~. - ;AN " FARM NEWS THE AC 'aLICATION OF THE MICHIGAN FARM BUREAU Vol. 42, No. 12 Published Monthly by Michigan Farm Bu.reou THE 20TH BIRTHDAY of the Michigan Farm Bureau Women was cele- of directors, 1944; Mrs. Belle Newell, chairman, 1946-49; Mrs. Marvel brated at their annual meeting, November 10. Lighting the candles Whittaker,- 1950-53; Mrs. Carlton Ball, 1954-57; Mrs. Arthur Muir, on the birthday cake were (left to right): Miss Ruth Hooper, Gratiot 1962-63; Mrs. Alex Kennedy, 1958-61; Mrs. Wm. Scramlin, present County Women's Chairman, representing Mrs. Ray Neikirk, board chairman, and Mrs. Florence Thomas, representing the -A.~.B.F. Membership "Roll-Call" 'Underway! president, forty teams of volun- Elton Smith Elected' In the annual "reorganization" session of the Michigan The week of November 30 came from the Upper Peninsula. through December 6 has been Because of the earlier V.P. teer workers will be visiting their Fann Bureau board of directors, Elton Smith, Caledonia, declared "Kick-ofr' week for a kick-off, that area has been' ex- neighbors in the next few days was elected president of the Michigan Fann Bureau. state wide mass-action member- empted in a challenge by Mrs. following a kick-off program De- He replaces Walter Wighbnan who has served as presi- ship Roll-Call campaign directed James Quisenberry, Montcalm cember 7. dent for the past six years. Wighbnan remains on the by the Field Services Division of county Roll-CaU Manager, who In 1962, Boldebuck served as board as "Director at Large" anc;l will be one of the six the Michigan Farm Bureau. hav made the flat prediction that Campaign Manager in leading voting delegates to the American Fann Bureau Federa- Alontcalm wiU be the first county Saginaw county to its highest Glenn Sommerfeldt, Division tion policy sessions in Philadelphia, December 7-10. Manager, reports that thousands in the Lower Peninsula to reach membership point, 60 members Other actions of the board in the reorganization meet~-. of Roll-CaU volunteers are now goal. above goal for that year. One of the early goal-reaching ing which traditionally follows by one week the annual at work in all counties of lower Creat changes ahead for agri- counties last year, Montcalm culture are looked upon as all convention of the ~1ichigan Fann Bureau, included narn-- Michigan in a push toward a state goal of 68,612 Farm Bureau fam- workers appear confident that the more reason why farmers ing Dean Pridgeon, Montgomery. vice president; and' ily memberships for 1965. they will duplicate the feat well need to join and work through David Morris~ Grand Ledge, as third member of the Ex- Their aim is to score a substan- in advance of any other group. Farm Bureau, according to Clar- ecutive Committee. Pridgeon is a prominent Branch county tial membership gain to match Mr. and Mrs. Quisenberry have ence Prentice. MFB Secretary- swine producer; Monis owns an extensive cattle-feeding those of other states in the Amer- offered a steak dinner complete Manager. operation in Clinton county. ican Farm Bureau Federation, with trimmings, to the Roll-Call The board renamed Leon Monroe, Lansing, as treasurer "Today, new knowledge is said now totalling the highest mem- Manager of the first county to to be doublin~ every eight years, and Clarence E. Prentice, Okemos, secretary-manager. Ap- reach goal ahead of Montcalm. bership of all time. and 90% of aU scientists who ever pointed to fill a vacancy in District 7 was Kenneth Bull, Such substantial gains again ••... and we have no fears lived are reported to be alive kJ- Bailey, filling a positiQD recently held by Guy Freeborn, whatsoever that we will have to place a strong foundation under day. How fast wiU new knowl- Hart. farm unity. payoff," they add. edge be discovered tomorrow? Such confidence is admirable BesideS' Wightman, others to serve as voting delegales. Typically, counties of the Up- \vhat will it mean to farmers?'" in the face of reports from parts to the Amerioon onnflal meeting are: Elton Smith, Dean per Peninsula have again refused Prentice has predicted that the to wait for the early December of the state where Roll-Call cam- Pridgeon, Walter Frahm, E~ene Roberts and Max Hood. paigm are reportedly highly or- family farm lof tomorrow won't The new Michigan Fann Bureau president operates an membership Kick-off and already be any more like the family farm have their membership campaigns ganized and poised for action. SO-cow registered Guernsey dairy herd near Caledonia, Typical is Saginaw, the state's of today "than today is like yes- well underway. They again terday was." He sees these Michigan. Most recently he served as president of Farm threaten to produce the first largest County Farm Bureau with Bureau Services, Inc., a large volume {ann supply cooper- Cl current membership of 2,718 changes as all the more reason county in the state "over-goal" why farmers need to join Farm ative affiliated with the Michigan Fann Bureau. families, and a goal of 20 addi- - as "U.P:' leaders are quick to Bureau to help shape it into the In 1963, he was honored as Michigan's "Dairyman of remind Roll-Call Managers in the tional members in the present kind of farm organization they the Year," and also received Michigan State University's rest of the state that the top campaign. According to Henry Bolde- want, the kind "fit to face a "Distinguished Service to Agriculture- award. four counties with the highest future of change ... " buck, newly elected Saginaw percentage of goal in 1964 all TWO December 1, 1964 MICHIGAN FARM NEWS Editorial President's Column Chinsse Puzzle Fond Farewell Digging a long-distance tunnel through a For the past six years, it has been my mountain presents no complicated problems to privilege to "visit" with you through this col- Chinese engineers, according