.. r' Farm News------------... THE ACTION PUBLICATION OF TNt!' MICHIGAN FARM BUREAU VOL. 59. NO.7. JULY 1980 '. :8 Works- for 'Right t~-Farm' n city-bred people realize their dream degree possible, farmers the Hright to farm" It also spells out that "when conducted in ,ing to the country, they sometimes with~ut fear of undue, harassment from nui- .accordance with, generally aC'cepted agricul- re than the fresh air, peace and qui~t sance suits. tural practices," these activities may occur lrgained for. They may get the smells on holidays, Sundays and weekdays, at Michigan Farm Bureau's legislative staff Ul I-J19~ and other livestock, early morning ,night and in the day, and that th~ noise, has been 'working with Rep. Dodak on the sounds of irrigation pumps, dust and noise odors, dust and fumes that are caused by proposed legislation and has collected infor- from farm tractors, combines and other'ma- them are also specifically permitted 'as part . mation from other states which have recog- chines necessary to produce the food they of the exercise of this right to farm. nized the problem. They found .that some buy fro~ the super~ar~et. . , townships around the country have met the According'to Robert E. Smith, Michigan The result has. been city newcomer versus problem head-on with Hright to farm" or- Farm Bureau's senior legislative counsel, farmer in suits; filed under 'nuisance, laws dinances. HThis -is quite specific and, in effect, tells ~nd/ or the Michigan Environmental Protec- those who wish to move into that particular For example, a New Jersey township or- tion Act. Even if the farmer does win in such township that they must recognize that agri- dinance states in part, that "the right to farm cas~s, it costs him' legal fees, lost time and 2 culture has priority and farm~rs shall be per- all land is hereby recognized to exist as a menta.J stress 'for him arid his family. mitted to do those things necessary for the natural right and is.also hereby ordained to production of food. Farm Bureau, in recent. testimony before exist as a permitted use everywhere in' the . , a legislative comf!littee, pointed out that township .... " "It also points out that the farmer has a re- farming is a bi910gical process and, as such, sponsibility for good management and do- Regardless of zoning designation there is noise, odors, dust and the need for ing the best possible job in the and regardless of specified uses and use of essenttal chemicals and fertilizers, and production of that _ food,~' prohibited uses set forth' else- that farming is also a seven-day-a-week, Smith said. where in this particular ordi- and often night-time, operation. If farming is The New Jersey ordinance n.ance, the light to farm includes to survive in many ar-eas, farmers need a closes with these words: "It is the use of large irrigation pumps "right to farm" law, Farm Bureau's testi- . expressly found that whatever and 'equipment; aerial and mony pointed out. nuisance may be caused to ground seeding and spraying, Rep. Lewis Dodak (D-Montrose), whose large tractors, numerous labor- district is a combination of farmland and su- ers and the applications of (continued 'on page 10) burban households, has taken leadership in chemical fertilizers, insec- developing legislation to guarantee, to the ticides and herbiddes. Photo by Marcia Ditchie . PAGE2 JULY 1980 From the Desk of the President YOU Can Make a Difference With this kind of heritage, it's a small We have a structure that is the envy of wonder that we do retain the faith that we other, less effective organizations. Because can change those things which need - of that structure, we can have an impact in changing. We aren't faced with the frustra- the public opinion, legislative, political, tion' of "aloneness" in any problem that and regulatory (watch the results. of needs solving or any wrong that. needs member participation in the Youth Em- righting. We are not alone. We have a ployment Standards hearings!) arenas; and voice, magnified and effective, through in the marketplace. Our input in these Farm Bureau. arenas has clout because it is' a well-known If you look through any Farm Bureau fact that our organizational structure allows publication - your county newsletter, the plenty of freedom for decision-mqking at American Farm Bureau News, or this one all levels. When those decisions are fol- The 4th of Jyly provides us with a you're reading now - you will find ex- lowed through with action, it is known that reminder to pause and reflect on all the 'amples of how individual farmers, through it was farmers at the grassroots levels who lJlessings of being an American, and reded- their organization, have a positive impact , made clear their position on issues. icate ourselves to "stand up and be on the outcome of issues that affect them , On this 4th of July, we know that not all counted" for the principles set forth by our ho":, they win tough battles against formid- -is right with our country and with our in- country's founding fathers. able opposition. ' dustry. But we have the tools to make While good, old-fashioned patriotism It may be your staff here at Farm Bureau them right. Farm Bureau' has national and may have become unfashionable among Center in Lansing who work directly with state organizations, but we can't restrict our some segments of our society, it has con- the legislators to protect your "right to battles to Washington and Lansing. Battles tinued to burn brightly in the hearts of farm," and your staff in Washington, D.C., are going on in every single county, in farmers. Even while we. are challenged who get our policy on curbing inflation in every community. Individual county Farm with government-caused problems, we still the Federal Register. It may have been Bureau members must become activists at have. faith that, because we are a free peo- your staff who made an analysis of Gov. the local level - serving on boards and pie, we can - and will - change thfngs for Milliken's coalition tax proposal and then. committees, participating in local.hearings, the better .. corrected its inequities by amending a con- building membership strength, encourag- Your Farm Bureau has, as its founda- stitutional proposal to provide that agricul- ing allies to stand with us on important tion, the basic, principles embraced by tural and forestry property be assessed on · issues that affect our cherished American those early patriots who fought and died its use rather than its potential value for way of life. for our independence, those who built a some other development. . I think that's one of the important points nation that would become the most afflu- But it was YOU who gave them power we overlook when we're inviting people .to ent in the entire world. In its 60-year and influence in the legislative' arena with join our organization. We do a hard-sell on history, Farm Bureau has never veered your membersh,ip support and your indi- all the many services and neglect- to tell from those principles and has always taKen vidual follow-through on calls for member them:' through Farm Bureau, YOU can leadership to protect them when they are action. Membership strength DOES make. make a difference in the direction America - is taking. threatened. a difference. Elton R. Smith You've Gotta Be Tough There are two kinds of pack- putting a value on my time, I've with sentimental or economical mini-dress. Oh, how I loved rats, the sentimental ones who found it more profitable to go pack-rat characteristics could that dress! Good grief! Isn't can't bear to part with the re- to the hardware store for a new sway my tough attitude, I de- even long enough for a tunic. mains of their yellowed, crum- package of cup hanger screws cided to tackle the job of clean- Now, if an enterprising mother bling, first-prom corsage - and than to scrounge through mul- ing the attic alone, in prepara- would take a few tucks here the economical ones who are tiple drawers to find the one I tion for. a garage sale that and there, they'd be great for a sure that a leftover cup hanger "filed" somewhere several would precede our move. Dur- first-grader. How about 50 screw will come in handy years ago. ing this project, I found: cents each .... someday. I've never .considered myself either kind. With the exception However, move from a house to an apart- ment, I discovered that I'm not during a recent. - A ~Iothes basket full of pre- wash-and-wear shirts. My hus- -The zip-out lining to a man's overcoat. The coat? DONNA band caught me in the act of at- Let's see, I think it was back in I'll never be an apron-type. of books, I don't get emotional- completely immune to pack-rat taching 25-cent labels and ex- the early 60s, or was it the late Sorry, mom, I'll keep one for ly attached to "thi,:,gs." And tendencies. So that no one claimed, "My favorite shirts! 50s, that it got taken from the sentimental reasons; the rest Where have they been all these rack in a restaurant we stopped have to go - but I'll set the price MICHIGAN FARM NEWS years?" No way could I explain at on the way home from a high .. (ISSN 0026-2161) that the discovery of wash-and- Tiger baseball game. Remem- -Three gorgeous velvet DIRECTORS: DlstfiCt '. Arthur Bailey. The MichIgan FARM NEWS is published Schoolcraft: DistrIct 2. Lowell Eisenmann, wear, not Betty Friedan, was ber, the car keys were in the cocktail dresses (given to me by monthly. on the first day. by the Michigan Blissfield. R.l. District 3. James Sayre. Farm Bureau Information DIVISion Publica. BelleVille: Distflct 4. Elton R Smith. the greatest boon to Women's pocket. It's a long shot, but a rich friend 20 years ago) that tion and Ediforial offices at 7373 West Caledonia: Dlstnct 5. W.lliam Spike. Owosso: Lib since the right to vote. So I maybe the person who took could still be worn if I lost 15 Saginaw Highway. Lans:ng. Michigan 48909. DlstfiCt 6. Jack Laurie. Cass City; District 7. POSl Ollice Box 30960. Telephone. LanSing RObert RIder. Hart; O,SlflCt 8. Larry OeVuyst. muttered something about the coat will stop at the garage pounds, or made into one long (517) 323.7000. Extens.on 508. Subscriphon price. 