. MICHIGAN W FAIRD^fl INIEW PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY MICHIGAN FARM BUREAU VOL. 43, NO. 6 JUNE 1.1965 VV MIGHTY M A C " — Michigan's famed five-mile Mackinac Bridge, able at lower cost. They were disappointed when a bill to do this symbol of summer travel and a growing t o u r i s t i n d u s t r y . Farm failed to receive support in Senate Committee, and continue to urge Bureau members join those w h o feel that present bridge tolls are action by the Legislature ta provide a bridge refinance plan, excessive and that ways should be found to make the bridge avail- —Michigan Tourist Council Photo Board Votes Expanded Program RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE Appointment of the 1965 Michigan F a r m Bureau Resolu- In historic action taken May lationship Committee e x a m i n e d ship Committee report, the Mich- tions C o m m i t t e e has b e e n announced b y President Elton 11 at Farm Bureau Center, Lan- present Farm Bureau programs igan F a r m B u r e a u b o a r d of R. Smith. Following the p a t t e r n adopted t w o years ago sing, the board of directors of and compared them with needs directors also accepted the rec- b y former President Walter W i g h t m a n , the appointments the Michigan Farm Bureau voted reported by local members in a ommendation that present dues be of n e w m e m b e r s are m a d e for t w o years. C o m m i t t e e m e m - to endorse a greatly expanded series of county and multi-county increased by e i g h t a d d i t i o n a l bers serving the even-number districts w e r e appointed in and strengthened Farm Bureau Farm Bureau meetings held in all dollars per year, three to be re- 1964 and will continue to serve in 1965. program. parts of the state during March served for County Farm Bureau To add emphasis to their ac- and April. use; further, that a special meet- Committee appointments m a d e b y President Smith in- tion, the hoard moved to call a Hundreds of s u g g e s t i o n s for ing of the voting delegate body clude: Adolph Dongvillo, Jr., Berrien county, District 1; special delegate meeting for the program expansion were listed in be called to consider these actions. D w a i n J. Dancer, Jackson county, District 2; W . Arthur purpose of considering such pro- the county reports, w i t h such To be held in the Fairchild Rowley, M a c o m b county, District 3; Gerald Waldeck, Kent gram expansion and necessary fi- practical advice offered as, "Farm Theatre, M.S.U., East Lansing, county, District 4; Robert D . Z e e b , Clinton county, Dis- nancing to carry it out. Bureau must change and grow, this special meeting has been trict 5; Alfred Goodall, Tuscola county, District 6; Lawr- Earlier, the board had received and must be adequately financed called for Monday, August 16, ence Robison, Mecosta county, District 7; H a r m o n Wil- and accepted the official report to do more." beginning at 10:00 a.m. Attend- liams, Arenac county, District 8; Louis H a y w a r d , Kalkaska of the "State Relationship Com- The committee emphasized the ing will be nearly 700 county county, District 9; E u g e n e Fleming, Otsego county, Dis- mittee" which had been charged need for study into different leaders who make up the official trict 10; a n d Charles Donaldson, Jr., Menominee county, last November by Farm Bureau methods by which Farm Bureau House of Delegates of the Mich- District 11. voting delegates to continue their can serve members through such igan Farm Bureau. year-long study of Farm Bureau economic services as legal advice, Program advances to be con- Representing F a r m Bureau W o m e n on t h e committee finance and program structure. tax and management analysis. sidered at that time will include will b e : Mrs. LaVern Kramer, Hillsdale county; Mrs. Jerold At the time the delegate body Recommending an adequate added services to County Farm Topliff, I n g h a m county; and Mrs. William C. Lockhart, asked that the committee make dues structure to finance the pro- Bureaus, strengthening the Com- C h i p p e w a county. specific recommendations "to the posed program expansion, the munity G r o u p p r o g r a m , new Raymond Kucharek, C h a i r m a n of t h e S t a t e Y o u n g Michigan Farm Bureau Board of committee took into consideration moves in the fields of marketing, People's Committee will represent young-farmer interests. Directors and membership" on a forthcoming 500 per member an enlarged legislative program Appointed to positions "At L a r g e " are D e a n Pridgeon, adequate financing and program increase in American Farm Bu- and new methods of telling the E u g e n e Roberts, and Donald Ruhlig, all m e m b e r s of the expansion. reau membership dues. story of a g r i c u l t u r e to non- Michigan F a r m Bureau Board of Directors. In its prolonged study, the Re- In accepting the State Relation- farmers. Expanded Program Capitol Report Croup Discussion ON THE INSIDE: Planned . . . Page 3 . . . Pages 4 and 5 Topic . . . Page 11 TWO June 1, 1965 MICHIGAN FARM NEWS Editorial President's Column On The Move. . . Control Authority Farm Bureau is on the move in Michigan. Farmers have talked a lot about what hap- At county-wide meetings in all parts of the pened to wheat and feed grain prices during state, busy, full-time farmers — with an eye to a the last year. They were baffled. Why should future they intend to help mold — have been the Secretary of Agriculture dump wheat and • measuring Farm Bureau in terms of jobs they feed grains on the market when prices were want done. already near distress leveh? In April, I attended the Annual Meeting of Their reports, made in "Farm Bureau of the the National Federation of Grain Cooperatives. Future" meetings, have been gathered, sorted At that meeting the Secretary gave his own and examined by a special statewide study com- answer to this question. I found it a bit shock- mittee which has been working for nearly two ing. years, and now has made its official report to He was answering the Farm Bureau request the Michigan Farm Bureau board of directors. that the Department of Agriculture be checked That report, given in detail on the adjoining in this practice of dumping stocks on the open page, deserves the careful attention of every market to depress prices. Farm Bureau had Michigan farmer. It represents many hours asked Congress to limit this dumping of Com- of time spent away from their farm homes by modity Credit Corporation stocks by raising hard-working members of the "State Relation- the level for releasing them from 105% of the ship Committee," made up of one Farm Bureau loan rate, to a range of 115% to 125%. Farm- member from each of 11 districts, including the ers need that price protection! Upper Peninsula. The Secretary's statement at that meeting It represents the best thinking of this group indicated pretty clearly what he felt was the of farm leaders who had the difficult task of thing of main importance in his mind. It was measuring Farm Bureau as it now exists in not that farmers should be given an oppor- Michigan against the tasks they feel lie ahead tunity to make a fair income on what they for organized agriculture. produce. He felt that something else was more In painstaking detail, committee members important! examined the structure and finances of the 71 The Secretary's comment before the meeting County Farm Bureau organizations in our state. was that he could not let prices go to 125% They made note of weaknesses and strengths of the loan rate because, if he did, farmers in the Community Group program, which has would not sign up for his program. He repeated been copied by many other states. this idea in his testimony before the House They heard reports of expanded programs and increased finances in other state Farm Emblem Promotes Products Agriculture Committee regarding the 1965 wheat and feed grains bill. Bureau organizations. They compared service So, it seems rather clear what comes first programs and facilities, and took special note JUNE INDEED IS DAIRY MONTH. for Secretary Freeman; — his own program of the responsibility Michigan farmers have in The stylized flower-symbol of this fact is to be seen and authority to control farmers. building and keeping strong a n a t i o n w i d e "growing" everywhere, on grocer's shelves, in dairy store What has happened to open market wheat American Farm Bureau Federation. windows, in restaurants and every other fertile ground prices pretty well paints the picture of how They examined the special problems farmers for June dairy promotion. this force to compel farmers into the program face in telling their story to a busy non-farm The farmers can be proud of their part in planting the has been built. majority. They judged future needs against "seeds" from which it springs. The American Dairy Asso- The Wheat Certificate program went into the background of legislative apportionment ciation has grown from an idea in the minds of dairymen effect July 1, 1964. The first week it was in and a government geared more to the appeal to a successful nation-wide effort. June Dairy Month is force the Secretary dumped nearly 7.5 million of the majority. just one of the promotions that has become part of the bushels of wheat on the market. A year before American scene. that he had dumped only 1.9 million bushels. The list of past Farm Bureau accomplish- A.D.A. has become a rallying point for the entire in- The support rate for 1963 had been $1.82 a ments which they examined was so long that dustry wherever dairy foods are sold and a constant re- bushel. But the new rate in July 1964 became it threatened at times to blind the pathway to minder that farmers have come a long way since they first $1.30 and the Secretary dumped his July 1964 a future which will bring its own special needs decided to disprove the old theory that "he travels farthest wheat at $1.37 a bushel. in areas of Marketing, Legislation, Information who travels alone." We should take note that by dropping the and still unthought-of Economic Services. By joining A.D.A. — and refusing to travel alone, dairy- support level in the 1965 law to $1.25, he can Some suggested a new Farm Bureau labor men have moved farther and faster than any other spe- now dump wheat at a still lower price. recruiting program to help offset the loss of cialized group within a g r i c u l t u r e . They have taught Open-market wheat prices for the year from Bracero workers. Legal, tax, farm manage- others an important lesson, that farmers themselves can July 1962 to June 1963 had averaged $2.03. ment, counseling, accounting, estate planning, be a positive force in promoting their own products — For the twelve months from July 1963 to June county zoning, credit advice — these and many that the farmer's job does not necessarily stop at his farm 1964, the open market prices held at an aver- more new service areas were examined as pos- gate. age of $1.92 a bushel. sibilities for