to American Farm umn. The hundt.:eds of expressions of appre- Bureau pr~sident, Charles Shuman. ciation have been a source of inspiration that In a recent visit to Michigan, Shuman joked always buoys one up and induces him to try about how American engineers spend months to do better each time. in surveys, tests and complicated computations Together we have shared the dreams and before attempting to bore. experienced the triumphs that have meant The Chinese skip all this, he said. "They just growth for our Farm Bureau. put one set of Coolies on one side of the When I first began writing, it was with mountain and another gang on the other side. some feelings of doubt about how best to They hand them shovels and say 'dig'. The share with you reports of the work of our Head Engineer doesn't worry much how it will organization and of the decisions that had to all come out, because if both gangs meet in be made. Your friendly help as Farm Bureau the middle, they have one tunnel. If they don't mem bers quickly -put me at ease. meet, they have two tunnels!" If there has ever been anything which I've "Two-tunner reasoning isn't good enough for learned while president of the Michigan Farm modem American agriculture, yet some farmers Bureau it is that all farmers are pretty much are trying to dig two or more organizational alike. They are genuine "home-folk" knowing "tunnels" at the same time. the same desires and experiencing many of Today's high-financed and high-producing the same problems. rural American needs to plot his course with I am a charter member of Farm Bureau nearly as much precision as do captains of and the end of my present term will mark 16 modern ocean liners. He expects his farm or- ganization to reflect this same kind of efficiency in representing him. Pride in farm Bureau years service on the Michigan Farm Bureau Board -longer than any present board mem- ber with one exception. This means a farm organization with a pro- Six years as president - longer than any, fessional approach, backed by members, finance with one exception, and 8 years on the Amer- and experience, and resulting in the same pro- ican Farm Bureau Federation board. \Vith 11 fessional know-how that farmers themselves years service as a county president, this makes possess. 27 years of continual work for Farm Bureau. Most of aU it means the ability to get things They have been years of satisfaction and done. inspiration. Farm Bureau has done much for The fanners strongest in their support of me as it has for every other Farm Bureau organized agriculture are the kind of men and member. women who realize the value of planning to- As with all things, if there is a beginning, ward the kind of results they intend to get .. there is an end, and -this will be my last They know that without preparing the soil, column to you as president of the Michigan there can be no good seedbed; that without Farm Bureau. good seed, properly planted and tended, there Beginning next month, this spot will be filled will be no crop. They know that a successful by your new president, Elton Smith. I have farm organization must follow much the same known Elton for a long time. II e is an excellent cycles. farmer, a sound thinker, and a farm leader of They know this means Farm Bureau. proven ability. He has my congratuwtions and The "Nationar Grange is a good organization complete support. which unfortunately is not truly "national"- I am confident that under his guidance the and which in Michigan and most states, repre- Michigan Farm Bureau will experience another sents a very small percentage of actual, prac- surge of growth in both membership and in- tieing farmers. fluence. He brings with him all the practical The "Nationar Farmer's Organization (NFO) experience of a modern dairy farmer, and a has attempted to copy labor's successes, using complete loyalty. to the ideals for which Farm labor's tactics, without realizing the vast gulf Bureau stands. that exists between farm ownership and agri- Now, may I indulge in a parting prediction cultural production - versus the work of labor- and some observations? ing men. It ignores what would happen if farmers Farm Bureau of the future will be even truly followed labor's example and walked off more important to farmers than it is today. the farm, turning their backs on a life-time A Farm Bureau membership is the least investment, leaving the cattle to roam and the expensive and most effectipe single farm "toor' weeds to grow. that a modern farmer can buy. The NFO goal of more farm income is com- Farm Bureau is much like a power tool. It mendable, but its approach is so painfully direct has built-in capacity to get things done, but that it has built a reservoir of fear and resent- cannot do them alone. As with any tool, Farm ment, and its economics are unsound. Bureau responds to the brains, guidance and The "Nationaf' Farmer's Union has become skills of those who use it. Its value is repaid involved in a giant check-off system of collect- through use. ing membership dues based upon dollar-volume Unfortunately, if Farm Bureau is not "used" of commodity purchases, which insulates it - it becomes much as a tool with a fine cut- from true membership participation and ting edge that is hung outdoors in the rain strength. It too has membership in only a and snow. It becomes rusty and dull, and the small group of states, Michigan not among cutting edge is go_nee them. ~. Michigan farmers have been keepin" Farm This leaves Farm Bureau with its half-century MICHIGAN IFARM NEWS Bureau "sharp" in hundreds of ways ;00 the of growth across 49 states and Puerto Rico. TH. ACTION ~.LlCATION CW THe MICHIGAN "ARM lIUftaAU list of accomplishments is great. \Ve have ex- This fall, Fann Bureau is expected to report The MICHIGAN FARM NEWS is DIRECTORS: District 1, Max K. perimented and found new ways to make Farm published monthly, on the first day, Hood, Paw Paw, R-l; District 2, Wil- another all-time membership high, well beyond by the MichiJlan Fann Bureau, at it' bur H. Smith, BurlinJ;rton, R-l; District Bureau strength help do the fobs that farmers publication office at 109 N. Lafayette 3, Donald L. Rllhtilt, Dexter; Ois- the 1,628,295 farm families now listed as mem- Street, GreenviJle, MichiJ{an. trict 4, E It 0 n R. Smith, Caledonia, teant done. hers. Editorial and Jleneral office$ at 4000 North Grand River Avenue. Lansinst. R-I; District S. David Morris, Grand LedJle, R-3; District 6. 