MDCHDGAN+aFARM N '5 THE ACTION PUBLICATION OF THE MICHIGAN FARM BU Vol. 47, No. 4 Published Monthly by Michigan Farm Bureau 1, 1968 Lovely scene among cherry trees with Washington Monu- ment in background is symbolic of the annual \\Air-Adven- WASHINGTON IN SPRINGTIME: ture" to our Nation's Capital, sponsored by Farm Bureau Women. Story on page 4. TWO April 1, 1968 MICHIGAN FARM NEWS Editorial 'Cheer Up* They Still Haven't Found A Substitute for Beef MEATLESS MEAT "Cheer up. They still haven't found a sub- stitute for beef the rooster says to the cow in the Mauldin cartoon, as she reads about the new artificial milk. Unfortunately the rooster couldn't be more wrong, for not only are there excellent substi- tutes for beef now on the market, but the chicken itself is subject to sudden replacement. Famed war cartoonist and Pulitzer Prize win- ner Mauldin may not have noticed the artificial beef, pork and chicken now on his grocer's shelves — but they are there. Now on the market is "Prime" a high quality beef substitute made out of spun protein fiber (Fibrotein) — and which looks, feels and tastes like a cut of roast beef. ("Like beef? — Yes Ma'm" advertises the box top) and when slices of prime are simmered in a bit of gravy, it has been known to fool discerning beef lovers. Or how about "White-Chik" — another meat- less meat, with about the same relationship to real meat as coal has to diamonds in that both are carbon in different forms. Both the sub- stitute and the real meat are composed of pro- tein fibers, but in the one case they are in their natural state and in the other, they have been spun out of a machine. But make no mistake, the imitation meats look, feel and taste like roast beef, breast of chicken, or pork chops and ham. Moulded under pressure, the protein fibers can be made to look, feel and taste like nut meats and vege- tables. What they lack in flavor is easily added from laboratory test tubes. Most of the essen- tial amino acids and similar dietary needs are either present or easily added. White-Chik, for example, contains a formula of vegetable gum, plant seasonings, corn-oil and albumen, all added to the spun protein fiber. The resultant product may be served in dozens of ways; sliced, diced, baked, fried, cold in salads and sandwiches, hot in white sauce, in casseroles and pot pies. Soya-meats, in dozens of flavors and textures, are now being manufactured with fibers closely approximating those of poultry, beef and pork. They are ideal for allergic persons and others on restricted diets. They entirely by-pass all questions of religious sanction and taboo. The items mentioned by name are brands of Copyright 1968 — Chicago Sun Times, reproduced by courtesy of Wil-Jo Associates, Inc. a n d Bill M a u l d i n . the Worthington Food Corporation, Worthing- ton, Ohio. All are somewhat higher priced than the real product, with White-Chik and Prime A PERSONAL WORD FROM THE WOMEN: Springtime Activity. selling for about 800 in portions to serve four persons — about 8 ounces. Obviously they are not going to immediately replace natural meat products but they do serve April showers? Well, that's w h a t brings the green of Spring is the signal for a new start, and it is as a warning of things to come. Before we be- spring — and our farms are benefitting from the many no accident that Farm Bureau Women's Dis- come too excited about what they will do to shades of green now beginning to hide the leftovers from trict Meetings are scheduled for April. A com- the livestock business, we must remember they winter. plete schedule of these meetings, listing dates, are made of farm products, currently out of places, and a bit about the programs, will be soybeans, but with other high-protein plants Nature sets the example, and now is the time to help found on page 8 of this paper. her. Let's clean u p winter's accumulation of sticks, tin such as alfalfa and clover offering definite and Make a note to remind you of the meeting immediate possibilities. cans, broken fences or gates and whatever else soon may for your district and plan to go and to take a There is great significance in terms of world be hiding in the tall grass. neighbor. food supplies, for protein grasses grow well Spring is a busy time, but not quite as busy as a little We have all completed our income tax re- anywhere, but in much of the world, livestock later on. Spring is clean-up-and-be gin-again time. Let's turns by now and are most conscious of the are expensive and scarce. It makes little eco- set a pick-up, clean-up safety pattern and we'll all be hap- amount taxes remove from our already limited nomic sense to use animal agriculture to convert pier for it all year long. farm incomes. Even with heavy taxation, our grass, as the cow does, into high protein foods government always seems to manage spending such as meat and milk when any more readily much more than is taken in. available conversion can be found. All the international gold fuss, and much of But the fact remains that meat substitutes MICHIGAN •ARM NEWS the talk about inflation, could be settled by are exactly that, and not real meat. They have Ttfll ACTIOM PUBLICATION O r T * f c MfCMMAN M* nUCM SUfllAU bringing our national budget into balance, an- some advantages (no blood, skin, fat, bones) The MICHIGAN FARM NEWS is DIRECTORS: District 1, Harry nual interest rates on the money we use (but but the disadvantages are equally obvious. published moodily, on the tint day. Nye, St. Joseph, R-l; District 2, Nich- by* the Michigan Farm Bureau, at its olas Smith, Addison, R-l; District 3, don't have) is a staggering amount each year. Aroma is lacking, so is gravy. Fat contains the publication office at 109 N. Lafayette Andrew Jackson, Howell, R-l; Dis- Street, Greenville, Michigan. trict 4, Elton R. Smith, Caledonia, R-l; real meat flavors and is necessary to taste. Editorial and general offices at 4000 District 5, David Morris, Grand Ledge, This year's share of the national deficit (if North Grand River Avenue, Lansing, R-3; District 6, Jack Laurie, Cass City, you are an "average" American) comes to $150 Perhaps the greatest drawback to widespread Michigan 48904. Post Office Box 960. R-3; District 7, Kenneth Bull, Bailey. Telephone, Lansing 485-8121, Exten- R-l; District 8, Harvey Leuenberger, per person, or $650 per family. That's for this use of the new substitute meats is price. sion 317. Subscription price, 500 per Saginaw, R-8: District 9, Eugene Rob- And the greatest lesson livestock farmers can year. erts, Lake City, R - l ; District 1 0 , year's deficit only — and on top of the $1,746 Richard Wieland, Ellsworth, R-l: Dis- learn from them is the danger evident in plac- Established January 12, 1923. Sec- trict 11, Clayton Ford, Cornell. for each person and $6,984 which each family ond Class Postage paid at Greenville, Michigan. already had as its share of the national debt! ing too much pressure on our marketplace price EDITORIAL: Editor, Melvin L. DIRECTORS AT LARGE: Walter structure through such devices as withholding Woe 11; Associate Editor, Margaret G. Frahm, Frankenmuth; Dean Pridgeon, Let your Congressman know what you think McCall; Staff Photographer, Charles Montgomery, R-l; James Thar, Deca- threats and price increase demands. Bailey; tur, R-2. about this! This is an election year — join the OFFICERS: Michigan Farm Bur- letter writing campaign urged by American Nobody can force Mrs. Consumer to pay eau; President, Elton R. Smith, Cale- donia, R-l; Vice President, Dean WOMEN OF FARM BUREAU: Mrs. Jerold Topliff. Eaton Rapids, R-l; Farm Bureau President, Charles Shuman — to more and more for something without eventu- Pridgeon, Montgomery, R-l. Secretary- FARM BUREAU YOUNG FARMERS: make our Congressmen realize how determined ally causing her to switch to a substitute prod- Manager, Dan E. Reed, Lansing. Michael Satchell, Caro, R-4. we are to have the government "spending ex- uct, and in the case of meat, (just as in milk) POSTMASTER: In using f o r m 3 5 7 9 , m a i l to: Michigan Farm N e w s , 4 0 0 0 N . G r a n d River, Lansing, Michigan 48904. plosion" brought to a halt. we had best realize that these products are now Second class postage p a i d a t Greenville, Michigan waiting on the shelves. Mrs. Jerold (Maxine) Topliff M.W. MICHIGAN FARM NEWS April 1, 1968 THREE President's . ~ Column --.- LET'S NOT PANIC A few years ago we dairymen just knew we were ruined by oleomargarine, and a few were. But you and I are still in the dairy business. Of course some of us may not make it through this one, but I have confidence in the ability of Michigan dairymen to meet the challenges and to beat the competition as it comes along. On this matter of substitutes - imitation and filled milk alike - I think we have passed the day when we can depend on government or on legislation to prevent substitutes from coming on the market to compete with our natural products. But let's not panic about these substitutes- maybe we can eventually take advantage of some of them. If filled and imitation milk do nothing more than make us break down some of our old barriers in pricing and marketing, maybe it will have served a useful purpose . Recently Dr. Quackenbush of the American Dairy Association said that the dairy industry • SELECTED CHAIRMAN - of the National Dairy Advisory Committee of the American Farm Bureau, is Elton Smith, President of the Michigan Farm Bureau (second from right). Other newly appointed committee chair- has lost about a fourth of its market in the last men include (from left) Barry Brownell, Oregon, Poultry; W. E. Overton, New Mexico, Livestock; J. Merrill Ander- 25 years. There have been a number of reasons son, Iowa, Field Crops; M. F. Frost, Texas, Horticultural crops; Smith and W. E. Hamilton, Director of research for this. First, it probably has something to do and commodity activities for the American Farm Bureau. with the fact that we are in prosperous times. There has been a long-term trend downward in the use of dairy products by American con- sumers. The same thing has happened to use of wheat and potatoes - people today don't Membership Gain ~sRecorded I do as much physical labor as they did 30 years ago, and they are more conscious of calories. So in this respect, we are victims of prosperity. "Group-Action" Provides But Larry Ewing, Manager of the Field Services Di- vision of the Michigan Farm Bureau, who has major Weare also victims of publicity in the areas responsibility for coordinating the membership work of vegetable versus animal fats - saturated New Membership Strength throughout the state, reports an additional 1,700 mem- bers needed to reach this year's state goal. versus «polyunsaturated" vegetable fats. In both cases, the trend is toward the use of the poly- "Strength - Through Group Action" is the theme of However, he said the gain in membership already unsaturated vegetable fats. This is a big part of the Michigan Farm Bureau, and new strength has been recorded over last year's total "represents an endorse- the filled and imitation milk battle. added to the organization through the «group action" ment of what Farm Bureau is and what it has been With government manipulation to keep food of hundreds of volunteer membership workers through- doing. prices low the profit margin for dairy proces- out the state. 