0 & MICHIGAN FARM NEWS October 1, 1966 SEVEN co-oP MONTH October is Co-op Month. It was so proclaimed by the Gov- I ernor of Michigan, George Romney, at a special ceremony in his offices, August 31. Present at the signing were two men to whom the proclamation has special significance. One was 29, the other 78. Present by invitation, they personified the past and the future of farmer cooperatives. This was a special day for both men. Troy E. Lutz, \Vhite Pig- for the success of the Constantine eon, was honored as the oldest Co-op to the late Clarence Brody, known cooperative member who one of its organizers and general continuously used and supported manager for many years. "It was a co-op over the greatest number through the dedication and sin- of years; Ken Ruthig has the dis- cere efforts of Clarence Brody NOT FOR tinction of being the youngest (brother of Farm Bureau's Clark TODAY'S known elected cooperative leader. 'Brody) that the co-op grew and "OCTOBER IS COoOP MONTH" - declares the proclamation signed by Governor BUSINESS Both are FaT1n Bureau members farmers of the area received bet- Romney in special ceremonies at his office recently. Present at the signing were: AGRONOMIST of long standing. ter returns." Troy E. Lutz (center), White Pigeon, o:dest known cooperative member who Describing himself as "too old The Constantine Co-op, a char- cantinuously supparted a co-op over the greatest number of years, and Ken FOR THE MAN IN Ruthig (right), Leslie, the youngest known elected cooperative leader. Both are to get under a cow - and too ter member of the Michigan Asso- Farm Bureau members. THE KNOW, IT'S slow to get out from under if ciation of Farmer Cooperatives he did get there," Lutz neverthe- (MAFC), received its original Leslie Cooperative. Williamson contest, feels equally proud of less still maintains a haH-interest capital from 160 local farmers reports that the Ruthigs have both winners. "\Vhen the young AS T M 499 in the dairy farm which his son who bought shares of stock at $15 shown outstanding ability in crop take the reins from the old, they each. Its present assets are valued production and proudly points to do so with the knowledge that RAIL STEEL Franklin now operates. at $1,473,000. From 1952 to Fred's record as a member of they have an impressive record to Lutz purchased a share of maintain," he said. the "100 bushel corn club" for stock in the Constantine Cooper- 1965, patronage refunds totaled As Governor Romney pointed five out of six years. ative Creamery in 1916 and has 8527,579. out in the proclamation: "For Alkyd ENAMEL The Leslie Co-op (featured in sent either cream or milk from According to Lutz, 29-year-old last month's Farm News), like nearly a hundred years, coopera- finish his farm conlinuously since that Ken Ruthig is "just beginning his its honored representative, is tives have represented a fair and time. During his 50 years as an education" as a cooperator. When "young" yet. But although it's wholesome competition within our GALVANIZED active producer, he was a board Ken was elected to the board of only 17 years old, it is one of the nation's business community. FASTENERS r. member of the co-op from 1939 the Leslie Cooperative in 1962, fastest growing co-ops in the state. Farmer cooperatives have pion- (Precounted-pack aged) to 1956, and president of the he became the youngest known While the "pioneer" Lutz re- eered in raising quality standards, board from 1946 to 1954. co-op leader in the state. For two Although the honored cooper- of his four years on the Leslie ator modestly maintains his long board, he served as secretary. presidency was due to the fact The young farmer, father of members the past when his prod- ucts were hauled to the co-op creamery in horse and buggy, and both in products marketed and in items of production used on their farms and in their busi- Come alive with • UNILITE~ 51'$- the difficult days of <'The De- nesses. that he was "nearby the cream- five children, operates a 400 acre pression," Ruthig looks ahead to <'They have worked to insure ery," two of his staunch support- farm in partnership with his the future of agriculture with its reliable and wholesome sources of ers who were also present at the father, Fred, who has been a advanced methods of farming ... food products vital to the con- Available throughout Michigan signing - Lloyd Cupp, president member of the Leslie Co-op since and the important part farmer suming public ... They repre- from f. of the Constantine Co-op board, its organization. They specialize cooperatives will play in that sent a very significant segment of and Art Wolgamood, manager of in beef, hogs and cash crops. future. Michigan's business enterprise ... the creamery - hasten to acclaim \Vith Ruthig at the Co-op L A Cheney, executive secre- therefore, I urge recognition of FARM BUREAU ~ him as "an outstanding president." Month proclamation signing was tary of MAFC, sponsors of the the importance of the farmer co- SERVICES, INC. L!JAW1!J Lutz gives a good deal of credit John \Villiamson, manager of the oldest and youngest cooperator operative movement in this State." LANSING, MICHIGAN EIGHT October 1, 1966 MICHIGAN FARM NEWS MICHIGAN PRODUCTS - served at a smorgasbord dinner by St. Clair County Farm Bureau Women, are admired by Duane Sugden, MFB Regional Representa- tive. Others in the picture are: (from left) Mrs. William Reid, County Women's Chairman; Mrs. Frank H. Burrows, Women's Secretary; Mrs. Russell Draves, Treas- urer and Mrs. Roy Lindsay, Vice Chairman. ----------------------------- ~. WOMEN'S COORDINATOR - Miss Helen Atwood, speaks to the crowd attending the speci"al "All-Michigan" dinner sponsor- ed as a rural-urban project by Farm Bureau Women of St. Clair county in the Goodells Community Building. Seated to the left, and disguised by wig and heavy mustache, is T. C. Petersen, Director of Program Development for the American Farm Bureau and featured speaker. Petersen talked "common-sense economics" from the pretended viewpoint of a distinguished foreign visitor. State 'P~ 7~ pt St, ~ '3fJ~ 1)~ The «You and J" (U. and 1.) Committees of Farm Bureau income than is possible anywhere "'omen continue active in their work of spreading Information else in the world. and Understanding. Popular among programs used for this Delighted with both the dinner purpose are special farm-city events such as the recently held and the obvious gains made in increased understanding between All-iUichigan Smorgasbord sponsored by St. Clair County Farm farmers and urban guests, the St. DISGUISE REMOVED - T. C. Petersen shakes hands following his address, with Bureau "'omen. Clair \Vomen counted another former Michigan Farm Bureau President, Clarence Reid and Mrs. Reid. Earlier The dinner meeting was held in the Goodells Community dividend. from the evening's pro- Petersen had disguised himself with wig and mustache to fit his introduction as Building with 325 persons present to sample the food and hear a "visiting Danish economist". In this role, he warned his listeners of dangerous ~ ,- ~ram in the form of several hun- trends observed in his travels in "your country". an unusual talk by "Hans Odekaard" - distinguished Danish dred dollars raised for the "Marge economist. Karker" Scholarship fund. Actually, "Odegaard" teas T.C. ("Pete") Petersen, director of Named in honor of the former the Program Development Division of the American Farm Coordinator of Farm Bureau Bureau, so tcell disguised for his role of visiting professor that Women's Work, the fund will be put to work helping further the not even close acquaintances penetrated the deception. Mildred Nelson Kain ~oney ~anagement education of selected students, Huron County Farm Bureau Guests were present from Tus- beginning in 1968. Nickels and dimes are never ~ cola, Sanilac, Lapeer, ~lacomb work, to play, to plan. Freedom In producing the "all-Mich- enough, and other nearby counties. at home, in education, in business Future Fanners igan" menu, the women boosted For my spendthrift sons and A multitude of ~lichigan foods and