'Yard G. Hodlle, When the Roll-Call teams go out this year, Six out of every eight farmers who join any MichiJ:!:an. Post Office Box 960. Tete- phone, Lansinjl;, 485-8121. Extension Snover, R-l; District 7, Kenneth BllJl Bailey, R-l; Distri(:t 8, Harvey Lellen~ they may point with pride to all that has been farm organization in America, now belong to 317. herJler, SaJ!;inaw. R-6; District 9, done - and the tasks that remain for us to do. Established January 12. 1923. Sec- EUl!ene Roberts, Lake City, R-l; Dis- farm Bureau. They have backed Fann Bureau ond Class Postage paid at Greenville. tric:t 10, EdJ!;ar Diamond, Alpena R- Michigan. 2; District 11, Edmund Sa~er The record of Farm Bureau is beyond re- with their manpower and finances. They have Stephenson. ' EDITORIAL: Editor, Melvin L. DIRECTORS AT LARGE: Waltt"r l~roa~h. The need for a general farm organiza- guided it through the years by "policy engi- \Voell. Staff Artist, Sam Bass. Women.s Frahm. Fmnkenmllth: Dean Prid\teon tIon IS greater now than ever. So it is impera- neering" to do the kind of jobs they want done. Material, Mrs. Donna Wilber. MontJ!;omery, R-l; Walter Wightman' OFFICERS: Michij/;an Farm Bu- Fennville. R-1. ' tive that we stick together and do even a To those farmers not yet members, they ex- reau; President, Elton R. Smith, Cale- WOMEN OF FARM BUREAU: Mrs hetter job than in the past. tend an invitation to foin in working together dania.. R-l; Vice President, PridJ!;t"On, Monts:omery. R-l; Secretary- Dean William Scramlin. Hollv; FARM BU~ REAU YOUNG PEOPLE: Ravmond in an effectit;e organization - realizing that Mnnaj:!er, Clarence E. Prentice, Okemos. Kllcharek. Gaylord .. \Vith young and enthusiastic men and women modern agriculture deserves better than a POSTMASTER: In using form 3579, moil to: Michigan Farm News, "'000 N. coming into active participation in the organ- felteo-tunner' approach. Grand River, Lansing, Michigan. ization, that "better job" becomes a certainty. Second class postage paid at Greenville, Michigan M.W. Walter W. Wightman MICHIGAN FARM NEWS December 1, 1964 THREE improve appreciation for Farm MACMA - Michigan Agricul- Bureau policies and philosophy. tural Cooperative Marketing As- For "Distinguished Ach ieve- sociation, sold 2 million bushels ment in the field of Information of processing apples last year- and Communication," in the past even more this year. year, the Information Division They increased apple prices. by won a top American Farm Bureau SOt per hundredweight both Federation award in the high' years - proof positive that farm- membership state category. ers can work together to find the Other awards received by the right price for the quantity avail- Michigan Farm Bureau from the able and do so without emotion, A.F.B.F. for distinguished achieve- scare tactics, or vandalism. ment include: Citizenship, Bargaining in good faith for a Women's Activities, Dairy Pro- right price considering all the motion and Commodity Activities. factors of supply and demand is working and will become increas- FAMILY PROGRAM ingly effective in the days ahead. Citizenship. activities in Mich- MACMA has again proven this igan Farm Bureau last year meant point. Excerpts from the Annual Report of Michigan Farm Burea~ The Supreme Court decision new projects and continuation of Secretary-~f~mager Clarence E. Prentice, as given before dele- on June 15, requiring both houses MEMBERSHIP the older effective ones. Persons gates and visitors to the 45th annual meeting of the Michigan of each state legislature to be from 61 counties participated in Gains we have made, programs Farm Bureau, Veteran's Day, November II. apportioned on a population basis, the Freedom Conference. The outlined, ~e all dependent upon is another far-reaching action of Young People's Citizenship Semi- membership support. On this day over 40 years ago a great world conflict came grave concern-:to farmers. To it nar for High School Juniors and In Michigan we have had what to a close. The First \Vorld War- had raged from 1914 to 1919. we must add the "gerrymandered" Sen'iors had the cooperation of 66 can best be termed a "fluctuat- At the close of that war, a maj~r fann organization became districting plan forced upon Mich- counties .and w~ a highlight of ing" membership record. Our igan by our own state Supreme the year. growth was steady to a point- mature as Farm Bureau states, Michigan among them, joined Court. - , then from the area of "green- together in Chicago to form the American. Farm Bureau Farm Bureau members meet growth" we seem to have slipped Farmers have to "re-thin!