80 cents per year. Publicahon No fthaca. Dlstncl 9. Donald Nugent. Franklort. "Remember when you gained sale looking for a Ji~ing. It will skirt if I don't. Better hang onto D.strlct 10. Richard Wieland. Ellsworth: 345040. District 1,. Herman RObere. Fayette - or was it lost - all that cost him a quarter! those .... Established January 13. 1923. Second. class postage paid at LanSing. 1.41. and at ad. DIRECTORS AT LARGE: Walter Frahm weight?" The bottom line - I -My daughter's ruffly baby Frankenmuth. Michael Pfldgeon. Mon: -Ten beautiful made-by- dltlonal mailing ollices. tgomery. AObert Rower. Fremont now have four "favorite" shirts bonnet that would look silly on EDlrORIAL: Donna WIlber. EdItor. MarCia mom original aprons. She my grandson. But better keep it Dltchie. Connie Lawson. Associate Editors. WOMEN OF FARM BUREAU: VIVian I have to iron! OFFICERS: Michigan Farm' Bureau; LOll. Mason never could understand why I -' just in case. PreSident. Elton A Smith. Caledonia. A.l. -Three half-slips for mini- preferred to wipe my dish- . -Would you believe - a gar- Vice President. Jack Laufle. Cass City; Ad. _ FARM BUREAU YOUNG FARMERS: mlnlstratlve Dlfector. Robert Braden. Lans. L C Scram"n. HOlly skirts. I didn't! I couldn't have! water- or flour-covered hands ter belt! Yeh, I know what they POSTMASTER In USing lorm 3579. ma.1 to frog. Treasurer and Chief FinancIal Ollicer Not at my age - even then! on my jeans instead of wearing Max 0 Dean. Secretary. William S. Wilkin: Michigan Farm News. 7373 West Saginaw sor Highway. LanSing. Michigan 48909 Yep. I did. There's my favorite an apron. They are cute ... but (continued on page 12) JULY 1980 FARM NEWS PAGE 3 Tax Pot Still Boiling FB Succeeds in Amending Constitutional Proposal Gov. 'Milliken's bipartisan. to farmers. In fact, it is so im- under the present Homestead revenue-for education. Accord- monitored by Farm Bureau. coalition property tax relief pro- portant that .it has been at- Property rax Credit program. ing to Smith, "This means very Members will be kept informed posal continues to be a contro- tacked in some of the metro;- In order to provide the reve- little as the state already spends' on this issue throughout the versial issue in the Michigan poUlan daily papers as giving nue for the tax relief program, hundreds of millions out of the legislative process, as well as Legislature. At this writing, a farmers a 'windfall' and as a it will be necessary to put on general fund for state aid to other tax proposals. Senate-passed proposal had way to 'harvest the profits, not the ballot a constitutional education. " been reported out of the House the crop~.' That, of course, is .amendment to give the Legisla- The situatio'n on the coalition At this point in time, the Taxation Committee with some not the case. It's simply correc- tureauthority to implement property tax relief proposal is Michigan Farm Bureau'has not amendments. ting an inequity. Farmland and several of the provisions con- changing almost daily, Smith taken a position on any of the To correct some of the ineq- forestland should be assessed tained in the proposal and reported, and is being closely tax proposals. uities for farm.ers, Farm_ Bureau . on its use for agriculture and would increase. the present worked for and was successful forestry purposes rather than sales tax from 4 percent to 51f2 in amending a constitutional foor its potential development, per<;ent. MFB Board Appoints . proposal to provide that agri-. such as for homes, factories, or Other provisions of the pro- cultural and forestry property something else." posal include a phase-out, over Consumer Affairs Committee be assessed at its present use The total tax package con- a period of time, of the sales value, rather _than its highest . sists of a proposed constitu- tax on residential electric and potential use. tional amendment (SJR "X") . heatihg bills. Such an amendment. if and nine separate but tie- The proposal provides that passed, would make it possible barred bills (SB 1169 .through local units of government to enforce the present statute SB 1177). It exempts $7,100 would be reimbursed for -any which .requires that assessors . of assessed valuation as loss resulting from the property should consid~r "quality of soil, equalized and contains an in- tax relief. zoning, existing use of present dexing formula, so that when "This, however, is a point of economic income of structures, inflation rises, a homeownet's controversy," Smith said, "be- including farm structures and assessment exemption. goes up cause the proposal requires present economic income of and the homestead property- that in the event the additional land when the land .is being tax credit and personal income sales tax that would be levied. farmed or otherwise put to tax f!xemption also go up .. does not provide enough reve- income-producing use." - Those who rent - property nue, the difference would -be Robert E. Smith, farm Bu- .would receive a flat $140 in-' shared' by state and local reau's senior legislative coun- come tax credit for the rented units. " sel, said, "The amendment household which would be in Another provision calls for could be extremely .important addition to the renter tax relief the earmarking of all lottery GDTC--MSU At the first meeting of the Michigan Farm Bureau Consumer Af- fairs Committee, Chairman James Sayre reviewed a list of organiza- tions active in the consumer movement with members Oaudine Jackson, Joann Thome and Sandra Hill. The committee plans to be- come active in and encourage Farm Bureau members to participate in consumer groups . .JLiLY 22-~3 Energy costs are hitting the farmer hard. But production, particularly animal agriculture, must be maintained, even increased, to meet )Vorld food demand. Good forage' pro- duction can help. Find out how at Michigan Ag. Expo 80. Over 120 acres of harvesting demonstrations and equipment displays .. located at Michigan State University Farms, Ben- nett Road, East lansing, MI. - Details from (517) 353-0781. This emblem is importanllo callie feeders And to dairy rarmers. ho~ prodm"f'rs. grain rarmers. Poultry produC"t"rs. forage specialty crop growers. and'just about everyont" who makes a 11\1ng ramllng. It stands ror an organization whose ~oal has Michigan AgricullulOl Exposition 1980 remained constant ror 46 years: to Improve tht" Income and well-beln~ or rarmers and ranchc.-rs. It has stood with them as a dependable SOUI"Ct' or credit through ~ood times and bad. Where )bur Farm Comes Rrst Whether your main crop is hogs or,graln. milk. FaRm~ Compliments of the Farm Bureau cattlt" or poult ry. or a specialty crop or any kind. Production Credit Associat Ion can be a valuable Services, Inc. Building Department. souJ"c'('or credlrand services ror you. Visit our post framed building at the Ag Expo. erected BUreaU FARM BUREAU SERVICES. INC Production Credit ABuciations of llichigan PAGE 4 FARM NEWS JULY 1980 CAPITOL Bean Day at the State Capitol REPORT Attracts Appreciative Tasters .. By Robert E. Smith Legislative Update P .A. 116 Amendments PBB Cleanup Gov. Milliken has signed two S.B. 827 (P.A. 136) pro- bills, both supported by Farm vides for the Department" of Bureau, to make some chang- Agriculture to take neces.sary es in P .A. 116, the Farmland steps to solve any recontamina- and Open Space Preservation tion cleanup problems on 13 Act. H.B. 5236 (P.A. 148) farms that still have problems. gives landowners in the pro- It also provides for ti"naltesting gram six months before ter- for dairy cattle herds not mination of the tenure agree- already examined. ment to decide whether they wish to renew a contract. The Farm Mechanics Exemption renewal will be simplified, as Gov. Milliken has signed extensions can be made auto- H.B. 5274 (P.A. 151); this ex-- matically by written request. empts all persons repairing S.B. 376 (P.A. 133) will re- farm vehicles and implements quire the state treasurer to pay and construction equipment" interest on tax rebates due from the requirements of the under P.A. 116. Th~ interest state's Motor Vehicle and willbe 9 percent, the same rate Repair Act. The bill had Farm the state pays for all other late Bureau support and is ex- payments. It also allows for the tremely important to imple- Gerald E1enbaum, chairman of the Michigan Bean Commission, left, hands Gov. William MUlikep a cup of granting of easements such as ment dealers and rural me- Michigan bean soup during festivities at the bi-annual Capitol Bean Day. Co-sponsored by the Michigan those needed for utility, chanics who repair farm ma- Bean Commission and the Gratiot County Farm Bureau Women, the June 11 event drew several hundred visitors at the Capitol, as well as many state legislators. In addition to the bean soup, several bean dishes transmission and distribution chinery and vehicles not re- were served in a tent erected on the east lawn of the Capitol. The B & W Co-op of Breckenridge donated the purposes. quired to be registered. beans for the bean salad. State Faces Budget Crunch Challenges Money, or the lack of it, is which begins Oct. 1, 1980. ly this fiscal year the Depart- late 1979. That, so far, has not Welfare Cuts the major issue.in the legislative Gov. Milliken's 'General Fund ment of Agriculture budget was been funded. This' was intend- A series of three bills would spending cuts which are be- Budget was extremely tight cut by $1.8 million, down to ed to protect farmers from se- cut welfare benefits by some coming deeper by the day, as with a $4.9 billion recommen- $20 million. Other specific cuts vere losses due to the closing or $30 million. They have been Michigan's recession becomes dation. This amount is the por- have included: bankrup~cy of elevators or extremely. controversial. H.B. more acute. Much federal aid is tion of the total expected bud- - Laying off of 22 meat in- other grain dealers. It is hoped 5701 has passed the House being cut or elimlnated. State get of more than $10 billion spectors (11 were brought that some funding will be pro- and would eliminate welfare income tax withholding rev- over which the governor and back when it was obvious vided for this important pro- assistance (for up to three enues are dropping, sales tax