% Farm News T H E ACTION P U B L I C A T I O N O F T H I MICHIGAN FARM BUREAU VOL. 58. NO. 9, SEPTEMBER, 1979 This view of a ship loading at the Farm Bureau Services' Saginaw Terminal sym- tion to their Congressmen. In a meeting with Farm Bureau leaders following sign- bolizes the expanded world markets farmers hope will be opened to them with ing of the bill, President Carter complimented the organization for its work on the the signing of the multilateral trade agreement. Farm Bureau members in International trade negotiations. Implementation of the legislation will begin Michigan and throughtout the nation communicated their support of the legisla- January 1, 1980. (PHOTO BY MARCIA DITCHIE) Trade Bill Will Boost Ag Exports administration for successful completion of the years. Farm Bureau leadership and staff worked Farm Bureau Praised Geneva trade negotiations. with the U.S. trade negotiators both in Washington "President Carter complimented Farm and in Geneva. for Work on Bureau very highly for all the work we've Earlier this spring, Michigan Farm Bureau done In the International trade negotiations, members participating in the annual Washington World Trade Package following it through from beginning to Legislative Seminar included the multilateral trade finish," President Smith reported. "He felt negotiations ia their priority list of topics for discus- Congressional approval and President Carter's that the state Farm Bureaus working with sion with their congressmen. Later, members signing of the largest, single trade bill in American their congressmen gave great support for this throughout the state were active in contacting their history is expected to be a big boost for agricultural legislation." legislators urging passage of the bill. exports and the American farmer. The bill was The agreement, which was signed by 21 nations, OTHER TOPICS DISCUSSED recently ratified by the Senate by a 90-4 vote and drew wide bi-partisan support in Congress, reflec- WITH PRESIDENT CARTER signed by President Carter on July 26. ting the view that freer trade will help the U.S. While elated over the trade treaty signing, "It is agricultural exports that help keep economy and the balance of payments. Implemen- the AFBF leaders told President Carter that the U.S. balance of trade in line and it is tation will begin January 1, 1980. overregulationis having an adverse effect on hopeful that the new trade agreement will Provisions of the treaty will bring discipline to the the economy. "Unless we do something help farmers improve themselves — and thus use of government export subsidies, to discourage about this overregulation, we are going to the American economy — in the market the use of product standards, testing and certifica- have a very difficult time in world trade," place," said Elton R. Smith, president of tion systems to restrict trade, and to eliminate or AFBF President Grant said. Michigan Farm Bureau. enlarge quotas on meat and other agricultural pro- Energy was also among the topics of concern During a meeting at the White House following ducts. The pact also sets uniform methods for discussed with President Carter. the signing of the trade bill, American Farm Bureau determining the value of goods in trade. "Farm Bureau has communicated to you many Federation President Allan Grant, President Smith The trade agreement was the culmination of five of our concerns about energy problems," the AFBF and other members of the AFBF executive commit- years of negotiations among 98 nations and will tee met with President Carter and commended the reduce tariffs by nearly one-third over the next eight (Continued on Page 7) PAGE 2 FARM NEWS SEPTEMBER, 1979 From the Desk of the President Farm Bureau ••. .. Farmer~ Solving Problems What we also have (and which portunlty, and socIal ad- problem-solving exercise is that we are inclined to take for vancement, and, thereby, you can also be a part of MAK- granted) is an organization that to promote the natIonal ING IT HAPPEN. All the allows us to put the most well-beIng ... resources Farm Bureau has ... creative minds in the world to We are currently involved in . members throughout the na- work on common problems Step I of this "analyzing their - tion, staff in Washington, D.C., and come up with workable problems and formulating ac- Park Ridge, Illinois and Lan- Farmers are. creative solutions. Add to that an tion" process - policy sing, Michigan ... could be call- creatures; we have to be. In organizational structure that development. It's the process ed upon to direct their organiz- our vocation, we're called provides opportunities to of analyzing problems and us- ed efforts toward executing a upon every day to come up follow through on that creative ing that creative thinking we policy that YOU helped create. with solutions to unique prob- thinking with collective creative have on tap to come up with What greater personal satisfac- lems. doing - and we really have a solutions to those problems . tion could there be? Our efficiency, the greatest winner! . Examples? There are many This unique process provides ' .. the multilateral trade agree- in the world, is a proven fact. you with the opportunity to Two hundred years ago, 95 Farm Bureau means so ment (see Page 1) is one have input into this cooperative which, I'm convinced, would percent of our population were many different things to so "think tank" - in fact, you'll involved in the production of many different people that I not have enjoyed such a vic- probably not find an organiza- tory in Congress without Farm food and fibre, to feed and think we often overlook the tion anywhere that will give as clothe themselves and the basic reason for its being' - to Bureau's efforts. The National much careful consideration to Agricultural Bargaining Act other 5 percent . Today, slightly solve problems. Let's review a your ideas as Farm Bureau. more than 3 percent produce portion of the "Pl'rpose of (see Page 11) will, with con- the food and fibre for Farm Bureau" ... There are opportunities tinued effort on the part of themselves and the other near- NOW for you to get involved in Farm Bureau members, ly 97 percent. We could not this process ... county policy become another. Farm Bureau Is a free, In- There are issues at all levels have reached that fantastic dependent, nongovernmen- development committees 'are level of productivity without meeting ... there are district - county, state, national and tal, voluntary orgar.lzatlon even international - that will creative thinking and doing! of farm and ranch familIes P. D. meetings going on ... your county Farm Bureau an- be resolved to the benefit of Cre ati ve th in ki ng is unIted for the purpose of agriculture and the' national stimulated by problems, and ANAL YZING THEIR PROB- nual meetings in September / October, and the state annual well-being, because farmers we certainly have no shortage LEMS AND FORMU- contributed their creative think- of those in our business, or as LATING ACTION to meeting in November. ing toward the solution of citizens of the communities and achIeve educatIon Im- The really gratifying thing problems. the world in which we live. provement, economIc op- .about being a part of this Elton R. SmIth Bouquets, Barbs a~d Blobs markets, they can produce and worse, where their efforts are "Dollar-a-Loaf'May be Back sell huge volumes. The met with the "sounds of whether it's in the supermarket economics of scale mean the silence." Is anyone listening? Recent news of expanded price per bushel can be lower check-out-Iine, the local coffee Does anyone care? wheat sales to Russia and the signing of a trade treaty that will shop, at civic group meetings, and farmers can still make a I'm not sure how "average" I provide farmers with increased or through the news media. profit. am, but I prefer the barb to the export sales opportunities may not be greeted with enthusiasm by our urban friends We need to explain that if there The country benefits by hav- were no grain exports,- U.S. ing something to help pay for farmland would have to be our numerous imports; the taken out of production silence and, upon occasion, have used an outrageous state- ment just to jar the apathetic blob (audiences have an im- DONNA (remember the "dollar-a-Ioaf' farmer gets a better chance to scare tactic of '74?). Many of because there is simply not make a profit, and the con- age, too!). When an occasional still have it tomorrow by taking them have the mistaken belief enough demand in this country sumer gets the best quality food bouquet does come along, I the time to say "thanks" today. that selling food to other coun- to use all that our efficient in the world. So ... everyone clutch it to my heart in my We've been hearing that you tries just makes it more expen- farmers can produce. If wins with farm exports. sweaty palms, feeding the are pleased with the WJR- sive to U.S. consumers. acreage were cut back, farmers starved ego, until the ink blurs The overwhelming victory Michigan Farm Bureau "Acres Wouldn't it lower supermarket would have to be paid a higher and the paper gets soggy. for the Geneva trade package for Charity" project and prices if we kept all that pro- price per bushel to stay in Then I hang it on my wall to indicates that Congress has WSGW-Saginaw County Farm duction here, they ask. business - and the consumer sustain me against the barbs Bureau: "Farm Management" We need to take every is the one who would pay that gotten that message. But it's and let the world know that my project - but how many letters higher price. one we need to keep telling our efforts are not in vain. When it available opportunity to correct from farmers do these radio that kind of thinking. When farmers have overseas urban friends. becomes limp and faded, I stations have in their sunshine tenderly fold the blessed ac- file? You've taken your farm MICHIGAN FARM NEWS The Value colade and put it in a file folder editor for granted for several (ISSN 0026-2161) Bailey, Schoolcraft; District 2, Lowell marked "Sunshine." Eisenmann, Blissfield, R'I; District 3, years but now he's ready to I don't have a government The MiChigan FARM NEWS Is published monthly, on the first day, by Andrew Jackson, Howell, R'I; District 4, Elton R. Smith, Caledonia, R.I; of "Sunshine" agency come in to check my retire and the newspaper is the Michigan Farm Bureau Information District 5, William Spike, Owosso, R-3; considering if it really needs a Division. Publication and Editorial District 6, Jack Laurie, Cass City, R-3; If therefs one thing I've learn- "sunshine" folder to see if my replacement, since so few have offices at 7373West Saginaw Highway, District 7, Robert Rider, Hart, R.I; Lansing, Michigan ~. Post Office District 8, Larry DeVuyst, Ithaca, R.4; ed from my years of experience license should be renewed. indicated their need and ap- Box 30960.Telephone,Lansing (517)323. District 9, Donald Nugent, Frankfort, R. 7000,Extension 508.Subscription price, I; District 10, Richard Wieland, in the news business, it's that Radio and television stations preciation for the services he 80 cents per year. Publication No. Ellsworth, R-I; District 11, Franklin you seldom hear from your au- do and their folders are prob- has performed. The manage- 345040. Schwlderson, Dafter. Established January 13, 1923.Second. DIRECTORS AT LARGE: Walter dience unless you say ably identified "ammunition ment of a radio station wonders class postagepaid at Lansing, MI. and at Frahm, Frankenmuth; Michael additional mailing offices, Pridgeon, Montgomery; Robert.Rottler, something they don't like. for FCC" rather than Sunshine. if it should replace the market EDITORIAL: Donna Wilber, Editor; Newaygo. Marcia Dltchle, Connie Lawson, Small wonder news people There's some good things reports with something more Associate Editors. WOMEN OF FARM BUREAU: Mrs. Andrew Jackson, Howell, R-4. have a "tough" image. On the happening to Michigan consumer-oriented ... And so OFFICERS: Michigan Farm Bureau; President. Elton R. Smith, Caledonia, R. FARM BUREAU YOUNG FARM- whole, they're a sensitive, car- agriculture because of the news it goes. 1; Vice President, Jack Laurie, Cass ERS: David Conklin, Corunna. City; Administrative Director, Robert ing group who have had to media. Farmers need their help It only takes a few minutes to Braden, Lansing; Treasurer and Chief POSTMASTER: In using form 3579, mall to: Michigan Farm News, 7373 grow a tougher skin in an oc- to gain the understanding of write a sunshine note. Let the Financial Officer, Max D. Dean; Secretary, William S. Wilkinson. West Saginaw Highway, Lansing, cupation where there are far the non-farm public and they media know you're not en DIRECTORS: District I, Arthur Michigan 48909. more barbs than bouquets. Or ought to ensure that they will apathetic blob. SEPTEMBER, 1979 FARM NEWS PAGE 3 MDA Makes Organizationa~ Staff Changes K~dinger Gets Key Appointment Dr. Paul E. Kindinger, who has served as director of Michigan Farm Bureau's Com- modity and Research Division for the past four years, has resigned to accept a position with the Michigan Department of Agriculture. He willbegin his new assignment as chief of MDA's Marketing and Interna- tional Trade Division on September 17. PAUL KlNDINGER CALVIN LUTZ DONALD ISLEIB NORMAN BROWN As a result of a recent MDA be merged and under the direc- and vegetable grading, bean in- economists. He has been active ment, including the naming of study, it was re~ommended tion of Dr. Kindinger. Included spection and Iive~tock reports. in researching the feasibility of Calvin C. Lutz as assistant that both domestic marketing in the new division willbe inter- gasohol production and also director of the MDA, and Dr. and international trade be national trade, domestic Prior to his employment with served as assistant secretary- Donald Isleib as the new Toxic within one unit; therefore, the marketing, agricultural promo- ~Michigan Farm Bureau, Kin- treasurer to the Michigan Substances coordinator. Lutz Marketing Division and the In- tion, the Agriculture Reporting dinger taught at the University Agricultural Education and Ex- has served as executive assis- ternational Trade Divi~ion will Service, transportation, fruit of Minnesota and also held a hibition Development Associa- tant to the director since 1977 teaching and research graduate tion, the group coordinating and Isleib was chief deputy assistantship with Cornell the planning of an ag-expo director of tDe department. University. facility. Director Pridgeon also an- During his four years at nounced the appointment of ....