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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. • 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 )'our questions about travel and trip Points, call our new number: 1-800-354-4272 ".MEMBER ----------------We take better care of yOU ••• worldwide! ,I•• ~~1,~'f~ES VOL.67 NO.1 Winter 1990 miCHIGan'S FaRm BeST Help those winter months glide About the Cover by with MACMA's In 1989, Michigan Farm Bureau at- MID-WINTER SALE tained ail all-time membership high oj 104,255 members. The total goalJor Featuring ... 1990 is growth to 106,000 members. • Cherry Pecan & Apple Plum Sausage • Michigan Farm Raised Trout • Honey Tangerines • Pie Slices • French Crescents • Marion Blackberries • • Red Raspberries Pecans Of Special Interest • Dirt Squad and many more frozen fruits. vegetables. nuts. juice concentrates, paving the Way for the Future Support for meats and more. our state's land-grant university, Michigan State Univer- sity, was strengthened by the MFB Land-Grant, Don't ORDER DEADLINE Take itJor Granted/ campaign ...page 12 February 14 DELIVERY Food Safety Initiative Food scare tactics by special interest groups prompted MFB to take the initia- March 12-16 tive in forming a Food Safety Task Force to plan informa- For more information and full listing of tion and education efforts...page 14 products available, contact your county Farm Bureau or call Rural Leader Newsletter Read this special 1-800-292-2680 section of news and information about issues that affect ext. 2305 Farm Bureau and the families who make their living in the state's second largest industry - agriculture. Rural Living is Published Quarterly: on the first day of October, January, April and July by the Michigan Fann Bureau lnfonnatlon and Public Relations DIvision Publication and editorial offices at 7373 West Saginaw Highway, Lansing. Michigan 48917, Post Office Box 30960 (zip 48909); phone 1-517-323-7000, extension 6585. Subscriptions: $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. Publication No. 345040. Established Jan. 13, 1923, as Michigan Fann News, name changed to Michigan Fann News Rural uvlng Dec. 1, 1981. Third-class postage paid at Lansing. Michigan, and at additional matllng offices. Editorial: Connie Turbin, Editor and Business Manager; Kimberly Marshell Neumann, Associate Editor and Production Manager. Officers: Michtgan Fann Bureau President, Jack Laurie, Cass CIty; Vice President Wayne Wood, Mar- lette; Adm1ntstratlve Director, Charles Burkett; 1reasurer and ChtefFlnanctal Officer, Tom Parker; Secretary, William S. WIlk1nson. Directors: District 1, Marlin Outman, Constantine; DIstrict 2, Blaine VanSickle, Marshall; DIstrict 3, Diane Homing. Manchester; District 4, Tom Guthrle, 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 11, Robert WahmhofT, Baraga. At- Large: Davtd Conklin, Corunna; Jack Laurie, Cass CIty; Faye Adam. Snover; Richard Leach, Saginaw. Promo- tion and Education, Holly Porter, Manchester. Young Fanners, Karen Stoneman, Ithaca. that addresses our economic To begin with, I think we have needs, then it's crucial that we to acknowledge that despite the understand and address the en- overall safety of our food supply vironmental concerns that are system, there are some genuine surfacing at this time. concerns that need to be ad- If the environmental portions dressed. For example, we need to of the next farm bill are so broaden and complete our scien- restrictive that farmers lose the tific information about all the opportunity to use the resources chemicals used in agriculture. they control, then the farm bill We depend upon a regulatory en- will be a failure for farmers, vironment that will ensure con- regardless of the other provisions sumer confidence in the food we it contains .. produce and, at the same time, Three out of four Americans allow us to use safe and economi- now consider themselves to be cally effective production tools. environmentalists. I'm sure That's why FB believes that many people among you con- legislation sponsored by leaders sider themselves to be concerned of the House Agriculture Commit- about the environment. How tee, along with the food safety could we not be? But I think in- plan proposed by President creasingly we're seeing people Bush, are realistic proposals to who are publicly willing to wear improve our food safety laws. the environmentalist label, The House legislation, called the which helps translate into politi- Food Safety Assurance Act. cal action. generally takes the right ap- All of this interest in environ- proach in speeding up removal of mental issues creates tremen- hazardous products by estab- AlDokAhead dous opportunities for farmers. lishing a negligible risk standard for residues, instead of the out- Not just challenges, but oppor- tunities to drive home the point dated, unworkable "zero risk" (Editor's Note: TheJoUowing that farmers are the original en- criteria of the Delaney Clause. A summarizes the annual address vironmentalists. Consumers negligible risk standard is in ac- to members by MFB President want a safe and bountiful food cordance with a National Jack Laurie Nov. 30 at the supply, and they trust farmers to Academy of Sciences recommen- organization's annual meeting.) provide it. dation that using such a stand- But consumers have, I think, ard would make our pesticide Certainly our economic future, a different image when they laws more effective and reduce at least in the near term, will be visualize a big, impersonal "food risks to consumers. shaped to a large degree by industry," that in the minds of If, through sound scientific re- federal farm legislation. I think most people includes agricul- search, a product is found to be that most Farm Bureau mem- tural chemical companies, food hazardous, we will be the first bers feel. from an economic processors, grocery stores - in ones to support its removal from standpoint, the 1985 farm bill other words the entire, diverse the marketplace. In fact, we sup- has been pretty successful. Our range of our food production and port the Environmental Protec- mission now is to take the cur- distribution system. tionAgency in seeking an even rent farm programs and build Farmers are not attacked faster pesticide cancellation upon them so agriculture can directly, but their economic process when scientific data prosper in the years ahead. health is certainly wounded in- demonstrates any kind of sig- What we're looking for in the directly. I'm concerned that we're nificant health problem. 1990 farm bill, in general, is to going to see more attacks on the But, it would very helpful for improve net farm income. We food safety system. I'm worried agriculture if more advanced want to be able to take maxi- that we're going to see more inci- warning was provided when a mum advantage of market oppor- dents like the Alar situation, product was being considered for tunities at home and abroad where apple farmers lost millions cancellation. If the grower com- without government interference. of dollars because of irrespon- munity can be provided with And we believe that production sible pronouncements from a some early indications that a par- decisions should be based on publicity-seeking environmental ticular pesticide tool is being in- market demand, and not just the group. vestigated for possible cancel- vagaries of government base So what can we do? What lation, then farmers will be bet- acreage requirements. strategy or tactics can we follow ter able to assess the importance The agenda we're facing for that will allow us to address the of that product, modify use pat- 1990 is environmentalism - in- legitimate concerns of our cus- terns and collect other relevant cluding food safety and ground- tomers, but also allow us to effec- information. water quality. Ifwe as FB tively counteract the scare Beyond improvement in food members want a 1990 farm bill tactics of food safety fanatics? safety laws, we need to give some 4 RURALLMNG. WlNfER 1990 thought to the concepts product. But for IPM to become a cuss cooperative action on assur- presented in a report on alterna- successful tool for agriculture, it ing Michigan consumers that tive agriculture released this must have better defined goals they have the highest quality, year by the research arm of the and more resources devoted to it. safest food supply available National Academy of Sciences. I think there is also a lot of anywhere. Now certainly, opponents of merit in another recommenda- Your county FB is an ideal what we think of as conventional tion made by the National Re- proactive tool to use for telling farming should realize that con- search Council: The United the good news about modern ventional agriculture is always States should invest more than it agriculture. I want to especially changing and adapting to new does now for agricultural salute the Promotion and Educa- conditions. Farmers can point science, especially in the areas of tion program for its Farmers with pride to the fact that chemi- food safety and natural resour- Care publicity and Speakers cal usage has declined in recent ces. Clearly, farmers and society Bureau project. And here in the years, and conservation techni- as a whole would benefit from ad- Grand Rapids area, the Kent ques have improved. So staying ditional research in these areas. County FB organized and trained the course with conventional Certainly, your FB organiza- a media response team to com- farming means agriculture will tion has an important role to municate on food safety issues. continue to change and improve play in the food safety issue. Remember, the goal of most of its production methods. Never- MFB is participating in a us is to make a living for our theless, the National Academy of Michigan Safe Food Task Force. families by producing a high Sciences report suggested that, This group includes repre- quality supply of nutritious, safe, in addition to our evolving con- sentatives from the Food and affordable food. We have to use ventional agriculture systems, Drug Administration, the chemicals to safely protect and the use of alternative farming Michigan Department of Agricul- grow our crops, but few of us practices holds promise for many ture, Michigan State University, have any vested interest in using farmers. commodity groups, processors chemicals Just for the sake of In other words, the report and retailers. The purpose of this using chemicals. doesn't demand that we all go group is to serve as a kind of Another environmental issue out overnight and become or- think-tank to develop and share that's going to be very important ganic farmers. But it does make ideas about food safety, and dis- some very good points about government policies that restrict the use of alternative farming practices. For example, the report points to commodity programs that penalize farmers who want to try something dif- ferent because any practice that reduces acreage counted as planted in a program crop, will reduce the base acreage eligible for federal payments for the next five years. ::2 SIIOPPfl?S IN 5 AVOID SOME FOODS F()I(J alFETY R£ASONS The report also stresses that ONLY A81lIT TWO- TNIR{)$ME many alternative farming prac- aJMPlETELY fY(J MOSTLY ~ATISRED tices aren't something farmers WITH FOOO SAFETY just get up one morning and MOTION ANO NEWS' MEDIA decide they're going to do. There "!'Nfl? T1IAN SCIENrtFIC are trade-offs involved. Com- ~NCE SHAPE FEEUNG~ pared to most types of conven- tional agriculture, alternative agricultural techniques typically require more information, more trained labor, more time and more management skills per unit of production. Of course, when we talk about alternative farming practices, we should not neglect the potential of Integrated Pest Management. IPM has a sound scientific basis and a I5-year track record in terms of saving money, protect- ing the environment and main- taining the quality of agricultural WINfER 1990, RURAL LIVING 5 University to provide renovation, refurbishment and restaffing