~. M DCIHI 0 ~N _FARM NEWS THE ACTION/ :ATION OF THE MICHIGAN FARM BUREAU I hed Monthly by Michigan Farm Bureau June 1, 1968 YOUNG FARMERS -LOOK AHEAD It is becoming obvious that Michigan's youthful Fann Bureau me!TIbers take seriously the theme of a recent Young Farmer program - "Participation, Key to Action." Their effective particiWltion in all phases of Farm Bureau work is sparking action in many parts of the state - in Young Farmer Community groups and in county-wide Youn~ Farmer programs .. A group of 65 youthful Farm Bureau leaders met re-, cently in Saginaw for a three-day Young Fanner training conference, based on'the "Participation - Key to Action~~ theme. j Speakers included three representatives of Michigan' Farm Bureau: Elton R. Smith, president; Dan Ree~, s~cretary-manager; and Dale Sherwin, legislative counsel;- Jack Angell, director of Broadcast Services, American Farm Bureau Federation; and Earl J. Hill, public relations, Consumers Power Company. Two-fold purpose of the meeting was to point out major objectives of Young Farmer activities in Michigan, and to encourage greater participation among young fanners in Michigan Fann Bureau. \Vith a state-wide membership of more than 52,000 families, the organization includes several thousand young farmers. The conference was conducted by the Young Farmer committee of MFB, and Larry Karsten of Presque Isle county was general chainnan. During the sessions, participants indicated interest in learning more about the history, philosophy and organiza- tional structure of Farm Bureau. Classes were devoted to discussion of these topics, along with others on marketing and political education. THE "COUNTRY COUSINS" - Young Farmer Communitx: Group of Calhoun county, In response to the question, "What do you think the move outdoors for their summertime discussions Clf'td ...-b\:Isiness meetings. The dozen objectives of Farm Bureau should be in the years ahead?" youthful couples in the group average 23 years of age, and farm a total of 4,000 these answers were given: acres. Most have dairy herds, which, if combined, would represent nearly 500 cows. Serve the needs of Farm Bureau members, whatever Group Chairman Jack Rocco and wife, Bonnie Kay, were absent because of the arrival they are, such as marketing, information, policy develop- of their 'third child. Babysitters for small children (oldest 3 years, youngest 3 days) is ment, benefits to members; betterment of fanning; im- one problem group members take in stride. provement of farm economics, with emphasis on political and governmental issues; provide leadership in agriculture, keeping farmers active and programs in tune with changing times and conditions; Development of more organized marketing programs; supply a good legislative voice; accept a leadership role in prices paid to farmers; offer farmers their "best deal" in the supplies they buy; be active in community service and local affairs; Create member loyalty and discipline; member educa- tion, involvement and action; change some farm products through research, promotion and legislation; educate farmers regarding the quality demanded by consumers; provide public information; recognize need for adequate staff, both in quality and quantity. Another question, "What services do you expect' from Farm Bureau in the future that you are not now receiving?" brought these responses: A Credit Union, more direct buying of supplies, better service in petroleum supplies, a new approach to the women's program, improve labor procurement and fringe benefits, expand research and promotion for commodities, better market information, cooperative purchasing, em- ployer education, soil testing and protein analysis of feeds. Member discounts, leasing of equipment - perhaps on seasonal basis, group purchasing and application of spray materials, "hot line" market information, feed contracts and use of futures market. Answers to a third question, "What do you expect of a FORMAL DISCUSSIONS - are followed by free-wheeling, informal food and fellowship Farm Bureau marketing program?" included: . sessions, such as this one in the home of Ken and Mary Eyre. Picnics, com plete with Bargaining power, including stabilization of the market, homemade ice cream and weiner roasts, often climax summer lawn gatherings. Most and protection of the farmer's interest; market develop- of the young couples are involved in partnerships and are seriously concerned with ment and maintenance; build loyalty in growers; reason- problems such as taxes, labor and farm prices. Two of the group serve on the county able profit for producer and processors; highest price with Farm Bureau Executive committee and one (lynn Smith) serves on the state Young Farmer least involvement to the farmer; and keeping ahead of committee. The group is two years old. competition. President's 1968 Farm Local Fair Date Discussion ON THE INSIDE: Column Page 2 Program Page 3 Bill Affairs Page 7 Listing Page 8 Topic Page 10 TWO June 1, 1968 MICHIGAN FARM NEWS Editorial