MICHIGAN FARM NE"" THE ACTION PUBLICATION OF THE MICHIGAN FARM BUREAU Vol. ~ No. 12 Published Monthly by Michigan Farm Bureau December I IMPRESSIVE SETTING-for policy action during the recent 'BACKED BY BANNERS- and the convention theme "Strength annual meeting of the Michigan Farm Bureau, is shown in -'-through Group Action," the State Policy Development Com- this scene in the main auditorium, Michigan State University. mittee (seated at long table) offered voting delegates a slate of Nearly 500 voting delegates were ioined by as many or more 53 proposed state resolutions, 26 national recommendations interested members for each of the sessions during the three and 17 policy statements dealing directly with "Our Farm days and two nights of the meeting. They came to hear man- Bureau" of Michigan. Another 42 statements adopted by pre- agement reports, participate in special-interest conferences, vious conventions were reaffirmed by the "House of Delegates". and to either take direct part, or to observe actions during such A knowledgeable, efficient group, the delegates adopted the policy making sessions as the one pictured. solid action-program reported in this issue. I YOUR COpy OF THE 1968 FARM BUREAU STATE-POLICY RESOLUTIONS I December 1, 1967 MICHIGAN FARM NEWS TWO Editorial President's Column Positive Protest Our Marketing Job Farm Bureau is not a protest movement. (Editor's Note: A major segment of This does not mean that Farm Bureau mem- President Smith's annual address to the bers are happy with everything the way it is, or delegate body of the 48th annual meet- that they are afraid to face issues. Rather, it ing dealt with the subject of farm means that they recognize pure protest for what marketing. Due to the broad general it is - a negative force, and they would rather interest in this area, his column this work on positive programs. month is an excerpt from the address.) Those who helped shape Farm Bureau in the early years, were weU aware that emotional is- The biggest need of farmers is bargaining sues bum themselves out, taking with them the power - something being recognized by more organizations around which they have been and more people every day. It is also becoming built. How right they were, can be seen in the apparent that the success of our bargaining scattered wreckage of at least two-dozen at- efforts for ourselves will decide who is going tempts in 100 years of history, to build success- to control agriculture in the future. Because ful farm organizations upon a foundation of if we can't do it, someone else is going to try criticism and protest. to do it for us. Yet farmers have had plenty of cause for pro- If we as farmers are going to continue to con- test, and with the years, the list of things which trol farming we, as individuals, must first be farmers oppose continues to lengthen as their the best producers in the game and then we numbers dwindle. Farmers protest the unbal- have to make sure we get paid enough for it. anced tax load and their heavier share. Farmers As 1 see it, the question of our getting paid protest government policies which result in such enough for our produce depends on two things: things as the present low price of wheat. Farm- whether we can keep from over-producing, ers protest new farm labor regulations, rising \\NOW REMEMBER, WHEN I SAY which demoralizes any market, and whether costs of production and falling prices. 'ON DONDER, ON BUTZEN' 1/ we can organize effective bargaining groups. But to be strong enough to do something And when I say effective bargaining, I mean about such things most farmers realize that the r--------------- ........ --.. ~.--------__, first to earn a good price, then go hunt for it, emotions of protest must be backed by the com- . A PERSONAL WORD FROM ... fight for it, and somehow get it. mon sense of positive programs, and it is in this Almost everyone who handles the farmer's area that Farm Bureau has made its greatest product makes as much or more out of it than gains. Back in 1927, a Van Buren county farmer, Farm Bureau Women the farmer. For too long, farmers have taken their produce to the market, to be left there Martin Pierce, of Dowagiac address, wrote the for whatever it might bring. These day are gone editor of the FARM NEWS to say that farmers At the 25th annual meeting of the Michigan Farm Bu- forever! spend entirely too much time complaining about reau, back in 1944, a history-making motion brought into Farmers are moving into the market now to things and entirely too little effort in "doing official existence the work of Farm Bureau Women. meet directly with processors and distributors. something about them". Since that time, this work has grown in importance \Ve are facing up - we are tuning up - we are He suggested that farmers were foolish to and effectiveness, with Farm Bureau Women now taking tooling up our market machinery for effective take their crops to market and leave them there part in all important areas of action. bargaining. Of course, we have to be careful "to be sold in the next 60 hours or so, for what- not to go so far that we limit our production by Now, and in the fu~re, this space will be devoted to ever they might bring ... " turning buyers of our products to substitute brief reports of this work, written by the Chainnan of the It is significant that this fall - 40 years products, or tempt buyers to raise their own state Farm Bureau Women's Committee. later, a group of grape-producing Van Buren stuff, but a good price is a must. I believe we county Farm Bureau members acted upon Mr. can do these things if the law will let us. Pierce's philosophy, and refused to leave their First, I would like to say "Thank You" to Maurine Today farmers live in a business world and grapes at the processors plant without first Scramlin, Helen Atwood and the entire state Farm Bureau in a political world. In the business world, no knowing about price. Women's Committee for the fine work done in planning_ \ one gives you a fair price just because you de- The processors wanted the grapes, but they and conducting a very nice annual meeting. Each one did her part well and things moved along smoothly. serve it. We must have economic power to valued their heretofore autocratic price-control gain the increase we desire. Likewise, in poli- powers even more, and refused to name a price Most of the time when this happens, we sit back and tics, no one gives you a favorable law just for the grapes they expected the farmers to enjoy ourselves without much thought to the planning because you deserve it. We must have political deliver. and decision-making that went into a program which power to enact the laws we want. "N 0 price - no grapes:' the farmers said, as keeps on time, gives us a worth-while message and enter- We like to talk about the advertising and they shifted their crop to market elsewhere at tains us too. promotion we are doing. Promotion itself isn't prices almost double that of previous years. Right now, officers of county Farm Bureau Women's necessarily the answer either. Promotion of This was a protest movement - but one Committees are asked to take part in a series of "Area individual commodities is worthless if the house- backed by the punch of a positive program. Institutes" designed to spell out their job and to provide wife doesn't want the product. But find and "Farmers must receive a fair price in the "know how" in getting our work done. May I encourage develop the right product, then the advertising market-place for the goods they produce. This all county officers to attend the Institute in your area? will payoff. price must return a fair rate of interest on in- Now, may I ask your help? One of my first tasks as vestment, cover the cost of production, and If we don't get the job done, somebody else your new state chainnan will be to get opinions concern- will try to do it for us. \Ve've noticed lately the give an equitable return for management skill ing our work and how the Women's Committee can be: and labor. To perform effectively, agriculture interest in marketing by politicians interested come even more effective. in getting elected in 1968. must be free from outside pressure and manipul- A study committee has been appointed to find new ..Right now, farmers need two things: Right- ation .... " These words are from the FOREW ARD to ways to improve our work and programs ~nd we need to-market legislation, to protect our farmer bar- your help in making the best better. gaining groups, and the same strong collective the resolutions adopted by the delegates to the recent 48th annual meeting of the Michigan Have you an idea? May I hear from you? bargaining rights that organized labor has. Farm Bureau. You may read aU of these policy Mrs. Jerold {Maxine} Topliff Unions have such protection - why should not statements in this issue of the FARM NEWS. we as farmers have these rights - should we Included is one calling for legislation to re- want to use them. quire fruit and vegetable processors to post Can we, as farmers, keep our own businesses? prices to be paid for fruit and vegetables a I think we can. We haven't seen anything yet reasonable length of time prior to the beginning "'ICHIGAN~ARM NEWS to convince us that a good farmer, with access - 'n4a ACnoN ~UCATIO'" OP THa MICHIGAN !"ARM .UIt.AU of the delivery date for the products. "The The MICHIGAN FARM NEWS is DIRECTORS: District I, Harry to enough capital, can't produce as cheap or posted prices should include the date on which published monthly, on the first day, Nye. St. Joseph, R-l; District 2, Nich- cheaper than a big outfit with a hired manager by the Michillan Farm Bureau. at its olas Smith, Addison, R-l; District 3, the prices are effective ... " publication office at 109 N. Lafayette Andrew Jackson, Howell, R-l; Dis- and crew. Besides, he will scheme harder, work Street. Greenville, MlcbigllD. trict 4, Elton R. Smith, Caledonia, R-l; That's the positive balance to Farm Bureau's Editorial and general offices at 4000 Dutrict 5, David Morris, Grand Ledge. harder, sacrifice more for his own business, North Grand River Avenue. Lansing, R-3; District 6, Jack Laurie, Cass City kind of protest. Michigan .fS90.4. Post Office Box 960. R-3; District 7, Kenneth Bull. Bailey: than any salaried manager ever will. Telephone, .LansinS 485-8121, Exten- R-l; District 8. Harvey Leuenberger Farm Bureau members are not much for ,ion 317. Subscription price. 5<>1 per Saginaw, R-6j" District 9, Eugene Rob~ The very real gains made by farmer bargain- shouting slogans and other than the American year. erts, Lake t;ity. Ricbard Wieland, R-l; Ellsworth, District R-l; 10 Dis~ ing groups are another cause for confidence in Established January 12, 1923. Stt- flag, they practically never publicly wave ban- and Class Postage paid at Greenville, trict II, Clayton Ford, Cornell. the future of agriculture as we know it. The . Michigan. ners. Most would rather pick 60 acres of corn EDITORIAL: Editor, Melvin L. DIRECTORS AT LARGE: Walter big questions are whether government will allow by hand than march in a public demonstration. Woell; Staff Photographer, Charles Fmhm, Frankenmuth; Montgomery, Dean Pridlteon, R-l; James Thar, Deca- farmers bargaining groups the chance to grow Bailey; Associate Editor, Mrs. Donna But they adopted these resolutions surround- Wilber. tur, R-2. stronger and whether we, as farmers, have the OFflCERS: Michigan Farm Bur- ed by annual meeting theme slogans bearing eim; President. Elton R. Smith, Cale- WOMEN OF FARM BUREAU: Mrs. gumption to build them stronger. the words "Strength - through Group Action". donia, R-l; Vice President, Pridgeon, Montgomery, R-l. Secretary- Dean Jerold Topliff, Eaton FARM BUREAU YOUNG FARMERS- Rapids, R-l; I say that we had better find the necessary That's the kind of "complain less and do more" Manalter, Dan E. Reed. Laming. Michael Satchell. Caro, R-4 .. gumption, or one of these mornings we'll wake type of positive protest that Farm Bureau mem- POSTMASTER: In using form 3579, mail to: Michigan Form News, 4000 N. up to find ourselves just "workers" on our farms bers like best. Grand River, Lansing: Michigan 48904. with somebody else running the place. S.cond do" postage paid at Greenville, Michigan M.W. Elton Smith MICHIGAN FARM NEWS December 1, 1967 THREE X 'lIf 1 I v ing contracts" - and that in 15 to 20 years more, the total would rise until "more than three-fourths of all production and nuzrketing is arranged by contract". Hood said that two featured marketing projects of the AAMA group which he manages, dealt with processing apples and toma- toes and "resulted in substantial gains in net returns to grower- .members while providing guide- lines for other producers." ELTON R. SMITH DEAN PRIDGEON "Last year, for example, we M.F.B. PRESIDENT M.F.B. VICE PRESIDENT were successful in negotiating a price increase of $4.00-plus, per ton, for processing tomatoes. A year ago we got a price boost that Smith Re-elected President ranged from $3.50 to $5.00." Hood referred to similar work with processing apples, and paid As State Board Reorganizes tribute to MACMA, the market- Elton R. Smith - Kent county dairyman, has been re-elected ing affiliate of the Michigan Farm to his fourth one-year term as President of the Michigan Farm NEW DIRECTORS- elected at the 48th annual