of the livestock and poultry area at our land-grant university. I believe with modern technol- ogy, livestock production is com- patible with urban and sub- urban development. But farmers will again have to take an active role in supporting research on how to minimize the environmen- tal impact of livestock produc- tion. Fellow FB members, it is agri- cultural prosperity which will keep our rural areas environmen- tally healthy. An economically vigorous farming sector can af- ford to keep our air, water and soil clean, and still produce the food needed by humans on this planet. Let's take care of the environ- ment but, at the same time, let's not lose sight of the fact that on this planet it is still true that humans are the most en- dangered species. You as farmers can be proud of your role in helping to make life bet- ter' safer, healthier and more nu tritious for people allover the to agriculture in the coming year order to prevent contamination is groundwater contamination. of drinking water wells. world. We have seen a great deal of The MFB Community Activi- And you can be thankful you ties Department has available have a vehicle you can use to interest by the Legislature in this work together to discuss and area. Several groundwater protec- copies of a comprehensive tion measures being considered groundwater and environmental take action on the issues affect- in the state House would require quality self-help checklist that ing your industry. That vehicle is testing of well water before you can use to measure the ex- Farm Bureau. As we begin the property can be sold. Another tent of possible groundwater con- 1990s, I calIon you to join me in bill provides for testing of well cerns on your farm. And, the redoubling your commitment to water for bacteria and nitrates American Farm Bureau is the goals and philosophy of our after drilling. On the national developing a water testing pro- great organization. More than scene, there is some talk of put- gram that will be offered to state ever before, being a farmer and ting groundwater provisions in FBs. belonging to Farm Bureau really the next farm bill - even to the Groundwater quality, indeed does make a difference. extent of proposing that your water would have to be tested before you are eligible for farm programs. Once again, there are some the environmental quality of all aspects of rural Michigan, is cru- cial to the development of an im- portant growth sector of our farm economy, namely animal »04 t~ Jack Laurie, President Michigan Farm Bureau things that farmers can do. New agriculture. recommendations being As we look toward the future, developed by Michigan State it's clear that the animal in- University encourage farmers to dustry can have a very positive test soils carefully, to monitor impact on the profitability of the nitrate value of manure Michigan agriculture. We have at being spread on cropland, and to our disposal all of the tools recognize nitrates that are over- necessary for a successful applied can leach into the water animal agriculture economy. To supply. In addition, the Coopera- help achieve that success, FB is tive Extension Service is issuing participating in a Revitalization new recommendations for mixing of Animal Agriculture proj ect. and handling farm chemicals in This program will make $64 mil- lion available to Michigan State 6 RURAL UVING, WINI'ER 1990 Farm Bureau Year in Review sists us in our efforts to educate This year your MFB board of and train future leadership. directors developed a set of long Another good example of a range goals based on the forecast cooperative effort to build leaders data and recommendations of is the Young Farmer program. the state study committee. These This year's Young Farmer Lead- goals will be the guideposts that ers' Conference was the biggest will take your organization for- ever; that's a real credit to the ward into 1995. support received from the county MFB staff developed objectives level. Young farmer activities pro- that in 1990 will move us for- vide learning, and leading, oppor- ward in completion of the five tunities for FB members to the year goals. Those objectives were benefit of both the counties and adopted by the board of directors the state organization. and have now been assigned to In the future, you will see an the MFB divisions to be imple- even stronger emphasis by MFB mented. on developing programs and ac- Goal number one states that tivities that can help you on the by 1995, MFB's growing member- county level. For instance, there ship will be built on FB philoso- will be continued expansion of phy and member programs and Chuck Burkett the Field Comm II network. services. Under this goal we have Administrative Director We've completed the design and planned a number of organiza- implementation of an accounting tional activities, or objectives, as package for use by counties. we call them. They include involv- Michigan Farm Bureau This will be a very positive time ing at least 5 percent of our management tool, by cutting regular members in the member- down the time needed to do book- ship campaign, providing a com- ThiS was a year filled with excit- work, and by providing fast and prehensive county promotion ing activities and accomplish- accurate information about the package on member programs ments in your Farm Bureau financial status of your county. and services, and implementing organization. More counties will also be a plan to offer packaged dues I'd like to share with you some using Field Comm's word notice billings to all counties. directions for the future, and processing system to do county In an effort to continue focus on the opportunities and newsletters. These newsletters, making sure a FB membership is challenges that face us in 1990. and the entire county inform a- valuable to our farm families, And I want to emphasize that tion program, are another good other objectives under this goal word us, because the foundation example of a county and state include evaluating alternative of our activities is anchored in a partnership, in this case, a health care options, exploring op- strong partnership between the partnership working together to portunities for affiliate com- county FBs and the state or- publicize the good news about panies to offer special programs ganization. agriculture and the FB organiza- to members, and researching the Michigan Farm Bureau tion. feasibility of offering a dental pro- develops programs in order to Our new membership renewal gram to our members. benefit counties and those suc- system appears to be generating Goal number two states that cessful county activities in turn a much higher level of renewals by 1995, well managed and ade- cycle back to benefit MFB. For early on in the membership cam- quately financed county FBs will example, in recent years MFB paign, which has significantly provide programs for member in- has worked with the counties to reduced the workload of county volvement resulting in positive energize and revitalize the Com- FB secretaries. county agricultural organiza- munity Action Group program. In order to harvest a field of tions. Our objectives under this Strong and active Community dreams, we have to begin by - goal include encouraging county Groups benefit counties by build- planting the seeds of future FBs to conduct an annual plan- ing a core of committed and in- achievement. Therefore, I would ning process, providing training volved members who can be like to highlight some organiza- and growth experiences for coun- tapped for local leadership ac- tional groundwork that began ty FB boards of directors and tivities. At the same time, a this past year, especially as it re- county secretaries, assisting in vigorous Community Action lates to beginning the implemen- the formation of new Community Group program provides valu- tation of the state study Action Groups. and developing able communications feedback committee report. innovative county Promotion and to the state organization and as- Education projects. WIN1ER 1990, RURAL UVlNG 7 Goal number three re-empha- Other objectives for this goal Agriculture, developing a can- sizes that MFB will be a farmer are increasing contacts and ser- didate surfacing program for use controlled organization of county vices for major market news in the 1990 elections and con- FBs. The objectives here revolve media, making the Rural Spot- ducting a series of training meet- around conducting an outstand- light videos more available to ings for county Candidate ing state annual meeting each Community Action Groups, and Evaluation committees. year and assisting county FBs in conducting a communications One of MFB's greatest their efforts to involve active audit to ensure effective and effl- strengths has been in the area of farmers at county annual meet- cient internal and external com- public affairs. So goal number ings. munications. 11 states that by 1995 MFB will Goal number four states that Goal number eight specifies be recognized as the most effec- by 1995, all programs of the that by 1995 MFB will provide tive organization influencing MFB Family of Companies will county and state leadership agricultural issues. Our objec- support the organization's mis- development programs to in- tives here include implementing sion statement. To that end your crease the opportunities for invol- the National Legislative Action state board approved an objec- vement of members. Activities Program developed by the AFBF. tive specifying the evaluation of and objectives in this area in- Other objectives, partially ac- the employee orientation pro- clude conducting a conference complished with the launching gram to ensure that everyone that provides leadership develop- of the Legislative Update newslet- working for the FB family knows, ment and personal growth train- ter, noted that FB will develop a understands and promotes the ing for all FB members. system to keep key FB agricul- mission statement. Another ob- We are also in the process of turalleaders informed on legisla- jective calls for MFB to assist planning and implementing an tive accomplishments, and county FBs with necessary infor- intensive leadership development generate action oriented com- mation and training for new program. munications on legislative issues. county board member orienta- And during this next year, Once again, it's important to tion. your organization will coordinate emphasize that county FBs are a Goal number five deals with a training program for all com- the image of your organization, mittee people and chairmen at by specifying that by 1995 MFB the county and regional level. will proj ect an image of an action organization addressing issues Goal number nine deals with commodity and economic ac- County Farm on the state and local levels. tivities, by emphasizing FB's Bureaus are a crucial Our objectives for this impor- leadership role in developing, or- tant goal include offering coor- ganizing and executing strategies component of MFB's dinated advertising and to resolve commodity and promotional material to county economic issues. recognition as a FBs, providing county FBs with Our objectives here include strong and effective expanded local media and infor- providing leadership and coor- mation-related service support, dinating related commodity ac- voice of agriculture. expanding our network of well- tivities involving other agricul- trained and articulate leaders at tural groups and conducting re- The legislative the state and county level, search to expand effective promoting the new FB logo and marketing opportunities for mem- activities that you image, and encouraging county bers, especially in cooperation support on the county Promotion and Education com- with our affiliate, the Michigan mittees to carry out issue- Agricultural Cooperative Market- ing Association (MACMA). and state level oriented activities. Goal number six states that Also in the coming year, FB directly benefit your by 1995 the MFB Family of Com- plans to develop an active com- panies will