churches. still another of their important He won an F.F.A. medal, daughters, "Many countries of the world Because he had done so well, were served under the capable projects, the active promotion of When they beg me for a dollar have lost these freedoms, and And now he wears it proudly, direction of county \Vomen's ~Hchigan fann commodities . or more, 1 cannot help bllt worry abollt 1n his best girls lapel! Chairman, Mrs. \Villiam T. Reid. I should confine them to quarters! trends I see here. Featured were turkey, ham, all '" Vhy is it your country seeks Fann Problems the "trimmings" such as fresh to follow patterns of failure that FARM-CITY WEEK Epitaph garden vegetables and dairy prod- There's no surplus of commodities, ucts, plus a galaxy of desserts. bring restrictions on freedom, County Farm Bureaus are Away up here in the "sticks" 'Tis a memorial, restrictions on production, that urged to take part in Farm City The only surplus that plagues Of several words or so, ~ After a flattering (if thoroughly cause want in so much of the \Veek, scheduled this year for the us now, That often lies above, faked) introduction by Coordin- world?" dates of November 18 through Is a surplus of POLITICS! The one who lies below! ator, ~Iiss Helen Atwood, Peter- Petersen compared the great 24. sen captivated the crowd with his productivity of our nation with The «week" begins on the well-chosen remarks. others of the world in terms of Friday of the week preceding system "Hans country Odegaard studying and legislative is in this our economic process," bathtubs, telephones, automobiles and similar "luxuries" which Thanksgiving day, and as a fit- ting conclusion, ends on Thanks- WASHINGTON AIR TOUR Americans take for granted. giving day proper. Dates of ~1arch 13-16 have been selected for the 1967 Miss Atwood said. ~lany of the comparisons were Ceorge ~lcIntrye, Acting Di- «He has visited manv of our version of the Fann Bureau \Vomen's popular Washington with Russia, where nearly 50 per rector of the Cooperative Exten- state Land-Grant Colleges," she Air Tour. Underway are plans to increase the effective- cent of the population must work sion Service, \ISU, is heading the added, "where he is comparing at the tasks of farming to feed state Farm/City \Veek Commit- ness of the tour by combining pre-planned farm-leader the values of our economic svs- the nation. "Here in America, tee, assisted by Frank ~ladaski, visits with Congressmen - and a "Heritage Tour" of the tern to those of the world." . one farmer feeds almost 40 people former Extension Agent from Ber- Capital city and vicinity. Disgllised by both his wig and besides himself," Petersen said. rien county. The group will again leave from the Detroit airport, mllstache, and aided by the false As he spoke of American pro- County Farm Bllrealls are asked using jet planes for swift travel. In Washington, one huild-IIp, Petersen was able to ductivity, gllests were more con- to take part in the formation of portion of the group will become "Legislative Spokesmen" make a nllmber of important SciOIlS than ever of the fine foods COllnty committees and carry an and formally represent Farm Bureau in meetings with the f'l points. served and the abllndance which active role in the program, using Lawmakers. Later this group will rejoin those on the "The feel of freedom sings American consumers enioy for a the occasion to tell the story of Heritage Tour in one day of sightseeing. throughout America. Freedom to smaller portion of their spendable agriclliture to city dwellers. ( October 1, 1966 NINE '- F. B. WOMEN " ,. I AT WORK ... It's busy days ahead for three farm wives as they begin the im- portant task of representing the Farm Bureau \Vomen on the state Resolutions Committee for 1966. They are: Mrs. Andrew Jack- October means many things to many people. To some it son, Howell (Livingston county); means the smell of burning leaves and football games. To iHrs. LaVerne Kramer, Reading others it means fall harvest and county Farm Bureau annual (Hillsdale), and Mrs. \Vm. Cleve meeting time. To two active ~1ichigan farm wives, October signals the start of a new and challenging They are Mrs. Lauri I-lonkala, experience - that of serving on the state Farm Bureau Women's Committee. " Lockhart, Pickford (Chippewa). The committee is scheduled to meet in Lansing October 4 for hearings and presentation of back- ground materials; November 2-3-4 Crystal Falls (Upper Peninsula), trict women's vice chairman, leg- who hegins her term as District islative committee member, and for the big task of compiling llW chairman, and ,.,-frs. Lewis chairman of the county Citizen- county resolutions into a "tenta- Babbitt, Eagle, representing Dis- ship Committee. tive" booklet, and three action- trict 5. They have an important She is extremely active in her packed days at the annual meet- role to play - one which will church and commuity with much ing, November 9-10-11. take time and effort and dedica- time devoted to activities of the Mrs. Jackson, whose husband tion. They look forward to their \Vacousta Community Methodist has served on the board of Mich- new roles with anticipation. Church where she is a member igan Milk Producers and the Mrs. I-lonkala (E leanor), al- of the choir, assistant church American Dairy Association of though she was not raised on a schogl teacher, secretary of mem- Michigan, will llse what she calls farm and "didn't. know how to bership cultivation of the Wom- her "second-hand experience" on milk cows until four children en's Society of Christian Service, the State Affairs and Marketing, later," has been a partner with and is Church Circle chairman. and Bylaws and Internal Affairs her husband, Lauri, in a custom She is also a member of the subcommittees. baling service for the past 12 \Vomen's Christian Temp'erance Mrs. Kramer, currently serving years. The Honkalas raise hay and Union. as chairman of the District 2 Farm potatoes on the farm where Lauri Bureau \Vomen, will contribute Her civic activities include: was born and raised. member of the Eastern Star, past Their four children are: Char- \Vorthy High Priestess of Bethany les, who leaves October 5th for \Vhite Shrine, past president of ,l MRS. LAURI HONKALA, from the Upper Peninsula, is the new Farm Bureau her efforts to the Conservation and the Health, 'Velfare, Safety and Civil Defense subcommittees. Mrs. Lockhart, active Upper the Army; Jack, now in the Air the Veterans of Foreign \Vars Women's chairman for District 11 W. Wah her is daughter r:llen, one of her Force in Okinawa; Sandra, a Auxiliary, and she currently serv- Peninsula Farm Bureau leader four children. nurses' aid at Crvstal Manor, a es as vice chairman of the Neigh- and current Dist. lIE \Vomen's retirement home .for the aged; borhood Society. chairman, will serve on the N a- and Ellen, who married in June and makes her home in Gwinn. Add to this lengthy listing, service as a school room mother, I. tional and International Affairs, and the Taxation and Education subcommittees. I Mrs. Honkala believes that t~ Cub Scout den mother, county farm is best place to raise chil- board of canvassers and the chair- dren - "My children agree," she manship of Eagle Township Can- says. cer Society. FREE FILM Eleanor has a Ipng record of In her "spare time," she enjoys For every roll of Kodacolor or Black and White film you send us for proces- Farm Bureau activity including refinishing antique furniture and sin~. you will receive ABSOLUTELY four years as county women's occasional sewing "when overalls FREE a fresh roll of the same size film with your developed prints. chairman, two years as Citizen- don't need mending." 