meeting of the Bureau, for "leading the way" in Bureau. Smith, who also serves on the board of the American Michigan Farm Bureau, were (left to right): Andrew Jackson, many of the marketing-bargaining Farm Bureau Federation, was elected at the annual "re-organi- Howell, District 3; Harry Nye, St. Joseph, District 1; Mrs. Jerold sessions that have resulted in sub- zation" meeting of the board, which traditionally follows by Topliff, Eaton Rapids, F.B. Women; Michael Satchell, Caro, F.B. stantial price improvements for one week, the state-wide Farm Bureau convention. Young Farmers, and James Thar, Decatur, director-at-Iarge. member-growers. Also re-named Vice President was Dean Pridgeon, Mont- "Recent activities include new gomery. David Morris, Grand Ledge, was re-elected to the good cro~ds at; marketing programs for grapes, cherries and other processing Executive Committee. Dan E. Reed was reappointed Secretary- Manager of the Michigan Fann Bureau, William Wilkinson, crops of the northeast and middle- annu.a1 D1ee~ing west. Potato growers in the Pacific northwest are now organ- Assistant Secretary from Lansing. and William Beattie, Treasurer. All are izing a new bargaining associa- Four directors were selected as voting delegates to the an- With the 48th annual meeting of the Michigan Farm Bureau tion," Hood said. nual meeting of the American Farm Bureau Federation in Chi- completed November 7-8-9, the state's largest farm organization cago, December 10-14. They are: Eugene Roberts, David Almost 1100 persons enjoyed moves one step closer toward its golden anniversary meeting, Morris, Dean Pridgeon and Elton Smith. Smith will also serve the annual banquet program held two years from now - in 1969. in the Lansing Civic Center, No- on the Resolutions Committee of the American Farm Bureau, Although an all-around com- vember 7. They heard world- prior to the convention. plicated fall harvest season hin- ations of Satchell and Mrs. Top- famed lecturer, Dr. Kenneth Mc- dered farm work, substantial liff representing Farm Bureau Farland discuss personal responsi- crowds attended the sessions on Women, were placed before the bility in terms of the Detroit riots the campus of Michigan State delegate body which elected them and juvenile delinquency. He University, East Lansing. to terms on the Michigan Farm said that a new fallacious "social Bureau board. concept" teaches that although Some reports showed as much as 85 per cent of the corn still in In other action, several Young one may be "against crime, one the fields during the convention, Farmer contest winners were an- must still be for criminals". Mc- with almost 35 per cent of the nounced to receive all-expense Farland said that victims of crim- soybeans also unharvested. But trips to Chicago and the annual inals are all too often ignored in most delegate seats were filled and meeting of the American Farm the process. a crowd of more than 1,000 per- Bureau, December 10-14. They "Instead of feeling so sorry for sons was present at all general include talent winner Mrs. Jean- the robber, what about showing sessions. ette Mehney, St. Johns; "Discus- some compassion now for the sion Meet" winner Marshall For- A record crowd of 600 Farm persons robbed?" he asked. bush, Byron, and the new Farm Bureau \Vomen took part in their Bureau "Queen" - 17 year old Speaking on the morning pro- special-interest program, during Kay Eschelbach, Grass Lake. gram, November 8, Roger Flem- which Mrs. Jerold Topliff, (Max- ine) of Eaton Rapids, Ingham In Commodity Day sessions No- ing, Secretary-Treasurer of the vember 7, delegates and guests American Farm Bureau Federa- county, was nominated state com- mittee Chairman. Mrs. Clare heard Dr. Kenneth Hood, general. tion, and director of the Washing- Carpenter (Florence), Cass City, manager of the American Agricul- ton office, said that inflation Tuscola county, was nominated tural Marketing Association say brought about by reckless gov- Vice Chairman. that Farm Bureau is moving in ernment spending is a principal the direction of less dependence contributor to the farm cost-price The House of Delegates, nearly upon government programs and squeeze. 500 strong, adopted a comprehen- more emphasis on individual re- He struck out at "cheap food" sive slate of policy resolutions to sponsibility and "group action" - policies (see speech summary, FARM BUREAU QUEEN - Kay Eschelbach, 17 year old daughter guide the Michigan Farm Bureau the theme of the annual meeting. page 5) and said that anything of Mr. and Mrs. Norman Eschelbach, Jackson County, was selec- in the 1968 year, and reaffirmed another list of previous policy Hood predicted that in another which lowers farm prices is not ted from a field of 19 contestants. She will represent the Mich- actions to underscore their impor- ten years, half of all farm produc- in the long-run interests of con- igan Farm Bureau at several functions during her reign, includ- tance as unfinished business. tion would be "geared to market- sumers. ing the American Farm Bureau annual meeting in December. Five new directors were elected to terms on the board of directors of the Michigan Farm Bureau, with lively contests in several areas to heighten interest. Among those named were: Andrew Jackson, (48) Howell, Livingston county, named director from District 3, replacing Frank Smith, Jr., Carleton, who along with Francis Finch, incumbent director from District 1, did not seek re-election. Replacing Finch was HarTY Nye, (55) prominent Berrien county farmer of rural St. Joseph. Elected to an "at-large" position on the board was James Thar, (58) Decatur, Van Buren county. He replaced Robert Zeeb, Bath. Nominated as Chairman of the State Young Farmer committee \\KOFFEE KLATCHETERIA"- featuring coffee, milk and doughnuts, courtesy of the Farm Bureau Insurance Group - attracted was l'.Jichael Satchell, (24) Caro, crowds during annual meeting break times. Delegates and guests consumed almost 100 gallons of coffee and over 4,000 dough- Tuscola county. Later, the nomin- nuts during the three-day meeting. A colorful \\History of Insurance" display added further interest to the coffee area. FOUR December 1, 1967 MICHIGAN FARM NEWS Reed Reports on ... Japanese Beetle Issue! "Membership Muscle'. Treatment of 2900 acres in Ber- mended that the Department not apply the h'eatment while further situation might have adverse ef- , fects. "Membership must always come first - without membership, rien County for Japanese beetle? Dr. Gordon Guyer, Director of No, this wasn't really the issue litigation was pending. an organization is without muscle ... " That was the theme of the Pe~tieide Hesearch Depart- when a newly-formed New York The treatment had heen sched- the annual report of Michigan Farm Bureau Secretary-Manager, /lIed to start November 1, and ment at ~1ichigan State Univer- corporation, the Environmental Dan E. Reed, before the delegate body at the recent Michigan Defense Fund, Inc., came to this is when the court test began. sity, testified that his Department Farm Bureau annual meeting. Michigan with its attorneys, re- By the time the Court of Appeals had passed on the scientific "With 52,143 Farm Bureau families at the end of the fiscal porters for the New York Times had dissolved the restraining or- soundness of the plan of treat- year - August 31, 1967 - members have set a goal for 1968 of and a battery of scientists. der, it was November 1.3 and ment. ~liltoll Schechter, chemist 53,836. This figure was not pulled out of a hat, but is based The real issue was whether the already too late for best res/llts. with the USDA, testified that nothing is as effective in controll- on the considered judgment of County Farm Bureau leaders court would suhstitute its judg- \Vhat about ~ext spring? Spring ing Japanese beetles as Dieldrin. throughout the State, with each County making an estimate ment for that of the Legislature treatment is not as effective as In k('('l1ing wit h action of the and the goal figure resulting from the averaged estimate. and of a properly authorized ex- faU application. delegates at the ;ust-completed "Each Farm Bureau member is important to the stren~th ecutive agency. \Vhile Japanese beetles move Michigan Farm Bureau Conven- and financial soundness of the organization. Your dues dollar \\lith such a precedent courts about a half mile per year under tion, a statement of support for all over the land might go about their own power, they are noted goes farther when it is supplemented by the dues doll¥s of the Department's plan of treat- regulating the use of pesticides hitchhikers on trains, automobiles more Farm Bureau members," Reed pointed out. ment was introd/lced in testimony. and other agricultural chemicals. and trucks. In reporting progress on the expanded program approved by As the only farm organization The Federal District Court in No ob;ection was raised by testifying, Farm Bureau pointed delegates in the special session in 1965, the following were Grand Rapids disclaimed jurisdic- those who own the property on out that among the worst offend- main points: tion in the case and suggested that which the treatment was to be ers in the over-dosing of chemicals Development of staff and equipment to improve the public's the proper court might be the made, nor was any complaint are homeowners, whose roses,. understanding of farmers and farm problems. This includes new Michigan Court of Appeals, registered from the Berrien Coun- shrubs and lawns would be sub- television and increased emphasis on radio and news reports. sitting in Grand Rapids. ty area. The ob;ections were ;ect to beetle attack. Additional field staff to permit regions of fewer counties and This court heard two days of raised by the New Y ork~based "As a threat to the food supply greater service to County Farm Bureau officers, committees testimony and ruled that the group - EDF, Inc. - and by the and to the income of the farm and members. Michigan Department of Agricul- Michigan Department of Conser- family, the beetle infestation Expansion of farm market development, pinpointing the ture had not abused the discretion vation. would be treated with much heav- initiation of the Wheat Marketing Program this year and the placed in it by the Legislature. t..t programming of a Cherry Marketin~ Division in MACMA . However, the EDF immediately No evidence was presented that indicated what the damage ier applications of poisons than might be expected in a carefully t, Strengthening of legislative activities. Broadened interest and activity in developing young fanner applied to the Michigan Supreme Court, and the Department of would be if the application were made. Witnesses indicated only controlled area treabnent as plan- ned by the Department of Agri- I participation and implementation of the recommendations of Agriculture's attorneys recom- that the use of Dieldrin in this .culture," they said. the Community Farm Bureau Statewide Study Committee. 64 f County Farm Bureaus now have Young Farmer Committees. District meetings have been held for State Committee members and County Committee Chairmen, with attendance almost 100% of those expected to be present. As- a result of the work of the Young Farmers Committee, the MFB Board authorized two additional Young Fanner representatives to sit on the State Policy Development Committee. Both the new farm personal property tax exemption, which will become effective with the December 1, 1967 assessment, and agricultural coverage under the Workmen's Compensation Act, have required much technical work in interpreting the regulations and securing needed changes in administration. Highlighting other legislative issues included the grape pay- ment legislation, highway tax package to ward off another threat of higher property tax burdens; the tax reform package, and the Double Daylight Saving Time issue. "Michigan fann people now include not more than 4-5% of the total population of our State, and a reapportioned, re- districted Legislature has sharply reduced the number of Legis- lators with fann or rural background. In seeking legislative objectives, we must secure the support of many Legislators who have few, if any, farm constituents," Reed said. Commenting on the attack earlier this fall by Congressman Joe Resnick of New York, Reed said that "Mr. Resnick's re- pudiation, by a vote of 27-1, by his own Committee tended to dull the edge of his attack, but did not prevent his recruiting columnist Drew Pearson to the fight. Mr. Pearson however, dropped out rapidly .after Congressman Resnick broadened bis attack to include cooperatives in general." The Resnick attack has given Farm Bureau an opportunity in many quarters to answer questions regarding its structure. "Each of us should bow and understand that Congressman Resnick's attack on Farm Bureau was based on far less than half truths. The Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company, for instance, has no more tax advantage than Mutual of Omaha, , .. i!