proj ect a quality modity program for use by all economic well being. image of physical facilities consis- county FBs. Your organization tent throughout the state. Our will also implement the American objectives here focus on effective Farm Bureau Market Master pro- crucial component of MFB's use of the FB logo and colors. gram for the benefit of FB grain recognition as a strong and effec- Goal number seven notes that and livestock producers. tive voice of agriculture. The by 1995 MFB will utilize efficient Political action is the focus of legislative activities that you sup- technologies to advance organiza- goal number 10. It specifies that port on the county and state tional objectives through effec- by 1995 the MFB Political Action level directly benefit your tive communications. You saw Committee will be the most effec- economic well being. the results of one objective for tive tool for surfacing, identifying Goal number 12 covers the this goal, with the presentation and electing Friends of Agricul- crucial area of financing your or- of a slide tape ofFB highlights ture. To that end, your organiza- ganization. By 1995, FB will be shown at most county annuals tion will be strengthening the financed by a mix of membership this past fall. criteria for designating Friends of dues, promotion revenues and 8 RURAL IJVING, WINTER 1990 profit center receipts which will this ongoing battle for the hearts sentative and through forums enable it to offer quality services and minds of consumers. like the Council of Presidents and have in place a one year Michigan State University. our and the 1990 series of Cabinet operating equity reserve. land-grant institution. will also Meetings. To that end. organization ob- be a major player in the food In the coming year, you'll need jectives for this year include in- safety controversy. to pay special attention to local creasing the advertising revenue Last year. we waged an all out issues and being part of your in the Rural. Living magazine. re- effort on behalf of our university, community power structure. As searching the feasibility ofjoint using the slogan, MSU Land- the federal government con- venture activities with other Grant. Don't Take It For Granted.. Unues to push programs back state FBs. and studying grant op- Not all the results of that ongo- down to the state and county portunities as a means of provid- ing campaign are easily visible level. it becomes more and more ing increased funding. today. But. as we head into the important that an organization I believe that your organiza- future and begin tackling the like the county FB be in place to tion is in a good. solid financial tough issues facing the agricul- represent the view of farmers position. Thanks to new member- tural industry. farmers will begin and to represent them on issues ship growth. and a commitment harvesting the benefits of our likezonWng,education,transpo~ to use Life Insurance Company land-grant campaign. benefits in tation and environmental quality. dividends. FB is well positioned the form of an even closer work- A strong base of committed to accomplish. by 1995. that ing relationship with university leaders. active in a strong, in- vital goal of having a one year staff and scientists. fluential organization like FB. reserve. No list of challenges facing can make a real difference in im- Goals and objectives planning agriculture could fail to include proving the economic and social can be very beneficial for county the cost of health care in- well being of rural families. FB operations as well. and our surance. One ray of hope in this staff is ready and eager to assist area is that there appears to be a you in your efforts in that area. trend that health insurance Many of you are aware of the costs are coming under control. significant changes in our Group FB staff is working very hard Purchasing program. At its Oct- to make sure that your health 0ber meeting. the Group Pur- care plan is well managed and chasing board of directors cost effective. We are exploring a approved the elimination of the plan to form a Health Insurance tire and battery program. But. Department within the Field tire and battery dealers will be of- Operations Division. This may in- fered an opportunity to join up volve taking over some of the bill- with Farmers Petroleum in order ing operations and other to continue offering these types functions now done by Blue of products. Cross and Blue Shield. And we The Group Purchasing steel hope it could result in some cost program is alive and well. A new savings and better service. vendor agreement will put more Let me conclude. then. by steel inventory out there in the once again noting that the suc- counties to ensure ready access cess of your organization in the to this top quality product. coming year depends upon all of It appears Group Purchasing you making a difference. You can will complete 1989 in its best be proud of the outstanding. financial shape ever. This pro- professional staff that works on gram is well positioned to your behalf. But these dedicated John Feland operate as designed. helping to men and women are just one Executive Vice President provide a significant economic part of the equation of ac- Chief Executive Officer benefit to FB members. complishment. Farmers Petroleum MFB President Laurie has said The involvement of you as the food safety issue will con- county leaders is crucial to Cooperative, Inc. tinue to be on the front burner achieving the goals we have set in the coming year. MFB. in addi- for our organization and in- tion to participating in the Farmers Petroleum Coopera- dustry. tive, Inc., is moving into new Michigan Safe Food Task Force, All of you must continue to formed a food safety committee trade arenas as outlined in last cultivate good two-way com- year's Rural. Living annual report chaired by Ken Nye, director of munications. with your county our Commodity Activities and Re- issue. members through Community search Division. You can be sure Our new convenience store Action Groups and boards of that your organization will be in and expanded service center at directors. and with your state or- a leadership role in providing am- ganization through your district Emmett was completed during munition you can use to fight directors, your regional repre- the last year. While we are still adjusting to this new way of WIN1ER 1990, RURAL LIVING 9 doing business, the concept is al- Farm Bureau 1989 premium topped $47 mil- lion as of Oct. 31, an increase ready reaping rewards. Once this Insurance over the previous year's pace. operation is running smoothly, we can then carry that market September was a record-break- lmowledge to other trade areas. ing month, with more life in- The Farm Bureau I~surance surance sold than in any Our new propane division, companies saw a lot of change in while somewhat delayed in get- previous month in our history. ting started, is expanding very 1989, but our commitment to More good news: For the 14th serve Farm Bureau members year in a row, Farm Bureau Life well at our Caro Service Center. remained as solid as the day we We are gaining wide acceptance has earned the highest possible with our program and are now were founded in 1949. rating (A+,Superior) from the For the first time, FB member- AM. Best rating firm. poised to expand into other areas ship has been made a require- of the state. Our two property-casualty ment for auto insurance companies (Farm Bureau Mutual Other developments during policyholders in Farm Bureau the past year dealt with three and Farm Bureau General) General, one of our two property- produced over $128 million in major contingent liabilities on casualty companies. Farm our balance sheet. The loose total premium in the first 10 Bureau Mutual has had the months of 1989. That represents ends on the bankruptcy of the membership requirement since ECI cooperative refinery in an increase of 8 percent over the Chicago have been gathered and 1949. same period in 1988. Progress also continues on our the books are all but closed on new corporate plan, which calls that issue. for expansion into targeted sub- Another large issue with the urban markets. This plan, recom- Department of Energy has been mended by the MFB state study settled in your cooperative's committee, recognizes the favor. The last issue, which deals growth and profit potential in with the IRS, has developed to a point where our attorneys feel marketing our insurance that we are in position for products to these communities. Our Homeowners insurance pro- favorable settlement. Having gram is undergoing important these three large contingencies out of our daily vision certainly changes to better penetrate new markets as well as our primary gives our staff a new perspective markets. of the future. The increased revenue from Strong volumes in all areas of operation have provided FPC these new markets will help en- with the ability to cover both ordi- hance the financial stability of both FB Insurance and MFB. nary and unusual expenses and still report an after-tax profit of Several new insurance offices are $179,000. being opened as the result of the As we look to the 1990 fiscal plan .. Our portfolio of quality in- year, we are looking at several Larry Thomas avenues to serve the farmers of surance products was also en- hanced. We added a new boat Executive Vice President our great state more effectively. insurance program, and two new We are committed to providing quality farm inputs at fair and life insurance products, includ- We are also proud to say that reasonable prices. We will always ing a term life insurance policy we aided our sister Farm Bureau be searching for means and offering large amounts of coverage (even $1 million and in North Carolina, which needed methods to improve our offering help handling the deluge of more) at low cost. to our members. claims resulting from Hurricane We are very appreciative of the Offering Federal Crop In- surance to Michigan farmers con- Hugo. We sent six adjusters. support of our membership Also in 1989, we entered into during the past year and look for- tinues to be a high priority for us. Our agents wrote over 4,500 partnership with the Michigan ward to developing a better High School Athletic Association relationship with each member new crop insurance policies in 1989, compared to 542 the year to sponsor statewide champion- in the coming year. ship playoffs and provide scholar- before. In fact, one-third of the crop ships for outstanding insurance in Michigan was writ- scholar-athletes. ten by our agents in 1989. More than 130 agents (a third of our agency force) are now trained to sell and service Federal Crop In- surance. In our life insurance operation (FB Life and FB Annuity Co.), 10 RURAL UVING. WINI'ER 1990 with cash payment terms on a hancing the profitability of their simplified grade standard for the markets. The MCFM Operations 1989 crop. Committee is working to revital- The Red Tart Cheny Growers ize the organization to provide Division continues to deal with seIVices to members that meet oversupply and the resultant low their current needs. The use of prices to growers. The 1988 crop an integrated pest management was down in size sufilciently that certification program on a grower returns increased to statewide basis to attract cus- about 20 cents per pound. The tomers and improve sales is marketing committee recom- being studied. mended that growers receive 25.5 cents for their 1989 crop. Growers passed, by a large majority, the continuation of the PA. 232 Red Tart Cheny Infor- mation Program for another five Noel Stuckman years. A proposed new federal General Manager marketing order was submitted to the U.S. Department of Michigan Agricultural Agriculture (USDA)in July. Cooperative Marketing The Michigan Plum Growers Division recommended an 8.5 Association cent per pound base price for the Michigan crop in 1989. Prices paid this year ended up in the 5 Seven divisions and the cent to 6.5 cent range. This was American Agricultural