Legislature have some control. that meat inspection was in- graJ? months) to those who refuse to revenues and other tax reve- The rest of the total budget is adequate). work. The vote was 77 to 20. nues are dropping and costs earmarked funds (sales tax to - Laying off or terminating the K-12 Education Current policy cuts off funds for , are rising due to the inflationary schools and local government, jobs of four veterinarians, Schools, too, have had one month to those who refuse pressures. highway funds. local tax shar- seven inspectors, one lab several cuts. The most recent is to work without a good reason. The 1978-80 General Fund ing, federal funds, etc.). technician, one data proces- approximately $35 million, This is expected to save from Budget, as passed by the Legis- More than 41 percent of the sing and one Execut;ive Of- which is a .reduction in a $9 million to $15 million. lature. was over $4.4 billion. total budget goes back to local fice staff member. district's per pupil combined H. B. 5785 would make Cuts by the departments and units 'of government (town- -Other cuts have included state-local funding. However, stepparents financially respon- those ordered by the- governor ships. counties, schools, cities, $20,000 in communications the Senate bill for 1980-81.in:- sible for their stepchildren. It is l1ave totaled nearly $188 etc.). This is required by the and pub Iic reI a t ion s , creases the basic per pupil aid estimated that this will affect million. Under the constitution, Headlee Amendment. It is ex- $20,000 in toxic substance from the present $325 plus $43 some 13,700 cases and save the budget must be balanced. It pected that the General Fund control; $62,000 in inter- per mill (full funding up to 30 the state over $16 million and is the governor's duty to cut Budget will be cut from the national trade; $30,000 in mills and one-half funding over another $16 million savings in spending if necessary. $4.9 billion recommendation gypsy moth eradication; 30 mills) to $335 plus $48.89 federal funds .. The most recent cut ordered to about $4.6 billion, which will $11,500 in the cherry fruit per mill of school taxes with no H.B. 5783 has also passed by' the governor amounted to be less than the $4.7 billion ex- fly program; $10,500 in the limits. This would cost the (70-26); it affects those 18 to nearly $100 million. Much of pected to be spent in 1980. Soil Conservation Service; General Fund over $876 mil- 20 year olds who are attending that figure will affect the This is the first time that a $6,000 in the Drainage lion with an additional $629 high school or college by cut- schools throughout the state. budget has been less than the Division; $32,000 in the million from the school aid ting off ADC funds. It will save With aU the cuts, the state will previous year since the depres- Marketing Division; and fund and $3 million from over $9 million. spend some $300 to $350 mil- sion of the 1930s! However, $8,000 in the Marketing federal funds for a total of well H.B. 4473 makes' a giant lion more than it will take in. this is more significant because Bargaining Board. lover $1.5 billion. supplemental payment for so- This will be made up by using of increased costs due to infla- In addition to the above cuts, The formula is only part of cial welfare and includes a total all of the Budget Stabilization tion. the governor's reconsidered the total state schoo! aid. The appropriation of $256 million or "rainy day" fund of $275 Some specific areas of con- b.udget has cut the depart- total will probably be around with nearly $103 million in million, $30 million from a sur- cern and interest to Farm ment's budget by another $1 $1.98 billion with more than federal money. The supple- plus from last year and $25 mil- Bureau members are: million and the Senate target is $450 million going to the mental appropriation is needed lion from liquor transactions. Department of Agriculture an additional $700,000. teachers retirement fund. How- because welfare loads have The budget presently being The MDA has been especial- One vital program for farmer ever, it can be expected that mushroomed with the eco- worked on by the Legislature is ly hard hit, as its budget was protection is the new amended further cuts willbe made before nomic decline. ADC case loads for the 1980-81 fiscal year, also cut in previous years. Ear- Grain Dealers Act passed in the final budget is approved. (continued on page 10) JULY 1980 FARM NEWS PAGES Farm Bureau OISERYATIOnS on the Iromthe NATIONAL Trector Seet SCENE Robert B. Delano, President American Farm Bureau Crack in Embargo Dam: AFBF President Robert Dela- Federation no said June 20 that the Carter administration's decision to permit U.S. firms to ship foreign grain to the Soviet Union is a "crack in the embargo dam." Delano said that the decision announced by an official of the USDA is "welcomed by farmers and legitimizes what we suspected had been going Coalition Politics on for some time .. "The Soviet Union is getting the grain it wants through secondary sources, but the embargo continues to disrupt It was not surprising to learn coalition with either political but separate action." farmers' markets and dep~ess prices paid to farmers. This of the recent rebirth of the so- party; with food business inter- The agreement adds that all decision further indicates that the embargo is not working called farm "coalition." I ests; with militant conservatives parts of Farm Bureau "should The idea of a coalition of farm-interest groups gains sup- of leftist groups; with either organized labor, or anti-labor avoid joining with other groups in ways which could lead to the and it should be dropped." ..... porters each election year. In- activists; with special interest impairment, or loss, of Farm Farm Credit Act Amendments Could Help Young terest in the idea falls as politi- commodity groups or segments Bureau's organizational Farmers: Several of the amendments to the Farm Credit cal activity declines .. of agri-business. strength or identity." Act, which it appears that Congress is ready to approve, This policy has been put to would be important to young farmers, according to MFB The coalition theory, to Almost 50 years ago, Farm good use in protecting the Public Affairs Director AI Almy. which Farm Bureau does not Bureau members and leaders member's voice. "The bill would authorize increasing the amount of ap- subscribe, is that general farm reasoned a pathway through The greatest "farm coalition" praised value that can be financed by the land banks," Almy organizations and farm-related and around such political and was put together more than 60 explained. "Now at 85 percent, it would increase to 100 special interest groups gain by special-interest affiliations. This ye~us ago when Farm Bureau percent of the appraised value." submerging their identity within has allowed Farm Bureau to was founded. Its success is Another amendment would make it easier for farmers to a supergroup which speaks for concentrate on furthering the measured by a membership finance farm equipment. The bill would authorize PCA's to all. interests of all agriculture ... in which.includ~s more producers extend repayment terms up to ten years. The cu'rrent limita- The idea is most popular the words of Farm Bureau's of every kind of commodity tion is seven years. Also included in the amendments is one with the smaller farm groups founders, "To promote, pro- than is now found in all com- which would make it easier for the farm credit system to fi- which have been least suc- tect and represent the business, cessful in attracting members and support. economic, social and educa- tional interests of farmers of the modity or special-interest groups combined. Many people and many ..... nance cooperatives which are in the grain export business. nation .... " New USDA Interest Rates: The U.S. Department of Again, the most recent effort groups envy Farm Bureau's appears to be another loose Agriculture has agreed to reduce interest rates on 1980 crop We are guided by a formal ability to get things done. We mixture of special farm interests "Membership Memorandum of price support loans and other credit, including Farmers are "doers" with a good record including touches of agri_ O Agreement" in this. The agree- Home Administration loans. The interest rate on 1980 crop of success. business and commodity pro- ment states that Farm Bureau support loans was reduced to 11.5 percent from 13 percent These attributes are attrac- motion. Again, Farm Bureau effective June 16. ' will seek support for Farm Bu- tive to others who may have lit- declines to participate for a Changes in .other USDA loan programs include a cut in ° reau's policies and programs by tle to lose and who - if we the interest rate on economic emergency loans from 14 per- number of reasons. ALL other organized groups, would allow it - would use cent to 11.5 percent; FmHA regular operating loans from Past coalition efforts have both within and outside agricul- Farm Bureau for their own pur- 12.5 percent to 10.5 percent; and FmHA real estate loans been aimed primarily at at- ture, in a policy of "correlated poses. from 12 percent to 11 percent. The present 13 percent rate tempts to persuade Congress to enact federal farm programs featuring price supports set at Saginaw Young Farmers, ..... on farm storage facility loans will remain unchanged. high levels. USDA Presents Consumer Affairs Plan to Public: Virtually never is there a coa- AgriPac Sponsor Pig Roast The USDA has presented its final consumer affairs plan to lition call for less government the public. The plan calls for establishment of an Office of Consumer Affairs to encourage consumer participation in intervention in agriculture or to I U~DA decision-making and to ensure consideration of con- otherwise recognize that higher sumer interests by USDA officials. supports bring production con- trols and restricted markets. Starting this fall, the Office of Consumer Affairs is plan- ning a series of consumer forums around the country on Farm Bureau members have issues such as food, rural affairs and natural resources. made it plain that they favor a market-oriented