V o l . 44, No. 2 Published M o n t h l y by Michigan Farm Bureau February 1, 1966 1966 MEMBERSHIP GOAL "IN SIGHT" Membership in the Michigan Farm Bureau for 1966 is well on its way toward the 60,000 farm-family mark, as of February 1, according to reports received from all parts of the state by the Field Services Division. Aided in many areas by better-than-usual winter weather, volunteer workers have shrugged off the twin handicap of a late fall and a substantial increase in membership dues, to sign up their neighbors in a demonstration of willingness to build, to operate and to finance a vigorous Farm Bureau. At county offices all over Michigan, thousands of 1966 memberships have been pouring in at the new $20 yearly rate, as farmers support the "new" Michigan Farm Bureau and the program of expanded services. By mid-January the total of new members and renewals had topped the 50,000 mark with Baraga county reporting first to reach county goal. Baraga's victory maintained what has become an unbroken string of membership "firsts" in recent years for Upper Peninsula counties. Nearby Iron county was first to reach membership goal last year. The announcement that the 1966 membership goal was in sight brought praise of volunteer workers from state officials who lauded those who "have given unselfishly of themselves to improve agriculture's future." "My faith in the spirit of our members, in the spirit of our volunteer Roll-Call workers and in county leaders has been more than justified," Michigan Farm Bureau President Elton Smith said when told of mounting membership totals. "We have stressed the need for this kind of support at this critical period in our history, and it is heartening to see." According to Glenn Sommerfeldt, Manager of the Field Services Division and the person responsible for coordinating the state-wide Roll-Call effort, the "official" membership drive ended January 31, with special clean up county campaigns to continue in those communities which for one reason or another were unable to conclude their work earlier. Sommerfeldt praised the Roll-Call volunteers "who have laid this solid membership foundation upon which the new Farm Bureau programs will be built. It is apparent to everyone that Michigan farmers mean business when it comes to building a business-like farm organization," Sommerfeldt said. The month of February has been tagged "program planning month" by Farm Bureau leaders who feel that the enthusiastic show of membership strength constitutes something of a mandate on the part of farmers for moving ahead on promised action- programs. As a result, local program planning will be a chief topic at the annual "President's Conference" scheduled for the Camp Kett Leadership Training center near Cadillac, February 14-15. In recent years County Executive Committee members and key leaders joined the presidents as Farm Bureau faced a period of self-examination prior to endorsing an expanded program and increased dues to finance it. Now they will again work together in planning sessions aimed u at placing meaningful programs into action in every county. l t is difficult to make a m a n miserable w h i l e he feels he is w o r t h y of himself a n d claims kindred to the great God w h o made him . . . "Let us have f a i t h that right makes might, and in that f a i t h , let us t o the end dare to do our duty as w e understand i t . . . FREEDOM CONFERENCE u W h a t constitutes the b u l w a r k of our o w n liberty and independence? It is The former president of the American Farm Bureau Federation, and the director of Manned Space Flight not our f r o w n i n g battlements, our bristling sea coasts, our army a n d our Center Development for "NASA" are among outstanding navy. These are not our reliance against tyranny. A l l of those may be turned persons scheduled for the 8th annual Freedom Conference. against us w i t h o u t m a k i n g us weaker for the struggle. Sponsored by the Community Programs department of u O u r reliance is in the love of liberty which God has planted in us. Our the Michigan Farm Bureau, the two-day and evening conference will be held February 16-17 in the Student defense is in the spirit w h i c h prized liberty as the heritage of all m e n , in Center building at Central Michigan University, Mt. all lands everywhere. Destroy this spirit a n d you have planted the seeds of Pleasant. despotism at your o w n doors. Allan Kline, who served as American Farm Bureau presi- dent from 1947 to 1954, will speak several times on the "Familiarize yourselves w i t h the chains of bondage a n d you prepare your first day's program, followed in