Marketing especially disappointing to our Association (AAMA)Apple and committee since the carry-over Red Tart Cheny Programs were was low, new crop was down and Richard Morgan operated during fiscal year 1988- the division successfully en- General Manager 89. The Kraut Cabbage Growers couraged the USDA to purchase Division and the Fowl Marketing over 100,000 cases of canned Corporate Services, Inc. Division were not active during plums. the year. The Feeder Pig Division is the The Michigan Processing largest marketer of feeder pigs in Corporate SeIVices, Inc. (CSI) Apple Growers Division con- Michigan. The division sold begins its fifth year of seIVice to tinues to represent members in 85,500 pigs, which was down ~2 the Michigan Farm Bureau Fami- negotiations with processors for percent from the previous year s ly of Companies on Jan. 1, 1990. prices and other terms of trade record volume. The 1988 The mission of CSI is to pro- as an accredited association drought caused unprofitable vide quality, cost effective ad-. under the provisions ofP.A 344. prices,and,inturn, a reduction ministrative and support The marketing committee estab- in members' production. seIVices. It provides seIVices lished 1988 crop prices higher The Direct Marketing Division through eight departments: Hu- than the previous year. The markets superior quality food man Resources, Information gross value of processing apples products to FB members Processing SeIVices, Mailing/Bill- was a record high $42 million for through their county FBs in ing and Messenger SeIVices, Michigan. The division ended the Michigan and in 15 other states. Warehouse SeIVices, Purchasing year with a net positive margin Total direct marketing sales for SeIVices, Meeting and Travel and the MACMAboard of direc- the fiscal year was $1.6 million, Planning SeIVices, Controller, tors declared nonqualified which was 12 percent more than Facility and Building Services, patronage. The 1989 prices were the prior year. For the current and Printing SeIVices. agreed upon without arbitration year, the division is operating at Although CSI does not provide and are slightly lower than last a profit and better than last year. seIVices directly to the Michigan year's prices. Closer working relationships farmer, it does so indirectly work- Our success in causing the have been developed with the ing behind the scenes for MFB, U.S. Customs Bureau to imple- county FBs and increased par- FB Insurance, MACMA,Farmers ment the countIy of origin label- ticipation by the counties has Petroleum, Farmers Crude ing requirement should assist in resulted. Production Co. and Group Pur- getting processors to utilize a The Michigan Certified Farm chasing. CSI is excited about our greater amount of domestically Markets Division operated on a family's ability and record of suc- produced apple juice. reduced scope, serving 31 mem- cessfully serving Michigan The Michigan Asparagus bers who operate retail farm agriculture and accept with pride Growers Division established a markets. Member seIVices were its role in assisting in that effort. base price of 57 cents per pound provided to assist markets in en- WINIER 1990, RURAL UVlNG 11 Paving the Way for ---- the Future On the campus of Michigan State University there are many plaques, largely ignored by the thousands of students, faculty and visitors who pass by them. Each plaque is unique, inscribed with a piece of his- tory. Preserved in metal or stone to last for decades, these bits of history are there to tie the present with the past. to pave the way for the future. One such plaque honors the site of College Hall: Michigan State University Founded 1855 On this site stood College Hall. first building in the United States erected for the teaching of scientific agricul- ture. Here began the first college of its kind in America, and the modelfor Land-Grant colleges established under the Morrill Act of 1862. This act granted lands for the endowment of colleges to provide for "liberal andpracttcal education ...the several pursuits and professions in life." By Kimberly Marshell Neumann and not so comfortable. With an Michigan industry and the con- increasing number of requests sumer public receives for the tax A natural partnership formed over the past 70 years between from other programs for a decreasing amount of money dollars allocated to MSU. CES andAES. MSU and Michigan Farm available from the Legislature, MSU Land-Grant, Don't Take It Bureau. But, as with many long- MFB and MSU had to take a For Granted/ became the slogan time relationships. things had hard look at their needs and how and plans were made to let the fallen into a comfortable cycle. to get the necessary funding to public, legislators and FB mem- MSU needs state and federal provide the seIVices that the bers know what MSU was doing funding to keep its research, agriculture industry and general for them. resources and communications public had come to take for A video interview with MSU efforts current. MFB would lobby granted. President John DiBiaggio on the for more, much needed funds for After some brainstorming ses- importance of the land-grant MSU, its Cooperative Extension sions, a special MFB committee, philosophy was shown at cabinet SeIVice (CES) and Agriculture Ex- with liaisons with MSU, decided meetings and at the MSU dean's periment Station (AES). that it was time to remind the luncheon during Agriculture and In recent years. this comfort- public and legislators what it is Natural Resources (ANR)Week at able cycle became more difficult that MSU stands for and what . MSU. 12 RURAL LIVING, WINTER 1990 Lapel stickers and information- On the county level, several hog. In attendance were county al cards were designed and celebrations were organized to FB members, county and state printed. They were distributed recognize the importance of the CES personnel, representatives throughout the year at cabinet CES on its 75th anniversary. from the governor's office, news meetings, Lansing Legislative One of the largest celebrations media, MSU dignitaries, state Seminars, Young Farmer was held in Sanilac County, or- legislators, and agricultural and Leaders' Conference, Michigan ganized by a team of FB mem- community leaders. Live Stock Exchange annual bers led by Sanilac County MFB's support for MSU does meeting, ANR Week attendees Information Chairperson Grace not end in 1989. Plans for con- (distributed by participants of Temple. The 225 guests were tinued partnership go into the the concurrent FFA convention), greeted by host Wayne Wood, , 1990s, including the recently Ag Expo and Summerfest '89. MFB vice president. The day's completed funding for the Elton Lansing Legislative Seminar events included appreciation R. Smith Endowed Chair (see re- participants used the informa- presentations, tours of different lated article). The slogan and tional cards and lapel stickers to farms and a Michigan products belief: MSU Land-Grant, Don't reinforce concerns they dis- buffet - highlighted by a roasted Take It For Granted/ continues. cussed with their legislators. The legislators were also given copies of the cards and a lapel sticker to wear. MFB President Jack Laurie emphasized importance of our land-grant university at many speaking engagements, including Young Farmer Leaders' Con- ference, news backgrounders in the Northeast and Saginaw Val- ley regions and on the WJR Mi~hiqan State University Focus radio show. Ihousand dollars 5100.000 The spring issue of Rurm One h undred . Living was devoted to MSU ac- '1'1Ie £/10/1 R. Smilh Endolt'cd -:::-..- __ ChaIr .... - tivities and achievements. The for the estabhs"."ent 01 ~ President's Message column em- phasized the MSU Land-Grant, Don't Take It For Granted/ theme. MFB Announces Completion of Funding Drive Feature stories on research, for Smith Endowed Chair resources and revitalization high- lighted past contributions to agriculture and consumers and MiChigan Farm Bureau President Jack Laurie announced on Nov. the need for support from the 27 the completion of a three-year fund drive for the establishment of Michigan Legislature and the the Elton R Smith Endowed Chair for the study of food and agricul- agricultural community to en- tural policy at Michigan State University in the College of Agriculture sure the future of MSU's College and Natural Resources. The effort, which solicited contributions and of Agriculture and Natural pledges totaling nearly $1.2 mUlion, was completed with the com- Resources, CES and AES. bined pledge of $100,000 received from county FB organizations and To round out the content of individual contributors. Laurie made the pledge presentation to MSU the spring issue, MFB policies Dean of Agriculture and Natural Resources James Anderson. supporting MSU and its research The endowed chair is named for Kent County dairy farmer Elton and communication efforts were R Smith, who served as MFB president from 1964 until his retire- highlighted. ment in 1986. The Community Action Group Anderson hailed the achievement as representing "the strong discussion topic in the spring partnership between the university and Michigan Farm Bureau and . issue was also on the importance recognizes Elton Smith's long term leadership and contributions to of.our land-grant university. For. Michigan State University." added weight to the topic, Smith, who was present for the ceremonies, told the audience of Gratiot County FB member FB and university leaders, "I have said that I owe my career to two or- Karen Stoneman and President ganizations: Michigan Farm Bureau and Michigan State University. I DiBiaggio were featured in the don't think there's anyone here tonight who feels more pride than I discussion topic segment of the to see this accomplished. It has been my experience that with the April Rurm Spotlight university providing the information and research and Farm Bureau Copies of the spring Rurm providing the action, we really get things done. I don't think any Living were distributed to the other state FB in the nation has as good a relationship with the land- MSU board of trustees, legis- grant university." lators and other state FBs. The Smith Endowed Chair is the 13th endowed faculty position to be established at the state's land-grant university. WINlER 1990. RURAL LIVING 13 MFB Takes Food Sqfety Initiative By Connie Thrbtn State and county FB leaders and articulate apple growers. were on the front line of the Alar These leaders did an excellent Poison in the pantry? Blight in controversy when it erupted in job of responding to both the con- the bin? That's what food safety March following the CBS broad- gressmen and to the public in extremists would have you cast of a 60 Minutes segment en- this national forum." believe as they challenge the use titled, "Intolerable Risk." In that Nevertheless, producers of agricultural chemicals in food broadcast, CBS publicized around the country were dis- production. claims by the NRDC that apples heartened as they watched sales How successful have they and apple products were en- of fresh and processed apples been? dangering public health, particu- drop. Farm marketers, in par- According to Ken Nye, director larly that of very young children. ticular, felt alarm as one call of the Michigan Farm Bureau "On the Tuesday following that after another came in from their Commodity Activities and Re- broadcast, we had over 100 customers asking for assurances search Division and chairperson farmer members in Washington, that the apples and apple cider of the organization's food safety D.C., attending the annual they had purchased at their committee, in 1989 the state and Washington Legislative Semi- markets were not treated with national Farm Bureau organiza- nar," recalls MFB President Jack Alar. tions have dedicated consider- Laurie. "The Alar issue was so 'We had seen the market ef- able resources to combatting the hot that it all but dominated our fects offood scares in the past," food scare claims of groups such discussions with our congres- said Tom Butler, manager of the