organized farmers. Why indeed should farmers be only PRODUCERS? But from July 1964 to March 1965, the open- "Why not retain more control of what we Why have farmers allowed others to gain control of all market price nose-dived to an average of $1.37. as farmers produce? Why not own and operate other phases of the food industry except production, It is clear that the Secretary is determined meat-packing facilities? — retail food store out- OFTEN THE LEAST LUCRATIVE END? that no farmer shall continue to operate outside lets? Why not handle more of the products we Should farmers not demand and retain the right to do of the fences that he has built. create instead of turning these over to others more than produce, to process, transport, promote and re- Naturally, the sign-up of farmers in the Secre- for processing and distribution?" tail their products if they so wish? tary's programs has increased under this pres- Some of the ideas suggested might be called The American Dairy Association of Michigan and its sure. The size of the sign-up is used politically "way out" by some, such as the suggestion for counterparts in other states have shown how successful' to argue that farmers "want the program." It cooperative purchase of land for recreation, or farmers can be in the promotion field. Is there any reason is supposed to mean that the program is "suc- a Farm Bureau "elevator" in Europe for grain to think farmers would be any less successful in other areas cessful." But, beyond the Secretary's Depart- storage and sale overseas. if they set their minds to it? ment, successful for whom? Who is to judge which ideas are sound and The new program will also bait the trap for will stand the test of time, or which ideas are soy-bean growers. It will allow growers to plant the kind from which only dreams are made? soys on part of their wheat and feed grain Who, for example, could have foreseen the MICHIGAN FARM NEWS diverted acres. Again, why — when they are / TWB ACTION P U B L I C A T I O N O F THB M I C H I G A N F A R M B U R E A U being paid to divert the land? Farm Bureau Trade Development Corporation, The MICHIGAN FARM NEWS is DIRECTORS: District 1, Max K. or the Farm Bureau trade office at Rotterdam, published monthly, on the first day, Hood, Paw Paw, R-1; District 2, Wil- Soy-beans have seen rather uncertain prices by the Michigan Farm Bureau, at its bur H. Smith, Burlington, R-1; District on the open market. But I fear for what can The Netherlands? Who could have envisioned publication office at 109 N. Lafayette 3, Donald L. Ruhlig, D e x t e r ; Dis- the tremendous growth of Farm Bureau co- Street, Greenville, Michigan. trict 4, E l t o n R. Smith, Caledonia, happen when the glut from the new acreage Editorial and general offices at 4000 R-1; District 5, David Morris, Grand North Grand River Avenue, Lansing, Ledge, R-3; District 6, Ward G. Hodge, hits the market. operatives, or have guessed that the young Farm Michigan. Post Office Box 980. Tele- Snover, R-1; District 7, Kenneth Bull, Bureau movement of a few years back would phone, Lansing, 485-8121, Extension Bailey, R-1; District 8, Harvey Leuen- This is bound to mean overproduction of soys, 317. berger, S a g i n a w , R-6; D i s t r i c t 9, grow to include three out of every four or- Established January 12, 1923. Sec- Eugene Roberts, Lake City, R-1; Dis- distressed prices, and farmers in distress unless trict 10, Edgar Diamond, Alpena, R- ganized farmers in the United States? ond Class Postage paid at Greenville, 2; D i s t r i c t 11, Edmund Sager, soys are brought under the same certificate Michigan. Stephenson. E D I T O R I A L : Editor, Melvin L. programs now imposed on wheat and feed Only people with vision. People with the Woell; Staff P h o t o g r a p h e r , Charles DIRECTORS AT LARGE: Walter grains. kind of vision which built Farm Bureau in the Bailey; Staff Artist, Sam Bass. Women's Frahm, Frankenmuth; Dean Pridgeon, Material, Mrs. Donna Wilber. Montgomery, R-1; Walter Wightman, A* I see it, Farm Bureau people have the first place 50 years ago. OFFICERS: Michigan Farm Bu- Fennville, R-1. reau; President, Elton R. Smith, Cale- WOMEN OF FARM BUREAU: Mrs. most pressing need to defeat the Administra- People with vision reborn each generation, donia, R-1; Vice P r e s i d e n t , Dean Pridgeon, Montgomery, R-1; Secretary- William Scramlin, Holly; FARM BU- REAU YOUNG PEOPLE: Raymond tions 1965 farm bill and to get the needed the kind of people who will now rise to the Manager, Clarence E. Prentice, Okemos. Kucharek, Gaylord. limitations on the powers of the Secretary by challenge of stretching the Michigan Farm POSTMASTER: In using form 3579, mail to: Michigan Farm News, 4000 N. supporting the Farm Bureau bill (S 891 and Bureau into new shapes of the future. Grand River, Lansing, Michigan. HR4254). Second class postage paid at Greenville, Michigan M.W. Elton Smith MICHIGAN PAfeM NEWS June 1, 1965 THREE PROGRAM EXPANSION PLANNED Report Accepted The Board of Directors of the Michigan Farm Bureau paved the way for a period of accelerated Farm Bureau growth in accepting and endorsing a report made to it by the "State Relationship Committee". Last Fall, voting delegates to the Michigan Farm Bureau annual meeting charged this committee with the task of study- ing Farm Bureau finances and program structure and to make an action-report to the Board for its guidance. Meeting May 10, in Lansing, the 11-member committee agreed upon contents of this report, which in its final form included a general broadening of Farm Bureau activities, within Com- munity Groups, in County Farm Bureau programs and within the Michigan Farm Bureau itself. In accepting the report in its regular session, May 11, the Michigan Farm Bureau board expressed confidence in the work of the committee and supported its program-expansion recommendations. THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS — of the Michigan Farm Bureau examine the report submitted to them by a delegation from the state Relationship Committee. Facing the camera a t the f a r end of the table (center) is Committee Chairman Ed Implicit within the planned expansion is an eight-dollar Bourns. At the left is Louis H a y w a r d , Kalkaska, and right, H o w a r d Erbe, Sanilac. Later the board voted to accept the report a n d to support its recommendations. membership dues adjustment needed to adequately finance the areas of growth which were first listed for the Relationship Committee by local Farm Bureau members and county Farm Bureau boards. The need for more dues money to support this growth became Members List Program Needs evident when additional work and service areas listed by local To serve farmers best, Farm reau, who said that one of the between farmers, 'urban people members were interpreted by the committee in terms of dollar- Bureau must have "a positive main causes of failure is the lack and members of the legislature. costs. attitude and definite goals." That of ability and knowledge to know "As we become more of a is the opinion of Ionia County when to change. Among changes minority, our lobbying efforts will Proposed program advances recommended by the committee Farm Bureau members, who were recommended in the operation of need to improve," observed farm- include placing more emphasis on Farm Bureau's legislative among those from many counties Farm Bureau, the Washtenaw ers of Ingham county, who added programs, an increase in legislation, and in creating interest in of the state showing their own leaders suggested an expansion of a concern for more research and local political activity and the total election process. ^ positive attitudes by listing goals marketing work to all farm prod- information about legislative to help shape Farm Bureau's ucts, with more study on-the areas issues. Training for Community "More emphasis needs to be placed on marketing, with the future. of price. Group leaders and an improved expansion of this program into new commodity areas," the When submitted by Farm Bu- A similar feeling was expressed Discussion Topic system were committee members reported. They backed considerable added reau boards, these suggestions by members of the Livingston other suggestions, along with emphasis on research for legislative, marketing and informa- served to guide the State Rela- County Farm Bureau, who sug- "more information to the general tionship Committee in preparing gested that Farm Bureau mem- public, with special emphasis on tional purposes. its report dealing with future pro- bers work together to keep gov- radio and television." They supported increased activity in areas of membership grams and finance to the board of ernment out of their business. Four separate meetings with an and Community Groups, in Citizenship and Young Farmers directors of the Michigan Farm "We need more information on attendance of 125 people who programs. Bureau. hogs and feeder pig marketing, spent their time discussing state "Continue and expand work in and possibly should organize a and county Farm Bureau prob- An examination of the total Farm Bureau information pro- the legislative area, especially on hog-marketing division similar to lems, was the record in Kent gram pointed up a need for more broadcast activity, particularly tax reform, to help lessen the the processing-apple division of county, where emphasis was a move into public service television programming. The com- burden of the school tax on prop- MACMA," they said. placed on Farm Bureau working mittee noted that substantial offers of public service television erty," was another Ionia county with allies, with possible "guid- "Let's inform the public on the ance to help like-groups of one time have made to Farm Bureau, most of which cannot be ac- suggestion. Concerning Farm Bu- farmer's share of the food dollar," commodity interest to merge into cepted with present staff and equipment. An expansion of the reau finances, the Ionia farmers said Farm Bureau members of one strong group — such as pull- said that any needed increase in Farm Bureau information work into telecasting was one of the dues should be sufficient to cover Montcalm County, who felt that ing together the many milk asso- areas of advance, supported by the Relationship Committee. the cost of carrying program ex- group study meetings to examine ciations." pansion for a period of years, their organization and its direc- "More money is needed in the As they moved to accept and work for this expanded work tion were worthwhile and that thus eliminating the need for ad- County Farm Bureau to help fi- program, a member of the Michigan Farm Bureau board of more should be held. ditional increases for some time nance expansion there" was the directors summed up what appeared to be a general attitude, to come." opinion of Emmet County farm- Much the same sentiment was — "We are all impatient with present progress. It is amazing "Farm Bureau has to change expressed in Van