpon and retun It to Feid Drug 5023 G-over Omaha Ne 68104 I PRESCRPTION order and receive a cl I U for YOlr FREE 32page catalog. Kf7Y.J FREE bottle of Aceta Tablets, L ------- walt caI today 1-800-228-3353- ~ ------- conparable to Tylenol Reg. Strength 1990 Farm Bill Tops Legislative Leaders' Priority List By Donna Wilber toward greater market orienta- for legislation to continue the 25 tion by setting price supports at percent tax deduction for health A delegation of 125 Michigan farmers, led by Michigan Farm levels that allow our products to compete in domestic and interna- insurance costs for self- employed people. The deduction Bureau President Jack ~urie, tional markets. For the 1990 expires Sept. 30, 1990. FB sup- will fly to Washington, D.C., on farm bill, we reaffrrm our conrmit- ports a permanent, 100 percent March 27 for three days of grass ment to competitiveness. We tax deduction. roots lobbying on national issues want the new law to ensure the 'We are concerned that many of concern to the state's agricul- opportunity for an adequate level farmers are reducing their tural conrmunity. of farm income, and maximize coverage or dropping it entirely Legislative leaders and legisla- the freedom for farmers to because they cannot afford it," tive assistants participating in respond to market conditions." Laurie said. "Ata time when the the organization's 30th annual Pesticides and food safety will nation is growing more aware of Washington Legislative Seminar also be a topic of discussion. The the burdens of costly insurance will represent 49 county FBs farmers will encourage their con- and the needs of the uninsured. and MFB. gressmen to oppose the Wax- the tax code can provide an in- In addition to individual legis- man/Kennedy "FoodSafety centive for the self-employed to latlve contacts, the farmers will Amendments of 1989" and sup- provide for their own insurance have a group breakfast with port the de la Garza/Madigan needs." their U.S. representatives on bill, H.R 3292. Both bills replace Also on the farmers' priority March 28, and with u.S. the zero risk Delaney Clause list is urging Michigan con- Senators Don Riegle and Carl with a negligible risk standard. gressmen to introduce legislation Levin on March 29. Also on their The Waxman/Kennedy proposal to repeal mandatory federal tax agenda is a meeting with u.S. defines "negligiblerisk" rigidly at withholding on farmworkers. Department ofAgriculture offi- 1 per million risk with no excep- The mandatory withholding be- cials, and a visit to the British tions. FB believes the Environ- came effectiveon Jan. I, 1990. Embassy. mental Protection Agency should 'We estimate that about half The 1990 farm bill will top the have the discretion to determine of all farmers are employers," list of priority issues the farmers what is negligible risk based on a Laurie said. "Many of these hire will discuss with their national weighing of risks and benefits, seasonal and temporary workers legislators. and that many vital chemical who may have a number of farm "Farm Bureau supports con- tools would be lost if the benefits jobs and employers throughout tinuing the general direction set of a pesticide were not allowed to the year. and do not work for by the 1985 farm bill," President be considered beyond the 1 per anyone farmer for a significant Laurie said. ''The policies con- million level. length of time. The required tained in that legislation have Another priority issue for the recordkeeping will be burden- helped to move agriculture farmers is seeking cosponsors some for farm employers. II 10 RURAL UVlNG, SPRING 1990 Underground Storage Tank Standards Go to the Source ... Since the Environmental Registration spill protection, corrosion protec- Protection Agency published Requirements tion and recordkeeping. In the fu- technical standards regulating ture, there will be a registration underground storage tanks fee of $100 per tank. (USTs),many tank owners are The state of Michigan has had Currently, the State Police Fire seeking information about how rules regulating fuel tanks above Marshal's Officeis expanding to their business or farm operation and below ground for many handle enforcement of the rules is affected. For the best informa- years. The current Michigan and will be training at least 100 tion, go directly to the source or rules on underground storage local inspectors. In the near fu- contact enforcement agencies. tanks parallel the federal stand- ture, UST tanks that come under That's the advice from Wayne ards and the state monitors com- the rules will be required to have Gay, environmental and safety pliance and conformance. a current registration tag. manager for Farmers Petroleum If the EPA rules apply to your Without the tag, fuel delivery Cooperative. "EPAguidelines and tank(s), federal law requires that companies will be prevented by information will help you to the tank(s) be registered with the law from filling the tank. Tanks determine whether you are re- designated state agency. In may still be registered with the quired to comply with the rules Michigan, this agency is the Fire Marshal and should be if and what steps, if any, you State Police Fire Marshal's Of- they are to remain in the ground. should take against the pos- fice. Registered tanks are also sibility of leaks, corrosion, over- subject to rules requiring leak protection, overfill protection, (continued on page 12) fill and spills," said Gay. He suggests requesting the EPApub- lication Musts for USTs from the EPA Officeof Underground Storage Tanks, P.O. Box 6044, Rockville, Md. 20850. Telephone information sources are the State Police Fire Marshal's toll- free hoUine (1-800-MICHUST) and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Environmen- tal Response Division District Of- fice (check the state of Michigan telephone directory listings for your area). More information is available in past issues of the UST News, . published by the State Fire Marshal's Office. Copies are avail- able upon request by writing Rural Uving - UST Information, Michigan Farm Bureau, P.O. Box 30960, Lansing, Mich. 48909. SPRING 1990. RURAL UVlNG 11 Go to the Source •.• Ion UST for your farm motor Business Community fuel, they are exempt from the (conttnuedjrom page 11) EPA-UST rules since neither and Insurance In- tank Is over I, 100 gallons dustry Allyfor Effec- Some basic Information wUl capaCity. Ij. however, you are tive Auto Insurance help tank owners evaluate operating a commercial trucking whether or not their tank business or other commercial Reform. facilities come under the EPA- business jrom one oj thDse tanks. USTrules. Underground storage the rules wul apply. The exclusions listed above Calling on the state's citlzens tanks are defined as "any tank to Join the Drive for Lower Auto whose volume (Including piping) are about the only exclusions that apply to USTs for motor Insurance Rates, members of the is 10 percent or more beneath business community and state's the ground." This includes those fuel. There are no special ex- clusions for schools, ciUes, other insurance industIy launched a tanks that are set on the surface statewide program to support ef- and then "bermed up." The rules governmental units or busi- nesses. fective methods of lowering clearly state thal "tanks used for Michigan's auto insurance costs. storing heating oU for consump- The Committee for Auto In- tive use on the premIses where Financial Assurance surance Reform (CAIR)wants to stored" are excluded from the lower the costs of Michigan's no- UST rules. Fann and residential Since the average clean up fault insurance system. It is wide- tanks oj 1.100 gallons or less cost for soil and water con- ly acclaimed as the best in the capacity used for sloring molor tamtnation is $250,000 countIy