- or the Massachusetts Mutual, or any other mutual insurance r operation. And the affiliates of Fann Bureau are in no sense tax dodgers, as Resnick charged." "Farm Bureau ended the 1966-67 fiscal year in the black, but constant cost increases, and the guaranteed annual inflation effected in the recent three-year contracts with the big auto companies, are hitting us squarely in the pocketbook," Reed said. He pointed to the two biggest competitors in the employ- ment field in Lansing - the State of Michigan and General Motors. Speaking of new services to members, Reed pointed out that "the reasons for joining Farm Bureau are increasing. The ex- cuses for not becoming a Farm Bureau member are even less valid." He reported several new services, for members only, which included the $50 Guaranteed Appearance Bond, carried on the 1968 membership card, at no extra cost to Farm Bureau members, and the new accidental death and dismembennent insurance program provided by most County Farm Bureaus, which includes not only tractor accident or a specific type of May the spirit of Christmas prevail throughout the co"ming FARMERS accident, but includes the full range of accidental death or dismemberment. year and bring happiness and peace to the World. PETROLEUM "We can make a strong approach to each of our non-member neighbers, with full recognition that Fann Bureau membership 4000 N. Grand River Ave., Lansing, Mich. does not cost ... it pays," Reed concluded. MICHIGAN FARM NEWS December 1, 1967 FIVE Golden Anniversary. .. -Staff Changes- • • Mr. and Mrs. Walter Wightman (he is immediate past Preside~t of the Michigan Farm Bureau) will celebrate their Golden Wedding anniversary Sunday, December 31. Family and friends plan an Open House for "Walt" and WILLIAM BYRUM, (24) - a ROBERT NIXON, (28) - LARRY DeVUYST, (28)- Alice, from the hours of 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Wightman former "American Farmer" and formerly Regional Representative President of the Gratiot county home ... with all Farm Bureau friends invited. Located top officer in the Michigan Fu- in the Saginaw Valley area, has Farm Bureau, has been named near FennvilIe in AlIegan county, the Wightman farm is ture Farmers of America, has been been promoted to the position of Regional Representative in the 5 miles west of Fennville, on M-89, or a half-mile east of named Marketing Specialist- Associate Director of the Com-. Saginaw Valley, replacing Robert Fennville off the 1-96 freeway; turn at the Fennville exit, livestock, within the Market De- munity Programs department of Nixon, who has accepted an ap- one-half mile east on highway 89. velopment Division of the Mich- the Michigan Farm Bureau, ac- pointment with the Family Pro- igan Farm Bureau, according to cording to Larry Ewing, Division grams department. Noel Stuckman, Division Mgr. Manager. According to Charles Burkett, Byrum wiII specialize in all A former teacher of Vocational Director of Field Operations, De- areas of livestock marketing and Agriculture in Chesaning, Nixon Vuyst begins his new work in research, with immediate empha- holds a degree in Agricultural early December. He has been sis expected to be placed on a Education from Michigan State District 8 representative on the University. Although he will work state Young Farmer committee, quality swine program. Holding in all phases of community pro- and active in Gratiot county a degree from Michigan State grams, he will giye prime atten- Young Farmer work. He will University, Byrum has won many tion to strengthening the Com- serve the counties of Arenac, Bay, national honors in livestock and munity Group structure, and Gratiot, Gladwin, Midland and meat judging. training Group Committees. Saginaw. another way versatile low-cost TO ME, concrete increases farm profits IT'S PLAIN..... -an investment in Concrete-paved lots help increase dairy profits. Sanitation and concrete go together. A paved lot reduces mastitis and foot rot. And because FARM BUREAU cattle stay cleaner, less time is needed to prepare animals for milking. is an investment in Ready-mixed concrete can serve your farm construction needs easily and economically. Con- tact your local ready-mixed concrete producer The future of farming is bright my farming future! the next time you plan a farm construction job. - as long as farmers maintain a strong, effective agriculture by A strong farm organization helps protect your working together for their com- farming investment. FARM BUREAU works for mon good. farmers in the legislature - in marketing - in CLIP-MAIL TODAY PORTLAND CEMENT ASSOr./AT!ON important economic services aimed at raising 900 Stoddard An organization Bldg., Lansing, Michigon 48933 to improve and extend the uses ot concrete j farm incomes. FARM BUREAU is an investment which pays big dividends I Please send free booklet on concrete-paved lots. I FARM BUREAU Also send material on other subjects I've listed: I I I II II STRENGTH -thru GROUPACTION = NAMl:E----------------- "-_~::. NO. S:::_~"-~~==_) SIX December 1, 1967 MICHIGAN FARM NEWS NATIONAL ISSUES OF LOCAL CONCERN 'FLEMING HITS ... Michigan Farmers Help Shape National Policy ~~cheapfood policy" Michigan delegates to the annual Farm Bureau meeting, An increase in taxes without a corresponding reduction in marketing rights bill- H. R. 13- considered many national and international issues of local con- expenditures would do little or nothing to reduce inflationary 541 - is the most important piece of legislation before the Congress cern. Decisions made there have been forwarded as recom- pressures, according to Roger Fleming, Secretary-treasurer of in terms of helping farmers- mendations from Michigan farmers to the American Farm the American Farm Bureau Federation. rather than government - take Bureau Federation Policy Development committee. the lead in solving pressing farm Fleming, who also is director of This committee is composed of state presidents, and Elton the Washington office of the is trying to stem extravagant gov- income problems. Smith will represent Michigan at committee sessions. Later, American Farm Bureau, spoke be- ernment spending. "Farm Bureau historically has our state's four official voting delegates will be part of the fore delegates and guests attend- "Congress has been too long stood for the voluntary approach delegate-body during the national convention (December 10-14 ing the recent annual meeting of reaching this point, but now that to the solution of problems. It in Chicago) and will give final consideration to these policy the Michigan Farm Bureau in it has, it is incumbent upon all of still stands for that approach, un- matters. East Lansing. us to make known our support of like some who would use the Michigan's recommendations include support of congressional He warned that while Congress responsible fiscal policy." strong arm of government not action to permit farmers to operate "with a minimum of gov- now appears to have given the Another grave problem facing only to force producers to join ernment control and interference". They call for support for Administration a firm "NO" on its farmers, Fleming said, is the Ad- marketing groups, but also to force the Wheat and Feed Grains Act to be considered by congress tax hike request, the Executive ministration's obvious determina- handlers to bargain. Farm Bureau as a new approach to farm programs. Branch has not yet forsaken its tion to pursue a "cheap food pol- historically has opposed anything "guns and butter" policy. icy" at a time when farmers' costs that smacks of compulsion." Among other things, the Act would stop the inflow of grain into government storage; provide government-insured recourse are at an all-time high. The extent to which Farm Bu- Saying that inflation brought reau is committed to the voluntarv loans; protect markets against price-depressing governmental about by reckless government He added: "I think we can sales - and allow grain prices to reflect full market values understand the political motiva- approach, he said, is best illustn;- spending is the principal contribu- ted by the triple referendum con- while allowing farmers to gain higher net incomes. tor to the cost-price squeeze on tions for a cheap food policy. We, too, can count. The Administra- ducted throughout the organiza- Michigan delegates feel that such legislation would do much farmers, Fleming pointed to a tion obviously has decided that tion each year. to help prevent a "cheap food" farm policy. They also recom- resolution of the American Farm Bureau Board of Directors which since there are more consumers "This triple referendum is the mended that a limitation be placed on government payments opposed any tax increase not of food than there are producers, stem test which has made Farm to not exceed $10,000per farm. Presently, there is no limitation, it is politically smart to take ac- matched by a prior and equiva- Bureau by far the largest farm and some payments to individual farms run over the million- tions that appear to favor con- organization in the country at a lent reduction in government ex- dollar mark. sumers. But is it smart? time when the total number of penditures. Concern was also expressed at the fact that world food farmers is declining," he added. "Anything that depresses farm production is not keeping pace with the population increases "We are happy to see," Flem- .ing said, "that Farm Bureau's prices eventually will penalize He outlined the triple referen- and that. a major plank "in foreign policy should be "Food for consumers because the incentive point of view on this vital subject dum as follows: the Free World's Hungry." Such foods should be purchased in for farmers to produce will be the marketplace and provided as America's contribution to the was greeted. by a strengthening 1. Participation of members in severely reduced. Congressional insistence that gov- developing the policies of prevention of starvation. ernment expenditures be cut ap- "A cheap food policy is not in the organization . . Sanitary standards for imports were recommended in order to protect the health and welfare of the American consumer preciably as' a condition to a tax the interests 2f either consumers 2. The choosing by members increase. or producers. and, at the same time, prevent unfair competition with Ameri- of their organization lead- "We' really are seeing the first Farmers; he continued, are lead- ers - community, county, can farmers. instance in recent history in which ing their own battle for strength- state, and national. Several national marketing recommendations were made, in- the Congress, responding to a ening their market power. 3. The voluntary payment of cluding continued strong support for federal anti-discrimination growing protest from the voters, In that connection, he said, the membership dues. legislation, which has already passed the Senate and is ready to be voted on in the House. An outline was recommended for federal marketing orders, recognizing that different crops require different programs and that marketing orders may be helpful in some cases and not in others. However, the final decisions must be made by those farmers producing the commodity. Recommendations on farm labor relative to federallegi:dation include urging that the Fair Labor Standards Act be amended in order to establish piecework rates in lieu of the minimum wage, similar to those in operation in Michigan. The delegates also pointed to the unfair competition from other states that Michigan producers face, due to the fact that the State Mini- mum Wage is higher than the Federal Minimum 'Vage requir- ed in competing states, and also the fact that the Federal Minimum Wage exempts most farmers, whereas the Michigan law has only minimal exemptions. Mandatory State Unemployment Compensation was opposed for the same reason. Under a state law, farmers would be placed in an unfair position with other states. The delegates also pointed to the fact that if agriculture loses its exemption under the National Labor Relations Act which would then permit strikes a'gainst farmers, that this w~uld be unrealistic. "Farmers are the most vulnerable employers in the world" said the delegates. A strike of only a few days could mean the loss of an entire year's income, plus the invest- ment required to produce the crop. "Such losses would lead to bankruptcy for many." Other national recommendations included a lengthy resolu- tion on federal tax policies, saying in part that such policies must be designed to encourage private initiative, help stabilize the dollar, promote employment and economic growth and equitably distribute the tax burden. Credit on federal taxes for state taxes paid was strongly supported, as was tax credit for college students. The delegates said that the Federal Highway Trust Fund, which is made up of user revenues from gasoline, oil, tires, etc., should contribute a greater share of the cost of county and local roads, which are "essential if rural America is to be developed The Trimline(!) extension phone. Scandalously to its fullest potential." . e~sy to use. You don't stretch to call. The dial comes to you. Tiny disconnect button Some of the other national resolutions included recom- lets you re-?ial. without hanging up. Six zingy mendations on: moisture content of wheat; hundredweight for colors. A wild Idea for an extension phone. grain; selective service; fireann s; Public and School Prayer; Railroad Car Reflectors; United States Supreme Court; federal aid projects; Rural Electric cooperatives; social security, and Michigan Bell Part of the Nltionwide B.U System @~ Economy in Government. M1CHIGAN FARM NEWS December 1, 1967 SEVEN --- ------------------- -----------------.