--.... Gasohol r7; GASOHO GASOHOL Michigan Farm Bureau, he became known as one of the state's leading agricultural MDA Director Dean Pridgeon has announced other changes within the depart- Norman J. Brown, former Saginaw County Extension director, as executive assistant. GASOHOL Scores GASOHOL GASOHOL GASOHOL GASOH Well Michigan Shnres Experiences The use of gasohol improves The use of lJasohol also ap- engine performance and gas pears to reduce engine wear mileage according to tests con- I and corrosion. ducted by the Automobile Club (AM) of New York. The New York AM con- The gasohol study indicates ducted their tests using a 1977 that engine noise was Pontiac Ventura ana a 1978 eliminated and cars using Pontiac LeMans. Both cars' gasohol sti;\rted easier in the e.ngines were tuned and both winter than cars not using cars were tested on leaded gasohol. gasoline in comparison to The study concluded that a gasohol. mixture of 10% to 15% 200 Michigan Farm Bureau proof alcohol with unleaded gasoline improves gasoline mileage' by an average 11 % . shared some of its test informa- tion and experience with the Straight talk With a mixture of 25 % alcohol and unleaded gasoline, the gas New York researchers. While research in Michigan was not conducted under strict testing about financing mileage was about the same as with regular unleaded gasoline. procedures, it generally a dairy expansion 8 reported the same conclusions Using a 30 % blend of alcohol, - that gasohol improves .1 the fuel economy fell below the With all the decisions it takes to plan a dairy engine performance in most ., I. I expansion, the important matter of selecting a unleaded; but a 10% to 15% cases. as well as increases blend consistently showed an lender sometimes gets short shift. mileage. Fanning is Look for a lender who knows dairying and your increase in gasoline mileage. everybody's bread Overall, the use of gasohol A Michigan Farm Bureau & butter. area, who's committed to helping farm families reduced exhaust emissions of affiliate,' Farmers Petroleum improve their economic well-being. carbon dioxide about 5 % and Cooperative, introduced Who has the financial dou tit takes to handle nitrogen oxide about 25 % . gasohol in Michigan in any size expansion. Emissions of hydrocarbons and February, 1979. There are Who offers money at simple-interest rates. carbon monoxide generally in- now about twenty cooperative Who'll listen to your plans with the creased; however, the emis- stations and about twenty-five understanding you'd expect ofa farmer-owned sions were well within EPA re- other types of stations handling organization. gasohol. For those reasons, and more, look to peA for quirements. financing your dairy expansion. "Will Farmers Michigan Production CredIt AssocIations Alma / Bay City / Grand Rapids / S.E. Michigan (Adrian) / Grow Fuel?" Kalamazoo / Lansing / Sandusky / Traverse City _SeeDiscussion Topic-Page 18 PAGE 4 FARM NEWS SEPTEMBER, 1979 Meet Your State P.D. Committee President Elton R. Smith has Michigan Blueberry Growers appointed the 1979 Michigan Assn. Board. Farm Bureau State Policy Development Committee. The District 6 - Gene Rinke, a committee will prepare policy cash crop farmer .from Capac in recommendations submitted by St. Clair County. Rinke has county Farm Bureaus for the served on the county Policy delegates to the MFB annual Developmeht Committee for meeting. three years and as chairman of the Local and State Affairs Committee members and Committee for two years. He the districts they represent are: attended the 1979 Washington DIstrict 1 - Roger Carr, a Legislative Seminar. hog and grain farmer from Burr Oak in St. Joseph County . DIstrict 7 - Daryl Peter- Carr is vice president of the St. son, a fruit grower from Mason Joseph County 'Farm Bureau County. Peterson has served and president of the Michigan as county Farm Bureau presi- Pork Producers Assn. dent and is a member of the county Policy Development DIstrict 2 - Joan Gould, Committee. He is. also a who operates a beef cattle and cash crop farm with her hus- band near Morenci in Lenawee member of the Michigan Apple Committee and the Michigan Processing Apple Committee. -' Farm Bureau members attending the August 22 statewide Cabinet MeetinglPolicy Development County. Gould is serving her Conference in Lansing listened intently to presentations on nuclear energy, the preservation of second year on the committee. District 8 - Wilson Lauer, agricultural land, and a report on national and international issues. She is the county Women's a cash crop farmer from Ithaca Representing the Michigan Representing the Farm Committee and MFB vice Committee chairman, a 4-H in Gratiot County, serving his Farm Bureau Young Farmers Bureau Women are Jeanette president, operates a dairy and leader and past president of the second year on the committee. are Don Gregory, Glenn Houghton, Janice Stoner and feed crops farm in Tuscola Michigan CowBelles. He has served on the county Preston and Harold Hamlin. Polly Diehl. County. He has served on the Young Farmers Committee, Gregory operates a fruit farm Houghton and her husband state board since 1966, DistrIct 3 - Ralph Setzler, the county' board of directors in Leelanau County and is operate a dairy farm in Mecosta representing District 6 and was a poultry farmer from LaSalle and as county membership serving h!~ second year on the County; she is serving her sec- elected vice president in 1977. in Monroe County. Setzler chairman. committee: He has served on ond year on the committee . . He is active in his county Farm operates his ()wn egg produc- the Northwest Michigan FB She represents District 7 on the Bureau and community ac- tion, processing and marketing District 9 - Wayne Ban- board of directors, the county state Women's Committee and tivities and was a member of system and has been a member croft, a dairy farmer from Policy Development Commit- is a member of the Women's the Kellogg Farmers Study of the county board of directors Buckley in Wexford County. tee and the state Young Speakers' Bureau. Group. for six years. He is also a He serves on the local Farm Farmer Committee. He has Stoner and her husband member of the Michigan Allied Bureau Services Advisory Nugent operates a fruit farm served as a member of the operate a dairy farm in Cass Poultry Industries. Committee and is past presi- MACMA Plum Committee and County. She represents District in Benzie County in partner- dent of the local chapter of District 4 - Joe Klein, its advisory board and is a 1 on the state Women's Com- ship with his father. He MMPA. serving his second year on the member of the Michigan State mittee and is a member of the represents District 9 on the committee, is a fruit and cash Horticultural Society. county Policy Development MFB board and is the third District 10 - John Frey, a crop farmer from Sparta in Hamlin operates a cash crop Committee. member of the executive com- cash crop and beef cattle Kent County. He is a member farmer in Charlevoix County. and vegetable farm in Allegan Diehl and her husband mittee. He also serves on the of the county Farm Bureau He is vice president of the County and is also serving his operate a cash crop and cer- board of directors of MACMA, board of directors and is a past county Farm Bureau and chair- second year on the committee. tified seed farm in Ingham MASA, FBIG, and MFB Group board member of the Peach man of the county's Commodi- He has served on the county County in partnership with her Purchasing, Inc., is president of Ridge Fruit Growers Assn. ty and Land Use Committees. FB board of directors and.is a father-in-law. She was ap- Graceland Fruit Cooperative, Frey is serving his second year member of the state Young pointe'd by the governor to Inc. and is chairman of the District 5 - Donald Hill, a on the committee. Farmer Committee. serve a three-year term on the board ()f Cherry Central fruit farmer from Montrose in Preston operates a dairy and State Exposition and Cooperative, Inc. Genesee CoOnty. Hill is past DIstrict 11 - Edward cash crop farm in Branch Fairgrounds Council and is a Spike operates a dairy and chairman of the Michigan Cer- Johnson, a dairy farmer from County. He is a member of the member of the Women's State cash crop farm near Owosso in tified Farm Markets and a Daggett in Menominee Coun- county board of directors and Legislative Subcommittee .. Shiawassee County in partner- former county FB president. ty. He is vice president of the Policy Development Commit- At-large members on the ship with his brother. He He currently serves as presi- Menominee County Farm tee and is chairman of the committee are MFB board represents District 5 on the dent of the Montrose Board of Bureau, is chairman of the county Young Farmers Com- Directors John Laurie, Donald MFB board of directors and Education, chairman of the county ASCS committee and mittee. He is also a 4-H leader Nugent and William Spike. also serves on the MFB Group Genesee Soil Conservation secretary-treasurer of the U.P. and a member of the FFA ad- Laurie, chairman of the Purchasing, Inc. and FBIG Service and is a member of the Holstein Association. visory committee. State Policy Development boards. Vernie Glasson, director of the National Affairs Division, American Farm Bureau Federation, reported on the status of current legislation being con- sidered in Washington, D.C. He predicted that agricultural land protection, the future of the family farm and the role of Extension and research would Policy recommendations prepared by the state Polley Development Com- be key issues In the presidential campaigns and urged members to develop mittee will be considered by voting delegates to the Michigan Farm Bureau polley in these areas. annual meeting, November 27-30 in Kalamazoo. SEPTEMBER, 1979 FARM NEWS PAGE 5 Farmers Must Have a Marketing Plnn Planning protections from According to Frost, the commodity price swings will benefit of hedging on the not eliminate producer risks, futures market is that it gives but it can help farmers to in- farmers the time dimension to crease profits by managing risks price the market for their com- in the marketplace. modity. "Hedging is a purchase Learning to manage those or sale on the futures market as risks through profitable a temporary substitute for a marketing techniques 'was the merchandising transaction that aim of three state Marketing will take place at a later date," Forums sponsored by the he said. As an example, Frost Michigan Farm Bureau Young described the sale of a futl'T'es Farmer Committee on August contract for December 7, 8, and 9. The forums were delivery. "By selling a futures "You must know your break even costs first. You offered cooperatively through the Young Farmer and Ran- contract today - never with have to look at futures, prices and look at cash price the intent of delivering, but cher Program by the American through buying that contract expectations. " Farm Bureau Federation and back - it would lock in a the Chicago Mercantile Ex- price," Frost told the 80 young wouldn't need the protection. change, Guest speaker at the Michigan forums was CME vice farmers attending the seminars. Only about two percent of the On the other hand, if you see a 'bear' market coming with Hog Production Up president for agricultural futures contracts sold on the lower prices, then the producer rent industry situation. Both Recent USDA statistics in- marketing, Ron Frost. market are actually delivered. ought to very seriously look at dicate that hog producers are long-run and short-run objec- He cautioned, however, that some way of protecting himself carrying out their plans for ex- th;es were set forth and the Managing Risks there are several factors that against that price decline; panding their operations. The methods of achieving these ob- Frost told the young farmers, must be examined before at- perhaps, by selling the futures result is an 18 % increase in jectives were listed. "It does you no good to have a tempting to hedge in the contract at that time." U.S. hogs and pigs inventory -Market hogs at lighter beautiful field of croRs or a nice futures market. "You must Michigan Farm Bureau with a 30 % increase in weights. herd of cattle if, when you are know your break-even costs, members who are interested in Michigan. This increased sup- -CuB inefficient sows and ready to market, you are stuck first," said Frost. "You have to obtaining further information ply is having an effect on the support promotion for sausage with the market price at that look at the futures prices and about marketing alternatives market. In the first week of and ground pork. time. you have to look at the cash can contact Don Currey, Field August, No.1 grade hOgs were -Producers should be "What many farmers do is price expectations." Operations Division, Michigan selling for about $38 per hun- alerted that they face a severe spend 12-15 hours a day on "If you think cash prices are Farm Bureau, P.O. Box dred. This is a major decline cash flow squeeze. production, but when it comes going to be higher, then you 30960, Lansing, Michigan from a price of $55 per hun- -Special coordinated pro- to marketing they are really just wouldn't need to hedge; yo~ 48909. dred weight in March. Some motional efforts should be in- selling off and not thinking forecasters predict prices to itiated between ind ustry. through a marketing plan. That average in the low to mid - 305 organizations. has to change," said Frost. during the last quarter of 1979. -Pork processors and Frost emphasized farmers must acquire greater that Young Farmers Gain During a period of similar ex- pansion, the American Far~ retailers should be encouraged to feature pork. marketing skill to manage in to- Bureau Federation sponsored - Lending agencies should be educated about the current day's volatile commodity markets. "You see livestock from Marketing Forums an industry-wide conference in October of 1976 to discuss the situation and the economic cy- fluctuating $50/ cwt. over the depressed market and what cle which affects the industry. course of a year; fluctuations in might be done to improve the - Producers and all segments grains, What this means is profitability of the pork in- of the pork industry should be there is more risk in farming to- dustry. presented with meaningful day. There has to be a way for Many recommendations economic production and farmers to manage risk." resulted which appear to have marketing information that will merit for dealing with the cur- assist in decision-making. Evaluate Alternatives Of c04rse, futures markets America and Me Contest are really a way to manage risks, but a marketing plan is something that each individual must develop for himself, Frost \ Jerry Ford Heads said. He recommends farmers evaluate all the alter- natives cooperative that Panel of Judges marketing, hedging and con- Former President Gerald Me Essay Contest was started tract marketing - to determine Ford will head the list of finalist by FBIG in 1968 to encourage the method or combination of judges in the 11th annual Michigan youth to seriously methods that is best for their America & Me Essay Contest, consider their roles in operation. sponsored by Farm Bureau In- America's future. Since then, There are a number of ways "You see live- surance Group. nearly 50,000 students have that farmers can gain marketing The' contest, open to any entered, including several knowledge to develop their stock fluctuating Michigan eighth grade student, thousand students from 333 own market plan. Frost cited $50 / cwt; fluc- will be held Oct. 15 to Nov. 9 Michigan schools who par- universities and seminars' such tuatings In in hundreds of schools across ticipated last year. as the Marketing