agriculture with a minimum use of price ..... Farm Bureau is opposed to USDA's consumer office. ,.. and income support measures. Alcohol and Methane Grants to be Approved: The This policy, as is true of all Farmers Home Administration will soon begin approving Farm Bureau policies, was de- ,,r grants to help finance construction of on-farm fuel alcohol termined by members in com- and methane production facilities. The Department of Ener- munity, county and state annu- gy is supplying $2.3 million, which will be used to supple- al meetings and confirmed at ment FmHA loans and loan guarantees for methane and delegate sessions of the fuel alcohol production plants. American Farm Bureau Fed- Under an agreement between the USDA and DOE, the eration annual meeting. funds are to be used to test and demonstrate the economic feasibility of on-farm fuel production. Elected Farm Bureau leaders The FmHA has set aside $10 million in farm loans and are committed to all policies as $100 million in business and industry loan guarantees for written - and have no authority to modify or alter them for assumed temporary political alcohol and methane production. ..... gain. (Left to right) Rep. J. Michael Busch (R-Saglnaw). Sen. Robert Washington Addresses Young (R-Saglnaw) and former state senator Bob Richardson were Over the years, Farm Bu- Senators: among the hundreds of people who attended the pig roast and dance reau has been offered many sponsored by the Saglnaw County Young Farmers and MFB's , Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510. chances to "sell" our member- AgrlPac on June 14. Held on the Mike Wicke farm, the fundraiser Representatives: ship as part of coalition politics. featured four roasted pigs, homemade desserts and lots of House Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515. These could have included a beverages. PAGE 6 FARM NEWS JULY 1980 In Memoriam Ag Research Inadequately Funded By Robert E. Smi~h Dr. Cyril Spike nate committee recommended total of $11,612,000. Agricultural research is in a that the 1980-81 budget be this Senate committee has recom- The serious situation as far as ade- year's budget, plus a 4.2 per- mended $11,650,100. How- "There was a gladness quate funding is concerned. cent inflation factor, plus ever, in order to meet the de- Research cannot be turned on $600,000 for the outlying sta- mand and to keep even, an ad- in his service .... " or off; it must be 'an ongoing tions for a . total of ditional $1,138,693 is needed. function. $13,153,100, or $506,000 The Extension Service and In commemorating the death of Dr. Cyril Spike on May With the continued decline more than -the governor's re- Agricultural Experiment Sta- 29, 1980, Shiawassee County Farm Bureau members hon- of the automobile industry, vi~ed recommendation. tion budgets are part of the ored him with these loving words: "No work was beneath agriculture has probably moved However, at least $654,300 total MSU budget, but unlike him. He was ready to do all he could for others. There was a from being the number two in- more is needed to avoid ter- the college, cannot supplement gladness in his service. In serving others, he expressed his dustry to the number one in- mination of more positions and their funds with increases in love for the lord. II dustry in the state. It is by far reduction of research pro- student fees. Three years ago The words are a simple, straightforward testimony to the the most stable and depend- grams.' In the past five years, - there was a 10 percent cut, honorable lifetime work of Dr. Spike. It was this work in ser- able part of the economy. more than 60 scientists have which has never been recov- vice to his veterinary practice, to the growth of the faIT!ily One bright spot at the mo- resigned from MSU to' accept ered. farm, to the community, to the development of the qualities ment is that the Senate Ap- better paying positions, and all Other ~tates are continuing of integrity and service in his six children that was Cyril propriations Committee has had the opportunity to work in to increase their investment in Spike's lifetime act of love. recommended the restoration better facilities with adequate agriculture and forestry. They' Dr. Spike was a loyal supporter of state and local organi- of $600,000 for renovation operating funds. consider it to be a high priority. zations including the DHIA, Michigan Milk Producers Asso- and repairing the .outlying It should be remembered -that research facilities throughout There has been a meteoric Michigan has the most diversi- ciation, Michigan, Farm Bureau and the local cooperative. He served as president of the Michigan Jersey Cattle Club, the state. This is the amount rise in operating costs for fied agriculture outside of on the board of directors of the Michigan Artificial Breeders the governor vetoed earlier in MSU's Extension Service. California. It takes more fund- the year. More than 45 Extension staff ing to do an adequate job, but Cooperative and the American Jersey Cattle Club. He was a member of the Michigan Professional Farmers and the This year's experiment sta- members have been lost with it also pays greater dividends. tion budget is $12,047,100. the possibility of more losses in Michigan's agriculture and Michigan Veterinary Medical Association. In his veterinary practice, he believed that to have prac- MSU's original request was for the counties. general economy have probab- tical livestock health programs in the state, the practices had an additional $3,135,000, but The 1979-80 budget is ly benefited more from re- to be usable by farm people. He had the courage to voice his cut the request to $1,160,297 $11,180,500. MSU requested search than most other states. conviction and greatly influenced livestock health prograrTis because of the budget crunch. an increase of $3,089,000 and Our high quality fruit, veget- in Michigan. The governor's recommenda- then revised it downward to ables, grain, beans, livestock Because of his dedication, he was honored by the Michi- tion was a 7 percent increase $1,608,293. -r-he governor's products and forest products gan Farm Bureau membership in 1972 for Distinguished ($846,297) for the 1980-81 recommendation for the com- have resulted to a large degree Service to Agriculture, and received an award for distin- budget. In April this was cut ing year was a 7 percent in- through new varieties, new guished service to agriculture from Michigan State Univer- to a 4 percent increase crease ($782,635), which has products and disease control sity.. ($465,724) making a total of been revised downward to 4 resulting from research and ex- $12,512,822. In May the Se- percent ($432,223), making a tension services. Stainless Steel VENTILATION FANS by Un/versoL I' I STAINLESS STEEL MOTORS I • Available in 12", 20".and 24" sizes • Variable speed 115 volt A.C. • Won't rust or corrode • Permanent split capacitor design • Won't splinter in cold weather • Built-in automatic overload protection • High quality nickle-chrome stainless • Permanently lubricated ball bearings • Stainless housing, hood and motor support FAN BLADES Wt... )tu- F.m Comee f3nrt ALUMINUM SHUTTERS FaRm~ • Cast aluminum on 20" and 24" fans • Stainless or nylon bearings • Corrosion resistant Available through all • Shutters on inside of building • Prevents back draft • Airfoil design for maximum efficiency • Stamped aluminum blade with steel hub on 12" fan participatil1g Farm Bureau Services dealers. BUreaU FARM BUREAU 8ERVICE8. 100 JULY 1980 FARM NEWS PAGE 7 State Farm Management Tour July 10 .Montcalm Farmers Innovators, Good Managers When Jim Crosby leans back that ability and the interest to poration is their experiments for their interest in good family the Crooks farm . Tour details in his big office chair and begins keep abreast of change. They with solar energy grain drying. and land relationships. may be obtained by contacting talking about the farmers in are also very innovative, which The Andersons, Farm Bureau When it comes to borrowing the Montcalm County Cooper- Montcalm County, you sense a will become apparent as each members, have 285 acres of money, no one understands ative Extension Service office tremendous pride and dedica- farm is visited. Admittedly, the potatoes, 400 acres of wheat the importance of good records in Stanton, 517-831-5226, ex- ti9n in the man. fanns we have selected are and 80 'acres of rye .. better than does Richard Peter- tension 58. Without saying so, Crosby, among the- best in the county Lakeside Acres, operated by son who runs a 397 -acre beef the director of the Michigan bu~ that's what a tour of this brothers Leonard, Harold and farm and is a bank vice presi- State University Cooperative nature is all about; to show Richard Goodell (father, Kaye, dent. Peterson currently mar- Extension Service for the c'oun- how good management can is retiring) is a good example of kets 230 head of beef annually ty, has no doubt that those turn a profit." . how five generations of good and intends to expand the farmers- are among' the best, He and his tour advisory personnel treatment can retain operation to 400 head pro- anywhere. That is part of the - committee have selected 10 family interest in farming. duced per year. reason why the 32nd State farms for public review, each of Lakeside Acres consists of 550 Division of labor, matched to Farm Management Tour is be- . which has some unique aspect . acres that supports a 115-cow individual talents and interests ing held in Montcalm County in addition to good manage- Holstein herd having a rolling- is part of the complex opera- July iO. It is sponsored by the ment. herd average of 22,398 tion found at Sackett Ranch. university and Extension and is For instance, the Terry pounds of milk and 721. This father-son partnership open to the public. Anderson orchard. operation, pounds of butterfat per cow per consists of the father, Keith, Crosby, who has piloted which contains 232 acres, is a year. They are Farm. Bureau sons Allen, Bruce and Larry. - MSU Extension programs in good example of how a former members. Their operation covers 1,435 Montcalm County for 18 years, employee can get into the