'This increased support comes during a political year sors is naturally limited. Without any other A substantial gain in membership over last year has when farmers need to show organized strength more way to compensate for this limitation, the dairy been recorded by the Michigan Farm Bureau, with than ever before, when farm prices are low and na- processor has had to innovate, to substitute, 52,055 family memberships now received at the state tional politics are hot - that's when the farmer needs and to shift to products that can return a larger office in Lansing, compared to 52,014 total members to speak with a loud voice", Ewing said. profit. Imitation dairy products are an example in the organization in 1967. Cited was growing evidence that Michigan farmers of this kind of innovation. Although much of the major contact effort has been are using their organization to keep a wary eye on the completed, "membership is an all-year job" according state legislature and a number of key issues there. I don't think this is the time to panic over to one official, who added that further substantial One issue about which they feel strongly is the matter the threat of competition from filled and imita- growth is expected in the weeks immediately ahead. of taxing farmland according to use, rather than ac- tion milk. I do say NOW is the time to start A majority of last year's membership have re-joined cording to some potential use, such as for a subdivision working vigorously to meet the competition- for 1968, with a 95 per cent «renewal" figure compiled or industrial development. and this will require the total effort of every over the state. Officials view this maintenance record In Washington, a bill to place farmers under the one of us and all of our organizations. We as an excellent one, and compare it to other voluntary provisions of the National Labor Management Rela- MUST get together on thi~ one or we'll go broke organizations where a ten per cent, or more, annual tions act, has been disturbing to Michigan farmers. together without it. Our solution is in the mar- drop-out rate is considered common. Sponsored by Representative James G. O'Hara of Mich- ket place and the market place only. There just Nearly 3,000 new members were included in the igan's 12th District (Macomb county and parts of De- isn't any question that the dairy industry is "gain" total, with the clear implication that many non- troit), the bill would force farmers to deal with any presently hampered by too many regulations members find the organization attractive and will join union signing more than half of the employees on his to be able to effectively battle our substitute if invited. farm. competition. Most of these regulations were needed when we got them adopted years ago, but now the situation has changed. Now we in the dairy industry are finding ourselves saddled with regulations that don't necessarily regulate our competition. We can't regul~e these substitutes out of the market - we have to fight off their competition at the grocery counter, not in the halls of the legislature. But we do have to make sure we are all working under the same ground rules - in packaging, labeling, sanitation, and on and on. For one thing, we have to be sure that the substitutes don't get away with false claims about nutritional qualities and other factors. We can't afford a double standard that ties our hands, but lets the imitators go free. We then have a choice - do we put these same controls on the substitutes, or do we re- move some of ours? I'm thinking of laws like the one we have here in A1ichigan which won't allow us to market a butter-margarine mixture, even if that is what the customer wants to buy. There is one thing we want to be careful about when we change these regulations too, and this is one of the reasons we probably will have to loosen the restrictions on real dairy products rather than add them to the substitutes. We shouldn't give Mrs. Consumer the idea that we as an industry want to keep her from "HOW DO I KNOW OUR ALARM DIDN'T GO OFF AGAIN? ... I'LL making her own choice in the marketplace. TELL YOU HOW I KNOW OUR ALARM DIDN'T GO OFF AGAIN!" Elton Smith FOUR April 1, 1968 MICHIGAN FARM NEWS our heritage of freedom! "Our Heritage of Freedom" was the theme for this year's reau of Investigation, and visited springtime "Air-Adventure" to Washington, D. C. March 11-14. with a staff member of the House Sponsored by Michigan Farm Bureau \Vomen, the tour at- Committee on Un-American Ac- tracted 86 persons, flying in two Northwest Airlines jets to tivities. Washington. Visits there included Congress, the White House, Chief Investigator Appell said National Archives and George \Vashington's home at Mount the Communist threat to America FORMER MICH. CONGRESSMAN - Billie Farnum, now with the Vernon. remains very real, that the party National Democratic Committee in Washington, greeted his is actively at work in the country Michigan friends during a noon luncheon in the new (and im- Later, two groups were formed with separate itineraries, one with one ob;ective in mind- pressive) Rayburn building. of officially designated "Legiswtive Leaders", and the other complete overthrow of our gov- students of our freedom-heritage. ernment and its replacement with Both were briefed in the of- "a new economic order" patterned fices of the American Farm Bu- assassinate the President at a mo- after the Soviets'. reau Federation, to give them a ment in the play when prolonged laughter could be counted upon He commended Farm Bureau background of up-to-the-minute to cover his movements and the as an organization for its "con- Congressional action ( and atti- sound of his gun. stant vigilance" and the touring tudes) prior to their visits "on The Michigan group saw the farmers individually for their in- the hill." torn flag (Booth caught the spur terest and effectiveness in main- Matt Triggs, Assistant Legisla- of one boot in it when leaping taining our constitutional govern- tive Director for the American the balustrade following the shot) ment based upon individual re- Farm Bureau in Washington, said and the peep-hole driHed in the sponsibility .. that attempts to place farmers un- der provisions of the National door through which Booth "You as farmers have more Labor Relations Act were of watched the President. feeling for freedom than most prime concern to all farmers Next, the Freedom-Heritage people - you evidence a greater "whether they hire labor or not." participants stopped at the .Ar- realization of what it means," He explained that Michigan Rep- chives Building, the Federal Bu- Appell said. resentative James O'Hara of Mt. Clemens (D-12th district, Ma- comb county and portions of De- troit) had introduced a bill which would force farmers to recognize labor union representation. Under provisions of the bill, the farmer would be forced to "negotiate in good faith" with any union signing more than half of .. the workers employed on his HOUSE MINORITY LEADER- Michigan's own Gerald Ford, farm. Grand Rapids, hosted Farm Bureau legislative leaders at an Highlights of the Freedom- early morning breakfast in the House Speaker's Private Dining Heritage touring section were Room. visits to Ford Theatre (where Lincoln was shot); the Federal Bureau of Investigation; and a visit with a long-time staff mem- ber of the House Committee on Un-American Activities. .~ Romantic Europe Recently re-opened to the pub- lic after complete restoration, Ford's Theatre provided an im- ...., ). Exciting Alaska posing flash-back into history and A glimpse into the romantic past which is Europe, the fateful night when President ~ a sun-washed beach in Hawaii, or the exciting chal- Lincoln sat in his private box as THE WHITE HOUSE - on a rainy day was a tour highlight. lenge of Alaska - which wilJ you choose? Anyone John Wilkes Booth lurked nearby. Changeable Washington spring weather caused some discom- An incompetent guard relaxed fort, but did not prevent group members from making all stops of them can be yours this summer, on a low-priced his vigil long enough to let Booth on a busy day of visiting historical sights. Heritage Tour. You can wander through 11 European countries- Spain, Majorca, England, France, Italy, Austria, Lich- tenstein, Switzerland, Germany, Holland and Ireland. Cost of the tour is only $907.50 for those who join the flight at Detroit Metro airport. The tour leaves July 22, returning to the States on August 12. A variety of tour dates are available for the en- chanting Hawaiian Islands - June 15-30, August 3-18, or October 26-November 10. Cost is $800.89 for per- sons boarding the plane in Lansing. Tourists will visit the four major islands of the group, Oahu, Kauai, Maui and Hawaii. A visit to Alaska, land of contrasts, is scheduled for July 27, returning August 11. Cost is $1000.94 from Lansing, with a $33.97 rebate for wives traveling with their husbands. The tour will include Vancouver Ketchikan a cruise through the Inside Passage, Fairbdnks, a scenic trip to ~t. McKinley National park, and many other excit- mg places. All tour prices include complete transportation, ho- tel accommodations, sightseeing facilities, transfers and most meals. For further information, you may contact TOMB OF THE UNKNOWN - and a wreath presentation by the Guatemalan Minister of Defense, the Infonnation Division, Michigan Fann Bureau, was one of the impressive ceremonies witnessed by the Michigan group. The Unknown Soldiers phone 485-8121,Extension 317. represent all fighting men of the First and Second World Wars and the Korean War. MICHIGAN FARM NEWS April 1, 1968 FIVE Young Men _onthe Move Young Farmer Officers The state Young Farmer committee is appointed by the Michigan Farm Bureau board of directors and is respons- ible to the board. Alike Satchell, Caro, is committee chair- Jaycees Pick man and a voting member of the MFB board. Three committee members serve on the state Policy Development "Most Committee. Outstanding" 'Vayne Erny, Van Buren county, and Larry Karsten, Presque Isle county, serve as first and second vice chair- Michigan's Ol/tstanding Young men of the state committee. Parml'r for 1968, Robert Buist of Allendale, is not only an excellent District Committee ~1embers Location farmer, he is a1.'Ioan accomplished 1 Roger Stoner Jones inventor. Not satisfied with some \Vayne Emy South Haven of the machinery available to cut 2 Lynn Smith Battle Creek and size celery on his farm, he developed a grading and sizing Richard Godfrey Jonesville system which is now being pro- 3 \Vm. Middleton Lake Orion duced and sold to other celery 4 Jack Bosgraaf Hudsonville growers throughout the nation.' Carl Alverson \Vayland Entries from 15 communities 5 Jim Van Dyne Ovid throughout Michigan competed Mrs. Carolyn Sands Eagle in the 1968 search for the state's Most Outstanding Young Farmer. 6 ~1ike Satchell Caro The annual contest is sponsored Harold ~folzon :\orth Branch by the Michigan Junior Chamber 7 Mrs. Janet Thompson ~1ecosta of Commerce. Larry Van Sickle Hart EXCITING MOMENT - seconds after selection as Michigan's All four of the top winners are "Most Outstanding Young Farmer," Robert Buist and wife, Nina, 8 Richard Kadlec St. Charles members of Michigan Farm are photographed for television. The Buists are Ottawa County Bureau. 9 James Call Grawn Farm Bureau members. They have three children. Don Nugent Frankfort Buist's selection was based partly on the innovations he has 10 Lawrence Karsten Rogers City made to speed up and mechanize Duane Snow Hillman his farming operations. 