>" our monthly in 1436 community Federation. into the "yellowing" column of position within the state in terms groups throughout the state to About five years earlier, ill communities and C01,lnties aU over of lost representation. For ex- fluctuation. Naturally any hesi- the nation, Farm Bureau came into being. discuss subjects of interest to .agri~ tancy in growth will be reflected ample, Farm Bureau members cultural people. Fifteen counties may be thankful that some bills in everything we have, or do. TIME OF CHANGE We must prepare ourselves to organized 26 new groups during not .entirely to our liking were Twenty counties made goal this Farm Bureau was born out of work with a gerrymandered the. year - Allegan, Isabella, year. Congratulations to each of passed during the 1964 session. Lenawee and Mecosta each add- the need of the times. It was Michigan legislature forced upon them. Some of the counties didn't born from the knowledge that our state by the Michigan Su- ing three new groups. GAINS MADE quite make it, so the state was only by united, cooperative efforts preme Court - .and nationally, to The future of this organization down slightly from last year. At the time of our last annual is closely tied to young farme,rs. could farmers have influence on plan how best to operate under convention, the Michigan legis-' \Vhat do you want in your farm the inevitable changes about to the U. S. Supreme Court decision Our Young People's program is organization? Have you really lature was in special session con- being d~rected with still greater take place. Farm Bureau growth, requiring both Houses of each thought it through? sidering tax reforms which would emphasis on the young farm advancement, and accomplish- state legislature to be apportioned have provided relief for property It is only as you elect strong, ment, paralleled the increased on a population basis. couple. Twelve of the new com- well-qualified agricultural. leaders taxpayers. The favorable fiscal munity groups were Young Farm- efficiency in agriculturar produc- . Our second great area of chal- position of the state's General back home in every county and tion and marketing. lepge lies in the market place. er groups. in the state, that Farm Bureau Fund, which brightened during Without question, Farm Bureau Great changes are taking place Farm Bureau sponsored the can meet the challenges of to- 1963 and has continued to im- has tremendous effect on the di- here - whole areas of change 4-H Meeting Demonstration con- morrow. prove during 1964, was probably rection of change in agriculture in which farmers must become in- test and co-sponsors the FF A Soil This organization must have the major cause of the failure of through its influence on the legis- creasingly effective. Marketing and Water Conservation project. competent, well- qua lifie d staff the tax reform effort. lative process, on educational in- and bargaining associations, - Farm Bureau Women were ac- dedicated to Farm Bureau and Still,. during the speciat session tive in all counties throughout the to the enormous job ahead, and ~titutions, and all things that have cooperative buying and selling, nnd during the regular 1964 year. District meetings included meant progres~ in agriculture - - Farm Bureau member services, thi5aedicated leadership of board legislative session, progress was special projects on marketing, on including information-to-member - all these are included. and staff must have the strong, made on the Farm Bureau's tax safety, and the seat belt campaign. loyal support of membership. programs. Fa.:mers must be firm in reserv- program. Six scholarship awards were We've told of providing service ing the right to not only engage Legislation was passed to carry A NEED FILLED made. to members. What we need in production, but to also engage out the constitutional provision It isn't ;ust by chance that if they wish, in processing, dis- Farm Bureau Women are ac- more than anything else is service Farm Bureau became the largest tributing and retailing, to secure limiting the assessment of real tive, along with all members of to the organization I The handful farm organi;:.ation in America. It the highest possible market value and personal' property to 50 % of the family, in all programs of of dedicated Faiin Bureau mem- didn't just "happen" that four for what they produce. its actual cash valuation. Im- bers in every county should be Farm Bureau. times as many farmers belong to provements in assessment proce- multiplied several times. I .am confident that at least . They deserve high praise for Farm Bureau in Michigan and in dures and. the "Truth in Taxes" It can be done! Many are in part, the answer to our first bill . was passed. This measure work in Roll-Call, Citizenship, the United States as belong to all lcgislative affairs and rural-urban waiting to be asked! two challenges, as well as the will provide taxpayers with in- In these times of swift change, other general farm organizations activities. solution to many of our other formation on the equalized value those who continue to say, "We've combined. Farm Bureau has filled problems, lies within our third a need. as well as the assessed value of always done it this way" should area of concern - MEMBER- properties. hang a sign on their door reading Farm Bureau has had a big SHIP. Other gains include personal "Do not disturbl" because for hand in directing change. Farm Bureau now in the middle sixties Surely an expanding Farm Bu- property taxation relief for nurs- them it is already too late. still is the fastest-growing, most reau membership is the best pos- erymen, exemption from tax of Thankfully we have few in Farm dynamic farm organization any- sible answer to those who would certain fertilizer and spray ve- Bureau of this kind. where. play politics with farmers, Just hicles, laws of significance in the I and the entire staff of the But even as Farm Bureau as it is the best answer to de- use and management of Mich- Michigan Farm Bureau like to strength has grown, so too have mands of big labor and govern- igan's water resources, and estab- work for farm people who are grown problems which farmers ment. Fewer farmers doesn't lishing a pesticide program at dedicated to the fact that we face. They include some of the necessarily mean that we just M.S.U. have a job to do .. same problems we have