but could be made more fuel for noncommerCial purposes registered lank owners must pro- affordable. CAIR supports legisla- are also excluded. vide proof of financtal assurance. tion which would lower in- For example. If you have a Michigan makes coverage avail- surance premIums by cutting 1.000 gallon usr and a 500 gal- able to tank owners through the back on unnecessary law suits, slale's usr Financial Assurance controlling medical care costs Fund, but only for registered and giving drivers more options lanks which are in compliance when purchasing insurance. with the recordkeeping and Further premium discounts Informaffon reporting requirements. An alter- for safe driving records and sources ata native proof of assurance is pollu- safety features, as well as drunk Uon insurance which is driver penalties are also sup- glance ... expensive and has become dif- ficult, if not impossible, to obtain. ported by CAIR The effort represents the first If you choose to remove your time business and industry have Musts for USTs from the EPA tank(s), the rules require notify- come together on auto insurance Office of Underground ing the State Police Fire Marshal reform. Coalition members are Storage Tonks. P.O. Box 30 days prior to removal. A site the Michigan Insurance Federa- 6044. Rockville. Md. 20850. assessment including sampling tion' which represents 27 and testing for contaminaUon is Michigan property--casualty in- State Police Fire Marshal's required after removal. (Note:A surance companies: Michigan hotllne 1-800-MICHUST. suggested procedure for site as- State Chamber of Commerce. sessment can be found in the representing 7,000 Michigan Your local Michigan Deport- USTNews.) employers; Michigan Farm ment of Natural Resources The EPA esUmates that over Bureau with over 104,000 mem- Envtronmental Response 50 percent of the drtnklng water ber fam1lles; and the National DMslon District Office (check in the United States comes from Federation of Independent Busi- the state of MlchJgan private wells and the UST rules ness in Michigan representing telephone dlrectOfy listings are designed to ensure proper 23,000 Michigan small business tOf your area). prevention and clean up owners. measures are in place to protect The goal is to provide UST News. published by the soils and groundwater - and Michigan motorists with not only State Fire Marshal's OffIce. family health. In fact it would be the best insurance system in the Copies are available upon a good idea to become familiar country but also one of the most request by wrttlng: Rural with the protective measures in affordable by controlling costs LM1g - USTInformation. the EPA-UST rules whether or that are driving auto insurance Michigan Form Bureau. P.O. not your tank comes under the rates. Box 30960. LansJng. Mich. rules. After all, on the fann, Irtfonnation brochures and 48909. whose well is closest to your un- mail reponse cards supporting derground storage tank? the CAlR refonn measures are available from county FB of- fices. Or call the CA1Rtoll:free hotline: 1-800-922-4490. 12 RURAL UVlNG, SPRING 1990 Hylmid Pop~ At '12 P'tiee When you need shade in a hurry, we suggest the fast growing Hybrid poplar. As shown in the picture - it has a handsome shape and will actually shade a ranch. type home in just 3-5 years! We haven't found any better tree that grows like it. It has a spread of 30-3S' and in just a few years at maturity. it reaches S0-60'. You 'OlU('t Hewe T D 'Salty TIUa Hyfl'lid 'PDI'f.M. It normally lives 30-50 years. It is wind, disease, and insect resistant. And it can take the cold as far north as Canada. This is not the short.lived Lombardy poplar. This poplar is often used to reforest after forest fires. and to reclaim land after strip mining. But. the best use is to provide beauty and quick. cool shade for new homes. 'Pl'lud HyfJ.'lid 'PDf'~ fDll ~ The screen variety makes an ideal privacy hedge. It has a width of about 10' and grows to a dense screen usually in 3 years. Plant for quick windbreaks on farms and for living snow fences. We ship strong. 2-4' trees POSTPA 10. HOW TO GET YOUR FREE TREE ... HylrJUdP8fJ~ 1m PrUw SA VE UP TO 65% This offer applies only to Hybrid Poplars. Simply ON LARGE QUANTITY ORDERS send us any size order on the order form below, and we will send you an additional fast growing HYBRID N5246 Shade Variety N5247 Screen Variety POPLAR TREE FREE OF CHARGE. We want to 2 Trees for only.J&:it5 NOW $3.47 {minimum} tempt you to try these RAPID GROWING TREES, 5 Trees for only J.H;:95 NOW $7.97 because we know you'll be back for more. We are sure 10 Trees for only,U9;B5 NOW $14.97 of this from the thousands of repeat orders we receive 20 Trees for only.$M:95 NOW $28.97 from Residences, Parks, Country Clubs, Trailer 40 Trees for only J,.1Q9:'T5 NOW $54.87 Courts and Governmental Bodies. C~ 'Bfue S~'WU SCARLET FIVEYEAROLD-l T02FT.TALL RED MAPLE Now, in this special sale, you are 3 FOR $4.95 ONL Y able to purchase the ever-popular Colorado Blue Spruce IPicea 6 For $9.65 9 For $13.95 $1 ••50 ea pungens glaucal ~t one half our 12 F $1795 (3 for $3.00) regular catalog pnce. these select, or. ( f $ 00) branched, I)-year old transr.lanted trees are not seedlings _ they 6 or 5. are at least I to 2 feet tal_ Having been transplanted, the root One of Fall's mosl richly system is well developed and will help the plants to get real value co lor e d Ire e s is I h'e to your property. Buy now and have the added pleasure of beaul iful Bed Maple (Acer s~~~ng your tree just the way you want, while you watch it rubruml wil h il s brillianl .. S T R I STA R ~~~r1~~~eai~esio~ded SP~i~~ A LL SE A S0 1'1 deHcat e small red nowcrs. At Last - A Stra W berry ... In Summer, leaves Kive the rich l{T'een wonderful For All Seasons shade. A very majesl ic and Now grow fresh, juicy-sweet strawberries all year long. Tristar is b~aul !ful shade I ree that not affected by the len~h of the days as other berries are. Not Will !.'1ve yOU years of proud . only is it day-neutral, It produces when temperatures reach as sat isfact ion. You recClve sl rong. heavl- high as 91)° TRISTAR YIELDS FLAVORFUL, MEDIUM-SIZED Iy rooted hand selecled 2-4' collected W BERRIES IN SPRING, MIDSUMMER AND FALL. If you plant t'rees An ideal transplanling size. Tristar in a hanging basket indoors the runners will soon start . " • cascading over the sides. Before long pret- - - - - - - - - - - -. onOEn HEln .• - - - - - - - - - - -, ty litt!e white star blooms will appear and you Will sO?n be FOUR SE.ASO"S "URSERY Div. of Plantron. Inc POSTAG PREPAII a~arded With DeP! 6986-52 1706 MOrriSseyDrive Planting America Fe ~[;~:~~;;_ Bloomington. illinois 61704 Over 57 Year •. even in winter! Please Senclilems Checked Below 01990 Plantron, Ine 10 ~~t6%S~~~fN ~~Et ~E1e~i~rce~; v~r~ryir~NE Iroo senl at no charge. whon you for __ :n~.'g:enrr~~r~i~d&'.:~~e~H~~I;~Pllel to Hyl)rld Poplars $3.95 25 for row MANY ~ CAT.NO. S ...... V",.~~A:.::;'~~T'" Screen Varletylh'. Poplar Tree 1 S COST ~ SoYear Col. BlueSpruee 25 for $1.98 (50 sq. ft.) $7.00 -m1ff1 Periwinkle 50 for $2.98 (100 sq. ft.) 50 for ~ Afr8~~.on Trls~a~ s~:Wber 100 for $4.98 (200 sq. ft.) $12.95 TOTAL S Shade-Iovin~, widespreading 100 for PACKING & HANDUN?LB~~~;~tS~gE~~SO:gg~~.~N~:~~1;~ 1 1.50 Periwinkle (Vmca minor) thrives 523.95 TOTAL AMOUNT ENCLOSED OR CHARGED ,--- under hedges. on slopes. in rock FULL ONE- YEAR GUARANTEE o Cheek eneloaed for S gardens. in poor SOil - places Or Charge to VISA 0 My Bank Amerleard No.I.: Explration Dat8 _ If not 100% utisfied with your planta, where grass won't grow. Dainty Muter Charge 0 My Muter Charge No. II: lavender-blue nowers in the spring. ~URNneTflEr ORrGlN~t\~,P~ Expiration Date Inter Bank Number Green foliage all winter! One plant PING LABEL. for free replacement or NAME will fill two square rooted. ready to transplant. feet. Nicely W~~Rs:.