,Farm News NOVEMBER 1981 tTION PUBLICATION OF TN. MICHIGAN F4lRM BUR.au VOL. 60 NO. 11 rvest Losses Valued at $208 Million s and Flooding rain. Most of the farmers in this 50 percent of our navy beans area had planted late and had are damaged, or probably have there's heavy dockage," Bush said. not been hurt by rains to any been damaged, and the pinto The rains have also had an (state Crops in extent, but this was just too . beans were ruined weeks ago," much. Seiting ,said. effect on the planting of winter wheat according to Steve "We figured there were The damage summary from Pscodna, assistant statistician in hern Michigan about 15,000 acres planted the governor's office placed a and about 10,000 acres of total damage figure of $12.8 charge at the Michigan Agricul- tural Reporting Service. beans were still in the field million on the dry edible beans, "As of October 12, only 35 Rain storms which ravaged harvest is in and final figures when the rain hit. We could be soybeans and corn in Sanilac percent of the winter wheat the southern portion of the are compiled. looking at a 100 percent loss County. had been planted. Farmers Lower Peninsula during Sep- More than $161 million in on those," McQueen said. The damage summary from were able to get in the fields the tember and early October have agricultural damage was caus- In Sanilac County, the dry Milliken's office shows that week of October 8 to 15, so we caused over $208 million in ed by the torrential rains of bean crop was also severely Lenawee County was the hard- estimate now (Oct. 20) that we damage to some of Michigan's Sept. 30 and Oct. 1, which damaged as a result of 10 to 15 est hit in the state with $34.3 have about 60 percent planted. major crops. dumped up to nine inches of inches of rain that fell in por- million in damage.' Robert Usually at this time we are over Excessive rain in the state's rain in portions of the state. tions of the county throughout Bush, a grain farmer and presi- 80 percent planted," Pscodna dry bean producing area has One of the hardest hit counties the month of September. dent of the Lenawee County said. prevented growers from har- from that storm was Clinton, "We are at roughly $8.5 mil- Farm Bureau, said that the soy- "In some areas, like the vesting an estimated 40 to 50 where early estimates indicate lion in losses on navy beans," bean crop was especially hard eastern part of the state, farm- percent of the crop that was in an overall loss of nearly $11 said A. Rex Seiting, Sanilac hit. ers are having a very difficult the fields when the rain struck million in crop damage. County Extension director. "The Raisin River goes time planting their wheat be- and has made this the hardest George McQueen, Clinton Seiting said that it is now a through most of the county, cause they first have to harvest hit crop. Corn, potatoes, sugar County Extension director, salvage operation with the angling around through the their dry bean crop. However, beets, tomatoes and winter said the dry bean crop was navy beans. farmland. It flooded over its the wheat that is planted is in wheat have also been affected. most severely damaged during "We are direct cutting, clip- banks and went out over the generally good condition," he Gov. Milliken has made an the two-day rain, although soy- ping them off, salvaging what- crops and stood there for many said. initial request for an agricultural beans, corn and mint crops suf- ever we can. Many farmers days. The water left mud, silt Pscodna said that the sugar disaster designation from the fered damage. have been rU'1ning with rice and dearis In the crops, espe- beet crop has also suffered. U.S. Department of Agricul- "Very few dry beans were off tires on their combines so they cially soybeans. Mold is also "Officials in the sugar beet in- ture, however, the final request the field, probably 20 percent can get traction to get through. growing in the pods now. dustry expect yields to be cannot be submitted until the had been harvested before the I would assume that probably When theJarmers haul them in (continued on page 3) Olnton County Farm Bureau member Stan Thelen's com field was one of the vic- Crops in many other counties also suffered damage due to heavy rains throughout tims of up to seven inches of rain which feU in the county on Sept. 30 and Oct. 1. September. Photo by Marcia Ditchie PAGE 2 FARM NEWS NOVEMBER 1981 . From the Desk of the President Reason. to Stand Up and Cheer This column you're reading marks the - to 25 percent lower than state standard closing of one chapter in Farm Bureau his- rates, and annuity interest rates increased tory and heralds tne opening of a new one. to 121f2 percent. Next month I'll be communicating with you I'm confident that Farm Bureau Insur- through a new vehicle, the Michigan Farm ance Group will continue to keep on deliv- News Rural Living magazine. Like our ering good news to you, regardless of how recently-launched pilot program, Agri- our communications vehicles may change. Com, it's another illustration of how this My confidence is based on the record, organization of yours responds to changing which speaks for itself and of which all of times and the changing needs of its mem- us can be justifiably proud. bers. Members can be proud because it was In the over 200 messages delivered to they who decided to build their own in- you from page 2 of the Michigan Farm surance compa-nies that would provide News during the past several years, I've them with the protection they needed and covered some pretty weighty subjects, would allow them to share in the profits of most of them dealing with the challenges a successful operation. Members can be proud because the we face and action needed by members. Back in 1949, they invested $340,000 company they founded grew into a leader Because those challenges are so constant in charter debentures and auto policy ap- and innovator in the industry before it ~as in agriculture, there's been little opportuni- plications, and Farm Bureau Mutual was. , a mere 10 years old and has enhanced .its ty to simply stand up and cheer about formed. This was followed by the birth of leadership position ever since. Today, something good. I'd like to close this other Farm Bureau Insurance companies, Farm Bureau Insurance Group is recogniz- chapter by doing just that. each to fill a particular need of farmers - to ed as THE leader in providing for farmers' Before you read any further, take a mo- build savings, protect growing farm mort- insurance needs. The coverages they offer ment, right now, to look at the back page gages, develop retirement funds, property .. serve as a benchmark which all other com- of this publication and you'll see just one of and casualty protection, liability and life in- panies strive to match and stir up lots of the reasons for this upbeat column: "Farm surances, workers comp coverage. "me too" activity within the industry. Bureau Life increases dividends by 25 Each time Farm Bureau Insurance re- They cannot be matched and Farm Bu- percent ... almost $1 million more for our sponded to a need, Farm Bureau members reau Insurance Group will continue to be policyholders in 1982." have reaped rewards from th~ leadership the leader. Why? Because when Farm Bu- For many more years than I have dis- position of their companies. And the reau members build something, they build cussed crucial issues with you from this "good news" will continue. For example, and maintain it to be the best. And when position, our Farm Bureau Insurance changes currently underway in the farm- their companies say, "We're working to Group has been delivering good news - owners policy include improvement and make your future a little more predictable," reasons to stand up and cheer - from the expansion of coverages for farm buildings, you'd better believe it. back page of this publication. In just recent livestock, cargo and liability. Gearing up Those words are more than just a catchy months, the good news headlines have in- for President Reagan's tax changes, the slogan. They're a commitment. Good cluded: $713,000 in Safety Group divi- FBIG board will soon set a year-long news - good reason to stand up and cheer. dends to Farm Bureau members, ag guaranteed rate of interest on tax deduct- workers compensation rates reduced again ible annuities. Elton R. Smith Please Don't Let the New Shoes Pinch feel about this change. I'm ex- It also means something else hope that's good news to you. to you for direction and sup- cited because it's new, pro- I think I should share with you The people to whom I'm hand- port. gressive, untested, challenging, because if you're reading this, it ing the reins are seasoned, Another Recipe for Ken aimed at addressing a broader means you care. I don't want talented and, mo~t important of all, caring. Be as good to The longer Ken Wiles is audience than we've had in the you to get concerned, when them as you've been to me. away from his desk, the more past. That makes me feel you see by our Rural Liuing And remember, Rural Living, we miss him. We figure the best young and adventurous - rea- masthead that Donna is no just as the Farm News has way to let him know that is to dy to hang up the old tennies. longer the editor, that I've been print another recipe. Ken was DaNNA demoted. Be assured that's not been, is your publication. You I'm scared because it means are members of the editorial forever bugging us to print a the case and that I'll still be here shoving me out of my comfort in this column and other fea- board and we will keep looking (continued on page 17) zone into a world of different tures. Did you ever have an old deadlines, different style, trepi- pair of tennis shoes that you dation that Otsego County When I've talked with Farm MICHIGAN FARM NEWS were still attached to even members will get the Rural Liu- Bureau Women these past Secrelllry. William S. Wilkinson (lSSN 0026-2161) though they didn't quite serve ing with the St. Clair newsletter couple years about their own The Michigan Farm News Is published DIRECTORS: Dislrlct 1. Arthur Bailey. monthly. on the first day. by the Michigan Farm Schoolcraft: District 2. Lowell Eisenmann. the purpose anymore? That's inside and vice versa. That personal growth, one of my Blissfield: District 3. James Sayre. Belleville; Bureau Information and Public Relations Divi- sort of how I feel about this makes me feel old and vulner- lines is "When you grow - you sion. Publication and editorial offices at 7373 Di5trlct4. Elton R. Smith. Caledonia; DIstrict5. West Saginaw Highway. lansing. Michigan Albert Cook. Mason: District 6. Jack laurie. publication you're reading, able - wondering if the new gotta let go." In turning the 48909. Post Office Box 30960. Telephone. Cass City; District7. Robert Rider. Hart: District which has "gone to bed" for the lansing. 517-323-7000. Extension 508. 8. Lyle LeCronier. Freeland: DlstrIct9. Donald shoes will pinch. reins of the editorship over to Publication No. 345040. Nugent. Frankfort: District 10. Margaret Kartes. last time in its current format. someone else, I'm practicing Subscription price: $1.50 per year to West Branch; District 11. Herman Robere. Fay. members. $3.00 to in-slllle non-members and ette The change means our pub- what I preach. Even at my age, Beginning next month, we'll $5.00 to out-of-slllte non. members. DIRECTORS AT LARGE: Dave Conklin. lication won't fit the bottom of a I'm still growing and have Established January 13. 