11 \Vallace Walcher Stephenson A celery and asparagus grower, Wm. Good Bark River Buist and his wife, Nina, have three children. Their Allendale The Young Farmer program does not stand by itself, home is in Ottawa County, where rather it provides opportunities for young farmers to be- they hold Farm Bureau member- come active in the total Farm Bureau organization. ..hip. Second place in the contest was awarded to Charles Bracey of Ovid, Clinton county. A dairy and cash crop farmer, he has ARCHITECTURAL ROOF SYSTEMS, INC. shown special skills in the rede- sign and repair of machines to 3066 3 MILE RD., N.W. fit his particular farming needs. GRAND RAPIDS, MICH. 49504 Bracey and his wife, Patricia, PHONE 453-6336 have two children. A.R.S. Company has the type of building for you ... R. James Cook of Howell, third CHARLES BRACEY- and wife, Patricia, receive the second- place winner, is a dairy farmer for all your farm and commercial needs. place plaque in the state "Outstanding Young Farmer" contest with a degree in agricultural eco- from Jaycee President, Patrick Duggan (center). The Bracey Here are a few of the usages: nomics from Michigan State Uni- farm is located near Ovid in Clinton county. MACHINE SHEDS BOWLING ALLEYS versity. Cook is typical of the new generation of well-trained BOAT HOUSES BARNS ONE-STORY farm management specialists. GRAIN STORAGE TWO-STORY He and his wife, Nancy, have AIRPLANE HANGARS FACTORIES two youngsters. WAREHOUSES STORAGE BUILDINGS Gerald Slocum, whose farm is located in the Hart area of Oce- FERTILIZER BUILDINGS GARAGES ana county, placed fourth in the REMEMBER: A.R.S. Co. Laminated Buildings Are All contest. Slocum is a fruit and Clear Span Buildings. Christmas tree grower who be- lieves in adapting his machinery BELOW ARE A FEW OF THE TYPES OF BUILDINGS I to his own particular needs. He THAT WILL FIT YOUR NEEDS - For any size, shape has also put considerable effort and spacing not shown, please contact A.R.S. Co. into developing markets for his and they will assist with your building plans. farm products. Slocum and his wife, Phyllis, A.R.S. Co. Has One Of The Most Complete Lines Of are the parents of three children. Laminated Buildings. While the annual search for Michigan's Outstanding Young Farmers is sponsored by the R. JAMES COOK - (right) and wife, Nancy, are given the Michigan Jaycees, each year it is third-place plaque in the OYF contest. Cook is a 31-year-old the special pro;ect of a local chap- dairy farmer from Howell, livingston county. ter which acts as host for the Church Low Tied awards banquet. Arch Arch This year the affair was hosted I by the Adrian chapter, with din- ner at Siena Heights College in SPANS - 20 -80 Adrian. Afternoon program fea- SPACINGS - 2 -20 tured a tour of area farms, and a visit to Adrian College. Master of ceremonies for the evening's event was Howard Heath, Ann Arbor farm broad- caster. The principal speaker was B. Dale Ball, director of the Mich- igan Department of Agriculture. Awards to the winners were pre- sented by Patrick J. Duggan, FREE Jaycee president. LARGE BLACK SWEET CHERRY TREE Contest arrangements were un- WITH $5.00 OR MORE PURCHASE OF . der the chairmanship of Dr. How- STRAWBERRY OR RASPBERRY PLANTS. ard Pennington of Adrian. Fi- ENCLOSE THIS ADVERTISEMENT WITH YOUR ORDER. nancial sponsorship included the GERALD SLOCUM - and wife, Phyllis, are presented with the FREE COMPLETE PRICE LISTS ON REQUEST. Farm Bureau Insurance group fourth-place award by Jaycee President, Patrick Duggan. They FRUIT HAVEN NURSERY, KALEVA, MICH. 49645 and local farm business. spedalize in fruit and Christmas trees near Hart, Oceana county. SIX MICHIGAN FARM NEWS TAX ASSESSMENT FILM TO CHARLES ITSElL - whose farm, and that of his father, is located several miles from the expanding city of Howell, tells the "Ac- cent Agriculture" camera of sharp increases in farmland tax- PINPOINT MAJOR PROBLEM ation resulting from urban sprawl. Many Michigan farmers are the open bitterness and the evi- made - there's no question about bitter over their farmland taxes, dent bewilderment felt by farm- that ... ," he says. bitter, disappointed, and fright- ers who had already high taxes In Lansing, Representative Roy ened. They are keenly aware that raised again and again. L. Spencer had introduced a bill ,t unless drastic changes are made "Our assessment has gone up which called for treating agricul- in basic assessment procedures - just awful. They came through tural land for taxation purposes and soon - they will be forced and re-assessed, and now they're as agricultural land, and not as out of business. about double what they were last subdivision land. The pressures of "urban sprawl" year ... ," said Charles Itsell, "Agriculture can 110 longer af- into rural areas have brought the Farm Bureau member who farms ford to pay suhdivision taxes on problem. In hundreds of Michi- about 220 acres five miles from land that is exclusively devoted gan rural communities, a mush- Howell. to farming purposes ... ," he says. rooming housing development or "Farm prices are too low to al- Both Representative Spencer a new factory moving out where low us to pay such high taxes on and Representative Dale Warner there is less crowding, have land used only to farm. True, have joined in preparing a House brought with them a rural prop- there are housing developments Resolution to change that part of erty valuation boom. coming and new office buildings the Constitution dealing with as- Mostly for farmers it is a paper are going up around liS - but sessments. It adjusts the portion FEEDER CATTLE- on the Bernard Kunz farm near Howell, are boom, and not one immediately, we're still farming, and whil£' dealing with farm-real property. surrounded by a superhighway and encroaching housing de- if ever, transferred into cash. that's true I can't see why our Thev remain unsure that such an velopments. He and other area farmers are worried. Tax assessors are tied to the taxes sholiid be raised, uutil sllch ame~dment is needed, but have rule that land taxes must be based time as the land is used for some- gone ahead "just in case." upon highest value - and not thing else ... ," Itsell said. necessarily upon present use. The Senator Harry A. DeMaso, results are near-disaster in many At the Bernard Kunz farm, also Chairman of the Senate Taxation rural Michigan communities. near Howell, the filming crew committee, feels that the entire found the owners puzzling over area of "proper" tax assessments To place this #ory before the what they could do to survive a has been largely ignored. public, the Information Division two-year increase of four times in "I think the basic foundation of of Michigan Farm Bureau has be- assessed valuation. fiscal reform lies in the assessment gun work on a half-hour color- television documentary, part of The sudden increase had come field. We find over one-billion the "Accent Agriculture" TV ser- about because a neighbor had dollars raised by property taxes, ies, which will be offered to all sold housing plots to people try- all of which are levied by assess- stations of the state when com- ing to escape from city living. ors, very few of whom are trained pleted. The corner lots had brought good or completely qualified to' do this In gathering material to show prices for former farmland, but ;ob .... the problems brought Michigan they also brought along the tax "Too often we find land - par- farmers by urban sprawl - the assessor. ticularly agricultural land - that filming crew visited University Surrounding farmland has been is far over-assessed. specialists, members of the legis- raised to what the assessor now "I ts assessed base has some as- lature, natural-resource experts. considers "fair market value." sumed potential use. whether the HANS HAUGARD - Natural Resources Agent, visits with \\Ac- the office of a tax assessor, and 'Vhat it will mean to Kunz with use may be tomorrow, five years cent Agriculture" host Roger Brown, about. need for Michigan several farmers where land valu- about 700 acres (500 in corn), from now - or 20 years from tax practices to allow farm land to be taxed upon present use ations have been dramatically in- and feeding out 600 head of cat- now. I feel that we have to do instead of potential for industry or housing. \\America has only creased. tle, is the big question. "There something in the assessment field so much prime farm land," he said. The film crew was shocked by are going to be some changes to adjust this .... ," DeMaso said. LEGISLATIVE LEADERS PONDER FARMLAND TAX RULES! RESOLUTION PROPOSING - a Constitutional TAX COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN - Senator Harry A. FARMLAND VALUE- based on present uses instead Amendment, has been prepared by Rep. Dale DeMaso, (20th Sen. District) feels that careful assess- of future potential, is the subject of a bill authored Warner (56th Dist.) and House colleague, Roy l. ment is becoming more necessary in rural areas of by Representative Roy l. Spencer (78th District). Spencer, to clear the way for tax improvements. the state and that assessor training is needed. MICHIGAN FARM NEWS April 1, 1968 SEVEN a new check-list to consider" Protect Yourself! in sale of your rights-of-way made a part thereof. There should be a specific pro- 17. The document should provide that the rights SUGGESTIONS OFFERED FOR YOUR vision that the pipeline may be located any place on granted may be assigned in whole or in part, and the right-of-way. This is necessary for flexibility dur- that all rights, privileges and obligations created by PIPELINE-UTiliTY DOCUMENTS ing construction. such instrument shall be binding on the heirs, ad- ministrators, executors, successors and assigns of both 7. The grantor should convey to the grantee the right of ingress and egress to and from the right-of- grantor and grantee. About ten County Farm Bureaus passed resolu- tions at their annual meetings calling attention to way, until such easement is exercised and thereafter 18. The document should provide for arbitration many problems created for farmers whenever a pipe- as long as any facility installed pursuant to the docu- in case of dispute between grantor and grantee as line or other public utility crosses their land. This ment is in use or remains on the right-of-way. to the interpretation of same. The following is a resulted in a strong policy adopted by the voting 8. During construction, crossovers should be con- possible arbitration procedure which might be use- delegates at the state annual meeting. structed by the grantee for the use and convenience ful to the parties. There should be a requirement Farm Bureau hosted a meeting on January 9 to of the grantor, as requested by the grantor. The for written notice of proposed arbitration by either decide on a course of action. Those present included grantee should install temporary fences and gates at party to the other. There should be 15 days maxi- Senator Gilbert Bursley; Representative Stanley Pow- the request of the grantor. All fences cut or dis- mum time for appointment by each party of a per- ell; Dale Ball, Director, and Stanley Quackenbush, turbed during any construction or maintenance op- son to represent such parties. Such persons should Department of Agriculture; Russell Hill, Executive be residents of the county wherein the right-of-way erations should be repaired in a workmanlike man- Secretary, and Fred Houseman, President, Michigan is located. There should be a maximum of 15 days ner by the grantee. Soil Conservation Committee; Charles Maxwell, Pub- time for such two persons to appoint a third person, 9. The document should provide that all drain- not necessarily a resident of the county, to complete lic Utilities Division, Department of Commerce; and age systems, both below ground and on the surface, Dan Reed, Bob Smith and Dale Sherwin of Farm the arbitration panel. Such panel shall consider the shall after cQnstruction of the pipeline be repaired dispute and within 30 days after appointment of the Bureau. in a workmanlike manner by the grantee so as to third person shall render a decision in writing by It was decided that both legislation and educa- assure continuing proper operation of such drainage majority vote. Copies of the decision shall be fur- tional programs are needed. While negotiation for system(s). There should be a blank space provided nished to grantor and grantee within 10 days. Both right-of-way is up to the landowner, he should have for listing any special requirements of the landowner. grantor and grantee shall agree to be bound by such factual information on what should be included in This should alert him regarding the necessity of in- arbitration. The document should