8 exposure developed ship chairman, county delegate to and enlarged the state convention, and has been In spite of this busy schedule, PLUS FREE ROll KODACOlOR FILM in charge of the Farm Bureau Jeanette feels it vitally important 12 exposure developed 390 Queen contest for several years. to give much of her time and and enlarged effort to Farm Bureau because, PLUS FREE ROll KODACOlOR FILM 4-H plays another important part in her busy life; she has just 'To me, Farm Bureau has the GIANT SIZE COLOR PRINTS (Kodacolor negatives only) ea. 19c many services that make it a completed her fourth year on the family affair. It is educational as Only the finest Kodak board of directors. She also de- there is so much information given materials used. votes time to church activities and continually that aids us in every- NEIL'S PHOTO serves as treasurer of the Bethany day living as well as giving us a MRS. LEWIS BABBITT, Eagle, is the new chairman of District 5 Farm Bureau Lutheran Church Women. Women. Sh~ is shown refinishing an antique tobie, given to her by her Box 362 lansing, Mich. broader outlook." grandmother. Weaving rag rugs on a large 100m and embroidery work are her favorite hobbies. The District 11W chairman has some strong feelings about the farm organization to which she Michigan devotes so much time. She has little patience with farmers who Bell Part of the are content to "sit back and take Nationwide what comes - all the while Bell System grumbling." "It is hard to see so many farms closing because of taxes and government controls. It will With your telephone you've got the whole world in your hand! not only be the farmers who suf- And your phone costs so little fer but all citizens - because it's the farmers who produce the food they eat," she said. "I believe if something is worth having, it is also worth a little extra time and effort. The best way is to be in an organization that will represent you and work toward the same goals. That or- r'lnization is Farm Bureau." District 5's new chairman is petite, energetic Jeanette Babbitt, who lives on a 184-acre farm near Eagle with her husband, Lewis, and two sons, Vernon, 17, a junior in High School, and Melvin, 14, a 9th grader. Both boys take agricultural courses at Grand Ledge High School. Their farm is a family affair with very little hired help. Mrs. Babbitt calls their 30 Holstein dairy herd a "family workshop." Jeanette's Farm Bureau activi- ties include service as secretary of her Communitv Group, vice-chair- man and chai;man of the Clinton County Farm Bureau \Vomen, dis- TEN October 1, 1966 MICHIGAN FARM NEWS Board of Trade Backs livestock Future Sales MARKET ,Uembers of the Chicago Board of Trade voted to establish lir;c beef cattle trading on the Board and have moved ahead to DEVELOPMENT set margin requirements, delir;ery months, pit location, hours of trading and similllr details. As was reported in the last issue of the Farm News, this his- toric agreement involves a number of complicated grade, price and delivery schedules to be includcd among contract features. Robert L. ~fartin, chail111an of the Board, called the action "an enlightened move." He said the addition of a live beef contract to futures already traded in feed grains and steer car- casses wiII complete the range of trading opportunities offered by the Board to all segments of the meat industry. "Adding the live beef contract wiII result in an integrated meat-and-grain futures market of sufficient size to make beef producing and marketing more stable," he said. Trading in the ncw contract (cill !Je a particularly val/whlc CONTRACT tool for cattlemen and mcat pack- FEATURES NOTED ers seeking {!.uidelincs to the /01'- ward-pricin{.!. of fecdcr stock and Among the important features . of the trading contract that has finishcd product," Martin said. now been approved are: "It should therefore result in 1. Unit of trading. The con- more stable meat prices for the tract unit is 27,500 pounds of live consumer." steers. The United States cattle and 2. Grade. The steers shall be beef industry is large and grow- Choice grade or bette:- except that ing. Department of Agriculture up to 6 of the 24 head which figures show that beef cattle num- constitute a load mav be in the bers have increased by about 75 top half of the Good' grade, at a \\MACMA HElPS GROWERS - find better markets." This theme highlighted on unusually colorfui float in the Lawton Grope per cent over the past 20 years. discount of 2 cents per pound. Festival. A complete grapevine was featured on the float, supported by James and Conrad Bitely. Others pictured (left) Beef cattle and calves on farms The U.S. Department of Agri- are Edgar Austin, Van Buren County Form Bureau President; Max Hood, former MFB Board member and Donald Bitely. went from about 59 million head culture will inspect and certifv .All three are grope producers serving on the MACMA Processing-Grape Marketing Committee. in 1958 to 80 million in 1965. grade, as well as carcass yield SUPPORT TO DRY- BEAN MARKETING A recent study sponsored by and weight. the Board of Trade on the feasi- 3. Delivery procedures and bility of live cattle futures trad- weights. Delivery during the con- ing pointed out that per-capita tract month shall be made in a consumption of beef also has been rising in the United States. There is every indication that this con- sealed pen at the Chicago Union Stockyards. Each load must aver- age between 1,100 and 1,200 State Board Reviews At the same time they noted that there must be a greater unity of effort among all cooperatives sumption will continue to acceler- ate as America's over-all standard of living increases, the studv con- pounds per head, with no animal \'ar~'ing more than 100 pounds from the average of the load. Market Alternatives Bean business is big business in Nlichigan where dry edible and that the Michigan Farm Bur- eau will continue to work with bean producers and cooperatives tinued, and that parallel de~'elop- This requirement reflects the real- to develop such greater unity. ments in other countries will ities of the Chicago market. ~Iin- beans are a major crop. Beans rank among major crops in tenns sharply increase world beef con- imum weight of the entire load of ~fichigan fann income, and few crops have greater potential, The New sumption as well. shall be 26.400 pounds. ~Iaxi- or greater marketing problems. mum weight shall be 28,800 At a recent regular meeting of majority of the efficient and pro- Bean Commission One of the studv's conclusions was that rancher~ and feedlot pounds. the Michigan Farm Bureau board gressive bean producers. During recent years, most bean 4. Price basis and change of directors in Lansing, consider- "The association will need to producer groups have joined with operators need a mechanism bv which they can protect the~- limit. Prices will be quoted in able time was spent considering provide adequate and accurate Farm Bureau in pressing for leg- units of 100 pounds. ~'Iinimum how producers of Michigan's marketing information to its mem- islation to allow an agency to be selves from the price fluctuations inherent in a rapidly growing fluctuation is 5 cents per hun- 7,668,148 bags of beans can best bership to be of maximum service. created which would work on dredweight. The maximum dailv work together, and through Farm "It must be producer-controlled, market development, research and market. trading limit is S 1.50 per hu~- Bureau, to further their interests adequately financed, competently promotion of beans. Chairman ~Iartin emphasized managed, and with the role of dredweight above or below the and add to their income. Last year the Michigan legis- that trading in the new contract Historically, the directors found government kept at a minimum," previous day's settlement price. lature passed such legislation, es- will smooth price fluctuations in 5. C 0111111 issions. Board of that Michigan producers have had the directors said. tablishing the Michigan State two ways: Trade commission rates for the to sell their beans to limited mar- Bean Commission. 1. By motivating producers to The Bean Pool public shall be S25 per contract. ket outlets without adequate in- time their marketing efforts more fonnation for realistic marketing It was noted that in 1952 the "'Ve urge bean producers and This amount has been set in re- in terms of gradually shifting mar- Michigan Farm Bureau worked people within the bean industry lation to commissions for other decisions. ket demand, as reflected in fu- Recently, they noted, rapid with segments of the bean indus- to give complete support to the commodities traded on the Board ture prices, and less in terms of work of the Bean Commission," and to the value of the live beef changes in both agriculture and try to establish the Michigan Co- season. contract itself. in the dry-bean industry have. operative Bean Marketing Associ- the Farm Bureau board stated. 