1923. Second-class Corunna; Michael Pridgeon. Montgomery; be communicating with you postage paid at Lansing. Michigan and at addi- Robert Rottler. Fremont bird cage or be a good garbage things to do - for you and for FARM BUREAU WOMEN: Vivian Lott. through a new vehicle, the tional maiDng offices. wrap anymore. It means it will me and for Farm Bureau and EDITORIAL: Donna Wilber. Editor: Marcia Mason Michigan Farm News Rural Ditchle. Connie Turbin. Associate Editors FARM BUREAU YOUNG FARMERS: fit with your other important Michigan agriculture. Janis Sanford. Parma Living magazine. OFFICERS: Michigan Farm Bureau; Presl. farm magazines that you don't dent. Elton R. Smith. Caledonia: Vice Presi- POSTMASTER: In using form 3579. mall to: dent. Jack laurie. Cass City: Administrative Michigan Farm New•• 7373 Weft Saginaw Ambivalence, I guess, is a throwaway with your daily and Your editorial staff is not Director. Robert Braden. lansing: Treasurer Highway. Lansing. Mic:hlgan48909. good description of the way I weekly newspapers. changing - just shifting - and I and Chief Ananda1 Officer. MllX D. Dean: NOVEMBER 1981 FARM NEWS PAGE 3 Delano Calls Farm Bill Bean Crop Suffers Heavy Losses Proposal Disappointing The American Farm Bureau reduce the payment limitation Federation is "extremely dis- for producers from the levels appointed" with the' direction currently specified in H.R. the House of Representatives is 3603, and amendments to taking in it~ development of the place limits on CCC nonre- 1981 farm bill, according to course loans. AFBF President Robert Delano. "Such a reduction is an at- In a letter to all members of tempt to shift farm program the U.S. House, Delano out- benefits towards a particular lined Farm Bureau's recom- segment of producers," Delano mendations for H.R. 3603, the said. "Farm Bureau has histori- Food and Agriculture Act of cally opposed payment limita- 1981. Those recommenda- tions and attempts to influence tions included: the size and/or structure of the - Establishment of the dairy farm sector through the use of price support at a level not less farm programs." than 70 percent of parity~ pre- Delano also urged defeat of Much of Michigan's bean crop suffered heavy damage as a result of torrential rains on Sept. 30 and Oct. ferably indexed to net CCC any amendment which would 1. In some portions of the state, more than 50 percent of the crop was lost. purchases and adjusted on a change the duration of th~ farm semi-annual basis. act to a two-year program. (continued from page 1) soybeans and corn. vegetable crops, including car- -Elimination of target prices Farm Bureau supports any higher this year because of all However, in Monroe Coun- rots, onions, celery and pota- for wheat and feed grains, with amendm'ent to authorize the the rains in September. A lot of ty, damage has been initially toes, due largely to flooding. loan rates ,based on 75 percent establishrnent .;of a CCC re- tonnage was put on, but the placed at $18.9 million, with Other counties in the state of the previous five year aver- volving export credit fund, sugar content is lower;" he about 50 percent yield losses in with severe agricultural dam- age market price, excluding the > DelimQ s~id .. said. tomatoes and potatoes, both age include Tuscola with $19.2 high and low years ... "We believe such a fund Claims submitted by county from the last rain and earlier million of damage, Gratiot with - Retention of the farmer- v would 'greatly' increase export ' Ext~n,sion directors for damage rains. Lapeer County is claim- $12.5 million and Saginaw held grain reserve provisions of demand for U.S. farm prod-" !)lostly. cover dry edible beans, ing $11.2 million damage to with $11.5 million. H.R. 3603, which provide a licts,. arid would yield a greater' three-tier, trigger releas~ for return on investment than wheat and feed grains. monies spent on elaborate Delano also urged defeat of price support mechanisms and a pending amendment which would become a self-sustaining would authorize the secretary 'trade development mecha- of agriculture to establish an ex- nism," he said. port grain bank and to set mini- Delano asked the House I ~tnum export grain prices .. members to seriously consider "This amendment is a pre'- the impact H.R. 3603, drany scription for state trading and bill similar to it, if enacted into would do nothing more than r law. ensure that the U.S. becomes a "The bill currently does not supplier of la'st resort for grain meet Farm Bureau's objectives exports, cause a loss of most in the case of dairy, wheat, foreign U.S. grain markets, feed grains, peanuts and sugar. . and result in massive build-up Unless H.R. 3603 can be mod- of price depressing grain ified according to our recom- stocks," the letter said. mendations Farm Bureau Delano also urged defeat of urges a 'n~' vote on final any amendments which would passage," he concluded. Escape for a week to San Diego January 9-15, 1982 Straight ....lk Travel on a United Airlines Charter with Farm Bureau members from about "hanksgiving all parts of Michigan. • 1 ., I. I It's that time of year again. The end of another • season. The harvest is in. the equipment is put Highlights include: Farming is away. the land lies silent for its long winter rest. * Roundtrip from Lansing to San Diego everybody's bread It's Thanksgiving time. A time for giving thanks * Transfer from airport to hotel & butter for our many blessings. for the bounty of our * Stay at Oceanside Holiday Inn (downtown) farms and ranches, for the good life that we enjoy. * Welcome reception But it's so easy for Thanksgiving to go by as * Visit world famous San Diego Zoo just another holiday. Just a day for a good meal * Shopping trip to njuana, Mexico and a good game. So easy to forget what the real * AFBF Convention meaning of the day is: thanks giving. * See "Tennessee Ernie Ford" We'veso much to be grateful for. Let's make it a * Tour California agriculture in real day of Thanks Giving this year. San Diego County Cost is $444 per person, excluding hotel. meals and some tours. Production Credit Associations of Michigan For ~ore information and reservations call Washburne Travel Center at 517-351.2800 PAGE 4 FARM NEWS NOVEMBER 1981 Action Needed on 'Right to Farm' Departmellt of Agriculture ing Farm Bureau members to "If you contact your local which would limit protections attend these public meetings SCD office and find that you of the Right to Farm Act to only and to notify their farm neigh- have missed the scheduled ...• ~~-~ 0\--.: . _ '- .. " - -.....--- -..... -~ \ ~ those farms located on identi- bors so that the grassroots reac- meeting, you can still submit ._nfnm'.~ to fied essential agricultural lands. "Of course, we are absolute- tion and comment guidelines will be heard." to these written comment on the pro- posed guidelines to your local .. '" 1 ". ~ II ly opposed to any proposal Nelson said that a Farm Bu- SCD office to be forwarded -•• ~ ~ •••••••• ' "I.;;,....; ~ which would limit right to farm reau analysis of the remaining with other materials and com- - r ••• -"';¥~".' n".,;:::;,( • '7.,," ,1':'4 ." .- protections to selected farms based on the criterion of 'essen- eight policy proposals indicates that the suggested guidelines ment to the Michigan Depart- ment of Agriculture," Nelson -, t 11' ',1:.""TP .. tial farmland,' and we are hop- will be acceptable with some said. Agricultural issues get action' were behind this ~ct 100 per- ing that this opposition will be modifications. It has also been MDA officials expect to re- when farmers support their in- cent, but grassroots action is voiced by farmers throughout suggested that language ad- ceive reports from the county dustry, according to Ron Nel- still needed to assure imple- the state," Nelson said. "Fur- dressing agricultural employ- SCDs by Dec, 5. son, legislative counsel for the mentation of the act will pro- ther, the MDA has no authority ment be added to the proposed A comparative listing of the Michigan Farm Bureau. "An vide farmers with the protec- in the act to establish such a guidelines. MDA proposed guidelines and excellent example of such an tions they were seeking," Nel- limiting stipulation. The public meetings are to MFB analysis and comment issue has been the passage of son said. "This policy .proposal is one be conducted by county Soil which has been prepared by the Michigan Right to Farm Act Of particular concern to of nine developed by the MDA Conservation Districts through- the Public Affairs Division to in July of this year. Farm Bureau legislative ana- which will be open for com- out the state; however, some assist Farm Bureau members in "Farmers and their farm or- lysts is an implementation poli- ment at local public meetings counties may have already preparing a response or com- ganization - Farm Bureau - cy proposed by the Michigan around the state. We are urg- held meetings. ment, is summarized below. MFB Analyzes Implementation Provisions The provisions of the right to grown on individual farms. field every year is not practical. and water and drainage facili- cluding prime, unique and farm authority should include Many farms process and mar- MFB suggests the following ties should be included: MFB other (as identified in the but not be limited to the oppor- ~et products produced on language be substituted for this suggests the following language Michigan Resource Inventory tunity to: ot:.er farms. Section 2(2) ofthe proposed policy: be substituted for this proposed Act, P.A. 204 of 1979) which MDA PROPOSED GUIDE.' ~Ii~higan qight to Farm Act "Replenish soil nutrients." policy: through inherent productivity; LINE: Carry out all operations defines "farm operation," and ."Construct, improve and management and/or particular MDA: Use federal or state necessary to produce agricul- includes, but is not limited to, maintain new or existing soil uses, are identified by the ap- approved products according tural and horticultural crops, ':mark~ted produce" which and water conservation and propriate soil conservation to label instructions for the con- livestock, poultry and other MFB interprets to mean prod- drainage facilities." district in consultation with trol of pests and diseases affect- commodities as described in ucls produced on the farm as MDA: Dispose or otherwise local agencies and units of ing plants and livestock and for any standard dassification for well as products from other make use of all livestock and government as essential to the the control of weeds. agriculture and forestry. farms. organic waste on farms in ac- agriculture and economy of a MFB: Proposed policy speci- MFB ANALYSIS AND Also, the proposed policy cordance with acceptable man- county ... " ........ fying only products for the con- COMMENT: Section 2(3) of reference to "on-site farm agement practices. trol of pests, diseases, plants, MFB: MFB believes this pro- the Michigan Right to Farm Act markets" would limit farm MFB: Reference is made to livestock and weeds does not posed policy statement IS total- provides a definition of "farm markets to those located on the disposal and use of wastes but appear to implement the full ly unacceptable. It would limit product." The definition in- farm property. Several farm does not include storage, trans- scope of the Michigan Right to the protection against nuisance cludes but is not limited to: operators have their farm portation or processing of Farm Act. For example, are suits provided by the Michigan forages and sod crops, grains operations on country roads wastes. Livestock wastes are fumigants, proprionic acid used Right to Farm Act to only those and feed crops, dairy and dairy not convenient for customer often stored with resulting to preserve wet grain in stor- farms located on essential products, poultry and poultry travel and have, therefore, pur- odors. Transportation is nearly farmland. A farmer conducting age, or brush killers included? products; livestock, including chased land away from the always involved with waste dis- his farm operation with gener- MFB suggests the following breeding and grazing; fruits, farm on a main road to operate posal and odors, noise and ally acceptable agricultural and language be substituted for this vegetables, flowers, seeds, a farm market. dust are usually present. Some management practices should proposed policy: grasses, trees, fish, apiaries, MFB suggests the following wastes are processed for be entitled to protection against "Use of federal or state ap- equine and other similar prod- language be substituted for the animal feed, gasohol produc- nuisance suits whether his land proved products according to ucts; or food, feed, fiber or fur. proposed policy: tion, etc. is prime or marginal farmland. label instructions," MFB suggests the policy "Process and market farm Also the word "generally" The Michigan Right to Farm statement should fully encom- products for the best economic MDA: Clear woodlands or should be used in conjunction Act gives absolutely no author- pass