-------------------------------------- 1968 State Policy Resolutions -INTRODUCTION- "Strength - through Group Action" was a fitting theme for the recent annual meeting of the Mich- igan Farm Bureau, November 7-8-9. Through the group action of nearly 500 voting delegates from all parts of Michigan, a strong program of future action was written to guide the state's largest farm organization in the coming year. Induded were important national and international rec- ommendations (reported elsewhere) and which will be supported by Michigan delegates to the American Farm Bureau Federation annual meet- ing in Chicago December 10-14. FOREWORD Farm Bureau membership is voluntary. It provides a tool with which fanners, banded together, can achieve goals for agriculture which the individual farmer can- not reach by himself. It is a privilege to belonJ{ to an organization that is interested in the good of all of agri- culture and also in the good of Our republic. However with every privilege comes responsibility. Thus th~ privilege of menlPership in Farm Bureau will hring about that which' we seek-"StrenJ{th Through Group Action." Every member has an opportunity to have his voice heard and his ideas considered in the develop- ment of the policies of this organization. He also has the responsibility of helping to execute the policies. In some ways, the tremendous rrogress that agricul: ture has made has led to many 0 the problems facing our industry. Farm people must take the leadership in solving these problems as only those in the business of farming have a clear understanding of them. At the same time, we must be ready to meet the challenge.s of continuing advances in technology and constantly chang- ing needs. Today each commercial farmer is feeding himself and 40 others. Because of this great technological de- velopment and efficiency, food is the cheapest and most plentiful in the United States of any place in the world. The average family spends about 17.6% of its income for food. Perhaps even more important is the fact that \\POWER - undirected by high purpose spells 94~ of the population is released to produce the goods calamity; and high purpose by itself is utterly and services which bring about the highest standard of living for Americans of any nation in the world. useless if the power to put it into effect is lack- Farming is a family oriented business. These are ing ... " - Theodore Roosevelt highly trained and skilled people. Their image mnst be upgraded in the eyes of consumers. Fanners must be recognized for the important role they assume in pro- ducing the abundance of wholesome food and the fibers to meet the needs of our people and those of the world. At the same time, farmers must receive a fair price in FARM BUREAU - a powerful 52,000 Michigan the market place for the goods they produce. This price must return a fair rate of interest on investment:, cover family member organization (1,700,000 Farm the cost of production, and give an equitable return for management skill and labor. To perform effectively, ag- Bureau families in 49 states and Puerto Rico) - riculture must be free from outside pressure and ma- nipulation. providing strength through GROUP ACTION. There were 1,070 resolutions considered by County Fann Bureaus. Your State Policy Development Com- FARM BUREAU - no larger than your Com- mittee considered each of these and, with the help of more than 50 resource people, widened their horizons munity Group, but large enough to be actively as to the needs of agriculture. Through the study and concerned with state, national and world affairs, thinking of the men and women who are producing the food and fiber in Michigan, new directions have been and strong enough to do something about them. taken as these resolutions have been written for con- sideration by the delegates who represent the 52,142 Michigan Fann Bureau families. We appreciate the heritage which is ours, especially BE A PART OF FARM BUREAU ... as 'we reflect upon the accomplishments and progress made by former members. As horizons widen, needs and concerns increase and new directions must be - THE ACTION ORGANIZATION sought to meet these challenges. The policies as adopt- ed at this 48th annual meeting will be the guiding in- fluence for our organization for the coming year. Our thinking will be reflected in the State Legislature and the halls of Congress as our Legislators and Congress- PART 1- POLICIES ON STATE AFFAIRS pest control. men study them to see how the "grass roots" farmer 12. Exemption from Federal Uniforin Time Act. thinks. The responsibility is great for each of us, and APPRECIATION 13. Definition of anhydrous ammonia -tanks as "1m- we must meet the challenge in such a way tha~ agr~- J?lements of Husbandry." culture will take giant steps forward. not only III thiS 'The 74th Legislature has not yet J'eached the haH- 14. 'Good Roads" highway package. century, but far into the future. way mark of its tW'o-year session. Legislation introduced 15. Reduction of Mackinac Bridge tolls. in the 1967 portion of the session is still alive and can Freedom. now and always, remains basic to the suc- be acted upon during the 1968 session. However. many- We commend the Governor and the Legislature on cess of agriculture. AS we search for positive solutions Farm Bureau-supported measures have been enacted the passage of these and several other measures we to the problems of our farm business, we must keep into law, including: have supported which are important to agriculture and these principles of freedom before us. to the economy of the State of Michigan. 1. Tax reform package. Stewardship of the land is the grave responsibility of 2. Workmen's Compensation amendments. agriculture. Upon the farmer's good managem~nt de- TAX REFORM 3. Clarification of the law eliminating the farm pends the ability of future generations to contmue to personal property tax. We commend those Legislative leaders of both poli- produce the abundance with which Amt;rica is blesse?' 4. Wine law amendments r~g prices paid to tical parties who met their responsibilities and devel- May God give us the strength and gmdan<:e to fulfi]J farmers fm wine grapes. oped a tax reform program that finally was approved these responsibilities of stewardship-to fulfill our trust. 5. Amendments to various dairy laws. !>y 1:h.e Legislature. The enactment of a State Income Mrs. Andrew Jackson, Chairman 6. Implied consent and other traffic safety laws. Tax together with the repeal or adjusbnent of other 7. Improved controls of plant insect pests and d.i&- taxes. return of substantiaf amounts of monies to local MFB Policy Development Committee eases and hazardous substances. units of government and direct and indirect relief (Xl 8. New bonding requirements for wholesale potato p'mperty taxes revises Michigan"s tax strocture so that dealers. It now contains the major elements of a ~JAnr-ed tax FullStateText 9. Authorization to create irrigation districb and use Great Lakes water. 10. Swine law changes. structure." Farm Bureau resolutions have supported total tax reform for several years. Much has been accomplished in this Issue 11. Appropriations to cootinue research on cherries, vegetable varieties, pesticides and destructive beginning with the new Constitution and continuing with each session of the Legislature since that time. PULL-OUT SECTION: 1968 Farm Bureau State Policy Resolutions EIGHT December 1, 1967 MICHIGAN FARM NEWS POLICIES BECOME: Solutions to Farm Problems /~ I ,/ .I However, tax reform is a complex and continuing Such facilities may not be of any value to the prop- Penal institutions are to protec.t the people of the process. \Ve call attention to the fact that until further erty crossed, but can impose a serious financial burden state. \Vhen an inmate of such an institution cOlllmits reforms are accomplished, taxes on property will con- on the owner. The state of Ohio has recognized this an offense, it should be the responsibility of the state tinue to rise and carry an unfair share of the total tax problem and has passed legislation to prevent such to pay the necessary court and related costs. burden. Property is no longer a good measure of wealth hardships. We recommend that legislation be enacted in or the ability to I?ay. For example, a 1965 study by the Michigan to solve this increasing problem. We believe that action should be taken by the state Michigan Citizen s Research Council revealed that in. to reimburse counties for cost" incurred in the prosecu- urban areas property taxes as a percentage of family TAXATION OF FOREST RESERVES tion of inmates of state penal institutions. income ranged from a high of 4.1% to a low of 2.9$. It is interesting to note that about half of Michigan's In sharp contrast, U.S.D.A. data shows that farm real privately-owned commercial forest lands are controlled EQUALIZATION OF EDUCATIONAL estate taxes as a percentage of farm family incomes by citizens owning small parcels, ave:aging about 60 OPPORTUNITIES are three to four times higher. acres in size. Recent sessions of tile Legislature have adopted a re- We, therefore, continue to support further tax reform The larger privately-owned commercial forest re- vised and improved version of the state school aid and believe that the following will lead to greater serves are mostIy in the Upper Peninsula. equity of taxation: fonnula and have reversed the previous trend toward shifting a greater J?Ortion of the cost to the loc.al prol')- - New sources of revenue for local units of govern- Since 1925, owners, at their option, have been per- erty tax. The state s share of school operational costs is ment in order to relieve property taxes. We be- mitted, for tax purposes, to list tIlese lands under the now over tile 5~ level. \Ve believe this to be progress. lieve this should include the use of the income tax Commercial Forest Reserve (Pearson) Act. Certain by the county rather than cities. qualifications must be met, including the requirement However, the school aid fonnula has always been tIlat such land be open to public use (hunting, fishing, tied to tile tax structure. \Vith passage of the tax re- - Improved assessment and equalization procedures. form package this year, new methods of financing our - Permit assessment and taxation of new property etc. ). schools become available and it is _ now possihle to for school purposes the first year it is built. LeQislation to modernize the law .lnd increase the eliminate many of the inequities that have existed in - Continued improvement of State School Aid for- "in Iku of tax" income to local governnwnt passed the the past. They have been created hy rapid shifts in mulas to assure greater equalization. Michigan House of Representatives in 1965, but died our population. Industries, with their hroad tax poten- - Use of the income tax as a major source of funds in the Serl."lte during. the 1966 session. It was intro- tial locate in or are next to cities, while employees re- to finance schools. duced in the 1967 session and can be acted upon in side in the rural suburbs and townships. The tax base - Assessment of agricultural land as farm land as the 1968 session. in the areas receiving the increased population has b('('n long as it is so used instead of on its possible inadequate to provide schools for the mushrooming potential value. We will continue to support legislation to achievc pupil load. FarnlS have been taxed beyond their capa- - Prevention of inequities arising from special assess- equitable taxation of these properties. \Ve believe the city to earn and the situation has become prOh'lL>ssivel ments on property that receives no benefit from State must recognize the "multiple-use" values, espe- worse. the project. cially recreation, and at the same time eliminate the uncertainty of local government revenues in lieu of We recommend that: The balancing of Michigan's tax structure should re- U1XCS. - The State income tax be used as one of the major sult in every citizen paying his fair share toward the support of his schools and other local and state govern- sources of funds for our schools. TAXATION OF MOBILE HOMES ment services. - Development of a new state aid formula should in- Presently, mobile homes in trailer parks pay, in lie'll clude factors other than property v'.t.1uaticns alene of property taxes, a fee of $3 per month. Two dollars - A reasonabll' state aid formula hc dc\'eloped to INCOME TAX REFERENDUM of this amount goes to the school, 50(' to the township assist school districto; in meeting the cost of build- It appears that there will be a petition drive to re- and 50c to the county. This fee system enacted in ing needed facilities. quire a referendum o.n the state income tax portion of 19.59 is no longer realistic. The increased value of - The state's share of operational cost should COIl- the tax reform package passed this year by the Legis- trailer homes is not reflected, nor do they contribute a tinue to increase, at least to the level of a few lature. proper share of the costs of schools and lo<.