2. By providing everyone with (Note: It has been announced resulted in fewer and larger buy- ation, often referred to as the "'Ve ask that producers keep a longer and more comprehensive that choice steer trading on the ers and in more specialization on "bean poo1." themselves informed of the plans view of livestock supply and de- Chicago Board of Trade will open the part of bean growers. To begin, the pool operated and activities of the Bean Com- mand. Tuesday, October 4.) These commercial growers are fairly successfully, but a number mission to be certain that its ef- beginning to recognize an urgent of conditions arose in the industrY forts are always directed to the need for a voice in price-determin- which made participation in th~ benefit of the entire industry ... " ation and other marketing con- pool impractical for many bean siderations. producers. Most recently, some President's Letter Progressive thinking growers of these circumstances have been express interest in the need for eliminated and at this time a , In a letter to county leaders, I' an industry-wide bean producer's single industry-wide bean ~ool Michigan Farm Bureau President, marketing organization. offers producers a real opportun- Elton Smith, encouraged 'nembers ity for improved bean marketing. to work on all phases of bean Policy Statement "'Ve encourage all dry edible marketing. The board of directors adopted bean producers to participate in "Certainly the best way to a statement of policy reflecting the 'bean pool'," the directors said. accomplish our goals is for all of the ~1ichigan Farm Bureau's in- Elsewhere in their statement, us in Farm Bureau to go to work terest and concern. In the state- the board members regarded co- on them. ment, Farm Bureau is placed on operative marketing programs as "As a suggestion, perhaps each record as "willing to work with having a positive influence on Board should ask the Field-Crops any voluntary membership mar- the incomes of bean producers. or Bean Committee to hold a keting organization of bean grow- "Through the years, producers meeting for all bean growers. The ers which is based on realistic have made a large inveshnent in use of the Bean Pool and its value economic approaches to solving facilities and management capa- should be discussed. Let's tackle marketing problems." bilities. The facilities and person- this problem of bean marketing The Fann Bureau leaders point- nel of many local cooperatives and with our entire organization. ed out that such an organization the Michigan Elevator Exchange "In Fann Bureau we have the should provide full representa- Division of Farm Bureau Services, knowledge, the tools and the GROWER-UNHAPPINESS - with Jast year's Jow grape price is reflected in this tion of bean growers' interests in Inc. have played a vital role in peopb to solve this and many impromptu sign which appeared in chalk on the back of 0 juice-cosk pulled through the streets of Lawton during the recent Grape Festival there. Growers the market-place, that member- bean marketing both domestic and other problems. Let's do it," consider today's costs of producing a ton of grapes at $100. or more. ship should be comprised of a foreign," the directors said. Smith said. MICHIGAN FARM NEWS October 1, 1966 ELEVEN A big jet airliner got a gourmet stuffing of choice Michigan farm goods September 6 at Detroit Metropolitan Airport when a special shipment of beans, cherry products and mushrooms was loaded for showing at an international food exposition in Munich, Germany. The foods will be displayed for European grocers and food processors by John Schwartz of the Michigan Department of Agriculture's marketing services in efforts to build export trade in Michigan .farm crops. On hand at the export cere- European countries to study the monies were Senator Gilbert Burs- potential for expanding Michi- ley and Representative James gan's agricultural and industrial Tierney, chairmen of the legisla- exports. tive economic development com- 'The food processing industry mittees; Director B. Dale Ball, in Michigan is presently expand- Michigan Departtnent of Agricul- ing at a favorable rate and shows ture; Director Bernard Conboy, exceptional promise for the years Michigan Office of Economic Ex- immediately ahead," said Eco- pansion; Marketing Specialist nomic Expansion Director, Ber- Schwartz; and representatives of nard Conboy. «Participation in the bean, cherry and mushroom this international food exposition industries. will be of future value to the MICHIGAN BEANS, CHERRIES AND MUSHROOMS were sent to Munich, Germany, recently for the international food expo- «Michigan's highly diversified Michigan food industry as foreign sition. At the Detroit Metropolitan Airport for the export ceremonies were: Mary Jane Nolan, national Cherry Queen; Carol agriculture seeks expanding mar- markets develop." Ann Cole, Michigan Bean Queen; (left to right, lower row) State Senator Gilbert Bursley, State Representative James Tier- kets abroad, and European na- ney, Director B. Dale Ball, Michigan Dept. of Agriculture, and Bernard Conboy, Office of Economic Expansion. Bean, cherry and mushroom tions look hungrily toward our growers and processors have un- food production," said Agriculture derwritten Michigan's major costs family, Mr. and Mrs. John Cole, sored by the Michigan Depart- Director Ball. «We are aggres- sively pursuing foreign markets. at the Munich fair. They are Michigan Bean Commission, Lan- BEAN QUEEN Tuscola County Farm Bureau members. She won the crown in ment of Agriculture to promote the state's farm crops. The Munich trade fair will bring sing; Cherry Growers, Inc., Trav- competition with entrants from One of Queen Carofs first of- our farm products under the eyes erse City; Smeltzer Orchard Com- Blonde, blue-eyed Carol Ann five bean counties in the Thumb ficial duties was to participate in of buyers from all of Europe and pany, Frankfort; and the Great Cole, a 17 year old Vassar High and replaces 1966 Bean Queen ceremonies at the Detroit Metro- North Africa." Lakes Mushroom Cooperative, School senior, was chosen Michi- Diane Foster, Fairgrove. politan Airport where an airliner The Munich trade fair partici- Warren. gan Bean Queen at the Michigan With the bean crown, Carol was loaded with Michigan-grown pation is an outgrowth of the Other aid has come from the Bean Festival in Fairgrove on Ann won the right to tour the beans, cherries and mushrooms 1964 Operation Europe, when a USDA'S Foreign Agricultural Labor Day. nation with Michigan agricultural for export to Munich, Germany, group of Michigan businessmen, Service and the Michigan Office Carol Ann, a talented artist, is queens during 1967 Michigan to help stimulate world trade for led by Governor Romney, visited of Economic Expansion. the daughter of a bean farming \Veek. The queen's tour .is spon- Michigan growers. LOG-JAM ON WATER ACTION The health of many high school athletes is being endangered by the training programs of some of today's coaches, according In an in-the-family jurisdiction- al dispute between the President's to nutritionists at the National Live Stock and Meat Board, office and the Congress, the Chicago. White House has been holding up over a long period of time; and important conservation projects "Extreme care is exercised in still others are manipulated down- providing protective equipment to submitted under P.L. 566, the ward to a certain weight. Small Watershed Program, and prevent injuries and prompt med- "This is particularly dangerous ical care when injuries do occur not releasing the applications for with high school athletes - as op- congressional committee