~W{SfVO~'JUNL~~T1FE STREET ADDRESS ORIGINAL SHIPPING LABEL IS RETURNED. ' __ S!..,TY ZIP Young Farmers Share in Visions 1990 By Kimberly Marshell Neumann 1989 State Discussion Meet Winner Todd Williams Attending the Young Farmers Leaders' Conference was an ex- cellent way for Young Farmers to start a new decade. said Connie Kramer. of Huron County. Visions 1990 was the theme for the annual conference held in Midland. March 1-3. The Michigan Farm Bureau Young Farmer Committee offers this program in an effort to provide a clearer picture of what lies ahead for young farmers involved in production agriculture. "The 1990s will definitely be more technical and business oriented. Education will be a key factor in keeping up with chan- ges and trends." said Connie. the 1989 Outstanding Young Farm Woman state contest winner. 1989 Distinguished Young Farmer Doug Darling "Farmers need to take advantage of educational opportunities like the ones Farm Bureau provides. Consumers need to be educated. too. in the whole area of food safety and consumer affairs." The conference provided a variety of workshops and general session speakers for the 214 par- ticipants. 1989 Distinguished Young Farmer state contest win- ner Doug Darling. Monroe Coun- ty. particularly enjoyed work- shops given by Mike Salisbury. president of Salisbury Manage- ment Services. Inc .. and an qpen discussion session with Mich- igan Department of Agriculture Director Robert Mitchell and Howard Wetters. Gov. Blan- chard's agricultural advisor. "I think Mike Salisbury 1989 Outstanding Young Farm Woman Connie Kramer opened the eyes of a few people in the workshop," Doug said. Salisbury is an independent con- 14 RURAL UVlNG, SPRING 1990 Visions o sultant who works with hun- dreds of fanners across the to get more involved with the young people in agriculture." 0- state. He structured the workshop so young fanners could evalute their fanning enterprises and determine how Other conference workshop topics included Farm Bureau, cooperatives, legislative issues, time mangement, building con- 0- to be positioned for the best profitablitiy in the future. sumer confidence, leadership and estate planning. I Doug and Connie were both impressed with the open discus- sion session with Mitchell and Wetters. "The 1990s will "I felt a lot of satisfaction that Director Mitchell cared enough definitely be more about the opinions and ques- tions that the young fanners technical and busi- have to be present at the con- ness oriented." ference," Connie said. 'The session with Mitchell and Connie Kramer Wetters was an excellent oppor- tunity to get to know the people Outstanding Young in Lansing who are working for Farm Woman us," Doug said. "It allowed people the chance to find out for themselves that the government 'The people I talked to is aware of what is going on in seemed to very positive about agriculture. Also, through the agriculture and its future," Doug discussion it became apparent said. "I think we need to keep that although everyone would that positive feeling alive and like to see a quick fix to the growing. Even if farming be- problems in agriculture every comes more profitable in the fu- issue is so complex - with a ture, it may become harder to broad range of ideas on wha~ keep or attract people to the should be done - a quick fix production side of agriculture. just is not possible." People don't want to take the In his opening remarks, risk, work six or seven days a Michigan Farm Mitchell said he became inter- week and turn downjob oppor- Bureau Young ested in MFB's Young Fanners tunities offthe farm. Farmer Leaders' when he attended the Discussion 'We have been doing a good Meet contests at the Farm job of promoting the careers that Conference Bureau state annual meeting in are available in the field of March 1-3. 1990 Grand Rapids last year. "Iwas agriculture, but we also need to very impressed with the whole promote production agriculture. Valley Plaza Inn competition, the quality of the We need people in both areas." Midland, Michigan people and what they had to say," Mitchell said. "Afterthat I decided to make a special effort SPRING 1990, RURAL IJVING 15 :MFB ProFILE Offers Lifetime l£adership Opportunity What is your leadership profile? Are you confident? Effec- tive? Farsighted? Skilled in public speaking and interper- sonal skills? While everyone's HAY! leadership style may be different, there are common charac- teristics of successful leaders. A new program, introduced by the Michigan Farm Bureau, will help young FB members between the ages of 22 and 35 to identify and developed their personal leadership ProFILE (Project: Farm Bureau Institute for Leadership Education). The 26 participants were selected from nearly 130 nomina- tions and includes the 1989 win- ners of the MFB Distinguished Young Farmer and Outstanding Young Farm Woman contests. The program of training, leader- ship experiences, and indMdual study will require 18 months of involvement, beginning in January 1990. Farmhand's Model 2 and 22 Quick.:rach Participants met for the first Universal Mount Loaders are built as tough time Jan. 24 to preview the pro- gram outline and identify their as you r tractor to take fu II advantage of personal expectations for leader- tractors from 30 to 120 horsepower; ideal ship growth. Meeting again Feb. for tractors with low GPM hydraulic pumps. 28, the participants focused on effectivepublic speaking and Look at these two high-performance, media appearances. Project coordinator Michael quick-action Loaders for your tractor. Clean, Kovacic praised the ProFILE single tilt-cylinder bucket design means group for obvious preparation faster bucket action, quicker dumping and and an excellent performance. "Each person was notified in ad- roll back~ vance that they would be asked to deliver a speech on a topical Write or call today for free literature! issue. We weren't disappointed. They came with prepared notes or fully developed text. Their per- ---------------------- ~ Setting the Standard. formances before the video I cameras were quite polished and the critiques by group members ~ FARMHANoeINC. MFB I p'Q. Box 1500 Excelsior, MN 55331 I were positive, too." I Please send literature at once. I want to know more about Followingthe ProFILE session, I the Farmhand Model 2 and 22 Loaders. Or call: Farmhand participants took part in the Sales Center 515-236-6571. general sessions and workshops I of the three-day Young Farmer NAME _ I Leader Conference, March 1-3. I RFD _ I CITY STATE ZIP _ I L ~I 16 RURAL UVlNG, SPRING 1990 Working for yourself, you As a Farm Bureau member, can't afford unscheduled you can choose from three time off for a major illness. traditional Blue Cross Blue Regular health care is vital. Shield Comprehensive Major Medical plans, starting That's where we can as low as $60.12 a month. help, with the health care insurance you need, at the Each plan offers you Blue down-to-earth membership Cross Blue Shield compre- rates you can afford. hensive major medical insurance at low group rates. The main difference is: as the deductible goes up, the premium goes down. But, whichever plan you choose, you'll be able to As sure as you're on your own, you're not alone. afford the regular health care you need to stay viable. What matters to you matters to us. For further information call 1-800-292-2680 or contact your local Farm Bureau agent. WHERE BELONGING MAKES A +{QJ~= ~. MICHIGAN FARM BUREAU DIFFERENCE . ••• FAMla OF COltfP4NIES By Rosemary Ward Interpersonal skills consultantJor n-aintng Dynamics. In November 1989, over 40 farm managers and related experts in Patterns: Do you know where your time goes? Do entire days, broken into monthly, weekly and daily increments. Why