President's Column What makes it run? LOCAL POWER Farm Bureau was originated in the local com- What makes it hum? munities to solve local problems. It seems that the formation of the ~1ichigan Farm Bureau and the American Farm Bureau came more or "The Centipede was happy quite less as afterthoughts. Until a toad in fun Some of the early areas of work for Farm Said, 'Pray, which leg goes after which?' Bureau included finding better farming meth- That worked her mind to such a pitch ods, building- better roads and better schools, She lay distracted in a ditch, and seeking better means for marketing the Considering how to run .... " produce of the farm. (Pinafore Poems -1871) 'Vayne County Farm Bureau directors re- cently had an opportunity to examine the old minutes of their early meetings and found that How does Farm Bureau run where you live? many of the first committees were appointed vVho puts the "legs" under programs of your to find these better ways to market farm prod- county Farm Bureau? ucts. Other committees were selected to assist the new county agent in finding permanent Are there many people involved in many quarters and getting furnishings for it. local areas of Farm Bureau action, doing im- Ies interesting to note that many of the early portant jobs with local impact for members in terms of their lives and incomes? Farm Bureaus spent much of their funds and efforts helping arrange for the farm agents with Or are there only a few people involved in a their new ways of doing things. Support of the modest program aimed mostly at putting to- Cooperative Extension movement has been one gether a few suggestions at the annual meeting of our continuing programs from the time of for work to be done by the ~{ichigan or Ameri- our formation. can Farm Bureau in Lansing and 'Vashington? As our horizons have broadened in Farm Bu- Last year, county Farm Bureaus submitted "WELL - ASIDE FROM THAT - DON'T YOU THINK reau, we have placed much emphasis on state 579 recommendations for state policies to the IT'LL GROW A NICE STAND OF HAY?" and national programs, sometimes to the detri- Michigan Farm Bureau. They submitted an- ment of local programs. Not that we deliberately other 239 recommendations for national policies. cut back the local effort, but because we be- They wrote only 27 local policy action resolu- came so involved in the others we tended to tions calling for work to be done at home, by A PERSONAL WORD forget the local problems. Possibly this has themselves! happened because we at Michigan Farm Bureau If a county Farm Bureau does not have a about June "June is bustin' out all over." June, the month of brides, have not placed the emphasis on the local problems that we should have. well-defined program of work for itself, if it \Vhatever the reason for the let-up in local involves only a few of the same people doing is dairy month; roses bloom, the odor of fresWy cut hay Farm Bureau, the delegates to our last annual a few important jobs, if it continues to ignore fills the air. School's closing brings graduation and school meeting called for renewed stress on these close- local problems and projects of importance to elections. to-home problems. They called for the formation its members - some day it will get into trouble. June is Dniry month, so how about all of us using a little of Local Affairs Committees by county Farm more milk, Dutter, and cottage cheese? Our diets are very Bureaus. I hope your county is organizing an That's when someone comes along (much as important, with increased activity during summer months, active committee on local affairs, whatever you the toad in our verse) and asks the sticky so we need to be health consciOl}s" ..... ~ may call it. question about hO\v Farm .Bureau is going to Graduation - a big event in the lives of our young peo- When we examine the records of some of solve this problem for its members, or handle ple completing high school or college. For many, it is a those early meetings, we are struck by the posi- that project that the members want done. It is time when they choose the work they hope to pursue for tive attitudes expressed by the participants. at this point that the organizational strength many years. One big question we need to ask ourselves, They had organized to do something about cer- of a county Farm Bureau is tested. "Are they properly equipped?" Why do I ask? Do you tain local problems and there was little com- Such questions remiiul us that voluntary vote in your school elections? plaining reflected in the minutes, rather the organizations such as Farm Bureau don't really School elections are close to graduation, maybe just be- minutes reflected a determination to do some- run themselves, although for various reasons fore or after. Are you a concerned parent, voting not only from time-to-time, they may appear to do so. thing to correct the problems facing them. on the bonding or millage issues, but also on candidates There are still plenty of local issues which for the school