the "farm product" defini- return to' the operator, in- make vegetative and terrain with "acceptable management ity to the Department of Agri- tion, that it include other cluding the construction and alternations to improve or ex- practices" to be consistent with culture to limit the benefits of aspects rather than just related use of buildings and parking pand agricultural production. language in the Michigan Right the act to only certain farms. to production, and suggests areas for farm markets, pick- MFB: The policy is adequate to Farm Act. MFB suggests this MFB strongly suggests the that the following language be your-own sales and other for land clearing to improve or proposed policy be revised to complete removal of this pro- substituted for the proposed facilities. " expand agricultural operations. read as follows: posed policy statement. policy: MDA: Replenish soil nutri. MFB believes land clearing to "Store, process, transport "Carry out all operations ents as recommended by Mich- maintain agricultural opera- and dispose or otherwise make (Note: Section 2(2) of the necessary to produce, dry, igan State University and other tions should be included and use of all livestock and organic Michigan Right to Farm Act store and process farm prod- qualified soil testing laborato- suggests this proposed policy waste on farms in accordance defines a "farm operation." be reworded to read: with generally accepted man- ucts as defined in Section 2(3) ries. The definition includes "the MFB: The language of this "Clear woodlands or make agement practices." of the Michigan Right to Farm employment and use of labor. " proposed policy requires that vegatative and terrain altera- Act." However, there is nothing in tions to maintain, improve or MDA: Use new technology fertilizers be applied only ac- the proposed policies that expand agricultural produc- when related to agricultural MDA: Process and market cording to soil test. We believe refers to the "employment and tion. " production, i.e., ethanol pro- each farm unit's output for the the amount of fertilizer applied duction or others: which im- use of labor" which is an in. best economic return to the has nothing to do with a farm MDA: Install physical facili- tegral part of agriculture ..) prove efficiency of uses of operator, including the con- being a nuisance. It is the ties for soil and water conserva- MFB suggests the following resources. struction and use of buildings noise, dust and, perhaps, odor tion and drainage. language be added as a policy MFB: This proposed policy is and parking areas for on-site associated with fertilizer that MFB: The policy could be statement: fully adequate. farm markets and pick-your- might be considered nuisance construed to apply only to new "Construct and use farm own sales and other facilities. factors - not the rate applied. soil and water conservation MDA: Right to farm legisla- labor housing 'facilities and MFB: The proposed policy The cost of fertilizer an'd com- and drainage practices since it tion could be restricted £0 es- employ farm labor in the pro- reference to "each farm unit's modity prices discipline farmers refers to installation of physical sential farmland areas 'of 'each duction of farm products as output" seems to limit the to avoid applying excessive facilities. Improvement and county which is defined as defined in the Michigan Right amounts. A soil test on every to Farm Act." policy to cover only products ,. iI"' C~ p .. ~. ~ , 1: •• .#'" .. • .. • • • • • • " &... maintenance • • • • ,. of existing soil • • ....... follows: ............... -- .... - - '~AI! farmlands, . ... ..-..-... ......-. - .. in- NOVEMBER 1981 FARM NEWS PAGES ,AgriCom Pioneers Launch Computer Project By Henry Huisjen computer facilities with satellite" farm computers. Farm Bureau Insurance communications technology to AFBF worked with the IIIi- J....... Farmers are good business provide the 25 participants - nois Farm Bureau to organize people, and they have charac- AgriCom Pioneers, as they are the system because lIIinois had teristically shown a willingness known - with up-to-the-minute been using a similar communi- and ability to adapt to new marketing information as well cation program for several technology - to make it work as weather forecasts, farm years. for them. news and legislative informa- Michigan is one of eight More than 80 years ago, tion. states participating in the na- when the thunder of harvesting The 25 Pioneers in the year- tionwide marketing information equipment came to the farm, long pilot project, which began program that resulted. AFBF is Will Carleton, the poet laureate Oct. 1, are all Michigan Farm coordinating the system. Par- of rural Michigan, looked with Bureau members chqsen to ticipating states are Michigan, awe - and some fear - at what represent broad commodity in- lIIinois, Indiana, Iowa, Ohio, / technology might mean in the terests and geographic areas. Arkansas, South Carolina and future. He wrote: Bob Craig, project lea<;ler Georgia . . and manager of commodity ac- Financial support for the All of the harvest songs vamsh tivities and research for MFB, AgriCom project is coming AgriCom Pioneers Richard Gerstenberger. left. of Sanilac County before us, .. -:- 'describes the AgriCom Pio- from MFB and AFBF as well as and Gerald and Dale Duckert of Lapeer leave Farm Bureau Center Blended and lost In th,s grand neers as top-notch farmers and the participating farmers. with microcomputer units follOwing an Oct. 2 orientation meeting metal chorus. Farm Bureau leaders who are for project participants. Such a.re the har~ests these extremely enthusiastic about Here's How It Works plemented with farm news and MFB Provides Information rushing days f"~g us: their experiment. Commodity futures quotes legislative information from What will the twentieth State agricultural information century bring us? Current Marketing from the Chicago Board of AFBF offices in Park Ridge, 111., is entered into the AgriCom Information Needed Trade and the Chicago Mer- and Washington, D.C., and system at Farm Bureau Center. One of the things the twen- During the 70s, Craig says', cantile Exchange are updated then sent to the transmitter. Cash livestock prices from tieth century nas brought us is farmers developed a need for every 10 minutes during the The Omaha transmitt'er the Michigan Live Stock Ex- the computer. And there's little on-the-spot marketing informa- working day and sent via a sends the information again to change are updated once each doubt that Will Carleton would tion because futures prices be- transmitter in Chicago to an or- an orbiting satellite which relays day. Grain prices from MEE marvel at a gro~p of farmers in gan to fluctuate very rapidly - biting communications satellite it to a receiving dish, two feet in are updated twice a day and Michigan who are experiment- not only week by week or day which relays the information to diameter, which has been in- MEE provides market com- ing with its capabilities in a pilot by day, but within a given day. a receiver in Bloomington, 111. stalled on the roof of the Farm ments to the AgriCom Pio- project that may, in the long A year-long study by the There the information is Bureau Center in Lansing. neers. run, lead to a revolution as im- American Farm Bureau Feder- gathered by the Illinois Farm The information is sent from Weather forecasts and ag portant - though much less ation showed that the organiza- Bureau and sent by telephone the receiving dish through hard weather, advisories are updated noisy - than the one he de- tion should be involved more lines to another transmitter in wires "to MFB's AgriCom com- twice each week day and on scribed eight decades ago. deeply in disseminating accur- Omaha, Neb. Twice e~ch day puter. The information is avail- the weekend. The weather in- The member-only service is ate, up-to-the-minute market- the lIIinois Farm Bureau does able via telephone to AgriCom formation comes from a private known in Michigan as Agri- ing information" to producers an analysis known as "Agri- Pioneers in a matter of Com, and it combines home through such means as on- Visor." That information is sup- seconds. (continued on page 15) SUPERIOR ECONOMICAL QUALITY PRICE SAFEMARK STEEL SALE Featuring Wiese Tillage To~ls, Kondex Sickle Bars and Accessories Long Wear Plow Points Priced From $ 7.70 ea. ""* Orders must be placed with your county Farm Bureau vendor or coordinator by ------- Safemark Steel Program - Fall Order/Early Spring Delivery 1981-82 .... --- Moldboards .' $30.35 ea. Moldboard Shins $ 5.20 ea. Novem,ber 30, 1981 If you are interested in saving money on superior Landsides '. $ 4.15 ea. quality steel tillage tools, sickle bars and accessories, Disc Blades $ 7.90 ea. ""* Delivery will be to your county in early fill in the information requested and send this .Sickle Bar Assemblies : $30.75 ea. coupon as soon as possible to your county Farm spring Bureau office or Michigan Farm Bureau Group Pur- Sickle Sections $ .37 ea. chasing, P.O. Box 30960, lansing, Mich. 48909. Sickle Guards $ 2.35 ea. Twisted Chisels $ 4.90 ea. ""* 50% deposit required with order placement County Chisel Spikes $ 3.65 ea. Double Points $ 2.20 ea. ""* No freight charges or minimum order Name Spear Points $ 1.60 ea. Address Sweeps $ 1.35 ea. ""* Prices are guaranteed FertilizerKnives $ 6.25 ea. Hard surfacing and other miscellaneous ""* For further details contact your county Phone options and products are also available. Farm Bureau or use the coupon in this ad Comments THE SAFEMARK MARGIN: QUALITY • SERVICE • DEPENDABILITY • ECONOMY ----------- PAGE 6 FARM NEWS NOVEMBER 1981 Forestry Industry Experiencing Revitalization "The economy of Michigan was dominated from "Anything we do to bring tremendously by harvesting the, With WTC, once unmarket- 1860 to 1900 by the harvesting, sawing and more wood-using industries in- trees. able trees become economical to the state will eventually gen- to harvest; then TSI work, which marketing of lumber. Thousands of men found erate more competition, better "The dollar retun 1 to the is the important first step to a employment in the industry, fortunes were markets for the woodland landowner has also increased managed forest, can begin. owner and a better charge to because the timber stand im- The entire tree is utilized with made from it, and it made a major contribution make his woodlot a paying provement is the first step in this type of harvesting method: to the establishment of farms, towns and thing. There's much more in- creating an optimum environ- limbs, branches and leaves, dustrial activity now in the ment for growth. In the future, leaving the woodlot freer of cities ... " the landowner's woods are go- debris. The increased volume - Willis Dunbar, Author forest and markets thr.oughout Michigan: A History.of the Wolverine State the state," he said. ing to be growing better, faster of harvested. material also in- and higher quality trees than if creases the dollar value to the . Private Industry this timber stand improvement landowner and 100 percent of By Marcia Ditchie ucts Council represents the Accepts Challenge wasn't being done," Heibel the tree is used, which is a goal Though the forestry industry wood-using industries in the With the challenge of meet- said. o£"the in~ustry. may never again reach the pla- state. Among the services the ing the demand for wood in the teau it did from 1860 to 1900 council provides to farmers next 50 years and the con- when it dominated Michigan's who have woodlots on their sciousness of dwindling natural economy, private industry, or- property is the American Tree resources, Menasha Corpora- ganizations and go~ernment Farm Sys~em .. tion's Otsego Paperboard Divi- have recognized its potential to Acc~rdln~ to John Calkins, sion has developed three pro- the economy of Michigan. _ executIve dIrector of the coun- grams to address those con- Through the efforts of all three, cil, "the. American Tre~. Farm cerns. in cooperation with landown- System Involves recogmtI~n for . Menasha Corporation pro- erSt the industry is experiencing landowners who are do~ng. a duces more than 364 tons of a revitalization. good forest management Job In paperboard per day at its The state's forest resources order to encourage other land- Kalamazoo River mill site in are only a fraction of what they owners to do a similar job.'