~'f ~1l.MICHIGAN I FARM NEWS PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY MICHIGAN FARM BUREAU VOL. 43, NO.9 SEPTEMBER 1, 1965 r, , l~ r w MICHIGAN SOYBEANS-AMONG THE BEST IN THE NATION HAVE BECOME A FAST-MOVING CROP IN INTERNATIONAL TRADE THE VERSATILESOYBEAN - Michigan's fastest expanding crop. Of THEMICHIGAN ELEVATOREXCHANGE - Michigan's enterprising big all states, Michigan has the highest per cent of soybean acreage- grain and bean cooperative, handled an estimated one-fourth of last increase over the previous year. Not grown in commercial quantities year's marketed soybeans in Michigan and looks forward to moving until about 1924, it is expected that this year's drought-reduced crop further into the market through new port terminal facilities on the will still reach last year's 8 million bushels. Says have grown into the Saginaw River. There M.E.E. has a direct outlet to rapidly expanding third most valuable U. S. farm crop and the maior one without govern- markets through the St. Lawrence Seaway. Although a maiority of " ment acreage controls or price-depressing surplus. Increasing amounts Michigan's soybeans now move into domestic markets, the Elevator are used for food, printing inks, paints and varnishes, gasoline addi- Exchange anticipates that a larger portion of future market-expansion tives and plastics. lies overseas, in European countries. Special Meeting Tax Balance! Citizenship Seminar Discussion Topic ON THE INSIDE: Report ... Page 3 Pages 4 and 5 Page 11 Page 14 TWO September 1, 1965 MICHIGAN FARM NEWS ~dito:rial President's Column Men and Money . • • Volunteer Leadership Farm Bureau in Michigan has ;ust gone Chore time is usually "thinkin' time:' I go through a period of healthy discussion. The about my routine jobs with ideas running organization cannot help but profit from it. through my head. Lots of farmers do, I'm sure. With a dOllble job on my hands of running the What is the future for agriculture in our farm and being Farm Bureau president, there's state? What is the future for Farm Bureau? plenty to think about. It forces me to be a What kinds of programs do we need and better manager these days. how will we finance them? The results of this Why did I accept this job as president? I discussion are printed in detail on the ad- asked myself that question while feeding the joining page .... Guernseys. One thing was sure. I was asked Once when asked his opinion of what people to take it. It seemed like an awfully big re- were saying about his "Tin Lizzy" cars, Henry sponsibility, but I couldn't back away from it. Ford is reported to have replied that he didn't I knew it wouldn't be a ticket for a ride on easy care what people said about them as long as street. they talked about them. Then I also knew that Farm Bureau was In a way, this is true of Farm Bureau. An going to be a mighty important thing in the organization is in real danger when people coming years. So many things are challenging no longer care, when no one is sufficiently farmers these days that farmers will fust have stirred to have an opinion, when questions of to have a strong and aggressive organization to importance are answered with a yawn. tackle them. And the problems and needs of No one can say that about Farm Bureau, farmers will increase - not grow less. or about the matter of an expanded program I got to thinking about what it will take to and increased dues. The voting delegates gave make and keep Fann Bureau a real farmers' their unqualified endorsement to both, and organization. It hit me strongest that we have, it is to their credit that they did so only after to be sure that the leadership in Fann Bureau examining the issue from all sides. comes from real farmers - men and women To many, it was not an easy decision to who are working farms to earn the mainstay of make. At the heart of the problem was the old question of balance between physical and financial strength. To some - "strength" in Bogus Bargain their family living. \Ve have to ask ourselves the simple question, "If real farmers don't take the lead in our or- Farm Bureau is mainly a matter of member- By: Dan E. Reed ganization, who will?" There are two or three ship numbers. The more Fann Bureau mem- answers - non-farmers, hobby farmers or may- The "Emergency" Feed Grain Program pushed through be nobody. If we don't get real farm leader- bers, obviously, the more strength. To others, finance is the key. They point Congress in 1961 has proved to be a bogus bargain, cost- ing the government about $6 per bushel for each bushel ship, agriculture is in trouble because we will , .. to a dwindling list of potential fann-members leave our "show" for everybody else to run. of reduction in grain-surplus carryover. Government, business and labor are all bidding and it becomes equally obvious to them that Such is shown in the report of Senator Allen Ellender fewer fanners must put in more money to tor the position of being the leader of agri- (D-Louisiana), Chainnan of the Senate Agriculture Com- culture. operate the same programs, leaving unanswered mittee. the question of any program expansion. As Farm Bureau members, we ought to get The Feed Grain Program has proven costly and in- deeply serious about picking our leaders. Mem- Now that the issue has been decided, it is effective because it seeks to control production by re- bers are always wanting their organization to not improper to examine both these assump- ducing acreage. Acreage is only one factor of production. "go places and do things." And they should be tions, and in doing so, it becomes apparent Reduced acreage allotments have led to greater use of that while both are right, neither alone is the anxious for it to be efficient and succesful in fertilizer, which has resulted in production increases. meeting the needs of people on the fann- answer. An actual example of increased costs under the Feed tackling the problems of agriculture. No or- An organization that is built on finance alone Grain Program is provided by these actual figures cover- ganization can do this without alert and is a straw tiger. One built on long lists of ing a small fann in "Vayne County. "Vith 64 tillable aggressive leadership .. easily secured names is no more substantial. acres, the farm was put under contract in the Conservation Where else can you find men and women like Members or finances of themselves are not Reserve. The total payment, with 64 acres retired, was that except with those who have made a suc- enough. Together, in proper balance, these two $1,146. After the contract terminated, the farm was put cess of their own farm operation? A man who forces provide a powerhouse of strength. Farm under the Feed Grain Program. The diversion payment can't run a small show and run it well can't Bureau is strong because members and leaders under the Feed Grain Program, with 25 acres retired, be expected to do a better job of running a have recognized the need for this delicate was $1,216, leaving 39 acres available for soil depleting big one. And we certainly don't need leaders balance between physical and financial strength. crops under the Feed Grain Program; this includes an who simply drag their heels when situations Farm Bureau is strong because farmers join 18-acre corn allotment. This type of program would be call tor action. "knowingly" in full realization that they ARE continued under the Administration-supported H.R. 9811. Members ought to spend plenty of time and members and what this means. Conscious pay- The Administration's "omnibus" bill has been put to- thought and effort to get the best farmers in ment of substantial dues helps to make them gether to include "something for everyone." It provides our communities into leadership positions in aware of this fact. a four-year program for dairy, wool, feed grains, cotton agriculture and Farm Bureau. So often I see Farmers are surrounded by examples of and wheat, with the added cropland adjustment program. our members going about this in the wrong way. "paper" organizations deficient in both money Defeat of H.R. 9811 would permit consideration by When a leadership position opens up, folks be- and manpower. Some are well financed by Congress of the Farm Bureau program, including a sound gin to ask, "Who'll take it?" money easily gained through checkoffs from and effective cropland adjustment program. Bills carrying That's a negative approach for sure, when commercial ventures. Others are built from the Farm Bureau proposal have been introduced by more we ought to be asking, "Who is the best pos- "the top down" and have excellent organiza- than 40 members of the House and Senate, including sible man for the job in our community and tional stnlctures on the surface but without distinguished members of both parties. Former Secretary county - a.nd how can we get him to take it?" tnle membership foundations. of Agriculture Clinton Anderson (D-New Mexico) has ~, I see it this way. A dairyman like myself Money alone is a poor lobby. It talks, but been one of the strong supporters of the Farm Bureau can't upgrade his herd by keeping any cow not as loud as some might think, and some- program. just because she gives milk. He has to pick the times it says wrong things. It can "buy" people Farm legislation should be considered on its own merits cows that can and do produce the most. It's the to speak with its voice, but the voice is weak, and should not be made a pawn in a vote trade. same with choosing our leaders to bring more for money alone is weakness. effective action in Fann Bureau. If Farm Bureau had to ,pay for all of the Real leadership positions should not be filled ~. things that must be done by volunteers, no just to honor some member for long service. It sum of money, no matter how large, would be MICHIGAN "FARM NEWS mayor may not fit the man for the ;ob. And enough. hI embership dues could be $500 or TH!: ACTION PUBLICATION O~ TH!: MICHIGAN ~ARM BURI!AU leadership is not simply a pose. The job doesn't $1,000 per year and still the ;ob would not The MICHIGAN FARM NEWS is DmECToRs: District I, Max K. published monthly. on the first day. Hood, Paw Paw, R-l j District 2, Wil- go by mere guesswork, when it is done right. get done. by the Michiltan Fann Bureau, at its bur H. Smith, Burlington, R-l; District Problems and situations are constantly coming publication office at 109 N. Lafayette 3, Donald L. RuhliK, Dexter; Dis- Money can ann and stimulate. It can open Street, Greenville, MichiJl:an. trict 4, E I ton R. Smith, Caledonia, up that demand a lot of study, a close look at Editorial and Iteneral offices at 4000 R-l; District 5, David Morris, Grand markets, it can build cooperatives, and the North Grand River Avenue, LansinJl:, LedKe, R-3; District 6, Ward G. Hodjte, many facts that require a lot of careful analyz- Snover, R-l; District 7, Kenneth Bull, tools of communication. It can mean repre- MichiJl:an. Post Office Box 960. Tele- phone, Lansing, 485-8121, Extension Bailey, R-l; District 8, Harvey Leuen- ing to help you make the right decisions. sentation in Lansing and Washington. 