always shout louder - rather, that we Unfinished work includes re- To meet the challenge of had: the cost-price squeeze - must speak more unitedly. organization of state government, change, we must be shaken from the question of who shall speak This year' 22 Farm Bureau preservation of an agricultural our usual way of doing things. for farmers - the problems of states made a membership gain. department, and physical facilities This is the hour of rededica- taxes and schools. Michigat:l was not among them, for the Pesticide Research Center. tion. Let's discover that there But to these, some things new so I would list as Challenge Num- is new power in working together. have been added - the problem ber Three, - an increase in Farm ONE ANSWER With it - aU things are pos- of farm politics - ~f large labor, Bureau membership. sible. One answer to the problems the giant government, of legis- posed by both apportionment and lative apportionment and need for POLITICAL IMPACT dwindling farm numbers, is an improved public relations to help As farm members be<.'Omeless, improved program of public and balance our dwindling size.. the political impact on agriculture member information. Can farmers keep pace with can be severe. Michigan ~armers Throughout the year, our 1n- these changes? Can farmers, could' hardly believe their ears formation Division has literally working together through Farm when radios announced on Thurs- worked day and night to keep the Bureau meet and master each dav moming, April 9, tha~ ~on- Information flowing to our mem- cha]]en~e as it arri'.'es? gr~<;shad passed tbe :'dmm!stra- hership, to leaders, and the pub- I am convinced that how we tion's Wheat-Cotton blll durmg a lic, through all c0'!lmrmications an.~wer that question is closely night session. outlets. related to how well we do in The bill carried substantially A IS-minute rad~o pr~gram conducting ourselves through the same provisions which had every week tO over ;)0 ra~l~ ~ta- three major area.f). been votcd down by Michigan tions ~spart 0 fa pr~gram e pm~ CHALLENGES wheat producers by four to one!_ to bUild a proper Image of agn- Now Just. ten mon,ths later the culture andI.of Farm d. Bureau. t. The first of these has to do with . .' AdmmlstratlOn, . b Y 'lrm-twisting Press re ations f h mner meet lOgs . apportionment and attempts by l , . d naked power are part 0 t e program 0 10- some to squeeze the rural view vote-trae I109, an , d d' f . I h d the bill through a crease un erstan 109 0 agrlcu- and voice down into the tiniest had pus e, ture and of its problems and to possible space. reluctant Congress. / FOUR December 1, 1964 MICHIGAN FARM NEWS Compulsory "Wo'rkmen's Comp?" "RAIL SERVICE IS VITAL" - to the Upper Peninsula, testifies Mrs. Faye Postma, "Fanners already provide reasonable protection for em- mandatory payment of Work- Rudyard, before a hearing of the Interstate Commerce Commis.sion. The regulatory ployed farm workers." This case was presented by Dan men's Compensation these costs body is now investigating a possible reduced rail-ferry service across the Lakes. must come from somewhere. They Mrs. Postma is former District Chairman of Farm Bureau Women. Reed, Legislative Counsel of the Michigan Farm Bureau, at a hearing before the Joint Legislative Committee on Work- men's Compensation, November 17, in Lansing. _ Reed pointed out that proposed compulsory Workmen' s could put some fanners out of business," he said. - "Farmers already have a prob- lem with farm work, accounting "u.~"Well Represented Upper Peninsula farmers have direct proof that their voice Compensation can add to costs 110W already critical in records . and management prob- lems. They need no added burden is heard in' Lansing through Farm Bureau. They are more agriculture and well might break the financial back of many of record keeping and forms, all than a little aware that for many purposes, their Peninsula is farmers. needing to be filled out and something of an agricultural island, cut off from Lower ~1ich- Although few farmers have taken out the present volun- mailed regularly. Theirs is a long igan by the Great Lakes. tary program, many farmers carry liability insurance cover- day as it now stands. It is to their credit that a Farm miles of great forests on the west. "If \Vorkmen's Compensation Bureau member from the "U.P." "If we were to give tip rail serv- ing injuries resulting from farmer negligence. Fann Bureau is to be forced on farmers, then - Mrs. Faye Postma of Chip- ice on the ferries, farmers would Insurance Companies alone have 18,000 such policies in let it follow the lines of the \Vis- pewa county, spoke for them loud truly be on ' David Friday, W.rn. McDonald, Stanley Powell and Thomas Cowden. Mrs. Cowden dairy processing and distribution new challenge as a State Legis- represented her husband, absent on a business trip. (See story in nearby columns.) system to the milk producers lator," Wightman concluded. MICHIGAN FARM NEWS December 1, 1964 NINE "CONTINUOUS AND EFFECTIVE"- Dairy Promotion was recognized by the MFB Market De- ORGAN MUSIC"':'- just naturally goes with convention time. velopment Division during the annual dairy conference. Division manager, Donald Moore (left), Again, Mrs. louise Smith, Kalamazoo county farm wife, contrib- hands a certificate to. Howard Ritter, representing the top award county of Huron. Clayton Ford ated sparkling melodies. Although the Convention Organ (center) accepted for Delta county, as did Charles. Holton of St. Joseph. differed from her own, she mastered it with ease . .. LARGEST INCREASE in Community Groups, BACKSTAGE - frequent sessions of the Resolu- brings a trophy to Allegan county, received by tions Committee coordinated last-minute de- INVENTIVEMEDICO _ Dr. Homer Stryker, Kalamazoo M.D., who Rax Radseck (left) from Regional Man, Marlie tails. Michigan Bell Telephone representatives has invented many medical devices, speaks at the annual eve- _D_re_w_,_R_~_n_n_e_rs_-_u_p_w_e_re_L_e_n_a_w_e_e_a_n_d_ls_a_b_e_lI_a_, __ a_p_p_e_a_r_e_d_b_e_f_o_r_e_o_n_e_s_uc_h_s_e_ss_i_o_n_. _ ning banquet. An estimated 1,000 persons were present. HAVING A BROKEN ARM - has one advantage, as demon- PART, OF THE CROWD - estimated at the 1,SOO-mark, listen attentively during general sessions strated by Wilford Schwab, Lenawee delegate, shown using his of the annual meeting program. They heard affiliate company reports, took part in a Veteran's sling as a handy carrier. With him are Alton Brooks (center) Day observance, and aded on a long list of resolutions. A forest of county delegation signs add and Wilson Sawyer, all of lenawee County. to the convention atmosphere. TEN December 1, 1964 MICHIGAN FARM NEWS , Michigan Lans~ng, 1 1964 December , " nd- Bureau Fr1.e Dear Farm leaders Michigan farm Fort y-f i ve years ago, the "Michigan state " to create d in Lans~ng gathere n Farm Bureau. , farm organi- t bu~ld a , d together 0 them in They j 01.ne 'and deal for , ited V01. ce with the~r un " that would speak zat1.on re of poor 'ng incomes. farm use we \ improv~ 1" es boug ht for ed horses. t were rising, supp 1. , as tractors replac Farm cos s t beginn1.ng , automation was JUS " , neering ~eaders qua~1.ty and u which theSe p~o through the Farm Burea "ns were made w'thin a few years Many of the ga1. d _ FARMERS 1. tic success. ders forme , founded, gained drama which theSe same lea " iated company a new aff 1.~ E INC pa,rment , ,nl CoOPERATIV, • ;0 cash re .J- PETROLEunL $6 000,000 ~ nclude over, cooperatives. " since 194 9 1. d their These ga1.ns t farmer- patrons an h ve ::~: d dividends 0 "farmers a :~t :::::~ interest an luable "COll1pet~t~ v , " e advantages t' ng their own petr - o .:::.:, ::~:~:~. :':::::: Unmeasure d's the va 1. opera 1. t" ve~y owning an d opera 1. I GREASE , d thrOugh CO - :~:f~:: :::::::::: also leUOl e ga1.ne nterprise. , petro~eum Cooperative remain Breau. OilS t:::~:f. ..,:,:::::, of Farmer s "with Farm u t::::1~g The Board and staff f this associat~::~R-S PETROLEUM,but ~jI~j~~t , l~Y aware of the value 0 onsibil~tY " " to F~l~ ~s the leadersh~P " 111i cont~nua nt resp 1" 1Te manner, our manageme n d In ~n d on~Y ObviouslY " a c~ose seco • Farm Bureau, an Bureau ~s 'b'lity to ::::::::::::::::: that to Farm rime respons ~ ~ 'rIVE program. :::::::;:;:.:::::: ::::::::::~:::::::. Bureau owes p ETROLEUM COOPERA of Farm FARMER'SP t from , 'ght~Y ~ess to the tes counter-suppor 'II.... .•.....••....•. s ....~ Active support on the part of on , e genera can and wil~ enjoY the fu~~est exp ansion •••....•... ..••..•••...... .". "e t working together •.••..•........ .............. ,!' ••••••••••••• the other. 's common objectives. /~/_ ..../JA.I/ ~~f~~~~~~~~~~~::~:::: .............. .1*.:-;::"$.:::: ::::::::::.::::r,•••••••••• ':':':.:+.':' of Farm Bureau n~ ~:~if ulc Kendry, Manage @:::::: .••.••.....•• ack Mc Cooperative, Inc • ." . ••.••.....••.. .............. ' s petroleum Farme r c:~:::::::::::: . .-:.:.:.:.:.:.: ..-- ~ ~j:j:j@111 I~ I I I~ I , ... . . • MICHIGAN FARM NEWS December 1, 1964 ELEVEN FOR DISTINGUISHED Life-Member igan, he was well-known for his "Tall People Build SERVICE Di~s at 94 service as a member of the Mich- igan Legislature and president of the Michigan Horticultural So- Tall Organizations" - Arlie LeRoy Hopkins, 94, life ciety. -member of the Manistee County A retired fruit grower and Farm Bureau and pioneer in col- farmer, Mr. Hopkins was grad- lege extension work, passed away uated from Michigan State Uni- The following is the annual report of Carl Heisler, president October 13, in Melbourne, Flor- versify and was instrumental in of Farmers Petroleum Cooperative, as given at the annual ida, where he had lived since ~ bringing college extension work meeting of the organization, November 24: 1935. to farmers in Michigan and the Formerly of Bear Lake, Mich- Dakotas. It has been said, "a company is known by the ideas it keeps." This is especially true of a cooperative where people and ideas are the very life blood of the organization. People'""who are loyal and en- thusiastic about their cooperative. People with ingenuity, integ- Plow Under rity, and imaginatjPn - plus a dash of daring. Poor Image In short - "T ALL" people. I am convinced that we have many ELMER MILLER {right} was honored at Officials of the petroleum in~ such individuals in our coopera- the Montcalm County Farm BureaU an- tive. ccTALL" people make a dustry say it's time to plow un- nual meeting in October for his long ccTALL" cooperative. der for keeps the tattered image and dedicated service to agriculture. of the "hayseed farmer." County president, Richard Main, in mak- Our operating report for the ing the presentatian called Miller a 1964 year reflects what such peo- Petroleum TQday, a magazine \\24-hour a day Farm Bureau member." ple can do. While we have heard published by the American Pe- ,------------- a great deal during..the past year troleum Institute, reports that a about farm prices, a successful truer image of the new breed of farmer is that of a tough-minded New Annuity farmer should be equally COIJ- cerned about farm costs. business executive with the brains, Policies It is said that farm petroleum brawn and courage needed to supplies now account next to the run an enterprise which grosses A new line of Annuity policies - top in farm operating costs. Stock- $50,000 a year - the average has just been introduced to the holder patrons of Farmers Petro: annual gross income per farm of public by the' Farm Bureau In- [cum ate doing something about the nation's 350,000 leading surance Group, according to N. these costs as you will note