~algovern- years ago (60%). ment. We have for some years supported a state income tax - Sufficient funds should he appropriated to pay in as an essential part of a total tax reform program. Our 'Ve urge that legislative action be taken to in<:reasc full all state aid fonllulas. goal is a balanced tax structure leading to tax equity. the fee to a level in relation to the property taxes paid The income tax is a necessary part of any equitable by other home owners. VOCATION AL EDUCATION tax program. Recl'nHy enacted legislation now makes it possihlo We therefore oppose any effort to eliminate the state REIMBURSEMENT TO COUNTIES WITH that all areas of the state can be s('rved with voca- income tax. Such an action would be a step backw-ard PENAL INSTITUTIONS tional-technical edueation programs for hoth youth and and could only lead to shifting more and more of the adults. Twenty-eight out of forty area studies have ClOstof government onto property. Under present laws, the county in which a state been completed and each has indicated a need for ex- penal institution is located must bear the cost of court panded proh'lams to serve students on an area hasis. actions on behalf of inmates of the institution. If an inmate escapes or commits a felony while in prison, \Ve urge that implementation of this program he (\e- AGRICUL TURAL LAND ASSESSMENT the county must pay for a legal defense as well as the vel.ope? through the existing types of loeal edueatiollal cost of prosecution and tile cost of the court as well. u!'uts.. mcluding community eoliege.-;, intennediate school Many Michigan leaders are becoming increasingly dlstncts and high school districts. concerned with the rapid disappearance of good agri- cultural land. Future leaders may look back at the folly of our unwise land use. A proper tax stnlcture can be an effective method of saving the better fann land for future food needs and also meet the need for water conservation and the preservation of "open spaces" for aesthetic and recreational values. Many other progressive SL'lte legislatures (14 or more) have taken action to allow assessment of farm land on the basis of its value for agriculture rather than- for non-farm uses. For instance, the ~raryland law states expressly that it is "in the general public interest that fanning he fostered and encouraged in order to maintain a readily available source of food and dairy products close to the metropolitan areas of the state, to encourage the preservation of open spaces as an amenity necessary to human welfare and happiness, and to prevent the fon:eu convcrsion of such open space to more intensive uses as a result of economic pressures caused by the asseSS- ment of land at a rate or level incompatible with the practical use of such land for fanning." This is becoming an increasingly serious problcm ill Michigan. \Ve reconlmend legislation that will protect prime agricultural lands and require assessors to COII- sider only abrricultural factors in assessing land used for that purpose. SPECIAL PROPERTY TAX ASSESSMENTS Owners of agricultural land often find themsel\'es saddled with high special assessment taxes due to the necessity of crossing their property with water mains. MAKING A POINT - during the resolutions process is Stanle Fa' . f h sewers, stonn drains, etc. in order to reach an area of Ingham County Farm Bureau, as delegates stud a olic y y, Im~edlate past president ate industrial, commercial or residential development. issues as marketing, farm labor, and taxation. y p y recommendation. Delegates considered such MICHIGAN FARM NEWS December 1, 1967 NINE :~~~c~~~ operative program State-wide Work Programs In areas where the need arises, two or more high school districts should be permitted to organize a co- of vocational-technical edu(:ation PUBLIC EMPLOYEES Creat areas of confusion and serious legal questions were created when the Legislature removed the penalty through contractual arrangements without further re- section from the Hutchinson Act, however, presumably districting or the establishment of a superimposed dis- it is illegal for public employees to strike. trict. We are especially concerned since this has resulte public awareness of paredness. We recommend that all communities co- We urge the Michigan Legislature to appropriate the farmers' cost-price squeeze, the relative price of operate in this work with the programs of the Co- adequate funds to expand the work of the Cooperative food in this country and throughout the world, market- operative Extension Service, which is the immediate Extension Service. ing problems, and the special problems of fann labor. agency in the community to coordinate this program. We propose that the Cooperative Extension Service We urge that these efforts continue and expand when be kept free from political pressure in order to pro- situations arise that it will benefit Michigan agriculture HOG CHOLERA-FREE STATE mote and maintain agricultural programs best suited to to have an infonned public. We ask that a letter l~ the farm families in their areas. sent to the appropriate officials at Michigan State Um- Michigan is now a hog cholera-free state. This is a versity expressing our appreciation. real milestone in our fight against livestock disease. We AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH commend the State Department of Agriculture, M ichi- The Michigan Fann Bureau should continue work gan State University, and the State Legislature for co- Agricultural research is essential to maintain the ef- with Michigan State University toward creating a better operating in this accomplishment. ficiency of agricultural production. New problems con- image of agriculture, a better working relationship be- tinuously arise in the production and marketing of tween agricultural employers and employees .and We urge every swine producer to appreciate this agricultural .crops and in the field of farm manage- should strive toward improving themselves as agrlCul- achievement and to take every precaution to keep ment. Solution of these problems must be supplied tural employers. Michigan cholera free. through basic and applied research. This research can CALFHOOD VACCINATION best be done by educational institutions such as Mich- BROADCAST SUPPORT igan State University. We are grateful that Michigan broadcasters continue The present law in Michigan for official calfhood vaccination with strain 19 for brucellosis (Bang's dis- The agricultural research facilities of our land grant to recognize the import~\J1ce of U1e fanning industry, ease) calls for age limits of four months (120 days) institution have done much for consumers as well as ~nd pleased that they give freely of their understand- through eight months (269 days). for fanners. mg and support. Scientific evidence now indicates that vaccilk"ltion at The following aro among the research projt..'Cts in TIlis support has taken the form of Puhlic Service three months (90 days) confirms as solid an immunity which we have concern: tim<: grant<;d farm programming, including the "Accent as does vaccination at four months (120 days). It is - Various projects in advancing food science, includ- Agnculture' radio and television series proom:ed by also well known that the older a calf is at time of ing a study of processing asparagus grades. the Michigan Farnl Bureau. Also included has been vaccination, the greater the chance of a blood titer - Beef cattle and forage. excellent coverage of important fann stories, ano in showing up. some cases, the maintenance of full-time farm depart- - Mastitis prevention and control. ments. In light of this knowledge, we recommend that the - Infertility in livestock. Michigan law require official calfhood vaccination be- - Improvement of Michigan soft wheat varieties. We would encourage such departments, even as we tween the age of 90 days and 269 days. recognize that there are more similarities than differ- - Disease control in turf. ences between farm and city audiences, pointin~ out We also continue to support: as .we do, the special needs peculiar to farm listeners IMPORTATION OR FEEDLOT PERMITS wluch broadcasters should recognize. - The vegetable variety development program. Many Michigan cattle feeders travel to out-of-state Among them are specialized weather reports, infor- markets to purchase their feeders. When a purchase is - Research to aid our cherry industry. mation concerning road conditions and school closings, made, permission must be obtained from the Michigan - Continued pesticide research. !ivestock and other special market reports, and most Department of Agriculture to bring the feeders to \Ve also support further and intensive research to de- Important of all, the accurate interpretation of com- Michigan. This causes delay and inconvenience to the velor varieties of fruits and vegetables and crop cul- plex farm issues to a largely non-fann public. buyer and the State Veterinarian. tura practices to accommodate mcchanic.-al h."lrvesting .. Just as fanners re'lr an awesome burden and re- Other states have adopted an "Importation or Feed- We ask the Legislature to appropriate adequate sponsibility to supply the food and fihre needs of the lot Permit" system. This permit is granted to operators funds for the work of the Agricultural Experiment public, so, too, do broadcasters bear a similar burden who certify that they have no breeding stock in their Stations. and. responsibility in providing accurate, til1~ely an~l lots. The buyer's permit number allows the buyer to unbIased programming to the millions receivmg their purchase cattle without getting permission before each UPPER PENINSULA EXPERiilENT STATION signals. purchase. Agricultural. and timberland enterprises in the U.P. Farmers feel that in the main, this responsibility has \Ve urge that an "Importation or Feedlot Permit" have progressIvely changed since th(' establishment of been well discharged, and cite the mature appro~~c~l system be established in Michigan. the Experimellt Station at Chatham. The Experim('nt u~ed by broadcasters iu reporting the riots and ('\VII Station can continue to effectively serve the V.P. farm- dIsturbances throughout the state. ers and timberland owners. COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE However, we feel that in the reccnt "Double Day- Great changes have come about in the efficiency of . \Ve need the leadership that one experiment station light Savings Time" debate, broadcasters, as a grollP, agricultural production in the last forty years. TIle 111 the central part of the V.P. can fumish in the fur- sllO:ered .a. ~oss of prestige whcn some appeared to. IIse American housewife now purchases the highest quality ther development of agriculture and timber manage- theIr faclltttes to unduly inflllcm:e public opinion. II the food with the smallest portion of her disposable income ment. SO~l~ of. the research projects needed under b~oadcast industry is to operate its own husiness freely. (after taxes) in all history. Americans spend a smaller U.P. condItIons mclmle: WIth less-not more-goVt'rnment restraint and cont.rols part of their incomes for food than any other people (as farnl<.'rs would wish) !:,'Teat care must be exerCIsed 1. More test trials in small grains on discase re- to prevent such Ul:currences. MICHIGAN FARM NEWS December 1, 1967 ELEVEN POLICIES II REFLECT: The Voice of the Membership 2. Use of carefully adjusted special seasons to regn- late the size of the herd in areas where food shortage, crop damage or deer-car accident rates warrant such action. (, 3. SRCcial attention to the management of the rap- idly expanding southern Michigan deer herd. 4. Practical means should be found for the assign- ment of special season pennits to residents or resident landowners. 