317. berKer, Saginaw, R-6; District Eujtene Roberts, Lake City, R-l; Dis- 9, As a leader, it is up to you to see that Farm Established January 12, 1923. Sec- hI embership and Money - and in proper ond Class Postage paid at Greenville, trict 10, Edgar Diamond, Alpena, R- Bureau doesn't take a wrong fork in the road. 2; District 11, Edmund Sager, balance - is the organizational answer. V 01- Michigan. Stephenson. You have to decide where the right road leads, EDITORIAL: Editor, Melvin L. untary membership with initiative and loyalty Woell; Staff Photographer, Charles DmECTORS AT LARGE: Walter and how you can get Fann Bureau to make the Bailey; Staff Artist, Sam Bass. Women's Frahm, Frankenmuth: Dean Pridlteon, which money cannot buy, backed with finances Material, Mrs. Donna Wilber. Montgomery, R-l; Walter Wightman, best progress possible. Believe me, leadership Fennville. R-l. as a tool to extend the work and brainpower of OFFICERS: Michi~an reau; President. Elton R. Smith, Cale- Fann Bu- WOMEN OF FARM BUREAU: Mrs. is no "snap job." busy people who have farming to do, ... the donia, R-l; Vice President, Dean William Scramlin, Holly; FARM BU- I think that finding and putting real leader- Pridjteon, Montgomery, R-l; Secretary- REAU YOUNG PEOPLE: Raymond kind of people who believe in Farm Bureau Manager, Clarence E. Prentice, Okemos. Kucharek, Gaylord. ship to work is one of the most important keys and who are willing to guide and direct their POSTMASTER: In using form 3579, mail to: Michigan Farm News, 4000 N. to a successful Farm Bureau future. Let's all organization in its fulfillment of their business. Grand River, lansing, Michigan. work harder at shaping this key. Second class postage paid at Greenville, Michigan M.W. Elton Smith d'1l= ' .... MICHIGAN FARM NEWS September 1, 1965 THREE EXPANDED PROGRAM APPROVED What the Delegates Said: -BY VOTING-DELEGATE BODY It may have been significant that the person who made the motion later approved by the Voting Delegate Body of the Michigan Farm Bureau at the August 16 Special Meeting, was one of Michigan's most enterprising young farmers. Robert Zeeb (32) of Bath - Clinton county, who in 1963 was selected as Michigan's most Outstanding Young .~ Farmer by the Junior Chamber of Commerce; presented the key motion in these words: "I move that the pro- gram of the Michigan Farm Bureau be expanded as recommended by the Board of Directors, and that dues be raised from $12 to $20 - with $5 of the increase to go to the Michigan Farm Bureau, and $3 to the counties. "I further move that the bylaws of the Michigan Farm Bureau be amended to reflect this change." It was this motion which the Delegate Body approved after considering a number of alternatives, including an amendment for $16 dues and one for dues of $25. The final roll-call vote, taken county-by-county, found THE DELEGATE BODY AND GUESTS - nearly 1,000 strong, as seen from the stage of Michigan State University auditorium, 449 of the 630 delegates who voted on the action, casting display their county banners. In the foreground are members of the Michigan Farm Bureau Board of Directors. The picture "yes" ballots for the expanded program and the increase was taken as the group awaited the outcome of a roll-call vote on an expanded program and new finances. in dues. r • With an incredibly high attendance of 663 accredited dele- next year and $34,000 more than gates present out of a possible 682, the Special Session of the we now pay in 1968 ... " Michigan Farm Bureau was called to order by president Elton In concluding his remarks, Smith, Monday, August 16. Pridgeon said that the Board of Directors of the Michigan Farm The fact that only 19 seats were vacant during the height Bureau has recommended an ex- of summertime work, is an indication of the importance county panded 'Farm Bureau program in Farm Bureau leaders placed on the meeting, which came as the counties, and through them the climax of a long series of district and county "Farm Bureau in the Michigan Farm Bureau, of the Future" meetings. "to meet the needs of today's .The issue before the group and and "Third-Member" David highly efficient, fast-changing ag- the reason for the special-called Morris. Both men spoke to the riculture. " meeting was a Board recommen- delegate body, Morris discussing "To finance these expanded dation for "intensified and ex- the future of agriculture, as pre- programs, the Board calls for an panded program to meet present dicted by University studies, and adjustment in membership dues and futl re needs" and a change Pridgeon outlining the present to $20 - with three of these ad- in the inance" section of the and projected financial conditions ditional dollars to remain in the bylaws ,vhich would increase of both county and state Farm county Farm Bureau .• :' he membership dues from $12 to Bureaus. said. $20 Y' .;.~y. Morris said that "Project '80" At this point the meeting was studies show that only one-half declared open to delegate action, In '" - .'pening remarks, Smith the farms operating in 1959 will with Robert Zeeb, Clinton county, said tl at the meeting came as the be in existence in 1980. The moving that the Board recom- climax to a very great deal of decline will be mainly in farms mendation be accepted and the work, sLUdyand self-examination. grossing less than $10,000 in bylaws of the Michigan Farm "For many months we have been sales. "Farm size will be .up Bureau amended to reflect the concerned about Farm Bureau's 50 % and marketing costs will dues change. (See "What the future and how our organization increase 1Ih times," he said. "Net Delegates Said" in an adjoining can continue to meet present farm income will be up over column.) challenges while still preparing 50%." Although there was consider- for new demands to be made on able debate on the question, and THE "TELLERCOMMITTEE" - «standing) Robert Reece, Clinton county, Wm. Hazen- it." Pridgeon noted that one major a roll-call vote' taken on an bank, Mason county and Carl Heisler, Calhoun, certify the tally of delegate votes Smith stated that most fanners new cost for which Fann Bureau amendment to set dues at the are on the crucial question of further expansion of Farm Bureau's program. Seated will pay "just about anything to leaders must plan is the increase machine operators Carl Kentner and Allegra Clark. $16 mark, the amendment lost by get what they want." He said in American Fann Bureau Feder- a wide margin as did another th¥ $20 or $25 per year is "not ation dues. At the last annual the problem some think it is, if it is hitched to the kind of Fann Bureau that fanners say they meeting in Philadelphia, Pridgeon explained, the voting delegates approved a bylaw change to raise amendment to set dues at $25 per year. Without pause for noon-time lunch, the delegates continued to "Mr. Average" Delegate want." the present $1 per-member dues work until an hour later, when The "average" voting delegate taking part in the special At the close of his remarks, to $1.25 in the coming year and another roll-call vote showed the session of the Michigan Farm Bureau is a man, a farm owner Smith called upon two other to $1.50 in 1968. proposal for an expanded program - fifty years of age, who drove 110 miles to come to the members of the Michigan Farm "This will mean that based on and $20 yearly dues effective in meeting. Bureau Executive Committee, present membership, we will have 1966, had passed by a majority According to preliminary tabulations of delegate "profile" Vice-President Dean Pridgeon, to pay about another $17,000 of 71 % of all votes cast. sheets filled out at the meeting, this average delegate has finished high school, but has not attended college. He fanns 220 acres, and has gross sales in the $10,000 to $30,000 bracket. He is active in both his church and his local political party. This "typical" delegate is vastly concerned about legislative problems and he feels that much more work needs to be done in this area. He is upset about present market trends ., I and feels that his farm organization must represent him more fully in the marketplace . This "Mr. Average" lists "public information" as another area of chief concern and places this ahead of many of his local problems. He is greatly concerned about the farming future and about farm young people. He wants them to have ad- vantages of citizenship training and to be considered more in Farm Bureau programming and planning. Although there is no such thing as an "average" voting dele- gate, the Executive Committee of the Michigan Fann Bureau felt that the special delegate session was of sufficient historic interest to attempt compiling a composite picture of the dele- gate body. Although only partially tabulated as the FARM NEWS went to press, the sheets which each person filled in, show wide variation between farm size and farmer-income. Farms listed ., were as small as under 20 acres (truck crops) and as large as A PART OF TUSCOLA'S DELEGATION - (from left) Mr. and Mrs. Clare Carpenter, Mr. and Mrs. Ford Boyne and Rinard Knob- let, listen intently as Michigan Farm Bureau president, Elton Smith, outlines alternatives which farm leaders face in the near 1,000 acres. Cross sales ranged from below $5,000 to between future in building and maintaining their organization. $50,000 and $100,000 yearly. FOUR September 1, 1965 MICHIGAN FARM NEWS OUR TAX OBJECTIVE c:apitol - PROPERTY RELIEF Of all groups, farmers have the best case for demanding tax reform. Farm Bureau delegates have asked that taxes be made '~ report more equitable for farm people. The tax burden is heavily stacked against farmers. Michigan's tax "take" represents about 10% of total personal incomes. But farmers are paying more than this in property taxes, alone- plus other taxes as well. Foremost among the moves sought by Farm Bureau is the "': substantial relief from taxes on real property and the repeal or substantial reduction of personal property taxes. ENERGETIC CHAIRMAN Farm Bureau delegates have called for the repeal of the Rep. Starr is one of the "first business activities tax and the intangibles tax. They ask for termers" in the House serving the improvement of the methods of assessment and equalization 57th district in the city of Lan- of tax burdens. They favor the assessment and taxation of new sing. He is rapidly emerging as property during the year in which it is built. " a dedicated and courageous pub- lic servant. He is young (34) and They ask for greater equalization in the distribution of state- a practicing lawyer. He also aid funds for schools. served three years in the Attorney They would approve a state-wide, flat rate income tax on General's office. net incomes if such taxes were used definitely to lower taxes He has shown responsible on property. Communities should not find it necessary to ex- leadership in the effort to modern- ceed the constitutional tax limitation .. ~, ize Michigan's tax structure by developing the "Starr Fiscal Re- Local governments should be allowed new sources of tax • form Program" which provides for revenue, other than property. Taxes on incomes might be used. reduction of property taxes with But, if so, the counties should have priority in their use. The particular consideration for farm cities should not be allowed to establish a monopoly over this personal property. form of tax, as many of them have moved to do. In addition to the important Taxation Committee, he is a mem- Farm Bureau delegates protest the practice where cities are ber of the Judiciary and City allowed to impose income taxes on people living outside their Corporations committees and is limits. Such taxing fails to consider that these non-residents.- REP. JAMES H. STARR (D., lansing), Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Tax Reform, conducted the tax hearings held in lansing, Flint, Pontiac, Port Huron, Chairman of the Capitol and Pub- have the tax burden of their own communities to support. City'~' Saginaw, Grand Rapids and Muskegon. lic Buildings Committee. income taxes mean double taxation for them. TAX HEARINGS! Farm Bureau Was There! A subcommittee of the House Taxation Committee headed come not to mention all the other State Farm Bureau director a "no-man's land" tdat is "idle by Representative Starr, D., Lansing, has held recent hearings taxes paid by farmers. Harvey IJe fl en b erg e r, Andrew and weed covered." He said that-".