plan? A Michigan were interviewed to un- even weeks, seem to disappear? minute spent planning saves 20 cover their time management If you want better. results, you minutes in execution. Planning challenges. Responses could be have to change. Nonproductive is a habit that can be learned. categorized into eight key areas. habits may rob you of your time, Parasites: Is the source of The following action ideas in but they are difficult to uncover your wasted time your environ- these areas can help you op- because they are below your ment or you? Sometimes timize your time and prevent you threshold of awareness. To dis- salespeople, neighbors and from thinking, "if I only had the cover habits that diminish your phone calls waste your time. time ..." effectiveness, keep a time log of Sometimes power failures and Sense of Purpose: Do you your daily activities for at least a shortages are the culprits. Too have one? Is it written down? week. The results may astonish often, it can be traced to your ac- You will never have enough time you! tions, habits or weaknesses. You to do all you would like. You Plans: Are you a "take action" can control excessive socializing, have to make choices. That is person? Or do you like to quietly and the inability to say" no." Al- why you must decide what has plan, then execute your plan? though you can never totally the greatest value in your life, Most people are action oriented eliminate the time wasters, you then focus. Each of us has only and find planning a cumbersome can certainly reduce them by 86,000 seconds per day. No task. It's value, however, is un- recognizing how you waste time. more, no less. Decide how to in- mistakable. It enables you to con- Papenwork:Doespapenwork vest what you have. Do it now. nect the future with the present. eat away your personal time? When time is gone, there is no Effective planners make long and You can diminish the pile on way to get it back. short range plans which are your desk by handling it once. The 80/20 rule says 80 percent 18 RURAL LIVING, SPRING 1990 of what you receive you will never refer to again. Decide what belongs in the 20 percent MACMA Offers Savings on Spring Sale . category up front. File, in an or- ganized manner, what you need While thoughts have turned to spring and the sound of equip- later. If you cannot find any ment returning to the fields, some of the year's first fresh piece of paper you want within Michigan produce is available through MACMADirect one minute, spend time organiz- Marketing's Spring Sale. ing your filing system. Seek as- Don't miss the May 2 deadline to order Michigan's premium sistance if necessary. asparagus. This delicious, all-green Michigan vegetable is hand- Partners: We do not live in a snapped when harvested and hydro-cooled to ensure tender- vacuum. Others are always a ness. The premium length spears promise quality and provide part of the picture. In addition to 100 percent usable product. This superior fresh product will be surfacing how others waste our offered in one pound bundles or in 10 pound or 20 pound bulk time, we also need to recognize boxes. how we waste other's time. Ex- Another early season fresh vegetable treat, available by the hibit courtesy toward others by dozen on this sale, is Florida's Best sweet com. Hydro-cooled making appointments and ask- after picking, this sweet com was a quick success on last year's ing for a convenient time to sale and promises to be as sweet and tender this year. Delivery speak on the phone or in person. will be just in time for Memorial Day picnics. Connnunication, cooperation The Spring Sale's special offerings include reduced prices for and orchestration of our ac- 10 pound boxes of red tart pitted cherries and blueberries. This tivities with others are keys to op- frozen fruit is individually quick frozen with no sugar or other timizing our use of time. additives and offers top quality as well as savings. Procrastination: Do you do The end of the citrus growing season always produces the the quick, easy, enjoyable things sweetest fruit. The seedless grapefruit available on this sale will before tackling the unfamiliar, be the best of the year! Also available are Florida valencia oran- yet most important jobs? Many ges - rich in flavor and aroma, outstanding for juice or fresh people do. Putting off the un- fruit dishes. Pure Florida orange juice, offered on all sales, is pleasant never makes it vanish; made with 100 percent Florida concentrate, unlike many of the instead it fosters anxiety and ir- juices found on your grocer's shelf which have been blended ritability. Practice doing the im- with imported concentrates. Remember when comparing prices portant things first, even if they that this premium super-concentrated juice is made from oran- are tough. This ability can be- ges grown by FB members and makes 72 ounces ofjuice from come one of your greatest time each can. management strengths. Look for other frozen juice concentrates (lemonade, Personal: Do you find it easy grapefruit, grape and apple), frozen fruits, popcorn and caramel or challenging to deal with corn, crescents, pie slices, cheese and cheese spreads, meats, others? Can you ask for assis- nuts, peanut butter, Dirt Squad citrus oil-based hand cleaner tance when you need it? Do you and bio-degradable rubbish bags on this spring sale. get a good start each day at what Requests for a full listing of products and specillc ordering in- you want to accomplish? The formation should be directed to your county FB office, your answers to these questions county's MACMAcoordinator, or by calling (800) 292-2680, Ext. depend on you. A variety of per- 2305. The order deadline of May 2 will be followed by deliveries sonal characteristics make it the week of May 21-25. more or less difficult for you to use your time well. Skillfully managing time is not quick or easy. Self employed farm managers identify it as especially challenging. To meet the task takes discipline, how- ever, the more you work at it, the better you will become. Peter F. Drucker in his book, The Effec- tive Executive sums up the value of time. He said, "Time is the scarcest resource, and unless it is managed, nothing else can be managed." SPRING 1990, RURAL UVING 19 Farm Bureau Insurance-MHSAA Winter Scholar-Athletes Named Chad Petterson, Flint Cannan- Ainsworth High School, and Melinda M. Roco, Royal Oak- Shrine High School, were selected by a panel of educators as recipients of the Winter Michigan High School Athletic Association Scholar-Athlete Award and $1,000 scholarship, sponsored by Farm Bureau In- surance. Chad and Melinda com- peted against 142 nominees from across Michigan including 76 girls and 66 boys. Petterson has maintained a 3.91 grade point average while acquiring nine letters in football, basketball and track. His other Chad Petterson Melinda M. Roco athletic involvements include serving as a coach for a boys' cluding being named to the Na- tian: Krista A Dahms, St. Ignace- youth basketball team and a tional Honor Roll in 1989. She LaSalle: Jennifer Fredericks, girls' youth soccer team. selVes as Shrine's student body Flint-Powers Catholic: Lester Chad was his class president president and participates in Hall. Atlanta: Matthew K. for two years, selVes as the vice many performing arts at her Holdship, Carson City-Crystal: president for his school's chapter school. She plans to attend the David LaPrarie, Warren-Mott: of the National Honor Society University of Michigan to study Julie K. Lefere.Jackson-Lumen and is a student council repre- biological sciences. Christi: Nicholas R Purzer, Can- sentative. He would like to study Both of these Scholar-Athlete ton-Plymouth: Jennifer Schilbe, business administration at winners were recognized during Dearborn Heights-Fairlane Chris- Michigan State University or the halftime ceremonies at the Class tian: Ted Smith, Fremont; Can- University of Michigan. B boys' basketball championship dace Tooman, Bronson: and Melinda Roco has played vol- game, played at The Palace of Kenneth J. Woodside, Battle leyball and basketball at Shrine Aubum Hills on March 24. Creek-Pennfield. while canying a 4.4 (weighted) Chad and Melinda were Deadline for submitting ap- grade point average. She has selected from a field of 16 plications for spring sport received all-catholic, all-league regional finalists: eight males scholar-athletes is April 10. All and all-academic honors for vol- and eight females. The other applications are provide by leyball and was named her finalists and their high schools MHSAAto member school prin- teams' most valuable player in were: Thomas C. Bailey, Ann cipals. Applications are also 1988 and captain in 1989. Arbor-Huron: Bethanie D. available through FB Insurance She has been awarded Bauer, Newaygo:Vickie S. agents. numerous academic honors in- Boven, Grandville-Calvin Chris- Spring sport Applications Due April 70 20 RURAL LIVING. SPRING 1990 .