Forums as a the state. FBIG will send con- Prizes on various levels in- prime source of marketing in- grains. What this test materials to every eligible c~ude award certificates, pla- formation. "Universities are means is more school in Michigan in mid- ques, and $2,000 in savings September. bonds, Each year, hundreds of getting more marketing- risk informing to- In addition to President excerpts from the essays are oriented," he said, "offering more courses, more publica- day. There has to Ford, other members of the compiled into booklet form and tions. And, of course through be a way for farm- finalist judging panel, who will distributed to schools, govern- these educational seminars, we determine the top statewide ment leaders and to visitors at talk about all elements of ers to manage winners, are Gov. William G. the State Capitol in Lansing. marketing - not only hedging risk. " Milliken and State Supreme As sponsor of the contest, on the futures market, but also Court Justice Mary Coleman. FBIG has received nine na- cooperative marketing, pool Conducted with the help of tional awards from the marketing and forward con- Farm Bureau Insurance agents Freedoms Foundation at tracting. " across the state, the America & Valley Forge. PAGE 6 FARM NEWS SEPTEMBER, 1979 A Member Asks About INTERVIEW Wetlands Leg~lation Senate Bill 3 also allows the construction or not have any concern that the House Committee maintenance of farm or stock ponds without a per- will narrow or weaken the agricultural provisions in mit. the bill. AI Almy, Director Another very important exemption allows the Environmentalist interests were insistent Public Affairs DIvision maintenance, operation or improvement of an ex- that agricultural use of wetlands be brought Michigan Farm Bureau isting private agricultural drain and drains that are under the permit program. Why are they now legally established under the drain code ... that supporting 5.B.3 with the agricultural ex- would be county or inter-county drains. emptions? Another exemption allows the construction or In the early stages of legislative consideration, maintenance of farm or forest roads without a per- Michigan Farm Bureau pointed out that agricultural mit in a wetland, providing that'the roads are con- use of wetlands does not represent irreparable structed in a manner which will not interfer with the harm or permanent destruction of that resource. What is the purpose and intent of ~etlands flow of the wetland. Any farmer who has wet spots on his -farm knows legislation for Michigan? You have referred to minor drainage that if a tile becomes plugged or the particular The wetlands bill (Senate Bill 3) was originated several times, what does that encompass? agricultural use of the wetland is stopped, the because of public concern about the loss of Reference to minor drainage is very important in wetland will quickly revert back to its original state.";"; wetlands. There have been considerable acres of this exemption section because as the bill was So we were able to point out to members of the wetlands lost through draining and through originally proposed, minor drainage which may be Legislature and the environmental community that development. Those who felt that wetlands are a done in a wetland without a permit was not defin- unlike filling in a wetland -and blacktopping it, valuable resource and should be preserved led to ed ... if that were left to the Department of Natural agricultural use does not permanently destroy a the development of legislation that would put in Resources to define by rule, it could be very impor- wetland. place a permit system to regulate what takes place tant. To a governmental agency, minor drainage Then Farm Bureau has supported 5.B.3 in a wetland. might mean a plow furrow or a slit-trench dug since it was first proposed? The whole idea is that before a wetland can be across a field with a shovel. Farm Bureau is one of the supporters of uged for development, the person wanting to use So the Legislature, in response to Michigan Farm Substitute S.B.3 with the agricultural exemptions that wetland for such a purpose would have to get a Bureau's request, put in a definition of minor that the bill now contains. Farm Bureau support permit from the Department of Natural Resources. drainage that is very broad; to include ditching and , was not given until the exemptions were inserted What is defined as a wetland in Senate Bill tiling for the removal of excess soil moisture in- and we were assured that farmers would be able to 3? cidental to the planting, cultivating, protecting or continue to use a wetland for agricultural produc- The definition is very broad and includes just harvesting crops or improving the productivity of tion without a permit. Other proponents from the about everything. As currently defined in land in established use for agriculture, horticulture, agricultural community include the Michigan Cat- Substitute Senate Bill 3, wetland means, " ... silviculture or lumbering. tlemen's Association and the Michigan Department land characterized by the presence of water at a fre- Another exemption that goes eve.n beyond the of Agriculture. quency and duration sufficient to support, and minor drainage provision is that drainage necessary _ Will the public have an opportunity to under normal circumstances, does support wetland for the production and harvesting of agricultural comment on wetlands legislation? vegetation or aquatic life and is commonly referred products if the wetland is owned by a person who is Yes, once passed by the Legislature, the law will to as a bog, swamp or marsh and which is any of engaged in farming and the land is to be used for go to the Department of Natural Resources which the following: the production and harvesting of agricultural pro- must develop rules and regulations to administer 1} contiguous to the Great Lakes or Lake S1. ducts. Now that simply says ... if some major type the law. These rules are made available to the Clair, an inland lake or pond, a river or stream; of drainage is n~eded, as long as the person who is public and the public will have an opportunity to 2) non-contiguous to the Great Lakes, an inland going to drain the wetland is engaged in farming testify at public hearings on the proposed rules. lake or pond, a river or stream and more than five and is going to use the drained .wetland for acres in size; and agricultural production, he may do so without a 3) non-contiguous to the Great Lakes, an inland permit. lake or pond, a river or stream and five acres or less When would I need a permit for a wetlands Rules Strengthen in size, if the department determines that the pro- drainage project? tection of the area is essential to the preservation of The only reallv conceivable circumstance that the natural resources of the state from pollution, impairment or destruction and the department has would require a farmer to get a permit would be if SCS Connnitlnent to ... he's going to drain a wetland with the idea of so notified the owner." Now again. this definition is broad and virtually using it for a non-farming purpose; and then only if the wetland were of five acres or more in size. Wetlands Protection any wet, marshy area of five acres in size or greater One other possibility would be if the wetland New steps to protect wetlands and encourage is subject to the permit program unless otherwise were considered to be of paramount public interest, wise management of floodplains were announced excluded. whether it were less or greater than five acres. For recently by USDA assistant secretary for Natural There are exclusions for agriculture, but example, there might be some endangered species Resources and Environment, M. Rupert Cutler. how broad are the exemptions? of wildlife dependent on that wetland for survival. According to Cutler, two separate rules publish- There is virtually nothing that is prohibited on In that particular situation, if the department felt the ed in the July 30, 1979 FEDERAL REGISTER may your farm as it relates to a wetland. This is one of wetland to be of paramount public interest then it is be expected to result in changes in.the financial and the big misunderstandings that exists throughout conceivable that they might require a permit before technical assic;+~nce available to landholders for the the state. that wetland could be drained. However, the development of wetlands and floodplains. All Substitute Senate Bill 3, section 6, specifically burden of proof would be upon the department to department agencies at the state and 10callp",pJ ~re contains a number of exemptions for the use of a show that. currently reviewing their activities in the administra- wetland. Those that are of most interest and pertain How will the state identify those unique tion of programs and regulations related to directly to agriculture include grazing of animals. In wetland areas? wetlands and floodplain management. other words, you can turn animals onto a wetland The location of these endangered species is pret- Positive assistance to landholders and other con- and you don't have to get a permit from anyone to ty well known and if the department were aware cerned persons will include providing information do that. that a location where these endangered species are about alternatives and implications in wetlands A second exemption permits farming, hor- living were to be drained it would be incumbent development projects and in evaluating the en- ticulture, silviculture (forestry), lumbering and ran- upon them to take the initiative to require a permit application to be filed. vironmental, social and economic impact of such ching activities including plowing, irrigation, irriga- Will agriculture be able to retain these ex- projects. However, the new rules restrict Soil Con- tion ditching, seeding, cultivating, minor drainage emptions through both House and Senate servation Service (SCS) agencies from giving and harvesting for the production of food, fiber and debate? What is the current status of the technical or financial assistance for drainage pro- forest products. So you can see from that exemp- legislation? jects which would alter certain classifications of tion, you can do just about anything you want in wetlands and floodplains. terms of agricultural production in a wetland and The bill passed the Senate on May 8; following passage it was sent to the House Committee on Exceptions are allowed for compatible land uses use minor drainage to remove the water so that you Conservation, Recreation and Environment. The in type 1 and 2 wetlands, i.e. lands flooded inter- can carry out those activities and not have to get a Conservation Committee has met several times on mittently throughout the year or in the early spring. permit from anyone. the bill since May and when it returns in September For these classifications of wetlands and certain Another important agricultural exemption is the floodplain lands, the SCS office will determine their maintenance or operation of serviceable structures for its fall session, it will take up the bill. We expect ability to offer technical or financial assistance based including dikes and levies in existence on the effec- that the committee will report the bill to the House floor; the speaker of the House has indicated that it upon indications that the land has been used for tive date of the act or constructed pursuant to the will be one of the goals of the Legislature to have agricultural production for three of the five years act. In some areas of the state dikes are needed to the bill passed and on the governor's desk before before the request for assistance, and where there is keep out the Great Lakes water and these particular no practicable alternative. structures can be serviced without a permit. they recess in December. At the present time we do SEPTEMBER, 1979 FARM NEWS PAGE 7 Ag Labor Appointments. Trade Bill Will Boost Ag Exports Gov. William G. Milliken re- cently announced the appoint- AFBF Leaders Meet ment of four people to the Agricultural Labor Commis- With President Carter sion. The appointments are subject to Senate confirmation Perc A. Reeve, 1620 Glen- (Continued &om Page 1) leaders told him. "Most recently we commended ....... ....... dale, Saginaw, will serve for you on your initiative to decontrol prices of the remainder of a term petroleum products. We have long felt that de~on- expiring November 16, 1981. trol will provide the necessary incentives for more He is executive vice president exploration, discovery, and development ot energy of the Farmers and Manu- sources. We are hopeful that your continuing ef- facturers Beet Sugar Associa- forts to meet the energy crisis will move ih the direc- tion and president of the tion of less government involvement. Michigan Agricultural Confer- "We are particularly hopeful that you will relax ence. He will serve as a federal restrictions that prevent exploration and -grower's representative on the development on many government-owned lands, commission. will make environmental regulations more realistic, Guinivere S. Steffens, 6690 and will promote the development of all possible Walker, N.W.; Grand Rapids, energy sources. will serve for the remainder of "Farmers and ranchers are very concerned a term expiring November 16, that, In the event of a serious shortfall of 1980. A fruit producer, she is petroleum supplies, agriculture must be pro- actively involved in American vided adequate and uninterrupted supplies Agri-Women and is a former of fuel In order to ensure adequate food and state chairman of Women for the Survival of Agriculture in fiber production and distribution," they told Michigan. She will serve as a the President. producer member on the com- mission. , A Good Meeting Esther M. Huizenga, 6720 AFBF President Allan Grant, AFBF secretary- Eastern S.E., Grand Rapids, administrator John Datt, and Michigan Farm was reap pointed for a term Bureau President Elton Smith, leave the White expiring June 27,1982. She is House following a meeting with President Carter. a farm market seasonal mana- The farm leaders discussed the problem of over- ger and was first appointed in regulation, energy and transportation with the President. The meeting took place following the 1977. She serves as a seasonal signing of the trade bill. representative on the commis- sion. Fabian Vasquez, At. 3, 72nd Avenue, Hart, was reappoint- ed as a permanent year-round Bergland Visits Michigan worker representative for a Secretary of Agriculture Bob Bob Carr (D-Lanslng) ap- term expiring June 27, 1982. Bergland was in Michigan on peared at a press conference In August 21-22 to wlslt with - Jackson where reporters ask- He was first appointed in farmers In various parts of the ed questions regarding food March of this year for the state. (Hight) Secretary prices, the outlook for ade- remainder of a term. • Bergland and Congressman quate fuel for agriculture, and possible changes In the farm Safety Group Pays program. A pig roast on the Richard Byrum farm near Record Dividends Onondaga highlight (below) was a of Bergland's Dividends totalling more Bureau members who employ Michigan