provide that the an agreement. Farm Bureau has had legislation in- serting any special conditions. grantee will pay the costs of such arbitration, includ- troduced (H. 4176, RohHs, Prescott and Woodman) 10. The document should contain a provision that ing any fees and travel expenses. The point is that to make certain requirements of Public Utility Com- grantee will replace the topsoil at the top of the the parties should spell out in the documents the panies. ditch as specified in a blank space provided for such arbitration provisions which will apply. The Public Utilities Division of the Department of purpose. It is our opinion that such a provision is 19. The document should state that no person Commerce has cooperated to the fullest. The follow- not necessary in some locations, and the specific has the authority to make any oral agreements or ing is a letter which was sent to Director of Agricul- methods would probably be different in different lo- amendments with respect to the subject matter of ture Dale Ball and Farm Bureau. The letter outlines cations, so that it would not be practical to include the right-of-way agreement other than as set forth those things of which property owners should be a more specific requirement in the language of every in the document in writing and that the grantee or aware. While the letter refers to "pipelines," the sug- document. The landowner would thus be responsible his agent has specifically advised the grantor-asfo- gestions are equally valid for other types of public for selection of a replacement requirement that would such. The document should contain -a-s~parate blank utility rights-of-way. suit his purposes, and there would be provision in space for the signatures of both grantor and grantee's the document indicating the need of specific action agent attesting to such advice. This should act to Gentlemen: on his part. alert the landowner concerning any oral promises. This is in response to your request expressed at a 11. The document should contain a statement 20. The document should provide that grantee meeting at the offices of the Michigan Farm Bureau that grantee Will, insofar as practicable, restore the will pay for the cost of all abstract entries relating on January 9, 1968, for a model contract form cover- surface of the right-of-way to the original grade, to the pipeline or to the right-of-way. This is be- ing a pipeline right-of-way. except that earth shall be mounded over the pipe cause it is common practice for pipelines to record Our experience leads us to conclude that any legal to compensate for settlement of backfill. all indentures. Otherwise, there could be a con- document (contract of purchase, option, easement, or siderable cost to the landowner to bring the abstract deed) for the purchase and sale of pipeline right-of- 12. The document should contain a statement that, insofar as practicable, it is intended that grantee up to date if he sells the land. way should include provisions dealing with particular should employ methods to prevent surface erosion, 21. The document should contain a provision for subjects of concern to the grantor. We do not pro- and there should be a blank space for description of a statement by grantor as to whether a tenant has pose hereby to render any legal advice as to what particular methods selected by the grantor. This any interest and, if so, there should be provision for should or should not be included in such documents would alert the landowner to select a method suit- adoption of such right-of-way agreement by the but merely to suggest subjects which grantors should able to his purposes. tenant insofar as his interests are affected. be aware of and consider providing for in any legal documents. Of course, any conveyance or other legal 13. The document should include a statement 22. Finally, the document should contain another document for acquisition or sale of right-of-way that the grantor has advised the grantee of grantor's separate blank space for the signatures of the grantor should be prepared by an attorney and examined by intention to install certain improvements in the fu- and agent of the grantee, and should be witnessed, attorneys for both grantor and grantee before being ture as described in a blank space for such purposes, notarized, and dated. executed by either party. We believe the following and should provide that the grantee will install its As we advised you on January 9, 1968, one Michi- matters are appropriate for consideration and possi- pipeline subject to certain specified conditions to gan statute (Act 238, P.A. 1923, as amended, MSA ble inclusion by appropriate provisions in legal doc- facilitate grantor's convenience in future installation 22.1672(7),specifically provides that in cases of con- uments for the sale of right-of-way for pipelines. of the improvements set forth. There should be a demnation of right-of-way by electric or gas corpora- 1. Identify by number the tract of land for cor- blank space for listing the grantee's obligations as tions, the company shall pay reasonable attorney's respondence and other purposes. related to this phase of the matter. There are thus fees and witness fees for the landowner. We think two provisions for insertions in this paragraph of this is an important point which should be made 2. There should be a statement of the payment in the agreement to alert the landowner regarding these clear to landowners. dollars (or other consideration) for the right-of-way F. M. Hoppe, points. easement together with an acknowledgement of re- Director of.Public Utilities ceipt therefore. 14. The document should provide that the grantee 3. The grantor of the right-of-way and the grantee agrees to payor cause to be paid to the then owners pipeline company should be identified by name. and tenants, according to their respective interests, 4. The right to survey, clear and excavate for, lay, construct, operate, inspect, maintain, protect, re- all damages to crops, timber, livestock, and improve- ments, including but not limited to the improvements UTILITY PIPELINES referred to in Item 13 above. pair, replace, alter, change the size of, or remove one "There is increasing construction of utilities pipeline should be conveyed by the grantor to the 15. The document should specify that the grantor shall maintain the right to fully use and enjoy the across private lands. Many landowners are un- grantee. If the grantee wishes to obtain the right aware of their legal rights and are seldom in- to lay more than one pipeline this would be attached ri~ht-of-way in any manner not inconsistent with the rights given to grantee. The document should specify formed of a utility route until land leasing or to the document as a supplement. We believe this that no buildings or structures may be erected on the purchasing has begun. Present laws, rules and procedure will put the landowner on notice that regulations are designed primarily for safety, with another pipeline might be installed at a future date right-of-way. This is a necessary requirement. little consideration of land conservation or for when land-use might have changed. 16. The document should specify that the pipe- landowners' rights. 5. The right-of-way should be precisely described line will be buried at a sufficient depth so as not to We recommend that legislation be enacted to on a particular tract of land; e.g., an accurate legal interfere with the operation of tile drains and normal protect all the rights of landowners, including description. tilling methods employed at the time the right-of- protection from land deterioration, vegetation de- 6. The right-of-way should be particularly de- way is granted, subject to conditions to be listed in a struction and tile line and open drain interruption. scribed as to width, as to the point of entrance of blank space. In no case may the pipeline be installed Regulations are also needed to require utility com- the centerline of the right-of-way, the approximate at a depth less than 30 inches. This last requirement panies to file public notice of impending pro;ects direction and distance, and the p~int of exit from the should be spelled out becanse it is a part of the Mich- and their routes." tract of land. The location of the right-of-way should igan Gas Safety Code promulgated by this Com- -1968 Policies, Michigan Farm Bureau. be shown on a plat attached to the document and mission. EIGHT MICHIGAN FARM NEWS ~, .. '$' Recent visitors to the Farm Bureau Center in Lansing were 21 members of the Berrien Farm Bureau Women, led by Lyd Knuth, chairman. They are pictured here being greeted by IN WASHINGTON D.C. - Michigan's Most Outstanding Young Larry Ewing, manager of Field Services division, Michigan Farm Bureau. Following a morning Farmer (right) Robert Buist, and wife, Nina, visit with their Con- tour of the building, the group visited the Stote Capitol downtown. gressman, Guy VanderJagt. Also pictured is Mrs. Lois Wayer, Hart (left). The Buists were in Washington as guests of Michi- gan Farm Bureau Women. «Learning to Live," is the theme for the Triennial meeting of Associated County Women of the World which will attract 5,000 delegates to the Michigan State University campus in September. Delegates will represent country women's societies in 116 countries, states and provinces. Approximately six and one-half million women are members of ACW1V. Michigan State University in East Lansing was chosen for the 12th Triennial Conference because it is a land-grant college, and because facilities are ample for the total number of dele- Spring District Meetings gates and accredited visitors anticipated. only the second time the organization United States. It is the first time the ACWW meeting has been held on a university campus, and has convened in the ACWW was organized in 1933, after many years of prepara- Emphasize P.E. P. Project tory work among women of different nations. Its aims are: to nromote international between the countrywomen goodwill, friendship and homemakers and understanding of the world; to raise the standard of living of rural women all over the world; Port Huron, arranged by the San- to further international understanding and friendship and to all are welcome ... ilac County Women's group. District 7 - April 4, Gibbs be a voice for countrywomen in international Farm Bureau women will have responsibility affairs. for the opening Michigan Farm Bureau women welcome spring with a series Restaurant, between Ludington reception, when the meeting convenes September 3. Sessions of district meetings, in preparation for programs of action to and Scottville. Morning, P.E.P.; will conclude on the afternoon of September 14. Thursday, Sep- receive their attention through the balance of the year. afternoon, the Rev. Robert Chris- tember 5, has been designated as USA Day, when all delegates tensen, pastor of Trinity Evangeli- are asked to wear their native costumes. On this day, meetings One maior proiect, selected by the State Women's Committee, cal Church, Ludington, will show are open to all interested persons, when they may ftnjoy the will be P.E.P. - «Political Education and Participation." This slides and speak on the Republic colorful array of costumes from such far-away places as Pakistan, project will receive specwl emphasis in both state and national of South Africa. There will be Farm Bureau programs during the current election year. Ceylon, Greece, Sarawak, and Sweden. e'ection of officers. Many Michigan Farm Bureau women will be involved in as- Speakers on P.E.P. at the district meetings will be Mrs. Max- District 8 - April 10, Delta signments for the Triennial, with Mrs. William Scramlin of ine Topliff, state Women's chairman, and Dale Sherwin, of the College. Morning, P.E.P.; after- Holly, past state chairman, serving as general chairman for Public Affairs Division, and