------------------------------- A Publication of the Michigan Fann Bureau Volume 9 Number 4 April 1990 Govenor's Ag Coriference Unes Up Futur~ 2020 and Food Safety Issues The 1990 Governor's Con- Featured speaker at this year's ference on Agriculture will open conference is Peter Sandman, Tuesday, April 17 in Lansing at director of the environmental the Clarion Hotel for two days of communication research pro- general sessions and small group gram and professor of environ- sessions focusing on Building mental journalism at Rutgers Strategies to Shape the Future. University. He is a leading expert April 17-18 sessions will in- in the field of risk communica- clude: Progress Reports of the tion and a specialist in the Right to Farm Task Forces; Pre- design of education campaigns. sentation of Futures Team 2020 More food safety views will be Report and Subcommittee Dis- presented by Dr. Charles Atkin, cussions; Risk Communication; \ professor of communication at Food Safety -- A Look at the Michigan State University, on Tour Highlights Site Un- Issue from a Number of Perspec- consumer opinion sUIVeys and tives, Small Group Strategy Ses- mass media communication; suitability for Low-level sions and Session Summaries. Sharon Begley, science editor of Radioactive Waste Headlining the conference will Newsweek magazine, on the be the report of the Futures media perspective; and a repre- Team 2020. The report is the sentative of the Food Marketing On March 9, Michigan Farm result of 15 months of delibera- Institute on results of FMI's Bureau and the Lenaweee Coun- tion by a blue ribbon panel of public opinion sUIVeys on the im- ty FB sponsored a tour/press leaders in the food and agricul- pact of food safety issues. conference to highlight concerns ture industry. Their report out- Registration on the opening about locating a low level lines the issues, visions and day of the conference is $65 and radioactive waste facility in Riga actions that the Team feels are includes all conference Township. Township officials central to the success of the materials, access to all con- and FB leaders detailed the nega- Michigan food and agriculture ference sessions, Michigan wine tive impact of siting the facility industry in the coming decades. and cheese reception and in one of the state's top 10 agrI- governor's banquet. culturally productive townships. MFB President Jack Laurie noted that there are many un- 11= Washington Capitol Hotline answered questions about the facility development. "One is to ask the federal government to determine if the chosen number of disposal sites is the right num- 1-800-245-4630 ber, or if it could be fewer." FB supports state legislation which would encourage reducing the number of waste facilities to Legislative Message Updated on Monday-Wednesd.a!JFnday the minimum number necessary to safely manage the nation's low level radioactive waste. ---------------------------------------. Compensation and Protection - A Case for Crop Insurance ample, the American Association revamped system should look of Crop Insurers lists a number like. of reasons crop insurance makes A restructured crop insurance better financial sense for farmers plan should provide coverage The Bush administration than disaster programs: based on dollars per acre. Each proposal to eliminate the crop in- participant could assess the surance program in the 1990 • Crop insurance pays for liability and purchase the farm bill is an ill-advised ploy amount necessary to provide individual disasters while desired coverage. that would force agriculture to rely on the political uncertainty disaster payments only In addition, a deductible of case by case disaster relief. come into effect when coun- should be included to reduce In 1989, the Commission for ty yieldfalls to 65 percent premium costs and stop the Improvement of Crop In- ofnonnal. nuisance claims. The program surance, of which I am a mem- would then be simpler to ad- ber, did a thorough study of crop minister and participation would insurance. • Producers can insure at be encouraged. FB policy again In the course of holding public 50 percent, 65 percent or 75 makes the important point that hearings in various parts of the percent of their farm yield. when the federal crop insurance country, the commission found But disaster relief only system is made equitable and that farmers have a number of workable, disaster programs kicks in when afarmer's should be abolished. concerns about crop insurance, productionfalls to 60 per- including the fact that programs As the April 15 crop insurance are underused: the perceived cent of county average yield. sign up deadline approaches, high cost of coverage: the com- ask yourself this question: Are plexity of enrollment procedures: • Farmers can get up to you better offwith an effective the actuarial soundness of the crop insurance program, or with 90 percent of the estimated the political uncertainties of dis- program: and the inability to in- market price of their crops sure many of the specialty crops aster relief? grown in our state. under crop insurance, com- I believe that Congress is the But the commission con- pared withjust 65 percent problem and should stay out of cluded that despite these of the three-year market the disaster business in order to problems a revitalized program let the crop insurance program price average under dis- work. can serve agriculture well, aster assistance. Crop in- provided that a number of recom- mendations are implemented for surance also places no reforming the system. However, limits on the amount of pay- for some inexplicable reason Con- mentfarmers can receive. gress and the Federal Crop In- Jack Laurie, President surance Corporation have been This proposal to eliminate Michigan Farm Bureau dragging their feet on effecting crop insurance may be a tactic the needed changes. to force a serious review of the A reformed crop insurance pro- crop insurance system. If that is gram would be more beneficial the case, Farm Bureau policy of- for agriculture than congres- fers a good guide for what a sionally mandated relief. For ex- --------------------------------+ +------------------------------------- National Agriculture Week Dental Care Celebrated March 18-24 Seroice Available Soon toFB MiChigan farmers were among largest employer in the United the 21 million men and women States. Members involved in the nation's food and Skill combined with technol- fiber industIY were honored ogy, makes American farmers during National Agriculture the most productive in the world. Week, March 18-24. The theme Here in the United States one for this year's annual celebration farmer provides