- in Lansing, Flint, Pontiac, Port Huron, Saginaw, Grand Rapids Five County Farm Bureau lead- Oldeck, Arthur Burridge, Elmer "wages in industry (ontinue to and Muskegon. ers testified at the Pontiac meet- Frahm, and William Hogan rep- rise, yet those with increasing ing. One speaker representing resented Farm Bureau at the Sag- incomes are paying less of the Farm Bureau Legislative Counsel, Bob Smith was present inaw hearing. Director Leuen- cost of schools and other services another organization said that the and testified at each hearing. As usual, Farm Bureau was the average man in Oakland county berger told the committee of the in relation to their income." only organization to speak for farmers. Many County Farm now earns $8,000 and pays $200 tax impact on farmers in that He said that "we are not op- Bureau leaders took time from their fanning operations to at- in county and school taxes. area. He said that taxes average posed to paying taxes but we be- tend and testify. After hearing this, Elroy Scott, $7.00 to $10.00 per acre and lieve every citizen expects to The hearings began with a two- out that as a farmer, his added President, Oakland county Farm were bound to go higher because support schools and other govern- \ day hearing in Lansing. Smith tax would be $300. Bureau, said that he "would like of the increased services, such as ment services through a fair and \:: appeared both days and ex- At the Flint hearing, nationally to be that average man." He schools, required by the rapid equitable tax structure." plained in detail Farm Bureau's recognized .tax expert, Dr. Har- said his income was $3,000 with residential development outside In Muskegon, Neil Mohr and tax reform program. Ingham vey Brazer, called the Michigan a $900 property tax! Paul Frie- of the city. Dick Kerinedy spoke for the Ot- county Farm Bureau member and tax structure "one of the worst in denstab testified that "in the last He said that some of the best tawa county Farm Bureau. They leader, George Fogle, testified on the country." He said that while few years, the property tax on his land in the U.S. is rapidly dis- told of the special study Ottawa the practical tax problems facing the property tax has reached its 114 acre farm had risen 150%. appearing. He pointed out that county Farm Bureau has made farmers. He told of his experi- limit "property tax relief is very .School taxes are up 320 % and his the time may not be far distant on the tax structure and said that ence at a school meeting which complex to attain." He said that income down 40 % ." when the loss of this food pro- that county is in a "squeeze" be-"\, was considering another tax in- all Michigan taxes were presently duction may be needed by our tween two metropolitan areas. Allen Rush, Macomb county, crease. One member of the com- taking an average of 7 % of fam- expanding population. It was heartening to note that and former State Farm Bureau mittee could see no reason why ily income. Bob Smith pointed In Grand Rapids, Gerald Wal- all these county leaders were will- director, gave a detailed explan- it should not be passed because out in his testimony that the deck, Kent county Farm Bureau ing to take valuable time from ation of Farm Bureau's tax pro- "after all, it would only cost him property tax alone is taking an President said that in some areas the harvest of their crops to pre- gram including the particularly $30.00 a year" but, George pointed average of 14.5% of farmers in- taxes have become so high that sent the views of Farm Bureau serious tax problems of farmers farmers have moved out and left members. living near metropolitan areas such as assessment of land at its potential value rather than at its agricultural value and other prob- lems created by rapidly increasing population due to urbanization. The board of directors of the Michigan Farm Bureau Mr. and Mrs. O. F. Foster were has praised Michigan Legislators who agreed to return present and Mrs. Foster testified to Lansing for a Fall Session devoted primarily to tax on problems of education and the reform. tax load carried by property. In a Board Statement they wrote: '.'Ve believe it both In Port Huron, St. Clair cOtmty wise and essential that taxation committees give proper Farm Bureau President, Merle interim study to the many tax reform measures introduced Hazelton, along with Robert Wil- during the session. Only in this manner can a responsible son and William Dobbyn, gave program be developed." further testimony on the need for tax reform now with particular Elsewhere in their statement they say: "Progress and relief for real and personal prop- fiscal solvency cannot continue under Michigan's present erty. antiquated tax structure. Local government, especially, At this meeting Bob Smith read can no longer survive and flourish by depending on a into the record a letter from single source of revenue - the property tax. Farm Bureau member Reid Sisson "Farmers in particular, find themselves in the unenvi- of Lapeer county in which he able position of paying a greater portion of their income stated that "in that county farm- on property tax than most other groups pay on all state ers pay approximately 43% of and local taxes combined. the taxes but they make up only 20% of the population and re- "", e call attention to the fact that no end is in sight ceive about 15% of the income," for the continued rise of real and personal property tax- Bob Wilson said "net income is to- ation .... " the farm leaders concluded. a more equitable tax base than KENT.C?UNTY F~RM BUREAU President and dairy farmer, Gerald Waldeck. leaves the. CIVIC Ce~te~ In Grand Rapids where he told lawmakers that "Farmers with net worth," no Increase In Income, pay ever increasing shares of governmental costs." MICHIGAN FARM NEWS September 1, 1965 THE GOAL: TA'X BALANCE! 43!J{'0 .' / I I .' Sweat and Tears J .I 22% PROPERTY I I I I I OVER TAXES .' lAX I SALES I I FARMERS FIGHT CONSTANT BATTLE BURDEN I I I I ~\.\. A fight to rid farmers of a crushing burden of property taxes was an early event in Farm Bureau history. The I I I TAX I I 01\\H\'3 fight in 1923, bitterly pursued, brought the gasoline tax to replace the farm taxes on roads and highways which threatened to confiscate many Michigan farms. I I I i In 1933, the growing burden on property was relieved I by the sales tax and the 15 mill limit on property tax. I .' With that relief accomplished, taxes were bearable on farm property for awhile. But by the early 195Os, urban LET'SBALANCE expansions brought rising demands for community facili- ties and services. Farms in the districtsand surrounding THE TAX DOLLAR! townships again knew the pinch of rising property taxes. What do Farm Bureau mem- The Conlin Tax Study of 1958 showed that taxes were going ba.dly out of balance - and against farm property ., bers mean when they say: "our tax structure is out of ~balance" owners. Farm Bureau resolutions each year called for ... "too great a share of the tax reform to bring about a more equitable distribution tax dollar is loaded on property" of tax burdens among the taxpayers of Michigan com- ... "farmers pay an unfair por- munities. tion of theirincomes on property taxes" ... "unlike a century ago By 1962, property taxes generally had reached the point property n a Ion g e r represents where they represented 47 per cent of all state and local abilityto pay"? tax revenues. School taxes had multiplied nearly five Perhaps a simple example will times since 1948. illustrate the kind of inequities And farmers. were getting the heaviest shock of the that exist in Michigan's tax struc- burden. Each year saw more and more of the net income ture. from the farm being eaten away by property taxes. In Assume two individuals,Mr. A 1950, such taxes took only 4.9% of farmers' incomes. By and Mr. B, have $50,000 to in- 1961, it was 12.3%. By 1964, it was 13.3% of net incomes vest. Mr. A invests his $50,000 in interestbearing stock yielding OTTAWA FARM BUREAU leader Cornelius Mohr testified in Muskegon "Repeal from Michigan farms. But if the taxes on farm personal 5% a year or $2,500. Under business activitiesand farm personal taxes." "Give substantial tax relief to real property are added, this figure becomes a tax amounting Michigan tax laws he would be estate." to 14.5% of net farm incomes in Michigan! liable for the intangibles tax Michigan State University tax studies continued to pic- which in thiscase would be 31,2 % of the $2,500 or $87, less a tax credit of $20, which makes Mr. Call for TAX ACTION! ture this rise in fann taxes over a IS-year period. These studies gave sound support and good reason for repeated A's tax $67. SMITH URGES TAX REFORM-NOW! requests for tax reform pictured in Fann Bureau resolu- tions throughout these years. Now assume the other person, Through letter and telegram, Michigan Farm Bureau Presi- Mr. B, decides to invest his $50,- dent Elton Smith has remained in close contact with state In 1962, the Michigan Farm Bureau board of directors 000 in some kind of property, politicalleaders, urging their support of tax reform. Examples began a study of the farm tax situation at the request of real or personal, to create a follow: the delegates from the counties. The aim of the study job for himself or for someone was to find ways and means to relieve the rising burden else. He immediately becomes Mackinac Island, Michigan of property taxes which threaten to overwhelm farmers liableforthe property tax whether Governor George Romney for a second time. he has a return on his money or We congratulate you and the legislativeleaders who have The problem of finding sources that could be taxed for not. gathered to discuss further plans for tax reform'. We believe local revenues - to replace property taxes - was, and His property assessment, as that tax reform should not be confused with a tax increase. equalized, would be $25,000. is, not an easy one. As the years advanced, the federal Present general fund balance should not be considered an ex- government advances its monopoly over the tax dollar of Presentlythe average property tax cuse to postpone needed reform and property tax relief.We rate in Michigan is 37.6 mills. the citizenry. By 1963, Washington was taking 87 per support action now to give greater equity to our tax program cent of the total tax dollar. Centralization of taxing power This means Mr. B's tax would be and keep Michigan's economy strong. $940. Compare taxes: Mr. A- was a way of centralizing government. And the end is $67, Mr. B-$940! Elton R. Smith, President not yet. To carry the example further, Michigan Farm Bureau But the local taxes mounted on top of this federal tax suppose Mr. A's stocks did not grab. Much of the federal money returned had to be return anv interest. He would A wire similar to that sent Romnev went also to the Chairman matched if local governments or state governments were stillpay ~ tax but it would be of the Democratic State Central Committee: cut to $50. Mr. B would still to get it. And this to the local pressure from schools, pay $940. Mr. Zolton Ferency, Chairman streets and roads, sewers and lighting systems, welfare Some will argue that in the Democratic State Central Committee loads and water taxes. It was trouble and trouble again. case of land, values are rising Our state needs tax reform now. We cannot afford The rising federal tax take did nothing to halt the rise rapidly. But so are the values to wait until another financial crisis brings payless pay- in property taxes. In fact, they went up and up again. of other forms of wealth such as And Michigan had the greatest percentage of increase stocks. Then, too, there are such days and fiscal irresponsibility. Michigan Farm Bureau, with nearly 70,000 farm family members, supports your in property taxes during the period from 1951 to 1961 of things as "stock splits."It should any state in the nation, with no end in sight. also be remembered that in the efforts to secure consideration and action by the Legis- lature this year. Little wonder that Fann Bureau resolutions repeatedly, case of personal property, such as machinery, values depreciate Elton R. Smith, President year after year, continued to call for tax reform in Mich- rapidly. Of course, assessments Michigan Fann Bureau igan. Property is no longer a good measure of the ability .r ( would change too, but the re- to pay taxes - especially fann property. lationshipwould be the same. Some aspects of these resolutions have seen fulfillment. One extremely important poiut ROMNEY AND FERENCY REPLY The passage of the new Constitution limits the assess- is that Mr. A's tax rate has not In acknowledging President Smith's wire, Governor Romney ments to 50%, rather than 1()()% of the value. It also per- changed in 25 years or more. said "I appreciate knowing that you share with me in concern mits only property owners to vote on millage increases But, the tax rate on Mr. B's prop- above the 15 mill limit for periods of more than 5 years for maintaining Michigan's fiscal integrity." erty rises about every year. and on the issuance of bonds. Mr. A's $50,000 investment is Graduated income taxes were prohibited by the Con- taxed primarily on net income, Mr. Elton R. Smith, President ?