the evening by Captain o w n limbs to w e a r them. Accustomed to trample on the rights of others, Robert Freitag of the National Aeronautics and Space y o u have lost the genius of your o w n independence a n d become the f i t sub- Administration, Manned Space Flight Center. jects of the first cunning t y r a n t w h o rises a m o n g you . . . " The conference is open to all rural people interested in citizenship understanding and activity. Abraham Lincoln President's Capitol Farm Bureau Discussion IN THIS ISSUE Column Page 2 Report Pages 3-4-5 Women Pages 8-9 Topic Page 14 TWO February 1, 1966 MICHIGAN FARM NEWS . ~d. President's Column INTO THE WORLD THE FARMER PAYS Because they have taken pride in their inde- Much of this issue of the Farm News is de- pendence, farmers have earned a reputation for voted to current legislative affairs tied to the isolation which they no longer deserve. opening of both our own Michigan Legislature Few modem farmers seriously think that they and the "Second Session" of the 89th Congress can remain insulated from state, national and in Washington. world-wide happenings - nor do they try. This emphasis is proper, because nearly every A growing Fann Bureau membership, with action of these legislative bodies has a direct its far-reaching county, state, national and in- effect on farmers and on farm income. ternational implications, is evidence that most Just the attitude of Congress alone can have AI ichigan fanners fully realize how directly in- serious effects on how government departments volved they are in off-farm affairs. and agencies act toward agriculture, and how The knowledge that through Farm Bureau far some administrators feel free to go in writing they can reach into the world without need to directives. Many of these administrative de- leave their farms has obvious great appeal. cisions have the effect of law and usually it is 'V'ith the production of one acre in four now the farmer who pays. Often these decisions go sold "overseas," farm prices are especially sensi- much further than Congress dared. tive to international affairs and pressures. A recent example is the price of wheat and Farm boys are directly involved in the war the sudden dips in market prices following an in Vietnam. Farm programs become entangled in international politics and it is almost im- possible to sort "farm" programs from foreign aid or defense matters. &- announcement by the Secretary of Agriculture that he intended to use the surplus wheat stored through the Commodity Credit Corporation to prevent further increases in the free market All of these things have caused farmers to COllEGE IS PAYING OFF, DAD - I'VE LEARNED price. take a new look at farm programs in general HOW TO GET A THIRD MORTGAGE! Late in November, the United States Depart- and to ask if it would not be best to take the ment of Agriculture confused the wheat market millions now spent in ineffectual crop control by announcing that government stocks of high- measures and use the money instead to "mar- protein, bread-type wheat would be dumped ket foodJor freedom" throughout the world. For years the world has marveled at the para- dox that allowed one country, the rich United TAXES AND MORTGAGES onto the market. As could be expected, the market responded at once ... downward! Chicago December wheat stood at $1.653/4 States, to achlally spend money preventing All joking aside, the possibility of a second or third per bushel at the time of the announcement. food production at a time when few people mortgage on the old homestead seems all too real on many It promptly fell 13/4(t to an even $1.64 the next have enough to eat. Resentment and bitter Michigan farms - come tax time. day, November 2.3.. On the 24th of November, misunderstandings have resulted. They have February 15th brings another of those tax-choice pay- the decline continued with wheat quoted an- not been helped by clumsy attempts to solve ment deadlines fOJ; farmers - "with payment to accom- other 2(t lower at $1.62; on November 26, it hit our surplus problems through dumping them pany forms as filed." In a way, it is unfortunate that many a low of $1.595/8 - for another subst.antial drop. on others, especially when little or no attempt Michigan farmers will not have much to pay in federal As was expected, the THREAT of govern- is made to help others help themselves. income taxes this year, what with tornadoes, drought and ment dumping action is what really mattered, vVithout really intending to, farmers of the excessive rainfall removing much of the income. for the total of high-protein wheat released on United States have