food and fiber was "Honoring America's for 114 people. In China, one Providers." farmer can only provide food and Approximately 2.5 million fiber for 3.5 people; in Japan, people work on the nation's one farmer produces enough for farms and ranches, as many three people; and in Russia, one people as are employed in the farmer can provide for 11 people. combined industries of transpor- Here in Michigan, the total tation, steel and automobile. agriculture industry generates Nationwide, the growing process- $18 billion a year into the state's ing, transporting and selling of economy. Michigan produces food and fiber provides jobs for over 125 agricultural commod- 21.4 million people, which ities, which makes it second only means that agriculture is the to California in diversity. MiChigan Farm Bureau mem- bers will soon have the oppor- tunity to enroll in FB's newest member service - dental care coverage. Designed to provide comprehensive dental services at Mall Show Stopper! a savings to FB members, the program covers services from an initial oral examination to major services such as dentures or or- thodontics (braces). The program is being offered through the Michigan based Health Care Exchange, Ltd. (HeE). HCE delivers dental ser- vices through a preferred provider network, so you can go to a participating dentist in your community. Participating den- tists have signed agreements with HCE to offer FB members savings of up to 65 percent. In- dividual and family annual en- rollment fees are $50 and $85, respectively. For example, with your FB membership and HCE dental pro- gram you can save up to 65 per- cent on periodic examinations, 39 percent on root canal treat- ment; 36 percent on dentures; and 11 percent on orthodontic braces. The Farm Bureau Tractor Derby was the slww stopper at the recent Further details of the program Fashion Square MaHJarm show sponsored by county FBs in Bay, will be mailed directly to FB Gratiot, Midland, Saginaw, Huron. SL Clair and Sanilac. members over the next several The races drew interested crowds oj slwppers hDping to be in the months. Watch your mailbox winner's circle with their tractor pick. Race announcer Mike Kovacic, and don't delay in taking ad- manager oj the MFB InJormation Division. delivered ag andJood safety vantage of this money saving pro- . messages during his pre- and post-race program. -------------------------------- gram . ----------------------------------+ Rural Leader Available to Michigan Farm Bureau Associate Membership E~ch issue of RurD:lLiving ~agazine contains a special Rural Leader section. Rural Leader tOpICSar~ thpse w~c?-.are ofmterest to Farm Bureau families involved in production agriculture or orgamza~Ion acbVIt~es. If.you are not currently receiving the monthly Rural Leader newslet- ter and are Interested In haVIng monthly updates on organization activities or events, please use the form below to request ~om: subscription. Mail the completed form to Michigan Farm Bureau, Member C0!l1~unIc~bon~ Department, P.O. Box 30960, Lansing, Michigan 48909. Your request subscnption WIll be In effect until December 31, 1990. Yes, I wish to receive the monthly Rural Leader newsletter. Please enter a request subscription for me. • Name • Address • City ---= State and Zip Code • Farm Bureau County of Membership • 1990 Membership Identification Number -------------------- MFB SUpports No Road Salt Study How Do I Get a CDL? MiChigan Farm Bureau is WhO needs a Michigan Com- All meetings are free and open backing a measure in the Mich- merical Drivers License (CDL)? to the public. igan House of Representatives What tests do I have to take? A well-attended series of CDL that would require studies of al- These are just a few of the many informational meetings was held ternative road deicers. questions people are asking in the Central Region. Held in The legislation was developed about the Michigan CDL require- three different locations on in support of using calcium mag- ments at CDL informational March 12, meetings took place in nesium acetate (CMA)as a poten- meetings being held around the Ingham, Shiawassee and Clinton tial substitute for road salt. state. counties. They were sponsored CMA, a petroleum based Two meetings are planned for by the county FBs. Ingham product, can also be derived April in the northern part of the County Promotion and Educa- from com. Its use as a road state. Representatives from the tion Committee, Shiawassee deicer would create a new Michigan Farm Bureau Public Af- County Young Farmers. Shiawas- market for Michigan-grown com. fairs Division, Michigan State see County CES office and Clin- The MFB support is also en- Police Motor Carriers Division ton County FB Community viromnentally sound policy since and Michigan Department of Activities Committee. FB favors measures to reduce State will be at the Logan A complete fact sheet and corrosion of roads, bridges, high- Township Hall, on M-55 west of handbook on the new Commer- ways, utility equipment and M-65 in Ogemaw County, April 2 cial Driver License Law in automobiles. A Road Salt Sub- beginning at 7:30 p.m. The meet- Michigan Is available from the committee of the House Commit- ing is sponsored by the Arenac, Michigan Secretary of State. tee on Transportation held Iosco, Ogemaw and Alcona coun- Bureau of Driver Improvement, public hearings on the bill in Es- ty FBs and Cooperative Exten- Lansing, Mich. 48918. canaba, Grand Rapids and sion Service offices. On April 4. Traverse City during February at 7:30 p.m., the meeting will be and March. held at the Hillman Community Opposition to the proposal comes primarily from county Center, on M-32 east of Hillman. in Montmorency County. The ------~------ road commissioners who cite the meeting is sponsored by the cost difference between CMA and Montmorency, Presque Isle and road salt as a maj or deterrent to Alpena county FBs and CES of- widespread use of CMA. fices. +---------------------------------- Michigan Fanners Ap- were conducted by state and na- Hillsdale FB Sponsors tional resource people. American pointed to National FB Commmodity Specialist Tim "Reform - Not Committees Price stressed the importance of Rollback" Meeting the 1990 fann bill development in his presentation. Emerging Is- Fifteen Michigan fanners have sues for u.s. Agriculture and The The Hillsdale County Farm been appointed to serve on 1990 Farm BUL Bureau sponsored a multl-coun- American Farm Bureau Federa- Price told the audience of FB ty information meeting on the tion commodity advisory commit- commodity committee repre- proposed auto insurance tees. sentatives. 'We are part of an in- premium rollback Feb. 28 in These committees meet at ternational. global community." Hillsdale. MFB legislative coun- least once during the year. more said Price. 