as the National Resources sional representatives and was Apple Division of the Michigan Defense Council (NRDC). certainly the foremost thing on Agricultural Cooperative Market- "Hundreds of hours have been the minds of the media covering ing Association. "Cooperating spent responding to these at- our lobbying mission. with the Michigan Farm Bureau, tacks - from the Alar scare in 'We were fortunate to have the we pulled together as much solid early 1989 to no-BST (bovine resources of the American Farm scientific information as we somatotrophin) pledges by some Bureau at our disposal in could about Alar use frequency supermarket chains to EBDC responding to these questions and amount, tolerance levels, fungicide cancellations," said and that our contingent of and handling. That information Nye. farmers in the nation's capital in- was released to the news media cluded several knowledgeable in fact sheets, in news releases and at a special news conference follOwingthe second 60 Minutes segment, What About Apples?'" By early summer, the scare •• had subSided and apples sales, while seriously damaged, were recovering. But the quiet on the food safety front would not last long as reports reached the public of supermarket pledges to 14 RURAL UVING, WINrER 1990 ban daily and meat products nouncement that it would com- at annual meetings of the from BST-treated cows. There mission a top public relations Michigan Farm Bureau and its was speculation that the Environ- firm to conduct a survey of con- cooperative affiliates. He mental Protection Agency (EPA) sumers that would provide neces- reminded farmer members that would ban or cancel an entire sary data for formulating an food scares, lost sales and restric- class of fungicides (EBDCs) used effective information and public tions or bans on farm chemicals for fruit and vegetable produc- relations plan. Preliminary data are a very real threat throughout tion. from the survey is expected to be. the agricultural industry if each Because of these repeated as- available early this year. commodity group must defend saults on a range of farm A critical factor in present and its products without the unified products, MFB and MACMArep- future planning, task force mem- support of the entire industry be- resentatives acted to establish bers agreed, would be to estab- hind it. food safety task forces within the lish a communications link with ''It will take a major effort by organization and in cooperation members and representatives of our total organization to defend with food retailers, government Michigan commodity organiza- the overall safety of our food agencies and ag industry leaders. tions. Taking the initiative, they supply system. Farm Bureau, "Michigan Farm Bureau is called a food safety conference in with members producing all com- definitely out in front in respond- Lansing, Nov. 6. Over 70 people modities, must provide the ing to the question of food safety. representing commodity groups, leadership in working in the food Our task force called for con- food retailers, Michigan Depart- safety arena." he said in his an- sumer research, food safety infor- ment of Agriculture, Michigan nual meeting address to mem- mation efforts for both producers State University and the agricul- bers of MFB's marketing affiliate, and consumers, and unified ac- tural news media attended the MACMA,on Nov. 28. tion to combat these food conference. scares," said Nye. MFB President Laurie's food Task force members were en- safety message, delivered to the couraged by the AFBF an- Nov. 6 conferees, was reiterated EBDes: Negligible Risk - Great Producer Impact The Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) ries. No EBDC residues were found in any of decision to restrict a number of uses of EBDC the commodities except apples and onions and fungicides will have a great impact on the those were well below the tolerance levels set ability of the state's farmers to produce some by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). crops, according to Jack Laurie, president of "I believe these test results should reassure the Michigan Farm Bureau. EBDCs (ethylene consumers that they can enjoy Michigan farm bisdithiocarbamates) are a group of relatively products with a great deal of confidence in inexpensive chemicals that have been used for their wholesomeness and safety," Laurie said. the past 40 years to destroy or inhibit the Noel Stuckman, general manager of MFB's growth of fungi in certain fruit and vegetable marketing affiliate, MACMA,said that EBDCs crops, and protect harvested crops from are crucial to the production of fruit and deterioration . vegetable crops in the state, which have an an- In a statement to the news media, Dec. 4, . nual farm value of $400 million. Laurie stressed that FB supports the negligible 'The loss of EBDCs to protect horticultural risk concept in the regulatory process to assure crops in the 1990 crop year will impact con- consumers about the safety of the food supply. sumers as well as farmers. Consumers can ex- 'We are confident that further study and test- pect both lower quality and reduced supplies ing by the EPA will prove that EBDCs are in- coming to market. There's going to be more rot- deed safe for use. They degrade readily in the ten fruits and vegetables," he said. "Farmers environment and can easily be removed by can expect a dramatic increase in the cost of washing or normal food preparation methods," production. The few remaining crop protection he said. materials that will be available will be more ex- Test results released in late November by the pensive and more difficult to use. EBDCs ac- Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA) tually reduce the overall requirements of other showed that EBDC residues are seldom found chemicals. Without this class of fungicides, the in the state's food supply. The MDA laboratory added reliance on alternative products could recently analyzed samples of celery, carrots, ap- cause a build-up in resistance to certain fungi ples, tomatoes, potatoes, onions and cranber- strains." WINlER 1990. RURAL LIVING 15 CONGRATULATIONS Young Farmer Leaders! Outstanding! Connie Kramer, of Huron County, Michigan Farm Bureau's 1989 Outstanding Young Farm Woman. She is active on the farm, in her com- munity, commodity organizations and Farm Bureau. Distinguished! Doug Darling, of Monroe County, 1989 Distin- guished Young Farmer. Active county leader for Farm Bureau and local government. Thank you, Sponsors • Great Lakes Hybrids, Inc . • ~ Farm Bureau Travel Service Winner! Todd Williams, of Calhoun County, 1989 Discussion Meet winner. WE SALUTEeach of the county, Beef and cash crop farmer and past vo-ag instructor. district and state Young Farmer contestants. Maybe next year it could be YOU! 1988-89 FB Legislative Accomplishments Farm Market Signs: Farm valid claim, on the basis of 100 MDAAppropriation: The Bureau initiated an effort which percent of the first $20,000 loss Michigan Department of Agricul- resulted in a special pilot pro- and 80 percent for any amount ture budget was increased by gram allowing for the signage of exceeding $20,000 for dry edible 11.2 percent for a $31.5 million farm markets and u-pick opera- beans, soybeans, wheat, oats, total. The Legislature also ap- tions. 1\venty-four signs were barley, corn and their seeds. The propriated an additional $2.5 mil- placed along 1-94, on various assessment will cease when the lion for food safety, which state highways, and at rest stops fund reaches $5 million and be included testing equipment, in Berrien, Cass and VanBuren levied again when the fund drops state laboratory personnel and counties displaYing a toll-free to $3 million. FB supported an additional staff. telephone number for people to amendment which required a Bridge Weight Limits: S.B. call for information about farm referendum would only be called 127 was passed and became PA. markets and u-pick operations. if 10 percent or 2,000 commodity 173. The legislation will allow The inquiries go into the Mich- producers presented a petition to local police officers to enforce igan Department of Agriculture the director of the Michigan posted weight limits on rural 24 hours a day, seven days a Department of Agriculture bridges and increase fines for week. (MDA).FB worked with the MDA weight violations. FB was in- Covered Loads: H.B. 4316 to develop an acceptable petition strumental in getting an amend- clarifying the covered load ex- and has been actively seeking ment which exempts implements emption for agriculture in the grower signatures. of husbandry and allows move- trucking regulations became law Field Sanitation: The Mich- ment over rural bridges of trucks last June. It states that farm igan Field Sanitation rules be- necessary to the operation of a commodities are exempt from came law last June. The rules farm. the covering provision, however, apply to any farmer using field Animal Industry Act: S.B. the operator of the vehicle is sub- labor for time blocks of more 511 was a rewrite of the Animal ject to a penalty if the load es- than three hours. FB supported Industry Act and regulates the capes from the vehicle. FB was the following amendments for transport, movement and testing instrumental in clarifying the when a farmer employs less than of all livestock and poultry. FB agriculture exemption. 11 workers: family members ex- supported the final bill which Liability Protection: H.B. empted, hygiene education is not was signed as P.A 449. 4674 was signed as PA. 449 of required, employees may use the Anhydrous Ammonia Reclas- 1989. The bill provides stricter same water as the farmer uses, sification: FB successfully op- standards for commercial ap- specific temperature and volume posed an effort by the U.S. plicators of pesticides, including requirements for water exempt- Department of Transportation to aerial applicators, and also re- ed, employees may choose to reclassify anhydrous ammonia quires that farmers be properly bring their own water, and as a poisonous gas. Instead, certified. A major amendment employers with less than 11 DOT decided to retain the supported by FB provides that a employees have the option of present nonflammable gas clas- farmer following the label instruc- providing transportation to a sification for anhydrous am- tions receives a substantial toilet facility within five minutes monia and require the words measure of protection from civil distance. The employees may use Inhalation Hazard to be stamped liability. their own vehicle. The field on shipping papers and con- Migrant Housing Rules: The sanitation package also exempt- tainers. J oint Committee on Administra- ed all agricultural employers Diesel Fuel Excise Tax Rule: tive Rules unanimously passed from the licensing and permit re- Last spring the IRS proposed the migrant rules that would quirements of the Water Haulers diesel fuel distributors must col- bring Michigan's housing rules Act and from well inspection fees lect 15 cents per gallon excise into compliance with the federal on wells used to provide water to tax unless one-third or more of regulations, address safety and employees. their sales were bulk sales (250 health problems related to MSU Appropriation: The gallons or more) to off-road crowded migrant housing condi- Legislature approved a 4.7 per- users. A modified rule was ap- tions' and set minimum space cent increase for Michigan State proved which enables a distribu- per person rather than per adult. University. The Agricultural Ex- tor to sell diesel fuel tax-free if at FB supported the rules. periment Station and Coopera- least 30 percent of sales are bulk Grain Insurance: PA 366 tive Extension Service were for off-road users or 50 percent provides for an assessment of funded as separate line items of the diesel fuel sold on a vol- VIO of a cent on the value of and received a 4.6 percent and ume basis is to tax-exempt, off- grain sold to a grain dealer, fol- 5.4 percent increase respectively. road users provided there is a lowing a favorable