busi- How can water pollution by acres for the production of- traces substantial agricultural ness with little capital. Terry . animal manure on sandy potatoes, corn, wheat, oats, progress with what is almost an started working for Orville Tre- ground be prevented? Farm rye, soybeans and peas. They air of expectation: This prob- bian as a high school student Bureau members Wayne and are Farm Bureau members. ably -stems from his keen in- and is now in the process of Gene Grassley, who farm 885 Robert and Marcia Spencer terest in continually. providing taking over the farm as Trebian acres and have a 110-cow. are good examples of how a Buy Farmers Petroleum current educational informa- readies for retirement. Ander- Custom Diesel Fuel and Holstein dairy business, found family can successfully make buy a premium diesel tion from MSU to farmers. son orchards produces eight the answer by building a long, the transition from part-time fuel. It'll run better and UToday' s farming is a com- varieties of apples, blueberries, gradually-sloping grass water- farming and working in one longer in all your farm paratively low-margin profit peaches and tart cherries. They shed. The experiment is being county to full-time dairying in vehicles. It's a smart way business and it takes a great are Farm Bureau members. monitored for pollutants. The another. This Farm Bureau to conserve. Just another deal of management acumen An interesting aspect of the product from Farmers far~ crop producHon includes family began putting down Petroleum to help you to remain solvent," Crosby Allen and Donna Anderson alfalfa, corn',. cranberry beans, roots in Montcalm County in get More Acres per said. uThe farmers here have 840-acre potato and grain cor- dark red kidney beans and 1973 and today operate on Gallon. wheat. 280 acres that support 80 Hol- Lavern Hansen mortgaged stein cows with a rolling herd See These his mobile home to buy a trac- average of 17,000 pounds of Participating tor to help plant beans on 10 milk and 635 pounds of butter- acres of rented land, which was fat per cow per year. Dealers: his advent to farming while . There are no charges for go- Branch County working in a factory. A Farm ing on the State Farm Manage- Farm Bureau Oil Bureau member, he currently ment Tour but in the interest of Chesaning Farmers Co-op has aI, 11 O-acre farm that pro- energy conservation, visitors Falmouth duces dry edible beans, corn are requested to board buses at Co-op Co. (McBain & and wheat. the Norman Crooks farm. It is Merritt Branches Because of the amount of located two miles west and six Marshall Farm sand contained in the farm run and one-half miles north of Bureau Oil Co. by Farm Bureau members Stanton on Mussen Road. Ruth Farmers Allen and Mike Hardy, all the Crooks grows potatoes, wheat Elevator cropland used for support of and rye on his 1, 020-acre Saginaw Farm their 84-cow herd is contour farm. Bureau Oil Co. farmed. This farm was involved Buses. will begin running Sebewaing Farmers Co-op in the formation of the Soil about 9:30 a.m. and continue Thunder Bay ---- Conservation District in the through the day. Each of the Farmers Co-op, Inc. county in 1949. As much care 10 farms will be visited; inter- Tw~way radio communication is used frequently to help keep the also goes into this father-son views with farm family mem- Farmers Petroleum ._~ 1,no-acre cash crop operation of Laverne and Joyce Hansen run- partnership as does their prac- bers will be conducted by MSU Branches: ning smoothly. Theirs is one of ten farms to be seen on the State tice of good soil stewardship, Extension personnel. There Breckenridge Farm Management Tour in Montcalm County July 10. which pays off in good profits will be a noon meal available at Care Cassopolis Comstock Park Emmett Hart Highland Jonesville Linwood Petoskey Sandusky Scottville St. Johns Traverse City Wayne Grassley (left) and Jim Crosby, ExtenAion director in Mont- Sackett Ranch, consisting of more than 1,400 acres for produc- calm County, discuss the crop spraying program, which is part of the tion of potatoes, com, wheat, oats, rye soybeans and peas, will be farm business program to be covered during the State Farm one of ten farms visited during the State Farm Management Tour. Management Tour. The Grassley operation, consisting of 885 acres This operation is a partnership between (left to right) Keith Sackett and 110 Holstein cows, is a partnership between Wayne and his and his sons, ADen, Bruce and Larry. brother, Gene. PAGE 8 FARM NEWS JULY 1980 Falr Location 'Date Falr Location Date Branch County Coldwater Aug. 3-9 Marquette County Marquette Sept. 18-20 Calhoun ~ounty Marshall Aug. 10-16 Mecosta County Big Rapids July 6-12 Cass County Cassopolis Aug. 4-9 Menominee County Stephenson July,24-27 Chelsea Community Chelsea Aug. 26-30 Michigan State Fair Detroit Aug. 22-Sept. 1 Chippewa County Kinross Aug. 27 -Sept. 1 Midland CountY Midland Aug. ,10-16. Chippewa County Stalwart Sept. 4-6 MisSaukee-Falmouth Falmouth Aug. 4-8 Clare County Harrison July 27-Aug. 2 Monroe County Monroe Aug. 4-9 Clinton County St. Johns Aug. 11-13 Montcalm County Greenville July 20-26 Croswell Croswell July 14-19 Montmorency County Atlanta Aug. 13-16 Dickinson County Norway Aug, 28-Sept. 1 Newaygo County Fremont Aug. 11-16 Eastern Michigan Fair Imlay City Aug. 25-Sept. 1 Northern District Fair . Cadillac Aug. 1-1-16 Eaton County Charlotte July 20-26 Northern Michigan Fcrir, Cheboygan Aug. 9-16 Emmet County Petoskey Aug. 18-23 'N.W. Michigan Fair Traverse City '. Aug. 25-30 Fowlerville Fowlerville July 14-19 Oakland County Davisburg Aug. 3-9 Genesee County Mt. Morris Aug. 12-17 Oceana County, Hart Aug. 28-Sept. 1 Gladwin County Gladwin July 21-26 Ontonagon County Greenland Aug. 21-24 Gogebic County Ironwood Aug. 7-10 Osceola County Evart July 28-Aug. 2 Gratiot County Ithaca July 19-26 Oscoda County Mio Aug. 6-9 Gratiot Co. Youth Fair Alma Aug. 4-8 Otsego County . Qaylord Aug. 3-10 Hillsdale County Hillsdale Sept. 21-27 ,Ottawa County Holland July 21-26 Houghton 4-H Fair . Hancock Aug. 22-24 Presque Isle County Posen Sept. 13-14 1980 Michigan County Hudsonville Fair Huron County Hudsonville Bad Axe Aug. 18-23 Aug. 4-10 Ravenna Fair Saginaw County Raven[la Saginaw' Co. July 22-26 Sept. 6-13 Ingham County Mason July 28-Aug. 2 Saline Community Fair Saline July 29-Aug. 1 Fair Schedule Ionia Free Fair losco County Ionia Hale Aug. 1-10 - July. 23-26 Sanilac County Schoolcraft County Sandusky Manistique Aug. 3-9 Aug. 22-24 Iron County Iron,River Aug. 15-18' - Shiawassee, County Corunna Aug. 3-9 Fair Location Date Isabella County Mt. Pleasant Aug. 17-24 _Sparta Area Fair Sparta Aug. 12-17 Akona County Lincoln Aug. 11-16 Jackson County Jackson Aug. 3-9 St. Clair County Goodells July 29-Aug. 2 Alger County Chatham Aug. 7-9 Kalamazoo County Kalamazoo Aug. 18-23 St. Joseph County' Centreville Sept. 15-20 Allegan County Allegan Sept. 5-13 Kalkaska County Kalkaska Aug. 14-16 • Tuscola County Care July 27 -Aug. 2 Alpena County Alpena Aug. 17-24 Kent-County lowell Aug. 25-30 V.P. State Fair Escanaba Aug. 12-17,' Arenac County Standish July 28-Aug. 2 lake Odessa Fair lake Odessa July.I-6 Van Buren Youth Fair Hartford July 19-26 Armada Armada Aug. 12-17 lenawee County Adrian Aug.'17-24 Vassar Fair Vassar July 6-12 Baraga County Pelkie Aug. 8-9 luce County Newberry Sept. 4-6 Washtenaw County Saline Sept. 2-6 Barry County Hastings July 12-19 Mackinac County Allenville Aug. 22-24 Wayland Community Wayland Aug. 22-23 Bay County Bay City July 28-Aug. 2 Manchester Community Manchester Aug. 12-16 Wayne County Belleville Aug. 11-17 Berlin Fair Marne July 14-19 Manistee County Onekama Aug. 27-Sept. 1 _ Western Michigan Fair ludington Aug. 4-9 Berrien County Berrien Springs Aug. 8-16 Marion Fair Marion July 1-5 Telling the S.tory of Agriculture Fann Or Commercial ....-, 'The Fann Bureau People Can ,Build It. Horse barn, dairy system with 4-foot truss barn, warehouse, ma- spacing is 60% stronger chinery storage, com- against wind than build- mercial buildings. Farm ings with 8 and 9 foot Bureau's strong treated truss spacing. Dick Kamprath and Jerry Heck of the Modem Producers Community Group in Monroe County begin timber structures give We've been building construction on their county fair display. Patterned after midway games of chance, players roU "dice" to yo~ more building for farm and commercial determine the success or failure of their crops. your money. buildings for over 20 The MpnroeCounty group is one of six county Farm Bureaus that received Michigan Department of Agrl-- Tests performed at years. See the Farm culture grants for falr displays. Michigan State Univer- . Bureau people for your • sity prove that the Farm next building job. Recipients of one year grants Bureaudiaphragm panel involved in farming; Cass and skill along the midway," for the development of innova- tive agricultural exhibits at local 'County Extension Service for a she said. "Our exhibit project small animal exhibit and dem- ,has this element of fun; we iJ REYNOLDS "'" Iwatr .. ,., •.." "..,ocu ALUMINUM ~¥:j) fI' ~:r;"."'1 ~~ FaRm~ county fairs were announced in early May by Dean M. Prid- onstrations of crafts and cook- hope fairgoers will also learn ing; Alpena County FFA for an more about the risks involved Building License 112827 BUreaU rMM IlRAU ....,.1iIC geon, director of the' Michigan Department of Agriculture. agricultural olympics featuring in production agriculture." contests in bale throwing, egg Members of the' Modern Pro- --------------------------- MAIL IN TODAY FOR COMPLETE INFORMATION Grant applications for ~13 throwing, com shelling, nail ducers' group developed the ON A FARM BUREAU BUILDING agricultural exhibit proposals driving, cross-cut sawing, etc., game concept and designed were submitted to the 'depart- and for another proposal, a the exhibit background. Building Department, Farm Bureau Semces, Inc., ment; 36 were awarded grants demonstration of an alcohol 7373 W. Saginaw, lansing, MI 48909, Attn: Miss Kraft totaUing nearly $50,000. still utilizing farm grains and The Monroe CountY fair Is I would like information on: The top eight proposals raw agricultural materials as the August 4 through 9. were: Shiawassee County 4-H energy source. Five other county Farm Bu- o Machine Storage o Garage Council for a five-day demon- reaus also received funding for OGraln Storage o Residential Storage Marty Kamprath, member of exhibit projects from the MDA o Fertilizer Storage o Urban Storage stration and exhibit promoting the ;\rea's agricultural past and the Modem Producers Com- grant program: Sanilac, Sagi- o Dairy Building OCommerclal Building munity Group in Monroe I OBeef f3ulldlng OOther _ future; Croswell-Lexington naw, Branch, Washtenaw and C _ County, Is chairperson for the Farm Bureau members from J o Hog Building FFA for an exhibit and demon- o Horse Building 0 _ county fair display - "Gamble Onton09on County. I- stration of a solar still producing alcohol from farm products; with the Farmer." . I Name It is estimated that over four I Monroe County Farm Bureau "People going fo the county million Michigan fair goors will Address I Town _ ZJp _ for an audience participation fair are looking for fun and ex- see these exhibits during the I Phone _ game illustrating the gambles citement from games of chance summer fair season. I --------------------------- JULY 1980 FARM NEWS PAGE 9 Policy Alternatives _ ~ AGRINOMIC All Wheat Farmers Affected - .