Buren where, ers, who added that too many that these gains for Farm Bureau can be made by an increase and keep changing" — was the at a county-wide meeting of the volunteers have been required to in dues which in the year total only about the price of recent opinion expressed by members of membership, local farmers also give of their time and transporta- increases for haircuts!" the Washtenaw County Farm Bu- urged improved communications tion without reimbursement. Policy Resolution The State Relationship Committee has been guided in its work by a clear-cut policy resolution adopted at the last annual meeting of the Michigan Farm Bureau. In part, the resolution stated: "At the 1963 Michigan Farm Bureau Annual Meeting, the delegates called for a study of the financial and program structure of Farm Bureau. Both state and county levels were to be con- sidered. "The State Relationship Committee worked diligently on this matter during the year. They noted that most County Farm Bureaus are operating on an extremely close budget. With costs such as postage, supplies and repairs rising, most counties are curtailing spending on programs such as membership acquisition, information and Community Group promotion. The Michigan Farm Bureau is using some of its reserve funds accumulated after the dues increase in 1960. "We commend the State Relationship Committee for its work. We ask that the study be continued in the com- ing year, and that specific recommendations be made to STATE RELATIONSHIP COMMITTEE MEMBERS — study the report they prepared for consideration by the Michigan Farm the Board and membership on adequate financing and Bureau board of directors. Working on the report were 11 committee members, one from each Farm Bureau district. Pic- tured are (from left): Ed Estelle, District 10; W a i n o Rajala, District 11 (Upper Peninsula); Louis H a y w a r d , District 9; a n d program expansion for Farm Bureau." Committee C h a i r m a n , Ed Bourns, District 3. FOUR June 1, 1965 MICHIGAN FARM NEWS TAXES!- - - SPECIAL TO LEGISLATIVE Northern Michigan ACTION REPORT Late reports prior to press- HOUSE T A X A T I O N COMMITTEE C H A I R M A N , — Representative George Montgom- Farm Bureau members living north of the Bay City-Muskegon time list a number of bills sup- ery (D. Detroit, right in photo) and Representative James Folks (R. Horton, left) line including the Upper Peninsula will be pleased with the leg- ported by Farm Bureau have — p a s t Committee Chairman are both recognized tax experts. islative progress made so far on Farm Bureau resolutions re- passed in the House of Repre- garding State and Federal forest taxation, swampland tax, snow sentatives. removal, and "Big Mac" tolls. Legislative committees recom- mended passage of the following bills: S. 33, Introduced by They include: H. 1049 —Uniform Meat Inspection Outlook in the House Senators Mack, Schweigert and others would increase the swamp- H. 2650 — Extending the land state payments from the present 15c1 to 200 per acre. life of the Michigan Po- The House Taxation Commit- be reduced from $6.61 per barrel tato Council tee headed by Rep. Montgomery to $4.10 per barrel or about 7/100 H. 2970 will, if passed, change the Commercial Forest Reserve reported out and recommended a bottle and would cost about $14 H. 2119 — Creating a Bean (Pearson) Act to guarantee a 250 per acre annual payment to Commission for passage a package of bills million. local government. Yield taxes would be retained by the state. H. 2165 — Prohibiting Un- which could finance state opera- The Committee also reported The bill was introduced by Reps. Erlandsen and Jacobetti and fair Dairy Trade practices. tions for the next two years. out without recommendation and Reports are that all passed Included are bills to impose the laid on the table a number of tax- had not been acted on by the Conservation Committee until by nearly unanimous votes. 4% sales tax on nearly all services ation bills which could lead to a Farm Bureau, two days before the deadline, testified and re- including "everything but hospital complete tax reform program. quested that it be reported out. This victory for farmers can be made complete through ac- bills." About $84 million a year Eight of the bills comprise a pack- H. 2024 — Introduced by Reps. Erlandsen, Jacobetti, Hellman tive Farm Bureau member-sup- would be raised and such services age and were introduced by Rep. port in urging Senators to vote as haircuts, shoe repairs, auto and Folks and others. and Constantine, would allow counties in the Upper Peninsula to other repairs, dental bills, admis- contract with citizens for snow removal. Farm Bureau appeared for these bills when they come A flat rate income tax is includ- before that body. sions, etc. would be taxed. The before the committee four times and finally succeeded in getting ed with rates of 3% on individ- Let your Senator know what Business Activities tax would be it reported out. changed to become a 5% tax on uals, 5% on corporations, and 7% these measures mean to farm- on financial institutions. Property ers. Let him know what you net income and which would in- Efforts to refinance "Big Mac" in order to lower the tolls crease revenues from the present taxes would be cut $5 per $1000 failed in the committee but chances are good that something think about these important (5 mills), and would repeal intan- bills! $98 million a year to about $155 can still be accomplished this session. million. The tax on beer would gibles and business activities taxes. new UIMICO POWERCRUISER features.... H . .give you MORE for your MONEY DISTINCTIVE, WIDE 5-RIB TREAD — The n e w POWERCRUISER t r e a d design is a b e a u t y in a p p e a r a n c e a n d a bear-cat in p e r f o r m a n c e . Its w i d e f l a t 5ftr t r e a d a n d f i v e massive ribs put more r u b b e r on the r o a d to increase m i l e - yoUR a g e . Unique shoulder decorations a n d n a r r o w , protected w h i t e w a l l a d d a l u x u r y touch. WRAP-AROUND CONTOURED SHOULDERS — The n e w contoured shoulder LOCAL has been built into this f i n e tire. The c o n t o u r e d , or w r a p - a r o u n d , shoulder gives y o u g r e a t e r cornering p o w e r w i t h n e w h a n d l i n g e a s e — b e t t e r stability — almost no squealing on sharp turns. DEALER EXTRA STRENGTH NYLON BODY — Tempered N y l o n cord provides e x t r a strength a n d impact resistance to the Unico POWERCRUISER. N y l o n better DURING resists heat, moisture a n d flex f a t i g u e — provides a n a d d i t i o n a l safety factor. tt\S B « TOUGHER POLYBUTADIENE RUBBER — A n i m p o r t a n t reason f o r POWER extra m i l e a g e is its t r e a d of n e w l y d e v e l o p e d P o l y b u t a d i e n e r u b b e r . N e w Polybutadiene resists cuts a n d c h i p p i n g better — gives longer m i l e a g e a n d better t r a c t i o n . QUIETER, SAFER RIDE — POWERCRUISER rides q u i e t l y because its b r o a d ribs roll a l o n g like smooth, continuous rails. W h e n s t o p p i n g or s t a r t i n g , h o w e v e r , hundreds o f sharp b l a d e d edges open a n d g r i p the r o a d for safe, a d d e d t r a c t i o n . POST-CURE-SET INFLATION — Tires shrink as they cool f r o m the cure. So the POWERCRUISER is i n f l a t e d to correct r o a d size as it leaves the m o l d — "sets" as it cools to the proper dimensions to assure m a x i m u m d u r a b i l i t y . GUARANTEE — Performance of the POWERCRUISER is g u a r a n t e e d — both for q u a l i t y a n d a g a i n s t r o a d h a z a r d s . Its complete protection has no l i m i t on months, miles, roads or speeds. AVENUE / LANSING, MICHIGAN MICHIGAN FARM NEWS June 1, 1965 FIVE What Happened to Tax Reform ? $ What Next for Michigan ? $ By: Associate Legislative Counsel Robert E. Smith Michigan is again headed toward a fiscal nightmare un- less the economic "facts of life" are recognized. Complac- ency is the order of the day for too many people. Governor Romney, speaking before 700 Michigan citizens attending a meeting on the state's fiscal problems, pulled no punches when he laid on the line the financial plight facing the state within three years unless fiscal reform is brought about. He indicated that an income tax will be needed to balance the tax structure and make it equitable to all citizens. The picture at the moment appears rosy with the nearly $100 million deficit of the late 1950's having been paid off and the pleasant prospect this year of a $100 million or more surplus. However, the increasing population with 50,000 or more SENATE LEADERS, — especially interested in t a x reform a r e Senator Basil Brown, (left) Democratic Floor Leader of Highland added school children each year plus the need for expanding Park, a n d Senator George Fitzgerald, D. Grosse Pointe Park, Chairman of the Taxation Committee. Both men have been tire- educational programs at every level (elementary, high school, less workers on behalf of t a x reform. and college) plus the growing numbers of elderly people, plus additional services by government will mean that the surplus will become a deficit by 1967. The Governor's 1965-66 recommended budget totals $788 Tax Reform Outlook in Senate million. $94 million more than last year. However, this Early in this session Senator Brown took the leadership in record budget is a cut of over $200 million from the nearly promoting tax reform a n d introduced a package of tax bills MONROE PUSHES $1 billion requested by the various state agencies. identical to Governor Romney's tax program which was con- sidered in a special Legislative fall session in 1963. The program TAX REFORM As this is written it appears that the Legislature will ex- died in the then Republican controlled Legislature through "bi- Monroe County Farm Bureau ceed the Governor's budget by at least $22 million and per- partisan inaction." leaders are taking an active part haps as much as $70 million. Should this be the case, Mich- Senator Brown, upon introduc- the present $1000 to $5000. in a "Citizens for Tax Beform" igan could (without new revenue) be in the red $200 million tion of the package, urged support It is possible that interim study movement which began in the to $300 million by 1968. of the Governor's tax approach will be given to tax reform meas- county and is beginning to spread The Legislature, of course, recognizes that new revenue provided the voters were given an ures including farm land assess- into surrounding counties. will be needed. The question is "Will total tax reform be opportunity at an early election, to ments. County Farm Bureau President decide whether or not the Mich- Frank Smith is one of the officers tackled to ensure that every Michigan citizen pays his proper GENERAL OUTLOOK igan C o n s t i t u t i o n should be of the movement and reports that share of the costs of government or will the inequities merely changed to allow a graduated in- the 5 point program is the