referendum, FB was actively involved in the minimum of 500 sales per year; to create a grain insurance fund. appropriations process. or 70 percent of the volume is Payment is made following a sold to tax-exempt users. WINlER 1990. RURAL LIVING 17 Michigan Farm Bureau Prescription Program Save up to hundreds of dollars each year by using the Michigan Farm Bureau/Feld Drug mail order prescription program. Use the valuable coupon below and start your savings today. Call the toll free number 1-800-228-3353 and receive your FREE catalog. FELQI'DRUG PRESCRIPTION SERVICE Cut here and mail to Feld Drug 5023 Grover St. Omaha, Ne 68106 $2 $2 1-800-228-3353 +-------------------------------------- A Publication of the Michigan Farm Bureau Volume 9 Number 1 January 1990 Active Annual Meeting Agenda in Grand Rapids The annual meetings of ton was the special guest Other Wednesday highlights Michigan Farm Bureau and two speaker. included Young Farmer competi- of its affiliates, Farmers MFB's political action commit- tion for state titles of Distinguish- Petroleum Cooperative and the tee, AgriPac, sponsored its an- ed Young Farmer, Outstanding Michigan Agricultural Coopera- nual morning breakfast fund- Young Farm Woman, and Discus- tive Marketing Association, raiser on Wednesday. Retired sion Meet winner; and the an- opened Tues., Nov. 28, at the naval officer and former Vietnam nual banquet. The banquet Grand Plaza Hotel and Grand prisoner of war, Charlie Plumb, program included presentation Center in Grand Rapids. The was the featured speaker. of the Distinguished Service to four-day event which included County FB delegates began Agriculture award and an ad- policy making sessions, election consideration of proposed policy dress by economist Bany Asmus of directors, educational semi- on Wednesday morning. Before entitled, Forecasting Trends, nars, awards program, and trade adjourning on Friday, more than Predicting Farm Prices, and Other show ended Fri., Dec.l. 150 policy resolutions on state, Economic Fables. Action started Tuesday morn- national, and international is- On Wednesday, delegates wel- ing with the FPC annual meet- sues and the MFB organization comed Gov. James Blanchard. ing. MACMAdelegates conducted were presented by members of On Thursday, the organization their annual meeting in the after- the 20-member State Policy honored recipients of the MFB noon. A luncheon, hosted by FPC Development Committee for con- Agricultural Communicator of and MACMA,featured Randall sideration by the delegate body. the Year awards for print and Torgerson, administrator of the Resolutions dealing with nation- electronic media. Election of Agricultural Cooperative Service, al and international issues, directors representing odd-num- U.S. Department of Agriculture. adopted by the delegates, are bered districts and one director The Tuesday afternoon submitted to the American Farm at-large took place in the after- schedule also offered members Bureau Federation for considera- noon. In the evening, award win- and guests a choice of education- tion at the national annual meet- ning county programs were in al seminars on a variety of ing in Orlando, Fla., Jan. 7-11. the spotlight as county FB presi- topics, including food safety, dents were called to the stage of groundwater quality, wildlife the Ambassador Ballroom to crop damage, pesticides, BST, receive recognition for gold star. commercial driver license regula- silver star, or merit programs. tions and time management. The program was followed by a County presidents and mem- fun night with casino games and bership campaign workers dancing in the Welsh Auditorium. celebrated MFB's 1989 all time Delegate action was completed membership high and kicked off on Friday with final considera- the 1990 membership campaign tion of proposed policies and at a Tuesday evening banquet. nomination of the MFB president. Olympic Gold Medalist Greg Bar- +------------------------- + ''Two schools of thinking pre- Cooperatives Need vail. One is that the industrial- Farmer Solidarity ization of agriculture is gradually making agricultural production MiChigan producers attending an assembly line or 'factory in the annual meetings of two of the field' production process Michigan Farm Bureau affiliates where ownership of production were challenged to use their units is becoming separated from cooperatives to build solidarity in management and labor by inves- farmers'ranks and reap econom- tor oriented firms. Evidence is ic rewards from group action. found in the broiler and other Randall E. Torgerson, administra- segments of the poultry industry, tor of the Agricultural Coopera- cattle feeding, and now in. pork tive SeIVice of the U.S. Depart- production. As this happens, con- ment of Agriculture, addressed a ventional farmers are displaced joint luncheon of Farmers Petro- and cooperative's market shares leum Cooperative and the Mich- diminish," he said. igan Agricultural Cooperative "The second school is that an innovative ownership agriculture Marketing ASsociation. can suIVive if it is supported by News programs directfrom the Torgerson said the rapid con- MFB annual meeting included an effective governmental policies solidation of food manufacturing and institutional structures. This interview with Randall Torgerson. assets increases the disparity of does not mean that production of the USDA Agricultural Coopera- market power between farmer agriculture is static. Rather, it is tive Service. Torgerson was the cooperatives and their buyers. dynamic and adopts technology featured speaker at the 1989 "Group action among producers appropriate for medium- and cooperative luncheon. Nov. 28. and effective use of a systems ap- large-scale farm enterprises proach to cooperative buying and managed and often owned by in- and information systems so that selling, therefore, becomes an im- dividual farmers and their as farmers integrate through perative," he said. families. them, benefits of ownership and "One of the biggest issues con- "Obviously, cooperatives and marketing position are captured fronting the future of coopera- other forms of group action are a for their benefit. This is a tall but tives concerns who will be the necessary part of the institution- do-able order," Torgerson said. farmers of the future. Coopera- al structure for farmers to com- To strengthen their positions, tives are built from the ground pete and succeed in concentra- cooperatives have to do a better up by a dispersed ownership ted and integrated industries. job of coordinating among them- production agriculture. But will These organizations must be on selves by eliminating duplicate this structure of production con- the cutting edge of technologies systems and by orderly con- tinue? solidation, he said. Tuesday: Check In - Check It Out! County FB delegation chair- people received registration pack- ets containing annual meeting Promotion and Education Manager Julie Chamberlain welcomed programs, delegate name badges members and guests to the opening of the 1989 MFB trade show seating assignment and special ' hosted by the Michigan Farm Bureau Promotion and Education Com- announcements. Nearly 500 mittee, Nov. 28 and 29. delegates registeredfor the 1989 annual meeting. +----------------------- -------------------------+ Super Tuesday Workshops on Target! From deer herd control to com- new format was well accepted by mercial drivers license regula- FB members. "l think we were tlons, the topics offered at the right on target. The changes in Michigan Farm Bureau annual format - the educational ses- meeting educational sessions at- sions, the larger trade show and tracted more than 300 people to cooperative luncheon - helped to the opening day, Tues., Nov. 28. create an 'event' atmosphere." Workshops were open to any FB Members, said Kovacic, clearly member and were free of charge. are interested in personal growth Also, county FB presidents at- training such as time manage- tending the Council of Presidents ment. Addressing topics such as meeting, held in conjuction with BST and groundwater quality, he the opening day of the annual added, provides a good backdrop meeting, scheduled the work- for the policy discussions that fol- shop sessions as a part of their low during the delegate session. day-long program. "For example, by providing ac- Seven special interest work- curate, unbiased information shops were conducted by per- about BST, I believe that we had sonal growth trainers, scientists, a better informed delegate body Professional trainers Rosemary lawmakers, agency repre- when the resolution came up for Ward (pictured above) and Nancy sentatives and/ or educators. debate. Frye helped time management Topics were: Michigan's new com- "The workshops are just one workshop participants identify mercial driver license program, way of providing our members ways to organize for maximum food safety, groundwater quality, with background and research peTjormance. time management, wildlife information on the many com- management, pesticides, and plex issues facing our industry BST (bovine somatotrophin). The today. There is definitely a value for 1990. Again, the topics will commercial driver's license and to the membership and for Farm be 'front-burner' issues and per- time management sessions at- Bureau. II sonal growth training. We're tracted the highest number of Will educational sessions be of- hoping that we can attract Farm participants. fered at subsequent annual meet- Bureau members who do not or- According to Mike Kovacic, ings? dinarily attend the entire annual MFB Information and Public "Given the success of the first meeting by giving them an out- Relations director in charge of year, the odds are favorable that standing one-day general events annual meeting planning, the we will offer a workshop line-up calendar ," Kovacic said. Food safety perceptions and misconceptions are serious con- cerns for farmers. Workshop par- Members and guests crowded the meeting room to hear workshop ticipants listened carefully to a panelistsfrom the Michigan State Police and the Secretary of State's of panel offood safety experts who .fice describe new commercial drivers license regulations which will go discussed consumer attitudes in into effect Jan. 1. today's market place. -------------------------+ Highest Membership Sugar and Spice... Year Ever Celebrated N ov. 28 was a 14-karat gold evening for Farm Bureau county presidents and membership workers as they celebrated an all- time high membership record of 104,255, achieved in 1989. The county presidents and guests also kicked off the 1990 cam- paign with a motivational ad- dress by Greg Barton, 1988 Olympic gold medalist. Nearly 200 FB volunteers and FB Insurance agents were honored as members of the Director's Key Club during recog- nition ceremonies at the 1990 presidents' and membership kick-off banquet. Established in 1982, Key Club membership is earned by signing five new members during the an- nual membership campaign. During the trade show days Michigan Farm Bestfood products Fabulous Fifteen counties were served with a smile by Jan Wilford, MACMA Direct Marketing were Menominee, Mac-Luce, Cop- coordinator. The daily samplings featured cherries, cheeses, meats per Country, Emmet. Hiawatha- and honey. land, Charlevoix, Cass, Mecosta, Barry, Oakland, Livingston, Shiawassee, Lenawee, Ottawa, and Kent. The recognition goes ...and Everything Nice. to the first three counties in each membership category to reach goal. MFB's Golden Tractor Award puts the emphasis on regular member growth by honoring the top two counties in each category to achieve the highest growth per- centage of farmer members. Win- ning counties were Mac-Luce, Menominee, Hiawathaland, Emmet, Mecosta, Wayne, Eaton, Ottawa, and Kent. The coveted Top Defender award for highest membership renewal was earned by Menomi- nee County. Eighteen counties qualified as target award winners by increas- ing the number of farmer mem- berships in their county. Target counties were Eaton, Emmet, Ot- sego, Presque