5. In some areas in both peninsulas there are st"C- t' tions where the deer herd has been drastically reduced in numbers. "Ve therefore recommend that the Conservation Department make a more careful study before establishing special seasons in these areas. \Ve also ask that opinions of our members on game management problems, as expressed in the County Fann Bureau resolutions, be forwarded to the Michigan Conservation Commission for its consideration. f. RACCOON AND WOODCHUCK Damage by raccoons and woodchucks continues to be high in some areas. "Ve recommend that there be no restrictions on hunting raccoons and woodchucks in those areas until the excessive population of these ani- I' mals has been reduced. COYOTE BOUNTY \Ve favor retention of the bounty on coyote. HOUSE OF DelEGATES - numbering 500, plus nearly as many guests, attended the 48th annual meeting FOX BOUNTIES of the Michigan Farm Bureau, November 7-8-9, to hear reports, attend special interest sessions, elect di- There is every indication that the Michigan fox pop- ulation has experienced a population explosion. rectors, and adopt a slate of policy resolutions for 1968. We believe that a reasonable bounty, limited to fe- tnale foxes, would accomplish a desirable reduction in DOUBLE DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME \Ve support the Michigan Department of Agriculture, nwnbers at a reasonable cost. .acting on profeSSional and scientific advice, to con- We support efforts to return the State of Michigan tinue its treatment program for Japanese beetle and We would support a 25C increase in the small game to Eastern Standard Time the year around . .other insect pests . hunting license to finance ~..uch a bounty. • \Ve urge our members to defeat the Double Day- WATER USE AND MANAGEMENT light Saving Time referendum proposal in November. REMOVAL OF ABANDONED VINEYARDS 1968. AND ORCHARDS r>.Hchigan"s water rights laws are it;1adequate for. to- day"s np-pds. We believe that the subject needs review FARMER COOPERATIVES We recommend that the law of 1945, which permits as . it relates to individual, industrial, recreational and the Michigan Department of Agriculture to rerilOve agricuitural needs and purposes. We urge action to Agricultural cooperatives are a vital P<'lrt of our pri- neglected orchards and vineyards, be amended to re- protect and preserve our water resources and clarify vate enterprise system. Basically, they supply. an eco- quire property owners to remove old and abandoned the ownership and right to use of both our under- nomic need, by providing fanners with a means to orchards and vineyards. This would be a saving to the ground and surface water. compete effectively in the marke.ting of products, .p~lr- state and should be administered by the State Depart- chase of fann production supphes. and by provldmg ment of Agriculture. WATER POLLUTION needed services. Farm cooperatives must be large enough to c:ompete We commend the Water Resources Commission for BLACKBIRDS, STARLINGS AND OTHER PESTS its work in controlling water pollution. New legislation effectively with other enterprises. Cooperatives must have the full and loyal support of all members, and in Blackbirds, starlings and other destructive wildlife should result in improvements in our lakes and streams. turn cooncratives should handle all products and serv- are still on the increase and do considerable crop dam- While we believe agriculture is not a major source ices avafIable to them through cooperative suppliers. age. \Ve commend the Michigan Legislature for appro- of water pollution, we ask the research laboratories of Any lessening of use of t.'OOperative channels dissipates priating funds for the development of a plan of control our public and private institutions to assist us in min~- mutual strength. through the Michigan Department of Agriculture with mizing leaching and runoH of plant foods and agn- the U.S. Fish and \Vildlife Service. This action takes cultural chemicals. \Ve urge directors and members of c:ooperatives to advantage of the matching flmds available from the make certain that their associations are soundly and federal government. \Ve urge the Legislature to appro- adequately financed, well managed, and forward-look- SOIL CONSERVATION AND SOIL priate continuing funds for the support of this vital ing cnough to meet the challenges of c:hanging eco- service. Also, we encourage every producer having CONSERVATION DISTRICTS nomic conditions. problems with blackbirds, starlings and other destrU<..'- Responsibility for the use and improvement of land \Ve urge that cooperative memhers exercise their re- tive birds to build and operate an adequate number of and water resources rests on all citizens, urban as well sponsibility by attending membership meetings to keep traps to control the population of these minous pests. as rural. Cities are dependent on rural lands not only informed of the business affairs of their association and, for food, but for most of their water supplies. further, to select and elect competent and qualified HUNTING PRIVILEGE - CONDUCT AND The annual increase in our population places a defin- board members. RESPONSIBILITY ite responsibility on agriculture and the nation to safe- guard our needed future food production facilities. More people want to hunt but the land available Farm owners and farm renters, as well as our urb.m ANTIBIOTICS AND PESTICIDES for the purpose is shrinking. This pressure im,Teases population, must be aware of the need for intelligent The use of antibiotic.'S and pesticides is essential to the need for understandin~ and wholesome conduct by use and conservation of our lands. efficient modem-day agriculture. Traces of pesticides Wl involved-sportsmen, landowners and officials. and antibiotics in farm products arc uSllally the r<.."SlIlt The Soil Conservation Districts now organized in To minimize problems in this area of mral-urban Michigan are efficiently operated by. elect~d fanne,rs of misuse. In the case of injectable antibiotics, govern- relations, we suggest: ment authorities have threatened to deny their use to serving without salary and are eHective umts of soil- - All first-time hunting license applicants should saving activity. farmers if residues <.:ontinue to show up in meat prod- have completed hunter safety training. ucts. We commend the Legislature for its action in pro- - All hunters should know and observe safety rules. viding part-time assistance to aid these volunteer offi- We urge all farnlers who use pesticides and anti- - All hunters should be aware of hunting laws. cers. We favor the appropriation of adequate state biotics to follow directions carefully and be judicious - All landowners should be aware of their legal pro- funds to provide a district aide for each Soil Conserva- in their use. tection (Horton Hunter Trespass Act). tion District. The use of part-time or full-time aides - All landowners should be aware of the public re- would provide greater efficiency. We misuse our re- CEREAL LEAF BEETLE lations value of good fanner-sportsman contacts. sources by requiring trained conservationists to do rou- - More consideration should be given to flexible sea- tine office paper work. We recommend continuance of the appropriatioll of sons in areas of unharvested crops. state funds to Michigan State University Agrieultural Experiment Station for cereal leaf beetle research for SOn. AND WATER CONSERVATION PROGRAMS the development of resistant wheat and oat varieties HUNTING IN AREAS OF HEAVY POPULATION We recommend that the program of cost-sharing pay- and biological control methods. ments to farmers for approved soil and water conserva- Hunting in areas of heavy population presents a real tion measures be made on a more restricted basis danger to persons and property. which would confine attenti?n to the urgent. problems ALF ALF A WEEVIL We will assist Fann Bureau members in thickly pop- of conservation rather than Increased production at the The Alfalfa \Veevil has been found in ~fichigall ulated townships to present such problems to the Legis- present time. this past year. It appears that the area of infe~tation lature for the relief which it can grant. may he sizable. This inse<:t has caused devastation of We do not believe it is reasonable for the govern- alfalfa and pastures in other states. Its control is not ment to pay a fanner f?r red':1cing .production and at MANAGEMENT OF DEER HERD the same time pay for Improvmg hiS land for greater easy. 'Vc recognize the rapid increase in rcpolts of serious productivity. Little work has been done in ~f ichigan to develop crop damage. Because of the habits of deer. a few We endorse the small watershed program as an ef- ways of controlling the AlfaUa \VeeviI. fective tool for dealing with surface. water p~blems. farmers, or even a single farmer, ma~ have severe dam- Research for a method to control this insect is need- age while neighbors only a short distance away have Since flood control, drainage pollution, erosion and ed. \Ve are in favor of adequate funds to support this little or no loss. Even small areas experience different water supply are problems affecting much more than work by the Michigan St.ltc University Agricultural local areas, we believe cost-sharin~ is justified. ~Iore Experiment Station. cOnditions. Problems of deer herd management continue to con- en:.")h:lsis should he placed on this method of water. cern Farm BUleau members. These concerns n\n~e (:()ntrol, !caving less need or excuse for federally- CONTROL OF JAPANESE BEETLE from too few deer in some areas to too many deer 10 directl..-d projects. Japanese beetle continues to be a threat to ~lichi!-!,lIl other areas. agriculture as well as to lawns, golf courses, l?arks, The rapid increase of .deer-ell! acci~ents in the BOAT AND WATER SAFETY cemeteries, hon1t'site plantings, ('te. '~he c~nt lIlucd southern part of the stat.e IS hclpm~ to mcrease auto The greatly increased use of both Creat Lakes and trapping of lwetll's to locate arcas C?f JIIfest,~tlOn and insurance rates and carnes a constant th.rea.t of per- inland waters for recreational purposes requires more the prompt trcatnlt'nt of those areas IS essential to our sonal injury or death. At present, the ~hc~lJgan Con- careful regulation and control of boats and of the use economy and to our food supply. servation Commission does not l~ave allt~or~ty to ('O.n- of these public waters. The public must recognize the ~ecent efforts through th(' courts to prevl:nt the sider deer-car accident records m estabhslung special potential cbngers of pleasure boat use, particularly on ~1tchigan Department of Agriculture from earrymg out seasons. the Great Lakes. needed programs show a failure on the part of th.o:-;e \Ve recommend: \Ve will support reasonable and practical legislation Sponsoring slIeh efforts to f('cogniw that the pr~lctll'al 1. Legislation to c1ea.rl~ autho~ize th~ ~Ii~higan to provide greater safety to water users. result of laek of area treatment would result. I.n the Conservation CommiSSIon ~o !,rJve l.,ast year the Workmen's Compensation At times, fruit and vegetable growers have had to Surveys indicate that most road litter traces to the law became effective upon farm employers. Without a deliver produce to processors without the benefit of beverage industry. Since the throwaways have no sal- broad base of experience, the inflexible law became a knowing what price the processor is going to pay and vage value, they are discarded where they are emp- financial hardship upon farmers who employ farm later find that the prices paid by the processors are tied, along highways or thrown into fields and wood- workers and caused a decrease in the number of avail- unrealistic. We urge the Michigan Legislature to en- lo~, lakes and streams and on beaches. They are left able farm jobs. act legislation that would require fruit and vegetable there to be shattered and become a public hazard. processors to post prices to be paid for fruit and veg- We recommend that the Michigan Farm Bureau ag- We urge the Legislature to require all bottled bev- gresSively indicate to the Michigan Insurance Com- etables a reasonable length of time prior to the begin- erages sold in Michigan to be delivered in returnable mission, members of the Legislature and the insurance ning of the delivery date of the products for which the bottles with a .deposit value of at least 5c each to en- companies that rating classifications and rules governing price would apply. The posted prices should indude courage their return. those classifications should be realistic and fair to in- the date on which the prices are effective. If new dividual farmers. prices are subsequently posted which are lower than the previous prices, the new prices should not apply to STRIP MINE RESTORATION FARM LABOR HOUSING any product delivered before the posting of the new Some areas of Michigan are being made unsightly prices. and dangerous by mounding of the spoils of the opera- Facilities for housing seasonal farm workers are pro- tion of strip mining and gravel pits. vided by many farm employers. The guality of this type of housing is improving rapidly due to the re- We are not opposed to the excavations that have a quirements of the state fann labor camp licensing law CONTRACT PRICING depth of water to maintain their own environment (12 and the com~titive aspects of attracting better work- feet or more) providing they are marked as to depth Some Michigan processors offer written sales and ers. The building of new facilities and the improve- production contracts to vegetable and fruit growers by. proper signs. However, we feel that more care ment of existing housing has become an expensive part could be taken at the time of excavations to deposit without a stated sales price. Growers wanting to pro- of the farm operation. duce that crop and having no other market outlet are spoils in a more advantageous position to facilitate easier shaping and sloping, enabling the land to be re- We urge that structures used only for the housing of faced with no other alternative but to sign such a seeded or planted to help enhance the beauty and re- seasonal farm worlcers and for which there is no re- contmct. Organizing these growers into a marketing sourcefulness of our State of Michigan. imbursement from the occupants be exempt from tax- association to negotiate a better contract is the desir- ation. able solution but seems to be extremely difficult in some areas. SEEDLING STOCK FOR REFORESTING RURAL MANPOWER CENTER We urge that MACMA and Farm Bureau work to- An estimated two million acres of private land in The Michigan Legislature should continue to appro- ward having processors publish contract vegetable and Michigan will find its best use in forest growth. We priate funds to support the operation of the Rural fruit prices prior to offering to growers. believe the reforesting of land best adapted to that Manpower Center as a part of the College of Agricul- purpose is a public service tending to conserve our ture and Natural Resources at Michigan State Univer- natUral