wlslt. Later Secretary than $244,000 were paid in. agricultural workers. Betsland and Congressman August to Farm Bureau The $244,000 was the Carr were guests of Marvinand members participating in the largest amount ever paid in Vlwlan Lott, Ingham County Agricultural Workers Compen- dairy fanners. After a flying dividends in the history of the trip to Iowa for one of Presi- sation Safety Group, a Safety Group. Started in 1971, dent Carter's "Town Hall" member-only program from the Safety Group has paid meetings, Bergland returned Farm' Bureau Mutual Insurance nearly $800,000 in dividends to the Saginaw Valley area. Company. in the last eight years. where he was hosted by Con- The dividend, which equal- Dividends can range from gressman Hobert Traxler led 15 percent of the five to 45 percent, depending (D-Bay City). Bergland's ad- policyholder's premium, was on the overall losses of the par- wlceon how a farmer can make the result of the Safety Group's ticipating members in the Safe- his voice heard In excellent safety record and low ty Group. Washington? "Join a good hard-hitting farm organlza- workers comp losses during the The Safety Group policy tlonl" (More In an In-depth in- period of July 1, 1978 to Jan. period runs an entire year, terlvew with Secretary 1, 1979. although a recent change in the Bergland In next month's The Safety Group, which month starting the policy year FARM NEWS.) currently has more than 2200 (now January instead of July) Farm Bureau members par- resulted in the unusual six- ticipating, is a workers com- month policy period for which pensation insurance plan the recent dividend was available exclUSively to Farm declared. WANTED 35mm Color Slides of Your Farming Operation The MFB Information & Public Relations Division would like to expand its slide library and if you have any slides that could be used for future slide-tape presentations, -please send them to the address below. Your slides will be duplicated and returned. S~nd to: Marcia Ditchie Michigan Farm Bureau Information & Public Relations P.O. Box 30960 Lansing, Michigan 48909 PAGE 8 FARM NEWS Michigan Sugar Beet Growers Conquer Weed Problems By Alan Caroba remained fairly constant for By any standard, Agrico's re- many years. cent "Weed Day" was a big A leading authority on success, drawing farmers from weeds, Dr. William F. Meggitt great distances around the state of Michigan State University's to tour its weed control plots, Pesticide Research Center was Nutsedge and Canada Thistle in attendance and noted that studies, along with demonstra- the major weed species that tions of a recirculating sprayer challenge farmers are lambs- and a factory tour. An quarters and redroot pigweed estimated 1,500 farmers at- with some infestations of both tended. ragweed and smartweed. In Of particular interest to addition, there is some Michigan sugarbeet growers evidence of nightshade in fields were the weed plots as well. There are, as well, an- demonstrating the effectiveness nual grasses such as green and of a number of herbicide com- yellow foxtails, along with binations. Ray Kolwaite, an perennials such as quackgrass, Agrico agronomist, noted that bindweed and sowthistle which 'Weed Day" was a big success as growers from as far as 200 miles away came for the recent represent~tives of the chemical Michigan farmers call "daisies" ,toUl11In Saginaw. An estimated 1500 farmers ,attended the event. (Photo by Alan Caroba) companies actually participate because of its bright yellow a Pyramin-Nortron- TCA com- redroot pigweed." , On one field of high organic in the planting and the applying flowers. bination, alJput down in a band Grower William' Penn, soil, Penn utilized a Nortron- of the herbicides. "I encourage "You've got to want to grow pre-emergence. We've got lots Midland County member from TCA combination and "it's pro- them to check one another and sugarbeets," said Dr. Meggitt, of fields out there," noted Dr. Hope, agreed, noting that he bably the cleanest field we've that way everyone stays noting that sugarbeet farmers Meggitt, "with 95% to 100% had attended last year's "Weed got." Dr. Meggitt pointed out honest." . "are good managers" and very weed control." While Pyramin Day" and decided to go to the that post-emergence control is The result are weed plots responsive to new techniques and TCA have long been in use Pyramin-Nortron-TCA com- often necessary, however, and that give dramatic proof of the that will improve their crop. by the sugarbeet growers, the bination. Currently farming Betenal and Betenex have effects of various herbicides. Proof of this is the fact that introduction of Nortron has 750 acres of sugarbeets in part~ more than proved their worth. Among the herbicide~ Michigan sugarbeet growers proved an important factor in nership with his father-in-law "We can have as many as represented were Pyramin, have been fully mechanized for weed control. "We didn't, in and brother-in-Iaws, Penn seven chemicals put. on TCA, Nortron, Ro-Neet, the past decade while growers many cases, have the longevity noted, that their average, ton- sugarbeets", said Dr. Meggitt, Betanal and Betanex. (All of in other parts of the nation are that we wanted in terms of hav- nage has been 19.and 20 tons. with no crop injury. There is these herbicides are just reaching a point of full ing length of control through Penn expressed some reserva- currently some corcern about available from Farm mechanization. the season and this is where tions about post-emergence carry-over with soybeans and Bureau Services, Inc.) The weed plots revealed that Nortron comes into the pic- weed control, indicating their alfalfa, but studies are being Michigan has approximately Dr. Meggitt's recommendations ture," said Dr. Meggitt. "It gave current methods achieve their conducted to determine the ex- 90,000 acres devoted to were right on target for weed us extra punch on the desired results. tent of the affect. sugarbeets, a figure which has control. "Right now we're using broadleafed weeds, particularly Agriculture Fraternity Has Dear Prospective Student, We would like to have you know of a source of stLident loan funds available only to members of "Good Things Growing" at MSU Michigan Farm Families. The slogan - "Good things Each year AGR members eluding the marching band, Since January 1971, we have made student loans in growing in Mich- participate in a number of com- . rodeo team, Future Farmers of 61 of Michigan's 83 counties. igan" - adopted by the munity service projects. They America, and the Intra- state's farming community in have promoted Michigan's ap- Fraternity Council. Our loan limit is $2500.00 per academic year with a 1977 to promote its agricultural pie industry, helped a local "Alpha Gamma Rho means products, has been used as the museum raise funds through many things to many different maximum to any o.nestudent of $7500.00. Repayment is motto of Michigan State participation in a "bike-a-thon" people," says Armstrong. "It to be made with simple interest at 7% per annum and University's Alpha Gamma and given scholarships to offers a place where a student payments and interest are required to start not later Rho Fraternity for many years. outstanding high school juniors can feel comfortable and at than 12 months after graduation, in most cases. But in the case of the fraternity, involved in FFA. home. It's a place to learn, to those "good things growing" They also participate in in- grow, where life-long friends Write or call for further information: are men rather than food pro- tram ural sports and social ac- can be found." ducts. tivities. AGR members are also For further information on Michigan Rural Rehabilitation Corp. As fraternity president Dave involved in many of MSU's this agricultural fraternity, see P.O. Box 188, Marshall, Mich. 49068 Armstrong says, "We join clubs and organizations, in- the advertisement on this page. Nyle L. Katz, Executive Director together to form a cooperative (616) 781-4646 body to develop better men for a better tomorrow in OR agriculture. " Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity AGR's membership is limited Any of the Directors listed below: to men who are enrolled in MSU's College of Agriculture A fratern ity des igned Joa Penzien, Pres. George Robb and Natural Resources or af- filiated majors. Armstrong, especially for Agricul- ... Mt. Clemens Fowlerville, Mich. who is from Ionia, explains this ture, Natural Resources 313-781-4233 517-223-9462 gives men with common in- and affiliated majors. ' terests the opportunity to live Clark W. Hill, V.P. Chester Johnson and study together. "Umited Qharlotte, Mich. Lakeview, Mich. membership tends to make our 517-543-1415 517-352-7389 house a closer, more per- For more information sonalized house," he said. contact: Elton B. Hill, Secy-Treas. Wallas Jones AGR promotes scholastic Alpha Gamma Rho East Lansing Norway, Mich. achievement by awarding two 517-332-1776 906-563-8669 scholarships each term - one 432 Evergreen Street to the resident who has the E. Lansing, MI 48824 Roy Howes Paul Porter most improved grade average Phone 517-332-D834 Copemish, Mich. Quincy, Mich. from the previous term and 616-362-3636 517-639-4126 another to the "active" who has the highest term grade "Building better men through agriculture," Vernon Kretzschmer average. AGR men have held Bay Port, Mich. the highest grade point average at Michigan State University 517-453-2503 of any of MSU's fraternities. PAGE 9 Will Look at Marketing Potential for Michigan Products "Farmers of.the Week" Honored by FBIG and Pridgeon Heads European Tour Mich. Farm Radio Network A delegation of Michigan agricultural leaders, headed by Five more farmers have been the Cheboygan County local of Dean M. Pridgeon, director of recognized for their contribu- the Michigan Animal Breeders the Michigan Department of tions to the agricultural in- Co-op, local ASCS commit- Agriculture, left August 19 for a dustry and their communities. teeman, member of the board three week People-to-People All were named Farmer of the of the Cheboygan Cooperative tour of Europe. Week in the month of July. Elevator and vice president of The visit is privately spon- The award is sponsored by the Cheboyg~n County Farm sored and organized under the the Michigan Farm Radio Net- Bureau. Hand and his wife, work and Farm Bureau In-' People-to-People Travel Pro- Myra, have four children. surance Group. Winners gram. receive a plaque and a special- Pridgeon said the tour. is ly designed award buckle and designed to promote leather belt from their local understanding and goodwill' FBIG agent .. and to look at the marketing A list of the Farmers of the potenti~l for Michigan Week for July 1979 follows: , agricultural prod ucts. Week of July 2 - F.D. Bloss, MDA Director Dean Pridgeon (center) talks ~ith (left to Two members of the delega- right) Dr. Ondlek, Okelo, Kenya; Abdl Adan Dule. Somali; 59, a Swartz Creek dairy , ..", farmer specializing in tion, Rebecca Tompkins of Mohamed Ahmed Dukslych, Somali; and Dr. Patrick -'" Traverse City and Charles McKenzie, Guyana, who were part of a 12-member registered Holsteins. Bloss, who farms 600 acres in part- Donaldson of Stephenson, are agricultural policy group from nine foreign countries that nership with his son, is a members of the Michigan visited Michigan State University In mid-August. The group member of the Michigan Commission of Agriculture. was Interested In learning how MDA activities are coor- Animal Breeders Cooperative, The delegation will travel dinated with MSU. the Genesee County Farm' through Belgium, Switzerland. They will par- representatives and will visit Bureau, is former secretary Czechoslovakia, the Soviet ticipate in meetings with U.S. agricultural leaders in each of and member of the local Union, Poland and and foreign govern ment the 'countries. school board, and is a.member ROBERT HAND of' the United Methodist Week of July 23 - Jim Church. He and his wife, Wissman, 38 a dairy farmer Dorothy, have three children. from Marine. City who farms FarlD News Sponsors 500 acres and milks 75 cows in partnership with his brother, Earl. He serves as secretary-treasurer for the Menilier Photo Contest local Michigap Milk Producers Assn., is a member of the St. Clair County Farm Bureau and served on the county Farm Bureau board for six years, in- cluding two years as vice presi- dent. Wissman and his wife, Rosemary, are the parents of three children. They were nam- BIG Earn r_, ~u. nc .... ••• ,ofJ.'r... .otlEY IIDI. BUSINESS' IUgIrt At • ed the MMPA's Outstanding HollIe. Young Dairy Couple of 1974 for District 7. F.D. BLOSS Week of July 9 -. Donald Shirley, 38, of Baraga, a beef farmer and contract grower of L('~ trefoil seeds. He farms about ~A\!: 700 acres. Shirley serves as a 3-1N:1 Powe,Feed member of the county ASCS Power Tool. committee, vice president of the Copper Country Farm Bureau, secretary of the local Farmers Livestock Cooper- Michigan Farm News is sponsoring the second annual Michigan Farm Bureau member photo contest. The contest has two divisions: the Junior Division is for members 18 and Planer Molder Saw Three power tools in one- ative, and member of the a real money-maker for you! Western Michigan Livestock younger; the Senior Division is for members 19 and older. The BELSAW Planer/Molder/Saw is Cooperative. He and his wife, a versatile piece of machinery. It Vicki, have two children. Prizes will be awarded in each division as follows: turns out profitable precision molding, JIM WISSMAN 1st prize $50.00 trim, flooring, furniture ... in all popular patterns. Rips, planes. molds Week of July 30 - Leslie 2nd prize $35. 00 separately ... or all at once. Used by Warren, 41, a lifelong farmer 3rd prize : $25. 00 individual home craftsman, cabinet and picture framing shops, lumber from Corunna in Shiawassee Special Merit Awards $10.00 yards, contractors and carpenters. County. Warren raises cash' ."'" Never before has there been a crops and has a 70-head herd For a copy of the official rules of the contest, write: , three-way, heavy-duty woodworker of beef cattle on his 450-acre Michigan Farm News, Photo Contest, P.O. Box 30960, that does so many jobs for so little farm operation. He serves as a cost. Saws to width, planes to desired Lansing Michigan 48909. I thickness, and molds to any choice of trustee and church board ... member for Juddville United patterns. Cuts any molding pattern you desire. Provides trouble-free Methodist Church, is a performance. And is so simple to member of the Hazelton Women's Leader Conference operate even beginners can use it! Township Planning Commis- 3D-Day FREE Trial! EX~~~~GF~~CTS sion and is president of the Shlawassee County Farm Set for September 26-27 NO OWOArlOH-HO"ALlSMAN WIll CAll RUSH COUPON B~WFi=iI:j~LS TODAY! I..... Bureau. "Keys to Growth" will be the be held on Wednesday after- Kansas City, MO 64111 DON SHIRLEY theme of the Michigan Farm noon, September 26 and pro- ~~--.IIP. Bureau Women's 1979 Leader ject' workshops (legislative, BElSAW POWER TOOLS Co.