Isle, Wayne, Wex- ford, Mason, Mecosta, Osceola, Lenawee, Kent, Ottawa, Arenac, While Mom and Dad debated agricultural policy for 1990, these fu- Copper Country, Hiawathaland, ture FB members were tended by nannies. Thefree child care service, Iron Range, Mac-Luce, and sponsored by Michigan Farm Bureau and Farm Bureau Insurance was Menominee. offered on Nov. 29, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fifty county FBs attained their 1989 membership goal. -------------------------+ Delegates Welcome Governor Two Farm Leaders Honored by Michigan Farm Bureau A prominent Traverse City area fruit grower who lost his life in a plane accident this spring and a Muskegon County agricultural and community leader were honored at Michigan Farm Bureau's annual banquet, Nov. 29. Distinguished Service to Agriculture awards, MFB's highest honor, were presented to fruit producer Kenneth Bull, of Bailey, and posthumously to Peter C. Morrison, Jr., accepted by his wife, Janet and son, Peter. In presenting the award for Morrison, MFB President Jack Laurie said his leadership ex- Gov. Jim Blanchard aejt) and Michigan Ag Director Robert MitcheU tended far beyond his local com- (center) talked informaUy with FB members following the governor's munity. speech to the delegate body on Wednesday morning. "Pete's recognition as a leader and respect for him within the fruit industry was made possible ------------~------------- because of the successful family farming operation he managed (Morrison Orchards). He was the first fruit grower in the state to have an on-the-farm processing Former POW Shares Patriotic Message operation, which later included a freezer storage company," Laurie said. Fonner prisoner of war in Vietnam Charlie Plumb inspired the Agri- Pac breakfast audience with his patriotic and personal message of Peter C. Morrison, Jr. courage. Plumb autographed copies of his book, I'm No Hero, which was available for sale. -------------------------+ +-------------------------------------- "Pete supported research and MFB and affiliate company Michigan State University. He led boards of directors. an effort which raised over "Ken was a founder and $150,000 for the Northwest charter member of MACMAin Michigan Horticultural Research 1961 and was elected vice presi- Station. He served as a catalyst dent in 1964. He was appointed for the creation and successful by Gov. Milliken to the Red Tart operation of the Yuba and Cher- Cherry Information Advisory ry Central marketing coopera- Board, elected chairman of that tives. He was an active member board in 1979 and served in that of the Michigan Agricultural capacity through 1988," Laurie Cooperative Marketing Associa- said. tion (MACMA),serving as third "He helped organize the South member of the executive commit- Muskegon Soil Conservation Dis- tee for several years. trict and served as a director for "To say that agriculture will that organization. He was active miss his one-of-a-kind leader- in the drive to build the Grant ship style is indeed an under- Community Hospital and served statement," Laurie said. "This as the chairman of the hospital award honoring his memory is a board. He was a township trus- token of our respect and admira- tee for 40 years and a member of tion for the leadership which Kenneth Bull the Kent City State Bank board Pete Morrison provided through for 26 years, serving as chair- his over 35 years of service to man for five of those years." agriculture. " 1938, including helping to or- ganize one of the first Com- Bull's award was accepted by In presenting Ken Bull's his son, John. award, Laurie paid tribute to the munity Action Groups in the contributions he made to the FB state, serving as president of the organization since joining in Muskegon County FB in 1948, and later as a member of the --------------------~-------------------- Farm Bureau Honors News People Mike Mitchell ofWKJC Radio municator award. Mitchell was their industry and keeps want- in Tawas City, and Robert Selwa nominated by the losco County ing to learn more," Brodacki of the Macomb Daily in Mt. FB and Selwa was nominated by said. "Farmland in Macomb Clemens, were honored Nov. 30 the Macomb County FB. County is dwindling and we by Michigan Farm Bureau as the "Mike Mitchell and WKJC have hundreds of subdivisions organization's Agricultural Com- have made a tremendous effort all around us, filled with people municators of the Year for 1989. to enhance and promote a posi- who have little knowledge about Awards were presented to the tive and proactive image of farming. We believe Robert's in- news people by MFB Vice Presi- agriculture and Farm Bureau. teresting stories about agricul- dent Wayne Wood during the As a result, a large non-farm ture have resulted in a better president's luncheon at the MFB public has a deep appreciation understanding of our industry annual meeting. for, and awareness of, the issues by our urban neighbors." The award has been presented and concerns that face the world In presenting the awards, Vice each year since 1975 to recog- of agriculture," said Russ Nelkie, President Wood said MFB nize members of the news media president of the losco County FB. started the agricultural com- for outstanding service to the Betty Brodacki, Macomb municator recognition program agricultural community and for County FB's Information Com- because farmers were aware promoting a better understand- mittee chairperson said farmers they needed the news media to ing of the agricultural industry in her area appreciate having a reach the non-farm public. "As a by the non-farm public. reporter from a metropolitan small 2 percent of the popula- Only those news media people newspaper take an interest in tion' we need all the help we can who are nominated by the coun- agriculture. get to communicate with the 98 ty Farm Bureaus in their audien- "Robert is a 'city boy' from percent who are not farmers, . ces are eligible to receive the organization's agricultural com- ------------------------ Detroit, but he has shown a genuine interest in farmers and but who make decisions that im- pact on our industry," he said. ------------------~~~::::~ -------------------------------+ Connie Kramer Doug Darling Todd Williams Outstanding Young Farm Woman DistinguishedYoung Farmer Discussion Meet Winner Young Farmer Title cussion Meet winner. He is part County. He and his wife, Cindy of a family dairy partnership. He are part of a family corporation Winners bought his first calf at the age of specializing in cash crops. They 10 and started renting land have two children. when he was 14 for FFA and 4-H What effect do policies of the Three young farmers were projects. He bought into the fami- European Economic Community honored at MFB's annual meet- ly partnership in April 1980. In have on American agriculture? ing for successfully competing in addition to a dairy herd, the Dar- was the topic of the Discussion the organization's annual Young lings grow com, soybeans, Meet final round won by Todd Fanner leadership development wheat, oats, and hay. They are Williams, of Calhoun County. contests. also dealers of seed, chemicals Todd, a graduate of Michigan Connie Kramer, of Harbor and fertilizers. Darling, the son State University with a degree in Beach in Huron County, was of Elgin and Joanne Darling, agriculture education, is a cash . selected as the organization's wins a trip to the AFBF annual grain and beef cattle farmer from Outstanding Young Farm meeting in Orlando and $1,500 Marshall. He wins a trip to the Woman. She and her husband, in Great Lakes Hybrids products. AFBF annual meeting in Orlan- Terry, fann with his parents, While at the AFBF annual meet- do, where he will compete in the David and Janet Kramer. The ing, he will compete with young national Discussion Meet. Todd Kramers operate a 420-acre farmer contestants from other is also the winner of a Caribbean dairy farm and also grow wheat states for the Distinguished cruise, courtesy of FB Travel. and dry beans. Connie is in- Young Farmer title at the nation- Runner-up in the Discussion volved in many FB activities, par- allevel. Meet was Lisa Johnson, of ticularly in the areas of Promo- Runner-up was Dennis Engel- Montcalm County. tion and Education and Agricul- hard, of Unionville in Tuscola ture in the Classroom programs. She is also active in the FFA, 4-H, Dairy Promoters, and the Cooperative Extension Service. The Kramers have three children. Connie wins a trip to the American Farm Bureau Federation annual meeting in Or- lando, in January, and $1,500 worth of Great Lakes Hybrids products. Runner-up was Cheri Chapin, of Mecosta. She and her hus- band, Douglas, operate a 140- acre dairy farm. They have three children. Doug Darling, from Maybee in Each emerging as the winner in Discussion Meet preliminaries and Monroe County, is MFB's Distin- semi-ftnals, winner Todd Williams andftrst runner up Lisa Johnson, guished Young Farmer for 1989. competed side by side in theftnals competition. Otherfinalists were Last year, Darling was the Dis- Frank Arndt, of Gratiot County, and Steve Rogers, of Clinton County. ---------------------------------+ +----------------------------- Environment, Food before delegates adopted a posi- 'We support the use ofBST as tion supporting additional a management tool for the dairy Safety and Biotechnol- biotechnology efforts to provide industry provided that the ogy Top FB Policy Ses- safe products that "increase the federal Food and Drug Ad- sion marketability of our products, ministration (FDA)approves the solve environmental concerns safe use of BST with animals, and improve our productivity at and a program is developed The 470 farmer delegates to a lower cost." The delegates sup- through Michigan State Univer- the Michigan Farm Bureau an- ported research into new uses sity and the Michigan Depart- nual meeting adopted policies for for farm commodities "as long as ment of Agriculture to educate the organization on a number of these technologies are safe and producers to effectively use BST current concerns, including the provide economical benefits to as a management tool," the controversial nuclear, low-level consumers. " policy said. The delelgates op- radioactive waste disposal issue. The biotechnology policy posed the labeling of milk and After a lengthy, occasionally resolution gave conditional sup- other dairy products from cows emotional discussion on the pro- port for the use of bovine that are receiving BST. posed policy and many amend- somatotrophin (BST), a growth Delegates took action on over ment motions, the delegate body hormone. 150 policy recommendations. adopted a position calling for protection of the state's prime farmland. "Prime and unique farmland must be.protected because of its ------------~------------ value as a natural resource and its ability to produce food, feed, and fiber," the policy stated. 