board? merit our attention right at home in our town- I know from experience as an election inspector that the ships and counties. The best kind of voluntary organization is one main issue which gets voters to the polls is one that which dashes along toward well defined local At last year's annual meeting in our counties touches the purse strings. I'm not saying this is bad, but we passed numerous resolutions relating to local goals on a thousand hidden membership legs, I de say that if we want our schools to produce the kind each working in unison with the others. problems. I wonder how many of these we of young people we want for our leaders in the years have actively worked on since then? When we A good, strong, county Farm Bureau, is built ahead, we had better be sure we vote for people we know meet again in October how many of these. of more than legwork, for it is well "armed" as will help us develop a good school system. If we say, problems will still be existing and how many well ... and the legs and arms of this member- "the schools aren't what they should be" then we had bet- can we report to members that local Farm Bu- ship "army" provid~ the group strength neces- ter check if we are doing our part to make them better. reau helped to solve? sary to group action. It s rather sad to know that only doout one-tenth of the eligible voters cast their ballots. From time to time we hear of counties actively It has been said that a county Farm Bureau I goofed last month when I said spring district meetings working on one of these problems which mem- cannot be stopped or killed, only slowed down were over. In the Upper Peninsula, June 4 and 5 are the bers have been unable to solve alone. One case ... and there has been considerable evidence dates. Ladies, it is my plan to be with you, and I'm look- which comes to mind is the effort of the losco gathered over a half-century to back that state- ing forward to these meetings. County Farm Bureau to correct land assess- ment. Voluntary organizations, such as Farm . Mrs. Jerold {Maxine}Topliff ments which they considered to be incorrect . Bureau are very much a different kind of creature. Last reports indicated that they have been in- strumental in getting a 10 per cent across-the- board reduction in agricultural land assessments County Farm Bureaus are weakest when they - more in some communities. are nm by only a few "stemwinders" who fill MICHIGAN .... FARM NEWS THE ACTION ~UBLICATION 0,. THE.: MICHIGAN ,.ARM BU .. IIAU With the resolutions coqlmittees beginning most of the offices and do most of the jobs. meetings before very many weeks, it would be The MICHIGAN FARM NEWS is DIRECTORS: District I, Harry They are made weaker every .time they fail to published monthly. on the first day, Nye, St. Joseph, R-l; District 2, Nich- well for us all to see if there isn't some problem b}' the Michi~an Fann Bureau. at its olas Smith, Addison, R-l; District 3, develop their own membership-muscle by ship- publication office at 109 N. Lafayette Andrew Jackson, Howell, R-l; Dis- in our home area which could be handled ping a problem off to Lansing or Washington Street, Greenville, Michigan. trict 4, Elton R. Smith, Caledonia, R-l; Editorial and general offices at 4000 District 5, David Morris, Grand Ledge. rather easily now but which may become a to be solved. North Grand River Avenue, Lansing, R-3; District 6. Jack Laurie, Cas3 City, major problem if allowed to grow and get Michigan 48904. Post Office Box 960. R-3; District 7, Kenneth Bull, Bailey, 'Ve must not forget that a county Farm Bu- Telephone, Lansing 485-8121, Exten- R-l; District 8, Harvey Leuenberger, worse. Community groups can play an import- sion 317. Subscription price, 50t per Saginaw, R-6; District 9, Eugene Roh- reau has only as much "life" as there are live- year. erts, Lake Citro R-l; District 10. ant part in this process of finding potential January 12, 1923. Sec- Richard Wieland, Ellsworth. R-l: Dis- wires in it. Such people, given important jobs Established ond Class Po~tage paid at Greenville, trict 11. Clayton Ford, Cornell. problems before they really get going. Alert to do, the authority and budget to do them, and Michigan. community groups can be of great help in curing EDITORIAL: Editor, Melvin L. DIRECTORS AT LARGE: Walter freedom to get the job done in their own fashion, Woell; Associate Editor, Margaret G. Frahm, Frankenmuth; Dean Pridgeon, these problems also. McCall; Staff Photographer, Charles Montgomery. R-I; James Thar, Deca- will make a county Farm Bureau hum. Bailey; tur, R-2. The big thing for the younger generation That's when the very fact of a decentralized OFFICERS: MichigAn Farm Bur- eau; President. Elton R. Smith, Cale- \\'O:\IEN OF FARM BUREAU: Mrs. seems to be involvement. 