same Tax reform is still possible. It be compounded by the addition of a few more patches to come tax. will take work, understanding and as Farm Bureau's tax reform pro- Michigan's fiscal cloak?" Senator Fitzgerald is serving bi-partisan support. For example, gram. his first term in the Senate and bills to do the job have been re- In a d d i t i o n t o c o n t a c t i n g has a broad experience as an at- ported out of the House Com- Legislators, the citizens group has torney. It is his position that tax mittee and laid on the table. A declared that "until tax reform is HELP YOUR IDLE DOLLARS reform cannot be accomplished majority-vote t h e r e , c a n b r i n g unless the new Constitution is them up for action. amended to permit a graduated P u b l i c understanding of t h e accomplished they will work to defeat any extra voted millage issues." or progressive income tax. need for tax reform can help. Citi- The group is not opposed to EARN MORE-INVEST IN: The Senate Committee also re- zen's groups throughout Michigan ported out some tax bills without have been formed to promote tax recommendation and laid them on •reform, and most recently two improved schools but is insisting that property can no longer carry the load. Series " A " 6% Debentures the table. Included is one of par- state-wide women's organizations Action programs such as this ticular importance to farmers, S. and two educational groups have throughout the state could result (non-assessable) 177. This bill would raise the combined to c i r c u l a t e petitions in l e g i s l a t i v e action this year. personal property exemption from urging fiscal reform action. How about it? Issue of 1964 — 15 Year Maturity Growers Given 6% simple interest paid annually on September 1 Two-Day Deadline!!! "All Michigan employers de- by responsible adults — in most FARM BUREAU SERVICES, INC. MILLER siring to maintain foreign worker cases probably by a high school eligibility must place orders with instructor, who will receive, as 4000 North Grand River MESC for A-Team farm workers supervisor, $4.00 per week for Lansing, Michigan NUTRI- no later than Friday, May 2 1 . " each boy in his Team. Teams may The above information was con- consist of from 20-31 boys. LEAF 60 FOR tained in a telegram, dated May 19, 1965, which was received "Employers must utilize this source of supply before certifica- VEGETABLES by the Michigan Employment Se- curity Commission from federal tion of foreign workers will be considered." This requirement by For a copy o f t h e prospectus a n d a call b y a licensed agents of the D e p a r t m e n t of the Labor Department undercuts s a l e s m a n , complete a n d m a i l t o : Labor. the acceptance given by Secretary FARM BUREAU SERVICES, I N C . In order to qualify for any pos- Wirtz in Detroit of his Michigan Securities Promotion Dept. NUTRI-LEAF 60 WHEN sible use of Mexican workers un- Farm Labor Committee's recom- USED ON VEGETABLES der a bracero-type program, pickle mendation for certification of P.O. Box 9 6 0 WILL: 5,000 Mexican National workers. Lansing, Michigan growers and others must use all — Give Plants Quicker available domestic labor. The rate of $1.25 per hour is Start Efforts are being made to re- not based on the number of pick- — Save Replanting cruit "A-Teams" for use in Mich- les picked, but is a straight hourly Costs igan throughout an area of some rate. It is estimated that this may — Increase Yields 20 states. High school princi- nearly double the cost of picking pals in every Michigan school 100 pounds of pickles. — Not Clog Spray Nozzles and in schools in other states Growers' planting decisions are County- Phone. have received announcements of tempered by the question as to the program, which is limited to how much dependence they can No obligation. 'Contact your nearest deafer." boys 16 years and over and prom- place on the continuing service of ises a live-in-camp experience such "A-Teams." If Teams are under carefully supervised condi- secured, will the boys stay on the E-Z-FLO This advertisement is neither an offer to sell or a solicitation to CHEMICAL tions— with pay of $1.25 an job throughout the pickle season, COMPANY hour and transportation, housing or will they leave after a week or buy any of these securities. The offering is made only by the 2011 N. HIGH ST. and supervision provided at the two? If so, can Mr. Wirtz pro- prospectus. LANSING, MICH. grower's expense. vide a back-up supply of braceros The Teams will be supervised on one day's notice? SIX June 1, 1965 MICHIGAN FARM NEWS FARM BUREAU WOMEN working, not waiting \ • ^ * +A "+ EACH M O R N I N G — the District 10-E Farm Bureau Women's Chairman can be found gathering eggs from the 1,000 laying hens on the DeMatio's " S h a d y Lane Farm." A former city girl, Lou DeMatio has adjusted well t o f a r m life. Tractor Replaces Trip By: Donna Wilber "I w a s born a n d raised i n t h e city — scared t o d e a t h of a horse o r cow. So w h a t d o I do? — Marry a farmerr This was t h e predicament of Mrs. E u g e n e D e M a t i o 2 5 years ago w h e n she spoke h e r marriage vows. But love overcomes " A FARM BUREAU FAMILY AFFAIR" — that's the description of the Cooperative Cookbook planned by Farm Bureau W o m e n . all obstacles they say a n d today nothing could lure " L o u " back Pictured a t work on the project is (left) Mrs. Jerold Topliff, vice chairman o f the Farm Bureau Women's Committee assisted to t h e city life. by Miss Helen A t w o o d , Coordinator o f Farm Bureau Women's Work. Idea for the project came in part from a similar booklet issued in Washington state. Her successful and happy ad- as an officer of an organization? justment to farm living is evi- This is especially true in Farm denced in the vital enthusiasm Bureau," Lou added. tl Her Farm Bureau activities in- CoopewrfU/e" Cookbook N.W. Women with which Lou tackles her duties as a full-time partner in "Shady clude serving as S t a t e Safety Lane Farm," home of 1,000 lay- Chairman of the Farm Bureau ing hens and headquarters for a Women and as a representative A project to promote Michigan Bureau Women's cookbook is agricultural products, while at the Mrs. Jerold Topliff, vice-chairman Celebrate dairy business. E v e n s t r o n g e r on the board of the Michigan evidence is the g o o d - h u m o r e d Rural Safety Council. She has same time, put the name of Farm of the state committee and well- acceptance of her "trip to Hawaii" held almost every office on the Bureau before thousands of home- known for her own culinary abil- makers throughout the state, has ities. Marketing specialist, Larry "Birthday" which is symbolized by the John county level and is in her third Deere 30-20 tractor, newest a d d i - - year as district women's chair- been initiated by the Farm Bu- Ewing, Market Development de- By Mrs. Marjorie Plamondon, reau Women, in the form of a partment of the Michigan Farm tion to their 160 acre farm near man. Editor West Branch. When Lou was asked why she "cooperative" cookbook. Bureau, is assisting the women in N.W.M. Farm Bureau News "Whenever 1 look at it, I think thought it was important to give The attractive, hard-covered this commodity promotion project. Release date for the cookbooks of the trip to Hawaii that we of her time and energies to Farm recipe book will feature the "kit- More than 100 people attended talked about taking when we Bureau activities, her answer chen-tested" favorites of Mich- has been set for October 1. the 20th birthday celebration of igan farm families, plus a short The decision to publish the at- the Northwest Michigan Farm were married 25 years. Oh well, was: "First, I believe in Farm Bu- promotion and eye-appealing art- tractive booklet c a m e d u r i n g Bureau Women's Committee, held we'll get there yet," says the reau. When we joined the organi- work on each product, and a Michigan Week, a fitting coin- recently in Traverse City. energetic Lou, chairman of Dis- zation back in 1948, our leaders resume of the activities of the cidence in that promotion of trict 10-E Farm Bureau Women, sold me on Farm Bureau and the Guests who paid tribute to the Lou's family includes daughter role we women must play. They state's largest farm organization. Michigan farm products will be women for their 20 year record Judy, who takes over when she set a fine example — a grass roots County Women's committees featured throughout. Such prod- included Elton Smith, president must be away from home to at- thinking organization with good have been notified to submit their ucts as Michigan pea-beans, Mich- of the Michigan Farm Bureau; tend various Farm Bureau meet- member and leadership relations. choice of commodity by June 21. igan mushrooms, rhubarb, celery, Wesley Hawley, Escanaba, re- ings; son-in law John, who helps "I learned early in life (as a When commodity areas have been Michigan cherries and other fruit, gional representative of 20 years on the farm; son Don, who at- member of a family with 12 chil- designated, each county will be are c o n s i d e r e d "naturals" for ago, anil Mrs. Marjorie Karker, tends Central Michigan Univer- dren) that if we believe in some- asked to contribute six recipes recipe promotion. Michigan State Medical Society, sity; and grandchildren Jeff, 5, t h i n g , let's s t a n d u p a n d b e using the particular commodity Unusual uses of farm products and former Women's Coordinator and Julie, 3, "pride and joy" of counted. 'Faint heart never won as the main ingredient. Deadline will be stressed with the booklet for the Farm Bureau. grandpa and grandma DeMatio. fair lady' has always been my date: August 15. reflecting both the personality of "Editor-in-chief of the Farm Michigan's products and people. Praise was given to the women "And last, but not least, my motto. There is a place, big or for their work over the past 20 husband Gene. Need I tell the small, for all of us and we are years by Wesley Hawley. "I be- women that without a congenial, needed to accomplish the aims lieve it was the coming of the understanding husband you can- arid goals we have set for our- Clip Out and Keep.. . women into Farm Bureau that not do your best when serving selves in Farm Bureau." allowed this organization to reach In answer t o a request for a short listing of important the heights it has today." He Farm Bureau actions "that w e m a y clip out and pass along" — the Farm News this month cites highlights of also cautioned the g r o u p t h a t there is a great deal of work for Farm Bureau in the future, and Safety-Wise in '65 the Farm Bureau Women's activities. Representatives from 21 Farm Michigan State University, who encouraged the women to con- Safety has b e e n a prime project of the F a r m Bureau Bureau counties met May 3 at presented a four-hour presenta- tinue to play an important role. W o m e n d u r i n g t h e past year, with emphasis on t h e r e d u c - the Embers Restaurant, Mt. Pleas- tion on driver improvement with tion of deaths, injuries and property d a m a g e resulting from General chairman for the event, ant, for a Safety Conference emphasis on programs that could h i g h w a y accidents. T h e State Safety Committee has held Mrs. William Hoolihan, was cited Workshop. Farm Bureau Women be conducted by county leaders its first statewide workshop t o h e l p initiate campaigns on by the present county women's safety leaders from as far away in their own locality. chairman, Sylvia Lautner, for her as the Upper Peninsula attended the local level, a n d has kept county committees alerted Also on the program was work and efforts over the past this first meeting. through regular "safety newsletters." 