• ' Week of July 16 - Robert A. • 9045 Field Building . , Conference to be held communications and health .. Kansas City. MO 64111 : •• Hand, 42, a dairy and beef September 26-27 at the Valley and safety) will be conducted , 0 YES. plr"u .nrd ",r Ihr FREE B()(.k!rllhal .. farmer from Afton who farms .1l1I r> ",r ro",plrlr jar/' a/>oul Br/.<"..... Planr,. over 1200 acres and has a Plaza Ramada Inn in Midland. on Thursday . Moldrr.S" ..' "nd 1,,1/ dr/wI< on ho ..' I r"n qu,,/''' , (0' II 30.[)a. F'u T,wl ,,~hll1f m. 0"'" >h"p. I milking herd of 40 Holsteins Featured speakers will in- Women interested in atten- ~ ~ undrnw"d ihrrr /) No O/ll'R"'''''; ""d ,h", No and a beef herd of 125 head. clude Carol Kent, a com- ding the two-day conference _ Sr rall./414);242-2630 * ~ Injuries sustained by an be. helpful to agriculture. It FARM NEWS PAGE 11 au Defining the Rules By Allan Grant For decades, growers of agricultural products have join- define bargaining. rules would be helpful. Positive assistance came with passage of S.109 - the ~-- ~~:::. .. - .::: ed cooperatively to seek better Agricultural Fair Practices Act marketing conditions. Over the of 1967. years, these conditions have For the first time, handlers The National Agricultural Bargaining Act of 1979 now changed. Now, many farmers were prohibited from engaging has 37 co-sponsors. Field hearings on the bill are planned and ranchers produce com- in certain unfair practices. for sometime in September. One will likely be held in the modities under contracts with But the _Act contained. a Michigan-Ohio-Indiana area. It is vital that producers processing firms or handlers. number of weaknesses, in- appear at these hearings to relate their personal ex- Included are processing fruits cluding inadequate provision periences and answer questions. and vegetables, turkeys, for enforcement .. - ,-. In a report to Michigan Farm Bureau staff on August 15, broilers, popcorn and milk. Farm Bureau -Cielegateshave AFBF Washington office associate director Don Donnelly Other crops and commodities urged that a more comprehen- said that the proposed legislation is encountering strong op- may be produced under con- sive federal marketing and A restatement and expan- position from processors and, at this point, more letters tract in the future. bargaining act be given high sion of the Agricultural Fair against the bill are being received than for it (Michigan being _ Although many growers legislative priority. They hold Practice Act of 1967 is the third an exception). voluntarily supported mar- that such legislation must be provision. It covers such prac- "If a strong case is built at the field hearings, there is a keting associations designed available to growers in all states tices as coercion, intimidation, good chance there will be action in the House in 1980," to negotiate with processors who wish to organize discrimination, bribery or other Donnelly said. on their behalf, these efforts marketing associations ac- inducement, misrepresenta- were often circumvented by credited to operate within pro- tion, refusal to' bargain and Excessive government regulation and domination handlers. visions of the law. conspiracy on the part of either .by organized labor are the major roadblocks to im- Processors played producers As a result, the National party. proved transportation, according to Chuck Fields, assis- against each other. Refusal to Agricultural Bargaining Act of tant director of national affairs for the American Farm' - bargain in good faith for prices Enforcement is covered in Bureau Federation. 1979 has been introduced in the fourth provision of the act and other terms of trade Congress by California Fields, speaking at an AFBF Grain Outlook Conference, resulted in extreme grower which includes rule making,. said that the recent protest shutdown by the independent Representative Leon Panetta. review and remedy pro- frustration. The bill (H.R. 3535) contains truckers demonstrated the vulnerability of agriculture to To help solve these pro- cedures, with authority for en- those who provide transportation. four major proposals. The first forcement placed with the blems, a new Farm Bureau af- is a requirement that the Fields predicted dramatic growth in demand for transpor- filiate, the American Ag- secretary of agriculture. secretary of agriculture tation in the next ten years. He also said that railroads ricultural Marketing Associa- establish a system for defining, Thousands of farmers now will survive and become an attractive investment. It tion was formed in 1960. and accrediting, voluntary heed this protection. As will be a different rail system than we.now have, AAMA, and member state membership. producer associa- agriculture and farm marketing more labor efficient and making better use of equip- Farm Bureau marketing tions on petition by the growers grow more complex, many ment. Better service will cost money and more bulk ~ssociat!ons, have since engag- of a commodity. thousands more will need this shipments willbe used to hold costs down. Single shipments - ed in marketing for sale of The second provision makes protection in the future. will be available, but must pay their own way, according to select commodities with some ... good faith bargaining a mutual Enactment of H. R. 3535 Fields. notable successes. obligation of both parties. This -the National Agricultural Fields said that effective mergers and regulatory reform Still it is evident that farmers section does not require that Bargaining Act of 1979 - will will be necessary to bring about the efficiencies needed in remain unduly handicapped by agreement be reached, rather greatly improve the bargaining this future transportation system. marketing forces beyond their that a definable fair attempt power of all farmers and ran- control and that national toward such agreement be chers, and contribute to the Creating a separate Department of Education with legislation to more clearly made by both parties. survival of family farming. a more than $14 billion budget would be "a disaster," says John Datt, AFBF secretary and ad- \ '" \ " ministrator. "At this time, when both the executive branch \" and the legislative branch of the federal government rate ~g-Lands Preservation Topic near zero in terms of public confidence, it would be extreme- ly foolish to attempt to saddle American taxpayers with another expensive and unnecessary level of bureaucracy," Datt said. at Tri-State Conference The bill creating an Education Department (S. 210) is now before a Senate-House conference com- In 1973, the Michigan conference is for the states of Natural Resources, will lead off mittee and is expected to come to the full floor of Department of Agriculture published a projection of future Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana, which share similar farm consti- the afternoon workshops with an assessment of its impact. ... both chambers after the August recess of Congress. agricultural land requirements tuencies. The conference will Predictions of record U.S. harvests of wheat, corn to feed Michigan's -growing It is generally accepted that be held on Tuesday, October and soybeans are being viewed optimistically by ex- population ~ It was conser- the major threat to prime 2, 1979, in Lima, Ohio, at the porters who believe that demand for U.S. grain supplies vatively estimated that farmland is its conversion to local campus of the Ohio State will increase In foreign markets. Michigan would need 7.9 suburban or urban uses, par- University. Registration is $10. "Inherent in these predictions," says AFBF Presi- million acres of food-producing ticularly housing. The problem dent Allan Grant, "is an unprecedented demand cropland in the year 2000. Yet will be tackled at the con- MDA/Michigan from farmers for motor fuel to power the machinery in 1969, .there were only 6.6 ference by Dr. Charles Sargent to harvest their crops." Grant expressed his concern in a of Purdue University. million acres of suitable DNR Participating letter to Secretary of Agriculture Bob Bergland and asked agricultur:al land available for The conference features The view point of agricultural the secretary to review the fuel allocation rules announced production in Michigan "- and nationally and regionally organizations will be presented by the Department of Energy. Those rules, effective August that figure has declined by one- by a speaker from the 1, would allocate gasoline for agricultural production at 100 and-a-half million acres since then. renowned speakers. The morning session will be American Farm Bureau percent of m.... 'y usage during the base period of November 1977 through October 1978. devoted to a panel In- Federation. Albert Pugh, an cluding Dean Pridgeon, Extension Sociologist at Ohio Grant urged Bergland to "take positive steps now" to States Share avoid an agricultural fuel crisis. "We believe that farmers Director of the Michigan State University, will report on Concern Department of Agriculture. the current status of agricultural should be guaranteed 100 percent of their fuel The preservation of prime A panel member represen- districts. needs," wrote Grant. "At a minimum, we recom- agricultural land for crop pro- ting each of the three states To receive a brochure, or mend an allocation rule based on past usage be duction is a vital and recogniz- wi" present a status report to register for this con- established on a quarterly basis, rather than mon- ed issue . To address the issue, on agriculture In that state. thly." ference, contact Ms. Terry the National Association of Of the three states, Michigan L. Jurrens at the Genesee Washington Addresses County Planning Directors is is the only one with a legislated County Metropolitan Plan- Senators: Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. sponsoring a tri-state con- farmland preservation pro- ning Commission, 1101 20510. ference on Agricultural Preser- gram. Dennis Conway, who Beach Street, Room 223, Representatives: House Office Building, Washington, vation - A National, Regional, State and Local Concern. The administers that program in the Michigan Department of Flint, Michigan phone (313) 766-8865. 48502; D.C. 20515 . ....J PAGE 12- FARM NEWS SEPTEMBER, t979 Will Farmers by KEN WILES Grow Fuel? TUVIC Manager Member Relations energy producers as well as food producers. Risk of How does fuel get transported to other areas if embargo by foreign nations should be reduced it's produced in the middle of the corn belt? By rail lending some sense of national satisfaction to and by truck. And what fuels the trucks? "growing" fuel. . The answer, some experts say, are local process- "Another plus factor would be the distillers dried ing plants that would cut transportation costs, grain (DDG) that remains after ethanol is produced. decreasing the cost of the fuel. Even a modest gasohol program could triple or The fact remains however, that much of our corn GASOHOL quadruple the available amounts of this high pro- (the major item presently considered for ethanol GASOHOL tein animal feed. Some experts say DDG could be processed for human consumption. production) is produced far from most of the great urban areas that generate most of the demand for GASOHOL fuel. GASOHOL An Economic Alternative? Gaso~ol Production: Many people are particularly concerned, GASOHOL however, about the economics and the morality of Public Policy or GASOHOL using U.S. grain for fuel. The process of producing alcohol from agricultural products is basically the Private Enterprise? GASOHOL same process used in distilleries. The process President Carter's recent endorsement has raised makes what is known to most people as "white lightning" or moonshine. expectations that farm cooperatives will be gearing Now, and for the foreseeable future, gasohol up for gasohol distribution. But, by their very must be priced above regular gasoline. That's true nature and purpose farmers' co-ops ar not set up to EWenthough OPEC nations have jacked prices of supply mass markets. Selling gasohol lrobably imported crude oil to unprecedented heights. And would bring farmers' co-ops a slug of new business, it's true even though the blend has been granted however, farm co-ops have to keep their focus on the fuel needs of farmers". .. substantial government tax waivers. And -it should be noted that most tax waivers already granted or In figuring the cost of producing a gallon of being proposed in some states are temporary. That ethanol, most sources are including a'credit of $110 gives pause to potential investors in ethanol pro- per ton for the distillers dried grain that remains. duction. Feedmen are concerned that any sizeable program Is gasohol an idea 'whose time finally has come? If gasohol replaces any significant amount of the would release such a large amount of DOG to the Or does the. 9 to 1 blend of grain alcohol and 110 billion gallons of gasoline we used last year for high protein feed market that the price of all gasoline remain an unJikely solution to our current fuel, a big chunk of the total grain harvest must be sources, including soybeans, woulil be under motor fuel crisis? diverted to ethanol production. heavy downward pressure. The possibility of converting grain to fuel has Once expensive new ethanol plants were built, . A Michigan State University scientist has sug- been around at least as long as the Tin Lizzie. they would have to run continuously for long gested there could be an integrated system where Henry Ford's Model T ran quite well on alcohol periods of time, buying corn even when prices were an alcohol plant and a feedlot were combined. fuel. He said that alcohol was a marvelous fuel that high. After the alcohol is extracted, leftover DDG would could be derived from fruit crops, vegetable matter Such a drawdown of grain supplies would mean be fed to the animals. or any organic manner. He said that more than fifty that grains for food and feed would be in tighter Concern over the impact of massive ethanol and years ago. supply. Consumers prices would rise, shortages DDG production may be premature. As Secretary It has taken gasoline shortages and soaring would be chaotic, our dollar-earning exports would Bergland noted in early May, "Tax waivers do not petroleum prices to ignite gasohol as a fuel alter- be threatened. Only 1f farmers substantially increase appear to have encouraged the entry of significant native. Gasohol is getting researchers' attention, production could that unpleasant scenario be new distillery capacity as yet." politicians' interest, news media coverage - and, avoided. Gasohol needs the tax consideration to be priced naturally enough, grain farmers' support. Is enough idle acreage available to increase pro- competitively. The future of the product shouldn't Despite early reports of good consumer response duction? Here's what Secretary of Agriculture Bob be based on tax exemption. We still need the to test marketings, however, the jury is still out on Bergland said in congressional hearings on May 4: money from fuel taxes for state highways, rural gasohol. Once you look past the admittedly accep- "Because the amount of available set-aside land roads and bridges. Letting farm-to-market roads table performance of the product, the issue is is