resources, prevent erosion, and maintain our CLASS I BASE sity. We should evaluate the program of the Rural water table. Manpower Center and suggest to the Center research Base and excess plans were devised many years ago We urge the use of available soils and woodland site and activities that will be of value to Michigan agri- for the purpose of leveling the peaks and valleys of infonnation to insure planting adaptable species on all culture. seasonal production. In Southern Michigan this goal sites. has been well accomplished with an average of about AMERICAN DAIRY ASSOCIATION . Quality planting stock of proper varieties must be 101 difference between peak and low production tiffi~-- available at convenient locations, at reasonable prices, Recently many imitation dairy products have come of the year. and at the time needed, in order to encourage land- into the market. The Food and Agriculhlral Act of 1965 makes pos- .owners to plant. We encourage private enterprise to As present market conditions indicate that dairies sible the establishment of Class I bases within federal serve this need, especially to provide stock for land- are becoming food companies, we believe dairy farmers order markets. Such bases would allot a share of the scaping and Chrisbnas tree plantings. should closely consider and determine their needs for Class I sales to each Class I producer, thus permitting expanding their market, and the means by which their him to gear his production to his base and not con- Plantings for timber, pulpwood, game habitat im- program should be financed. provement, and erosion control are of great public tinue the "base race" to assure himself a share of the "premium" priced sales. benefit and we continue to support the few remaining Soil Conservation District nurseries and 'Conservation COMMODITY PROMOTION THROUGH STATE We will work with other organi:z.1tions representing Department nurseries as sources of supply for needed MARKETING PROGRAMS dairy farmers desiring to develop a Class I base plan. planting where the demand is not being met by private Any plan should contain provisions for transferable nurseries. Enabling legislation for State Marketing Programs bases directly between produt'ers within the marketing was enacted into law by the 1965 Michigan LegisL...- order. ture. Funds to support statewide commodity industry promotional programs can be collected from producers NEW DAIRY PRODUCTS DRAINAGE LAW through marketing programs established by the vote of the producers. \Ve believe that each commodity group In order to maintain and expand tlle market for We urge that Michi~ drainage laws be recodified. should determine for itself whether an escape clause dairy products, we recommend the removal of anv We need understandabl :neral provisions rather than shall be included in the marketing program for that legislative barriers that limit the development and mar- specific legislation fitted to special situations. commodity. keting of new dairy products and dairy product blends. MICHIGAN FARM NEWS December 1, 1967 THIRTEEN POLICIES INCLUDE: SUBSTITUTE Suggestions to Members' ~IEAT PRODUCTS TIll' high nutrition,d kn,1 of tIlt' }wopl" of :\Illl'ril';\ is in no small part dill' to the anilllal ori~in of 1I11ll'h of our food. TIll'S" prodllcts are prm'id,.d in alHlndallt quantities hy a IH'althy animal agril'lIltural indllstry. ~Iany suh ..titutl' products hav(' ))('ell d('v('loped in re- cl'nt )'I'ars. \\'hill' th(')' Illay he worthy as suhstitutes. they should stand on their own merits a11(1 not Iw foisted upon the consuming- puhlic as the gcnuilw product. \\'hl'n' they are intended to illlitatl' anotlll'r prolluct, they should be labeled "Imitation" and sold as such. STATE'YIDE ~IEAT I~SPECTIO~ Aet 2RO of 1nG.) authorized a statewide meat in- spection prog-ram, including licensing- of slaug-hter- hOlls('s. TIlt' State Departlllent of Ag-rkulturl' fs to he highly COlllIlH'nd,'d for th(' dfici('IH':y displayed ill illl- plemel/ting- the leg-islatiOIl and, in so doing. has heen ahl(' to eliminat(' duplications of eO"ort alld combine other inspect ion llu ties to effl'ct not only economics but better protection for Ill(' consumer. Vigorous enforcement has proved the nel.d for state- wide inspectioll. In one highly puhlicized case alone, there were at l('ast 17 convictions. How(,vl'r, due to NEW STATE OFFICERS -for Farm Bureau Wo- inadequate funds, ahout 40 lieensed p1ants are not re- men are chairman Mrs. Jerold (Maxine) Topliff, eeiving the inspeetion scrviees re(luin'd by law. This FOR OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTIONS -to Mich- is an injustiee to the plants and public alike, and pre- Ingham County, and vice-chairman Mrs. Clare vents adequate enforeelllent of the law. igan Farm Bureau, former coordinator Mrs. Mar- jorie Karker is presented with a silver tray by (Florence) Carpenter, Tuscola County. \Ve recommend that the Legislature appropriate the necessary funds to fully carry out the requirements of outgoing chairman Mrs. Wm. Scramlin. the meat inspection law. County fairs and the State Fairs at Detroit and Es- \Ve urge continued development and expansion of FOREIGN MARKET EXPANSION canaba, provide such opportunity. \Ve commend coun- Young Farmer Programs to enable young farmers to be ty Farm Bureaus for their widespread participation in actively participating members of Farnl Bureau. As a Expansion of foreign markel'i is vit:ll to \fiehi~aJl county fairs, and urge Farm Bureau counties near result of their active participation, they will expericnee agriculture. ~lichigan farmers now r~~~~~3( 4000 N. GRAND RIVER LANSING, MICHIGAN SIXTEEN December 1, 1967 MICHIGAN FARM NEWS action opportunity KEEPING AHEAD WITH FARM RECORDS for cherry growers "a few minutes each month ... " Producers of Michigan's important Red Tart cherry crop can look forward to effective marketing help in 1968 - through Ray Launstein of rural William- the aggressive Cherry Division of the Michi'?;an Agricultural ston, is a firm believer in keeping Cooperative Marketing Association - MACMA. good farm records. A two-phase membership agreement has been drawn, and The immediate past chairman offered to producers in a membership drive launched at the of the state Young Farmers Com- mittee, and former member of annual Grand Rapids "Hort" show, December 5-6-7. The drive the Michigan Farm Bureau board will be broadened through individual sign-up effort in each of directors, Ray says that "you cherry producing county of the state during the week of De- can't run today's high-volume. cember 11. . high-cash farm operation with Interest remains high in building a strong grower organiza- yesterday's kind of accounting tion to influence prices and to represent growers in the market- system ... " place, with much of the support coming from county Fann He is a strong supporter of Bureaus in the cherry producing areas. Farm Bureau's new accounting During late winter and early spring of 1967, a number of service, which he feels keeps him these county groups made formal request to the Michigan in close touch with today's high Farm Bureau, asking that the state organization make a com- farm costs without having to spend a lot of time trying to keep plete study of the red tart cherry marketing situation. The involved records when he is pres- study was made with the help of county Cherry Advisory Com- sed to keep up with farm work. mittees, which were given the assignment of surfacing growers' "With this system, my wife marketing problems and asking growers' opinions of how best and I can spend a few minutes RAY AND JAN lAUNSTEIN - prepare periodic reports of ex- to solve these problems. each month filling out some rela- penses and sales for submission to their Farm Bureau account- Specifically, they were asked if ~rowers believed their tively simple forms, to get back ing service. The entire system is housed in the two files held by marketing problems could. be solved by group action, and if an up-to-date summary which Jan, and the two pads of forms in front of Ray. The system's keeps me well ahead of the game," simplicity is part of its appeal. growers were willin'?; to support and pay for such marketing activity through Michigan Fann Bureau's marketing affiliate- Ray says.. MACMA. He and his father (Alvin, a The chairmen of those county committees were appointed past president of the Ingham county Farm Bureau) are partners to a state-wide red tart cherry advisory committee, and in early in a grain and cattle-feeding) June were called together to review the results of the county operation south of Williamston. studies. Ray and his wife, Janet, are Out of this meetin'?; came recommendations settinf!; the stage among 56 Michigan families cur- for the formal organization of the MACMA Red Tart Cherry rently using the Farm Bureau Division. The state advisory committee was installed on an record-keeping system on a pilot interim basis as the cherry marketing committee, and be~an basis. They are part of a group work at once on a market analysis, information and price-leader- of more than 1,000 farmers in six ship program. midwest states enrolled in the Since this year's cherry harvest, the committee has worked on same record keeping project through Farm Bureau. a similar program for the coming crop year, including the offer of a 2-phase membership agreement which carries with it a Two types of accounting serv- ice are offered ... with Program maximum grower fee of one per cent of cherry sales. Initial 1 providing farm income-tax ac- work will be in extensive market analysis and information pro- counting, at a $45.00 yearly cost. gram including direct contacts with processors to establish Program II also includes a limited realistic prices. farm analysis service. Both re- Phase-two is a sales-agent clause, making MACMA exclusive quire periodic submission of forms MECHANIZED FEEDERS- on the launstein farm, are shown by sales agent for members' cherries. There is no intention to listing sales and expenses. Ray to AI Almy of Farm Bureau's Market-Development Division. activate this clause for 1968, but the committee felt it vital for County Farm Bureau offices This investment enables the launsteins to operate more effi- future marketing programs. have detailed information. ciently. Time and money management are important to them. FARM BUREAU MARKET PLACE SPECIAL RATE TO FARM BUREAU MEMBERS: 25 words for $2.00 each edition. Additional words, 10 cents each. Figures such as 12 or $12.50 count as one word. NON-MEMBER advertisers: 15 cents per word one edition, two Of' more editions, 10 cents per word. Copy deadline: 20th of the month . .. ~ .j ,. ~ 6 DOGS 13 FOR RENT 20 LIVESTOCK 26 POULTRY 34 WANTED ENGLISH SHEPHERD PUPS from our ONE YEAR of Farm Bureau support for FOR SALE: 50 hred ewes. 2.5 ewe lambs. DA Y OLD OR STARTED PULLETS- RARE 1909-VDB CENT $1. 3 195.5-S own stock do$tS $20. Ferris Bradley, vour interests in \Vashin~ton and Lansinlt. 15 ram lambs, 10 breeds. all registered. The DeKalb profit pullet. Accepted by Cents $1. California Souvenir Gold Dol- Springport, Michigan 492fW. Join today. Call your county FlIrm Bureau From Michistan's best flocks. 33rd An- the smart poultryman for high egg pro- lars $1.50, Half 75t. Old Silver Dollars (l2-lt-14p) 6 office. (12-lt-21p) nual Sale. Livestock Pavilion, East Lan- duction, superior egg quality, greater feed $1.98. Free Price lists. Edel's. Carlyle. sinjt. 12:00 noon, Saturday, December 30. efficiency. If you keep records, you'U Illinois 62231. (1l-2t-25p) 34 10% discount to bonafide 4-H and F.F.A. keep DeKalbs. Write for prices and members. Write for catalost: Michigan catalog. KLAGER HATCHERIES, Bridge- Sheep Breeders Ass'n .• 10.'; Anthony Hall, WANTED: John Deere No. 4 mowin~ FOR SALE: Registered EnJdish Shepherd water. Michigan. Telephones: Saline HAzel machine, any condition. for parts. Please Puppies. Good watch and stock do~s. East Lansing, Michijtan 48823. 9-7087, Manchester GArdt'D 8-3034 Availahle after November 1.5. Lester 14 FOR SALE (l2-lt-53b) (Washtenaw County) ( tI-46b) 26 write to: Kass, 13510 Brooklyn. Michigan 49230. Homing Road, Evitts, Vestabur~, Michigan 48891. Phone (I2-lt-25p) 34 FAMOUS SHAVER STARCROSS START- 268-2349. Montcalm County. (l1-2t-25p) 1962 GMC TRUCK. 18' Grain rack. ED PULLETS. Top rated layer by ------- A CLEAN-UP CATTLE SALE will be Good condition. Call Ovid 834-2440. held at the stock-yards in Linroln. Mich- U.S.D.A. - 1964 through 1966. Delivered JAMESWAY LITTER CARRIER track and Wendall McCreery after 5:00. igan on Thursday. December 7. \Ve are to vour fann in clean equipment. \Ve have hangers. Ferris Bradley, Sprin~port. Mich- (l2-lt-15b) 14 expectin~ a number of light-weijtht feeder pullt'ts a,'ailahle every month. May be igan 49284. (l2-lt-llp) 34 calves at this sale. (I2-lt-28p) 20 seen hy appointmt'nt. MacPherson Hatch- 8 FARM EQUIPMENT ery. Rout .. :tt3. Ionia, Michi~Rn 48846. Phone 527-0860. (6-tf-36b) 26 36 MISCELLANEOUS TAKE STOCK of the farmer's problems in KLAGER'S DEKALB PROFIT PULLETS FARROWING STALLS - Complete- Washin~on and Lansing today. Then join $24.95. ature. Dealership available. Dolly Enterprises, Free Liter- 219 Main. Col- 20 LIVESTOCK Farnl Bureau to fence these problems in. - Order your started pullets that have heen raised on a proven IZrowinst pro~ram. "ZIPCODE Postoffices): DIRECTORY" $1.00 MAILMART, - (All 35.000 Carroll- chester, Illinois 62326. (1l-tI-15b) 8 Call your county Farm Bureau office. The ~rowinjt birds are inspected weeklv ton 72, Kl'ntucky 41008. (3-tf-llb) 14 HEREFORD BULLS-pure bred herd (12-lt-26p) by trained staff. vaccinated. debeaked and sires. Ready for service. Also, reltistered delivered by us in clean crates. If \'011 ILLUSTRATED WHOLESALE CATA- heifers and calfs. EltYpt Valley Hereford keen records. you will keep KLAGER DE- LOG, IMPORTED MERCHANDISE. 