\.tichiganFann Bureau stitution. And the state equalized value was required while Mr. B's $50,000 iuvestment to be shown on tax statements to property owners. All istaxed on net worth. Dear Mr. Smith: came with Farm Bureau support. T hi.., is only one example of the Your recent wire indicating Farm Bureau support for imbalance of iWichigan ..... tax sfmc- The delegates in 1965 overwhelmingly approved a total fiscal reform is indeed heartening. tax reform program including a "state-wide broad-based ture. I am particularly grateful for your support and for flat rate tax on net income" as a means to raise sufficient Farm Bureau's goal is to bal- ance the tax structure... simple your efforts in this area. revenue to relieve property taxes and achieve an equitable to state but most complex to Sincerely, and balanced tax structure. attain. Zolton A. Ferency SIX September 1, 1965 MICHIGAN FARM NEWS ORCHARD INTO FAIRWAYS -GOLF TO BE NEW CROPI ENTERPRISING FARMER LOOKS TO CHANGE Some farmers are afraid of change. Not so Jerome JOIissen. Jerome and his vivacious wife, Mary, have spent a lifetime meeting and controlling change and are now looking forward to at least one more major change before settling back to enjoy the fruit of their hard work. ------------- And "fruit" is a good word ielly to meet the demand in July around Hillcrest Farms, where and August," Mrs. Jorissen said. Jerome has lately decided to plant Later cider will be another papu- a different crop on part of his lar item in the stand. rolling acres south of Ludington Helping at every spare moment _ golf balls. is son Eugene and his wife, both If things go well, before many of whom teach school at Utica. months, local golfers will tee off Daughter Joan, age 16, has spent from under one of three impres- the summer in The Netherlands, sively huge and old apple trees, as a participant in the "Youth for and pursue their game down fair- Understanding" program. ways that play through part at An older cWughter, Phyllis, now the pear orchard. Mrs. Donald Harden of East Lan- Jerome is not alone among sing, was Michigan Apple Queen farmers in recognizing a new de- in 1954. velopment in the use of farm In spite of the heavy work land. The golfing public has schedule that grows to frantic GENTLY R~LLlNG HI~LS- fruit trees and natural "hazards" appear ideal for a proposed 130-acre golf course planned by "exploded" like the population. proportions when the peak fruit Jerome J,orlSsen on hiS orchard-acreage five miles south of Ludington. Jorissen feels the ability to change is all-important ~ to today s farm operator and that Farm Bureau has helped to preserve this farming right. One hundred percent more golf- season arrives, the Jorissen's have ers seek the fairways today than always found time for Farm Bu- ten years ago. Existing courses reau. This is all the more amaz- find them "piled up at the first ing when one considers that TOPICS FOR. tee - waiting for a turn." Farm Jerome is now serving his third FALL AND WINTER acres converted to golf courses term as Mason County Clerk and have been paying well on a per is frequently found knee-deep in For more than 25 years, a acre basis. And Jerome's acres other civic responsibilities. committee of Fann Bureau lie in a promising location. For example, he serves as chair- members has chosen topics for Not that this is planned to man of the United Fund Drive 'Community Fann Bureau dis- happen right away. First a cup- and the Salvation Army Board. cussion from a list of sug- like pond that has nearly dried in He is superintendent of the rural gestions made by the Groups. recent years must be dredged and Evangelical United Brethren Recently the committee met filled with an estimated one-mil. Church Sunday School, where to select topic titles for the lion gallons of water; the care- Mrs. Jorissen presently teaches coming six months. The topics fully saved weathered lumber from an old bam is to be turned the 11 and 12 year olds. In between he serves as chair- picked are no longer placed on a rigid schedule by the another' way versatile low-cost into a Clubhouse and its remain- ing rafter-beams will become a man of the Mason County Farm Bureau legislative committee and committee, which feels they may be made more timely if concrete increases farm profits .~ bridge over a small ravine to add as discussion topic leader for his related to the development of to both the beauty and hazards Lakeshore Pioneers Community current events. of the envisioned golf course. Croup. "Most folks around here In spite of the fact that Con- I gress is astir over the national 1 In the process, some of the are Farm Bureau members" he older, but still bearing, cherry concedes. ' farm program. the committee trees will be removed and the It is not uncommon that opin- decided that the Administra- \ 1 fairways laid out in 130 acres of ions of the group are reported tion's farm program should be what are now orchard and alfalfa- direct to the Michigan Farm Bu- a discussion topic at an early covered gently rolling hills. reali, where since 1963, he has date. The fir~t nine holes are proj- served on the important statewide Other topics on the "docket" ected for opening in 1967, with Discussion Topic Committee. In for coming months include: "Future programs and past the full 18-hole course to follow.. addition, on one occasion, Jerome achievements of Fann Bureau," Meanwhile, between work on the served as delegate to the Mich- «Avenues to property tax re- new project, hard work continues igan Farm Bureau annual meet- lief," "Developments in Fann in the orchard and on the sorting ing.. Labor," "The Fann Bureau table. What is the attraction that safety program" and "Will Anyone who has grown apples, draws him to Farm Bureau? "It MACMA serve f~rm producers peaches, pears and cherries for is the interest Farm Bureau has in general?" today's highly competitive fresh in preserving my independence The state-wide Discussion fruit market, knows what hard as boss of my own acres," Jerome Topic Committee was recently work is all about. The Jorissen's replies. "Above all, I want to be made a "regular" committee of have built an attractive fruit stand independent. All farmers do. I the State Farm Bureau board on busy Highway 31, three miles must be independent if I am to with appointments to seats o~ south of Ludington, where fruit, have the ability to change. How the committee made by the native honey and homemade pre- else could I work toward such board and with the committee serves are offered. drastic change as putting in a working in an advisory capac- "1 work all through the month golf course where orchards used ity to the board directors. of May to make enough iam and to be?" Concrete-paved lots help increase dairy profits. Sanitation and concrete go together. A paved lot reduces mastitis and foot rot. And because cattle stay cleaner, less time is needed to prepare animals for milking. Ready-mixed concrete can serve your farm construction needs easily and economically. Con- tact your local ready-mixed concrete producer the next time you plan a farm construction job. ---------------~-- CLIP-MAIL TODAY PORTLAND CEMENT ASSOCIATION II An organization Stoddard Building, lansing, Michigan 48933 to Improve and extend the uses of concrete Please send free booklet on concrete-paved Iota. I Also send material on other subjects I've listed: I - I MOM AND DAD JORISSEN are joined by daughter-in-law as flashing fingers sort cherries that are washed, popped into the cooler, and later bagged for the steady streom of cus- PICTURESQUE SETTING - is provided the Jorissen home by the weeping willow in front and the neatly kept orchards I HAM' I ,- tomers stopping at the modern roadside stand. surrounding the home from back and sides. ~-~~~----=----~~==-) MICHIGAN FARM NEWS September 1, 1965 SEVEN .,.., r • ,r EIGHT MAILBAGS Flllt IS YOUR NAME ON ONE OF THEM? PATRON-INVESTORS Will GET: It might well be, if you are a patron of Farmers Petroleum $60,350 in dividends on all outstanding 5% "Class A" Cooperative. Checks totalling nearly $200,000 in divi- stock . .... $120,000 in cash redemption of all outstanding "Class A" f dends and interest have been, or will be, mailed soon by Farmers Petroleum to stockholders and members. This stock, due in the next two years. money represents an added saving to all patrons on pur- $110,000 in interest to all 5% and 6°.lc> debenture holders. chases of fuel, tires, batteries and lubricants. $23,000 to be paid in November, as a special 3% divi- dend on all outstanding deferred patronage refunds Most importantly, it represents the kind of results farmers issued in prior years where total amount held is $10 can expect when they work together - cooperatively. or more. EIGHT September 1, 1965 MICHIGAN FARM NEWS MICHIGAN "FLAVORBEST" APPLES will be the main ingredient of recipes sub- mitted by the Hillsdale County Farm Bureau Women in the new cookbook which will be ready for distribution in October. Nearly every Women's Committee throughout the state will contribute their talents toward this new project, which is aimed at promoting Michigan and its products. "FLAVORBEST" Apples - in New Recipe Book Farm Bureau 'Vomen throughout the state are busy testing and choosing recipes in their selected commodity categories for the cookbook which is slated for October release. The attractive cookbook will contain recipes featuring Straw- berries from Alpena, tomatoes from Bay, peppers from Monroe, carrots from Osceola, fish from Marquette-Alger, "Flavorbest" AMERICAN DAIRY PRINCESS - Susanne Bradford -stopped at Farm Bureau Center in Lansing on her recent tour of Mich- apples from Hillsdale, etc. - new and unique methods of using igan. Miss Bradford, of Tallahassee, Florida, took time from her busy schedule of appearances to serve a "milk break" to nearly every Michigan-grown product. members of the Farm Bureau Women's "Public Information and Understanding Committee." The lovely princess is shown Some of the county W omen's Committees are using "fun- with Miss Helen Atwood, Coordinator of Women's Activities, and Mrs. Wm Scramlin, state chairman. methods" of choosing recipes to appear in the cookbook. For example, in Eaton County, designated to submit various ways MARKETING -';4 Family Affair" of using cornmeal, the women used their annual garden party as the scene for judging their best recipes. The Eaton Women brought desserts, main dishes and breads, "" To Be Feature of Fall Meetings which were taste-tested and then rated by the attending guests, who found this type of voting almost Impossible without returning to the buffet table several times before making their 85 Dates have been set for the 1965 Fall district meetings, ac- final