a Legislative Counsel for the Mich- noon, a panel discussion on "Wa- Farm Bureau women. igan Farm Bureau. ter and Air Pollution;" mock style ~lrs. Jerold Topliff, state Women's chairman, is in charge of Another highlight of all meet- P.E.P.; Mrs. Maurine Scramlin, show; and music by Miss Alice the committee handling ushers, pages and messengers. Her ings in the uneven-numbered dis- speaking on "Michigan Week"; Spero, harpist, of Saginaw. committee will also arrange for auditorium seating. tricts will be the election of a Helen Atwood reporting on District 9 - April 5, Sun and ACWW plans; remarks by re- Other committee members, and their assignments, include: district chainnan. Each chairman Snow Lodge, Cadillac. Morning, Al rs. Scramlin, Transportation is responsible for coordination of gional representatives, Donald committee, which will provide P.E.P.; afternoon, Mrs. Charles bus services during the conference, activities . in her district, and Ruhlig and Ken Wimmer; election Gray, Missaukee County, will including on-campus ar- serves as a member of the State of officers. show colored slides and describe rangements and a trip to Detroit; 'Vomen's Committee. District 4 - April 17, Cale- her visit to South America. Elec- Mrs. Harry 'Vittaker of Lapeer and Mrs. Scramlin, Reception District meeting dates and pro- donia Methodist Church. Morn- tion of officers will be held. on openi?g .evening, Special Events ~mmittee; Miss Helen At- grams include: ing, P.E.P.; afternoon, ACWW wood, MlCTllgan Farm Bureau women s coordinator, Press Room participation program, in which District 10, East - April 25, and Publicity committee; Mrs. Alex Kennedy of Posen, chair- District 1 - April 2, White Rush town hall, Montmorency five different counties will present man, Program Hospitality committee, assigned to meet speak- Pigeon, Grange Hall. 9:30 a.m. County. 10:00 a.m. coffee, 10:30 special study material on five coffee; 10:00 a.m. P.E.P. meet- countries represented in ACWW. a.m., P.E.P; afternoon, Mrs. M. ers, arrange for speakers to get to the platform, etc.; ing; afternoon program, "Farm Knetchel of Alpena, speaker on Mrs. Francis Campau, of Ada, Mrs. Arthur Muir of Crant, Mrs. Holidays," speaker with slides, District 5 - April 15, Potter- «Landscaping and Flower Ar- Verness 'Vheaton of Charlotte, and Mrs. Eugene DeMatio of and election of officers. ville Methodist Church. Morning, ranging." West Branch, are all serving on the Welcoming committee; Mrs. District 2 - April 3, Hillsdale, P.E.P.; afternoon, "Drug Addic- Dorothy Ward of St. Johns is a member of the Sign committee. 4-H Club building at fairgrounds. tion," speaker to be announced; District 10, West - April 26, Helen Atwood, discussing ACWW Advance, Board of Commerce Mrs. Clare Carpenter of Cass City and Mrs. Andrew Jackson 9:30 a.m., P.E.P.; afternoon, "Ag- riculture Around the WorId," with participation; and election of of- Building. Morning, P.E.P.; pot- of Howell will work on the committee to plan for U.S.A. Visitor's a speaker from the Kellogg Young ficers. luck dinner at noon; afternoon, Day at Creenfield Village. Farmer Program. Helen Atwood speaking on Chairman of the Men's Tour committee is Elden T. Smith, District 6 - April 16, Croswell ACWW; a style show, and reports Farm Bureau Services personnel manager. District 3 - April 18, South Methodist Church. Morning, He will be assisted by regional representatives. Lyon, Methodist Church. 9:30 P.E.P., and a report from Mrs. by Charles Bailey, director of education and research Informa- a.m. coffee; 10:00 a.m., "Growing Eugene DeMatio, who holds the Meetings in District 11- East tion ~ivision, Mic~i~an Farm Bureau; Edward powed, manager OId Gracefully," with Brigadier title of «Mrs. Safety;" afternoon and 11-W est are scheduled for of gram ~erchandIsmg, Elevator Exchange Division, Farm Bu- Robert Mahon, administrator of program, "Stylish Tops", a dem- June,. and programs for thesc reau ServIces; Terry Buckles, director of communications, Farm Salvation Army Rest Home, onstration of wigs and hairpieces meetings have not yet been final- Bureau Insurance Group; Mrs. Wilfred Bunyea of Plymouth; Eventide, as speaker - afternoon, by the Fantasia Beaute Salon of ized. and Mrs. Carpenter. MICHIGAN FARM NEWS April 1, 1968 NINE SIXTH IN A SERIES KLINE ON FREEDOM BY: ALLAN B. KLINE Former American Farm Bureau President, Allan B. Kline, used his retirement years in reminding Americans how our nation has drifted away from our original concept of government "by the People" to a government strongly guided by the President and Supreme Court. This article concludes a six-part series. I have noted that the power of the President has grown very, very rapidly. The power has been centralized and provisions for keeping the power in the people - Con- gress, state and local governments - have been down- graded. Congress has become little more than a tool of the President rather than a voice of the people. The Court has moved up in power, too. John C. Calhoun said that "Constitutional government tends to deteriorate in its absolute fonn." Now we know what he ~. was talking about. For a century and three quarters we AGRI-BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES - were the topic at the annual Rural-Urban dinner sponsored kept our government constitutional- to guarantee rights by the Mecosta county Farm Bureau. Presenting his colleagues is Roy Thompson, Young Farmer and provide freedom by limiting power and authority. president. Seated (from left) are Mrs. Thompson who serves as District Representative on the Leftist leaders drive us around in a century-wide circle, state Young Farmer committee; Dr. Robert Eggert, Michigan State University, and Mr. and Mrs. James Myers. - Photo by Big Rapids Pioneer back to the point from which our ancestors started when they revolted in the name of liberty against the tyranny of absolute monarchs. This is the course of the demo- cratists. Crowd Told of Remember, all the modern tyrannies have had tumultous Give a hoot Agribusiness Training Need popular support. In our time, Mussolini, Hitler, Peron. There were the emotionally-crazed masses in the public squares shouting their support of the demi-god. The about savings? The annual Rural-Urban ban- quet sponsored by the Mecosta French backed Napoleon in the plebiscite of 1804 by a vote of 1,500 to one. People then preferred a tyranny of one, to a tyranny of the majority. Dial direct. I am not sure where we are going. But the burden of county Farm Bureau each year proof lies heavy on the shoulders of the flaming liberal is an important affair. The pro- grams are well arranged and well democratist who demands that we sweep away the pro- attended. tections guaranteed to the people by a Constitution that Want to be a wise moneysaver? Then This year, an unusually large divides power. The evidence of history is against him. just dial your Long Distance calls direct crowd was present at the school It proves that nothing is more ruthless than a majority instead of placing them Person-to-Person. gym in Big Rapids when guest plus one, with the power to enforce its decisions on the It's one way to cut your phone bill if you speaker, Dr. Robert Eggert, told people in general. are reasonably sure the party you are of the expanding opportunities Stopping such a tide in the affairs of men will take calling will be there. And it's easy, too. to be found in "agri-business". some doing. You can work to check centralization. You Just dial "1", then the Area Code, if it's A dynamic speaker who knows his topic well, Dr. Eggert recently can work at making government effective in the states. different from your own, and the number You can work to get people active in government at home. left the Ford Motor Company after you want. Burnham says that "if Congress does not recover a 17 years, to work at the challeng- For an idea of how much you can save, ing job of establishing a new pro- responsible position, freedom in this country is done for." here's an example. A 3-minute Person- -gram at Michigan State Univer- The Congress could do some things now. It could stop to-Person call between Detroit and sity - aimed at teaching a being a rubber stamp for the President. Cincinnati costs $1.30at the day rate. Dial balance of agriculture and farm- Democratists are determined that states shall not have direct Station-to-Station and that same related business subjects. call costs only 85~.You pocket the 34 per the right to say whether a man has a right to work He cited evidence that many cent difference. without having to join a labor union. The Gallup Poll farm-related business firms are So be smart. Give a hoot about savings. seeking college trained persons to showed that people were for VOLUNTARY unionism. Dial Direct. It's the moneysaving way to fill important fobs. He said that Here is an issue where Congress could stand for, and call Long Distance. all too often those with a good protect, the rights of individuals. farm background lack the neces- The union shop violates the most fundamental elements sary business training to fill such of American freedom. We have hundreds of thousands positions, and that even more fre- of men supporting a democratist system against their quently the business students wills - working under a union contract made by someone lacked any knowledge of agricul- who presumes to represent them. ture. We have had folks in Farm Bureau from time to time "Agri-business is a constantly expanding field and one offering who wanted to have people join through some kind of a solid opportunity for both young check-off method. I have opposed it. We want those men and women" Dr. Eggert said. people in Farm Bureau who want to belong and who The annual banquet was largely understand that they should belong because of what planned by the county Young Farm Bureau enables them to do. Farmer Committee, under the di- Inflation is a top issue. Economic prosperity that will rection of Roy Thompson, presi- last in a free world requires a sound dollar. Governments dent. like to spend. \Vhen, in this country or in any other, TO THE EDITOR: there is a persistent inflationary bias, the central govern- I was saddened to learn while ment is always to blame. It not only controls monetary reading the March "Fann News" policy, it can unbalance the budget by promising all sorts of the passing of Einar Ungren. of things that cost more money than it cares to collect Mr. Ungren was a dear friend in taxes. of my parents, and in the summer It pays these bills with printing pres~ money. Of course, of 1951, when I was a student at with a little sleight of hand concerned with "selling" Lansing Eastern High School, he gave me my first "public rela- bonds to banks, etc.) You may be sure that the government tions" job. As I recall, I stuffed will blame others for the rising cost of living. It would envelopes, licked stamps and the be far more difficult to buy votes with promises of like, in your old Cedar Street public money if more people understood inflation. That's offices. your job - to help them understand. He was a credit to the Fann Only the people can stop this practice of the Supreme Bureau and his profession, and I Court in changing the Constitution to suit its own fancy know I join many people throu~h- - and the democratist variety of politics. out Michigan in mourning his As long as there is liberty, we shall not lack for issues, death. Sincerely, nor for the need to understand them. The threat to free- Charles E. Hannon dom is clear. We are part of the decision as to what Press Secretary shall be done about it. .. Office of the Governor TEN April 1, 1968 MICHIGAN FARM NEWS Want More Power? Farmers Petroleum's NEW Additives For years Farmers Petroleur;~ has brought you the best gasolines and diesel fuel and now they've even been improved with our new additive ... HPA and HPAD and they're available only at Farmer Petroleum dealers. for diesels Delivers Extra Power in ~ DIESEL FUEL and POWER-BALANCED GASOLINES!! Farmers Petroleum customers get new high octane gasolines blended specifically for top performance all year long ... and the "extra power" of HPA, the new high performance' gasoline additive. HPA cleans your fuel system and keeps it clean, free from harmful rust and other foreign material. Convince yourself ... try a tank today for faster starts and longer engine life. TOMORROW'S FUEL TODAY!! You can depend on Farmers Petroleum to keep ahead of the rest, to give you Tomorrow's fuel Today. The new diesel high performance addi- tive, HPAD, makes outstanding Power Balanced Custom Diesel Fuel better than ever. Get quicker starts ... more power ... and less smoke from Custom Diesel with HPAD. Increase your tractor life with a tank- ful today. FARMERS Farmers Petroleum reminds you that State law forbids the use of studded P.ETROLEUM * snow tires from May 1 to November 1 on State highways. 