~ Otsego. The mill consumes used to be but efforts are being The Tree Farm program IS a more than 100,000 tons of for- made tod~y to renew the re- national program to encourage est products annually, mostly sources. while maintaining for- landowners. to protect and supplied in the form of wood estry as a ma'or industry for manage their woodlands for_ chips. To su'pply the mill with landowners an~ the state. the production of timber and raw material now and far into Nearly 10 million acres of other forest products for con- the future, Menasha has an ac- forest grow on more than half tinuous yiel~. The program tive Wood Department with a A new type of logging equipment being used to harvest timber in of Michigan's 36.5 million was. starte~ In 1941 to help team of professional foresters the Oak Haven forest is the Mor-Bell Logger. Designed In South acres. Two-thirds of that forest- nonlndustnal woodland own- who assist private landowners Africa by Irvin Bell and manufactured by Morbark Industries of land more th n 12 million ers gain access to professional Winn, Mich., the Logger is able to thin woodlots without damaging in managing their land for the other trees. The Logger is front equipped with a hydraulic. shear acre~. is in pri~ate ownership forestry advice. Cur,rently, future. which "snaps" the tree, leaving no debris around the truck, as with more than 180,000 indi- there are about 1,200 MIchigan shown in the photo below. After snapping the tree, the Logger is able Typical of this service to pri- 'd I hid' th landowners who are members. to "carry" the felled tree and place it with others for removal from . VI , ua t'owners 0 Ing e ma- Th'e Impo rt ance 0 f th e na- vate landowners is the firm's Jor por Ion .. the woodlot. cooperative arrangement with Th' rt f th f t tIonal Tree Farm program was . d e Impo ance o. de °hres magnified by a study conduct- the owners of Oak Haven, a In us ry t was recogmze w en S F S. 1,200-acre woodland in south- G ov. M'II'k I I en ca IIe d for a for- ed by the .. U .. orest erVlce, ern Allegan County and a . h' 1980 according to Corrlne Lamb, es try con ference In IS .. f h A member of the Tree Farm pro- regional assIstant or t e mer- St a t e 0f th e St a t e message. In .. gram. Menasha forester, Larry A pn'11981 th e G overnor ' s C on- Ican " Forest InstItute. h U S Heibel, working closely with fA' It' . d Two years ago, t e .. ere~~e on gncu ur~ Issue Forest Service conducted a Oak Haven's owners, has de- speCIfIC recommendatIons re- t d d a n f t th t' n th veloped a 20-year plan for garding Michigan's forestry in- s u y 2 O 30°trhecasd a Id f e care, harvesting and improve- d tr d . t . d t . year e eman or us y an pnv~ e In us ry IS wood will double and we are ment of the Oak Haven forest. already addressing some of I k' t th . t The plan provides for perpetual these recommendations .. 00 In~ 0 e pnva e non- harvest of forest products while f Industnallandowner who owns At th a t c~n fer~nce, ..th e or- 58 percent of the land to sup- at the same time, gradually up- estry commIttee IdentIfIed two I th d "h 'd grading the growth and quality common Sl't ua t'Ions. UF'Irs,t p y ose nee s, s e sal . of the property's timber. many _owners simply are not A Voice for the Industry Menasha recently began harvesting timber from their Another recommendation whole tree chipping (WTC) , woodlots and are missing op- from the Governor's Confer- not only in the Oak Haven portunities for realizing a return ence on Agriculture is being im- forest, but also in southwestern and upgrading the quality of plemented now, according to Michigan for 100,000 green their stands. In other cases, Calkins. tons, or 50 percent of its pulp woodlots are being cut heavily "There has never been a finish for its mill. The 100,000 for firewood or other products voice in state government for green tons of chips represent to produce short run return. In the forest products industry 2,000 to 2,500 acres of forest- these instances the residual and now there is a strong voice land per year being silvicul- timber stand is being seriously from agricultural interests," he turally treated by WTC. impaired. Both require atten- said. "With the renewed" in- This spring Menasha's Wood- tion," the committee report terest in forestry and forest lands Department began imple- stated. resources being a basis for an menting timber stand improve- Cooperative Action increase in the state's econo- ment (TSI) operations on pri- Addresses Problems my, the governor recently vately owned woodlots, rang- Those two situations are cur- formed a Forest Industries Task ing in size from a few acres to rently being addressed, in part, Force which is working with the hundreds of acres. by the Michigan Forest Coun- Department of Commerce, the "The benefits of sound forest cil, a member of the American governor's office and the De- management programs are many '"'.5 . Forest Institute, and Menasha partment of Natural Resources and we look at it as a multi- Whole tree chipping Is accomplished at the Oak Haven forest by Corporation's Otsego Paper- in developing new industry and purpose use of the forest," said use of a Total Chiparvestor, also manufactured by Morbark. A slide Heibel. "You're increasing not boom loader slides out grabbing one or several trees and feeds them board Division, a privately- markets. " to the compression feed wheels and on into the chipper where they owned paperboard company in Calkins said that as a result only the timber profit, but also are crushed and compressed. In less than a minute whole trees, western Michigan. of this task force, farmers who the recreational value and limbs. branches and leaves, are reduced to chips and blown through The Michigan Forest Prod- have woodlands will benefit. wildlife habitat has increased a discharge spout into a waiting van. NOVEMBER 1981 FARM NEWS PAGE 7 Princep Caliber 90 Rebate. Get 4 bucks back a box. Get 2 bucks back a bag. Now you can control weeds and grasses in your corn and save money, too. Princep@Caliber@90 dissolving r Princep Caliber 90 Rebate . .. granules pour right into your tank, mix easily and stay in suspension. Mixed with AA.trex~it gives you the I Fill out this coupon, attach your original paid invoice showing your name and quantity of Princep Caliber 90 bags or boxes purchased between November 2,1981 and April 30, 1982. Send to Ciba-Geigy, Ag. Div., Ger'leral Services Dept., Box 11422, Greensboro, NC 27409. Rebate is good I for $4.00 on every 50 lb. box or $2.00 for each 25 lb. bag you buy. All claims must be postmarked best control of annual broadleaf by May 21,1982. weeds and grasses, lasts right up to (PLEASE PRINT) harvest, and is a low-cost combination. Name Supplier Name ,And now you also get a cash rebate: 4 bucks back for every 50 lb. box and 2 I Address City Number of acres treated State __ Zip ~Supplier Address City State __ Zip, _ _ _ bucks back for every 25 lb. bag you buy between November 2nd, 1981 and April 30th, 1982. All you do is fill I Of Number of 50 lb. boxes purchased - Number of 25 lb. bags purchased __ X $4.00= $ X $2.00= $ Rebate Rebate Offer open only to end users. Allow 4 to 6 weeks tor ref\ni. This coupon may not be transferred and must accompany the original paid invoice showing number boxes and bags purchased and name and address of purchaser. Otrergood only in CoM .• Del., III.• Ind.• Ky., Maine, Mass.• Md.• Mich.• N.C., N.H.• N.J., N.Y., -..--..--.---- ---- --. Ohio. Pa.. R.I.• TeM., Va., Vt.. \Ms. and W.Va.~id where prohibited, taxed or restricted. out the coupon and mail it to us. We'll ACT NOWI ALL PURCHASESMUST BE MADE BY APRIL 30, 1982. send you back the cash! \: @1981 Ciba-Geigy Corporation elBA-GEIGY PAGE 8 FARM NEWS NOVEMBER 1981 Price Later Agreements AGRINOMIC Part Two: The Issues UPDATE Surrounding Their Use Report of the Commodity Activities & Research Department The use of price later agree- later agreements can satisfy de- may not be needed in other ments as a means of marketing mand, they need not have a years. Therefore, price later grain has become a controver- negative impact on prices as a agreements are a substitute for sial issue over the last few years cash sale would. storage, but they do not in- - Price Later Agreements: other creditors of the elevator, in Michigan, especially around First, the grain may simply crease storage capacity. They Have Caused Poor Financial such as sellers of grain for cash. harvest time. be stored and thus there is no only give that illusion. Stability and Even Bankrupt- who have not received pay- Last month's Agrinomic Up- negative price effect. Second, if Many critics of price later cies of Elevators - A common ment, and the farmer-creditor date reviewed how and why the grain is sold, the elevator agreements contend that less complaint about price later does not have top priority as he price later agreements are must buy cash grain or futures storage capacity is being made agreements is that they have is an unsecured creditor. used. This month's discussion equal to the amount sold, or available due to price later contributed to the poor finan- -The Elevator Sells the will focus on the issues of using have an irrevocable letter of agreements, and that extensive cial condition or actual bank- Farmer's Price Later Agree- price later agreements. credit or money in escrow use of price later agreements ruptcy of several elevators. The ment Grain and Uses the Mon- equal to 50 percent of the could prevent. long-term ad- exact impact of price later The Issues ey - When the elevator sells value of the grain. justments in grain storage agreements on these elevators' Several issues surround the price later agreement grain If the price later agreement is capacity. The impact of price financial stability would be diffi- use of price later agreements they can use this "free" money replaced with a purchase of later agreements on storage cult to determine, but the mis- and their effect on farmers and for various purposes. Although, cash grain or futures then the capacity would be quite difficult use of price later agreement the grain handling system. first they must fulfill the re- sale is balanced out. However, to determine, but they do not funds or undercharging of Some issues can be viewed as quirements of the Grain Deal- if the sale is replaced with an ir- appear to be a negative factor ha~ding fees could be a factor. distinct advantages or disad- ers Act. Having done this, they revocable letter of credit or as some would. contend. In the opinion of some, vantages with using price later could place the money in a fi- escrow, then there is no offset- According to the Michigan "price later agreements are a agreements. In others, the ef- nancial institution and draw in- ting "buy" transaction and in- Agricultural Reporting Service, license to steal. " They allow fect is not as clear cut. terest. deed there is a "bearish" effect. the commercial grain storage elevators to sell farmers grain, The following list addresses To the farmer this may seem capacity has increased by over yet not repay the farmer until the majority of the concerns The total impact of this unfair, but to the elevator this 50 percent in the last five years. he prices the grain. This allows about price later agreements would be quite difficult to makes good business practice .. grain dealers to misuse funds'. and analyzes each issue. determine, but it would be very - Price Later Agreement Service By drawing interest the eleva- The Grain Dealers Act of small since nearly all price later Charges Are Too High tor can provide better service, 1976, and subsequent amend- - Using Price Later Agree- agreement sales are replaced Elevators collect service and lower handling cost to pro- ments of 1979, significantly ments Has a Negative Effect on with futures contracts or grain. charges on price later agree- ducers. added protection to farmers Prices - Traditionally, pro- ments; these charges are de- However, this privilege can Price later agreements may holding price later agreements. ducers have stored grain in signed to cover handling