- Wi' ·-;J _ ~- IIIdI Jl 'II. •• ~. UPDATE 180 Report of the Commodity Activi,ties & Research Department By Government Price Management ports due. to the smaller crop, which is a highly unlikely event. therefore, food prices. Con- sumers outnumber wheat pro- ducers and the administration There is no limit to the number of schemes to "save the wheat farmer" that can be advocated By programming for larger is very sensitive to higher food by a politician in a tight race for While wheat producers would exceed demand without prices. supplies than economically re-election. acrpss the country are con- a ,set-aside program, so a 20 justifiable, the administration is To await further crop de- sidering their wheat production percent 3et-aside program was and marketing options for the announced for the crop to be making sure, to the maximum extent possible, that wheat velopments before taking ac- tion bears the risk that the in- l\e.llilletl ..: 1980 and 1981 crops, dozens harvested in summer 1979. prices will not make any unex- come situation of wheat produ:- IllJllNS H()'f'IUI of .USDA and other federal With the set-aside, the average IllJllNS (]~A1~II pected jumps due to world cers will deteriorate to the ex- planners are considering the farm price was forecast to be supply-demand conditions. tent that those who favor high supply of; and demand for, $3.02 per bushel but it actually Thus, the opportunities for pro- ~ support prices may get the up- wheat for the marketing year was about $3.75, compared Ii ducers to ever realize full mar- per hand with a return to strict beginning June 1, 198!. with the USDA's desired price ket prices have been substan- production controls - a very This activity, is undertaken of $3.12 per bushel. ' tially re~uced. real possibility in this election each year as the federal gov- The beginning carryover was Farm Bureau favors a mar- year. This would reverse all the ernment attempts to manage about 75 million bushels less ket-oriented agriculture. Given work done in the last several the wheat program as required than forecast,' production was the government ope"ration of years to move the wheat indus,- by the Agriculture Act of 1977. 200 million bushels larger than the wheat program to date and try toward more free market Government management of forecast and exports were the economic situation and in- opportunity. wheat prices directly affects about 275 million bushels producers whether or not they greater than forecast. come outlook confronting Supporting increased incen- participate in the government Based on the forecast for wheat producers, the question tives to use the farmer-held wheat program each year. that year, the ability of USDA becomes: "Where do we go reserve and a set-aside pro- 'The Agriculture Act of 1977 to forecast production and ex- from here to maximize market gram for 1981 carries the risk resulted in a wheat program price opportunity?" In getting of being accused of "raiding the ports is questionable, and Farmers Petroleum w1th significantly less direct a,t an answer to this question, treasury" to protect farm in- points to continued proble'ms in Agriholls a premium fuel government i~terference in in- three policy options with come. This path also is risky made with 10% grain prod- government management of dividual production and mar- definite economic implications because farmers will have to ucts. It's a higher octane the wheat program to the de- keting decisions, but which re- come to mind: battle the whole USDA bureau:. than regular no-lead, so gree mandated by the Agricul- you save precious fuel two tained "supply-managem~nt" ture Act of 1977. (I) continue on the wheat cracy and cheap food advo- ways. Just another product objectives established by the ,Some agricultural econo- program path chartered by cates to get a fair program for from Farmers Petroleum to government. m'ists also are concerned about USDA for the past three years; wheat producers. help you get More Acres The secretary of agriculture how much grain is actually (2) await final U.S. wheat crop This debate is critical because per Gallon. is provided with broad admin- needed in the farmer-held developments and price pres- aIr wheat producers are af- istrative tools to manage wheat reserve to effectively administer sures; or (3) modify the present fected by government manage- See These supplies and prices within the program. When the wheat' program in order to provide in- ment of wheat prices, whether ranges established by the, centives for greater 'use of the they participate in the formal Participating reserve was originally set up, USDA. But the USDA does USDA sought to have about farmer-held reserve and push program or not. The program . Dealers: not make this decision alone. 550 million bushels of wheat for a set-aside program for the will be operated by USDA to Branch County Also involved in this decision enter the farmer-held reserve. 1981 wheat crop. keep wheat prices within a Farm Bureau Oil are the Office of Management Recent research by some re- Following the wheat pro- specifiC range. Those who ex- Ruth Farmers and Budget. the Treasury De- spected economists indicates gram path charted by USDA pect a return to the. good old Elevator partment, the Council of Eco- that the reserve stock objective carries the high risk, from the days of $5 or $6 per bushel Saginaw Farm nomic Advisors and the White set by USDA planners is producers' standpoint, that wheat had better take a second Bureau Oil Co. House. enough to cover all production USDA planners will choose to look. The primary objective of the Farmers Petroleum shortfalls, except those that oc- continue to error on the side of The economic options for Branches: program, as it has been man- cur once every 100 years, and excessively large supplies in wheat producers are com- Breckenridge aged, has been to protect con- assumes that there would be no order to avoid any chance of pounded further by the fact Caro sumers from high wheat prices cutback in domestic use or ex- increased wheat prices, and that this is an election year. Cassopolis with a secondary objective to Emmett protect producers from low Jonesville wheat prices. Sandusky The farmer-held reserve, set- aside and diversion programs Simplify St. Johns are used by USDA to manage supply and force wheat prices to average close to a target price established by USDA for Marketing This Year the year. Price support loans are used to provide a floor bnder commodity prices and the farmer-held res~rve is used to put an upper limit on prices. In operating the wheat pro- gram, the government has pretty well assured that, unless there is a unique combin'ation of international events, wheat prices are likely to fall within FaRm~ the "loan/release price" range about 95 percent of the time. The ultimate goverDment ob- jective is to hit the target price in order to avoid deficiency BUreaU Wheat Pool payments . . During the summer of 1978, . USDA considered the likely de- mand situation for the market- Like more information? Call or write your county Farm Bureau office or the Com- ing year beginning June 1, modity Activitie~ and Research Department, Michigan Farm Bureau, P.O. Box 30960, 1979, and decided that supply Lansing, Michigan 48909, phone 517-323-7000, extension 547. PAGE 10 FARM NEWS JULY 1980 FPC Returns . $245,090 Approximately 4,700 checks totalling $245,000' were dis- tributed to member-patrons Farmers Petroleum tive, Inc. in June. This pay- Coopera- of Cash Patronage Is Being I Returned To Members! ment represented the patron- age deferred in 1963 and 1964 and earned from business done with Farmers Petroleum. "We are pleased to pass on this patronage to our member- patrons and are grateful for their excellent participation in the cooperative," said Elton R. - Smith, president Petroleum. of Farmers Cash Refunds Are '.Being Mailed To" In 1948, the year the coop- erative was organized, net sales All" FPC Members On Products, Purchased amounted to less than $2 mil- lion. For the fiscal year ending Aug. 31, 1980, net sales are From Their Cooperative In 1963 And 1964. .,r projected to be $100 million. Farmers Petroleum Cooper- ative is the largest farmer- owned and controlled coopera- This year approximately $245,000 is being member, you become eligible to share in the tive and distributor of farm returned to member-p.atrons who purchased cooperative's earnings on a patronage basis. petroleum supplies in Michi- and participated in Farmers Petroleum in Isn't it time 'you shared in t,18 benefits of the' gan . 