unpredictable except on a very short-term basis, it gradually go to pieces - they're not in great shape relatively complex. Equally qualified experts are would not be practical to construct alcohol now - would be a disaster. split on the subject. . distilleries with reliance for feedstocks upon produc- Another observer has noted that government Gasohol would seem to hold some promise for tion from set-aside acreage." must have a certain amount of money to operate, improving the income of the cash grain producers. Not only is there a question about the amount of - and if it let go of fuel taxes as an incentive, it would States which produce a surplus of grain and give idle land available; there are doubts about its pro- adjust its tax take from other sources. gasohol the biggest permanent tax break could see ductivity. Very few farmers set aside their good Weighing all the pros and cons of the gasohol the blended fuel become quite popular. So far, land. issue leads to this critical question: Would it make though, no company has come up with plans or Then there's the problem of soil loss. Reports in- good public policy to provide incentives towards a money for making and distributing large amounts of dicate that the U.S. has a very serious soil conser- large-scale grain-to-alcohol program? Or would it grain alcohol on a practical basis. vation challenge right now; what is perhaps our be better to continue the development and most precious national asset is washing into the demonstration work to produce liquid fuels from oceans at a distressing rate. All out grain-for-fuel coal, shale oil, cellulosic (residue) materials, or planning could hardly improve that situation. No-till other alternative sources? A Renewable Resource In research at Virginia Tech a bio-chemist has might help in some areas, but then you're close to Any decision, by government or private enter- trading off petroleum used in chemicals for the fuel been studying the conversion of cellulose into prise to go whole hog in making fuel-grain alcohol produced from the grain. glucose in a joint project with Gulf Oil on ethanol (ethanol) out of crops has major implications for One problem that concerns a number of scientists production. Cellulose, the most abundant com- farmers and for the nation's food and agricultural is that it presently takes more energy to convert pound in nature, is present in all forms of biomass. policy. grain or other raw material into alcohol than the An essential and costly step in distillingalcohol from Obviously any large-scale program would raise alcohol contains when you're through processing it. grain is obtainillg glucose from the starch. the farm price of the feedstock used. Feed buyers of That's somewhat of a standard any time you pro- The Tech-Gulf process would at least partially course, would be less than pleased. We would have cess fuel. There is always some kind of waste - it is eliminate the need to use starch or other sources as another outlet for disposing of surplus farm com- never 100% efficient, and the fermentation process grain;-which could otherwise be used for human modities that can depress prices and keep some used to make ethanol is actually a low-energy pro- and animals foods. farmland idle. cess. No matter what the extent of conversion to Since feedstocks could be produced each grow- Another major consideration is storage space gasohol may be, it won't happen overnight. It ing season, the supply would not be depleted like and the cost of transporting the raw materials to would take several years to design and build all the conventional oil reserves. Farmers would become distilling plants and the fuel to consumers. production facilities required. SEPTEMBER, 1979 FARM NEWS PAGE 13 1-69 Concerned Citizens Ready for Court Battle After ten .years of public County Circuit Court Judge testified that prime, essential Caughey, who first spoke that the group has also. receiv- ,hearings, meetings and legal Jack Warren, witnesses for the and unique farmland would be out against the highway depart- ed considerable assistance from proceedings, a citizens' group Concerned Citizens About 1-69 lost. ment proposal in November the Michigan Farm Bureau and fighting construction of were able to show potential "With the loss of the 1969, says that the group now Michigan Agricultural Services Interstate-69, from Charlotte to adverse effects to the agricultural base in Eaton represents SOO people in the Association. Lansing, has won the right to agricultural base in com- County, the remaining county and has received represent five townships and a munities lining the proposed Warren's ruling established a agricuitural community also resolutions from units of portion of another in a class ac- corridor. Using maps and geographic area for the class loses part of its business - government representing 60% tion suit against the state surveys from the U.S. Depart- action to include Benton, those in agri-supplies and ser- of Eaton County. Caughey, a highway department. - ment of Agriculture and other Oneida, Eaton, Chester and vices," says Allan Caughey, member of the Eaton County In arguments before. Ingham certified groups, witnesses Roxand townships and that chairman of the citizens' group. Farm Bureau, acknowledges portion of Delta Township west of 1-96. The ruling also requires the Concerned Citizens group to notify all residents and landowners in the affected areas of their option to be represented in the legal matter. The group plans to use mail and newspaper notices to com- ply with the ruling. Until notification and responses from the public have been received, court proceedings will be delayed. The group hopes the necessary notification can be completed within 120 days. Certification is just a "preliminary to the final battle," says Caughey, but the group will be ready to go into court any time a trial date is set. Persons interested in learn- ing more about the Concerned Citizens group or wishing to of- fer support, may contact Allan Caughey, chairman, or Ms'. Jennifer Forrell, secretary, through the Eaton County Farm Bureau Office in Charlotte. MSU Student Honored Patti Moss of Springport has been named a state winner in Ramon and Mary Ann Waltz operate this 435 the National Junior Merit acre hog and cash crop in Ingham County. Award program. She was Their children Gordon, Laurel, and Rae Ann selected for the honor by the help with the chores too. Michigan Junior Polled Hereford Association . . The 19-year-old Michigan State University student is the rarmliD Ilrita I daughter of Jackson County members Larry and Ilene Moss. The award was based on the applicant's Polled Hereford operation, junior Polled in Micbi Hereford association activities, goals, skills and long-range plans, as well as participation in school and agriculture-related activities. The award program is spon- The Centennial Farm and family we honor It worked. The cooperative system has be- sored by the National Junior Polled Hereford Council and here symbolizes your commitment - and come part of Michigan's farming heritage. the American PolIed Hereford ours - to the people of Michigan and to the Those of us at Farm Bureau Servicesl Association. farming industry. Farmers Petroleum cooperatives are proud In 1978 Moss spent 5 1/2 When farmers fi rst organ ized into co- to belong ... to work together with you. For months working on a / operatives a half century ago, their main goal was to get lower prices on farm suppl ies and to get higher prices fortheirfarm products by pooling their buying and marketing power. fifty years, you've been asking the Farm Bureau People. And we'd just like ~ '~fi FARM BUREAU SERVICES 4O,OOO-acreranch in Montana as part of her placement train- ing at MSU. During that time she and one other worker calv- to say "Thanks." ~ ...... ~ ed out 500 cows. She also ANNIVERSARY 1929-1979 assisted in branding 800 cows SERVING YOU FIRST and detecting heat in 300 FOR FIFTY YEARS cows. After completing those tasks, she showed cattle for the ranch at the Montana State Fair and the Yellowstone Exhibi- tion. PAGE 14 FARM NEWS SEPTEMBER, 1979 North Region Ruhlig Retires After People Rep Named 25 Years of Service on the MFB board, he was ap- pointed regional representative L A ~h~ney Retires in the Southeast Region in January of 1967. cooperative service. "It is dif- When Farm Bureau regions ficult to lose the services of you were reorganized in 1976, he who have served so faithfully became regional representative and well for several years. On of the new South Region and behalf of myself and our entire held that position until his AIC staff, I want to thank you retirement on August 31. for your contributions of time, talent and effort and your con- Bonnie' Gets tinued support." "LA has been a friend of ADA Post everyone involved in cooperatives," said Elton R. Smith, president of Michigan Farm Bureau. "Throughout his many years of service, he was always aware of current issues HAROLD BOROWICZ that affected our cooperatives DON RUHLIG and provided knowledgeable Harold Borowicz of Don Ruhlig, regional direction f9r appropriate ac- Cheboygan has been ap- representative in the South LACHENEY pointed Michigan Farm Bureau Region, has retired from Farm tion. He was a strong believer L A Cheney, executive that cooperatives are good for regional representative for the Bureau, effective August 31. 1 secretary of the Michigan Association of Farmer all Americans and had the abili- ty to communicate that belief to North Region. He replaces Ray Wood who recently accepted a He has been associated with_ the organization at the county , t Cooperatives (MAFC), retired position with the National Corn and state level for 25 years. Bonnie L. Lynch has been others." Growers Association in Iowa. Before being elected to named the new executive September 1 after nearly 25 Reflecting on his years of ser- director of the American Dairy years of service to the associa- vice to MAFC, Cheney said, "I Borowicz is currently serving- represent District 3 on the Association of Michigan. The tion. have thoroughly enjoyed work- as president of the Cheboygan Michigan Farm Bureau board appointment was announced Since Cheney became ing for the association and have County Farm Bureau and has of directors in 1963, Ruhlig July 25 by John J. Gilbert, MAFC executive secretary in made many friends. I think been involved in many ac- served as president of the present president of the ADAM 1955, association membership agricultural and cooperative tivities associated with Washtenaw County Farm board. Bonnie joined ADA In and programs have grown to leaders are excellent people to Michigan Farm Bureau and its Bureau. 1975 as secretary to former include 95 percent of the work with. " affiliate companies. After three years of service manager Don Carlson. farmer cooperatives in the In mid-September, Cheney state. These include marketing and his wife will leave on a and farm supply, electric, credit three week tour to the Orient and service cooperatives in and Hawaii. Following his Michigan. return, he plans to remain ac- During his tenure, he has tively involved with been active on both the state cooperatives in some way. and national level. He served on the board of the National Buchholz New Council of Farmer Cooperatives for four years MAFC Head and as a trustee to the American Institute of Coopera- tion (AIC) for the last 14 years. Cheney also served several years as chairman of the Farm Bureau State Liaison Commit- tee, and in 1978 was president CAN PROVIDE YOU TAX,FREE YIELD state and local taxes, where of the National Association of applicable, not considered n73 State Councils. Cheney has been instrumen- tal in organizing youth pro- grams while with MAFC, in- cluding the new FFA officers program and the MAFC- Comparable (with a $45,800 federally taxable income, joint 0t o 7~ TAXABLE YIELD "' sponsored tour to the annual return.> to an equivalent __ meeting of the National _In- stitute on Cooperative Educa- tion, held in conjunction with Learn more about Municipal r---------------I- the AIC annual meeting. Bonds, a way to earn Tax-free income. Send for a Tax - I Name I" Words of praise for Cheney Comparison Chart; a Booklet I I have come from leaders .of on Municipals; and a current I various cooperatives and list of Municipal Bond Address organizations during his 25 offerings. Mail coupon now. I '\ years of service. Last City State December, Gordon Guyer, director of the MSU Phone Cooperative Extension Ser- vice, wrote Cheney, "I want to LANSING OFFICE Please send me: take time to indicate my respect for the superb job you do in 700 American Bank & o Tax Comparison Chart rrhc-- Trust Building o Municipal Bond maintaining the enthusiasm and momentum associated Lansing, Michigan 48933 Booklet o Current lJ111Cl with the Michigan Association (517) 482 ..1571 Municipal offerings Bond COlllpt11J)f of Farmer Cooperatives." 1:'\\"I- ....nll:'- 1.... / MEMBER. SIPC 'l-ll"RIlIL' Following Cheney's an- nouncement of his retirement 700 American Bank & Trust Building .lnl~rul u~mpl in Ih~ opinion of coun~~I. from all p~unl F~dual Lansing, Michigan 48933 as a trustee of the AIC board, incom~ Inn und~r uitlinlllawl. ~lIUlaliont. rulinlll and judicial L(517~82.1571 .-l AIC President Owen K. d~cilion. Hallberg paid tribute to his SEPTEMBER, 1979 FARM NEWS PAGE 15 FFA Accepts President Carter's Energy Challenge "I set before you this extraor- dinary challenge, asking every FFA chapter in this country to get involved in this basic ques- tion of energy conservation: .." That was President Carter's "unique call" to FFA chapters alJ across the country. Carter, a former FF A secretary at Plains, Georgia, was speaking to the 1979 State President's Conference. The previous Sunday, he told the nation about his plan for energy conservation and allocation. Then; on July 19, he told the 96 state FFA of- ficers gathered in the Rose Gal,"den, "I will give r~cogni- tion ... to the one FFA chapter in the nation ... who does the most outstanding job in carry- ing out this response to the energy crisis. I'm going to de- pend upon the FFA to take the lead in energy conservation ... I know you ~iIl do this, and it's a solemn commitment between me and you." National FFA President Mark ject, "The President's about the challenge, including cept the President's challenge, directly at what President Sanborn immediately accepted Challenge. " "commitment cards" and. and include energy conserva- Carter called "our way for the challenge' on behalf of the Six days after Carter issued "action information, " giving tion projects in their ongoing energy security." FFA and enthusiastic applause his challenge, the National FFA FFA chapters and members programs such as Building Our At the 1980 State President's ran through the crowd of blue Board of Directors approved a energy conservation ideas. American Communities Conference, recognition will be and gold jackets. resolution outlining and pro- The program will run from (BOAC) , and local Public given to the one FFA chapter Implementation of this viding for the funding of the August, 1979, through June Speaking Contests. In addi- which has answered the Presi- challenge has followed with the project. Plans are now being 15, 1980. Individual FFA tion, it is hoped that chapters dent's call for conservation FFA putting into motion a pro- made to distribute information chapters are encouraged to ac- will see fit to aim t:tew thrusts most effectively. Young Farmer Contests Distinguished Young Farmer The Michigan Farm Bureau more than 30 years of age on the state level. The first place Young Farmer Committee will December 31, 1979. Former winner will receive an all ex- I again sponsor the Distinguish- contestants, with the exception pense paid trip for two to the AFBF annual meeting in Get In On The Profits! ed Young Farmer Award. The of previous first place state win- program is designed recognize successful young Farm Bureau members for to ners, are eligible for the con- test, but members of the state Young FarrnerCommittee and Phoenix in January, 1980. The deadline for submitting applications for the state con- Sharpen outstanding achievement in the business of farming and leader- ship in the agricultural com- their spouses are ineligible for the c'ontest. Distinguished Young test is November 1, and ap- plications should be sent to Don Currey, manager, Young Saws ALL home, garden munity. Farmers will first be recognized Farmer Department, Michigan Applicants must be Farm at county annual meetings and then will compete for a Farm Bureau, P.O. Box 30960, Lansing, Michigan and shop tools! There's plenty of business waiting Bureau members and must be minimum of three awards at 48909. for the man who can sharpen saws, garden and shop tools for ""... SHAPJ>-ALlIt's Easy To Get Started! home and industry. Sharp-All WII" vesf thousands of dol- Outstanding Young Farm Woman does them all, and at a big profit for you. No inventory' is in- You don't need ~ ~~ business for yourself. 