found themselves in a posi- "Fixed" costs refuse to remain fixed, with farmers af- the market by the government only amounted tion of world leadership, as the only people fected by nearly everything that happens in America to 90,000 bushels, and wheat slowly climbed with obvious ability and know-how to fill the including the New York transportation strike ... the upward again. bread-baskets of the world. price of steel and the dumping of surplus wheat onto the Then, on December 15, as delegates to the Yet the paradox continues, for even as the market. American Farm Bureau Federation annual American farmer distinguishes himself through Property taxes hit now too, with statements received meeting gathered in Chicago, the United States tremendous production records, he has been in December "due and payable" the first part of the new Department of Agriculture announced it would rewarded with an unsatisfactory income through year, and in most counties, with a deadline before the dump wheat of all grades from government complicated government fann programs con- end of February. stocks! trolling production and fixing prices. One difference - when income taxes are paid, they Realizing what this would again do to the Now, he ~uggests, is a good time to break reflect an income high enough to warrant taxation. But market, the delegates expressed their outrage free of such limitations through a return to the property taxes must be paid out of "income" whether it in a resolution from the floor, condemning the free market approach and a demonstration to exists or not. And in Michigan, according to Farm Bureau action. They said: "We, the voting delegates the world that a dynamic, private, competitive Legislative Counsel, Robert Smith, property taxes require of the 47th annual convention of the American enterprise system is a major factor in allowing around 14 per cent of total realized farm income, as com- Farm Bureau Federation, deplore and condemn a more abunda!1t life for all people. pared to less than five per cent for non-farm people. the action of the Secretary of Agriculture in 'Vhy not, farmers ask, launch a program of Small wonder farmers insist on tax reform! wrecking the price of wheat through the dump- "Marketing Food for Freedom" with maximum And having less income to be taxed than do most other ing of government-held stocks of the com- producer freedom, minimum government in- business people, farmers have a lot to gain by adoption modity." volvement, full reliance on the market for of a statewide, broad-based tax on net income, WITH But the damage had been done, the farmers prices, and with an expanding use of our DEFINITE PROVISIONS TO LOWER TAXES ON paid. Chicago December wheat stood at $1.70% productive resources in world affairs? PROPERTY. at a time of the new announcement. On the At the same time, why not provide that the Along with this proposal, which it itself would be a 16th of December, it had plunged to $1.623/8 amount of needed commodities to be shipped giant step forward toward equalization of the total tax - for a drop of around eight cents per bushel. under the program be established and an- burden, farmers ask for total repeal or "substantial re- "Farmers must not be forced to compete with nounced far enough ahead so that farmers can duction" of the present highly regressive taxes on farm the Commodity Credit Corporation for mar- plan accordingly? personal property. ketsl" This is a resolution with which all farm- Then, couple this immediate help with tech- Delegates to the :Michigan Farm Bureau annual meeting ers can agree. The original purpose of the nical assistance at a level consistent with each have made tax reform the number-one legislative issue Commodity Credit Corporation was to provide national current development to provide long- and call upon the current session of the legislature to face smooth, orderly marketing throughout the year term growth and stability. up to this responsibility. and to protect the farmer from sudden price In official policy resolution at the recent declines at market time. American Farm Bureau annual meeting, farm- The original intent has been largely forgotten, ers suggested that stich a program could be ~ and farmers now find themselves subject to adequately financed from funds now appro- MICHIGAN _FARM NEWS price manipulation through an agency formed priated for price supports, for direct prQducer- THI! ACTION PUBLICATION OP THI! MICHIGAN PARM BURI!AU to prevent this from happening! To stop this, payments, and for "Public Law 480." The MICHIGAN FARM NEWS is DIRECTORS: District I, Max K. Farm Bureau members ask that release