decision. cording to Miss Helen Atwood, coordinator of Women's Activi- NEW RULES FOR Recipes submitted by the counties will be chosen and cate. ties, who urges that all Farm Bureau Women make a special gorized by Mrs. Jerold Topliff, Editor-in-Chief of the cookbook effort to attend these important sessions in their area. \\QUEEN" CONTEST designed to promote Michigan and its products, as well as the Highlight of each meeting will be a presentation by Larry New rules have been estab- culinary abilities of the Fann Bureau Women. Ewing, marketing specialist for the Michigan Farm Bureau, lished for the "Miss Farm who will talk about what the farm woman needs to know Bureau" contest, allowing en- that her city sister doesn'tl In other words, "Marketing is contract terms will need to be trants to be either single or married girls, and with the age-requirements raised so that "New Look" Set for a Family Affair," and the Farm negotiated through organized ef. Bureau Women's interest in this forts if producers are to build important phase of fann living their selling power to match the contestants must be at least 18 years of age November 10, and not have passed her 31st Annual Meeting has increased in recent years with buying power of the large food birthday by that date. The ~ann Bureau Women's state chairman fills many the realization that effective mar- corporations. " The more liberalized rules roles, and one of the most challenging for Mrs. Wm. keting is the key to fanners' net Ewing will give a progress re- will allow more girls to enter Scramlin has been as chainnan of the 1965 Annual Meet- income. port on what Farm Bureau has the contest and provide judges ing Committee. ••Marketing may seem like a done in the field of marketing with a harder-than-usual job This has been a particularly demanding assignment strange topic for women," Ewing and outline some of the new areas of selecting the girl who will says, "but since it directly affects of activity, as he presents the this year as the committee works toward a "new look" in reign for a year. the standard of living for their benefits of group selling and its Contestants must be Farm the annual meeting. Together with staff committee chair- families, it's reaUy a subject they vital importance to the farm fam- Bureau members, and if less man, J. Delbert Wells, Mrs. Scramlin has helped to set want to know more about. The ily. than 21 years of age, her par- the pattern for more emphasis on the public image of women, along with other leaders, Other program features vary ents must belong to Farm Farm Bureau. have determined that new and by districts, but will traditionally Bureau. All entries must be "I think the big thing this year is our decision to go improved marketing programs are follow the pattern of combined approved by the county Farm Call out' for the convention banquet on Wednesday night, needed to secure higher net in- fun and facts to make it a pleas- Bureau, and only one contest- November 10. It will be open to everyone and the more come, and should pwy a wrger urable and profitable day for all ant may represent a county at - the better. We hope counties will bring in buses of role in Farm Bureau activities of who attend. the state contest, Wednesday, the future. Women are urged to enter dis- November 10, at Kellogg Cen- people and that city people, too, will come and hear American Farm Bureau president, Charles Shuman. We ., "As partners in their fanning trict meeting dates on their activ- ter, Michigan State University. would like to have 2,000-3,000 people there," said Mrs. operation, women need to know ity calendars now. Time and pwce Deadline for entries at the Scramlin. and understand the problems of may be obtained from county or Michigan Farm Bureau office the market place and how to district chairmen. is November 1, and both a The big convention banquet will be held at the Lan- adapt marketing techniques in photograph and short autobio- sing Civic Center to facilitate the large crowd, with a District Date order to realize an adequate in- graphical sketch must accom- welcome issued by city mayor, Max Murninghan. The come for their families. 1 Oct. 29 pany the entry form. crowning of the 1965 Michigan Farm Bureau queen will 2 Oct. 12 The winner will be crowned be one of the highlights of the evening. Mrs. Scramlin "Fanners must change their system of marketing to match the 3 Oct. 14 at the Annual Meeting Ban- reports that the committee expects some 50 county en- corresponding change that is tak- 4 Oct. 20 quet held in the Lansing Civic tries for this year's queen contest. . ing place in the buying, proces- Center, following the main 5 Oct. 18 Awards for Outstanding Service to Agriculture will also sing and retailing of agricultural address given by American 6 Sept. 28-29 Farm Bureau Federation presi- be presented on the Wednesday evening program. commodities," Ewing explains. "Our c.ommittee hopes that the delegates and guests 7 Oct. 6 dent, Charles Shuman. Judg- "Contract production is grow- 8 Oct. 13 ing will include points for at this year's annual meeting will be pleased with the ing and it is estimated that over 'naturalness and poise, natural changes we have made and that the public image of our half of all agricultural commodi- 9 Oct. 1 Oct. 27 beauty, chann and personality organization will be improved as the result of our efforts," ties will be produced under con- lOW and public speaking ability. Mrs. Scramlin said. tract by 1975. Price and other 10E Oct. 28 MICHIGAN FARM NEWS September 1, 1965 NINE J> .,. ~~WHATDO WE GET FOR OUR MONEY?" .' • r DAIRY PRODUCT SALES ARE UP state in the nation. Higher utilization means higher average prices for dairy farmers. As operators of a family partnership dairy farm, we are interested in increased sales of Sour Cream - Michigan consumption has in- our product. It's logical for dairymen to ask creased 46 percent in the past five years com- themselves, "What do we get for our money pared to a national average of 19 percent. in ADA?" As your president, I'm aware of Cheese - Consumption has risen approxi- the program activities and its accomplish- mately 2lbs. per person, 25 percent in the last ments. The job is getting done ... per capita 'few years. consumption is increasing, this means more sale~ and consequently, more money-in our THREE OUT OF FOUR DAIRY . pockets. FARMERS SUPPORT ADA Starting this month there will be a statewide membership recontact program, asking non- ADA PLAYS MAJOR ROLE IN members to sincerely consider supporting DEVELOPING SALES INCREASES this dairy-farmer total selling program. ,;< Fluid Milk - The 1965 D.S.D.A. report shows Greater participation will allow our program an 8-lb. per-capita increase in fluid milk con- to be even more effective. Let's all speak up sumption in Michigan for 1964 ... the top for dairy products. Why don't you write me? about ... what you think of the current program. clo CHARLIE DAVIS President ... how you believe the program can be improved. ADA of Michigan P. O. Box 161 ... any questions you may h ave a b out ADA. Onondaga, Michigan • RESEARCH • PUBLIC RELATIONS • HOME SERVICE • ADVERTISING • MERCHANDISING dlnerican dairy association of MICHIGAN TEN Septem her 1, 1965 MICHIGAN FARM NEWS ting Delegates Will FARMERS PETROLEUM Return - November 9-11 Dividends and Refunds Some years are like that - it seems that one cCannualmeeting" is barely over before the next one is announced. Understandably, this could be the attitude of voting dele- gates and guests when they consider that the regular annual To ifF.P.C:' Patrons meeting of the Michigan Farm Bureau will be called for Novem- The Board of Directors of Farmers Petroleum Coop~r- ber 9-10-11- returning them to the auditorium of Michigan ative has approved a schedule of year-end actions whjch State University for the second time in three months. will place nearly $200,000 in dividend and interest dlCCks However, this will be the "regular" annual meeting, contain- in the hands of fanner:investors. ing the policy resolutions sessions dealing with a hundred or more important issues, not as in the "speciar' called meeting According to Farmers Petroleum president, Carl Heisler, which dealt primarily with one subject. tlle schedule of actions include: And there is a fresh, new look Mailing of $60,350 in dividends on all outstan()ing 5% to this year's meeting, with a CERTIFICATE SALES "Class A" stock, on September 1. On that same date: Mail- number of innovations announced by Mrs. Maurine Scramlin, who WELL UNDERWAY ing of $110,000 in interest to all 5% and 6% debenture serves as Board Committee chair- The sale of 6 % Surplus Cer- holders and; redemption for cash of all outstanding "Class man for the meeting, and J. DeI- tificates to finance an expanded A" stock, amounting to $120,000 - and which is due in bert Wells, Staff Committee program of Farm Bureau Mutual the next two years. chairman. Insurance Company of Michigan Ineluded is a move to the huge is well underway, according to A November 1 mailing is planned for $23,000 in the Lansing Civic Center for the main N. L. Vermillion, Administrative fonn of a special 3% dividend on air outstanding deferred banquet; an open-session of the Vice President. The certificates patronage refunds issued in prior years - where the total resolutions committee one eve- were offered to members through- amount held is $10 or more. ning, and a number of new eve- out the state beginning early in ning dinner programs. August. Scheduled too is a December payment of the balance American Farm Bureau presi- The Surplus Certificates, pay- of savings (after payment of dividends and federal taxes) dent, Charles B. Shuman, has con- ing 60/0 interest, are being of- in the form of patronage refunds. These are to be paid firmed his attendance. Popular fered by those members of the in a ratio of 30% cash and 70% in deferred patronage speaker T. C. Peterson, director Farm Bureau Insurance Group of the Program Development Di- Agency force who are also li- refunds. vision of the American Farm Bu- censed securities salesmen. The Also announced was the November 30 date for the an- reau Federation, has been ob- issue is limited to $1,000,000. nual meeting of Farmers Petroleum Cooperative, ~t which tained for one of the dinners. Mr. Vermillion concluded that November 9, the opening day any member interested in the in- time detailed reports of the past year's activities \villbe ... of the three-day convention, will vestment opportunity would be given. All stockholders and Farm Bureau members inter;' begin with a forenoon business able to obtain a prospectus by ested in their petroleum program should attend, according meeting and the President's re- contacting their local Farm Bu- to President Heisler. In the week following the meeting, port, followed by afternoon pro- reau Insurance Agency Office or it is the intention of F.P.C. management to distribute grams dealing with special inter- the Home Office at 4000 North est areas. These will include Grand River, Lansing, Michigan patronage refunds to all members. Farm Bureau Women, Farm Bu- 48904. reau Young People and a number of Commodity programs. Now BONDERIZED FULL The evening has been ar- LENGTH. Nationally known non-" * ranged in an unusual manner, metallic rust inhibitor provides with each of the special interest groups invited to attend a special Four times you'll be glad you better finish, adherence, appear- ance. Vastly superior posts. REFLECTIVE CODIT CREST was dinner session, following which those interested in the policy resolutions are invited to an "Open have Farm Interphone: originated in 1958; repeatedly im- proved. More weather-resistant; brighter at night. Imitated but never equalled by cheap "beads on paint." Session" of the Resolutions Com- mittee, scheduled for 8:00 p.m. 1] SUNSETRED ALKYDRESINENAMEL is double baked; first for enamel, Scheduled are dinners for Farm Bureau Women, Commodity 0 ........... . ................... , Q) again after crest is applied. Y ou ~ buy two Co-op products, paint and .. Groups, Young Farmers, County Presidents. and ................. ..................... .............