'Ve in Farm Bureau authority gives Farm Bureau an unkillable donia. R-I; Vice President, Dean Jerold Topliff, Eaton Rapids, R-I; have been involved for over fifty years and Prid~eon, Montllomery. R-l. Secretary- FARM BUREAU YOUNG FARMERS: strength ... when a truly organized Farm Manajter. Dan E. Reed. Lansing. Michael Satchell. Caro, R-4. there seem to be plenty of opportunities for tIS Bureau operates so smoothly that nothing can POSTMASTER: In using form 3579, mail to: Michigan Farm News, ..000 N. to be involved for another fifty - and in some- ditch it - when it seems to run by itself. Grand River, Lansing, Michigan 4890.4. thing truly useful, our own community welfare. Second clan postOVe paid at Gr.. nvilte, Michigan M.W. Elton Smith MICHIGAN FARM NEWS June 1, 1968 THREE 1968 Farm Program Bill is National Experts at Introduced by Vander Jagl Citizenship Seminar Representative Guy Vander Jagt- U. S. Congressman from Practical, down-to-earth training in citizenship will be of- J\1ichigan's 9th District, has introduced the first major farm fered to 140 high school juniors and seniors during the annual program bill of 1968 in the House of Representatives - an act Young People's Citizenship Seminar conducted by Nlichigan which closely follows Farm Bureau recommendations, and Farm Bureau. which in Vander Jagt's own words, should "return farming to The program is scheduled for July 15-19 at Camp Kett. Five farmers". major topics will be included: People and Governments Around The new bilI (H.R. 17036) - he said, "'Vill permit the the World, Americanism, Economic Systems, Participating in market to operate and will enable producers of wheat, feed Political Parties, and The Challenge of Leadership. grains, and soybeans to get their income in the market place". Outside experts who will contribute to the over-all informa- Washington observers pointed tive materials participants receive will include these five: to the apparent bi-partisan sup- age the retirement of whole farms. port for legislation to permit the Kenneth Cheatham, assistant The bill would repeal authority director of program development market system to work more ef- for acreage aIlotments, marketing fectively for wheat, feed grains ~1-- for the American Farm Bureau quotas, marketing certificates, di- ..;r Federation; D. Hale Brake, direc- and sovbeans. version payments and price sup- tor of education for the Michigan It \~as noted that the Vander port payments on wheat; "base" CONGRESSMAN VANDE~ JAGT State Association of Supervisors; Jagt bill, introduced by a western- acreages, diversion payments and John H. Furbay, Ph.D., General ~lichigan Hepublican, whose dis- price support payments on feed "Present outmoded programs ~Iotors lecturer, author and global trict contains large and important grains; and price supports on soy- should be abolished" he added. air commuter; Clifton L. Ganus, farming areas, is very similar to a beans. 'There is no need for a sprawling Ph.D., president of Harding col- bill (S-31.58) introduced in the In speaking of his bill, Vander bureaucracy that squanders pub- lege, Searcy, Arkansas; and Ar- Senate in March, by Senator J agt observed that the burden- lic money on controls and subsi- thur Holst, National Football Abraham Ribicoff, Connecticut some surpluses of wheat and feed dies spawned during economic League official, and administrator Democrat who frequently speaks grains of years past have been poor times of the past - we for the Forest Park Foundation, with the voice of big-city labor largely eliminated, and that the should give farming back to the Peoria, Illinois. and industry. climate is right for a strong move farmers" - the Congressman said. Vander Jagt's bill is titled the to be made toward removing He added that under a "re- Mr. Cheatham, who attended "Wheat and Feed Grains Act of strangling controls on some farm Greenville college and the Univer- course loan" policy of his bill, 1968" and contains specific pro- products. sity of Illinois, ;oined the Farm farmers could borrow from banks visions for cropland retirement "This milch-improved situation Bureau organization in 1956. He and other private financial institu- DR. CLIFTON GANUS programs and makes certain that is due to a combination of factors, was county Farm Bureau manager tions to meet their expansion Dr. Ganus \Vas awarded a soybeans are eligible for recourse including rapidly growing use of for six years, director of Yolmg needs. George \Vashington medal by the grains, greatly expanded commer- People's activities for the 11linois loans. "The bill will permit the market Freedoms Foundation in 1956 for Agricultural Association four Under the Act, the Cropland cial exports and food shipments to operate - enabling producers an address on "Basic Concepts of years; and is the only Illinois re- Adjustment Program would be ex- to meet emergencies and to foster of wheat, feed grains and soybeans Government." He received sim- economic progress in developing cipient of the Future Farmers' tended through 1972 and would to get their income in the market- ilar awards during the next four nations of the world" Vander J agt highest award, having been named direct the Secretary of Agriculture place and not from the federal years from the Freedoms