4000 N. GRAND RIVER AVENUE / LANSING, MICHIGAN MICHIGAN FARM NEWS April 1, 1968 ELEVEN Farmers Benefit When Coopera~i\les Cooperate! Farm Bureau Services Co-owner Of Central Farmers Fertilizer Nearly 3 million tons of fertilizer were delivered to member Finns during fiscal 1967 by Central Fanners Fertilizer Company, a record year which set the pace for continued expansion of manufacturing and distribution facilities in 1968. The 21-year-old company is an international cooperative owned by 22 regional fann cooperatives in the United States and Canada, including Farm Bureau Services of Michigan. Through the owner-relationship with Central Fanners Fer- tilizer Cooperative, :Michigan farmers are able to have a direct voice in setting prices of one of their larger-volume agricultural "inputs." A not-to-be-ignored economic factor within the ag-industry, is the competition which Michigan cooperatives represent within the fertilizer industry, and which is a major factor in keeping total prices within reasonable levels. CENTRAL PHOSPHATES, INC. - began operation of this $14 million plant early in 1966. The Central Farmers markets anhydrous ammonia, urea, nitrogen full annual output of 200,000 tons of high analysis phosphates is distributed by Central Farm- and nitrogen solutions, phosphates and potash, using barges and ers Fertilizer Company. a fleet of more than 700 leased railroad cars, many of which are 1oo-ton covered hopper cars. Central Farmers also markets the full output of an anhydrous ammonia plant located on the Mississippi river at Donaldson- ville, Louisiana, which produces 1,000 tons-per-day. An identi- cal plant constructed by Central Farmers, now nearing comple- tion, will double the total volume. A fleet of six refrigerated barges is used to move the product. from the Donaldsonville plant. All are equipped with hvo refrigeration systems, regular and standby, to hold the product at 28 degrees below zero dur- ing shipment. An additional three barges, with 8,500 ton ca- pacity, handle ammonia. Nitrogen is supplied by a complex in Terre Haute, Indiana, which includes four plants. The facility has a daily rated ca- pacity of 350 tons of anhydrous ammonia, 350 tons of nitric acid, 400 tons of ammonium nitrate, 350 tons of nitrogen solu- tions and 300 tons of aqua ammonia. For its phosphate supply Central Farmers takes the entire output of a plant near Tampa, Florida, which has a rated ca- pacity of 400,000 tons annually. Supplies are transported by A "TOW" OF BARGES - carrying 5,600 tons of anhydrous ammonia, moves up the Mississippi railroad tank and hopper cars, and by barges across the Gulf enroute to Central Farmers' terminal system. Four such giant barges are in operation - two of Mexico and up the Mississippi river. more are now under construction. Construction of a new potash plant in Saskatchewan, Can- ada, is scheduled for completion in late 1969. This facility will have an initial capacity of 1.2 million tons of muriate of potash per year, and most of this production will be marketed through Farlll Progralll Needs Central Fanners. The cooperative idea is an old one, with farmers long realiz- ing the many benefits of working together. More recently, Careful Appraisal From The State Journal they have taken the larger step of cooperation between coop- Lansing, Michigan eratives - local, state and regional, and now through Central In the unlikely event that anyone has for- sorry mess of government fann controls, direct Fanners' - national and international. gotten this is a presidential election year, a re- subsidy payments and price manipulations." An obvious advantage is a pooling of the accumulated know- minder came Tuesday in the form of President At that time he said that instead of phasing how from all parts of the country, a steady source of quality Johnson's message to Congress in which he out the program the new "Congress should products and the amassed competitive pressure that can be called for permanent extension of basic farm end all production controls, direct payments placed on all major fertilizer manufacturers. support programs plus new steps to create non- and price management authorities as rapidly For Michigan fanners, it means lower prices for higher anal- farm jobs and better housing in depressed as possible.:' . ysis fertilizer - an important answer to the growing fann cost- rural communities. However, he suggested several protectIve price squeeze. The lawmakers were asked to make per- measures that should be taken in making the manent the mainstay of his program - the transiti~n from g?vernment manipulation prices authority to pay fanners billions of dollars an- to th~ market pnce system .. nually for idling land not needed for crops. A lIttle more than two years later, PreSident ' .. Th IS prOVISion, W IC h' h h I b d Johnson is asking permanent extension of basic as ong een un er f I 'th th t' d .... 5 arm programs a ong WI 0 er ac IOns an sharp cnticlsm, was voted by Congress m 196 h. k . d' d t b' .. h' says t e entire pac age IS eSlgne 0 rmg and IS scheduled to expire next year. One t mg " 'ty IA ." b 'd' . h as accomp I'ISh e d' IS th e spen d'mg 0fita 0 o f It new prospen.. to rura menca y f al mg .. money, muc h 0 f It gomg 0 t th t e opera ors 0 f commercial .. farmers, small low-mcome armers I h Iarge commercia. I farms w h 0 h ave foun d Ie 'dl and.. mllhons of other rural peop e w ose becon-f . omlc outlook IS bleak because the num er 0 acres a Ius h source 0 f mcome .... th b' f d farmers IS dechmng and ey are emg orce , Payments have amounted to more than .$3 untrained, into urban slums. billion a year under so-called supply and pnce stabilization programs for wheat, feed grains, It would be unrealistic to expect Congress, cotton and wool. especially in an election year, to scrap the en- tire farm program in one fell swoop. Doubt- Johnson's plea for permanent extension of less such a move would meet stiff opposition this and other parts of the farm program will from many individual farmers. come as a disappointment but hardly as a sur- But, election year or not, Congress has a prise to those who have urged a gradual phas- clear responsibility to carefully review all as- ing out of government farm controls and costly pects of the present program and consider subsidies and the eventual return of agriculture Johnson's new proposals in the light of condi- to operation in a free economy. tions that now exist. Back in December, 1966, Charles B. Shuman, Any operations which serve no proper pur- president of the American Fann Bureau Feder- pose and thus result in an unwarranted drain ation, said at the organization's annual meeting on the people's tax money should terminate that the time had come "to get rid of the whole without delay. TWELVE April 1, 1968 MICHIGAN FARM NEWS EUROPEAN FOOD MEN VISIT HAS 100 GREAT-GRANDCHILDREN FOOD PROCESSING EXECUTIVES- from Italy, France, Belgium, West Germany, The Netherlands and Great Britain, recently visited Farm Bureau Center where they took part in a television filming session. Earlier, they spent three days studying bean canning techniques at M.S.U. MRS. ANDREW BRZEZINSKI, SR. - boasts an even 100 great- grandchildren, bringing her total living descendents to more than 170. She keeps her great-grandchildren and 68 grand- ABRICUlTURE II ACTION children supplied with mittens, aprons, quilts ond rag rugs, shown here as she puts finishing touches on a rug for her latest. She remains active in community affairs and in the Good Har- bor Community form Bureau group of Northwest Michigan. - Ray Plamodon Photo PICTORIAL REPORT LONG TIME EMPLOYEE TWENTY-FIVE YEARS - of continuous service, are represented by a watch, presented to Mich. Farm Bureau Secretary-Manager Dan Reed (left) by President Elton Smith. "We cannot repay JOAN ULMAN - Receptionist at the new Sag- GRETNA VAN FLEET- Office Manager, joins the hours spent or miles driven for Farm Bureau, but we can inaw Farm Bureau building, will join in greet- county Farm Bureau president Rudolph Rein- let you know we appreciate your efforts" - Smith said. ing visitors at an open-house planned for Sun- bold, and Credit Union President, Otto Schluck- day afternoon, April 21. All Farm Bureau bier, in extending the open-house invitation. friends are invited. Refreshments are planned. ON- THE-RAIL INSPECTION MILDRED BARKO - of the Farm Bureau Credit LOUIS WEISS - Treasurer of the Farm Bureau Union, demonstrQtes the drive-up window, a Credit Union (1000 members, one-million dol- feature of the modern building. Membership, I.ars in assets) is shown with a patron. Credit TON~ OF MEAT - i~ t~e cold-storage lockers of Spartan Stores Insurance and Credit Union offices are included Union services are for all county Farm Bureau are Inspected by MIchigan livestock men during a recent tour on two floors. members. of meat marketing and handling facilities. See story nearby. MICHIGAN FARM NEWS April 1, 1968 THIRTEEN STOCKMEN DISCOVER: a long vvay to go. Michigan livestock producers have a long way to go before Probably the highlight of the -- they can produce all the meat consumed by the people of this entire trip was a visit to the floor state, according to Gil Vandercook, head of the meat depart- of the exchange where the me- ment of Spartan Stores. Speaking to a group of Farm Bureau chanics of the various "pits" sell- members touring meat marketing facilities he pointed out that ing a specific commodity were his company has trouble getting sufficient meat in Michigan. explained by the vice-president Most Michigan packers cannot -------------- of the Exchange, Carl F. Heimke. Here they learned how a packer furnish enough carcasses of a which are computed on the final or feeder might buy futures con- grade at one time to meet the cutout of the individual hogs. tracts to protect their profit mar- need of this huge combine of At the present time top quality gins. He pointed out that these local stores. Spartan members hogs may earn a premium of are markets that are' not operated sell over half of the groceries around two dollars per animal. for the benefit of the speculator sold in the western part of Mich- In conjunction with the grade although he is a necessary ele- igan. and yield program, the Wisconsin ment of the market. Moving on to the Chicago Farm Bureau has also been work- Stockyards offices of the Inter- ing on a new market system of Gordon Gullakson, of the Na- state Livestock Producers Asso- quality hogs known as MorLean. tional Livestock Producers Asso- ciation, the group visited with Operated in conjunction with the ciation, explained how the futures vice-president Larry Colvis and \Visconsin Producers Marketing market might be used by the Manager Gray Daley. Many who Research, a Farm Bureau affiliate, farmer to protect himself from the had never been to the stockyards- the project was organized