review. - so there is no doubt that the posed, for instance, to professional coaches and athletic directors and football players - because they The White House contends the the school administrators are sin- are still in the growing process. law providing for congressional cerely interested in the welfare review is unconstitutional. Until of their athletes," said Frances "Like anyone else, an athlete October 1, 1965, the executive Hall, Meat Board nutritionist and needs a daily diet which includes office had regularly forwarded ap- dietitian. "Unfortunately, many the 'basic four': four glasses of plications. Since that date, a coaches, while protecting their milk, three or more servings of backlog of more than 50 projects athletes from physical contact in- protein foods (meat, fish, poultry, which had been approved in the eggs and cottage cheese), five or jury, are, at the same time, in- advertently putting them very much in harm's way by unsound dietary regimens aimed at man- more servings of vegetables and fruits and four or more servings of whole-grain or enriched breads states has piled up in the execu- tive offices. Russell G. Hill, Executive Sec- retary, Michigan State Soil Con- - HARDY NORTHERN BEEF CATTLEfrom the Upper Peninsula will be sold at two co- operative sales. October 10 in Bruce Crossing, and October 11 at Rapid River. A ipulating the weight of teen-agers. or cereals. total of 2,850 calves and yearlings will be offered. Th. sales are sponsored by servation Committee, which ap- the Upper Peninsula Cattle Producers Association. Some football players are gorg- "Because he is exercising heav- proves state plans, says that one ed with calorie-loaded, complete- ily, the athlete probably will eat Michigan project, covering the unbalanced diets to get them up more of each of these foods than east branch of the Sturgeon River The Upper Peninsula Cattle Producers Association, in efforts to a certain weight. Other ath- the average person - but he in Dickinson County, was inclua- to build a "healthy industry," has scheduled two producer-owned letes, such as wrestlers, are put should eat only as much more as ed in the log jam. sales, October 10 in Bruce Crossing and October 11 at Rapid on unusual diets to keep them will permit him to maintain his River. A total of 2,850 feeders will be offered, with livestock within a certain weight range desired weight." Farm Bureau had urged that the projects be submitted to the moving directly from the brood herd to the sales yard. congressional committee as requir- At Bruce Crossing, the sale will --------------- ed by present law and that include 650 steers and 550 heif- the sales yard. These sales yards Northern Michigan "progress in the field of small ers; the Rapid River sale will offer 800 steers and 500 heifers. Year- are used for selling feeder cattle only. This means that chances of watershed development may con- Feeder Cattle - 14,000 Head tinue." ling cattle will be available at both sales. disease are kept at a minimum. The cattle will be graded by President Johnson has said that According to Rick Hartwig, Ex- the Marketing Service of the Sold at Auction on following dates. he will propose legislation next tension Specialist, Agriculhlral ~Iichigan Department of Agricul- Oct. 6 1000 Yrlgs Gaylord year to change the system of ap- Economics, for the Upper Penin- ture into four grades - prime, Oct. 10 1100 Calves - 100 yrlg Bruce Crossing proval. House Committee Chair- sula, all cattle are from TB modi- choice, good and standard. They Oct. 11 1550 Calves - 300 yrlg Rapid River man Harold Cooley (D-North fied and brucellosis certified free may be inspected at the yards Carolina) says - I'll not sponsor counties, and have been produced mornings of the sales. Oct. 13 3000 Calves Gaylord such a bill and will fight it all and raised under strict require- Hartwig suggests that cattle Oct. 14 1100 Calves - 300 yrlg Baldwin t~e way if it is offered by anyone ments ill terms of health and feeders "enjoy a trip to the Upper Oct. 15 600 Calves Gladwin else." condition. Peninsula and get some good feed- Oct. 19 1600 Calves - 150 yrlg Alpena Oct. 20 3000 Calves - 150 yrlg West Branch In this fight between the Ad- Many of the cattle come from ers for finishing on the farm. ministration and the Congress, pure-bred herds; the rest from Thanks to good highways, the For Brochure write Chairman Cooley has bipartisan high-quality cross-breeds. All are feeders only spend a day on the MICHIGAN FEEDER CATTLE PRODUCERS COUNCIL support in his efforts to ward off rugged and high-quality. road, and arrive ready to go on Gaylord, Michigan this threat to the rights of Con- Cattle will be moved from the feed and ready to gain," he gress. farm of the producer directly to reports. TWELVE October 1, 1966 MICHIGAN FARM NEWS AS IICIILTIIRE III ACTION AIIOIIIO MICHIGAN STATE FAIR CHAMPION QUEEN CROWNED \ '~ {"'" "- i EATON COUNTY F.B. QUEEN - petite Coral Brunger, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. ~t Clarence Brunger, Grand Ledge, smiles happily as she is crowned by the currently THIS RESERVE GRAND CHAMPION Hereford steer was purchased at auction at the Michigan State Fair coliseum by Edgar reigning Michigan Form Bureau Queen, Janet Hill. Coral, a junior at Central Mich- Netherton (left) of food Fair Markets, Detroit. Proud co-owners are Lorry Cotton and Neil Orth of Okemos. The animal igan University, will represent Eaton County in the state queen contest at this year's brought 75 cents a pound. M.F.B. annual meeting, November 9-10-11. Miss Hill was the 1965 Eaton Queen. PROJECT IN UNDERSTANDING CLERGY-GUESTS - of Calhoun County Form Bureau Women, visit following a report to the group by Lois Huntington, youth- MICHIGAN STATE FAIR~ Grand Champion Wether, owned by Fred Savage, Jr., ful participant in this year's Citizenship Seminer. Pictured (from left) are Rev. Wm. Dodd, Marshall; Miss Huntington; Gladys Jackson County Form Bureau member, Hanover, was purchased by William Brittain Ross, Olivet; Rev. Jack Werkema, Homer and Rev. Lynn Chapel, Springport. About a dozen members of the Clergy were (left), Mahogany Forms, Williamston, for $6.50 per pound. guests at the noon-time luncheon meeting. SANilAC WOMEN TOUR APPLE SMORGASBORD FARM BUREAU CENTER, LANSING - was first stop for this group of 40 Sanilac county Farm Bureau Women during a recent PICNIC TABLES- loaded with apple products, is the center of attraction at the tour. Included were other stops at Form Bureau Services "Home and Gorden" store and the Capitol. For many of the 16th annual Apple Smorgasbord, held in the orchards of Farm Bureau members group this was the first visit to the Capitol chambers. Beforehand. long-time Legislative Counsel Dan Reed talked to the Robert Rosch and Sons, near Grand Rapids. "Apples on the Go" was the theme group, and colleague Bob Smith provided guide-service around the legislative work areas. Sanilac Women's Chairman, of this year's colorful event. (Additional picture, page 15) Mrs. Howard Mahaffy, led the group on the one-day outing. -Howard Miller photo MICHIGAN FARM NEWS October 1, 1966 THIRTEEN LAS VEGAS CONVENTION They will visit the Giant Red- woods, Disneyland and similar west coast attractions and arrive at the convention site in time for the afternoon Vesper Service, Sun- day, December 4. Still others are expected to ANTRIM CORN PICKING drive by themselves to the con- vention site. In all cases, Las Vegas hotel reservations must be SETS "PEP" MEET CONTEST The Antrim County Farm Bur- made through the Michigan Farm eau is sponsoring a «Measure Bureau, and will be allotted from Your Candidate" program under Everything is «go" on the F. W. within the block of rooms now the direction of the county P.E.P. Leonard farm these days. The held in advance. committee (Political Education [-,eonard farm, near Adrian, is the Hotel rates are in the $10 to Program) with the meeting to be scene of the 1966 Michigan State S12 per room class, in keeping held Wednesday, October 26, Corn Picking Contest, October 5 with a city economy based largely 8:00 p.m., in the