Founda- Star Farmer of America in 1948. to use the "bid" system to encour- said. trough" - Vander Jagt said. tion. Active in many youth activities, Young people attending the he presently serves as a member Citizenship conference will arrive Congressman -Esch Asks of the Board of Directors of the Illinois 4-H foundation, director of the Illinois Recreation council, at camp Monday afternoon. lowing a buffet dinner, they will be welcomed by Elton Smith, Fol- and in other similar posts. He Bracero Policy Review president of Michigan Farm Bu- and his wife are the parents of reau, and Ben Westrate, Camp three children. Kett administrator. Mr. Brake, a Michigan native, is a graduate of Albion coUege Each day's activities will begin By Marvin L. Esch, U. S. Representative issued by the Secretary of Labor and received his law degree from at 7 a.m., with an early morning Second District, Michigan only for employment in Califor- the University of Michigan in breakfast preceding the flag-rais- nia. The hidden factor here is 1922. He has been a state sena- ing ceremony. Discllssion periods that during this same period the tor, served for many years as state and workshops following each Recently I had the honor of poor living conditions. It wac; ah:o number of illegal entries increased treasurer, and was a delegate to ma;or presentation will give stu- representing the United States at generally agreed that a cutback three times - from 32,079 to the Constitutional convention. He dents an opportunity to evaluate an Interparliamentary conference on immigration of farm laborers 108,303. has conducted numerous work- the messages delivered by the with members of the Mexican would have a positive affect on speakers. At the same time, we have not shops on local government, and Congress. As a member of the unemployment in the United seen any significant interest on also owns and operates a 500-acre In addition, fol1owing Mr. Social Problems committee of the States. the part of the domestic unem- farm at Stanton, Michigan. Brake's presentations, they will conference I initiated a frank dis- In practice, however, the Secre- ployed to accept plentiful farm have an opporhmity to carry out cussion with our Mexican counter- tary's ruling has not achieved Dr. Furbay received his mas- jobs. Michigan farmers are well mock primary elections, county parts about U. S. policy toward either of these goals. As I pointed ter's degree from New York uni- aware of this fact and many farm political conventions, a political migrant workers. out at the conference, the situa- versity, his doctorate from Yale, employers across the country have rally, and to hold a general elec- As Michigan farmers are well tion is probably worse now than and has done graduate research watched crops go unharvested be- tion. All these activities are de- aware, the Secretary of Labor in it was and the ruling has had an at the Sorbonne in Paris and the cause domestic workers cannot be signed to give the young people 1964 issued an order severely adverse side effect on our nation's University of London. The au- found to fill jobs previously held practical experience in the field limiting the number of \braceros agricultural community. thor of several books and mag- by migrants. of politics. permitted to enter this country to In 1964, under Public Law 78, azine articles, he was appointed Every farmer I have met agrees Dr. Ganus will hold the -spot- harvest crops. The Secretary's sta- we had 180,000 bJ"aceros enter the by former President Eisenhower that we must strive to have farm light Tuesday, with addresses on ted intention was to protect these U. S. to work. Last year only to the advisorv committee on the employment conditions compar- "Understanding and Preserving workers from "slave labor" and 6,127 entered under certification "People-to-Pe~ple" program. able at least to other enterprises. Our Heritage," "'lV/wt Then is Michigan farmers in cooperation A permanent member of the This New lIf an?", "The Moral with state government have led staff of the \Vorld Seminar on Foundations of Freedom," and the nation in improving farm la- Education in Geneva, Switzer- "Pyramids of Frcedom." bor living and working conditions. land, he is also a feIlow of the Emphasis will be on economics Yet the Department of Labor has National Geographic Society. He spent several years as senior spe- \Vednesday, led by ~Ir. Cheath- actually penalized this progress cialist in the Office of Education, am, whose topics include: "Eco- by continuing to restrict bracero and was an educational advisor in nomic Systems and Their Char- immigra"tion. the U. S. embassies of Costa Rica acteristics," "Private Enterprise- Such policies also cause a real The American System", and "Pre- hardship on the half-million de- and Colombia. For three years he serving Our Private Enterprise pendents in the economically de- served as president of the' College of \Vest Africa in the Republic of System." pressed n1ral areas of Mexico. I was encou raged by the