costs be abused and elevators must also have a positive affect on The act specifically says what order to take advantage of and more importantly to pro- understand what they are do- prices, by allowing grain hand- handlers must do if they issue higher prices and improve- tect the elevator from adverse ing and us~ caution in handling lers to efficiently use facilities price later agreements, plus the ments in the basis which nor- basis changes, between the money. that will eventually be transportation requirement. law gives the Michigan Depart- mally occur later in the market- time they sell the grain and the used to pay producers.. and marketing skills. ment of Agriculture the author- ing year. time the farmer prices the ity to inspect at any time the The grain placed in storage If elevators can do a better grain. Summary grain dealers' records and in- reduces the available supply, job of merchandising they in - Contrary to what some farm- ventories. Price later agreements are an causing prices .to rise as buyers turn become better competitors ers think, some elevators have These regulations help pro- important method of marketing "bid up" prices. Farmers plac- and can do a better job for their not charged enough and, in tect the producer, but it is im- grain in Michigan. They provid- ing grain under price later farmers. Thus, the overall price some cases, this is believed to possible to protect everyone ed the rapidly changing grain agreements hope the same will may be increased by the use of have led to financial difficulties through laws and regulations. production and marketing sys- occur. price later agreements. and even bankruptcy of eleva- As one elev.ator manager said, tem of the 1970s with an effec- However, under price later tors. "you can't legislate honesty." tive marketing tool. Price later agreements grain is allowed to -Price Later Agreements Pre- If producers understood the agreements allow producers to move into marketing channels, vent Adjustments in Long Term reason behind the service deliver grain, sign title over to -Producers Holding Price satisfying demand. Thus, at Storage Capacity - Price later charges they might not feel that the elevator, yet not price the Later Agreem~nts Are Unse- first impression, it would seem agreements are attractive be- they are too high. Undercharg- grain until later. cured Creditors of Elevators - illogical for producers to expect cause they allow the move- ing of service fees is a danger- This allows producers to use Producers holding price later prices to rise by using price later ment of grain in large crop ous game for elevators to play rapid, modern harvesting tech: agreements are indeed unse- agreements. On a closer in- years, without the costs of and can prove costly to both niques, and gives grain hand- cured creditors. Naturally, this spection we see that while price building extra storage which producers and handlers. lers needed flexibility to effi- becomes a problem when the producer prices his/her price ciently utilize their resources in later agreement grain and the merchandising grain. Attention Top Farm Managers: elevator cannot pay. This usu- ally means the elevator is ex- Like any tool, price later agreements can be misused save these dates: periencing financial difficulties or failure. Under the Grain Dealers Act and create problems. Many of these problems appear to be re- lated to a lack of understanding of 1976, elevators are required about price later agreements February 2-3-4 to be bonded. This bond covers warehouse receipts but not price later agreements. and how to properly use them. If improperly used, the price later concept can lead to This could lead one to disaster for both buyer and for valuable training on believe that warehouse receipts are more secure than price later seller. (Editor's Note: This article is agreements. This is only partly taken from "A Study of Price true, since the maximum bond Later Agreements, " which was ." Farm Management Skills .." Marketing Know-How is only $400,000 which in to- recommended by the MFB ." Personal Development ." Computer Technology day's grain market is woefully Feed Grains & Oil Crop Advi- insufficient. sory Committee and author- In the case of bankruptcies, ized by the MFB board of direc- - LIMITED REGISTRA TION - holders of price later agree- tors. If you would like a copy of ments would share in the distri- the study, write: Commodity For further information, write or call Donald Currey, bution of any assets of the Activities and Research Depart- Organization Department Manager, Michigan Farm Bureau, elevator when they are liqui- ment, Michigan Farm Bureau, P.O. Box 30960, Lansing, Mich. 48909, 517-323-7000, ext. 532 dated. P.O. Box 30960, Lansing, This would also include Mich. 48909.) NOVEMBER 1981 FARM NEWS PAGE 9 AFBF President Delano Tells Cass Members: Local Efforts Vital to Strong Agriculture Animal Rights is Challenge- I An Important Election Year budget and reduction of the na- American Farm Bureau Fed- Delano reminded. the Cass tional debt is the medicine bad- eration President Robert De- County members that 1982 is ly needed by our ailing econo- lano told the several hundred an important election year and my." farmers attending the Cass that it is not too soon to ac- County Farm Bureau annual F.armers and 'Reaganomics' curately and honestly evaluate meeting Oct. 21 not to get so the performances of incum- President Delano said that wrapped up in their businesses bents and the potential of can- eliminating federal deficits also and private lives that they fail to didates. eliminates the need for exces- prepare for the challenges fac- sive federal borrowing, and "Review how they have ing agriculture. that without this competition done and are doing in terms of for available money by govern- One of the challenges spell-_ state and federal spending. ment, credit will be available to ed out by the national farm What is their attitude toward everyone at lower rates. leader was the animal .rights taxes? Toward regulatory re- movement. "I am convinced that the form? Toward balanced bud- wavering of support from Wall "These people are not only gets? Street is not caused by disbelief anti-meat and anti-machinery - "Pick every candidate for in the effectiveness of 'Rea- they are also anti-agriculture," even the smallest public job ganomics,'" he said. "Rather, it Delano said. carefully, not just for now, but is an expression of fear that "To equate people with ani- for years to come. After all, Congress and the American mals debases humanity's high- that local official you help elect people will not give the eco- er nature, denies human might become your next con- nomic recovery program time uniqueness in marriage and gressman. That new congress- to work. family life and in a moral code, man might become the next di- "We must all join in making and denies biblical teachings." rector of the U. S. budget - as sure that this does not happen. Delano said many sensitive happened when David Stock- You and I know that the best "If we are serious about turning government back to the and thoughtful people may people ... we must be prepared, ready and willing to take charge," man took over ," he said. thing government can do for have been innocently caught Delano told Farm Bureau members at the Cass County annual. "Of course, we are proud of farmers is to stabilize the econ- up in the animal rights move- Mr. Stockman's Farm Bureau omy and to wipe out inflation. ment, but as an issue based on and replacing some of the Lan- policy development process is family background. He obvi- "Working together in Farm emotions and radical ideas, it sing power with Cass County so important. A Cass County ously had good training. As Bureau, in building and sup- can also be attractive to people and community power. Farm Bureau resolution can director of the Office of Man- porting a strong agriculture, we with darker motives. "If we are serious about turn- become the policy of the Michi- agement and Budget, his are, and will continue to be, an "Some of these people ing the government back to the gan Farm Bureau or the Ameri- sound economic advice on tax effective force in making this would disarm us, some are in- . people, along with the tax base can Farm Bureau Federation. and spending cuts, a balanced happen," he concluded. terested in lowering our moral to pay for it, we must be pre- "Historians . have traced standards, denying the concept pared, ready and willing to take Public Law 480 back to a pro- of personal accountability or charge," he said. Your Membership In The posal from a community Parm destroying such virtues as thrift '-'We are helped by a growing MICHIGAN FARM BUREAU Bureau group to use our abun- and savings. Some would re- tide of citizen confidence that Now Makes Available dant farm production in a place our private enterprise ordinary people are capable of 'Food for Peace' international deciding how much, and what with their version of a new eco- nomic order," he said. "Because it is perceived as strong, agriculture is a favored kind of government, is best for them. Opportunity, economic improvement and personal ful- trade-and-aid effort. About 30 billion dollars in agricultural ex- ports have moved to eligible countries in the 26 years since Institutional target for the social planners and regulators. "I am concerned that people fillment are created individual- ly, and from the bottom up. They do not filter down to us as gifts from government. Public Law 480 was enacted. "Best of all, many of the countries which benefited from Liquid Assets Designed to provide daily like you and I may get so wrap- "That is part of the new our Food for Peace programs money market income with Two Portfolios: ped up in our farming business- political reality that the Cass now are good cash customers. PRIME OBLIGATIONS GOVERNMENT es - and in our private lives - County Farm Bureau and A stronger American agricul- that we fail to prepare for the ture depends upon strong cash .16.08% .15.25% nearly 3,000 other county great challenges facing agricul- markets for what we produce," Investment Advisor, GOLDMAN, Farm Bureaus like it can pass ture. Because we are busy and Delano said. Administrator and SACHS & CO. along. Do not ever think your hurried, we may not recognize Sole Distributor local efforts in building and The Farm Bureau president that agriculture is both strong supporting a stronger agricul- cited victories in estate tax • Seven day annualized net Investment Income yield, computed by dividing the and vulnerable. ture are in vain. Positive ac- reform as another example of Portfolio.s allerage daily net Investment Income per unit for the period ended October 8, 1981 by 51.00 and multiplying the result by 365. On that date the "Our strength lies in our base tions have a tendency to reach the power of member involve- allerage portfolio maturity In Prime Obligations was 30 days and Government of knowledge, in support for far beyond local borders. was 27 days. The yields change In response to nuctuatlons In Interest rates on ment in issues facing agricul- portfolio Investment and operating expenses. family ideals, in our beliefs in "That is why Farm Bureau's ture. God and church, in a human A prospectus containing more complete information including management fees and expenses. will be sent upon receipt of the soul and a. personal judgment attached coupon. Send the coupon to Michigan National Bank. and in our abilities to get impor- Trust Department, 77 Monroe Center, P. O. Box 2804. Grand tant things done. Rapids, Michigan 49501. Read the prospectus carefully before "Our weakness lies in our ex- you invest or send money. For current yield information call toll free 800-621-2550. treme busyness, in poor com- munications and inaction re- sulting from the need to get things planted, cared for, har- --------------------------- o Please send me a prospectus. vested, sold, and then - started Name (as it appears on membership records) all over again." Turn Government Address Back to People City State Zip _ Membership No. _ Another important challenge faced by farmers, Delano said, Mail to: Money Market Fund Program was turning big government for Michigan Farm Bureau Members Goldman around in Washington and AFBF President Delano met with Michigan press representatives Michigan National Bank. Trust Department Sachs "wherever else it exists." He P.O. Box 2804. 