Ellsworth Com- and 6. upon attracting tourists to the munity School. The corn is in fine shape and many casinos located there. Like- The county Farm Bureau has the count of exhibitors is impres- wise, food costs are reasonable. invited candidates for both state sive. There will be in excess of For a day-to-day itinerary of and national offices, and from 20 exhibitors present to represent both plane and train tours, write both political parties to partici- the unusual and latest in corn the Information Division, Mich- pate. production and harvesting. igan Farm Bureau. The committee has made it Tuesday, October 4, has been 'plain tlwt this is a planned pro- set for the contest land drawing gram, not a debate, with each for pickers and picker shellers. CONVENTION CENTER - at Las Vegas, attracts a canvention group at an aver- These drawings will be held at age rate of one every two days - year around. annual meeting of the American Farm Bureau This is the site of the upcoming Federation. Exciting Tours candidate given- equal time for an opening statement. A moderator 4:00 p.m., \Vednesday, October will ask previously prepared q ues- 5. The contest starts with the Offered Members tions and equal time will be al- first flight taking off at 9:30 a.m. lotted for each answer, with an Thursday, October 6, starting at Through special arrangement 9:30 a.m., the first flight of the "official timekeeper" in charge. with the well-known "Hoosier "mixed combine" contest will be Michigan folks attending the Rooms are currently reserved Roy Staudenmeyer and Richard Travel Service" - a number of run. annual meeting of the American for 125 persons in the AFBF 'Vieland, co-chairmen of the excellent tours are offered Mich- In addition to the corn picking Farm Bureau Federation in Las Headquarters hotel, the "Stardust" P.E.P. Com m it tee, have been igan Farm Bureau members and contest, the program will include Vegas, will be housed in the Con- and are to be occupied by Mich- pleased with candidate response. their friends. demonstrations of all methods of vention Headquarters hotel. igan members who arrive at the They include: Interruption corn harvesting, combining soy- But unless names are «attached" convention by a variety of travel- Halfway through the dishes beans, chopping or beating of soon to the over-all block of reser- methods. OCTOBER 8: Or a warm and soothing bath stalks and plowing. These dem- vations, they may be lost in favor Some will fly directly to the Mexico - choice of one or two Something's bound to happen onstration events are new and of others who can confirm at- convention site, using an econ- week tour. should he of real interest. tendance. omical group-rate which depend') \Vhich fails to make me laugh! Further, according to travel lipan 25 or more traveling to- OCTOBER 21: There comes a great vibration Visitors will be allowed to enter officials, the principal railroad to gether. Hawaii - this is the famous A loud and sonorous tone, the demonstration fields for the be used by Michigan de!egates Two groups will leave early by «five island" tour. Brochures are The odds are ten to one best possible view of the ma- has a new rule this year, and plane and train, and tour Califor- available and last-minute arrange- It's our pesky telephone! chines in operation. demands «by-name" reservations nia before moving on to the ments can be made should a sur- -Betty I. Smith Everything is "go" providing at least 30 days in advance! convention. prise-opportunity arise! Ionia County Farm Bureau the weather man cooperates! SPECIAL RATE TO FARM BUREAU MEMBERS: 25 words for $2.00 each editbn. 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, tw" or more editions, 10 cents per word. Copy deadline: 20th of the month. AUCTIONS 8 FARM EQUIPMENT 10 FARM FOR SALE 20 LIVESTOCK 26 POULTRY PLTY HOG EQUIPMENT - Poultry HOG ~IEN A'ITENTlON - Superior far- CA TILE FEEDERS-Feed high analysis SHAVER STARCROSS 288-U.S.D.A. ~nSSOURI AUCfION SCHOOL. Free rowin~ '-etup adaptahle for purebred or Perfect Balancer 8 % phosphate mineral top ranked layer in America. Started catalogl 1330-50 Linwood, Kansas City. hllildings. Layin~ ca~es, automatic feed- ers, manure 1 em oval systems. Ventilation. feeder pi~s. C"n handle 90 litters per feed. Feed free choice. Put plain salt in pullets properly gJown and delivered by Mo. 64109. (2-Tf-l0b) year on six time farrowin~ per }'ear. Ca- one container and Perfect Balancer Min- our own trucks. Available all year. For Ho~ bllildin~s. Farro-crates, ho~ feeders, r en e nanels. Lite-atu~e r. ee. \Vrite. Ot- pacity can be increased. 110 acres. Five erai in another container. The animal further infonnation, write MacPherson room house, bath, furnace, new well, knows which one he needs. Get Perfect 8 FARM EQUIPMENT tawa-Hitch, FN321, Holand, ~fichil!an screened porch, garage. Buildings in ~ood Balancer mineral at "our elevator. The Hatchery, Ionia. Phone 527-0860 or 527- 1413 Dean Lucas, Sales Representative. 49423. (10-3t-29b) 8 repair. School bus. Blacktopped road. Gelatin Bone Co., Box 125, Em m e tt , (Ionia County) (9-3t-38b) 26 F ARROWING CRATES: Complete 522.95. Four miles to Dexter, 12 miles to Ann ~fichigan. (If-4Th) 20 Free literature. Dealership available. DoI- Arbor. 549,500 with 512,500 down. Oril ly Enterprises, 219 Main, Colchester, ill- Ferguson, Broker. Phone Dexter, ~fichigan inois. ( 10-lt-14p) 8 HEREFORD BULLS-pure bred herd FEEDI~G EQUIPMENT - Acorn floatin!-': 426-4377 for appointment. sires. Ready for service. Also, reJristered allger blink feeders. Acorn automatic au~- (Washtenaw COllnty) (10-2t-70p) 10 heifers and calfs. E~ypt Valley Hereford AGENTS - Farmers, Contractors, make DAY OLD OR STARTED PULLETS- l'xtra money. Sell special fann equipment. erless feeder and bunk. Acorn double Farm, 6611 Knapp St., Ada, Michigan. The DeKalk profit pullet. Accepted by ;lU~er silo unloaders. Vikinl! electric I!rin- FOR SALE Write Ottawa-Hitch FN321, Holland. der-mixer, portable I!rindinl! mixer. Com- 14 Phone OR 6-Hl90. (Kent County) (1l-tf-25b) 20 the smart poultryman for high egg pro- Michi~an 49423. (10-3t-16h) 8 duction, superior egg quality, greater feed bination knife hammer mills. Bulk feed efficiency. If you keep records, you'll tanks with al!itators. Literature free. \Vrite, FOR SALE: Circle steel grain drying and stom~e bins and equipment. All sizes. DAIRYMEN-Use Perfect Balancer 8% keep DeKalbs. Write for prices and Ottawa-Hitch, FN321, Holland, Michil!an Gordon Kleinheksel, Route =5, Holland, catalog. KLAGER HATCHERIES, Bridge- FARMERS: 49523. ( 10-3t-42b) 8 ~fchigan. 138th Avenue between 50th and phosphate mineral feed. ~tix one pound of Perfect Balancer to every 100 lbs, of water, ~fichigan. Telephones: Saline HAzel .52nd Street. Allegan County. Phone Ham- ground feed. You can eliminate bone meal 9-7087, ~f an c h~ s t e r GArden 8-3034 Check the value you get in ilton 751-5270. (AlleJ(an County) by using Perfect Balancer. Get Perfect (Washtenaw County) (tf-46b) 26 Gelatin Bone Perfect Balancer, (10-4t-31b) 14 Balancer at vour elevator. The Gelatin DAIRY EQUIPMENT - Cattle barns. Bone Co., Box 125, Emmett, Michigan. the mineral feed of champions: Acorn stnnchion stalls, comfort stalls, free FOR SALE: Registered English Sheperd (tf-40b) 20 stalls. Acorn 7-winl! reversible gutter puppies. Available October 1st. Good Percent Percent watch and stock dog. (Fonnerly Johnson cleaner for smaller barns, heavy duty chain FEEDING HOGS? Use salt free, high Min. Max. cleaner for lar~e hams. Literature free. Kennels Stock Do~s). Phone 268-2349. KLAGER'S DEKALB PROFIT PULLETS analysis Perfect Balancer 8 % phosphate - Order your started pullets thnt have Phosphorous 8.0 9.0 Write, Ottawa-Hiti'h, FN321, Holland, Lester Evitts, Vesta berg, ~fichi~an. mineral feed in your hog feed. ~tix one ~fic:hi~an 49423. ( 10-3t-3.5b) 8 (Montcalf County) (10-2t-25h) 14 heen raised on a proven crowin!! pro!!ram. Calcium 29.0 34.0 pound of Perfect Balancer with each 100 The ~rowin~ hirds are inspected weekly Ibs. of ground feed. You can eliminate hy trained staff, vaccinated, deheaked