expres- Liberia. Dr. Furbay will be featured sion of mutual concern over these Born in lIillshoro, Texas, Dr. Thursday, speak,ng on these top- problems by the Mexican delega- Ganus received his bachelor's de- ics, "Follr Dreams of Uan," tion. They are well aware of the gree from Harding college, and "COIHltdotcn for Tomorrow," and problems created by our policies took his advanced degrees at Tu- "Let's Join the Human Race:' on both sides of the border and lane university. Prior to his ap- Evening address Thursday. gicrn expressed to me their desire to pointment as president of Hard- by Mr. Holst. will be. "The Chal- initiate further bilateral talks. ing college, he was head of the lenge of Leadership:' In short, our current policy sat- department of history and social Time will be provided daily for isfies neither its stated nor implied sciences. A noted educator, lec- swimming, recreation. get-ac- goals and has resulted in economic turer, and student of world af- quainted sessions. and other so- CONGRESSMAN - Marvin Esch, takes time out from a busy discrimination against our agri- fairs, he has been instrumental in cial activities. Shldents will be schedule to visit with a migrant family in Monroe county. Esch cultural community. The time has developing the School of Amer- sponsored by county Farm Bu- represents Michigan's 2nd district of Lenawee, livingston, Mon- come for a complete Congres- ican Studies and the National Ed- reallS throughout the lower pen- roe and Washtenaw counties - and portions of Wayne. sional review. uca/ion program. insula. FOUR June 1, 1968 MICHIGAN FARM NEWS VOTING RECORDS Voting records "on major issues" ~hould be periodically published in the Michigan FARM NEWS - according to a policy directive from the House of Delegates of the Michigan Farm Bureau. This policy statement was adopted last November at the 48th annual meeting of the Michigan Farm Bureau, with the voting records to be printed "in order that we may be better informed on the actions of our legislators ... " Roll-Call Vote on the Lansing Sessions are Lively "fair Practices" Act A transposed line in last month's FARM NEWS, removed much of the meaning from a report of the-voting record It appears that this bilI was, in of Michigan members of the u. S. House of Representatives, LEGIS-LATE-NOTES part at least, a victim of political trading on other measures. Rep. Allen Rush of Lake Orion, chief on the important "Agricultural Fair Practices Act of 1968." The House vote on the bill was considered a critical hur- dle in the eventual passage of the Farm Bureau supported MEAT INSPECTION sponsor of the bilI in the House, Act by Congress in mid-April. President Johnson has since did everything possible to help Meat inspection is again becoming a serious legislative prob- signed the Act into law. save it in the Senate committee. lem. As this is written, both the House and Senate have in- Sen. Byker, of Hudsonville, also On a Roll-Call vote, ten ~Hchigan Congressmen voted for cluded language in an appropriation bill which, unless it is worked hard to get the bilI out passage of the bill. Five voted against it and four are listed removed, will prevent fif ichigan from entering into an agree- of committee. as not voting. ment with the Federal fileat Inspection Program. Fifteen producers came to Lan- USDA has now approved ~1ichigan's ~1eat Inspection Pro- sing to testify before the Senate Fann Bureau had strongly supported the measure through gram and will match funds up to 50 percent next year. The committee. The committee did, many hectic months of its movement, first through the Legislature, on the other hand, is becoming wary of similar however; indicate its intention of Senate and then through the House. federal programs, as the cost often continues to rise and the thoroughly studying this problem before the next legislative session. The ten Michigan Congressmen, all of them Republican, state is sometimes left paying for the whole program. However, who voted "Yea" in support of the measure as urged by if ~f ichigan meat is to become fully acceptable to the market TAXATION Farm Bureau, were: Marvin Esch, Garry Brown, Edward and be permitted to cross state lines, it will require a cooper- A Farm Bureau-supported bilI, Hutchinson, Gerald Ford, Charles Chamberlain, Donald ative program with USDA. The meat inspection program passed S. 979, has passed the Senate and is now before the House for ac- Riegle, Jr., James Harvey, Guy Vander Jagt, Elford Ceder- by Congress last year becomes fully effective in 1970. At the moment, livestock farm- ------------- tion. It wilI require assessors to berg and Jack McDonald. ers and the entire meat industry packers could qualify under the take "zoning and land use" into The five Michigan Congressmen - all of them Demo- are in the middle. For example, federal Talmadge-Aiken Act and consideration. This is a far-reach- crats, who voted "Nay" - in opposition to the Farm Bureau in Detroit there are about 40 use the USDA inspection stamp ing