'We New Farm Bureau Boards Elected oppose the siting of low-level radioactive waste disposal on any prime farmland in Michigan. Members and stockholders of the Michigan Agricultural Coopera- Further, the process of disposing tive Marketing Association (MACMA),Farmers Petroleum Coopera- of these wastes must at all times tive, Inc. (FPC), and Michigan Farm Bureau (MFB)held elections for consider the protection of public their respective 1990 boards of directors at the organizations' annual health as the top priority." meetings Nov. 28-Dec. 1 in Grand Rapids. Property owners near and MACMAdelegates elected Peter Morrison III, of Williamsburg, to around the necessary waste sites the position on the board left vacant since June due to the death of should be compensated for the P. C. Morrison, Jr. loss of value to their property by Re-elected to the MACMAboard of directors were Jack Laurie, the disposal authority account- George Stover, Richard Walsworth, Martin Blackledge, David Conk- able for that site, the policy said. lin, Margaret Kartes, Marlin Outman, Herbert Umlor, Wayne Wood, The delegates also called on and Joshua Wunsch. Congress to review the Low Level FPC stockholders re-elected the following nominees: Jack Laurie, Radioactive Waste Act of 1980 Mark Smuts, Larry Snider, Jay Landis and David DeJanovich to the and requested reduction of the board of directors. number of sites the act requires Jack Laurie, Cass City, who has headed the Michigan Farm "when possible." Bureau for the past three years was re-elected president. The action The delegates also addressed took place at the reorganization meeting of the board of directors fol- the food safety issue, calling on lowing adjournment of the MFB annual meeting. He was unani- federal and state regulatory agen- mously nominated by the delegate body. cies to improve consumer infor- The board re-elected Wayne Wood, of Marlette, as vice-president; mation programs and to respond and David Conklin, of Corunna, as third member of the executive in a "rapid and aggressive" man- committee. ner to food safety concerns. Newly elected to the 17-member MFB board were Holly Porter, of Proper facilities and resources Manchester, representing the Promotion and Education Committee: necessary to satisfy consumer and Karen Stoneman, of Ithaca, representing the organization's demands should be ensured to Young Farmer Committee. these agencies, the policy said. Re-elected were Marlin Outman, Constantine, representing Dis- The FB organization, the policy trict 1; Diane Horning, of Manchester, representing District 3; Mark stated, should take a leadership Smuts of Charlotte, representing District 5; Larry Snider, of Hart, role in helping to coordinate the representing District 7; Joshua Wunsch, of Traverse City, repre- efforts of the agricultural in- senting District 9; and Robert Wahmhoff, of Baraga, representing Dis- dustry and the entire food trict 11. Also re-elected was Richard Leach of Saginaw as an at-large marketing system to Inform and director. educate consumers. The issue of biotechnology also received considerable debate .------------------------------------ ------------------------------------+ Ain't It Grand Theme Celebrates FB Year A nightclub atmosphere, glitter- ing in gold and black. set the mood for the annual County Farm Bureau awards banquet and fun night Thursday evening. As members ended their meal, sliver screens were lighted with video and slide images that told the story of Farm Bureau ac- complishments in 1989. The audio visual program introduced the report of MFB Administrative Director Chuck Burkett. His brief report highlighted develop- ment and implementation progress of the organization's five-year goal plan. Following his report, MFB President Jack Laurie emceed the awards presentation pro- gram. 1\venty-four county FB presidents came to the stage to receive gold stars for program achievement. Forty-six gold star committee chairpersons were Board members, staff and. members "chipped in" to work the Fun honored with awards in 10 pro- Night casino jrom 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. Dance music by the Robert War- naar Orchestra continued until midnight. gram areas. Nearly 100 silver Promotion & Education: Lena- star and merit awards were wee, Montcalm, Otsego, Eaton, presented. Presque Isle and Presque Isle. Macomb County FBs took top Following the awards pro- honors with five gold stars each. gram, members and guests were Gold star winning county FBs invited to attend the annual fun (by program area) were: night where casino games, prize Membership: Ottawa, Eaton, drawings and dancing awaited Mac-Luce, Mecosta, Emmet them. The Ain't It Grand theme SaJemark Alpena, Sanilac, for the evening was carried out Branch, Otsego, Macomb during fun night activities with Young Farmer: Antrim, Gratiot, distribution of $100 Grand Lenawee, Mecosta, Presque Isle candy bars, and "grand" prizes Policy Execution: Barry, Monroe, donated by the Grand Plaza ~ac-Luce,Emmet, Macomb Hotel; Grand Traverse Resort; Policy Development Genesee, Mission Fte. Resort, on Mack- Montcaln1, Emmet, Macomb, inac Island; Marriott Hotel, in Presque Isle Troy; Marriott Hotel, in Grand Caricaturist Jerry Lemenu at- InJormation: Huron, Newaygo, Rapids; Bay Valley Hotel & tracted as many spectators as Mecosta, Macomb, Presque Isle Resort; Mt. Pleasant Inn Resort; portrait subjects during the Fun Commodity: Ingham, Monroe, and Holiday Inn University Night. He drew 15-20 caricature Mac-Luce Place, in East Lansing. Other portraits each hour, many oj them Direct Marketing: Menominee, "grand" prizes included member- oj winners in the Fun Night priZe Branch, Washtenaw, Eaton, ships at Sam's Wholesale Club, drawings. Emmet Farm Bureau clothing, Caricatures oj award winning Community Activities Committee: Safemark products, Farmers committee chairpeople were Oceana, Newaygo, Washtenaw, Petroleum Cooperative products, drawnjrom photos andJeatured Macomb, Presque Isle MACMAMichigan Samplers, in the annual awards banquet and caricature portraits. slide show presentation. ------------------------------------+ .-------------------------- January Discussion the local unit of government Q: I understand in some parts where it would be initially of the state P A. 116 has been Topic: reviewed. If approved locally, it challenged by prison develop- would be fOlWarded to our office ment. Preserving the where we would have an oppor- Conway: We have had re- Farmland Preserva- tunity to review it. quests from the Department of Many people have the miscon- Corrections to release land for tionAct ception that simply repaying use as part of a correctional their tax credit would terminate facility. But, you have to bear in PubliC Act 116, the Farmland their agreement. I can only mind that land can be released and Open Space PreseIVation stress that the act has never if the proposed use of the land is Act, was pioneering legislation been constructed or amended in deemed to be in the public inter- designed to protect farmland that fashion. The Legislature est - and the governor has said from development by providing never provided for someone to we will build prisons. That has landowners with property tax simply buy their way out of the only happened on one or two oc- benefits. program. casions and I don't expect that But misunderstanding about Q: What is the planning and is going to be something that the purpose of P A. 116 on the procedure farmers should go will happen a lot. part of both farmers and non- through if they think that some- Q: Do you feel pretty optimis- farmers has led to confusion where down the road they would tic about the future direction of about the operation and benefits like to sell off a portion of their PA 116 in the state? of the program. land that's in the program? Conway: Yes I do. The hard Conway: The thing to keep in thing for most people to under- This month's discussion topic provides an update on the mind is that the goal of the pro- stand is that the purpose be- status of P A. 116 with an inter- gram is to preseIVe agricultural hind the program is the view of Dennis Conway, Depart- land. If an individual feels there maintenance of agricultural ment of Natural Resources is some portion of his farm that land - not the preseIVation of he is going to want to dedicate that land until it is ripe for planning specialist in charge of to another use at a later time, development. So one of the the Farmland and Open Space then his initial option is simply things we try to stress to people PreseIVation program: not to enroll that portion of the is that if you are going to get Q: What is the number of farm. Keep in mind that there's into the program you are facing acres currently enrolled in P A. nothing in the act that says the a long term obligation regarding 116? individual has to enroll all the the use of the property. Conway: Currently we have property they own. approximately 4.5 million acres Now, if it turns out later that enrolled. That represents virtual- Discussion Questions: they feel they have, say, a 40- ly all the counties in the state, acre parcel they want to sell out with enrollment concentrated in of 300 acres enrolled in the pro- 1. How has PA. 116 been a the Thumb area and in a band gram, it is possible for them to benefit to the members of your across Michigan towards Mus- submit a request to our office to group? kegon. We started the program divide that 300-acre agreement 2. How has PA 116 been a in 1975 with only a few hundred into three 100-acre agreements. benefit to your community? acres. What they have to do in a re- 3. What steps need to be Q: And what kind of property quest of that type is make sure taken to protect this law which tax benefit does the typical the manner in which they wish has been a key to the preseIVa- farmer receive from the program? to divide their land continues to tion of farmland in Michigan? Conway: The latest figures we meet the eligibility requirements 4. How many members in have from the Department of of the act. We will ask the land- your group have land enrolled in Treasury indicate the average owner for the legal description of PA 116? tax credit was around $3,500. each of his proposed new agree- 0-25 percent? Q: What is involved in leaving ments; a statement indicating 26-50 percent? the program once you have en- how many acres of each of the 51-75 percent? rolled? proposed new agreements is cur- 76-100 percent? Conway: The Frornillandand rently in cultivation, is haIVest- Open Space PreseIVation Act ed grass land, or clear-fenced provides for the termination of the agreement with the farmer improved pasture; and then we will try to divide the agreement -----~----- based on death or total and per- into the fashion that they desire. manent disability. There is also But there are some limits in an application process for leav- what we can do. Generally ing the program before expira- speaking, we cannot create an tion of the agreement. The agreement out of a larger one for process is similar to that used to something less than 40 acres. enroll in the program. The land- owner's application would go to MICROWAVE BONANZA Panasonic Mid-Size Microwave Oven $149.99 PAN NN5408 - Auto weight defrost, auto reheat, cook-a-round automatic turntable, variable power settings from 80W to 600W, two-stage memory, 08 cu. ft. Panasonic FamUy-Size Microwave Oven $189.99 PAN NN6469 - 7.7 cubic foot interior, cook-a-round turntable, automatic weight defrost, and automat- ic reheat, two-stage memory, and variable power level, 80 watts to 700 watts. Panasonic Integrated Telephone and Answering System $139.99 PAN KXT2429- Integrated telephone and answer- ing system with voice synth. announce, speak- phone, LCD clock/readout and memo check All above prices include shipping charges. Send orders, with check or money order, to: L & V Mercantile Farm Bureau Buyer's Service 2712 Commerce St. -LaCrosse, Wisconsin 54603 VISA - Mastercard call toll:free 1-800-356-5806 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 lV!edical 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. 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Not everybody lifetime retirement income. can do that under the new tax law, so this is Even if you are part of the group that may an opportunity you should make full use of. no longer tax-deduct IRA deposits, our IRA is Not only are your deposits tax-deductible, still your best way to save on taxes and but all your interest earnings are tax-deferred, guarantee a retirement income you can't protected from taxes until you take your outlive. money out. Call your Farm Bureau Insurance agent You'll earn a high rate of interest on your today to open you r own IRA ... and look IRA deposits - interest that will compound forward to years of tax savings, high interest, year after year into a huge retirement fund for and a lifetime retirement income. Making your future a little more predictable 11=F~::U:~~:U FARM BUR£AU MUTUAL • FARM BUREAU LIFE • FARM BUREAU GlNERAl ~ • FB ANNUITY Michigan Farm Bureau Non-Profit Org. Rural Living Magazine U.S. Postage P.O. Box 30960 7373 W. Saginaw Hwy. 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