and Mag. Sulfate .24 bone meal by using Perfect Balancer. Get delivered h\' us in clean crates. If \'ou Iodine (pure) .015 .018 STEWARTS' HAMPSHIRE SALE Perfect Balancer at vour elevator. The keep records, you will keep KLAGER DE- Cobalt Sulfate .01 .03 Gelatin Bone Co., Box 125, Emmett. KALRS. KLAGER HATCHERIES, Brid~e- Salt 0.00 0.00 THURSDAY, OCT. 20, 1966 -7:00 P.M., C.D.T., AT FARM ~fichigan. (tf-50b) 20 water, ~fichi~an. Telephones: 313 429- 7087 and 313 428-3034. Get Perfect Balancer at vour 50 BOARS - 40 REG. OPEN GILTS (Washtenaw County) (9-tf-50b) 2fl 100 COMMERCIAL OPEN GILTS 22 NURSERY STOCK elevator. Distributed in :\iich- STARK BRO'S NEW 150th Anniversarv igan by: Bulk of offering sired by LONG TIME, GOOD TIME AND FORTY NINER. Test CataloJ( FREE! Spectacular full-color dis'- information on most of the litters. All boars sonorayed. play of Giant-size Apples, Peaches, Nec- FARM BUREAU Catalog on request. Supper available. tarines (Fuzzless Peaches), Pears, Cher- POULTRY~fEN-Use Perfect Balancer. SERVICES, INC. ries, Apricots, Plums from DWARF, Semi- 8 % phosphate mineral feed in your ground L. L. & MANFORD STEWART ROUTE #4, FRANKFORT, IND. Dwarf, Standard Size trees. Ornamentals, feed. Eliminate soft shelled eggs. ~fix 3 The GElATIN BONE CO. Roses, etc. GU ARA:-':TEED. Stark, Dept. Ibs. per 100 Ibs. feed. The Gelatin Bone Box 125, Emmett, Michigan Phone 317 654-6034 30.507, Louisiana, ~fissouri 63353 Co., Box 125, Emmett, Michigan. ( 10-3t-42b) 22 (tf-25b) 26 October 1, 1966 MICHIGAN FARM NEWS FOURTEEN NEEDED: /!~ SOlID"ivlARKETS , ,.,' ,/ /,' "" ~/FOR Prepared by the Education and Research Department /" f' ' Michigan Farm Bureau GROWERS'DILEMMA /-'/0- ~~ Soft wheat is a ~fichigan specialty crop, grown world market prices and below prices in the U.S. tion is willing to help and coordinate inter-state almost everywhere in the state. The 1965 state crop market. The V.S.D.A. sets these subsidy rates daily activities. ran to 30 million bushels with a value of about $50 for different classes of wheat and for different ports The goals are these: To compel the U.S.D.A. to million. But soft wheat is a declining crop in the of shipment. give equal treatment to soft wheats in the export eastern states as falling prices prompt farmers to '''hen export subsidies for soft wheats are less than subsidy, shipping schedules and the P.L. 480 pro- shift to corn and soybean production. for the hard varieties, exporters raise the soft wheat grams, and equal consideration with other wheats in Three years ago, soft wheat varieties found good prices on the world market to make up the difference. granting acreage allotments. demand in the market, both domestic and foreign. Buyers then favor the lower priced varieties - in this In 1964-65, the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation de- , Production was' in good balance with demand, and case, hard wheats. veloped a cooperative "'i\lheat Bank" program for soft wheat commanded a premium price above the On the west coast in 1965, soft wheat export sub- mem bers in an effort to strengthen the soft wheat hard varieties. Bakers wanted soft wheat flours for sidies rail 9ft a bushel below hard wheat subsidies. producers' bargaining position. cookies, crackers and pastries. This kind of action bottles up soft wheat on the do- 'Vhen farmers start something like this, the gov- Soft wheat was never a ]Jart of the government mestic market and causes prices to growers in this ernment makes a counter-move. In the summer of surplus problem and never needed government con- country to fall. '66 the V.S.D.A. came forth with a similar program. trols. Those wheat problems generated in the hard Government policies have also cut the shipments Any such government-controlled program would wheat belt. of soft wheats out of the P.L. 480 program. Many serve only to strengthen its hand in regulating and en- foreign. countries would prefer some share of soft forcing established government policies. But soft wheat growers did not "cooperate" with wheat in their shipments, but they are required to Many farmers have signed to participate in Ohio the United States Department of Agriculture in the take the hard varieties which the U.S.D.A. releases Farm Bureau's """heat Bank and Export Marketing 1963 wheat referendum. And they did not sign up to them. So, again "No Sale!" These are the ele- Program" for their 1966 crop. Under this program for the allotment and certificate program that Con- ments of the squeeze play by the Department of the farmer is paid 80% of the current market price gress insisted on passing afterward at the request Agriculture against soft wheats. when he delivers his wheat. He receives the balance of the U.S.D.A. So, government policy has been to ~1eanwhile, acreage allotments to soft wheat grow- when the season's crop is sold, less the costs of the discipline the soft wheat growers and put on pres- ers were being reduced at the same time that some marketing operation. The Farm Bureau Soft Wheat sure to force them to accept the program. Action has hard wheat states got bigger allotments. Allotments Study Committee is taking a close look at this pro- been taken to collapse soft wheat prices and to close export markets for this wheat variety. have been upped across the board for 1967, but gram. this is incentive to get more growers to sign up in There could be some definite gains for growers The 1964 export record shows 63% of the hard who normally sell their wheat at harvest time. The the program to restore government price-curbing sur- wheat crop was exported, while only 30/0 of the soft "bank" can move the wheat gradually to market- pluses. Farmers now know what can be done with wheat crop moved into world markets. In the past spread the sales through the year - thus avoiding such surpluses. 5 years, half of the V.S. hard winter wheat moved price drops which result from glutting the market In 1964-65, soft wheats sold at an average of 15~ overseas. Soft red wheat was limited to exports of at harvest time. a bushel under the price of hard wheats, even though 10%. This difference was largely a product of gov- Farm Bureau has direct access to terminals for the hard varieties were in over-supply and soft wheat ernment "rigging." sales on the export market - at Toledo and (for was more in balance with demand. Chalk up the Even when the European wheat crop failed in score as a raw deal for soft wheat producers. Michigan) in Saginaw. Overseas sales can be pro- 1964, and when Russia and her satellites wanted Actually, under the certificate program, the gov- moted through the Farm Bureau Trade Development wheat, the U.S.D.A. failed to schedule shipments of ernment has feathered its nest at the expense of soft Corporation in Rotterdam, Holland. One sale of soft wheats. Instead, l4~ was lopped off the soft wheat producers. In 1964, growers got less than Michigan soft wheat was made to a firm in England wheat export subsidy and sales were pinched off $40 million in soft wheat government payments. through this contact this summer. The wheat was under Public Law 480. This law permits sales of Millers had to pay $90 million for government certifi- shipped from the Saginaw terminal of the Michigan farm products to other countries for foreign currencies cates and exporters bought $17 million in export Elevator Exchange. instead of dollars. certificates. The balance favoring the government The Ohio Farm Bureau suggests the forming of a Fortunately, in 1964, demand for soft wheats over- was $67 million. The theme song for soft wheat Soft ""heat Growers Council, combining associations powered government policy and soft wheat still growers may well be "that's where our money goes!" from Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Illinois, Pennsylvania brought fair prices for growers. And those programs were supposed to aid FARM and Kentucky. This council would help coordinate '''ith wheat in general, the United States has not incomes! The real aim has become clear, however- marketing programs on an area-wide basis. It would been