20 years. Mrs. Hoolihan was the Robert Bunker, Assistant Under- Information a n d a better understanding of F a r m Bureau first chairman of the Northwest "Safety Wise in '65" was the writing Manager, Farm Bureau a n d agriculture in general — by members and t h e public Women's C o m m i t t e e a n d h a d theme of the workshop, under Insurance. B u n k e r t o l d t h e — is t h e aim of t h e F a r m Bureau W o m e n as they u n d e r t a k e continued to serve on the com- the direction of Mrs. Eugene De- women of a "Save-a-Life" project such projects as press relations dinner-meetings, rural- mittee since it was organized. Matio, West Branch, chairman of being introduced by Farm Bu- u r b a n a n d farmer-clergy conferences, a n d a speaker's the Farm Bureau Women's state reau Insurance, promoting the Miss Lautner summarized the safety committee. Mrs. DeMatio's resolution as passed by voting b u r e a u t o train local leaders t o tell t h e " F a r m Bureau activities of the Women's Com- committee includes: Mrs. Dondelegates requesting an active story." mittee during its 20 years of serv- Root, Ithaca; Mrs. Harland safety campaign. Commodity Promotion of Michigan agricultural products ice, including the founding of Welke, Mayville; Mrs. Verness The leaders were given several t h r o u g h t h e publication a n d distribution of a F a r m Bureau Camp Kett, rural-urban confer- Wheaton, Charlotte, and Mrs.ideas for local campaigns, which W o m e n ' s cookbook will be an important u p c o m i n g project. ences, nursing scholarships, funds Nelson DeGroot, Bellevue. will require the assistance and Recipes from throughout the state will b e featured, to- for polio and cancer research, help cooperation of every member in for the Salvation Army, and the Featured speaker on the pro- successfully promoting a sound, gether with product promotion information, and an ex- annual C h e r r y - D a i r y Smorgas- gram was Mrs. Leota Westfall, working safety program in each planation of "What is F a r m Bureau?" bord. traffic safety s p e c i a l i s t from community throughout the state. MICHIGAN FARM NEWS June 1, 1965 SEVEN Scandinavian Co-op Tour Planned Air-Trip Offered By Co-op Council Of special appeal to farm leaders throughout the state is a 23-day "Co-op Tour" to Scandinavian countries, scheduled for early fall. Sponsored by the Michigan Association of Farmer Cooperatives in cooperation with the Information Division of Michigan Farm Bureau, the tour is designed to give a first- hand look at farming methods and the operations of farmer cooperatives in Scandinavia. Leaving Detroit by jet on August 30, the tour group will arrive in Oslo, Norway, the following day. Visits to the famous Cathedral, the Munch Museum and the Vigeland Sculpture Park is planned during the stay at Oslo. A visit to the Federation of Swedish Farmers' Associations will be a highlight while in Stockholm as will a tour of the A/B DeLaval's experiment farm in Hamra, and the Institute of Animal Breeding at Viad. Four full days will be spent in Stockholm with visits to include the Swedish Cooperative Union and Wholesale Society and the cooperative insurance company, Folksam. Helsinki, Finland, is next on the agenda with a memorable U day tour is $1,100 per person. This first-hand information in an area day planned for tour participants, highlighted by a four-hour BEAUTIFUL includes tourist jet air transporta- of especial interest to farmers and sightseeing trip to the House of Parliament, the Olympic Stadium COPENHAGEN" tion from Detroit, all hotels, tips, cooperative leaders, plus the en- Tower, the Grave of Marshall Mannerheim, Finnish National In Denmark, visits to farms will sightseeing, service transporta- joyment of visiting memorable Museum and Mannerheim Museum. be combined with tours of famous tion, and two meals per day, sites of the Old World in a setting castles and palaces, to make this based on the Continental break- of breath-taking'beauty, the tour The second day in Finland will be spent meeting with rep- an especially exciting trip for the fast and dinner plan. is an ideal "package" for the en- resentatives of the Federation of Finnish Farmers' Associations ladies. Four days will be spent tire family. and visits to some surrounding farms. in Copenhagen, where stops are L A Cheney, executive-secre- scheduled at the well-known tary of the Michigan Association For a detailed day-by-day A sightseeing tour of the Swedish seaport, Abo, will be fol- "Meat City" to see the amazing of Farmer Cooperatives, will be itinerary of the "Co-op Tour to lowed by a boat trip to Stockholm. From there a chartered uniformity of Danish pork, and the tour guide. His long-time Scandinavia," August 30-Septem- motorcoach will take the group through the beautiful province the "Answlaurvalget" for infor- experience and knowledge of ber 21, send the tour information of Sodermanland and on to Ostergotland, an important agri- mation about the Danish coopera- farmer cooperatives will be an request coupon to the Informa- cultural province where a study visit will be made. Part of the tive movement. added asset on this tour. tion Division, Michigan Farm tour will run along Lake Vatter, Swenden's second largest lake. Approximate cost for the 23- Offering an opportunity for Bureau. Travel-LOG NORTHEAST CANADA AND NOVA SCOTIA Departing July 31 — Returning August 14. By rail to Montreal for full day sightseeing, on to Moncton for 11-day comprehensive bus tour of Nova Scotia and Mari- time Provinces. Cost — in the $400+ range. EUROPE Departing August 7 — Returning September 8. To Eng- land, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, West Germany, Czechoslovakia, Austria, Switzerland, with a couple days in Paris. NORTHWEST CARAVAN Departing August 19 — Returning September 1. Visit- ing Glacier National Park, Seattle, Victoria, Vancouver, Lake Louise, Columbia Icefields and Banff. A fine scenic tour in the $450 price range. WORLD'S FAIR Six days at the fabulous New York World's Fair, leaving by rail from Detroit in late August. This tour will include visits to Chinatown and the Battery and a boat trip around Manhattan Island. Cost — approximately $140. Information Division, Michigan Farm Bureau 4000 North Grand River, Lansing 4, Michigan If Mr. Bell hadn't invented the phone SEND DETAILS OF TOURS AS CHECKED July 31-August 14 NORTHEAST CANADA AND NOVA SCOTIA _ • a farmer would have had to! August 7-September 8 EUROPE • August 19-September 1 Farm families like yours depend farm efficiently and profitably. Your NORTHWEST CARAVAN rj wife counts on the phone to keep Late August even more than most folks on the WORLD'S FAIR • telephone. the family close to friends and August 30-September 21 You call downtown-or anywhere relatives, however far away. "CO-OP TOUR" TO SCANDINAVIA • in the nation-for up-to-the-minute A wonderful invention, the tele- information to help you run the phone. And so low in cost. Name— Address- Michigan Bell Part of the Nationwide Bell System County- EIGHT June 1, 1965 MICHIGAN FARM NEWS Tornado Progress Report... The group made a blackboard Avenue for Action listing of priority items needing immediate attention and agreed to ask for direct state appropria- "It will be years before some of the junk scattered over Mich- tions from the Legislature to pro- igan farms by the Palm Sunday tornadoes is picked up — and vide 50 per cent personal prop- much of it never will be . . ." That is the opinion of storm erty tax relief for storm victims. victims, many of whom gathered in early May at a meeting held in Farm Bureau Center, Lansing. They were reminded that our Called by the Michigan Farm Bureau as a progress report, the form of government tends toward meeting opened by president Elton Smith asking for a county- deliberate slowness as a built-in by-county listing of damage and clean-up results. Reports safeguard against rash actions, a were heard from 11 counties, represented by nearly 50 persons. desirable quality under most con- Two concerned members of the Michigan legislature, both ditions, but one which can allow representing counties in which heavy damage occurred, attended hardship in times of emergency. the meeting and spoke to the group. They were Representatives Most of the victims confessed Frederic Marshall, Allen, and James Folks, Horton. Marshall's that the work of Farm Bureau district contained three of the heaviest hit counties, Branch, neighbors and total strangers or- Hillsdale and Lenawee, where a total of 1,500 buildings were ganized to do clean-up jobs destroyed. through County Farm Bureau Kenneth Saunders of the Legislative Research Council outlined coordination, proved a much tax assessment problems, pointed out some of the chain-reactions greater help than "all of the which would result in re-assessing property to give tax relief promised aid from the govern- to storm victims. ment agencies combined . . ." BRANCH COUNTY FARMER Robert Smith, tells of tremendous d a m a g e in that a r e a , where the toll reached ten million dollars in property lost, a t least half in f a r m areas. Smith also told of promised help which failed to arrive, and of need for heavy equipment. Seated (center) is Eaton county president, Herbert VanAken. how versatile concrete serves another building need on farms " A N AIR OF GENERAL C O N F U S I O N " — is the impression which Dan Reed, (left) said characterized the w o r k of state and federal agencies involved in the tornado clean-up and assistance programs. Reed, Legislative Counsel for the Michigan Farm Bureau termed the tornado experience further proof of the fallacies of federal a i d . To the right is president Smith. P r o t e c t your Income. A farm home of concrete masonry gives you extra livability and charm. New shapes and colors, textures and patterns give homes of modern concrete masonry special warmth and interest. Upkeep is no problem. And homes are easy to heat in winter, cool in summer. Any farm building of concrete masonry is free H a i l is Unpredictable! from weather, rodent or termite damage. There's Insurance is your only protection against loss from Hail Damage! Play extra fire safety, too. Moderate in initial cost, it safe! Protect your income with Michigan