77 Monroe Center at three news conferences during his one-day visit to the state. urged replacement of Washing- Above, Delano responds to questions from WJR newsperson Hugh Grand Rapids. MI 4950 1 ton power with Lansing power, Carlson. ~------------------------- PAGE 10 FARM NEWS NOVEMBER 1981 Action-Packed Agenda at Annuals The Amway Grand Plaza and Grand Center boree, scheduled for Wednesday evening. in Grand Rapids will be the site of the annual Another change in format will be a Kick-Off meetings of Michigan Farm Bureau and three Breakfast sponsored by Farm Bureau Women of its affiliates Dec. 1-4 on Wednesday morning, rather than their The return to Grand Rapids will also mark traditional separate annual meeting. the return of two popular annual meeting Action by MFB's 526 voting delegates on events. The Product Show will be open Tues- policy recommendations will begin Wednesday day and Wednesday. Farm Bureau members afternoon following the president's address will don western gear for the country Jam- and continue through Friday. , j ~"", .... L ILl,' ~ MFB Women to Sponsor T...- :t e Commodity Kick-Off Breakfast .Session to FBS/FPC to Kick-Off Focus on Annual Meeting Economic Farm Bureau Services, Inc. and Farmers Petro- leum Cooperative, Inc. will kick-off their 1981 an- Outlook, nual meetings on Tuesday morning, Dec. 1, in the Animal Care Grand Center's DeVos Hall in Grand Rapids. Registration starts at 9 a.m. and the FBS annual meeting will begin at 10 a.m., with the FPC annual meeting scheduled to begin at 11:30 a.m. At the conclusion of the FPC annual meeting and the complimentary luncheon which immediately DR. WM. LESHER follows. the Product Show will begin. Sponsored by USDA Farm Bureau Services and Farmers Petroleum Co- ASST. SEC. operative, the 1981 Product Show wiB be held in ECONOMICS the Lower Exhibition Hall of'the Grand Center on Tuesday from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. and from 10 a.m. The commodity session at the MFB annual to 7 p.m. on Wednesday. meeting will be held Wednesday, Dec. 1 in the Grand Hall. Tuesday Dr. Bernard E. Rollin, professor of philosophy at Colorado State University, and Neal F. Black, MACMA Annual Meeting president of the Livestock Conservation Institute, RUTH ANN FOWLER The Michigan Agricultural Cooperative Market- wiJI speak on the economics and philosophy of ing Association will hold its annual meeting on The Michigan Farm Bureau Women will sponsor animal care. Tuesday afternoon, Dec. 1 in the President Ford a kick-off breakfast on Wednesday morning, Dec. 2 The second half of the two-hour session will in- Room at the Grand Plaza Hotel. at 7:30 a.m. in the Grand Hall. clude a discussion of the 1982 farm economic That evening, the marketing c09perative will Following breakfast, Ruth Ann Fowler, a Florida outlook and the 1981 farm program by Dr. William hold a banquet, also in the Grand Plaza Hotel. lecturer who believes you should invest your life- Lesher, assi~tant secretary for economics at the time only in what you believe in with your whole USDA. Tuesday Evening heart, will address the delegates. The kick-off breakfast will also include highlights County Presidents and 7 of the 1981 women's activities and recognition of women's programs. Campaign Managers' Banquet Michigan Farm Bureau's annual meeting activi- Wednesday ties will begin on Tuesday evening, Dec. 1 with the joint county presidents' and campaign managers' Young Farmers Day banquet. Michigan Farm Bureau Young Farmer activities The banquet will begin at 6 p.m. in the Grand will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 2. Center's Grand Hall. with dinner compliments of The Discussion Meet semi-finals will begin at 9 FBIG's Marketing Corporation. a.m., with the finals beginning at 1:30 p.m. Both Keynote speaker will be Ken Cheatham, director will be held in the Grand Center. All delegates are of safety and local affairs for the American Farm welcome to attend the semi-final and final contests. Bureau Federation. A Young Farmer reception will be held following Presentation of the 1981 "Fabulous 15" awards adjournment of the resolutions session on Wednes- and 1981 President's Trophies will highlight the day afternoon in the Grand Center. County Young banquet. In addition, the award winners from the Farmer star awards will be presented and awards 1980-81 Talk of the Town membership contest will will be given recognizing the winners of the Discus- be recognized. sion Meet, Outstanding Young Farm Woman and Distinguished Young Farmer contests. All members T~&enIng are invited to attend the reception. DR. BERNARD ROUrN NEAL BLACK County Farm Burea~s to be Honored Tuesday Afternoon and All Day The annual county Farm Bureau awards pro- President's Luncheon Wednesday, Thursday & Friday gram will be held on Tuesday evening, Dec. 1 The annual Michigan Farm Bureau President's stop at the following the county presidents' and campaign Luncheon will be held at noon on Wednesday, managers' banquet. Dec. 2 in the Grand Center's Grand Hall. Koffee Klatcheteria The awards program, designated "Farm Bureau MFB President Elton R. Smith will address the Refreshments and Information Center is Magic," will begin at 8:30 p.m. in DeVos Hall in delegates, reviewing the organization's accomplish- Located in the hall outside the Kent Room the Grand Center. The program will recognize ments during 1981 and looking toward the chal- Hot Coffee - Cold Apple Cider county Farm Bureaus for their program achieve- lenges facing the organization and agriculture in White and Chocolate Milk - Fresh Donuts ments during the 1981 membership year. 1982. Information - Telephones Entertainment during the awards program will be The resolutions session will open at 2:30 p.m. in Courtesy of Farm Bureau Insurance Group provided by magician Gill Scott. the Grand Hall. NOVEMBER 1981 FARM NEWS PAGE 11 Product Show, Jamboree Back Again Wednesday EuenJng Thursday Evening FB Jamboree Returns 1981 Annual Banquet - Highlight of Convention Reached the end of your rope? ~old on, because The Michigan Farm Bureau Annual Banquet will the Farm Bureau Jamboree is back by popular de- be held on Thursday evening, Dec. 3 beginning at mand. Bring your jeans, plaid shirts and boots and 6:30 p.m. in the Grand Center's Grand Hall. join in the fun on Wednesday evening, Dec. 1. Featured speaker will be Charley Willey. His A delegate round-up will be held from 6 to 7. keen interest in others, his enthusiastic approach to p.m. in the Grand Hall prior to dinner in the Grand life, coupled with his ability to move and motivate Rapids Civic Auditorium, which precedes the jam- an audience make him one of the country's truly boree. popular speakers. Music at the jamboree will be provided by the "People can laugh and learn at the same time," Petal Fall Variety Band. Willey says. He motivates, informs and inspires, leaving his listeners with an improved self image, a better attitude toward their job and an increased understanding of the people around them. Also in the spotlight at the banquet will be the 1981 recipient of the MFB Distinguished Service to 'Friends of Agriculture' to Agriculture award. Benefit From AgriPac Brea~kfast Fridap A special delegate breakfast will be sponsored by MFB's AgriPac on Thursday, Dec. 3 at 7:30 p.m. Resolutions Wrap-up, Featured speaker at the breakfast will be Bruce Elections Scheduled Hanks, who will present an inspirational portrait of The final resolutions session will begin at 8:30 Abraham Lincoln. Hanks, a distant relative of Lin- a.m. on Friday, Dec. 4 and continue until noon. coln's mother Nancy Hanks, closely resembles Election of directors in odd-numbered districts, one President Lincoln. director at-large, one director representing the The cost of the breakfast is $15 per person. Pro- Farm Bureau Women's Committee and one direc- ceeds will be used exclusively to help elect "Friends tor representing the Young Farmers Committee will of Agriculture" in the 1982 election. Tickets may be take place during the morning session. purchased through Michigan Farm Bureau, Public Following lunch, the resolutions session will CHARLEY WILLEY Affairs Division, P.O. Box 30960, Lansing, Mich .. 'SERIOUS HUMORIST' resume at 1:30 p.m. and continue through comple- 48909. tion. MEMBER-TO-MEMBEft Christmas Citrus Sale Stock up on your favorite holiday items! PLACE YOUR ORDER NOW! Quantity Item Price Amount Navel Oranges, 4/5 bushel $13.50 IMPORTANT NOTICE! Hamlin Oranges, 4/5 bushel $9.15 All Farm Bureau Members- - There are no in- Orlando Tangelos, 4/5 bushel $10.50 dividual county newsletters this month. Please Pink Seedless Grapefuit, 4/5 bushel $9.80 use this as your order blank and forward your order Skinless Peanuts, 20 oz. can $2.25 to your own county Farm Bureau. Make sure it Pecan Halves, 1 lb. paCkage $3.60 reaches your county Farm Bureau before Nov. 18. Hi-D Orange Juice Concentrate, 24/12 oz. cans/case $33.00 If you have any questions on ordering, please Hi.D Grapefruit Concentrate, 24/12 oz. cans/case $25.60 contact the county secretary or member-to- member. chairperson in your county. Sharp Cheddar Cheese, 411 lb. pkg./case $10.70 Medium Cheddar Cheese, 4/1 lb. pkg./case $10.20 ORDERDEADLINE: November 18, 1981 Colby Cheese, 4/1 lb. pkg./case $9.85 DELIVERY DATE: Week of December 7, 1981 Monterey Jack Cheese, 411 lb. pkg./case $9.85 Mozzarella Cheese, 12110oz. pkg./case $19.55 Swiss Cheese, 12110oz. pkg./case $22.00 County Gourmet Popcorn, 2 lb. bag $1.00 Name MACMA Vintage Ham, 4/4 lb. hvs./cs. ($2.45/1b.) Approx. $39.20 MACMA Thick.Cut Smoked Bacon, 8111h lb. pkg./case $21.40 Address Smoked Hickory Stick, 4 lb. $9.90 Christmas Bockwurst, 10 lb. box $20.60 Phone Michigan Apple Cider Concentrate, 12115oz. jugs/case $19.70 Michigan 100% Concord Grape Juice, 6/Y2 gal. jars/case $13.80 Other Phone Total PAGE 12 FARM NEWS NOVEMBER 1981 Tax Reform Unlikely as CAPITOL State's Economy Worsens As Michigan's budget prob- property tax cut program over the previous year is more REPORT lems continue to worsen, it is amounts to over one-half bil- than the inflation factor. less likely that it will be possible lion dollars. By (Farmers also have the vol- to pass any meaningful or fair Federal budget cuts, amount- untary P.A. 116 program that Robert E. Smith _ tax reform program. ing to about $2 billion, will have refunds all the., property tax At a joint legislative session a serious effect on Michigan. over 7 percent of the house- tax experts from two univer- Federal'funds and grants have hold income plus other bene- sities presented a summary of a made up about 25 percent of 1,000-page state's finances. report on the Michigan's budget in the past. In addition, Michigan will fits.) The report made reference Agriculture Awaits' to farm and forest taxes by The report states that much of Michigan's problem is due to have to pay about $20 million more in interest on the $500 stating that a case could be made for the state to pay most Prompt Payment Laws "high wages and high Worker's million that it usually borrows Over the years Farm Bureau of the property tax providing (PACA). There are also other Compensation and unemploy- to make school aid and local has promoted and supported . Iand was kept in its p,resent use. examples . ment compensation costs." For government revenue sharing state and national legislation to However, times have chang- example, "workers with rela- payments. This is because It was noted that during the assure farmers, to the extent ed and laws must be updated. tively minor disabilities receive Michigan has become a "high - past five years, nine property possible, payment for their For example, the Elevator relatively large benefits" which risk" state in the bond market. tax reduction plans have been products. Warehouse Act has become creates "strong work disincen- on the ballot and rejected by For example, livestock pro- the Grain Dealers Act because tives. " Tax Reform - Yes or No the people. State legislators of ducers have been virtually some farmers lost large The researchers reported There