1963 and 1964. Isn't it time you shared in cooperative movement? See your Farmers, •the benefits of ~ cooperative by becoming a ' Petroleum Cooperative branch manager participating member.? "now. He can sign you up as amemb~r today, Right to Farm Purchase your $1.00 today! Reme.rhber- .. _it takes only one dollar. Invest just $1 in Farmers Petroleum (continued from page 1) Cooperative common stock * . As a voting *Iimited to producers others by such uses and activi- ties so conducted, it is more than offset by the benefits from farming to the neighborhood and community and to society ,Where Your Farm Comes First in general, by the preservation of open space, the beauty of the countryside and clean air FaRmr1 BUreaU and by the preservation of con- tinuance of farming - opera- tions ... as a source of agricul- tural products for this and -FARMERS future generations." This wording, Smith said, in- dicates that many people are recognizing that farming is the- basic industry of our nation, and that it must be given,priori- ty status if our country is to meet the energy, food and fiber needs of the future. Capito\ Report (continued from page 4) in April were 221,000. about 17,000 more than expected; and general welfare was run- ning to 82,000 cases, about 32,000 more than expected. The above report on the budget crunch gives only a few examples. Another example of the state's financial bind is in- d.icated by the fact that Stan- dard and Poors has downgrad- ed Michigan bond ratings from AA to A +. This means that Michigan taxpayers will be pay- ing increased interest for money the state must borrow. When a similar change in rating was made of Michigan notes 18 months ago, the state's interest rate jumped from 6.4 percent to nearly 7.1 percent. . JULY 1980 FARM NEWS PAGE 11 1980 Time to 'Skl0W Our Cc:c~s' America" across the front and she said. H. F. Leipprandt is 84 A patriotic, energetic and Story and Photos By Marcia Ditchie the words-and music on the years old. talented woman, Mary Leip- \:Jack and line up a manu- Farming 1,500 acres north prandt has undertaken a per- What do you' do when you when everyone ought to rally facturer and distribute. of Pigeon, their operation is sonal campaign through her are concerned about the preva- "round .the flag," talk about You do the same for the diversified. They raise feeder songs and poems to help lent attitude that America i~ go-. how good America is, and brag country woman: "There are cattle; grow beets, beans, change the "I don't care" at- ing to the dogs and you think about the people they're going seasons of the year when grain, corn, seed beans and titude so prevalant today. it's time to' focus on what's to vote for. things go wrong ... then I smile seed corn; and have a dairy - . good about our country and - This is the year of the operation. share that message? country wom~m - when farm and I love in a special way, that. a country woman knows .... " Recently Mary had some of Nt) I41JSS What do you do 'when you are miffed about th~ hayseed ~omen are recognizing their worth, their ability and their The strategy may'have oeen her songs printed on T-shirts. "I heard the phrase, 'This is the Nt) Ilf)rllD~ll image the general public has of simple perhaps ... but when responsibility to change things year of the T-shirt,' and I those involved in agriculture for the better. you get into songwriting, mer- chandising, marketing and be- thought, why not?" she said. and you think it's time to erase - This is the year of the Prompted. by the announce- that misconception' and give_ ing an active farm wife and T-shirt '- there ~re T-shirts with mother at the same time, it's ment that Dr. Jerry Falwell and the farmer the credit he de- every kind of message imagin- his I Love America Club would serves? . not so simple anymore. ~ able ... an.d people love to be appearing on the. steps of If you are innovative, ener- wear them and read them. Of course, it helps if you. the Capitol in Lansing, Mary - getic and talented, like Huron have Mary's talents as an ac::- had her bicentennial song, "I That strategy tells you that County farm woman Mary the timing is. righi, something complished writer, poet and Love America," printed on Leipprandt, the one thing you musician. It .helps if you've had T -shirts. She has also had vitally important to any market- don't do is sit around bemoan- jng venture. the experience of having two T-shirts 'printed with another of ing the situation and ask, songbooks published, a song her songs, "This Is My State, Next,' you write a song, "I professionally recorded in' Michigan. " "What can one person do!" love America, land of the free; Nashville, written a two-hour First, you figure out a strategy By her own admission, Mary Farmers Petroleum I love America, for it has. been cantata, plus composing some Maintenance-Free Battery and Mary's was this: _ is a patriotic woman, which is good to me .. t. ," get it copy- specials for such events as the never needs water, virtually - This is the year to "show righted and published. Then, why she is emphasizing her eliminates corrosion and Huron Coynty Fair and the Se- patriotic songs, poems and our colors". - an election year design a T-shirt with "I. Love outlasts ordinary batteries. bewairm Sugar Beet Festiv!ll. T-shirts at this particular time. Neglect it if you want. It also helps if you really do "This is the year of election and Just another product from Farmers Petroleum to help love America and you really do this is the year to show our col- you get More Acres per love being a country woman. ors - red, white and blue," she Gallon. And it probably also helps if the said. setting for your work is the "1 love America. I am very See These family's stately centennial fann patriotic and I want to promote located along the historic that. People have such a feel- Participating Pigeon River. ing of 'what's the use, every- Dealers: thing is going to the dogs.' We Branch County Originally settled by German can stop that feeling." Farm Bureau Oil immigrant C.F. Lelpprandt in the late 1870s, the current Her latest composition is Chesaning Leipprandt farm "is a family "Country Woman." Farmers Co-op Falmouth corporation," Mary said, "con- "( wrote this song because ( Co-op Co. (McBain & sisting of my husband. John, got excited that our farmers Merritt Branches our two' sons and John's broth- don't get the credit they need. Marshall Farm er and his son. although it is still This song is for the country Bureau Oil Co. under John's father's name, H. woman; she is praising her Ruth Farmers F. Leipprandt." farmer-husband. It's almost a Elevator love song; the love a farm~r Saginaw Farm "Grandpa (H. F.) is retired has for his profeSSion and the Bureau Oil Co. now, but he putters around Sebewaing every day in the shed and country woman who is always Farmers Co-op Providing the setting for Mary's work is the family's centennial keeps busy, but he is a lot of at his side." Thunder Bay . farm located along thEtbanks of the historic Pigeon River which was help to the boys because he is Mary explained two plans Farmers Co-op, Inc. originally settled in the late 1870s by C. F. Leipprandt. alwavs fixing things for them." she has for her current com- position. "1 would like to have a Farmers Petroleum country woman sketch some Branches: artwork for the cover of th~ Breckenridge sheet music for the song, using Caro her own imagination of what a Cassopolis country woman, or farmer's Comstock Park Emmett wife, looks like and what she Hart does. Then. after ( have the Highland artwork and have the song Jonesville copyrighted, the song will be Linwood put on T-shirts like I did with 'I Petoskey Love America.'" Sandusky Scottville Mary said that any country St. Johns woman wishing to design the Traverse City artwork for "Country Woman" should send it to her at 3864 N. Sturm Road, Pigeon, Mich. 48755. She is undertaking a national advertising campaign for T-shirts with three of her songs. Advertisements will appear in several national publications While talking about the history of the old dinner bell on the lelpprandt farm, Faye Adam of Sanilac Coun- ty,leh, models Mary's "I Love America" T-shirt which has the music and words to the song on the back. beginning in Se'ptember for "I Love America," "This is My FaRmr1 Mary, right. will be undertaking a national advertising campaign this fall for three T-shirts - "I Love America," "This Is My State, Michigan" and her latest composition, "Country Woman." State, Michigan" and "Country Woman." BUreaU FAqy£~ P't.. T '>Ql. { 4 PAGE 12 FARM NEWS JULY 1980 Workers' Comp Survey Reveals Farmers' Concerns By Jim Robinson by the same employer for 35 or sion to farmers. People ques- , each policyholder is based on muneration. No matter which The Marketing Research De- more hours pet week for 13 tioned why they needed cover- remuneration, which means all month of the year the em- partment of Farm Bureau In- weeks or longer during the pre- age in January when they did salary, wages; bonuses or other ployer is required to pay the in- surance Group has completed vious 52 weeks. not hire any help until April or value received from the em- surance, January or July, the a survey of Michigan farmers It is the employer's responsi- May. There are a few under- ployer during a year. Depen- premium will be bas~d on the who cancelled their Farm Bu- bility to provide workers' com- lying situations a FBIG workers' ding on the nature of the . same' remuneration figure. reau workers' compensation in- pensation insurance for the compe'nsation' policyholder business, the workers' compen- There is no savings, in terms of surance policies. The study was employees. If the employers should be familiar with. sation insurance. 