1M to get start All nd our 50 yea~ of ex- Low cast Sharp- "a sincere men to earn The Outstanding Young The committee sponsors the Outstanding Young Farm Legislative Seminar in volved ... no selling. You take in year-round Cash profits and keep perience In helfl~ extra income, is all you need. Pc desire to get ahead lete Operat~ ~by-step Man- inSlTUOions. Farm Woman contest honors Washington, D.C. in March, 9O(l out of every dollar you earn. ual gives dea~o~ to sharpen each tool. farm women for their Woman contest each year. Ap- 1980. Work sparetime hours or fulltime shows exao1Y. who! to charge. how right at home. and we'll even fi- where to get buSl~. " the "tricks of achievements as leaders and plicants must be Farm Bureau to get ft~ a~~~_Ai,' d~ me kind of nance you. spokesmen for agriculture. The members, must be no more The deadline for mailing en- the trade .. A m bnnn~ cusromen back precision Job at .~ Michigan Farm Bureau Young than 32 years old on December try forms for the state contest is time after time "se fees with Farmer Committee recognizes 31, 1979 and must use "an of- November 1. Forms should be There are NO ftanchl yOU "set me Sharp-All YOU are me ~s.s yOu put me the changing role of women in ficial entry form for the state sent to Don Currey, manager, hau~ you want to Wv Pleasesend my FREEcopy of your book and : ~ "Lifetime Security" and full details on : I I : -.- Dll'S __ #1Team" I I. ~ ~L your 30-Day Free Trial Offer! Name I I ~. I 222 N. Michigan Avenue Office 517/279-9748 I ~ -Ad-d-'~-ss--------------- I Coldwater. Michigan 49036 Home 517/278-6127 ~ ~~ CIty State ZIP ~ PAGE 16 FARM NEWS SEPTEMBER, 1979 Health Insurance Notes Protection for BCBS's payment, then the FmHA Loans Availahle subscriber will have to pay the Emergency loans are temp. Feb. I-March 31, freeze and pay operating expenses. Young Adults difference. available to farmers in 14 April 25-28, May 1-31. Loans based on actual losses Blue Cross and Blue Shield BCBS members should ask Michigan counties through the Oceana - Below normal are repayable in their entirety of Michigan offers continual their doctor if he is a par- Farmers Home Administration temp. Jan. I-March 31, freeze with three percent interest if in- protection for eligible young ticipating doctor. If the answer (FmHA) to cover losses caused April 25-28. curred before October I, 1978 people, ages 19 through 25, is no, be sure to find out in ad- by adverse weather. Ottawa Freeze May and five percent interest if in- on the Farm Bureau group vance of treatment what he The counties and weather 1-31, June 25, hail June 20. curred after October I, 1978. contact. Subscribers may con- charges. Members should also conditions are listed below: Newaygo - Freeze May Additional loans are available tinue coverage on their ask their non-participating doc- Antrim and Leelanau - 1-31. at higher rates for restoration of children if they qualify as tor if he participates on a per Below normal temp. Jan. Ingham - Freeze June 25. farm production. All loan ap- dependents under the Internal case basis. I-March 31, freeze April 29. Berrien - Wind and hail plicants must be unable to get Revenue Code. To qualify as a To locate participating doc- Benzie and Grand June 29, heavy rain July 3. sufficient credit from commer- dependent, over half of their tors, subscribers may use the Traverse Below normal Cass - Heavy rain and hail cial sources. children's support must be pro- BCBS hotline by calling temp. Feb. I-April 30. June 29, heavy rain June 7, Applications for emergency vided by the subscribers as in- 313-225-8100 and giving their Manistee - Below normal June 10, frost April 23. loan assistance are filed in the dicated on their 1979 tax name, group number, contract temp. Feb. I-Feb. 28, freeze Allegan Freeze, May FmHA County Office. Check returns. number and zip code. BCBS April 17-18, April 27-30. 1-31, rain, wind and hail June the local telephone directory All subscribers whose will inform members of the Van Buren - Below nor- 29-30. listing under U.S. government. records indicate they have names of three participatng mal temp. Jan. I-Feb. 28,- Farmers Home Administra- Applications for physical losses dependents who will reach doctors in their locality. These heavy wind and excessive rain tion emergency loans are are authorized until May 2, names will be selected at ran- May I-June 30. available to help farmers to re- 1980 and for production losses their 19th birthday this year will receive information on the dom from BCBS's records. Mason - Below normal establish farming operations until August 4, 1980. program by September 1. To contin ue coverage on 19 year THERE IS ONLY ONE UNCLE JIM O'NEAL - OFTEN IMITATED BUT NEVER EQUALED olds, subscribers must respond to the mailing by returning the Record Album $4.98 value - Special $2.9Sea.- 8 Track Tape $4.9Sea. situation card to their county Send Check or Money Order - No C.O.D.'s Add $1.50 to Total for Handling & Postage- Limited Time Offer secretary by September 14, Good only in U.S.A. - FREE CATALOG with order - Uncle Jim O'Neal, Box AA , Arcadia, Calif. 91006 1979. FREDDY MARTIN -SM-11886 ALBUM $2.98 FRANK SINATRA - M-11883 ALBUM $2.98 ROY ACUFF - SM-1870 ALBUM $2.98 Dependents will be removed Wabash Cannon Ball; The Great speCkled Tonight Concerto; We Love; Santa Catalina; Warsaw Why Don't We Do This More I've Got The World On A String; Three Coins In The Fountain; Love And Marriage; From Bird, I'm Building A Home (In The Sky); Pins from contracts effective And Needles In My Heart; The Great Judg- Often, Bumble Boogie; Grieg Piano Concerto Here To Eternity; South Of The Border; The ment Morning; Fire Ball Mall; Night Train To In A Minor; I've Got A Lovely Bunch Of Gal That Got Away; Young-At-Hearti Learn'n' January I, 1980 if subscribers Memphis; The Wreck On The Highway; The Cocoanuts; Cumana; Managua, Nicaragua; The The Blues; MY One And Only Love; The Hut-Sut Song. Tender Trap. - do not respond by September Precious Jewel; The Great Titanic; Mound Of Clay; Come Back Little Pal. Lonely NO TAPE AVAILABLE 8 TRACK TAPE - 8TM-11883 $4.98 14. Further information is 8 TRACK TAPE - 8TM-1870 $4.98 CLYDE McCOY - SM-311 ALBUM $2.98 CARL SMITH - CS-8737 ALBUM $2.98 available from county GENE AUTRY - CS-1035 ALBUM $2.98 Basin Street Blues; Farewell Blues; Sugar Blues; Hell's Bells; Slues In The Night; Sugar Hey Joe; There She Goes; Old Lonesome Times; Are You Tasing Me; I Feel Like Mexicall Rose; (Take Me Back To My) Boots secretaries. And Saddle; Have I Told You Lately That I Blues Boogie; St. Louis Blues; Limehouse Blues; Memphis Blues; Mama's Gone, Good- Cryln'; Doorstep To Heaven; Let Old Mother Nature Have Her Way; The Little Girl In My Love You; You Are My Sunshine; South Of bye; Wabash Blues; Tear It Down. Home Town; If You Saw Her Through My Participating The Border; Sioux City Sue; Mule Train; Someday You'll Goodnight Want Me To Want You; Irene; Home On The Range; I 8 TRACK TAPE - 8TM-311 $4.98 Eyes; You're Free To Go; Gettln' Even: I overlooked An Orchid. Love You Because; That Sliver Haired DaddY GLENN MILLER. ANL 1-0974 ALBUM $2.98 8 TRACK TAPE - 18C-00010 $4.98 Physicians Of Mine; Red River Valley; Buttons And Bows; Back In The Saddle Again. Sunrise serenade; A String Of Pearls; In The Mood; Pennsylvania Six-Five Thousand; Little Brown Jug; Chattanooga Choo Choo; Moon- SONS OF THE PIONEERS -SING HYMNS OF THE COWBOYS - ANLl-2S08 8 TRACK TAPE - 18C-01035 $4.98 Blue Cross and Blue Shield light serenade; Tuxedo Junction; (I've Got A Gal In) Kalamazoo; American Patrol. ALBUM $2.98 Suddenly There's A Valley; God Speaks; TONY BENNETT - C-30240 ALBUM $2.98 of Michigan (BCBS) Because of You; Cold, Cold Heart; Rags To 8 TRACK TAPE - ANS1-0974 $4.98 The Place Where I Worship (is the Wide Open Spaces); All Wild Things; He Walks With The Riches; One For My Baby; It Had To Be You; subscribers must be treated by a I Left My Heart In San Francisco; I Wanna THE OAK RIDGE BOYS - C-33935 Wild And The Lonely; Wonders Of God's ALBUM $2.98 Green Earth; The Woodsman's Prayer; Song participating physician in order Be Around; This Is All I Ask; The Good Life; The ShadOW Of Your Smile; Who Can Lord I've Been Ready For Years; No Earthly Of The Bandit; The Mystery Of His Way; Good; Jesus Knows Who I Am; The Same Old Star Of Hope; How Will I Know Him (When to be assured that the physician I Turn To; Yesterday I Heard The Rain; For Once In My Life. Fashioned Way: I'm Winging My Way Back He Walks By); I Believe. Home; Where The Soul Never Dies; Its Been 8 TRACK TAPE - ANSl-280S $4.98 will accept the BCBS payment 8 TRACK TAPE - 18C-30240 $4.98 Done; Doctor God; Jesus Was There; Last as payment in full for covered Train To Glory. BILLIE JO SPEARS - SM-11887 THE CHUCK WAGON GANG - CS-9804 8 TRACK TAPE - 18C-33935 $4.98 ALBUM $2.98 ALBUM $2.98 services. Open UP Them Perly Gates; Thank God For THE OAK RIDGE BOYS - C-32742 Mr. Walker, It's All Over; Stand Bu Your Man; That Man; Home-Lovin' Man; Take Me Calvary; I'll Never More Stray; Where The A participating doctor is a Soul Never Dies; This World Is Not My Home; ALBUM $2.98 Give Me A Star; Put Your Arms Around Me To Your World; Harper Valley PTA; Mollie You Can Depend On Him; I Walk In The New Brown, I Don't Wanna Play House; He's professional (whether MD, Jerusalem Way; sundown; Heaven's Really Blessed Jesus; Loves Me Like A Rock; You Happened To Me; What A Time We Will Got More Love (In His Little Finger); Ode Tp Billie Joe. DO, podiatrist or chiropractor) Gonna Shine; The World's Greatest Story; That We Might Know. Have Over There; He's Gonna Smile On Me; 8 TRACK TAPE. 8TM-11887 $4.98 The Baptism Of Jessie Taylor; Why Me; who has signed a formal par- 8 TRACK TAPE - 18C.00642 $4.98 Freedom For The Stamon; He. JO STAFFORD. SM-11889 ALBUM $2.98 8 TRACK TAPE - 18C-32742 $4.98 ticipating agreement with JESSI E COLTER - SM-11822 ALBUM $2.98 You Belong To Me; Shrimp Boats; Make Love To Me; Georgia On My Mind. Jambalaya; Diamonds In The Rough; Get Back; Would BUCK OWENS. SM-11827 ALBUM $2.98 BCBS. This means he has You Leave Now; Hey Jude; Oh Will (Who Love's Gonna Live Here; Gollin' Around; Come Rain Or Come Shine; NoJ Other Love; Made It Rain Last Night); I Thought I Heard Excuse Me (I Think I've Got A Heartache); Day BY Day; The Gentleman Is A Dope; agreed to accept the payment You Calling My Name; Ain't No Way; You I Can't stop (My Lovin' You); Kickin' Our The Trolly Song. Hung The Moon (Didn't You Waylon?); A NO TAPE AVAILABLE made by BCBS as payment in Woman's Heart (Is A Handy Place To Be)' Hearts Around; Act Naturally; Under Your Spell Again; Above And Beyond; Nobody's THE STATLER BROTHERS - CS-9878 full and to make no additional 8 TRACK TAPE - 8TM.11822 $4.98 Fool But Yours; Under The Influence Of Love. 8 TRACK TAPE - 8TM-11827 $4.98 ALBUM $2.98 charges to BCBS members for BING CROSBY. SM.11737 ALBUM $2.98 Daddy Sang Bass; King Of Love; And You Oh Lonesome Me; Heartaches By The Number; PATTI PAGE. CS-9326 ALBUM $2.98 Washed In The Blood; Pass Me Not; Less covered services. Participating Four Walls; Bouquet Of Roses;Wabash Cannon Tennessee Waltz; Cross Over The Bridge; Old Of Me; Things God Gave Me; Led Out Of Bondage; Just In Time; The Fourth Man; Ball; Wolverton Mountain; Hellow Walls; A Cape Cod; (How Much Is That) Doggie In doctors bill BCBS direct and Little Bltty Tear; Jealous Heart; Stili. The Window; Mister Mississippi; I Went To Oh Happy Day. 8 TRACK TAPE 8TM-11737 $4.98 Your Wedding; Mockin' Bird Hill; Allegheny S TRACK TAPE - 18C.09878 $4.98 BCBS sends the payments Moon; With My Eyes Wide Open I'm Dream- ing; Changing Partners; Detour. HANK THOMPSON - M.11881 ALBUM $2.98 directly to them. TOMMY DORSEY - ANL 1-1087 ALBUM $2.98 8 TRACK TAPE - 18C.09326 $4.98 A Six Pack To Go; Honky Tonk Town; Hangover Heart; Drundard's Blues; Bubbles A non-participating doctor is Marie; Star Dust; Little White Lies; I'll Never RAY PRICE - CS-8866 ALBUM $2.98 In My Beer; Hangover Tavern; The Wild Smile Again; Yes Indeed; Boogie Woogie; Side Of Life; Anybody's Girl; Warm Red also a professional but one who Opus One; song of India; Who?; Royal Crazy Arms; You Done Me Wrong; City Lights; Invitation To The Blues; I've Got A Wine; A Broken Heart And A Glass Of Beer. Garden Blues; Once In A While; I'm Gettin' has not entered into a formal Sentimental Over You. New Heartache; Who'll Be The First; Heart. 