Mutual Hail Insurance. concrete masonry lasts a lifetime. Find out from Michigan Mutual has been insuring Michigan farms against hail your local producer how an attractive, func- damage to farm and truck crops for over 50 years. In the last 3 tional home of modern concrete masonry can years, over $1 million has been paid to Michigan farmers. be yours. A non-profit farmers mutual insurance company means low rates C U P - M A I L TODAY and prompt, fair claim payment. P O R T L A N D CEMENT ASSOCIATION ?00 Stoddard Building, Lansing, Michigan 48933 For Complete Information—See Your Local Agent Or W r i t e / J si A n organization to improve and extend the uses of concrete MICHIGAN MUTUAL HAII/2? Please send free booklet on concrete masonry homes. A l s o send material on other subjects I've listed: President ^/MU^mCg (jt»pay Sec?etarytled8e' W a l d r ° n 107 N. Butler Boulevard, Lansing, Michigan Phone: IV 2-5265 Fred M. Hector Over $22 Million Now In Force — Over V/A Million Surplus ST.i. OR o un R. n. No. n J MICHIGAN FARM NEWS June 1, 1965 NINE Deadlines Hit Legislature Labor Bills Galore Bills Must Clear Calendar A staggering package of farm labor bills awaits final action 1 The Compensation coverage is pro- vided, the employer's liability is By: Legislative Counsel major farm labor legislation for limited to those payments pro- Dan E. Reed port from the Governor and the 1965 was the Workmen's Com- vided by the law. The new Act leadership of both parties, this pensation bill which was passed specifically removes this limita- With nearly 500 bills facing two weeks. House bills will be much-needed program can b e by the Legislature, called back tion of liability in regard to em- them on calendars of record under consideration by Senate passed this year. The bill will from the Governor's office, and ployees who are provided only length, the Michigan Legislature committees and Senate bills will need your support in the Senate. amended in line with a compro- medical and hospital coverage. started the race against time to be under review by committees S. 572 and S. 393 will provide mise developed between the Gov- Where there is any contributory pass bills through the house of of the House. All the measures a uniform state-wide milk inspec- ernor and legislative leaders. negligence on the part of the em- origin by May 28. The Legislature need strong evidence of support if tion program. It will also help While the bill, as passed, is less ployer, the employee's right to had set this deadline for itself, farmers are to secure the much- maintain and increase out-of-state restrictive than the Legislators' sue is maintained. and bills still on the calendar as needed legislation: markets for Michigan milk and original version, it still provides Other farm labor legislation in- the gavels fell May 28 are dead. H. 2980, by Representative milk products. greatly increased costs and rec- cludes bills to: As this is written, a few hours Floyd Mattheeussen and several S. 106 provides enabling legisla- ord-keeping for farmers. In the (a) license and regulate farm remain for legislative action to be other Representatives, would re- tion to permit producers of agri- revised form, the Act requires that labor contractors ( w h i c h dupli- completed. On its return after lieve the situation facing growers cultural commodities to develop (1) all agricultural employers of cates present federal crew leader the Memorial Day holiday, the who have fruits, pickles and to- marketing programs. A referen- more than two regular employees registration); Legislature will spend much of matoes harvested on a piecework dum vote by growers of the com- who are paid on an hourly wage (b) regulate and license all ag- its time in committee work, con- basis. The bill would amend the modity covered by the proposed or salary basis and are employed ricultural l a b o r c a m p s by the sidering die bills passed by the Minimum W a g e Act to exempt order would be required. The or- 35 or more hours per week for a State Health Commissioner; and house where the bill originated. those who have picking done on a ders could be developed by the period of 13 or more weeks dur- (c) provide for the adoption of All bills must clear the committees contractual basis when such con- producers of any agricultural com- ing the preceding 52 weeks must rules and regulations by the De- in the second house by Friday, tractural basis is of a piecework modity desiring to do so. With provide full Workmen's Compen- partment of Agriculture covering June 11. nature. another large crop in prospect, sation c o v e r a g e f o r these em- the health and safety of migrant It now appears that the follow- H. 2165 prohibits unfair trade "herry growers are eyeing this ployees; and workers traveling to or returning ing bills, which have strong Farm practices in the milk industry. measure with great interest. (2) all agricultural employers of from employment in agriculture. Bureau support, will be facing Below-cost selling, under-the-table H. 2119 would create a nine- one or more employees who are It would not cover travel in pas- committee review during these payments and favors have plagued member Bean Commission for re- employed 35 or more hours per senger cars, s t a t i o n wagons or the dairy industry and have had search and promotional activities. week for a period of five or more common carriers. a harmful effect on milk prices. The program provides for non- consecutive weeks must p r o v i d e Bills which have Farm Bureau's The bill does not provide "price participation by growers who do these workers with medical and support are: fixing" as is sometimes charged not wish to take part in the pro- hospital coverage such as is re- H. 2973, authorizing MSU to by its opponents, who like to use gram. The bill has been carefully quired u n d e r the W o r k m e n ' s establish a Bural Manpower Cen- milk as a below-cost price leader. developed through many confer- Compensation law. E m p l o y e r s ter to assist in solving migrant H. 2049 provides for uniform ences of producers, and meets the would not need, however, to pro- labor problems; state-wide meat inspection under standards set by the delegates at vide full Workmen's Compensa- S. 118, providing an experi- the supervision of the Department the last Michigan Farm Bureau tion, which includes pay for time mental program of special educa- of Agriculture. With strong sup- convention who said — "We favor lost as well as numerous other tion for migrant labor children. the passage of legislation that death and dependency benefits. Other bills would affect farm would create a State Bean Com- A benefit sometimes not rec- labor as part of the general labor FREE FILM ognized is that if full Workmen's force in Michigan. For every roll of Kodacolor or Black and White film you send us for proces- sing, you will receive ABSOLUTELY FREE a fresh roll of the same size film with your developed prints. 8 exposure developed O 2 5 Michigan Wheat Growers Apple and enlarged PLUS FREE ROLL KODACOLOR FILM 12 exposure developed • ^ 75 Backed by Farm Bureau Division and enlarged PLUS FREE ROLL KODACOLOR FILM GIANT SIZE COLOR PRINTS 1 Q c • Michigan's soft wheat produc- ers were represented at a recent producers see what appears to be an example of a government Elects (Kodacolor negatives only) ea. ' ~ Washington m e e t i n g between program acting to boost the price Six new members have been Only the finest Kodak Farm Bureau leaders from six of hard wheat, which is already elected to the Apple Marketing materials used. states and representatives of the ;n surplus. It also depresses the Committee of the Michigan Agri- Maplewood Studio United States Department of Ag- price of soft wheat where supply cultural Cooperative Marketing riculture. and demand have been kept Association (MACMA), according Box 362 Lansing, Mich. to Bobert Braden, Association At issue was the method of fairly well in line. It doesn't authorization currently used by make sense." .Manager. the USD A to place American It was pointed out to Secretary In a series of district elections,, FARMERS: wheat higher on the "available" Schnittker and his staff that Howard Gilmer, Augusta; Vernon Check the value you get in list for purchase by foreign coun- USDA places all classes of wheat Bull, Casnovia; Thomas Braman, Gelatin Bone Perfect Balancer, tries who buy American goods in the same situation when acre- Belding; Harold Fitch, Luding- the mineral feed of champions: with local currency under Public age allotments and price sup- ton; Donald Beck, St. Johns and Percent Percent Law 480. ports are determined. When it Charles Hough, Romeo, were Min. Max. The soft wheat producers con- comes to deciding P.L. 480 sales, new members elected to the state- Phosphorous 8.0 9.0 tended that hard wheat sales the "equal" treatment stops. "We wide committee. Calcium 29.0 34.0 Mag. Sulfate .24 have been given most attention would like to see the Department Be-elected to serve were Donald Iodine (pure) .015 .018 by USDA, pointing out that issue an authorization for wheat Barden, South Haven; Raymond Cobalt Sulfate .01 .03 through February of this year and let the foreign buyer have Anderson, Chief; Raymond Meek- Salt 0.00 0.00 ley, Cement City and Merlin large hard wheat sales had been some right to decide what class Get Perfect Balancer at your authorized compared to only one of wheat he wants. After all, the Hauch, Watervliet. elevator. Distributed in Mich- authorization g r a n t e d t o soft foreign buyer is spending the Later at a reorganization meet- igan by: wheat. money of his nation for wheat," ing, Hauch was elected Commit- FARM BUREAU Bepresenting Michigan grow- said Smith. "We do not want tee Chairman a n d B a y m o n d SERVICES, INC. ers at the meeting were Elton government to set the prices of Meckley was named Vice Chair- The GELATIN BONE CO. Smith, president of the Michigan our products. W e recognize, man. The P r o c e s s i n g Apple Box 125, Emmett, Michigan Farm Bureau, Clarence Prentice, however, from the practical stand- Committee is responsible for tJie THE QUALITY STEEL POST MFB Secretary Manager, Larry point, that the government can operation of the MACMA apple Now B O N D E R I Z E D F U L L Ewing of the Market-Develop- influence them greatly. All we marketing program. LENGTH. Nationally known non- ment department and Edward ask is that our product is given The new committee adopted a metallic rust inhibitor provides Powell of the Michigan Elevator the consideration it deserves." resolution of commendation to better finish, adherence, appear- Exchange. President S m i t h concluded, retiring chairman, Kenneth Bull, ance. Vastly superior posts. REFLECTIVE CODIT CREST was Bepresenting the Department "We found Dr. Schnittker and Bailey, for "his constant efforts originated in 1958; repeatedly im- of Agriculture at the meeting was his staff attentive to our problems on behalf of