are, however, some both parties have been propos- guaranteed payment within amounts of money through that nearly 70 percent of all tax reform measures that might ing tax reform programs but lit- hours after they send livestock "trucker dealers." business expenses are labor be passed. These include: tle has been said about paying to market. The reason is that Elevator bankruptcies have costs. Government spending • Changing the present "cir- the cost . there are strong state and occurred. Legislation is part- per person in Michigan is about cuit breaker" property tax re- Two or three months ago, federal laws (Packers and way through Congress to give 12. percent higher than the na- fund program so that the tax the Senate Democrats released Stockyard Act) mandating pay- farmers a secured interest in tional average with welfare relief could be deducted from a tax cut program that would ment to the farmer. cases of bankruptcy. benefits about 40 percent the property tax bill at the time amount to about one-half bil- Certain milk laws mandating S.B. 112, tightening the higher. it is paid. This is known as lion dollars per year. That was payment have been helpful to Grain Dealers Act, has passed The report shows that state "front loading." It is not as sim- followed by a House Republi- the dairy farmer. A bonding the state Senate and will soon employee salaries are 23.6 per- ple as it sounds but it can be can plan costing about the law has helped to assure pay- be considered by the House. cent higher than the national done through a "voucher" same. Gov. Milliken, in his ment to many potato growers. S.B. 110, updating the potato average and that Michigan has system. economic message of Sept. 17, Grain producers have been bonding law, has also passed - about 25 percent more state • Passage of a "truth in taxa- also proposed a tax cut with protected by the warehouse the Senate and is in the House. employees per 10,000 popula- tion" law. Presently local gov- local government sharing in the receipts law. But legislation to help assure tion than do neighboring states. ernments can take advantage cut. House Democrats also an- Fruit and vegetable produc- payment to dairy farmers (S.B. Tax System Analyzed of a state equalized valuation nounced a tax cut plan. ers have a little protection un- 111 and S.B. 338) and fruit (SEV) increase and realize Some observers have said der one state law and a federal and vegetable growers (S.B. The report points out that more revenue even though the that Michigan cannot afford a law known as Parishable Agri- 113) is stalled in the Senate. Michigan's tax system is con- millage remains the same. This tax cut of any significance cultural Commodities Act sidered one of the best in the proposal would require the because of the state's worsen- nation. Property taxes are local elected board (schools, ing economic condition. Prompt Pay Dairy Legislation "slightly higher" than the na- county, townships, etc.) to The Citizens Research Coun- (S.8. 111 and S.8. 338) tional average and about "mid- hold a public hearing and vote range" for income taxes. State as a board whether the addi- cil has pointed out that in-spite These bills as substituted and require the selection of a and local business taxes are tional revenue is needed. of budget cuts totalling over $1 amended would amend the "trustee" who would have below the national level. ."Capping" the local tax rev- billion, the state faces a $600 "Manufacturing Milk Act" and authority over the financial af- The report praised the "cir- enue would set a percentage million cash flow deficit. Other the "Fluid Milk Act of 1965" to: fairs and could assure payment cuit breaker" property tax re- limitation on local taxing units budget cuts must be made, add- • Require the licensee' to to the produ.cer. bate system which places prop- and would hold revenues at ing up to around $1 billion. prove "financial ability to pay" • Enforcement would be erty taxes on "ability to pay" by that percentage level despite Last April when the budget farmers for the milk by one of funded by processor fees of refunding 60 percent of the dif- increasing property valuations. was passed it contained $165 the following: 3/10 of 1 cent per 100 Ibs. of ference between 31/2 percent of There was a -6 percent cap in million for property tax relief- - A certified audited financial milk. the household income and the Proposal A that was rejected by but because state revenues statement or The dairy farmer cooperative amount of the property tax. voters last April. have continued to fall, the -A bond or organizations will be paying For the elderly and certain dis- Currently, local units of gov- $165 million is being wiped out - Other security to prove abil- over one- half the cost. abled persons the refund is 100 ernment must cut tax millage and another $270 million must ity to pay. The legislation is based on percent of the difference. This rates if the increase in revenue be cut from the current budget. • If none of the above re- the Wisconsin law which has quirements can be met, the De- proven to be highly successful Understand 'Sale' to Grain partment of Agriculture could over many years. Prompt Pay Fruit and Vegetable Elevators to Avoid Problems Legislation (S.8. 113) The problem of determining from the producer's standpoint common creditor and must The main features of the fruit or not later than 30 days whether a producer owns the when he sells his grain under a wait in line with the elevator's and vegetable bill are: after acceptance will receive grain he places in an elevator delayed price contract. Spring- other creditors to get his money • Require a processor, ship- a signed, written contract that goes bankrupt often can be field explains, "What's con- through the bankruptcy pro- per, broker, dealer or their stating the date on or before traced to the original transac- cerning us most is the delayed ceeding. agents to: which payment will be tion between the producer and price contract where the farmer The widespread publicity in -Certify that producers or made in full. the elevator, according to a takes (grain) in (to an elevator) recent months over grain own- producer cooperatives have • Provide for complaints to USDA official. and actually passes title to it, ership is mainly the result of a been paid for their fruits or be filed with the Department of Jim Springfield, director of doesn't price it and doesn't take string of large elevators, mostly vegetables in any previous Agriculture by an individual, USDA's Agricultural Marketing any money for it until some- in Missouri and Arkansas, hav- calendar year of have a producer cooperative, a repre- Service's warehouse division, time in the future." ing declared bankruptcy last signed, written contract sentative of a producer, or pro- says that if a grain producer has "Then it's the elevator's summer. While there have stating a date on or before ducer cooperative or by a simply stored his commodity in ownership," he said, " ... even been reports of irregularities in which payment will be group of producers or its repre- an elevator and retains his though in some cases it seems those cases, Springfield at- made in full. sentative. receipt, "there's no question like he (the producer) is storing tributed most elevator failures -Certify that the producer of .Provide that a producer or that he owns it." it, he's actually passed title to to the volatile grain market and fruits and vegetables will be producer cooperative shall be The ownership question, it." If the elevator goes bank- the nation's economy, which paid in full upon acceptance entitled to "recover reasonable however, becomes muddled rupt, the producer becomes a (continued on page 19) of the fruit and vegetables (continued on page 15) ". T_to .,. 11.'''1'.91.,.' ••• . t •••• • , ..... , t •• NOVEMBER 1981 FARM NEWS PAGE 13 Farm Bureau Services, Inc. and Farmers Petroleum Cooperative, Inc. cordially invite you to attend the 1981 PRODUCT SHOW on December 1 and 2, 1981 at the Grand Center Grand Rapids, Michigan Come to the annual meetings and visit the Product Show to learn more about the many products/services available through your local Farm Bureau dealer or organization. ~, See these products and visit with company representatives at the Farm Bureau Services and Farmers Petroleum Cooperative Product Show: Allied Chemical Co. George White and Sons, Inc. Pacific Molasses, Vylactos Division Ammonium sulfate Snyder bulk chemical storage. Poly liquid cattle Sweet Sue. dried molasses. FBS minerals American Cyanamid feeders Powerline Animal health products. Counter, Thimet Goodall Rubber Co. Farm tow ropes BASF Wyandotte Corp. Rubber products Rigo Company Basagran, Pyraglnaw HIghway Bean Cookbook Has Recipes 1 cup seedless raisins 3f4 cup coarsely chopped walnuts OrganlZat ion -- no stod( outstancl1ng ... v. 1l0X 30%0 anSlng, 1"11 ChI gan ~ll~U~ 112 cup orange marmalade ........... for the Gourmet on the Go 112 cup orange juice 2 This. orange peel (commercial I.-'NC"lWNf'()N()HOl[){RS TOTAl AUOUNT PUll ...... \IORH.AGff' Of BONOS .. HOO'"t" M()AfGAGlS ...... ()A 1'R1''t .... OTHlR SEClJI'lff(S'It Df ..... C~ ....I,...l.'AH ....................... COIIf'lfTl "I<.II"I4Cffi' , ....... ...c: ...DOItlSS NONr or fresh) Whether you're a busy per- navy beans," Byrum said. "The 1 tsp. salt son who prepares meals on the recipes range from the tradi- 4 cups flour run or a gourmet cook who tional baked beans and bean 2 This. baking powder .. F'oq T"- purpoee coe.,tP\Ii'tON8'f' N()NPAOf'IT ON:OA'f'lAtNlNS AU'HOAIZ£O tl,ltlCtoon end nonprolol .... at .. ~.1Of'l end ...... '0 ...... """PI ..... Il AT sPECIAL R ... tor f...,-, ~ T[, (s..-. U, J. 0.- ,•• """r~ .e....... , .,.", glories in the hours spent to soup to the more exotic Black 2 tsps. salt rn prepare a special dish, the new Bean Feijoada, an international 1 113 cups milk 2/3 cup oil 1'1 U1 =:c-:::"c::::::m,.DUIIIIIG o ==:.~=;: "'V(AAG( NO COfl'e(S[ACM ~ (If ~ ................ , ......,..., .................... .t.CTUAl ...0 CQPtfS OF SlNGLF ., ,I. EXTENT ANO HATUR( Of CIAClA.ATKJN ISSUE.0UR1"'" PA(CEOINQ ISSUE PU8lfSHEO ... (AREST TO Michigan Bean Cookbook has classic that takes a little time to "Glaze t'~THS FI\.INGO.... 'E something for you . prepare but is a true gastronic ... TO' .... IlIO COPeS,..., ~ .... 70.475 72,787 • NIO ClK\lUTlOIIII delight." Place ground chuck, cranberry c.--.a. .~w, Prepar.ed by the Michigan t ULlt 'TMMMJGM OIAA..1M .... WJrIOOat ....., cou..nft a.a.ut - Non~ - - Non~ - The new cookbook also in- sauce, brown sugar. raisins. walnuts. 1 ..... ~1OtII Bean Commission, the new 69,155 71 ,608 orange marmalade, orange juice. recipe book was "designed for cludes quantity recipes for serv- orange peel and 1 teaspoon salt in c TO' ...... AIO ~~,.....,,.. __ .-:2t 69,155 71,608 everyone," no matter what ing 25 or 50 people. Dutch oven. Cook over medium heat D , ... ......... DtS~ COII"l_Jlft .. 't' ., ..... Ale c....-. 0"... 011 OTMIII ....... ... COfWS 1,255 1,120 their lifestyle, according to Jim The Michigan Bean Cook. until mixture boils; continue cooking 20 I TOT.t4. o.e"""'N)flI "- ., c __ D, 70,410 72,728 Byrum, executive secretary. book is available for a 50-cent minutes, stirring constantly. Cool. Combine flour, baking powder and 2 ~...=-~r,.,~. , C.. tIJllOT DtS"'*1no ~COUWTeD ""'.0 65 59 "The cookbook tells how to handling charge from the Mich- teaspoons of salt; add milk and oil, all I ~,... ..... A .. n - None - - Non~ - use all sorts of Michigan bean igan Bean Commission. P.O. at once, stirring until flour is moistened. G TO' .... ' .... " " ..... , ........ ...., ........ ___ .... , 70,47S 72,787 Box 22037. Lansing, Mich. varieties, including black beans, pinto beans, kidney beans and 48909. Place dough on waxed paper and knead about 10 times; divide in half. .. I certify me abowe •• Ihallhe .tetementa ..... colTKt 8nd c:ompIete byC>! =JJj;-":;:"'_'0Il ....72:---~. ~. () ~ I "L :k) ' V , PAGE 18 FARM NEWS N.oVEMBER 1981 TUVIC by KEN WILES Manager, Member Relations Changing Roles for Women in Agriculture All of us have had some change in our lives over Partly as a result of more "working women,'" the years, many to a greater extent than others. As volunteer agencies all over the country are in deep examples,"we may have changed jobs, moved, had trouble, since many of the women who have been our children leave (or return home). Those of us traditional mainstays are now employed. living in rural areas have been considered fortunate Farm Bureau women's committees have felt this because our lives moved in a steady pattern, with trend, with many members unable to serve on..com-' .. little variation. However, in the past 10 to 15 years, mittees. A few committees meet in the late after- trends that have been apparent in urban living since noon or have switched to evening ses.sions, coor- the end of World War II have also come to the dinating with other Farm Bureau committees. in country. A few of the more obvious are: order to accommodate the working farm woman. - Increasing rates of family living problems, in- Incidentally, more women are now serving as cluding divorce. Michigan Farm Bureau employees. There are three -An increase in juvenile deliquency, including women working as regional representatives and expanded drug use. five employed as home office staff in Lansing. -Almost one-half of farm wives under the age of 50 are working away from the home. -Farm wives are having fewer children, they're Traditional Roles Change Again also cooking fewer meals at home, and doing less One commentator on the subject noted'recently food preserving. that the working women trend was reversing the Practically every farm woman has done hard whole 19th century reform effort to enable women physical labor, both in the home or as a partner to leave the work force. Emphasis then was on rais- with her husband in planting and harvesting ac- ing male income to the point where wives did not tivities. While farming is no longer as physically have to work as seamstresses in garment factories, strenuous as it once was, many wives still drive the as maids or cleaning women, or taking in washing truck or combine during harvest, feed the livestock or ironing to make ends meet. Modern farmers are professionals, just as heads and keep the books. However, there's a difference. Peter Drucker, writing in the Wall Street Journal, of corporations, architects, engineers and Farm Farm wives are beginning to be equal partners in says that as recently as 1950, it was commonly Bureau employees are professionals. Nine percent management of the farm, helping to make the deci- assumed that women would stop working with of all graduates of the Michigan State University sions. marriage, or certainly no later than first childbirth. College of Agriculture and Natural Resources go in- Part of this trend. comes about because the in- Now women are 'working at and want the same to production agriculture. Thirty-eight percent of creasing complexity and expanding debt load of jobs as men (within physical limitations) , perhaps as the students in the college are women. farming demands the involvement of both spouses. much because they want to as out of economic nec- What this means is that we will see more profes- In addition, rural women are now better educated essity. What will be the impact on the family and sionally trained women not only married to farm- and better prepared, and are insisting on a role in the role and place of the child in home and school? ers, but taking a larger part in management of the farm decision making. What will the family of tomorrow look like, when farm enterprise. More and more of them will be As one under-40 farm wife told us recently, "My there are not only two incomes but two parallel and participating in agribusiness sales and services, and mother never knew what dad paid for a piece of separate careers? eventually rising to managerial positions in these farm machinery. Believe me, I do, and have had As Drucker points out in an example we can all businesses. something to say about whether we had to buy it or remember seeing, how much longer will TV com- Conflict can come as women's roles continue to not, and how it was going to be paid for." . edies feature the little woman who cannot balance grow and expand. Understanding, tolerance and Another farm wife indicated all families are in her checkbook, when more than half of all account- respect for each other's role will be necessary. transition, but husband-wife roles can change in the ing students are now female. Family life in America has been through many direction of greater cooperation. "Women can per- periods of stress and strain. Some say the family as haps take the time to go to marketing classes, even we know it is disappearing. Others point to evi- if men can't." This knowledge can be used as back- Applications for Agriculture dence that most women still plan to get married and up for asserting new ideas for husbands' approval have children, regardless of what other career they and respect. All were agreed that one person can- Rural sociologists say there is a true change in the roles of younger rural men and women. They're contemplate, and most men still see themselves as not do the farming alone anymore. eventual head of a family establishment. What do better educated and have higher expectations, but not necessarily in relating to each other. Rural you think? males are still not, at least as an entire group, ready Two Income Family to begin sharing housework and child care. With Discussion Questions Much has been written recently about the two in- more opportunities to be their own bosses, it's not In the past 25 years, how has the role of farm come family, where the wife supplements the hus- 'always easy for rural men to see another's view- women changed? band in his traditional role of the only wage earner. point. How many women in your group were born and It's a relatively new situation, but just as prevalent in Any man's ideas about the role of women will be raised on a farm? rural areas as elsewhere. Almost one-half of U.S. greatly influenced by his observations of his own wives are working full or part time away from For those women raised on a farm - do you con- parents' relationships to each other while he was home, and possibly one-third of them are doing so sider your role as a farm wife different than that of growing up, sociologists say. Quite often a young while raising their families. Many do it because of your mother? farm wife coming into a family partnership will not economic necessity, others freely admit that while have the best in-law relationship, if her husband has Do farm wives in your group feel they have true the extra money is very helpful, they're just as in- not observed the full partnership between his input on farm management decisions? terested in independence and the intellectual parents that his wife wants and expects. This may If the average age of your group is under 65, are stimulation of participation in a society outside the be only one of many differences we see between over 50 percent of the wives working away from home. the generations. the home? FARM NEWS NOVEMBER 1981 PAGE 19 Understand 'Sale* to Grain Elevator to Avoid Problems (continued from page 12) also sets up a time frame for Farm Bureau also advises back grain that he simply stored scale ticket as unquestionable setting up farmers' claims. that farmers find out who they is poor. If the operator does not evidence of ownership. has hurt all businesses. Since are dealing with by checking have the amount of grain on Kendall Keith, of the National 1975, 177 elevators have de- Springfield believes that fur- the elevator's credit rating and hand that he's storing for pro- clared bankruptcy, according Grain and Feed Association, ther losses by farmers can be its annual statement. Farmers ducers, as he is supposed to, to USDA. clarified the controversy over prevented if farmers become should demand cash or certi- then the producer is forced to receipts. "The issue has not well-informed about the risks fied check after every delivery settle for his percentage of what Because bankruptcy litiga- been that warehouse receipts involved in dealing with eleva- and demand a warehouse re- is available. As Springfield tion can take up to several do not constitute proof of own- tors. Toward that end, Farm ceipt as soon as grain has been notes, "Convicting the opera- years, and because some ership, but (instead) whether Bureau currently is developing delivered for storage. They also tor doesn't bring the grain courts have not granted pri- there were illegally issued re- an information program to help should request that their stored back." macy to warehouse receipts ceipts." farmers avert having their com- grain not be co-mingled with and instead have sold off grain USDA's Grain Elevator Task modities entangled in a bank- other commodities. Another problem for produc- belonging to farmers, legisla- Force has recommended that ruptcy proceeding. ers has centered around the tion, supported by Farm Bu- the government require feder- "Obviously, no amount of validity of warehouse receipts. reau, has been introduced (S. Farm Bureau recommends ally regulated elevators that regulation or law can substitute It is suspected that some eleva- 1365 and H.R. 3984) to pro- that farmers be aware of certain store government-owned grain for a well-informed producer," tors have issued fraudulent vide farmers with some relief. danger signs that point to po- to have higher net worths in Springfield stressed. receipts and used them as col- The bills grant priority to those tential bankruptcies such as an order to obtain government holding warehouse receipts in lateral to obtain loans. elevator encouraging delayed Such steps are necessary be- business. In addition, elevators the distribution of assets in price contracts, delaying pay- cause when elevator operators The proposed bills, in es- would be required to provide bankrupty proceedings. The ment for sold grain, paying too engage in illegal activities and sence, would eliminate such the government with financial bill, approved favorably by the much for grain or offering free later declare bankruptcy, a chancy situations by legitimiz- statements from certified public Senate Finance Committee, services. farmer's prospects of getting ing the warehouse receipt or accountants. FARM EQUIPMENT Farm Bureau Market Place FARM EQUIPMENT FARM EQUIPMENT MISCELLANEOUS FOR HOMEMAKERS Over 20 rods of good used field fence. $45 100 D o n ' t Buy. Sell. T r a d e W i t h o u t Marshall's Farm For Sale: H o w a r d Rotavator, Model E-50. G o o d C l e a n R e n t a l T y p e W o r k Clothes: 6 pants Pecans: Quart each halves, pieces, meal Three- gal gasoline tank on T F o r d chesey. $110 10" x 11' Equipment Guide. New 2 8 8 page 4th edition now $1500 One row ridger and fumagator. $600. Both and 6 shirts. $24 9 5 . postpaid Send sizes with order quart sampler $11.95 postpaid Tenpeco. Box 6 3 8 corrugated drain pipe. $25. 8V2" chimney blocks. available Used tractor and equipment prices, speci- excellent condition 5 1 7 - 3 7 5 - 2 5 2 9 . (ll-4t-16p) to: Walts Wholesale. 2 5 1 Pearl Street. Darlington. Rutherford. T N 3 8 3 6 9 . (9-4«- 17p ts) $1.50 each Kass. call517-592-2704. (ll-30p) fications, trade-in values, rental rates, more $10 per S.C. 2 9 5 3 2 (6 9t-26p-ts) copy postpaid. Marshall Publications. Box 1190 M. W a n t e d : Shingle M i l l . Marvin Schwab. Standish. Minnetonka. M N 5 5 3 4 3 . (9-3t-38p-ts) G r e a t Sausage Recipes, illustrated book with over Mich 517-846-6100. <9-4t 8p) T i m e x W a t c h e s Repaired for a fraction of the new Irrigation Equipment - Complete line - Lock- 100 recipes explaining sausage making, curing, watch cost Send any brand watch for free estimate wood center pivots - Rainbow and Alumax trav- smoking Free equipment and supply catalog: N e w A l l W i r e Cages and Equipment, also T i t a n Construction. Economy pole-steel buildings. to: Coopers Fixery. 2 1 N. 1st Ave W. Duluth. M N elers, pipe and pumps. W e repair pipe and make up S A U S A G E M A K E R . 177-56 Military. Buffalo. N Y Pedigreed Meat Production New Zealand White Multi-size - purpose Erecting throughout Michigan 55802 (8-5t-27pts) pumping units Plummer Supply. Bradley. Mich 14207 (9-9t-25p-tsl Rabbits Dettmer's Bunny Patch, a full time commer- Turn-key operation Saginaw. 517-781-0413 616-792-2215.