25t! Farm. 6611 Knapp St .• Ada. Michigan. KALBS. KLAGER HATCHERIES Bridge- Sample item included! Imports. 2506 NEW POWER HITCH - You can hitch yourself to new power in agricultural af- Phone OR 6.1090. (Kent County) 22 NURSERY STOCK water. Michi2an. Telephones: 3i3 429- West Lloyd, Pensacola, Florida 32505. fairs by joining Farm Bureau. Call your (1l-tf-25b) 20 7087 and 313 428-3034. (11-2t-16p) 36 county Farm Bureau office. (12-lt-23p) STARK BRO'S ALL NEW 1968 CAT A- (Washtenaw County) (9-tf-50b) 26 ------- LOG FREE! Spectacular full-color dis- NlGHTCRA WLERS AND RED WRIG- play of Giant-size Apples, Peaches. Nec- tarines (Fuzzless Peaches), Pears. Cherries. 34 WANTED GLERS. "B &. W" Worm Ranch, Route FOR SALE: 25 LARGE HOLSTEIN #1. Stele. Missouri 63877. Phone 695- CALF CREEP FEEDERS - 30 bushel HEIFERS, due base months; vaccinated. Apricots. Plums from DWARF, Semi- FULL OR PART-TIME. Couples or in- 4984. Code 314. (l2-lt-14p) 36 capacity $88.50. Dealerships available. from good herd. Will trade for open Dwarf, Standard Size trees. Ornamentals, dividuals for local sales work. After short Free Literature. DoUy Enterprises. 219 heifers. Telephone MO 9-9226. Ed Tanis, Roses, etc. GUARANTEED. STARK, training have people workin~ for VOII CUSTOM PLOWING - in the field of Main, Colchester, Illinois 62326. R#I, Jenison, Michigan 49428. Dept. 30508, Louisiam, Missouri 63353. Write: Suburban Sales, 28957 Smith ink~ lel!islative action for farmers. employ your (1l-tf-18b) 8 (Ottawa County) (5-2t-25b) 20 (12-4t-39b) 22 ster, Michigan 48141. (10-4t-26p) 35 efforts throujth Farm Bureau. Join now. MICHIGAN FARM NEWS December 1, 1967 SEVENTEEN Forest Westfall, of Route 2, Marcellus, Michigan, a well-known bog farmer say S : "WE FARROW ABOUT 150 SOWS PER YEAR, AND MARKET SOME 1000-1200 HEAD PER YEAR ON THE FARM'BUREAU HOG PROGRAM" "We have been using the Farm Bureau Hog Program for many years and have had good results. We start our pigs on Faro-Ettes, then on to Creep- Ettes, and then we use our home-grown grains and Porkmaker, mixed ac- cording to the recommended feeding program. We farrow about 150 sows per year, and market about 1,000 to 1,200 head per year on the Farm Bureau pr~ram." IMPROVED PRACTICES INCREAS'E PORK PRODUC.TION BY 50 PER CENT! The time required to produce finished market hogs has been cut almost in half, and the pork produced per unit of grain has increased SO per cent in recent years because of improved production practices. Just as disc;ov- eries such as vitamins, antibiotics and growth fadors have added to pro- duction improvement, the importance of other proved practices, like feeding adequate quality and quantity of protein, has not diminished. These factors, combined with improved housing, equipment and efficient feeding, make for a successful hog business. This is use of knowledge and skill- not luck. * Write for our new management .. , booklet. entitled , "SUCCESSFUL HOG PRQDU~T'ON/.' .. 4000 N. GRAND RIVER LANSING, MICHIGAN EIGHTEEN )C • ,• < )( ~>< < )( M ax ax)( >< <0>< )( )( >< ( )< ')( ( )< x ')( x:~ "Ji.x'){yxyy){ xxxy){){){ X:X:X:X){XXX ~ xxxxxxxxy By STEVE VAN SLYKE, Director, points. Is it fair to "ayerage" viewpoints of nearly le~islative agents or '1obbyists". Only the Farm Education & Research two million equally with views of 200,OOO? Or 20,000 B~reau has full-time representation there, with three - or at the logical end - two? How do you do full-time '1egislative counsels" working ,vith Legis- One of the greatest puzzles to many people out- this if you don't even know the size of the organiza- lators. The Grange has one part-time agent. side of agriculture - and for that matter, to some tion, or how or by whom its policies were developed? Full-time representation is essential to keep up inside - is apparent inability of farmers to "get What is the make-up of the membership - is it a with issues affecting farmers, not only in the Legis- together" on issues. broad general cross-section of farmers across the lature, but also in the many governmental depart- Many people question why it is that the three or United States, or is the membership located primarily ments and agencies that affect farmers and four "national" and "general" farm organizations in one re~ion or in one commodity area? Is it truly agriculture. can't come to a meeting of the minds about basic "national" - is it truly 'general"? Are the policies On many issues of interest to farmers, Farm Bu- programs in agriculture, particularly as they apply of the organization developed by the farmer-mem- reau is the only organization present representing to actions of government. This is also complicated bers, or are they only viewpoints of a small group them. by the many "commodity" based organizations. in the organization's leadership? Included in the rather broad category of "national" This is true in other areas outside the Legislature. and "general" fann organizations are the National There is also the question of principle - does lead- The Japanese beetle controversy in Grand Rapids is Grange, the National Fanners' Union, the American ership of an organization have the right to compro- an example where Farm Bureau was the only farmer- Fann Bureau Federation, and to an extent, the Na- mise policies adopted by members? The legislative organization of any type to appear on behalf of tional Fanners' Organization. power of an organization lies not in its leadership farmers and the State Department of Agriculture. To get a better understanding of some of the but in the members and if they do not recognize This was a significant court case aimed at preventing problems involved in trying to "get farmers together", and support their policies, then the organization has the Department from carrying out spraying opera- we have made some comparisons of the four organi- little strength. tions in Berrien county to stop an outbreak of zations which are included on this page. On the le~islative level in Michi~an, the official Japanese beetle. (See story on Page 4:.) Size of organization can be a problem in trying re~stration list for the 1967 Legislature shows that to work out compromises between varying view- only Farm Bureau and the Grange has registered NEXT MONTH: Taxation of Farm Land COMPARISON FARM BUREAU GRANGE FARMERS' UNION N.F.O. In excess of 1,700,000 families Approximately 200,000 fami- Approximately 200,000 fami- Membership not reported, say- Membership Size in 49 states and Puerto Rico. lies locat~d in some 25 states, lies located mainly in the ing "Our secret membership is (No Farm Bureau in Alaska.) primarily east of the Missis- Southwest and Plains States. our secret strength." Located Over 2,750 organized County sippi. in portions of several states in Farm Bureaus in the U.S. the Midwest. The American Fann Bureau Oldest of today's farm organi- The "Farmers' Educational and Newest of the "general" farm Organ ization zations, the "National Grange Federation came into being in Cooperative Union of Amer- organizations is the "National History 1919, but "Farm Bureau" as of the Patrons of Husbandry" ica", more commonly known Fanners' Organization". Be- such had alreadv been in exis- was organized in 1867 by Oli- ' as the "Farmers' Union", was cause membership in the or- tence for several years. Farm- ver H. Kelley and six of his organized in 1902 in Rains ganization is secret, some have ers clubs and even county fellow clerks in the office of County, Texas, by Newt Gres- questioned whether or not it in "farm bureaus" began to form the Commissioner of Agricul- hem, an itinerant printer and fact is a "general" farm organi- in the early 1900's. Since then, ture in Washington, D.C., as former organizer for the old zation, or a "national" organi- the organization has grown to a secret and fraternal agricul- Farmers' Alliance. Basically a zation. First activity came in be the largest of all fann or- tural society. Membership in cooperative movement, the 1955 at a Corning, Iowa, farm ganizations, and continues to the early years skyrocketed, Farmers' Union spread grad- auction when Jay Loghry, a reach new nationwide record fell, then settled down to grad- ually and today has' strength feed and seed salesman, out- highs in membership nearly ual growth until recent years primarily in Southwestern and lined plans for a "new, militant, every year. when a slow decline began. Plains states. farm organization." Policy development begins Policy development processes Farmers' Union policy develop- The working structure of the Policy with the individual member, of the Grange are along the ment processes are similar in NFO does not lend itself to Development many times working through same basic lines as Farm Bu- design to those of Farm Bu- development of policy of the tht!!r community group~, coun- reau, although not nearly as reau, although not as elaborate, type normally expected from ty c~m09ity committees, policy, detailed and as a result, not and in most areas, they do not the other three organizations. development committees, etc., ~ as many members are involved emphasize member involve- NFO is structured primarily with individual farmers decid- in the process. Prime policy ment to the extent that Farm along commodity lines and in ing the things they want or I development activities appear Bureau does. areas of bargaining, with the don't want done. This is the I to be during state conventions. national board directing these source of "Grass-Roots" I operations. strength of Fann Bureau. I (How they stood on some specific issues) Protecting Farmers on Legisla- tive Reapportionment. YES ! YES YES YES Keeping Section 14 (b) (Right- to-work) in Taft-Hartley Act YES YES No (?) Government Supply Manage- ment for Agriculture NO . Yes Yes Yes Compensatory Payments (Bran- Yes & NO (certain nan Plan) for Agriculture NO products) Yes Yes . Putting Government in "crop insurance" business NO Yes Yes (?) Placing Agriculture under Min~ imum Wage NO Yes Yes Yes Prevent grain dumping by YES No YES No Commodity Credit International Commodity Agreements (politics a part of price) NO Yes - Yes (?) I MICHIGAN FARM NEWS December 1, 1967 NINETEEN FARM BUREAU SERVICES, INC. INVESTMEN OPPORTUNITY OFFERED TO ALL FARMERS AND THE PUBLIC- Michigan Farm Bureau President Elton R. Smith and Mrs. Smith were among the first to purchase debentures to finance this new feed plant from Cliffton Morrill, Securities Sales Representative. Architect's Rendering of Southwest Michigan Feed Plant As part of a long-term expansion program, and to better serve Michigan farmers with high-quality made-in-Michigan feed products, Farm Bureau Services, Inc., announces the spring-time, 1968 con- struction of the state's most up-to-date feed milling and formulating ~ center. This million-dollar plant will be financed by public sale of 6% interest- bearing, 15-year maturity Farm Bureau Services, Inc. debentures, now offered. Interest will be paid from purchase date annually on September 1. Advantages of this sound investment opportunity (backed by Farm Bureau organizational know-how)-include the solid satis- faction of helping build another much-needed cooperative produc- tion and service center for Michigan farmers . •••••••••••••••••••••• • • • For a copy of the prospectus and a call by a registered salesman, complete and mail to: • • • To learn how you • FARM BUREAU SERVICES, INC .• can fit into this • Securities Promotion Department • financing picture, • P.O. Box 960, lansing, Michigan • fill out and mail this investment-oppor- tunity coupon. •• • • Name: Road: R.F.e.' • • •••••••••••••••••••••••• • • City: NO OBLIGATION Phone: 12-1 • • * This advertisement is neither an offer t~ .sell nor a solicitation to buy any of these seCUrities. The offering is made only by the prospectus. 4000 N. GRAND RIVER LANSING, MICHIGAN TWENTY December 1, 1967 MICHIGAN FARM NEWS THIS MAY NOT BE THE MOST EXCITIN.G CHRISTMAS GIFT... • BUT T WILL BE THE MOST TREASURED . . . . are laughter, snow, wide eyes, prayer, tinsel and gifts. Children are charmed and entertained ... by new clothes, ray guns, ringing red fire engines, laughing dolls and speedy bicycles ... for hours, days, possibly a year or two. But soon ... clothes and toys alike are worn or outgrown. Last year's Christmas gift eventu- ally finds its way to the incinerator. Your gift is forgotten. ~ tJUed ;e III ... can last a lifetime through insurance at Christmas. A life insurance policy doesn't make noise, look pretty nor entertain. It protects ... for life. Your child or grandchild will hardly notice that oblong, bow-wrapped piece of paper ... now. But through many future Christmas days, your generosity and foresight will be rememb~red, appreciated and loved. BE SANTA CLAUS FOR LIFE. • • ~~ae FARM BUREAU ---INSURANCE GROUP Farm Bureau Mutual- Farm Bureau Life. Community Service. LANSING