•.••.. :::::: :::::::::: ::: enamel. LARGEST AREA TRIPLE RIVETED M0# exclusive of the events will ................... ..........•..•..... ANCHOR PLATE lends stability to :::: ::::::::::::::: UNILITErail steel posts . be the "Executive's Banquet" and program, where by invitation only, County Farm Bureau presidents -- -- o Available thraughout BUY UN/LITES! Michiga" and State Board Members will FARM BUREAU attend. When you have a lot of work on your hands. When your wife is busy- and you need to SERVICES, INC. The move to the spacious Civic Lansing, Michigan Center for the big Convention With this two-way speaker-amplifier in your talk to her right away. A more compact Banquet, Wednesday night, No- barn, you can carryon a phone conversation version of the two-way speaker-amplifier ... vember 10, will allow many more "hands free" -without even picking up the just right for the kitchen. Your wife can people to attend than formerly. phone. County Farm Bureaus will be talk without taking her eye off the cooking. Season on encouraged to organize bus-loads of members for the event, where ~ Quail Set American Farm Bureau president Charles Shuman is scheduled to 0 ~o For the first time in many years, speak. quail wiU become legal game in When every minute counts. Michigan for a five-day season, Farm Bureau's "Queen" can- didates will be presented and the An extension phone in your November 11-15, 1965. girl who will represent the Mich- barn or other work area is With opposition from Farm igan Farm Bureau for the new one of the greatest time- Bureau and Legislators represent- year will be crowned. ing many of the counties involved The near 3,000 seating capacity savers ever invented. No in the open season, the Legisla- in the Civic Center auditorium is When you're in the yard, and an important more running to take or ture pushed through a bill au- such that for the first time it make calls in your house. thorizing the Conservation Com- call comes in. Stay with the chores, mister .- / will be possible to invite Lansing area business and civic leaders to attend the dinner, or to hear -this powerful two-way loudspeaker will mission to open a season in spe- cified counties. Fifteen counties bring you every word loud and clear. Rug- in the southern portion of Mich- the program from excellent bal- igan are included: St. Joseph, cony seats. gedly built for use in outdoor locations. Branch, Hillsdale, l.Jenawee, Mon- Again, awards will be made to roe, Wayne, Washtenaw, Jackson, the two most outstanding counties Calhoun, Kalamazoo, Eaton, Ing- in the state, Farm Bureaus with All this equipment, plus your regular home phone, is included ham, Oakland, Macomb and St. well-rounded programs sparked Clair. by active committees. in Farm Interphone service. For low rates and other informa- As the 1965 hunting season Besides Pre sid e n t S hum an, approaches, farm owners should other dignitaries scheduled to ap- tion, just call our Business Office-or ask your Telephone Man. call for assistance from local con- pear at various times on the pro- gram include Dr. John Hannah, president of Michigan State Uni- versity, Lansing Mayor Max Michigan Bell Part of the Nationwide Bell System ~ @ servation clubs in case of trespass problems. Michigan United Con- servation Clubs have promised their co-operation in controlling .I- M urninghan and Michigan Gov- the hunter who fails to "ask the ernor George Romney. farmer first." MICHIGAN FARM NEWS September 1, 1965 ELEVEN J _ .' "THE IMPORTANCE OF A POLITICAL PARTY" - is the subject for this animated group conference at the Young People's Citizenship Seminar, held in mid-July at Camp Kett leadership training center. In these informal groups the students learned about important elements of political party organization, about primaries, rallies and conventions. CAPACITY County Farm Bureaus. Occasion- tern. However the effectiveness ally a county Farm Bureau Wom- of this "in-school" training de- ATTENDANCE en's Committee acts as the spon- pends on both the teachers and Those who think all young- soring agency. students. Too often other aca- sters of today are irresponsible Mrs. Haven Smith, farm wife demic studies take priority over and without serious thought for from' Chappell, Nebraska, and the student's interest and atten- the future, need only observe Chairman of the American Farm tion. "We can provide a climate Farm Bureau Young People at Bureau Women's Committee, through this type of seminar- work in their "Citizenship Sem- spoke to the youngsters at one wherein the main focus is on cit- inar" to reverse that opinion. session. Later, in a radio broad- izenship . responsibility," Wells cast, she confessed to being "tre- feels. Again a capacity group of 137 mendously impressed" - and had "Based on this idea at special- High School Juniors and Seniors high praise for the seminar pro- ized study and action protects to from 65 counties in Michigan, gram. provide citizenship expef'ience, the gave ample demonstration that "We have nothing to compare Michigan Farm Bureau can sup- they are preparing themselves for with the Citizenship Seminar in plement the work of the public full membership in the adult com- Nebraska or in most other Farm school system in a very effective munity - perhaps better armed Bureau states," she said, adding manner," he concludes. to defend and explain our system "I only wish that" I had such an Again, this year's conference of representative self-government opportunity to learn about my featured studies of American than most of their parents. responsibilities as an American political and economic systems. True, those invited to attend citizen 30 years ago - when I Much discussion was held bv the the seminar, held at Camp Kett needed the help most ... " youthful participants conce~ing in Mid-Iuly, are often the "cream" Re-emphasizing the purposes fundamental values underlying of their class, two or three top of the seminar, conference co- these systems. youngsters from each county, re- ordinator J. Delbert Wells feels Students were divided into two cruited by the couRty Citizenship that Farm Bureau has an obliga- political parties for an exciting Committee, in cooperation with tion to help young people under- mock election, county rally and the Board of Directors and fre- stand and appreciate the prin- county convention. Some of the quently with the aid of local ciples underlying our American youngstef's went "all out" to as- school authorities. system of representative govern- sure election or support for their Proof of the faith others have ment and private enterprise. "party" - giving solid experience in the youngsters and the future "We should help train them in political training. they represent is the $50 in toward filling their obligations as No requirements were made for "tuition" which sponsors must pay American citizens," Wells says. the students as follow-up measures for each student's attendance at It is his opinion that in most other than the encouragement camp. Local business firms, civic cases the public schools do a good gained at the seminar to use their clubs and similar groups are spon- job of explaining our American own initiative in fulfilling roles sors - as in some cases are heritages and the American sys- as worthwhile citizens. For bigger yields and better qu~lity in 1966 ... plant Michigan Certified Seed Wheat grown from founda- tion seed that is both field and laboratory inspected. Select ... AVON white, beardless, brown chaff, strong white straw, soft, good yield record. GENESEE white, beardless, brown chaff, strong white straw, excellent yield. DUALred, fairly strong straw, Hessian Fly resistant, soft, high yields. MONON red, 3° shorter than Dual, Hessian Fly and leaf rust resistant, soft, high yields. For complete information see your local seed dealer MICHIGAN CROP IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION MICHtGAN STATE UNIVERStTY EAST LANStNG, MICHIGAN 48823 "MY NAME IS SMITH, AND I AM A CANDIDATE" - reports Joseph Smith of Alpena, as he presents himself as a candidate OATS. BARLEY. CORN. NAVY & KIDNEY lEANS • SOYBEANS • 'OTATOES • WHEAT and outlines his "party" platform. Smith worked many hours preparing his speech and compaign literature, as part of a mock election campaign. "Spontaneous" demonstrations were part of the exciting exercise in citizenship. TWELVE Saptem bar 1, 1965 MICHIGAN FARM NEWS A8RICULTURE II ACTIOI AROUID MICHI8AI IONIA CAFETERIA 50 YEARS OLD! GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION- of the Pigeon Farmers' Cooperative, was STATE YOUNG PEOPLE'S CHAIRMAN - Raymond Kucharek, (left) dons the Chef's hat to take his turn in the Farm Bureau celebrated recently with a band, exhibits, carnival, parade and tons of fine Young People's cafeteria, serving what appears to be an endless line of hungry visitors to the recent Ionia Free Fair. If barbeque. The town and area turned out en-masse to pay tribute to this important anything, this year's record crowd was larger than usual. cooperative enterprise. BERRIEN OFFICE \\SPUD" DAY NORTHWEST MICHIGAN "HOME" FOR FARM BUREAU - in Berrien county, is this ultra-modern building near the edge of Berrien Springs. Containing a shining kitchen, meeting hall, offices '-I'I and dining area, the building has become a popular community center. GOOD POTATOES - are the specialty of Ferris Christiansen of McBride. His UNIFIED SERVICE-CENTER- that's the description of facilities of the Northwest Montcalm county farm will be featured Michigan Farm Bureau in Traverse City. The county Farm Bureaus of leelenau and NAVY -BEAN ELEVATOR in Michigan's "Spudtacular" Wednesday, Grand Traverse share space with affiliate companies - Farmer's Petroleum, farm Sept. 8. Public invited. Bureau Insurance and Farm Bureau Services. GOLDEN HARVEST THE EATON FARM BUREAU COOPERATIVE - at Charlotte, has just completed this new navy-bean elevator. This plant has a capacity of 80,000 bushels of storage. LIFTING, TOPPING AND LOADING - tons of golden carrots in one continuous operation, this automated carrot harvester Fred Long, Cooperative Manager, reports they can handle up to 3,000 bushels of uses no hand labor in doing the work of over 50 men per day. Required only are a tractor, a machine operator and a I , I product per hour. In the background is the grain plant containing another truck driver. The Grant, Michigan, muck land area produces over 2,000 acres of carrots yearly, with modern handling of 15,000 bushels of grain storage area. the golden crop one feature of Michigan's first CARROT DAY held in mid-August. MICHIGAN FARM NEWS September 1, 1965 THIRTEEN ONE LULU OF A LUAU! To paraphrase an old sales slo- members outdid themselves in Guests were urged to select S10,OOO,OOO Invested gan - "When better Hawaiian providing tropical decorations, ex- from huge bowls of fruit and Luaus are held, the Montcalm County Farm Bureau will hold otic foods and "grass" skirted vegetable salads, platters of fish, hostesses. pork tidbits boiled in grape leaves, - By Central Farmers them." Complete with orchids! As guests arrived they were Hawaiian style, Hawaiian pud- Wanting to do something dif- greeted with real orchids for the ding and many other dishes. Through Fann Bureau Services' membership in the ferent for their county-wide meet- ladies and the customary flower- The grass skirted hostesses kept "Central.Fanner's Fertilizer Company" of Chicago, Mich- ing, the Montcalm county Farm lei and welcome kiss for the urging everyone to «try a little igan fanners will share in expected savings on the cost of Bureau