to pro- wild gyrations which the live mar- were disappointed at the appar- duce breeder stock with more of ket sometimes makes. He ex- ent decline of the yards and the the meat characteristics desired plained that through the use of WORLD'S LARGEST- that's the record supposedly held by small number of animals in the by the packer. the market the farmer might re- Chicago's Merchandise Mart office building. Michigan farmers yards. The final evening was spent duce materially the risk he takes taking part in the Livestock Tour stopped here to visit the head- At the Interstate offices the with representatives of the Amer- when he starts steers or pigs 071 quarters of the world's largest farm organization ... The group saw the limited facilities ican Farm, Bureau, the National a finishing program. American Farm Bureau. and personnel who sell over a Livestock Producers Association million head of livestock a year and the National Livestock and and sell over 200,000 head of Meat Board. selected feeder pigs produced by In discussing the market facili- southern Illinois breeders for the ties and techniques available central Illinois feeders .. Manager Mylan Ross of the Live- The feeder pig program and a stock Producer's Association urged new feeder steer program of the the group to consider ways to Interstate group got much atten- strengthen their own organization, tion from the visitors. Under Michigan Livestock Exchange, these programs graded and tested and to utilize its services for their feeder stock is produced for the selling. He also urged them to feeder who doesn't have the time consider the use of the livestock or facilities to produce his own. futures market services now being At the Oscar Mayer plant in offered by the Michigan Livestock Madison, Wisconsin, the group Exchange. saw a 7,OOO-a-day hog slaughter- Jacques Filiatreau of the Na- ing facility. Although the Mayer t;onal Livestock and Meat Board operation goes heavily to sausages, discussed with the group the pro- they also produce such items as motional aids which the organiza- smoked hams and bacon. tion makes available to the food At the Mayer plant the Presi- editors of newspapers and maga- dent of the Wiscomin Farm Bu- zines. reau, Percy Hardiman, explained The final morning of the tour to the group the grade and yield was spent visiting the Mercantile selling project which is being exchange where the group saw STRICT SANITATION - is the rule at the Oscar TRADING PITS - of the Mercantile Exchange, fointly sponsored by the Farm the ordered madness of the futures Mayer plant, Madison, Wisconsin. There the Chicago, provided an exciting stop. Although Bureau and Mayer. The farmer's exchange in such items as fed livestock tour group saw the newest in auto- most visitors are not allowed on the trading price for the hogs is based upon cattle and fed hogs, and frozen mated meat handling equipment. Guides help floor, Exchange Vice President Karl Heimke, a set of premiums and discounts pork bellies. them don white coats and caps. took the group down. 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 or more editions, 10 cents per word. Copy deadline: 20th of the month. 8 FARM EQUIPMENT 14 FOR SALE 20 LIVESTOCK 26 POULTRY 36 MISCELLANEOUS CALIFORNIA SOUVENIR GOLD DOL- HEREFORD BULLS-pure bred herd SHA VER LEADS AGAIN ... 3 years in PLAN-A-YIELD SALESMAN - Farm Bu- FARROWING STALLS - Complete- LAR $1 ..50. Half .75t. Old Silver Dollar sires. Ready for service. Also, registered a row. Three in a row for Shaver - first reau Services, Inc. has openinltS for men $24.95. Dealership available. Free Liter- $1.98. Ei~ht different Ind~an~ead Ce~ts heifers and calfs. ElO'Pt Valley Hereford time in history. Three in a row! The Hat with agricultural backgrounds and under- ature. Dolly Enterprises, 219 Main. Col- or V-Nickels $1.98. Free Pncehsts. Edel s, Farm, 6611 Knapp St .• Ada. Michigan. Trick! "The Hat Trick" is a sports ex- standing of soil and fertility proltrams. chester, Illinois 62326. (1l-tf-15b) 8 Carlyle, Illinois 62231. (2-2t-23p) Phone OR 6-1090. (Kent County) pression indicatinlt three successive ac- Requires a college deltree in agriculture (l1-tf-25h) 20 complishments. For an unprecedented and/or business administration or an third consecutive time. Shaver Starcross equivalent in business experience. Salary FOR SALE: Two Beltone Hearing Aides. range: $6300 to $7600 plus commission. WANTED: An Allis Round Baler. Give 288 has led the U.S.D.A. - A.R.S. Two price and description. Alfred Roeder, Sen- Excellent condition - Test and adjust - Free. Mrs. George F. Cooper, 847 Broad- 22 NURSERY STOCK year summary of Random Sample Tests Preferably between 22 and 49 years of eca, Kansas 66538. (4-lt-13p) 36 in North America, with highest net income alte. Reply to: Elden T. Smith, Personnel way Avenue, Owosso, Michigan 48867. Manalter, Farm Bureau Services, Inc., 4000 Phone 723-5705. (3-2t-21p) 14 BEA UTIFY YOUR GARDEN with plants of 52.73. Try some Shavers from your and trees from "Michhtan's Fastest Grow- Michiltan distributor. MacPherson Hatch- N. Grand River Ave., Lansinlt, Michigan. ing Nursery". Strawberry plants, fruit ery, R#3, Ionia, Michigan 48846. (4-lt-71b) 36 WHOLESALE CHAIN SAWS. Chains, NATURAL BUILDING STONE -Indiana trees, hrambles, aspara~ crowns. Send (4-4t- 76b) 26 ~ars and sprockets for all saws. New. Limestone (Bedford Stone) for Homes, uaranteed. Mf~. Supply, Box 157, Dor- for a free price list. Fruit Haven Nursery, DO YOU LIKE TO BARBECUE? Tangy, Churches, Schools, Commercial a!ld Indus- Kaleva, Michigan 49645. spicy, different, delicious, old fashioned, chester, Wisconsin 54425 (l-4t-19p) 36 trial Buildings. Send for our Illustrated KLAGER'S DEKALB PROFIT PULLETS (2-12t-30p) deep south barbecue sauce recipe. $1.00. catalog showing a large variety of stone - Order your started pullets that ha\'e John W. Laverty, Jr., Farwell, Michigan veneer patterns, patio stone and sill stock. heen rabed on a proven growing program. 48622 (3-2t-20p) 36 Victor Oolitic Stone Company, Dept. ~fF, 600 ASSORTED SWEET-ONION PLANTS CALF CREEP FEEDERS - 30 bushel The growing birds are inspected weekly P. O. Box 668, Bloomington, IndIana with free planting fotuide $3.00 postpaid. Fapacity. $88.50. Dealerships availahle. hy trained staff, vaccinated, deheaked and 47401. (4-5t-45p) 36 TOPCO. "home of the sweet onion," 2 for I MEN'S EASTER SUIT SALE r~ LIterature. Dolly Enterprises, 219 delh'ered b\' us in clean crates. If \'ou Mam, Colchester, Illinois 62326. Farmersville, Texas 75031. now on at Dick Butler's, O.P.S. (Opposite (1-4t-20b) 24 keep records. you will keep KLAGER DE- Police Station) in Grand Ledge. Very (1l-tf-18b) B KALBS. KLAGER HATCHERIES. Bridlle- FARM PROPERTY water, ~fichigan. Telephones: 313 429- latest styles and colors. Our regular Men's $60 suits now 2 suits for $61. Big selec- CERTIFIED STRAWBERRY PLANTS. 70Bi and 313 428-3034. tion - all sizes thru 46. Tall, medium 13 HELP WANTED ARKANSAS: LIVESTOCK FARMS. Blakemore, Florida 90. Premier, New Rob- (Washtennw County) (9-tf-50b) 26 and shorts. If you don't need 2 suits- inson, Howard 17, $8.00 thousand. 100- ranches. land. Reasonable prict's. ~ear 52.50 prepaid. Tennessee Bt'auty, Dixit'- bring a friend - divide the cost - share COUPLE - RENT FREE - A~es 30 to round grazing, mild winters. Frt'e hsts. the savings. Michiltan Bankard's good land, Surecrop. Pocahontas S9.00. Sunrise, 50. Private living quarters 3 room I hed- photos. FARM AND RANCH ~AND Albritton $10.00. Eve rbearing Gems, 36 MISCELLANEOUS here at DICK BUTLER CLOTHING ~oom,. partly furnished. B~th must 'he ahle CO~fPANY, Box 383~IFN, Fort Smlth'"Ar- CORP. Opposite Police Station in Grand o dnve a car. Some chauffeurin~, lawn Superfection. Streamlint'r, Ozark Beauty kansas 72901. (l-4t-_5p) 512.00 thousand. express collect. 100- PRINTING - 50 bond envelopes and 100 Ledge,' Michigan. (4-lt-76p) 36 ;:are. and laundress for 3 adults in the 53.00 prepaid. Orders fillt'd promptly. (I-fold) noteheads, (6 x 7) 52.50 delivered. hlmlly. Man can work out. 19375 Cllnter- FOR SALE: CLARKSVILLE - .143 acres. Orr's Plant Farm. Harrison. Tennessee Other letterpress printinlt, reasonable. ILLUSTRATED WHOLESALE CATA- lu~07ear 7 Mile, Detroit, Michi~an. UN. 20 miles east of Grand Rnpl~s. Clay 37341. Phone 344-60.54. (3-2t-48p) 22 \Vrite or call on: Colin Campbell. Barry- - . (4-lt-46h) 13 LOG, Imported Merchandise, 25t. Sample loam, 2 family house. 2 hams, SIlo, room ton, Michigan 49305. (4-lt-25p) 36 item included! Imports, 2506 West Lloyd, for 50 hend feeder cattle. 20 acres Pensacola, Florida 32505. 14 FOR SALE alfalfa. about 100 acres workable. 20 acr~s 26 POULTRY (2-4t-15p) timber, f1owin~ well. $27,500. terms - WIll "ZIPCODE DIRECTORY" - (All 35,000 consider trade. Edward TaniS, Route #1, Postofficl's): 51.00 MAILMART, Carroll- ~L~nTCRA WLERS AND RED WIG- DAY OLD OR STARTED PULLETS-- AGENTS - Farmers, dealers. Make extra # RS. "B & W" Worm Ranch, Route Jenison, Michigan ton 72, Kentucky 41008. (3-tf-llb) 14 money in spare timel Sell farm equipment. (Ottawa County) (2-tf-45b) The DeKalb profit pullet. Accepted by 4918'4Steele, Missouri 63877. Phone 695- the smart poultryman for high egg pro- Some territory open. \Vrite: Ottawa-Hitch, . Area Code 314. FN321, Holland, ~lichigan 49423. duction, superior egg quality, greater feed OVERSEAS JOBS - Australia, Europe, (2-2t-14p) efficiency. If you keep records, you'l (2-3t-20b) 34 20 LIVESTOCK keep DeKalbs. \\'rite for prices and South America, Far East. etc. Openings in all trades and professions. $400. to ~~D STYLE SLEIGH BELLS: 20 heavy catalog. KLAGER HATCHERIES, Bridge- $2.500 monthly, free information write: 1,000 ADDRESS LABELS with name, ad- $ I ;el plate new Ilh" diameter 7' strap WANTED TO BUY: Holstein He.ifers bred water, ~fichiian. Telephones: Saline HAzel National Employment Service (Foreign Di- dress, zip code. ONLY $1. Rush order to Str; 30 bells $15. Colored Spreader for base months. Also open ~elfers. ~d- vision) Box 2235 A.M.F. Miami. Florida 9-7087, Manchester GArden 8-3034 Golden Wt'st Gifts, Box 5296, Long Beach, ward \V. Tanis, Route #1, Jenison, ~hch- sot:PS'63A4lfred Jensen, Little Falls, Minne- (Washtenaw County) (tf-46b) 26 33159. (4-lt-33p) 36 California 90805. (4-2t-20p) 36 5. (2-lt-24p) igan 49428. (3-2t-21 b) 20 FOURTEEN April 1, 1968 MICHIGAN FARM NEWS • Farm Pricing AND Bargain Ing ... I.~ -- -~ - -.,. •••••.................................................................. ' .." '" .. may be of help in some markets, ~ \ BY CHARLES H. BAILEY ~ BULLETIN \ ..'.-. especiallv those where the prod- ~ \ .'~ '•-- uct is sold locally. Director, Education and Research Another source of help to im- .