'cost will fluc- pre.mium by not paying until conducted to determine the are required to provide this The premium charged to tuate based on this annual re- help is hired. farmers' reactions to a change coverage but fail to do so, they in premium due dates from Ju- could be found guilty of a mis- ly to January that resulted from demeanor and fined not less action taken by delegates at the 1977 Michigan Farm Bureau annual meeting. than $10 nor more than $100,/ or imprisoned in the cqunty jail for not less than 30 days nor Universal equipment can The survey uncovered surprising information d'ealing with that change, but did reveal no more than six months, or both. Each day's failure to comply is considered a separate offense. take a beating and not show it. some related concerns farmers There is also potential for civil have with workers' compensa- action which could result in the tion coverage and legislation, shutting down of the including some common mis- employer's business. understandings. In addition, there is confu- Three main concerns about sion concerning a provision in workers' compensation that the Workers' Compensation surfaced were the reasons for Act referring to family members carrying it, who provides it and and dependents of agricultural to whom, and if it should be employees residing on the em- continued when no one is em- ployers' premises. ployed. This question remains unset-' Why have workers' tIed with no simple statement compensation? to clarify the situation at this time, but based on current un- Michigan's workers' comp- derstanding of the law, the ensation law requires all em- following guidelines should be ployers in the state to comply useful: with its provisions and provide' • No person shall be con- I the stipulated benefits for eligi- sidered an employee of an agri- ble employees. Employers not cultural employer if the person carrying workers' compensa- is a spouse, child or other tion insurance should consider member of the employee's the financial burden that may family residing in the home, or be encountered if an injured ''\ /\ on .the premises of this agricul- worker decides to present a tural employer. In addition, a claim. spouse and child under the age Who is responsible for of 16 are conclusively pre- providing workers' compen- sumed to be dependents. sation and to whom? e Members of the family who Come and Get 'Em Michigan's workers' comp- are 16 years of age and older, ensation insurance covers the and receive less than one-half See Your Farm Bureau Dealer for Quality Engineered employer for liability for job- of their support from the par- Livestock Equipment. related accidents and disease. ents, are not considered to be The actual liability is specifically dependents. Upon showing Farrowing Equipment Pasture Waterers set forth in the Michigan Work- reasonable proof of their em- Safeguards your pig crop and helps to assure Rugged and durable, with or with0ut heat. ers' Disability Compensation ployment status (which would thrifty, uniform growth. - Act. The following employers include payroll records, pay- Round and Round End Tanks Hay Feeders are subject to this act and must checks and' withholding re- Crush proof rims, heavy corrugation and Cut waste and preserve hay quality with a heavy swedges, and double-locked seam bottoms .. provide protection against lia- cords), individuals 16 y.ears duty baled or loose hay feeder. bility due to job related ac- and older may qualify as an All season, porcelainized horse, calf and sheep Rectangular Feeders cidents or disease: employee and be eligible for Tough enough to stand up to the abuse confined waterer. • All private employers who workers' compensation benefits. hogs can dish out. regularly employ three or more employees at one time. Why renew coverage when Water Cups no one is employed? Perfect tor an individual pen or farrowing stall. Ask The Farm Bureau People. • All private employers who regularly employ less than In light of the January earn- Porcelainiz~d "Flip-Top" Waterers wtW1t lfx.- Fwm FlnIt three employees, if at least one has been regularly employed premium due date, this area caused some degree of confu- Most durable, convenient automatic waterer on the market. FaRm~ You've Gotta Be Tough Round Feeders Will not warp out-of-round when filled. BUreaU FARM BUREAU SERVICES, INC (continued from page 2) say - but, gee; panty hose rank • Dump those 'ancient first Available At These Participating Farm Bureau Services Dealers: right up there with wash-and- . through sixth grade report cards? But look at all those Adrian len .... Fann Bure.u on Co. 517-265-6222 Mt. PI.... nt F.nn Bur.au SeAle •• , Inc. 517-773-3870 wear as a contribution to the Bay City F.nn Bur•• u SeAlces. Inc. 517-893-3577 Oxford Oxford CcM»p Elev.tor Co. 313-628-217 " liberation of women. Can you "A's" and that nice note from C.rrollton F.nn Bur•• u SeAle •• , Inc. 517-753-3457 Pigeon eooper.tlY. EI.fltor Co. 517-453-3313 Sagln •• Supply C.nter PInconning F.nn Bureau SeAlca., Inc. 51NI79-3411 believe Fredericks of Holly- the teacher attached with a Coldwater F.nn Bur.. u SerYlc.. , Inc. 517-279-8491 Remu. F.nn Bureau SeAle .. , Inc. 517.987.3511 wood sells these harnesses for gold star! Elkton Elkton Co-op F.nn Produc. Co. 517-375-2281 Rothbury Rothbury Hard•• ra & 616-894-8590 Hart F.rm Bur•• u SeAle •• , Inc. 616-873-2158 F.nn Supply, Inc. an outrageous price? Sexy, eAh, look, my first prom Herron Wolf Cr.. k F.nn Bura.u 517-727-2391 Ruth Ruth F.nn .... Elayator, Inc. 517-884-3780 corsage! K.Iam.zoo F.nn Bur•• u Senlc .. , Inc. 61&-381-0598 Schoolcr.ft F.nn Bureau 5erY1c.. , Inc. 616-679-4063 you say ... well. ... K.nt City K.nt CIty F.nn Bur.. u 816-678-5021 ScottYIII. F.nn Bureau SeAlea., Inc. 816-757.3780 .Throw out those raunchy e Hey, how about that! My ukevla. F.nn .... Elev.tor Co. 517-352-7262 SnOYef Snoyar CcM»p Elevator Co. 313-672-9221 ~rcallu. F.nn Bur•• u SerYIc•• , Inc. 616-648-5115 Tray ..... CIty F.nn Bur.. u 5erYIcea, Inc. 618-948-5336 looking clam shells? But they're cup hanger screw! Mendon St. Joseph County 616-486-2385 Vat. St. CI.lr County 313-387-2202 from my first visit to EI Now, how come the "save" F.nn Bur•• u SerYlc•• F.nn Bur .. u 5erYlc.. , Inc. Bogadon's in Washington, box is fuller than the "sell" and (Som~ lIems may not be stocked at all participating dealers, but are available and may be ordered.) D.C.! "dump" boxes? JULY 1980 FARM NEWS PAGE 13 Farm Bureau Insurance Group, Law Change Opens Lawsuit Possibilities Michigan Farm Radio Network fBIG Offers New Protection Honor 'Farmer of the 'Week' A change in Michigan law Although any driver in Mich- -No recovery-may be made The Farmer of the 'Week Award, sponsored by the Michigan may leave you open to a law- igan may initiate such a lawsuit, by anyone who is more than 50 Farm Radio NetWork and Farm Bureau Insurance Group, suit if 'you are at fault in an acci- the law is very specific ~bout percent at fault. recognizes Michigan farmers for their contributions to the agricul- dent that causes damage to the conditions that must be Contact your FBIG agent if ture industry al)d the community .. another vehicle in this state. met: you have any questions about In addition to recognition from the local news 'media, award The change, effective July I, -The suifmust be initiated in this new coverage option. winl"!ers receive a.plaque and award buckle and belt from the local allows a lawsuit for up Jo $400 small claims court (a division of against a driver considered district court). FBIG agent. " The Farmer of the Week Award recipients for May 1980 were: more than 50 percent at fault in -The maximum amount re- the accident. coverable is $400, no matter Because of this new lawsuit how great the .damage might Joseph County Soil Conservation Committee. He received the Conserva- potential, Farm Bureau lnsur- be. tion Farmer of the Year Award from St. ance Group policyholders have -The driver must initiate the Joseph County in 1974 and the St. the option of purchasing cover- . lawsuit and appear in small JoSeph County Soil Conservationist age to protect themselves in claims court himself. Individ- Award f9r 1970 from the Kalamazoo case th.ey are sued. uals being sued must also ap- Gazette .. He and his wife', Maureen, "have 13' children. The average cost for this pro- pear on their own behalf. The tection, called limited property regulations of' small claims damage liability, will be $3.75 court do not permit attorneys per vehicle for six months of to represent any of the in- coverage. The coverage pro- volved parties. If you are sued vides protection up to $400, and found guilty, however, the maximum lawsuit allowed. your insurance company will With the Co-op!>IV Seasons steel-belted The legal change that allows payoff the lawsuit up to the radial passenger car tire THOMAS EPPLER these lawsuits is the result of . maximum if you carry the Iim- you get good traction the Essential Insurance Act, ited property damage liability year-round, good fuel passed by the Michigan Legis- coverage. economy, open tread Week of-.May 5 - Thomas Eppler, design and more. Just 29. a dairy farmer from Petoskey who lature last year. A section of the -The damage must 'not be another product from. farms 300 acres' and milks about 50 act stipulates that any Michigan covered by insurance, either Farmers Petroleum to cows in partnership with his father. driver may bring such a suit because of deductibles or be- help you get More Acres They have a total herd of. 110 cattle . . against another driver in small cause the damaged vehicle did per Gallon. Eppler is a member of the Resort Volunteer Fire Department, St. Francis cl~ims court as of July 1, 1980. not carry optional ~ollision in- Churth, and the Emmet County Farm Present auto policies do not surance. If insurance covers the See These Bureau. He received the State Farmer include coverage for this Iiabili- damag~, no lawsuit is allowed. of the Year Award from the Petoskey ty, although FBIG in,sureds -The other driver (defen- Participating Jaycees in 1979. He and his wife, ROY E..THOMPSON may obtain the coverage by dant) must be found to be sub- Dealers: Lucy. have one child. Week of May 19 _ Roy E. Thomp- contacting. their agents or re- stantially at fault, more than 50 Branch County son, 43, who farms 600 acres and turning the speCial form en- percent'. responsible for the Farm Bureau Oil manages a herd of 75 cows near' - closed with all auto renewal damages. Chesaning Me.c~sta. He is chairman of the ~o~nty billings. In the meantime, as a -If the driver initiating the Farmers Co-op DaIry HberdflmthProCv~mentzA~oclcatJon;service to insureds, FBIG will lawsuit is also' considered to be Falmouth a mem er 0 e ounty onmg om- II . Co-op Co. (McBain & mission; a member of the County Agri- a ow a grace penod from July partially at fault, the court may . cultural Council; chairman of the 1 until the policy rene,:"al date reduce the amount awarded in Merritt Branches Remus Farm Bureau Elevator A