President, Herman Rader, men. They were next led into of this" - or "have you sampled future nitrogen products to be stored in two new, huge and the board of directors decided the dining hall of Six Lakes School that?" - to the point that if a 30,OOO-tonanhydrous ammonia tanks. to plan a Luau, complete with and an atmosphere of tropical few heads nodded later when To be constructed on a site near Pine Bend, Minnesota, roasted pig and all trimmings. foliage and festive food. Soft Michigan Farm Bureau president, Imaginative Mrs. James Qui- Hawaiian music filled the room Elton Smith, spoke - the reason the tanks will be filled by economical barge transportation senberry was named food chair- and tables groaned under platters was too much food rather than down the Mississippi river. The tanks represent a step man. She and her committee of food. lack of interest. in a construction program which will place a series of river terminals for ammonia storage on the Mississippi, Illinois and Ohio rivers, at an estimated total cost of ten million dollars. .' Pine Bend is on the Mississippi river, just south of St. Paul, and near a fertilizer plant owned by Northwest Cooperative Mills. Inc., St. Paul, Minnesota. The two 30,OOO-tontanks will store anhydrous ammonia at a temperature of -28 degrees. Facilities for loading tank: cars and trucks will be included in the development which is scheduled to be completed by June, 1966. Central Farmers will barge ammonia from an anhydrous plant to be built at Donaldsonville, Louisiana, on the Mississippi river, to the new terminal. Located near Baton Rouge, the new plant will have a 1,000 ton daily capacity. The new system of river storage terminals will be an important link in serving the growing demand of Midwest farmers for nitrogen fertilizer. Central Farmers, with main offices in nearby Chicago, is an international cooperative, owned by 24 regional cooperatives, F~nn .Bureau Services of Michigan among FOOD, HAWAIIAN STYLE- served to an estimated 400 persons by the Montcalm County Farm Bureau, was the center of attraction at a recent "Luau". - In addition to the more common dishes were such Pacific delicacies as Waikiki beans, pork them. It serves fanners throughout the United States and Canada. roasted in grape leaves and the largest bowl of salad east of Honolulu . ., 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. 1 AUCTIONS 14 FOR SALE 20 LIVESTOCK 20 LIVESTOCK 26 POULTRY MISSOURI AUCTION SCHOOL. Free MACHINED WOOD PARTS for 100 CA TILE FEEDERS-Feed high analysis KLAGER.S DeKALB PROFIT PULLETS WISCONSIN CO-OP HIGH QUALITY catalogl 1330-50 Linwood, Kansas City, chicken crates, some ass e m b led except FEEDER PIGS-uniform, healthy fast- Perfect Balancer 8 % phosphate mineral -Sixteen weeks and older. The proven Mo. 64109. (2-Tf-l0b) bottoms. All for $150.00 Death forces growin~ crossbreeds. Castrated, wormed, feed. Feed free choice. Put plain salt in Hybrid. Raised under ideal conditions by sale. Lumber Products Co., Ceresco, Mich- ear tagged and vaccinated. Purchase by one container and Perfect Balancer Min- experienced poultrymen. Growing birds in- igan. Phone 616-963-0532. (Calhoun weight. Approval on delivery and ten eral in another container. The animal spected weekly by trained staff. Birds on County) (9-lt-25p) 14 knows which one he needs. Get Perfect full feed, vaccinated, debeaked, true to day guarantee. Russell McKarns, R#1, 8 FARM EQUIPMENT "EVERLASTING" - Sou r d 0 ugh Starter West Unity, Ohio. Phone--924-5361. Balancer mineral at vour elevator. The age, and delivered in clean coops. See theml We have a grower near you. Birds and Sourdough Bread Recipe. "Over" 100 (12-12t-36p) 20 Gelatin Bone Co., Box 125, Emmett, years old. (25t) B. Parsons, 3187 Morgan- Michigan. (tf-47b) 20 raised on Farm Bureau feed. KLAGER FARROWING CRATES-complete $22.95. Free Literature. Dolly Enter- ford, St. Louis, Missouri 63116 FEEDING ------ HOGS? Use salt free, high HATCHERIES, Telephones: Bridgewater, M i chi g an. Saline, HAzel 9-7087, Man- prises, 219 Main, Colchester, Ill. _____ (_8-4t-20p) 36 DAIRYMEN-Use Perfect .Balancer 8% phosphate mineral feed. Mix one pound analysis Perfect Balancer 8 % phosphate chester GArden 8-3034. (Washtenaw (8-2t-12p) 8 FOR SALE-Asparagus plants in com- mineral feed in your hog feed. Mix one County) (tf-72b) 26 mercial quantities. Inquire now. Rudolph of Perfect Balancer to every 100 Ibs. of ground feed. YQu can eliminate bone meal pound of Perfect Balancer with each 100 Szewczyk, R#3, Paw Paw, Michigan. lbs. of ground feed. You can eliminate by using Perfect Balancer. Get Perfect 14 FOR SALE Phone 657-5003. (Van Buren County) (9-3t-17p) 14 Balancer at vour elevator. The Gelatin bone meal by using Perfect Balancer. Get 34 WANTED Bone Co., Box 125, Emmett, Michigan. Perfect Balancer at vour elevator. The (tf-40b) 20 Gelatin Bone Co., Box 125, Emmett, ATTENTION FARMERS-Get good SHELLED ENGLISH WALNUTS, Pecans, 18 HELP WANTED Michigan. (tf-50b) 20 money for your old live cows and horses, Black Walnuts, Almonds, Filberts, Brazils, "up or down," we pay $10-$50. We Cashews, Sassafras, Pepper, Cinnamon WANTED-Couple to manage Infirmary. 'RAMS .FOR SALE-:-Hampshire a~d feed to mink only. You are safe when $1.25 lb., Dried Mushrooms $3.00 lb. Reference required. Write P.O. Box 960, • Columbia. Good breedmg. All ages a,:a11- 22 NURSERY STOCK you sell to Fur Farms Food, Inc., Rich- Peerless, 538MN C en t r a I par k, Chicago Lansing Michigan (Montcalm County) able. Also ewes and ewe lambs. Evemn~s mond, Michigan. \Ve pick up everyday in 60624. (8-2t-22p) 14 , . (8-3t-14b) 18 after six or weekends. Arthur Cook, 3342 FREEl Stark Bro's 150th Anniversary all counties east of M-27 and 127. We S. Fowlerville Rd., Fowlerville, Michigan. Catalog. Spectacular big full-color display also pay for your phone call to: 727-9765. Phone CA3-9939. (Livingston County) of apples, peaches, pears, cherries from (Macomb County) (3-65-tf-58p) 34 (9-2t-30p) 20 Dwarf, Semi-Dwarf, Standard Size trees. STEWARTS' HAMPSHIRE SALE. Bear luscious fruit - yard. Ornamentals, anywhere in your too. Stark, Dept. FOR SALE-25 large Holstein Heifers, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 1965 - 7:00 P.M., C.D.T. bred November, vaccinated, 1100 Ibs, de- 30596, Louisiana, Missouri 63353. 50 BOARS - 50 REGISTERED OPEN GILTS horned from good herd-$250.00. Edward (9-lt-37b) 22 !} Tanis, Jenison, Michigan. Phone MO 9- 150 COMMERCIAL OPEN GILTS 9226. (Ottawa County). (8-2t-21b) 20 26 POULTRY ~ {!. UND£RWRIH Feed conversion, carcass information, backfat probe on every animal in DAY OLD OR STARTED PULLETS- YOUR catalog. 20 boars sired by LONG TIME CMS, who has established himself 20 Large Holstein Heifers, Vaccinated The DeKalk profit pullet. Accepted by COUNTRY'S .'GIn' from good Herd size 1,000 to 1,100 Ibs., as an outstanding sire of meat hogs. due A ugust-Septem ber. $225.00 to the smart poultryman for high egg pro- Catalog on request. Supper available. $250.00. Ed Tanis. Jenison, Michigan, duction, superior egg quality, greater feed l. l. & MANFORD STEWART Telephone MO 99-226. (Ottawa County) efficiency. If you keep records, you'll V (8-2t-26p) 20 keep DeKalbs. Write for prices and R.R. #4, FRANKFORT, INDIANA catalog. KLAGER HATCHERIES, Bridge- water, Michigan. Telephones: Saline HAzel YOU NEED CORRIEDALES for more 9-7087, Manchester GArden 8-3034 profit with sheep. Contact \Valter Good- (Washtenaw County) (tf-46b) 26 all, Secretary, Michigan Corriedale Breed- ers Association, Cass City, Michigan, for POULTRYMEN-Use Perfect Balancer, location of breeders nearest to you. 8 % phosphate mineral feed in your ground (2-9t-26p) 20 feed. Eliminate soft shelled eggs. Mix 3 lbs. per 100 Ibs. feed. The Gelatin BODe Co., Box 125, Emmett, MichiKan. (tf-25b) 26 FARMERS: Check the value you get in Gelatin Bone Perfect Balancer, FREE FILM the mineral feed of champions: For every roll of Kodacolor or Black and White film you send us for proces- Percent Percent sin~, you will receive ABSOLUTELY Min. Max. FREE a fresh roll of the same size film 15th Annual West Michigan with your developed prints. Phosphorous Calcium 8.0 29.0 9.0 34.0 8 exposure developed and enlarged 225 Angus Breeders Association Sale Mag. Sulfate .24 PLUS FREE ROll KODACOLOR FILM Saturday, October 2 Iodine (pure) Cobalt Sulfate .015 .01 .018 .03 12 exposure developed and enlarged 275 at the 4-H Fairgrounds, Salt 0.00 0.00 Lowell, Michigan. PLUS FREE ROll KODACOlOR FILM When temperatures go above 80 de- grees, birds need Pilot Brand Oyster Bo"k r.lerenc.: 1 TRUST COMPANY . 'I II Of NEW JERSEY. Get Perfect Balancer at your elevator. Distributed in Mich- GIANT SIZE COLOR PRINTS (Kodacolor negative. only) ea. 19c Show at 10:00 A.M. ~57 We.' Sid. Ay •.• Jers.y C"Y. N. J. 07JOA. igan by: Sale at 1:00 P.M. Shell fed free-choice for strong CALL. WIRE. WRITE LARRY SHANDEl Only the finest Kodak shelled eggs. Phone: Area Code 201 866.750O-H.Y.C 212 244-1580 FARM BUREAU materials used. Quality offe r i n g of bulls, OYSTER SHELL PRODUCTS CO. SERVICES, INC. cows, heifers and 4-H steers. Subsidiary of I I The GELATIN BONE CO. Maplewood Studio For Cat a log, w r it e Enoch Southern Industries Corporation 2U-G4 Pen horn Ave.,Secoucus. N. J. 0709~ _ ft!Of!!l!, ALABAMA O"ly 10 ",i"" ••• 1,o", N. Y 011 u.s. 1 & 9 Box 125, Emmett, Michigan Box 362 lansing, Mich. Carlson, Alto, Michigan ( . I ( • ~ • r ,.J I FOURTEEN September 1, 1965 MICHIGAN FARM NEWS LATE REPORT ... Michigan's Congressional delegation split 10-9 on pas- Farm Bills Bring New Problems sage of the Administration's catch-all farm bill which Farmers were hopeful for a turn toward freedom as Congress Poor people eat more wheat prod- passed the House of Representatives August 19, by a vote opened last spring. President Johnson had said, "Our objective ucts than the well-to-do. of 221-172. must be for the farmer to get improved income out of the Yet, almost at the same time, "'-. Congressmen Billie Farnam (D) of Drayton Plains, Oak- marketplace: Farmers want freedom to grow and prosper, to Congress removed excise taxes on land County, and Lucien Nedzi (D) representing part of operate competitively and profitably in our economic system." mink coats, pinball machines, Detroit and up-river communities, joined the seven Mich- In January, Kermit Gordon, then Director of the Budget, horse and dog racing and sundry igan Republican Congressmen in opposing the bill. criticized the waste and conflicting elements of the farm pro- other luxuries! Congressmen Weston Vivian, 2nd District, including gram in the Saturday Review Magazine. Gordon declared that The House Committee ex- Lenawee, Livingston, Monroe and \Vashtenaw Counties, smaller farmers benefitted little from the subsidies with 80% pressed anxiety to reduce the and Paul H. Todd, Jr., 3rd District, representing Barry, of the assistance going to farmers having incomes over $9,500 costs of the wheat program. The :- Calhoun, Eaton, Kalamazoo and Clinton Counties, joined and the rest spread thinly among many small producers. costs could be passed along to. eight other Michigan Democrats in supporting the bill, But in mid-July, when the the millers- from the millers to which was vigorously opposed by Farm Bureau. House Agriculture Committee re- control programs for another four the bakers- then to the retail- The Administration was defeated in its effort to levy ported out a 1965 version of the years. This is a move to perma- ers - who pass them to the con- a bread tax which would have resulted in a direct increa~e farm bill, the sceneryhad changed nence - programs are forced sumers. This will boost the cost- drastically. The bill had all the deeper and become harder to es- of-livingindex. That means auto- in the price of bread. The more acceptable political binding features of the 1964 law, cape. matic increasesin wagesfor labor. compromise shifts