~ AT PRESS TIME Michigan Farm Bureau prove markets is government. For By a yote of 232 to 90 , the House has passed ' nearly forty years there have been The fabulous job of production Federal programs of one kind or the Farm Bureau backed "Marketing Rights" bill .' Another factor which is having ••• by the American farmers has not been matched by as complete an understanding of the marketing more and more part in the mar- kets of the U.S. is the presence of substantial imports of such another to improve farm prices and income. One of the earliest efforts at (HR-13541) which prohibits unfair practices against producers because they join a bargaining association. . • •• • : processes. There probably is more things as milk products and fresh cooperation was the formation of ••• ...,-..'' misinformation about prices and fruits. the farmer cooperative to sell the The Senate is now urged to accept this House •• their affect on markets than about farmer's products for him. Some • any other phase of the entire agri- BARGAINING FOR PRICE of them became attached to large version of Senate-passed S-109 cultural process. For various reasons, farmers investments in facilities which af- As an instance, there are those as a group have not been willing fected their ability to change with of price should be under given contract. This tends to further di- who still insist that all the farmer to submit to the discipline re- the changes in demands of the conditions. vide the growers; to make them has to do is set the price he wants quired to effectively utilize the market. They often do some pre- Some of the factors considered, suspicious of one another. and hold the goods until the hun- bargaining techniques of the labor liminary processing of the product other than crop estimates, in ar- Another device used by some gry consumer meets the terms. unions. such as grading and bagging in riving at the price include the buyers is the refusal to help the They completely ignore the threat Coupled with the reluctance to consumer packages. relative availability and prices for bargaining association in collect- of substitutes. turn over the sales of their prod- Another form of market organ- competitive products. Another ing marketing fees from settle- Given the economic incentive, ucts has been a reluctance t~ ade- ization is the bargaining cooper- very important factor considered ment checks of members who de- there probably is no farm product quately finance sales and promo- ative. These organizations, such is the carry-over of last year's liver them. Ironically, many of which cannot be successfully syn- tion organizations. as the Michigan Agricultural Co- crop still available for the market. these plants collect dues for local thesized from such basic NON- Yet, the increasing complexity operative Marketing Association Another factor which must be unions in the plant. FARM ingredients as coal, natural of the marketing process makes it (MACMA), act as exclusive sales considered is how the established There is presently in Congress gas, minerals, and air. more and more difficult for the agents in marketing the products price will affect the market in the Senate Bill 109 which would pro- individual farmer to compete in of their members. long run. Will it encourage com- hibit some of the practices we PRICING FACTORS today's market. All too often, we Services performed by these peting products? Will it prevent have just discussed. Farm Bureau The factors which presently go find that few of the sources of bargaining co-ops ordinarily con- movement into foreign markets? has been leading the efforts to get into the determination of the information open to the seller are sist of a comprehensive market Will it enable foreign producers this legislation enacted. Most price for any product include utilized by the producer. information service coupled with to compete in the American mar- other farm organizations are also some or all of the following: crop What are the alternatives open experienced negotiators who deal ket? in support. size and quality, carry-over from to the producers to increase their with the buyers in setting the Another area for negotiation S. 109 basically would prevent past crops, prices of competing portion of the consumer's dollar? price for a given commodity. frequently is that of market oper- the use of bargaining or grower crops, government programs, im- One of the oldest solutions has They attempt to keep members ational procedures. These pro- association membership being ports and their availability to our been the use of cooperative sales fully informed on market sup- cedures are much like the "fringe used as an excuse to withdraw market, and the general prosper- organizations. They assemble and plies, prices and supplies of com- benefits" of the labor contract, or withhold sales or contracts from ity of the consumers. often do primary processing of petitive products and current crop they are often worth as much as a producer. If he produced prod- Perhaps the facet of marketing farm products. Such organiza- conditions. They also try as a any negotiated price increase. ucts that meet the requirements least understood is that of the role tions here in Michigan include group to arrive at the best price The question of quantity can of the buyer, legally his member- played by competing products or the Michigan Milk Producers As- at which the members can move often spell the difference between ship could not be used to prevent crops in the setting of prices. Al- sociation, Michigan Livestock Ex- their crops. Once this price is profit and loss for the producer. his selling his crop. most all farm products have com- change and Farm Bureau Serv- agreed upon, the co-op manage- If the terms are not carefully Bargaining power depends peting crops or products. Until ices, to name a few. ment sets out to convince the buy- drawn as to exact specifications largely on two factors - ability recent months, dairy farmers had These organizations assemble ers that the price being asked by and time of delivery, as instances, and strength. Ability comes assumed they were relatively safe the odd-lot sales of farmers, grade their members is the correct price. the profits of the negotiation will through complete knowledge of from direct competition for "their" or otherwise classify the product -This process of negotiation is be disappointing. the product which the market as- and try to get the producers the often a tedious process spread In the case of contract' opera- sociation is selling, proficiency in market. best price for their products. They over several weeks. tions, the spelling out of who will evaluating these facts and skill in Carry-over from previous crops Those buyers agreeing to the try to get the farmers more return bear each cost and the practices convincing the buyer of the merits can wreck the price for the new terms and prices set by the co- by efficient operation and aggres- required by the buyer become of •the terms being offered. crop if the carry-over is large. operative are given first consid- sive selling. even more critical. Strength is gained through the Although the stored stocks may eration in moving the products of In recent years there has been Farmers have to realize that ability to deliver or withhold a be legally "isolated from the mar- members at harvest time. more and more talk of «bargain- most processors are not happy to large volume of product which ket", the traders are acutely What are some of the points of ing for price." As generally un- see any organization speaking for the buyer needs. This volume aware of their presence and make consideration in contract bargain- dersto~ this would involve acting "their producers". They much must be such that the buyers can- allowance for their possible re- ing? prefer to work with individuals as the agent for the producer, not get enough without coming lease to the market. THE VERY The most common question, of without ever taking physical pos- because they are easier to manage to the association. This does not PRESENCE OF THESE SUP- course, is what is the right price session of the product. this way. mean that 100% of the crop has PLIES HAS A DEPRESSING this year for the particular com- The term «bargaining" implies There have been several means to be controlled. INFLUENCE ON PRICES TO modity? Some organizations have that the organization has some used by some buyers to deal with Where the bargaining associa- FARMERS. developed rather involved for- form of power in the market place. producers who organize or join tion can accumulate sufficent vol- The availability of transporta- The term assumes that the price mulas to determine what the level bargaining associations. The most ume to affect the market it can tion at reasonable prices has in- for a product comes only after common way is to refuse to buy through effective bargaining have creased the competition between give and take between the farmer from the farmers who participate. much influence in determining producing areas and nations. It and the buyers rather than being Companies which use contracts the market price and contract also has made available to the the product of an impartial mar- MARKET PROGRAMS sometimes refuse to give contracts terms. American consumer the broadest ket. to those farmers who are bargain- "Withholding products Probably the greatest danger range of foods in the world and If the farmer is serious about ing association members, although from the market in an at- facing such a successful market- made them available all year improving his bargaining position the reason may not be publicly tempt to fix prices above ing cooperative is the power to around. in the market, there are several stated. On occasion they have re- the true market Jevel can- force unwise short term price in- The availability of good trans- alternatives open to him. They not achieve a lasting im- fused to talk with bargaining rep- creases. portation makes the job of bar- generally fall within one of the provement in farmers' mar- resentatives, or if they did talk, Wise and well-informed leader- gaining for price infinitely more following categories: (1) Individ- ket power. A for more refuse to commit themselves to ship is vital to their continued complicated because of the rela- tively easy access to the market ual efforts, (2) Government pro- effective approach is the use anything beyond the time of the well-being as both an organization grams, (3) Conventional farmer of contracts negotiated by day. and as farmers. of competing supplies. cooperatives, (4) Bargaining asso- voluntary associations of On several occasions the mem- The point is, most farm produc- ciations. formers as for in advance bers of the bargaining associations tion control programs have gen- As an individual, the farmer of production as practical have been offered special con- NEXT MONTH: erally produced reams of regula- is limited in the things he can 1/ tracts as individuals but nothing Ya.t~ Labar, tions, squads of regulators, and in do to improve his lot in the mar- as an or~anization. Some buyers several cases, generated unneeded ket. Intensive efforts to produce (1968 resolutions, even pledge the farmer to secrecy Opp.rtulity aid American Farm Bureau) production to glut the market . better quality, more uniform crops about the terms of his individual I.stricti •• s MICHIGAN FARM NEWS April 1, 1968 FIFTEEN Does Farm Bureau Services Here Are Your Row PlAN-A-YIElD Program Starter Production Costs Really Work 7 YES! In-Season Delivery - Cash says: Norris Young Yield Gc:-al Fertilizer Bulk Bagged Buchanan, Michigan Per Acre Per Acre Per Acre Per Acre 100 bu. 110 Ibs. $5.44 $ 5.72 FARM BUREAU SERVICES, INC. HYBRID CORN DEMONSTRATION PLOT 150 bu. 150 Ibs. 7.43 7.80 Norris Young's Farm, Buchanan, Michigan 200 bu. 200 Ibs. 9.90 10.40 According to Soil Test we needed: FERTILIZER PROGRAM: 225# 0 - 0 - 60 Bulk @ - $ 5.51 Per Acre 550# 33V2 - 0 - 0 Bulk @ - $17.05 Per Acre 225# Special Corn Starter Bagged @ - $10.69 Per Acre N P205 K20 Total 204 - 61 - 171 Total Cost ..__ $33.25 Per Acre RESULTS: 15V2% BU. NORTHRUP KING POPULATION MOISTURE YIELD KE 497 18,000 26.3 111.0 PX 560 19,600 28.6 152.0 PX 44 22,800 29.8 173.0 PX 52 21,000 27.7 164.0 GREAT LAKES HYBRIDS 402-2x 20,600 26.8 160.0 463-3x 20,600 26.8 160.0 550 17,600 28.4 132.0 500-2x 22,000 28.7 161.0 Planted: May 18, 1967 Harvest 30" rows Check: October 12, 1967 COMPLETE: FROM SOIL TEST TO HARVEST Our trained specialists assist you in your effort to achieve more profit with less labor. Produced in Saginaw and Kalamazoo, our fertilizer is quality controlled throughout its manufacturing process, to assure you of getting the most from your money. See your local dealer for details or send us a. post card and our specialists will show you the whole program. If you want bulk blend fertilizer at a lower price per ton contact our outlets at Remus, Coldwater and Marcellus. Special Corn Starter Fertilizer * now has 2% zinc guaranteed. 4000 N. 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