in a favorable position in the world market. government control. unite the voice of the growers and work to strengthen Heavy supports have helped to push world market Delegates to the Michigan Farm Bureau Annual the market position for the commodity. prices for wheat higher. Argentina and Australia Meeting in 1965 stood strongly against this warping One thing would seem clear. Growers could gain have been able to underprice wheat from the U.S. of government programs against soft wheat growers. considerably and have little, if anything, to lose and still make a good thing of it. So their wheat The Michigan Farm Bureau board of directors ap- through such an organized approach to marketing moves first, and V.S. wheat takes what's left. \Ve pointed a Soft 'i\lheat Study Committee to suggest their soft wheat. have lost much of the export market that we once ways of meeting the threatening situation. enjoyed and we could not get any of it without This committee says, "get soft wheat growers or- QUESTIONS export subsidy payments. ganized to challenge the action of the V.S.D.A. in 1. What measures do you think should be taken to Government "rigging" can be accomplished in a Congress. Join with other soft wheat producing straighten out the problems of soft wheat pricing number of ways. Export subsidies can be juggled. states in an organized effort. Inform our Community and marketing? These subsidies affect the price and movement of Farm Bureaus about this problem." U.S. wheat varieties in the world market. Export Michigan Farm Bureau and neighboring states are 2. Would a "Wheat Bank Marketing and Export subsidies are the payments made by the government considering the formation of soft wheat Growers Program", similar to that of the Ohio Fann Bu- to exporters so that they can sell wheat at or near Associations. The American Farm Bureau Federa- reau, be a good idea for Michigan? MICHIGAN FARM NEWS October 1, 1966 FIFTEEN APPLES .. the problem of price! MACMA SEEKS FULL-VALUE - Autumn in Michigan, and the boughs hang low with Red and Golden Delicious, Northern Spy, Greenings, Mc- Intosh, Jonathan and several other varieties of excellent apples. Other than early spring frosts \vhich damaged many orchards, the crop came comparatively "easy" this year, with little wind and hail damage, and most of the usual pests kept under tight control. Not as easily solved is the matter of determining, and then securing full-market-value of the crop, estimated to he at 16 million bushels this year. Complicating matters is the fact that as in all other farm marketing, Michigan · does not stand alone, but is buffeted on the stormy seas of marketing by waves of competition from other produc- tion areas, even from other types of fruit which can be substituted. Keeping an eagle-eye on all parts of the fast-moving, market situation is the Processing-Apple Division of MACMA, the Michigan Agricultural Cooperative Market- ing Association. Under the guidance of Robert "Bob" Braden, MACMA ~1anager, and assisted by Royal Call of Farm Bureau's Market Development Division, the militant organization SPRING FROST - caused some apple damage, but most boughs are loaded in orchards of the state where USDA officials estimate a crop of 16 million bushels. Apple growers are now seek- has succeeded in welding together sufficient apple growers ing "full-market value" of the fruit .. to represent an estimated 55 per cent of the crop. "Most marketing mistakes are made by farmers who have either insufficient information about market con- ditions or the wrong information," Braden says, pointing out that MACMA is vastly concerned with getting accurate crop and price information to apple members at the time when they need it most - during the harvest and market- ing season. "... And that's right now in Michigan," Braden says. He has developed a rapid-fire system of price checking with major growing areas, major processors and other major " apple .markets. , Through a flurry of newsletters, grower-members are kept informed of a wide range of market conditions which bear on crop condition, hold-over stocks, competing fruit, and finally - the price for this year's crop. 'Vorking through a ~1arketing Committee made up of prominent growers, the per hundred-weight value of Mich- igan's apple crop is determined by apple size and variety. This is compared with other production states and areas, and the whole coordinated through MAC~1A's membership in the American Agricultural ~'larketing Association - an affiliate of the American Farm Bureau Federation. At this point, the Committee sets a price in line with market conditions and demand, and members are held by contractual agreement to offer their apples to "first-hand- lers" or processors at this determined market-value. Although no apples are physically handled by the Apple Division of ~/IAC~1A - actual sales are carried out between growers and processors through the facilities of the agency. Processors are determined to gain a high value crop at low prices. Growers, through ~1ACMA, counter with equal determination to gain full lnarket value for their crop. Where relatively small growers discovered they had only a small voice when dealing with buyers, all growers have an equally large voice through MACMA, and more grow- ers each year are discovering the advantages. For this privilege, members pay a modest one-time mem- bership fee in the Association, and agree to abide by con- .' ditions of the ~1ACMA sales contract. Later, when the crop has been successfully sold, a service charge is deter- mined by the ~1arketing Committee, and applied on a percentage basis to those members who sold processing apples. Last year, growers generally agreed that their efforts through ~1ACMA gained thenl at least 50 cents more per hundred-weight for their apple crop than would have been possible under former conditions. Economic conditions this year indicate that another in- crease in grower prices is justified. Successes in apple-marketing have encouraged growers of a number of other fruit and vegetable crops to organize special ~1AC~+IAdivisions to gain similar benefits. J\10st ALL MADE WITH APPLES - this smorgasbord table, featured attraction at the recent Peach-Ridge Fruit Gr wers Auociot 1 recently, about 200 grape growers have organized a Grape outing near Grand Rapids, illustrates some of the many dozens of uses for Michigan's big apple crop. ~u(h product r - Division and are seeking to improve the per-ton price for motions are helpful in making sure that the "apple of their eye" for the consuming public i. a Mi.c:higan Apple. Grpw( s are aware that many market conditions determine final price, and have associated through: MACMA to negotiate w , this specialty crop . .processors on these terms of trade. " . :...-Photo by Howard Mils 'r - ~ .... ~ SIXTEEN October 1, 1966 MICHIGAN FARM NEWS DICK WENZEL HAS AN IDEA ... THAT CAN HELP YOU SAVE MONEY! Chances are, you and your family are looking ahead - planning for tomorrow. Maybe you're hoping to build a new home, or provide a college education for the youngsters, or enjoy a comfortable retirement. And, most progressive families have plans to save $5,000, $10,000, $15,000 or more - to meet those specific financial goals. This is where Mr. Wenzel comes in. He has an idea for a personal savings plan with these advantages: 1. It is guaranteed to help you save regularly. 2. It is guaranteed to return a profit on your investment. 3. It is guaranteed to provide money for those specific financial goals - even in case of death or disablement of the family breadwinner. Best of all, with this particular savings plan, you won't have to worry about economic fluctuations - you don't have to be a stock market expert to protect your investment. It's guaranteed to be profitable. So, if you and your family are interested in saving money, call Richard Wenzel at 642-5235 in Hemlock (area code 517). Or, call your local Farm Bureau Insur- ance Agent. He's got the same idea. FARM BUREAU ---INSURANCE GROUP Farm Bureau Mutual- Farm Bureau Life. Community Service, LANSING