the same wheat program costs to tax- Higher wages contract demands. payers instead of directly to the consumers. but. adds new problems and ex- The House bill may be amend- As passed by the House, the bill continues government tends the powers of the Secretary ed before this goes to print- The House bill, as reported out, of Agriculture according to his but what did it contain? would give the wheat growers control type programs, with the Secretary of Agriculture wish. '\Theat: Certificates continued, certificates,but now for the "pro- having authority to develop broad rules and regulations. His wish- yes! for he de- but the price to be paid by mill- jected yield" on allotted acreage The Secretary also can continue to dump government- clared before the House Com- ers is upped - from 75~to $1.25. rather than the "normal yield" stored grain on the market to drive down free market mittee 'he must have the right No more export certificates.Since of last year's law. The number prices and force farmers into his "voluntary" program. to dump wheat and feed grains millers and bakers operate on of certificates would be deter- One objective was reached by the Administration- on the market at low prices to relatively small margins, consum- mined by the Secretary from a there will be no wheat referendum in which farmers can keep his programs effective.They ers pick up the costs in the prod- calculation of domestic needs for vote. In the 1963 wheat referendum, Michigan wheat might otherwise die outl ucts that use flour. It becomes food wheat - no set number per fanners voted 4-1 against the Administration's program. The House bill (H.R. 9811) a $625 million per year tax on farmer. More left to the Secre- '" • calls for an extension of the strict bakery products. Anti-poverty? tary's discretion. THE FARM PROGRAM-ONWARD AND LEFTWARD Much the same "wheat certificate" plan which in caused farmers to boost yields, even on reduced - or wreck the northern market for soys. There are 1963 farmers turned down in nation-wide referendum acreage alloments. A record crop in 1963. Drought real problems in cotton. The features of the 1965 • by a vote of nearly four to one, is the heart of the cut back the 1964 crop. But another record crop farm bill are too extended to cover here. But it's Administratian's "new" farm program. in prospect for 1965. More CCC stocks to hang worth a watchful eye! Only this time farmers were not given a chance over the market. Wool growers of the western states can grow little to express their opinions of the measure. Congress Abundant and low-priced feed grains can get the else on their poor land. The wool provision dis- and the Secretary of Agriculture have seen to that. livestock industry into trouble. Poultry, too. More criminates against them heavily. "Sliding Scale" Under present law, the Secretary must set the date animals and birds fed. Prices dropping. But a payments strongly favor fanners who produce small for another referendum unless Congress intervened segment of agriculture in trouble is an invitation to wool crops and penalize the grower who must de- by postponing the deadline or passing new "per- launch another control program. Well, "O.K. by pend on wool for a living. manent" legislation to replace the temporary wheat the boys in Washington." Isn't that what they are Farmers who produce small batches of woql program. shooting for? usually have incomes from other farm crops - wool Obviously shaken by the results of the last refer- What about dairy? The Administration-program is a sideline. Yet, the new bill continues to penalize endum and unwilling to face another, Congress would allow the Secretary of Agriculture to propose the full-scale wool grower. quickly approved the postponement. Class I base quotas for producers of limited mar- The Cropland Retirement provision becomes a Meanwhile the House-Committee approved farm keting areas, subject to approval in a producer sheerly meaningless compromise measure. It pro- program contains the same controversial wheat cer- referendum. A favorable vote would put all inilk vides for longer-term land retirement contracts, set tificate plan to which farmers strenuously object, producers in the area under quotas. by the Secretary for up to 10 years. The U.S.D.A. r_ and which grants grower-certificates based on "pro- Such quotas would be marketing permits for a would share the costs of conservation projects on jected yield" on allotted acreage. Again, the Secre- definite QUANTITY of milk - not a percentage of the farm. tary of Agriculture is given a free hand to decide a dairyman's total output. Non-quota milk would Payments would be increased if the owner allowed which portion of the national wheat. crop will go sell at manufacturing prices. the public to use the land for recreational purposes, for food, for feed, or "foreign" - world trade. ~1any problems here. Limits on fluid sales - yet or for wildlife refuges, etc. Much is made about the program being "volun- costs of production and fixed costs rising. Dairymen tary~ - a 'Vashington word often used whenever But the high-incentive support payments in the could not expand production to meet them. There a control program faces opposition. various programs set up in the rest of the bill would be pressures for better prices, fixed on fluid Farmers could receive loans or purchase payments milk under the order. Incomes would depend on would discourage farmers from retiring land under "the grace of the government." this provision. Few would participate. for their non-certificate wheat based on world prices and the feed value of the wheat. But "non-cooper- New dairy farmers and "hardship cases" would Farm Bureau proposed the Cropland Adjustment ators" would take the depressed price created by the get first call on any increase in market demand. measure - but not in combination with the other dumping of CCC supplies on the market. The bill Quotas could be transferred - perhaps be sold. The features of the present farm bill. Farm Bureau had would still allow the Secretary to dump wheat at Secretary of Agriculture would control all transfers proposed the removal of allohnents, more limitation 105% of the support price plus carrying charges. and sales of quotas. on the authority of the Secretary of Agriculture, Future grower allotments would be based on the \Vho could buy them? Farmers would have to especially in the matter of dumping government allotment of the preceding year, rather than on the have good incomes to afford them. Young farmers? stocks on the market to depress prices. 5 to 10 year averages used in the past. Growers From where would the money come? Corporation Farm Bureau proposed price supports on wheat could divert up to 50% of their allotment for pay- farms could take them over, if the' Secretary ap- and feed grains set on the basis of world market ments, rather than the present 20%. proved their purchases. prices of the past three years and with attention to Feed Grains? ~Iore of the same. Cotton? \Vhoops! you ~fichigan soybean growers, the use to be made of the products. Small efforts to chop down costs here. Senator don't shut off your interest here. 'Vhat happens in But Congress pushed aside the Farm Bureau bill Ellender, Chairman of the Senate Agriculture Com- cotton diverted acreage hits you directly. sponsored by Senators of both parties. The Con- mittee, says that government stocks of feed grains Cotton farmers can grow soybeans. They may be gressional ear is more tuned to the voice that comes ". have cost the government $6 per bushel before they able to sell their cotton allotments and go into soy- from the big building down the street which bears move out into market. Support incentives ha.ve beans full tilt. They could take over the production the large caption: "U.S. Department of Agriculture." MICHIGAN FARM NEWS September 1, 1965 FIFTEEN '~BOOKyour FEED o .. ' BIG SAVINGS FOR YOU DURING OUR BIG FEED BOOKING BONANZA SEPT. 1 to OCT. ALL FEEDSAT LOW, LOW PRICES F.B. Poultry Supplement - 34 F.B. Weight Maker Broiler .. - F.B. Vigorettes - 20 Supp-44 F.B. Vig-R-Pig Crumbles F.B. Hi-Eft. Chick Starter- F.B. Kwik Ween Grower Supp - 40 F.B. Faro-Ettes F.B. Hi-Eft. Layer Supp - 42 F.B. Creepettes F.B. Hi-Eft. All Mash Layer - 17 F.B. Porkmaker F.B. Hi-Eft. Breeder Supp - 42 F.B. Complete Pork Grower-15 Our Fieldmen Can Help You With a Complete Animal Health !J'rogram lmImo POPULAR ECONOMY CORN CRIB 15' 11" Diameter 10' 6" Sidewall Height YOU CAN HAVE THIS OUTSTANDING 16' 6" Over-all Height UTILITY BUILDING BIN TOP OPTIONAL ERECTED ON YOUR FARM BUSHEL • • 40 feet wide x 64 feet long and 12 feet high . Roof and sides covered with Kaiser aluminum . 1100 CAPACITY ONLY • Building is insured while in process of erection . • Fast, easy assembly saves time and • Time-praven slat-type door is every- .Hort in the field. Easy-to-use side- one's choice for eHiciency. Heavy an- wall pins and clips speed erection. gie iron door frame. Doorboard chan- SEE YOUR LOCAL A.B.C. DEALER nels are furnished. Wood doorboards not included. Three Oaks Co-ops Inc. Fowlerville Co-op Co. Mendon • 4 Heavy channel steel raof raften give Buchonan Co-ops Inc: Hemlock Farmers Co-op Climax • Heavy angle iron stiHener posh give roof great strength. Raften also pre- the larger cribs additional strength at Cass Co-ops Inc., Lapeer County Co-ops Hastings set roof pitch, make roof easier to Kalamazoo the bottom. Prevent bulging or break- Cassopolis Inc., Lapeer and Imlay assemble. outs at base of crib. Hartford Co-op City and Union City Allegan Farmers Co-op Bronson • Sturdy steei anchon furnished with Farm Bureau Services Hillsdale • High-Pitch Roof design saves you many crib. Secure your crib solidly to base Rolland Russell, Adrian dealers at: Coldwater working houn. Crib fills faster-no with rugged anchor straps. Adjustable Howell Co-op Co. hand leveling needed. -easy to install. Chesaning Farmers Co-op Battle Creek Saginaw Caro Farmers Elevator Marcellus Jeddo Elkton Co-op Farm Prod. Three Rivers Yale MANY SIZES AND STYLES TO CHOOSE FROM Leslie Co-op, Inc. Centreville Sandusky - - Reduce Your Unit Production Cost ... - Save when you buy save as you use th~ product . get greater yields save when you market ... Farm Bureau Services' quality products can help you lower your Unit Production Cost • INC. ... with F.B.s. Cost Control Program SIXTEEN September 1, 1965 MICHIGAN FARM NEWS IS YOUR FARM COMPLETELY PROTECTED? Mr. Leonard Schwallier owns and oper- ates a successful 240' acre dairy and fruit farm near Conklin in Ottawa County. He has been an active Farm Bureau member for 20 years and is cur- rently a director of the Ottawa County • ~ I Farm Bureau • , 'e.., j BE SURE with a Farm Bureau Farmowners Policy It has taken many years, perhaps generations, to build your present farming operation. Yet, this investment of time, hard work and money could be \\wiped out" in a matter of minutes - unless it is adequately protected. Mr. leonard Schwallier of Ottawa County has this to say about the need for complete protection: \\With the large investment involved in farming today, a farmer must be fully protected. Farm Bureau's Farmowners policy combines all coverages necessary for my farm in one policy with one premium ... and I deal with one Farm Bureau Agent." Farm Bureau's Farmowners policy provides broad protection for fire, wind, theft, liability and other perils. It covers the House and Contents, Farm Personal Property, Barn and Out- buildings and Farm Liability. Farm Bureau now provides Farmowners protection for approximately 12,000 Michigan farm families - more than any other insurance company in the state. There's a Farm Bureau Insurance representative in your area. Why not ask him to show you what this Farmowners policy is all about? Farm Bureau INSURANCE Group Farm Bureau Mutual- Farm Bureau Life. Community Service, LANSING