'We need (ag) policies sel Howard Kelly and Gary if needed. to consider important that are flexible enough to Wolfram of Hillsdale College were industry issues and make recom- respond to dramatic changes in featured speakers. mendations on policy implemen- the global market." He told the Wolfram. who is a professor of tation to the AFBF board. audience that the current farm political economy. told the The appointees are: James bill has achieved many of the audience of FB members. lfIf Ackron. Belleville. agricultural goals set in 1985 for enhanced there is one lesson to be learned nursery and greenhouse ad- competitiveness. reduced car- from the recent events in com- visory committee; Bob Baldwin. ryover supplies, increased farm munist controlled Europe. it is Croswell. aquaculture; Dave Con- incomes and reduced govern- that state run economies are klln.Corunna.dairy;Gerald ment costs. doomed to eventual failure." Heck. Monroe, eggs; Marlin Out- Other speakers on the day- Translating the lesson of East- man. Constantine. feed grains; long program were Ed Heffron. em Europe into a close-to-home Bob Wahmhoff, Baraga. forestry; director. Food Safety Division. example. Wolfram said. lfIf our Joshua Wunsch. Traverse City. and Mike Chaddock. state state Legislature were to pass a fruit and nuts; Ray Buell. Mil- veterinarian. MDA; Larry Hamm. law tomorrow which required all ford. honeybee; Harley Sietsema; Department of Ag Economics. grocers to sell milk at 50 cents Allendale. poultry meat; Mark Jon Bartholic. director. Water Re- per gallon. we know that there Chapman. S. Rockwood. sheep; search Institute. and Ted would be no milk for sale within Lyle LeCronier. Freeland, Loudon. Deparment of Ag En- days." Driving home his point. soybean; Richard Leach. gineering. MSU; William Buisch. Wolfram continued. "If the Saginaw. sugar; Blaine Van USDA; and Don Parrish. direc- Michigan House of Representa- Sickle, Marshall. swine; James tor. Cotton Rice and Sugar tives has their way and the price Sayre, Belleville. vegetable and Department, American FB. MFB of insurance is legislatively potato; and Mark Smuts. Char- staff members on the program lowered by any amount. much lotte. wheat. were Ron Nelson. Public Affairs less 30 percent, there will be a Division; Ken Ny~. Bob Craig and shortage of insurance. Kevin Kirk. Commodity Activities "Insurance companies must and Research Division. earn a profit to remain in busi- ------~------ ness. If they do not ...insurance companies will not be able to ob- tain salespersons. actuaries to determine the risks involved or lriformation-Packed -----~----- enough money to cover the los- ses caused by accidents. theft. Agenda at Commodity fire and other things against Conference which these companies insure. An artificial reduction in the price of insurance will thus How Perestroika may impact reduce the amount of insurance agriculture. food safety / agricul- sold. But it will also increase the tural chemicals. the 1990 farm amount of insurance people will bill. a review of current legisla- want to buy." tive/regulatory issues, and a dis- cussion of the Michigan Animal Agriculture Revitalization pro- gram, were among the issues dis- cussed at the statewide commo- ------~----- dity conference at Kellogg Cen- ter. East Lansing. on March 6. Workshops on dairy and live- stock water quality/irrigation is- sues. and the sugar program .----------------------------------- ---------------------------------+ Discussion Topic: their farms, and if and when Planning Committee. (An attach- those chemicals are spilled or ment in bulletin E-2173 explains otherwise accidentally released how to calculate the amount of Is Your Farm into the environment. an extremely hazardous sub- Olsen said that sounds like a stance you have on your farm Prepared For an lot of paperwork, but its really to and whether you need to report the benefit of both farmers and its presence.) Emergency? the community in which they • Under Section 304. farmers live. must perform immediate and fol- An Michigan farmers should be aware of their chemical reporting "First of all, it offers farmers some liability protection in the low-up reporting of accidental spills when the extremely hazard- responsibilities under a recently event of an accident." he said. ous substance is spilled at or enacted law called the Super- Second, Olsen notes, the above a "reportable quantity." fund Amendments and Reauthor- chemical notification section of Using anhydrous ammonia as ization Act Title III (SARAIII).It's the law protects emergency an example. the threshold plan- also lmown as the Emergency responders (likevolunteer ning quantity is 500 pounds of Planning and Community Right firemen) by letting them know active ingredient. The reportable to KnowAct of 1986. what chemicals are present in a quantity level is 100 pounds. 'This law really resulted from situation like a bam fire. Publications on SARAIII and the Bhopal India chemical emer- Third, the release notification chemical use in general are avail- gency," said Larry Olsen, pes- section helps protect the com- able from your local Cooperative ticide education coordinator for munity environment by allowing Extension Service office. Michigan State University. 'We for the tracking and monitoring It's a complex law. but one had no mechanism in place here of chemical releases. that farmers must understand in the United States to lmow An excellent Cooperative Ex- and comply with in order to where chemicals were and how tension Service bulletin (E-2173) properly protect their farming to respond properly to a spill, in- outlines what farmers must do operations and the communities dustrial accident or fire." under SARAIII. in which they live. SARAIII sets up that mecha- As noted in the bulletin, many nism and requires farmers to in- farmers purchase. use and store Discussion Questions: form local and state officials a variety of products (mostly pes- about the types of chemicals on ticides and fertilizers) that have been classified as "Extremely • What precautions do mem- Hazardous Substances" by the bers in your group take to Environmental Protection Agen- prevent chemical spills and acci- cy. The substances on the list in- dents on your farms? clude such commonly used • What plans do members of chemicals as anhydrous am- your group have in place in case monia, Dyfonate, Paraquat and of fire. spill or accident on their Imidan. farm? Farmers who use these types • What instructions have been of materials must do two types of given to family members and reporting: Under Section 302. employees as to what steps to any farm having at any time an take in case of an emergency? extremely hazardous substance • What information has been at or above a "threshold planning given to farmers in your com- quantity" must notify the State munity about the provisions and Emergency Response Commis- requirements in SARAIII from sion and the Local Emergency your fire department? • Are any members of your Community Action Group volun- teer firefighters? • What suggestions do you have for your county FB or MFB that will be useful in dispensing information about SARAIII to members? + \ \ Tourism Safety Equipment Kits to be Available HelP support Farm Bureau safety efforts and protect yourself and Dollars your family with safety equipment kits. The kits can make a safety difference, particulaJ;'lyin the area of the safe use and handling of agricultural chemicals. StackUp County FB Promotion & Education committee chairpeople received information regarding selling a kit of safety equipment that a farmer • What hap- pens when would need for a typical two-week long planting season. Items in the kit include: chemical resistant gloves, apron, disposable coveralls, face shield, goggles, and respirator. These are items that anyone working with pesticides should be using for their own protection. The equipment in the kit is valued at over $100, but participating county P&E committees may offer it to FB members for only $65 - a 27 percent savings. you take a payroll of $70 Billion* and spread it Discussion Topic • It has given farmers some security that ag land Responses: from Coast will stay in agriculture. What steps need to be to Coast? PA. 116 - Farm- taken to protect this law )'ou get JOBS land Preservation which has been a key to the preservation ojJarm land in ... over 5.5 Program. Michigan? Million * • Uphold the rules - do not make it easier to get out. jobs. Tour- How has P.A. 116 been a • Write our legislators benefit to the members of about keeping it intact. ism is now your group? • Guard against repeal or • Has helped financially the USAS with property tax relief. change of the law. • Legislators from urban second • It has kept farm land in areas need to be educated on the family. the purpose and