Michigan's apple proved. More weather-resistant; under-Secretary, John A. Schnitt- and receptive to our ideas. We, producers and the MACMA pro- brighter at night. Imitated but never ker, — who along with his staff and they, are aware that solving gram since its inception." They equalled by cheap "beads on paint." gave recognition to Bull for his ."UNSET RED ALKYD RESIN ENAMEL explored the problem and as- the problems of soft wheat pro- is double baked; first for enamel, sured the group that their re- ducers is not easy. We shall con- leadership in building the apple- again after crest is applied. You quest would receive every con- tinue to meet with the USDA marketing program in the past buy two Co-op products, paint and sideration. and other groups to improve the two years. enamel. In explaining farmers' concern, income of the producers of soft In other action, Hauch and LARGEST AREA TRIPLE RIVETED Elton Smith said, "Soft wheat wheat." MACMA president, Walter W. ANCHOR PLATE lends stability to Wightman, were nominated to UNILITE rail steel posts. When temperatures go above 80 de- represent Michigan on the Amer- BUY UN1UTES! LOOKING FOR GOOD PRODUCTIVE SHEEP? ican Agricultural Marketing Asso- grees, birds need Pilot Brand Oyster Available throughout Michigan Shell fed free-choice for strong TRY C O R R I E D A L E SHEEP FOR MORE PROFIT. FOR LOCA- ciation's apple advisory marketing FARM BUREAU shelled eggs. TION OF YOUR NEAREST CORRIEDALE BREEDER, CONTACT committee. This committee holds OYSTER SHELL PRODUCTS CO. regular meetings with apple in- SERVICES, INC. Subsidiary of WALTER GOODALL, SECRETARY, M I C H I G A N CORRIEDALE Southern Induitrie* Corporation BREEDERS ASSOCIATION, CASS CITY, M I C H I G A N . dustry leaders from other major Lansing, Michigan MOBILE, ALABAMA producing states. TEN June 1, f$65 MICHIGAN FARM NEWS AGRICULTURE IN ACTION AROUND MICHIGAN ALL IN FUN SUGDEN SPEAKS CONGRATULATIONS M I C H I G A N — has every right to be CITIZENSHIP SEMINAR candidates, Michael M a t u l a a n d Libby Hyer, a r e congrat- proud o f its Farm Bureau Community ulated by Upper Peninsula regional representative, Hugo Kivi, following the N Y L O N S WHILE BLINDFOLDED — a r e b a d enough, but to put them on in a groups, reports MFB Regional M a n , announcement by the Marquette-Alger County Farm Bureau board. Both young hurry while w e a r i n g heavy work gloves is sheer lunacy. Ed G o o d Jr., Nile Ziehm Duane Sugden, before the American people are 16, in their sophomore year a t N e w Marquette High School, a n d a r e a n d Hazen Parker of Huron County's "Lucky 7 5 " Community Group still think Farm Bureau Institute. He cited Tuscola from Farm Bureau families. They will attend the Young People's Citizenship it is a lot of funl county as a prime example. Seminar, July 12-16 a t C a m p Kett. CO-OP CONFERENCE SPEED SKATING CHAMPION M I C H I G A N COOPERATIVES — a n d their structure w a s the topic f o r M a y n a r d Brownlee, M a n a g e r of WORLD SPEED-SKATING C H A M P I O N — Michigan's o w n Terry McDermott o f Bay City, w a s a hit Farm Bureau Services, before Michigan State University Extension Services Marketing staff members a t the annual Dairy Foods program sponsored by the American Dairy Association of Michigan in recently. Brownlee outlined the operations o f cooperatives a n d their roles in helping Michigan cooperation with 4 - H officials a n d the M S U Dairy Department. McDermott confessed he is already farmers solve marketing problems. in training f o r the 1968 Olympic Games. FARM BURE MARKET PLACE SPECIAL RATE TO FARM BUREAU MEMBERS: 25 words for $2.00 each edition. Additional words, 10 cents each. Figures such as 12 or $12.50 count as one word. NON-MEMBER advertisers: 15 cents per word one edition, two or more editions, 10 cents per word. Copy deadline: 20th of the month. AUCTIONS 10 FARMS FOR SALE 14 FOR SALE 20 LIVESTOCK 26 POULTRY MISSOURI AUCTION SCHOOL. Free 326 ACRES HIGH YIELD, well fertilized BUY 1964 CARS FOR ONLY: Chevrolets FEEDING HOGS? Use salt free, high mostly all clay loam soil, Gratiot County. —$995, Fords and Dodges—$895. Ex- analysis Perfect Balancer 8 % phosphate DAY OLD OR STARTED PULLETS— catalog! 1330-50 Linwood, Kansas City, The DeKalk profit pullet. Accepted by* Mo. 64109. (2-Tf-10b) 1 Beautiful model fireproof large home with taxie, good mechanical condition. Get full mineral feed in your hog feed. Mix one carpet, dishwasher, air conditioner, three details and actual photos. Ask about our pound of Perfect Balancer with each 100 the smart poultryman for high egg pro- tenant houses or rentals, three bams, three free delivery bonus. Write or phone Em- lbs. of ground feed. You can eliminate duction, superior egg quality, greater feed 3 OPPORTUNITIES brooderhouses, six sheep or cattle sheds. kay Motor Sales, Dept. 123-F, 180 Ash- bone meal by using Perfect Balancer. Get efficiency. If you keep records, you'll Sell all or will split. Dicker with Decker, land Place, Brooklyn, N. Y. 11217. Tele- Perfect Balancer at vour elevator. The keep DeKalbs. Write for p r i c e s a n d EXCLUSIVE FRANCHISE—Amazing new Realtors, Alma. Phone 463-2176. 75 phone (212) ULster 7-0651. Gelatin Bone Co., Box 125, E m m e t t , catalog. KLAGER HATCHERIES, Bridge- liquid plastic coating used on all types of other farms throughout Michigan. (Gratiot (6-lt-44b) 14 Michigan. (tf-50b) 20 water, Michigan. Telephones: Saline HAzel surfaces interior or exterior. Eliminates County). (6-lt-54p) 10 9-7087, M a n c h e s t e r GArden 8-3034 waxing when applied on Asphalt Tile, (Washtenaw County) (tf-46b) 26 Vinyl, Linoleum, Vinyl Asbestos, Hard 20 LIVESTOCK YOU NEED CORRIEDALES for more Wood, and Furniture. Completely elimi- nates painting when applied to Wood, 14 FOR SALE profit with sheep. Contact Walter Good- all, Secretary, Michigan Corriedale Breed- CAMERON LEGHORNS # 9 2 4 — B E S T Metal, or Concrete surfaces. This finish SOW FEEDING STALLS—C o m p 1 e t e WISCONSIN CO-OP HIGH QUALITY ers Association, Cass City, Michigan, for LEUCOSIS RESISTANCE on Farm and is also recommended for boats and auto- $12.95. Free Literature. Dolly Enter- FEEDER PIGS—uniform, healthy fast- location of breeders nearest to you. Official Test. They live, earn more, cost*' mobiles. No competition—as these are ex- prises, 218 Main, Colchester, 111. growing crossbreeds. Castrated, wormed, (2-9t-26p) 20 less. Baby chicks. Started Pullets. Limited clusive formulas in demand by all busi- ear tagged and vaccinated. Purchase by supply Stone # 5 6 . Free literature. Free nesses, industry and homes. No franchise (5-2t-12p) 14 weight. Approval on delivery and ten delivery. Dirkse Leghorn Farm, Box 169N, fee. Minimum investment—$300. Max- day guarantee. Russell McKarns, R # l , PIGGIE WENT TO MARKET FASTER Zeeland, Michigan (6-lt-36b) 26 imum investment—$7,000. Investment is FOR SALE — Clipper seed cleaner # 1 6 West Unity, Ohio. Phone—924-5361. after an "Iron Shot." Get Armidexan secured by inventory. Factory trained per- with 26 screens, 650 G.P.M. irrigation (12-12t-36p) 20 from your dealer. Write Ray Nystrom, sonnel will help set up your business. For pump and motor like new, Minn. Moline Box 277, Concord, Michigan, for free GHOSTLEY PEARL 63—First in Wiscon- complete details and descriptive literature power portable corn sheller, Rosenthal CATTLE FEEDERS—Feed high analysis literature today. (Jackson County) sin Random Sample Tests 1964, in income write: Chem-Plastics & Paint Corp., 1828 # 8 0 corn husker and shredder. Pine Perfect Balancer 8% phosphate mineral (5-4t-25p) 20 over feed cost, laying house feed con- Locust, St. Louis 3 , Mo. (6-14t-104b) 3 Border Farm, Cedar Springs, Michigan. feed. Feed free choice. Put plain salt in sumption, egg quality, egg weight, mor- (Kent County) (2-6t-35b) 14 one container and Perfect Balancer Min- tality rate. The Total Profit Bird. Day eral in another container. The animal DAIRYMEN—Use Perfect Balancer 8% old or started pullets of all ages. Cali- DOGS knows which one he needs. Get Perfect phosphate mineral feed. Mix one pound fornia Grays, layers of White Eggs. Egg 20 GIANT IRIS—Assorted. $2.00. Black Balancer mineral at your elevator. The of Perfect Balancer to every 100 lbs. of Bred White Rocks. Write for literature SELECTED E N G L I S H S H E P H E R D Iris and Planting Guide Free. Parsons, Gelatin Bone Co., Box 125, E m m e t t , ground feed. You can eliminate bone meal and prices or Phone Area Code 616-68- 1 PUPS from our own working stock dogs 3187 Morganford, St. Louis, Mo. 63116. Michigan. (tf-47b) 20 by using Perfect Balancer. Get Perfect 83381. Village View Farm & Hatchery, —$20.00. B r a d l e y A c r e s , Springport, Balancer at your elevator. The Gelatin Zeeland, Michigan. (6-lt-64b) 26 Michigan. (Jackson County) (5-3t-16p) 14 DAIRYMEN—Cut Vitamin D e f i c i e n c y Bone Co., Box 125, Emmett, Michigan. (9-64-12t-15p) 6 BABY DUCKS AND GEESE—also started using Farm-Med Vitamin Mix, four pounds (tf-40b) 2 0 goslings and ducklings. Schmidt Water- to each ton of feed, increase or maintain KLAGER'S DeKALB PROFIT PULLETS FOR S A L E — R E G I S T E R E D ENGLISH fowl Hatchery, M-84 at 1-75 exit, near —Sixteen weeks and older. The proven SHEPHERDS. Crusader Bloodline. Stock and Watchdogs. Two black and white Howard Johnson's, Route # 4 , Bay City, milk production. Get Farm-Med from your elevator. Write Ray Nystrom. Box 26 POULTRY Hybrid. Raised under ideal conditions by pups, 6 months old, male and female. Michigan. Phone TW 4-4338. (Bay Coun- 277, Concord, Michigan, for free litera- POULTRYMEN—Use P e r f e c t Balancer, experienced poultrymen. Growing birds in- Homer Johnson, Marshall, Michigan. Phone ty) (6-lt-25b) 14 ture. (Jackson County) (5-4t-35p) 20 8 % phosphate mineral feed in your ground spected weekly by trained staff. Birds on full feed, vaccinated, debeaked, true to 781-7035. Calhoun County). feed. Eliminate soft shelled eggs. Mix 3 age, and delivered in clean coop>. See (6-lt-25p) 6 THERE IS A PARTY—When you play the FOR SALE—Complete herd of 30 Holstein lbs. per 100 lbs. feed. The Gelatin Bone theml We have a grower near you. Birds Guitar, Uke or Bongos. Buy them direct cows, Milk 11914, Fat 4 4 6 # , also 600 Co., Box 125, Emmett, Michigan. raised on Farm Bureau feed. KLAGER and save. Send for our free brochure of gallon Majonnier bulk tank, three unit (tf-25b) 26 HATCHERIES, Bridgewater, M i c h i g a n . 