in farms. L. Vermillion, Administrative Vice this report. The publication says modem, President. successful farmers are specialists. Designed to provide ,financial One thing more is needed- They, in turn, depend on other security for retirement, annuity more people who support and use policies guarantee' the policy-, their cooperative. If we were to specialists .to supply them with fuel, feed, seed, chemicals and owner a fixed income as long as ask our management people how he lives. much more business could we handle without expenses going equipment while other specialists process farm products and mar- ket and distribute them. "Introduction of the new pol- icies culminates several months "With cows on ,concrete, up, I:~ sure they :ould quickly say, a great deal. Frankly it is hard for me to This vast "agri-business," as it is called, employs four out of of effort by employees in- every departn)ent of the Company," Vermillion reports. "Through ex- milk production stays 'hig~- understand why more people don't do business cooperatively. Our price is competitive. The every ten workers in the nation and adds $130 billion a year to the gross national product, the haustive actuarial studies, we have developed a series of policies even in the/ which will offer the policyowner quality and service is good. _Above all, I know of no pe- magazine says. The oil industry plays a prom- maximum benefit from his invest- ment." . rainiest weather" troleum company that is more inent role in this agri-business. Each member of the firm's concerned with its customers' FlIrmers use more petroleum agency force had been thoroughly Sa~8 T. B. "TOil" CUNNINGHAM.Darlington, South Carolina needs than Farmers Petroleum. ' products than any other segment trained in designing annuity pro- lndeed why shouldn't this be of the economy, not only for fuel grams to fit specific financial so? For this cooperative is owned for tractors and trucks but also as needs of individuals, according to hy those it serves - a ccTALL" the raw materials for such farm Vermillion. "I'm well pleased with the way these concrete paved lots cooperative by and for t Unity. Ohio. I'hone-924-5361. (12-12t-36p) 20 GIANT SIZE COLOR PRINTS (Kodacolor negatives only) ea. 19c AMOUST OF BONDS. MORTGAGES OR OTHER SECURITIES: AVIl. No. Copies None Single Issue Each Issue DurinJt Nearest to I"EEDING BOGS? Use salt free, high analysis Pl'ffcd Balancer 8 % phosphate Only the finest Kodak Past 12 Months Filing Date Total So. Copies Printed: (Nd press run) 71.288 72,119 II;:~:::,~~~--~~~=~-=~~~~~:~~~~~~~~~~~::~~=~~=~ mint'ral fl-t in vour hog feed. Mix one materials used. pound of Perfl'ct' Balam'er with each 100 Ihs. of ground fClod. You can eliminate Maplewood Studio ~:~~~Sls7ri' Total No. Copies Distributed ... _.. _._. 7o.~g8 . 11,288 71 ,gAg 72,119 hone mt'al hy using PCrfl'l1 Balancer. Get Pl'fft'<.1 Ralanl'l'r at vour f"lcvl1tor. The Box 362 lansing, Mich. iu. IURiiit.iwllC co..a.c. I certify that the statements made hy me ahove are correct Cf'latin Bone Co., BOx 12.5. Emmett. CMCJUr. "'- (Signed) Melvin L. Weell, Editor Michigan. (tf-50b) 20 MICHIGAN FARM NEWS School Dropouts Create Serious Youth Problem! Prepared by the Education and Research Department, NATIONAL CRISIS l\fichigan Fann Bureau Conditions we have outlined set the stage for President John- \Vhat is the crisis of the "War Babies," and why is it son's - proposal for a "crash pro- due to hit in -1965? Here are facts to ponder: gram" to help American youth. 1. Next ye~r, 31h% million American "\Var Babies" will He is asking that appropriations become 18 years of age. This is 1 millioI! more than be increased from $34 million to reached employment age in 1964. $277 million by 1966 for voca- 2. A half million of them will find the doors to college tional training programs. and to jobs sealed tight against them. No room -:..-a dis- Some of this work may he done mal prospect for their future and a threatening social in government training centers - bombshell. " schools may not be able to handle 3. Many of them will be unemployable in any capacity. the entire load. Yet the main They have dropped out of school. They lack training for "push" must be carried by the any sort of work. Unskilled jobs get more and more scarce. schools in the home communities. The state ao"d federal govern- Only about 6% of present-day jobs use unskilled workers. ments can only help provide There are 57 million young people in the nation today needed machinery. The real so- who have not finished high school: In ~fichigan, 22% lutions call for total Community of the youngsters entering high school do not graduate. mobilization. This has meant 22,000 per year, up to now. Many of these drop-outs neither read nor write. BROAD ACTION 4. Five years or more of school crowding has aggra- Solving such a problem be- vated the problem. The children who are not "college comes everybody's business. Fail- timb'er" are often neglected. Vocati01!al training shops ure habits even start in the home. were emptied of their benches and tools to make room The pre-school childs needs a for more academic classes. The young people who were home that helps him feel secure. He "needs high ideals, sell-con- bigger athletic fields and audi- CAN'T SAY not interested in, or capable of completing academic toriums and the like, or into facil- fidence, good work habits as part \\HO-HUM!" work got discouraged and quit school. There wa~ nothing ities and teaching staffs to meet of his self-image. Where the offered to meet their needs. the needs of the vocational train- The problem of the uneducated home does not help him get these, But, not all of them lacked the mental capacity "to do community schooJs for the pre- ing gap? Have we been taxing and unemployed youth is one the work. Some had