of Com- published monthly, on the first day, Hood, Paw Paw, R-l; District 2, Wil- Since any excess farm products marked for by the Michijtan Farm Bureau, at its bur H. Smith, Burlington, R-I; District modity Credit Corporation wheat stocks be not publication office at 109 N. Lafayette 3, Donald L. Ruhlilt, De x t e r; Dis- export would be bought on the open market, Street, Greenville, Michijtan. trict 4, Elton R. Smith, Caledonia, made at less than 125 per cent of the loan rate, Editorial and jteneral offices at 4000 R-I; District 5, David Morris, Grand farm prices would be strengthened greatly North Grand River Avenue, Lansin~, Ledge, R-3; District 6, Ward G. Hodge, plus carrying charges. Michiltan. Post Office Box 960. Tele- Snover, R-I; District 7, Kenneth Bull, while at the same time farmers would be able phone, Lansing, -t85-BI21, Extension Bailey, R-I; District 8, Harvey Leuen- Was concern for the consumer and a possible to show the world a positive example of the 317. berger, Saginaw, R-6; District 9, Established January 12, 1923. Sec- Eugene Roberts, Lake City, R-I; Dis- increase in the cost of bread the reason why tremendous productive capacity possible within ond Class Postage paid at Greenville, triCt 10, Edgar Diamond, Alpena, R- wheat was dumped? Most experts disagree. Michigan. Subscription price, SOt per 2; District 11, Edmund Sager, the free-market framework, instead of the pres- year. Stephenson. According to Ed Powell, Manager of Grain EDITORIAL: Editor, Melvin L. ent negative program of compulsion, controls Woell; Staff Photographer, Charles DIRECTORS AT LARGE: Walter ~1erchandising for the Michigan Elevator Ex- Bailey; Staff Artist, Sam Bass. Women's Frahm. Frankenmuth: Dean Pridgeon, and unused surpluses. ~Iaterial. Mrs. Donna Wilber. Montgomery, R-l; Walter \Vightman, change, "A maior issue is getting farmer com- OFFICERS: Michijtan Farm Bu- Fennville, R-I. Best of all, while the new approach would reau; President, Elton R. Smith, Cale- WOMEN OF FARM BUREAU: Mrs. pliance with government farm programs. If serve the interests of developing nations, it donia, R-l; Vice President, Dean William Scramlin. Holly; FARM BU- Pridgeon, Mont~omery, R-I; Secretary- REAU YOUNG PEOPLE: Ravmond wheat prices rise to a satisfactory level, compli- would also permit a phase-out of present out- ManaJ'er. Clarence E. Prentice, Okemos. Kucharek. Gaylord .. ance will be low and farmers will raise wheat moded price-support and ad;llstment programs POSTMASTER: In using form 3579, mail to: Michigan Farm News, 4000 N. U;ithOllt taking part in the government's cash here at home. Grand River, Lansing, Michigan. payment program." S.cond clall postage paid at Gr•• nviU., Michigan M,W, Elton Salith MICHIGAN FARM NEWS ~ebruary 1,_ 1966 THREE THE SUBJECT IS TAX REFORM and everyone is concerned. legislative Counsel Robert E. Smith explains some of the complexities of Michigan's tax structure. To the right of Smith, facing the camera, are John and lovell Kain of Saginaw county. Back!a camera are (left to right): John Wessel and Carl McCormick, St. Clair county; Herbert Hemmes, Emmet county, and Don Solomon, Barry county. Seminar Series Michigan Farm Bureau leaders are offered an excellent chance to become better acquainted with both the legislative processes and with those persons representing them in Lansing, through another in the highly popular series of Legislative Seminars. Sponsored by the Public Affairs Division of the AI ichigan Farm Bureau, the seminars are held by regions with the dny- long meetings arranged to coincide with the early part of the current "second session" of the 73rd Michi~an legislature. MFB DAIRY COMMITTEE MEMBERS - Ray Kucharek, Francis Brockel, Ed Reithel and Frank McCalla - examine new plastic &ch seminar will be held in the y\VCA building a scant gallon milk bottle. This new container has recently been introduced in several markets. The Michigan Supreme Court has half-block from the state Capitol building in Lansing. A get- recently approved use of the gallon-sized milk container. acquainted time with coffee and rolls will welcome the travelers at 9:30 with reports of the Farm Bureau legislative programs 1966-"Year of the Voter!" The year 1966 is an election sWine import requirements, gov- creates nearly 30 % of Michigan's following. Acting as hosts for the meetings will be Michigan Farm Bur~au Legislative Counsels Dan Reed and Robert Smith. At a noon luncheon, members of the legislature from the involved 'districts will be the guests of their constituents and will have year - fanners had best not for- ernment reorganization, "green to ;obs! Nationally, the