8 FARM EQUIPMENT specials. Wonderland Musical Instrument Surge parlor milker and stainless pipeline, Telephones: Saline, HAzel 9-7087, Man- Co., Box 621MN, Detroit, Michigan. SP 22 Surge pump—equipment 3 years chester G A r d e n 8-3034. (Washtenaw "BIDWELL" BEAN THRESHER with re- old. Roy Kelso, 5 miles west, 3*4 north, FLASH! FLASH! Shaver Starcross 288 County) cleaner in good working condition. $150.00 (6-lt-32p) 14 (tf-72b) 26 Gaylord, Michigan. Phone Elmira 546- top ranked white egg layer by U.S.D.A. takes it. Also, Judson bean picker for 2673 (Otsego County). (6-lt-48p) 14 Summaries of contests, complete started $100.00. Can be seen at 1500 Airport FOR SALE—250 gal. stainless steel Solar pullet program 95% on o w n f a r m s . Road, Lansing, Michigan. Phone 882-3421 (Ingham County) (5-2t-29p) 8 Bulk Milk Tank. Leon Place, 10693 Hts. FOR SALE—top herd of pure-bred Hol- Visitors welcome see environment con- housing. Blue Diamond White 34 WANTED Ravenna Rd., Ravenna, Michigan. Phone stein cows (20). Mostly daughters of Wis. trolled FOR SALE—Ford 530 Baler (new), never UL 3-2431. (Muskegon County). Maestro. Ray Peters, 3 miles S.E. of Elsie Hatchery, r Ionia, Rocks. F e e l i t e r a t u r e . MacPherson Michigan. Phone 616 A T T E N T I O N F A R M E R S — G e t good been used. Best offer. Carl J. Lesser, Dex- (6-lt-19p) 14 on Riley Road. (Shiawassee County). 527-0860. (Ionia County) (6-lt-24p) 20 money for your old live cows and horses, ter, Michigan. Phone 313 HA 6-9760. (5-2t-41p) 26 "up or down," we pay $10—$50. We (Washtenaw County). (6-lt-18p) 8 SHELLED PECANS, BLACK WALNUTS, feed to mink only. You are safe when English Walnuts, F i l b e r t s , Brazils, Al- FOR SALE—25 large Holstein Heifers, you sell to Fur Farms Food, Inc., Rich- FARROWING CRATES—with creep pan- monds, Cashews, Pepper, Cinnamon, Sas- bred November, vaccinated, 1100 lbs, de- CALIFORNIA GRAYS High Production mond, Michigan. We pick up everyday iti-" els $22.95. Free literature. Dolly Enter- safras $1.25#. Dried Mushrooms $3.00# horned from good herd—$235.00. Edward of Large White Eggs. Special prices. Write all counties east of M-27 and 127. We prises, 219 Main, Colchester, 111. Peerless, 5 3 8 M N Centralpark, Chicago Tanis, Jenison, Michigan. Phone MO 9- Village View Farm & Hatchery, Zeeland, also pay for your phone call to: 727-9765. (6-2t-14p) 8 60624. (6-2t-21p) 14 9226. (Ottawa County). (6-2t-21p) 20 Michigan. (6-lt-18b) 26 (Macomb County) (3-65-tf-58p) 34 MICHIGAN FARM NEWS June 1, 1965 ELEVEN PREPARED BY THE EDUCATION AND RESEARCH DEPARTMENT MICHIGAN FARM BUREAU Local Governments, - and Their Future Changes Coming! On Our Doorstep! Take a look at me! Fm your County Government. Many states have been deeply stirred by the Within a couple of years I am scheduled for a face- Court's ruling. It has been bitterly debated lifting operation. After that you may not recognize both in Congress and in state legislatures. my old features. They will be remolded in a number Twenty-two state legislatures have passed reso- of ways. In many local areas the operation may be lutions asking Congress to call a national Con- painful. stitutional Convention. The object is to draft In some counties the change can be quite com- an amendment permitting states to apportion plete — in others, less so. That can depend on how their legislature according to the decision of the much change has taken place in the communities of people — with one house on the basis of some the county. Some counties have grown into wide- other factor than population. It would take spreading urban centers. These will see broad action by thirty-four states to require the changes in government make-up. But all counties calling of such a convention. will have some upset of their government applecart, It is interesting to note that Michigan's al- without doubt. ready revamped legislature has asked Congress These counties that grew into highly urbanized to pay no attention to the resolutions of other centers had problems. Community developments states bearing on this question. But if thirty- did not take any recognition of township lines. Urban only local unit of government. Township govern- four states made the demand, it would be un- communities overflowed township borders and even ments would be dissolved, except as geographic constitutional, in itself, for Congress to disre- overflowed into more than one township, in some areas of a county. Some old township names might gard their demand. Are we no longer a nation cases. hang on. governed by a Constitution? When the new c o n s t i t u t i o n was drafted, these These two bills (S 112 and S 353) are very much This decision has moved right onto your problems were recognized. The new document pro- alike in content. One important difference exists front doorstep. In September of 1964, Judge vided that a county may, if the voters approve, between them. S 353 (the County Officers' bill) Fred N. Searle, of the Circuit Court of Kent adopt a county "Home Rule Charter" form of gov- would require that members" of the county's legisla- County, Michigan, ruled that the U.S. Court's ernment. Such a charter would put the county on tive body must be elected from districts containing decision applies to representation on the County a similar footing to a city, with many of the same "as nearly as possible, an equal number of people." Board of Supervisors. In other words, each powers and privileges. It could even be true that That idea has become contagious, as we shall see. supervisor must represent about the same more than one county could join to form a single S 112 (drafted by Wayne County interests) would number of people and counties must be redis- county, if the people voted for such a merger. allow a charter county to elect its legislative officers tricted for this purpose. Let it be clear that no county is forced to adopt either by districts of equal population — or on an Judge Searle warned that if the Michigan a Home Rule charter. Some people seem to have at-large basis. The voters could decide which way Legislature did not act to change the laws to gotten that mistaken idea. A charter county would it would be done. It sounds very "democratic" until conform to the ruling, he would act on his own. have to be approved by a majority vote of the you look at it closely. Where's the catch? This implies a supreme power both over the electors of the county. It is quite clear that the cities and suburbs could people and over the Legislature. But even where they might approve it, it could control a majority of the votes to decide which way The Legislature is not in a position to do not begin operating under a charter — yet. The it would be done. Having decided that the election this work in the 1965 session. It is already necessary foundation of laws has not yet been passed should be at-large, they could then, by majority buried under 1681 bills and 48 joint resolutions. by the Legislature. The constitution says that coun- vote, assure that every member of the county legis- It cannot work with its usual dispatch, with ties may operate as charter units of government "as lative body came from the city. a large percentage of the seats being occupied provided by the laws of the state." Laws are needed Quite clearly, the establishment of electing dis- by "freshmen" lawmakers who are not familiar to establish the rights of such governments to levy tricts would be more considerate of the people in with the "ropes" of procedure. taxes, elect their officials and pass local ordinances, all areas of a county, since each area would then Some legislators say that it is absolutely etc. So, the "Green Light" for Home Rule counties be assured of some representation in the county's necessary to ask Judge Searle to wait, at least still waits on the action of the Legislature. governing body. until the 1966 session. A resolution is being Two bills have reached committee in the Legis- Now the question comes up — how is any face- proposed to request such a delay of action. lature to provide this basis of law. Under both of lifting going to happen in counties that do hot be- This resolution proposes that an interim study these bills, the charter county would become the come charter governments? This puts the important committee go to work on the complex body finger on another development that hits at their of law involved in the problem and to continue future. work during the 1965 session. Changes would As of now, it develops that a federal government be introduced in the session of 1966. ruling is reaching down into the citizen's front yard. This makes it clear that, if all these decisions Much ado has been made over the ruling of die U.S. stick, no county will escape a face-lifting of its Supreme Court of June 15, 1964 — and rightly. This government. The national and state issue has ruling would compel all states to reapportion both become a local issue. houses of their legislatures "as nearly as possible" to provide an equal number of people in both their state senatorial and representative districts. The Supreme Court took the position that its rul- ing was supreme over any vote of the people to apportion its legislature on any other basis. After For Discussion the Court's decision, voters in Colorado approved 1. What should our group members include in let- an apportionment of their Senate on an area basis. ters to our Congressmen asking for a national Con- The Court declared the vote to be "off base" — stitutional Convention to assure the people the right unconstitutional in its power to decide such a matter. to apportion their state and local governments ac- So, in our time, the people can no longer decide cording to the descisions of the people rather than on the makeup of their state governments. All this of the Courts? makes it appear that state governments have been 2. Should our group members encourage our state operating illegally ever since the constitution was representatives and senators to request a delay of adopted 175 years ago! The Court disregarded 175 action in the ruling to apportion our County Boards years of interpretation contrary to its decision. of Supervisors by population districts? TWELVE June 1, 1965 MICHIGAN FARM NEWS x i/vUkuamii/di IU'SJUKANCI Hell Make Sure Its Right Farm Bureau Agent Dave Adams is shown above with Jan and Nellie Lou Vosburg of R.R. # 1 , Climax — reviewing their insurance program to make sure it satisfies the family's ever-changing needs. Your insurance needs are probably changing too. The program that was right for you and your family one year ago may be outdated today. But don't worry. Your Farm Bureau In- surance agent is going to review your policies — to make sure they're right for you! Matter of fact, all Life, Farmowners, and Auto contracts are being reviewed during 1965. Perhaps your agent has already contacted you. If not yet, he will before your next renewal date. Are your present insurance coverages, classifications, and options "in line" with your present needs and family circumstances? Your Farm Bureau agent will help you answer this and other questions. This company-wide review of all Life, Farmowner, and Auto contracts is just another service provided for Farm Bureau Insurance policyholders. There's no obligation, no cost. We're do- ing it to make sure your insurance protection is just what you would expect — the best your money can buy. Farm Bureau INSURANCE Group Farm Bureau Mutual - Farm Bureau Life • Community Service, LANSING