emotional problems, family problems, school child may have to do the for the wrong things in many in- which nobodv will be able to contributing to their discouragement. Seventy percent stances? . dodge. One 'way or another, it job. "Failure symptoms" can be had nonnal mental ability. ~fore than half of them have detected and corrected at this age. will hit home. the capacity to finish high school. Fifteen percent are BUSINESS TIES IN Our communities must do They can also be recognized smart enough to do college work. in the elementary school child. Industnes and business insti- something about it or face certain More intensive remedies should tutions must expand opportunities serious consequences. Work to Many of them come from rural areas. They go to cities be started at this level with chil- for on-the-job training and part- meet it must be fast and united looking for work. Lacking skills or being confused by time employment for many of - everywhere. bewildering methods of employment, they roam the streets, dren who need help. More at- tention must be given to the in- these youths. The opportunity to \Ve cannot try to faU back on lost and discouraged. They are bound to be numerous. work at a job helps to re-establish the old remedy of "recreation." dividual child. It is not enough Michigan State University states that not more than one positive work habits - a very 'Ve cannot simply think of it as to deal with children as "masses". fann youth in 1-en can expect to make a profitable living important element of a person's trying to "reform" these young High schools must offer more daily life. on the farm in .the future. _ people. None of this is an answer training in trade skills. They must Industries have to be in on the to youths who need to know how 5. Educational "failures" contribute strongly to length- help the youth who "does not fit ening welfare rolls. Over 80% of those on relief. have "show." Many jobs today are to handle a job and who need into the academic curriculum" to highly specialized and need spe- the jobs just to feel that they not graduated from high school. Next year's 18 year old learn employable skills and the cial equipment. Industries have "belong." army "will stretch the lists. Education is costly, but poor elements necessary to make him this equipment and the job re- Judge Wade McCree puts it training is more expensive. It costs about $30,000 to a useful citizen. quirements. Schools do not and simply, but strongly. maintain a person on public assistance from age 16 to 56, Schools must concentrate on "Every could not afford them. Schools drop-out, left high and dry with- and he makes no contribution to the support of society. broadening their offerings and ex- must know the needs of industry out work and without hope, is a 6. Let's get a straight view of these young people. Are panding their teaching staffs to and business, and how many jobs potential enemy of the society they delinquent, Kenerally? We should not stamp them provide training for out-of-school need filling. Yes, the task takes on which fails him. We must either all with this searing brand. youths and adults who need help. community-wide dimensions. They must not become frozen into restore him or accept that we will Yet, the drop-out is apt to be resentful of society. Labor unions, too. They will have repeateq, conflicts with him, the ruts of the traditional study have to remove their opposition to until either he or society col- Masses of them can become a serious threat to any orderly program. Where proper help has employment of young people if lapses .." society. They "feel" like failures. They finished last in been given, many drop-outs have the problem is to find solution. the educational race. Many feel "shunted aside" in the picked up where they left off and And, it may startle us to real- Preventing young people from school system. They may get into trouble. There is little have completed their high school taking jobs means a lack of ex- ize that by 1967 half of the U. S. perience which forces them to re- population *in be under 25 years else to do. education. Yet, only 35% of them have delinquent records. Sixty- Costs and expenses? Many main handicaped when applying of age! five percent remain law abiding citizens, even though communities may have to make for jobs. unhappy. choices. Shall tax monies go for A close-d door policy can strangle any effort to help youth QUESTIONS on a broad scale. And the best we 1. Most counties in Michigan can do will still be not enough! have formed citizens committees ' to take action on the problems of EXTENSION HELPS youths who have dropped out of The Cooperative Extension school. Should your County Farm Service has been doing excellent Bureau tie itself in with the work work with in-the-home training of this committee? Where such a programs for Welfare home- committee is lacking should the makers. Home maintenance County Farm Bureau take the meals on a limited budget, child initiative to form one? care and even marketable skills for the family have been part 2. W.bere has the community of the educational offering and emphasis been placed in the use work. of school taxes? Have big ath- A considerable number of letic fields and stands been built I "'," "A.D.C." mothers have taken over or auditoriums constructed while the support of their families in facilities have been lacking for whole or in part as a result of training in trade skills? Is there this program. Farm Bureau dele- need for a new look in the school gates lauded the Extension Serv- offerings? ice for this program at the Mich- 3. How can business, industry igan Farm Bureau Annual meet- and agriculture cooperate to meet ing last month. this problem? MICHIGAN FARM NEWS December 1, 1964 FIFTEEN 1 SIXTEEN December 1, 1964 MICHIGAN FARM NEWS