8 TRACK TAPE. 8TM-11881 $4.98 8 TRACK TAPE. ANS1-1087 $4.98 aches By The Number; The Same Old Me; agreement with BCBS. He has Release Me; One More Time; MY Shoes TAMMY WYNETTE • BN-26486 Keep Walking; Back To You; I'll Be There. ALBUM $2.98 not agreed to accept what MERLE HAGGARD .SM-11823 ALBUM $2.98 My Love Affair With Trains; Union Station; 8 TRACK TAPE - 18C-00094 $4.98 Stand By Your Man; Singing MY Song; Take Me To Your World; APartment No.9; I BCBS will pay and thus can Here Comes The Freedom Train; So Long Train Whistle; No More Trains To Ride; LOUIS PRIMA AND KEELY SMITH Don't Wanna Play House; D-I-V-O-R-C.E; SM-1531 ALBUM $2.98 Your Good Girl's Gonna Go Bad; Run, Angel, charge subscribers a fee that is The Coming And The Going Of The Trains; That Old Black Magic; It's Magic; Just A Run; Too Far Gone; Almost Persuaded; MY I Won' Give UP My Train; Where Have All Elusive Dreams. more than BCBS's payment. The Hobos Gone; Railroad Lady; The Hobo. Gigolo; I Ain't Got Nobody; I'm In The Mood For Love; I've Got You Under My 8 TRACK TAPE. 18E.l0230 $4.98 8 TRACK TAPE. 8TM-11823 $4.98 A non-participating doctor Skin; Suona Sera; I Wish You Love; Oh Marie FRANKIE YANKOVIC - CS-9287 MERLE HAGGARD. SM-11825 ALBUM $2.98 I Got It Bad And That Ain't Good; Embrace- can choose to participate on an Soldier's Last Letter; Shelly's Winter Love; able You. ALBUM $2.98 8 TRACK TAPE. 8TM-1531 $4.98 Blue Skirt Waltz; Who Stole The Keeshka?; Individual case basis. This Jesus, Take A Hold; I Can't Be Myself; I'm A Good Loser; Sidewalks Of Chicago; No Hoop-Dee-Doo; Beer Barrel Polka; The Last JIM REEVES. ANLl-3014 ALBUM $2.98 Time I Saw Henry; Happy Time Polka; I've means that for that particular Reason To Quit; If You've Got Time; The Four Walls; Goodnight Irene; Why Do I Love Got A Wife; Milwaukee Polka; Too Fat Farmer's Daughter; I've Done It All. You (Melody of Love); Auf Wiederseh'n Polka: Just Because; Pennsylvania Polka. covered service, he will accept 8 TRACK TAPE - 8TM-11825 $4.98 Sweetheart; The Hawailan Wedding Song; 8 TRACK TAPE - 18C-00184 $4.98 BCBS's payment as full and ENGLEBERT HUMPERDINCK • E-34719 Welcome To MY World; From A Jack To A King; My Happiness; Mona Lisa; YOU'll RAYMOND FAIRCHILD - RRRF-254 ~ ALBUM $2.98 ALBUM $2.98 ~ final. Should he do so he will Raindrops Keep Falling On MY Head; Help Never Know. NO TAPE AVAILABLE WORLD'S GREATEST COUNTRY BANJO Me Make It Through The Night; My Love; receive payment directly from I'm Stone In Love With You; The Most PICKER. 30 GREAT INSTRUMENTALS 5 STRING BANJO.FIDDLE.MANDOLlN- TEX RITTER. SM-1292 ALBUM $2.98 BCBS. Beautiful Girl; And I Love You So; Love Me Blood On The Saddle; Samuel Hall; Bury Me DOBRO GUITAR. With All Your Heart; Talk It Over In The Not On The Lone Prairie; Little Joe The Whoa Mule; Carolina Breakdown; Turkey In Should the non-participating Morning; Leaving On A Jet Plane. 8 TRACK TAPE - 18E-34719 $4.98 Wrangler; The Face On The Barroom Floor; The Straw, Little Darling Pal; McKinley's Boll Weevil; Billy The Kid; Streets Of Laredo; White House Blues; Blue Grass Bugle; Lone- doctor choose not to par- Sam Bass; Rye Whiskey. some Road Blues; False Hearted Love; Nine HARRY JAMES' GREATEST HITS Pound Hammer; Old Joe Clark; McCormack's ticipate on an individual CL-9430 ALBUM $2.98 8 TRACK TAPE - 8TM-1292 $4.98 Picnic; Red Wing; Cripple Creek; Girl I Left Vocals By: Frank Sinatra; Helen Forrest; Behind Me; Under The Double Eagle; Ray- subscriber's case, the subscriber Dick Haymes and Kitty Kallen. JEAN SHEPARD - SM-11888 ALBUM $3.98 mond's Talking Banjo; Cotton Eyed Joe; Ciribiribin, You Made Me Love You; All Or I'd Rather Die Young (Than Grow Old With- Cumberland Gap; Raymond's Banjo Boogie; will receive payment for the Nothing At All; Sleepy Lagoon; I Had The out You); A Satisfied Mtnd; The Other Woman; Crooked Creek; Boil Them Cabbage Down; Craziest Dream; Two O'Clock Jump; Cherry; Beautiful Lies; Don't Fall In Love With A doctor's services from BCBS; I'll Get By; I've Heard That Song Before; It's Married Man; A Dear John Letter; Forgive Me, Pretty Polly; Learning On Jesus; Sugar Foot Rag; Train Forty-Five; Earl's Breakdown; the doctor willrequest payment Been A Long, Long Time; The Man With The John, Under Suspicion; I Learned It All From Cindy; John Hardy; Banjo Fling; Orange Horn. You; Two Voices, Two Shadows, Two Faces. Blossom Special. directly from the subscriber. If NO TAPE AVAILABLE 8 TRACK TAPE. 8TM-11888 $4.98 8 TRACK TAPE - TRR-254 $4.98 the doctor's fee is more than SEPTEM BER, 1979 FARM NEWS PAGE 17 Gratiot County Women Celebrate International Year of the Child In ceJebration of the Interna- Farm Bureau Women, tional Year of the Child, the developed various educational Gratiot County Cooperative booths and games for Extension Service developed a youngsters attending "Kids "Fun Fair Day" at the Gratiot Day"at the fair. County Fair in Alma.on August 9. The game sponsored by the The educational concept of Gratiot Women was a bean bag the activities was developed by toss, with the bags made with Extension Home Economists navy beans. Prizes for the Sharon Fortino and Cherie youngsters s.uccessfully tossing Booth. It was based on the Im- in the bags included navy bean pressions Five Museum in Lan- cookies and donuts. sing, which is a "hands-on" The Farm Bureau Women's museum where visitors use activity was the most popular their five senses. booth in the Armory among The Gratiot County. Farm Bureau Women's bean bag tuss was one of the favorite Held in the Alma Armory, the youngsters, with the excep- "learning g~mes" among youngsters attending the "Kids' Day" at the Gratiot County Fair. 12 community organizations, tion of the baby chicks on The "target for the toss was designed by Carol Stewart of Bannister, and the bags were including the Gratiot County display. made with navy beans grown in the county. What's Happening Universal equipment can September Sept. 6 District1 PolicyDevelopment Van Buren Co. F.B. Office take a beating and not show it. Meeting Paw Paw, 8:00'p.m. Sept. 6 Bean & Beet Field Day Saginaw Valley Bean & Beet Research Farm Sept. 11 District5 Policypevelopment Farm Bureau Center Meeting Lansing, 8:00 p.m. Sept. 11 Monroe County Annual Meeting 4-H Building, Fairgrounds Monroe, 7:00 p.m. Sept. 11 District10 Policy Developme,nt Chalet Inn, Gaylord Meeting 8:00 p.m. Sept. 13 Lenawee County Annual Meeting Madison School, Adrian 7:00 p.m. Sept. 17 District9 Policy Development Buckley Branch of Meeting Cadillac State Bank, 8:00 p.m. Sept. 25 Bay County Annual Meeting MerrittTown Hall Munger Sept. 26-27 Women's State Leader Valley Plaza Ramada Conference Inn Midland Sept. 27 Tuscola County Annual Meeting Caro High School Caro, 7:00 p.m. October Oct. 1 Benzie County Annual Meeting Contact c~unty secretary for locationand time Oct. 1 Mecosta County Annual Meeting Morley-Stanwood High School, 8:00 p.m. Oct. 1 Calhoun County Annual Meeting B.E. Henry Building Come and Get 'Em Marshall. 7:00 p.m. Oct. 1 Chippewa County Annual Pickford Twp. Hall See Your Farm Bureau Dealer for Quality Engineered Meeting Pickford Livestock Equipment. Oct. 2 Gladwin County Annual Meeting Contact county Farrowing Equipment Pasture Waterers secretary Safeguards your pig crop and helps to assure Rugged and durable. with or without heat. for locationand time thrifty.uniform growth. Oct. 2 Mac-Luce County Annual GarfieldTwp. Hall Meeting Round and Round End Tanks Engadine Hay Feeders Crush proof rims. heavy corrugation and Oct. 2 Muskegon County Annual Cut waste and preserve hay quality with a heavy Contact county duty baled or loose hay feeder. swedges. and double-locked seam tottoms. Meeting secretary for locationand time Rectangular Feeders All season. porcelainized horse. calf and sheep Oct. 2 St. ClairCounty Annual Meeting Goodells Comm. Bldg. Tough enough to stand up to the abuse confined waterer. Goodells, 7:00 p.m. hogs can dish out. Oct. 3 Lapeer County Annual Meeting Lapeer County Center Water Cups Bldg. Perfect for an Individual pen or farrowing stall. Ask The Farm Bureau People. Lapeer, 7:00 p.m. Oct. 3 GratiotCounty Annual Meeting Camp Monroe, St. FARM BUREAU SERVICES Louis Porcelainized "Flip-Top" Waterers Most durabie. convenient automatic waterer on ,~ ~ FaRm~1 Oct. 3 Oct. 3 6:30 p.m. NW Michigan Annual Meeting Twin Lakes 4-H Camp Traverse City Ingham County Annual Meeting P.S. Room, Ma~on Lanes, Mason the market. Round Feeders Will not warp out-of-round when filled ~ A..e~ BUreaU ANNIVERSARY 19291979 FARM BUREAU SERVICES.INC PAGE 18 FARM NEWS SEPTEMBER, 1979 Allegan Members Look Ahead to Next Generation Brenner Bros. and Sons cows don't notice who's doing dairy farm is expanding its herd the milking because 'the milkers size to make room for the next all come off at the same time. generation of Bren ners. "Anyone of us can go in Brothers Ken and Earl Bren- there and milk," Bruce points ner, Allegan County Farm out. "It makes me feel a lot bet- Bureau members, are the ter to know the cows are being senior partners in the enter- milked the same way every prise, and now their sons, Bur- time." ton and Bruce, are also full- "My wife, Kim, wouldn't time partners. milk cows without the units," The Brenners' herd currently Burton adds. includes 185 Holsteins. Plans The partners also say their are to expand up to 225 cows cows have healthier udders in the near future. since installing the new In September, 1977, when removal devices. The udders the herd expansion program are holding up better was in its early stage, the farm's throughout the lactation, and milking facilities were changed cows are holding peak produc- with two objectives in. mind: to tion for a longer period of time, spend fewer man-hours in the they agree. milking parlor, and to "even "And we've practicaHy out" the milking chores to four eliminated milker-related different people. mastitis problems, " Bruce Burton (left) and Bruce Brenner, along with their fathers, Ken and Earl, operate the 185-cow Working with Chuck LUgeat adds. "If cows are trained right, Brenner dairy farm where automation Is helping the family business grow. S~uthwestern Dairy Equip- they'll milk completely out. ment, DeLaval milking units Ninety-five percent of our cows sand-filled free-stalls, are their Air gates are used. on the and aHaHa, and produce all the with advanced-design have no problems milking out." biggest allies in their fight parlor stalls, and gravity high-moisture com, com silage Automatic Removal The Brenners also dip teatS against mastitis. feeders are used to feed high- and haylage they feed their Mechanisms (A.R.M. units) and dry teat cows against Glass weigh jars are also part moisture com in the parlor. An livestock. were installed. mastitis, but they believe their of the milking equipment. in-place washing system "There's enough -work "With the A.R.M. units, the milking units, along with the "They're especially handy shortens the clean-up time. around here to keep everyone for milking fresh cows or cows Besides milking. 185 cows, busy, so we're glad automation that have been treated," Bruce the Brenners raise all of their has helped us save time and points out. "We can just drain own replacement heifers. All labol at milking time, and that's the milk out of the jar without it bull calves are fed out for beef. helping this family farm grow," going into the milk line." They grow 550 acres of com the 'partners agree. "If we had listened to other people, MFB Information Efforts we would never have had Receive National Honors Vicki and Krystal." The Michigan Farm Bureau runner-up for "Best Farm Bureau Publication." Judges for the competition were selected outside the Farm . Information and Public Rela- tions Division was honored Nearly 300 entries from the Bureau organization. They recently with an award from 50 state Farm Bureaus were were John Holeman, U A lot of people probably very healthy kids. Neither has entered in this year's American Associated Press Radio; Seth would find it strange that a cerebral palsy" the American Farm Bureau Ed works for the county Federation for "Best Slide- Farm Bureau Federation infor- King, New York Times; Ralph man and woman with cerebral palsy would want to have chil- welfare office, where he takes Tape Production. In the same tt mation awards program. Winn- Wennblon, Farm. Journal; Ed dren. Even our friends and care of 300,000 records. On competition, the MICHIGAN ing states were honored at an Curran, USDA assistant press some of our family questioned the weekends he works with FARM NEWS was judged a awards banquet in Charleston, secretary; and David Densford, our decision, and I must admit Kathy's father collecting au- South Carolina. Public Broadcasting Service. I was worried when Kathy was tomobile parts. pregnant," says Ed Lewis. Ed says, "There are times Committee Selects Topics Kathy says, "What Ed and I have discovered is that we can be as good parents as anyone we're reluctant to go, out and leave the children. So we have had our living room and front 3ge"blueprint" section, housing, for hunting and fishing_ Must be seen to be ap- cattle feeders; cattle oiler and steel fence posts. equipment. $13.95. SPECIALl Complete pig SEWING SUPPLIES, PEARL SNAP preciated $27,500 Furniture, 'h down. low in. George Davidson. 8758 N. Alger Road, Alma, REGISTERED HAMPSHIRE BOARS a GILTS library. 3-nardcover books $37.95 postpaid. Dia. FASTENERS. 142 Colors and Styles. Free terest on contract balance. Sizeable dIscount for Michigan. Phone 517-681.5073. (9-1I.25f) for sale. Validated herd. Dale Terry, Palmyra, mond Farm Book Publishers. Depl. MFN. Box Catalog. Bee Lee Company. Box 20558-MF, cash. Ideal home for retirement.or large family. Michigan. Phone (517) 263.5854. (10-tf.151) 266, Alexandria Bay, NY 13607. (8-2t-63p) Dallas. Texas 75220. (1.121.19p) Coolin summer. warm in winter Must be seen to be appreciated Must sell for health reasons. For NEW ALL WIRE RABBIT CAGES and eQuip- PUREBRED YORKSHIRE BOARS AND GILTS WINE GRAPES, red and white French Hybrid COLDWATER DILLPICKLESI Can in minutes! furlher Informallon write or call Charles Palmer. ment now available. We can build cages to meet for sale. Boars tested In on farm test station. varieties. Pressed juice. We deliver. Place orders No hot brine. Delicious, Crisp. Factory Secrets! 206 DaVIS. Temple Village, Harrison. Michigan your needs. Dellmers Bunny Patch, Carson City. Roberl Harper. R No.1. Vicksburg, MI 49097. prior to season for substanllal discount. Phone Recipe $1.00. Hamiltons. Box 652.131, New Ulm, 48625 Telephone 616- 743-6520 MI4881'.517.584.3765. (5-tf-25b) Phone (616)649-2803. (2.121.221) 616-521-4047. (8.3t.22f) MN 56073. (9-1t.2Op) 11 miles west of Hamson. (9-1t.25f-137p) ,PAGE 20 FARM NEWS SEPTEMBER. 1979 --- / / FOR FARM 'BUREAU- MUTUAL- .AORICUL TURAL WORKERS' I COMPENSATION INSURANCE POLICYHOLDERS. While prices are skyrocketing today, Farm Bureau of approximately 40% applied at the time of audit Mutual is slashing minimum premium levels of its if their final adjustment (actual payroll multiplied Agricultural Workers' Co_mpensation insurance by rate) is less than the new minimum premium. policies. Farm Bureau Mutual filed a deviation / trom the minimum premiums tiled by the National NEW POLICY HOLDERS Council on Compensation Insurance on behalf of New poli9yhol~rs who are Farm Bureau Workers' Compensation insurers. Farm Bureau members and meet other underwriting re- Mutual was successful in convincing the quirements will automatically participate in this Michigan Insurance Bureau that Agricultural significant 400/0 reduction of minimum' premium Workers' Compensation minimum premiums levels. should be reduced. Contact your local Farm Bureau Insurance Group CURRENT POLICYHOLDERS agent today. Get the specific information about All Agricultural Workers' Compensation policies how 400/0 agricultural workers' compensation in force as of March 30, 1979will have a reduction minimum premium reductions can work for you. ANOTHER REASON WHY FARM BUREAU IT PAYS TO BE A FARM BUREAU MEMBER ••• INSURANCE AND INSURE WITH GROUf? FARM BUREAU MUTUAL FARM BUREAU MUTUAL • FARM BUREAU LIFE • COMMUNITY SERVICE INSURANCE