necessity of largest • Prevented special assess- the law. employer. ments (water and sewage) • As long as it is working, from being placed on proper- it should be left alone. - That's why ty. • The purpose is to 0?J "l1ourism r'/ • Allowedfarmers to stay in business during bad or preserve the farm land - not for someone to get out of it Works For lean profit years .. before the contract is up. How has PA. 116 been a America" benefit to your community? • Must have incentives to keep farmers joining and ... andyou. • It has kept developers using P.A. 116, but do not from coming into community. weaken it. • Protects farm land from • Educate the public to the being split up into small lots. benefits of the P.A 116 pro- • Encourages farmers to gram. keep farming. How many members in • Beneficial to planning your group have land en- commissions for predicting rolled in PA. 116? future development. (0 - 25%) acreage) 34% • Has kept several farmers (26 - 50%> acreage) 16°A> from going bankrupt. (51 - 75% acreage) 15°A> • It has helped to pass (76 - 1000/0acreage) 35°A> school millages . • Makes it easier for the zoning boards to say "no" to National Travel and Tourism home and business builders. Awareness Council 'Preliminary 1988 Estimales, Source: U.S. Tra~ Oala Cmler. @1989,NalionaJTravei and Tourism Aw:m.'fle51i Council. r----------------------------------, I Order Your MFB and AFBF 1990 Policy Books I Literally hundreds of hours have been dedicated to developing, It keeps 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 more than • these two important books. Complete the form below and mail to: Michigan Farm Bureau, Public Affairs Division, P.O. Box 30960, Lansing, MI48909. memOrIeS Please send me a copy of the 1990 policy book for: Michigan Farm Bureau alive. American Farm Bureau Federation Name Mailing Address THE AMERICAN HEART ASS' I OLD-FASHIONED 10 for $1.98 20 for $3.75 _ I,n' VICTORIA --------~-------- 30 for $5.65 " RHUBARB .i " 5 Roots only $1.00 Big. tender, delicious - and perhaps the easiest , I 10 for $1.95 15 for $2.85 of all summer vege- How about some old-fashioned tables! Once established \.' ' Rhubarb pie! It is easy to start the original planting and this Victoria Rhubarb usually produces for 20 I grows a new crop every year years! Martha Washing- . : \ ' without replanting! Gives beau- ton variety produces , . tiful flowers, too. Makes a nice abundant, giant-size with tender tips . I'J' perennial border. Large 5/8" to • O' 1" nursery stock. Sorry, can't be Shipped to California . .- ORDER HERE _ FULL ONE-YEAR t:tOUSE OF WESLEY, NURSERY DIVISION I Depl. 6934-52 1704 Morrissey Drive I GUARANTEE BLOOMINGTON, ILLINOIS 61704 I 1 If within one year of re- HOW C~. I ceipt of your order any MANY NO. COST l plants do not live, just RE- N6211 Martha Washin ton As ara us \ TURN THE SHIPPING LA- N6607 uinault Everbearin Strawberries : BEL ONLY for a free N6772 Victoria Rhubarb : replacement or purchase Illinois Residents add 6%% Sales Tax I price refund. your choice. We guarantee plants to be Postage and Handling .65\ I vigorous. healthy, and NAME TOTAL $ I 1 first class in every way. 1 The WARRANTY IS VOID ADDRESS 1 I UNLESS THE SHIPPING 1 LABEL IS RETURNED. CITY ~.---------------- STATE ZIP J I -------------------------+ Order by June 1and SA VE 10% on all items featured in this ad / Each square contains the price and quantity per package for each size offered. PLOW BOLT NO.3 ELLIPTICAL CLIPPED ~ HEAD HEAD 25 pes. HEAD LGT 1 1-1/4 1-1/2 1-3/4 2 2-1/4 2-1/2 1-1/4 1-1/2 1-1/4 1-1/2 DIA 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 3/8 2.06 2.37 2.73 3.09 3.41 3.78 4.08 3.59 3.83 2.12 4.02 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 OVERSIZE 25 25 7/16 2.82 3.16 3.58 4.01 4.44 4.99 5.48 HEAD 4.26 5.97 3/8 x 1 1/2 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 with7/16 Head 4.46 4.95 5.56 6.17 6.82 7.45 8.50 5.50 6.11 25 for4.24 Each square contains the price and quantity per package for each size offered. HEXAGON BOLT GRADE #5 LGT DIA 1 1-1/2 .:J- 2 2-1/2 COARSE THREAD PLATED 3 3-1/2 4 Quantity per package Price per package 5 6 t0@ Hex Nuts Lock Washer Flat Washer 40 35 30 25 20 20 10 10 10 150 150 150 1/4 1.59 1.78 1.04 1.29 1.47 1.66 1.59 1.90 1.34 1.53 1.82 1.41 40 35 30 25 20 20 10 10 10 150 150 150 5/16 2.20 2.27 1.90 2.32 2.28 2.81 1.71 2.32 2.93 2.81 1.17 1.78 40 30 20 20 10 10 12 10 8 120 100 100 3/8 2.27 2.69 3.42 3.30 1.53 1.78 2.69 2.76 1.59 1.96 2.76 2.88 20 10 10 10 10 10 10 8 6 60 60 60 7/16 1.41 2.02 1.29 1.59 1.90 2.20 2.51 2.88 2.93 2.63 3.42 1.78 10 10 10 10 10 10 8 6 5 50 50 50 1/2 1.34 1.90 2.08 2.51 2.88 3.24 2.93 2.69 2.93 1.71 2.63 2.88 5 5 5 5 5 5 4 4 25 25 25 5/8 1.41 1.66 1.96 2.27 2.57 2.88 2.88 3.37 3.36 1.59 2.63 5 5 5 5 5 4 4 4 24 18 18 3/4 2.39 2.69 3.49 3.54 3.91 3.54 1.83 2.81 4.28 4.89 4.83 --------------------------------------------------- Retum the entire 'onn with your check. Check muat Iccompany order. Pleaae make checka peYlbie to: Hi-Gr_ Nut & Bolt Company Send your order to: SHIPPING INFORMATION - PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY H1-GRADE NUT & BOLT COMPANY 1490 Mlplellwn, S.W. Wyoming, Michigln 4115011 ColTl>lete Name ORDER TOTAL Telephone: (616) 538-11900 Corfl)lete Address City $---- I certify that the goods purchased are for farm use only and 8Xerfl)t from all taxes. State ZpCode o Check here if you wish 10 receive Phone the regular merchandise tist and order form. YOU MUST ORDER FULL PACKAGE QUANTITIES. FREIGHT PREPAID on order. of $50.00 or more. Four Outstanding Members of the Farm Bureau Family Earned Top Awards for 1989 arm Bureau Insur- RUS GARDNER LOREN CARLISLE F Distinguished Sales Award The Elton R. Smith Award ance has the best Oakland County St. Joseph County agency force in agent Rus Gardner agent Loren Car- received the 1989 lisle received this Michigan ... over Distinguished important award Sales Award, hon- for his outstanding 400 professional agents oring him as the contributions to and agency managers top agent in the his profession, the ./ state. The award, community, and serving Farm Bureau the highest honor Michigan Farm bestowed by Farm Bureau Insurance, Bureau. The annual award, started by members throughout the recognizes Rus for his outstanding Farm Bureau Insurance in 1987, is state. sales achievements and client service. named in honor of retired MFB presi- This is the third year in a row that Rus dent Elton Smith. Carlisle wrote 132 Of these 400 dedi- has earned this elite award. new MFB memberships last year. cated men and women, we're proud to honor four JOE SOLITRO LIZ LIGHTHALL Distinguished Management Award Michigan Farm Bureau Membership Award who received major This prestigious Lenawee County awards at our annual award recognizes agent Liz Lighthall Joe Solitro as the is the third recipi- sales convention, held top agency man- ent of this major ager in Michigan, Farm Bureau recendy in Grand Rapids. based on his Insurance award. They are four big reasons agency's outstand- The award is ing sales and presented annually why Farm Bureau Insur- service achieve- to the agent who is ments and his development of new responsible for the most new MFB ance is a leading insurer agents. Joe manages 17 agents serving members in the prior membership Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren Counties. year. As our top membership producer, throughout Michigan. He is an outstanding recruiter, trainer, Liz signed up 140 new members in the and motivator. past year. Four Award Winners ... ... FARM BUREAU VII Working to Make Your Future More Predictable •• _~ INSURANCE J 1 Michigan Farm Bureau Rural Living Magazine Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage P. O. Box 30960 PAID 7373 W. Saginaw Hwy. Grand Rapids, MI Lansing, MI 48909 Permit No. 380