figure is get this fact for surely politicians grain," etc., etc. are only a few even higher. a chance to visit before all leave for the Capitol and attendance won't! of the important new programs. There was also other good at regular sessions of the House and Senate. Just as the Chinese title their However, it should be remem- Farm Bureau supported farm A long list of issues considered highly important to farmers years "The year of the snake" bered that all of those programs legislation in cl u din g improve- will make this year's seminar-series more notable than ever or. the "year of the horse" - we represent the kind of progress ments in laws covering regula- before, according to Reed. "Chief among these is the matter could well call this the "Year of that came for every citizen of tions and sale of liming materials, of tax reform and the apparent reluctance on the part of many the Voter" in 'Michigan. It is a the state. Not only will they help commercial feeds, fertilizers and members of the legislature to face their responsibilities in this year of opportunity and farmers farmers to maintain and expand seeds. area during an election year." might ask,' what can we expect? markets, but they are of equal This is the good side of the The fact that 1966 is an election year also helps to under- importance to the entire Mich- coin, there is another side that A good question, but first let is not so good even though it score the importance of these seminars, Reed indicated. He uS look back a year. Last year the igan economy. For instance, while the live- could have been worse. The 1964 added, "An important part of the Phont' Mag. Sulfate .24 County) (1-2t-26b) 26 (2-lt-24p) 34 Iodine (pure) Cobalt Sulfate .015 .01 .018 .03 PLUS FREE ROLL KODACOLOR 12 exposure developed and enlarged 275 FILM OLD AIRPLANES - Will buy old planes. Salt 0.00 0.00 parts, engines, propellers, any condition. PLUS FREE ROLL KODACOLOR FILM KLAGER'S DeKALB PROFIT PULLETS Also, will reimburse for infonnation result- Get Perfect Balancer at your -Sixteen weeks and older. The proven ing in purchase. P.O. Box #131, Leslie. Feed free-choice to stop cash losses GIANT SIZE COLOR PRINTS 19c Hybrid. Raised under ideal conditions by Michi~an. (Ingham County) from cracked, checked or soft- elevator. Distributed in Mich- (Kodacolor negatives only) ea. experienced poultrymen. Growing birds in- (2-lt-24p) 34 igan by: spected weekly by trained staff. Birds on shelled eggs. Only the finest Kodak full feed, vaccinated, debealced, true to age, and delivered in clean coops. See \V Al\:TED: Complete model "T" Ford FARM BUREAU materials used. theml \Ve have a grower near you. Birds chassis. Also, restorable Model "A" or OYSTER SHELL PRODUCTS CO. SERVICES, INC. raised on Farm Bureau feed. KLAGER "B" Ford Roadster or tourinlZ. AI~o. Subsidiary of Maplewood Studio HATCHERIES, Bridltewater, M ichi g an. availahle used Junior Kin~ evaporator for Southern Industries Corporation The GELATIN BONE CO. Telephones: Saline, HAzel 9-7087, Man- .'50 to 100 buckets. SUlZar Bush Suppl;l'~ MOBILE, ALABAMA Box 125, Emmett, Michigan Box 362 Lansing, Mich. chester G A rd e n 8-3034. (Washtenaw Company, Lansing, Michigan. County) (tf-72b) 26 (2-lt-33) 31 FOURTEEN February 1, 1966 MICHIGAN FARM NEWS FARM LABOR-1966 DISCUSSION WHAT. CAN BE. DONE 7 TOPIC \V orkmen' s Compensation will add materially to costs for .farm- ers who use -hired help for any considerable period of time. Lavor costs in fruits and vegetables al- PREPARED BY THE ready amount to fifty per cent of EDUCATION AND RESEARCH DEPARTMENT all costs. Workmen's Compensa- MICHIGAN FARM BUREAU tion can add nearly another nine per cent, where coverage is re- quired .. Labor Picture Dim This would handicap Michigan farmers in competing with grow- ers from other states. It can mean For State Farmers «red ink" in the accounts and would put some farmers out of business. Farmers cannot simply "Five little - four little - three little Indiansl" The old song pass along added labor costs to sets the trend that hit seasonal farm workers in 1965. Michigan consumers as is done by industry. growers worry about the prospects for a worker supply in the The biggest villain in the story future. They look with concern on the higher price tag at- of distressed farm incomes is al- ready the one named UCostsl" tached to such services. All of these pressures acceler- Some see a small glow of hope in the western horizon. Re- ate the movement toward mech- ports from California tell of hopeful experiences in recruiting and employment of youths and women. High school and college anized harvesting fruits and /~~:r/