measure. It is one more step even though the actual inspection toward the goal of assessing agri- supported measure, were: James 01lara, Lucien Nedzi, meat packers of various kinds. Thev have lost at least one-third is carried out under Michigan's cultural land on that use rather Wm. Ford, John Dingell and Martha Griffiths. . law and under Michigan inspec- than on its potential value. of their business due to the fact Four Michigan Congressmen - two Republicans and two tors. It will also give them at least There is presently a case in that most large buyers are de- Democrats were listed as not voting on the measure. They 18 months to meet other require- eourt involving the problem of manding meat be marked with the ments of the law. were: John Conyers, Jr. (D), Charles Diggs, Jr. (D), William property being zoned under one USDA inspection stamp. Farm Bureau is working to help Broomfield (R), and Philip Ruppe (R). One Detroit pacler ,with a kill classification but assessed on its find a solution. \Vhile it may seem potential value under another capacity of 2,000 animals per simple, it is in reality most difficult week, is only running at half ca- dassification. because meat inspection is a More and more leaders are Passage of the bill and its subsequent signing into law by pacity because he has lost much of his market. It is also claimeu touchy legislative area for many reeognizing the fact that prime the President, provides fanners the protection of what has political and other reasons. agricultural land must not be tax- been tenned "new rules of fair play" in their business deal- that many cuts of ~lichigan meat that do not have the federal stamp MA R5ETING ed out of existanee. hJrs. William ings with processors and others. must sell at a lower price in order The' IJrice announcement bill, Milliken, wife of the Lt. Governor, At one point in the testinl0ny, the position of the Na- to find a market. This, in hIm, H. 2702, dj~d in the Senate Com- alluded to this prohlem in a recent can seriouslv hurt livestock pro- mittee on Agriculture. It would speech hefore the Awards Lunch- tional Farmers Organization on the bill was raised to House ducers beca~se it means a reduced have required purchasers of fmit eon of the Keep Michigan Beauti- Agriculture Committee Chairman, ""V.. R. Poage. market for ~lichigan-raised live- and vegetables for processing to ful Committee. She said in part Poage replied: "As I have stated at least twice before, I stock. post the price and other terms of that "land IIse and tax policies do have a positive' statement from the American Fann Bu- If the Legislature removes the sale at the beginning date of de- mllst he re-evaluated." restrictive language in the bill, it livcrv unless there was a written reau Federation stating that they support the hill as it noW will mean that Michigan meat agre~ment stating other terms. stands and will support it with the Sisk Amendments. I D.P. have no such statement either one way or another from the other major fann organizations ... " VICTORY The Sisk amendments contained clarifying language im- portant to several sections of the bill and were offered by Upper Peninsula farmers will California Representative, B. F. Sisko celebrate their most successful memhership year in U.P. Farm Burcau history with a gigantic of a government loan, the Farm WHEAT PROGRAM Bureau wheat marketing program "Victory Party" lUTIe 22, at Camp Michigan wheat producers. not Shaw. Chatham. bceomes the best alternative to already in Farm Bureau's \Vheat Over 1,000 Farm Bureau mem- the traditional selling of wheat at ~larke'ting program, have only un- bers. press, radio and television harvest time - particularly when til June 14 to sign up. and other guests are expeeted to new crop priees are quoted cur- Agreements arc available for attend the noon-time ehicken bar- rently at about $1.12 to $1.14 this purpose in county Farm Bu- beque and afternoon program per bushel. with invitations alrcady accepted reau offices, from county Farm hy all members of Ihe slal(' legis- Bureau wheat committeemen, or hlfllTl' in the Upper Pl'lIi",wla and in each of the 85 participating DAIRYMEN'S frum U.S. Congressman, Philip cooperative elevators of the state. PROGRAM Ruppe. ~Ieanwhile, the May crop re- All Michigan Grade-A dairy Cooks for the hu~c feast will port shows another "bin-busting" be U.P. Distriet Director on the producers have been mailed a wheat crop in prospect. Excellent ballot allowing a vote in the state Farm Bureau hoard, Clavton growing conditions are causing Ford. and Hegional Hepres~nta- proposed Michigan Dairymen's prospects near the 1967 record tive Hugo Kivi, assisted by state Market Program. breaker. The ballots must be returned, staff members. These prospects, when com- postmarked no later than June "Seven of our eight county bined with an extremely large 7, to record a vote in the refer- Farm Burealls are (}(;cr goal, and carryover of 1967 crop wheat, endum. ollr lotal l1l('mlJcrship is 1.5 pcr are ominous in terms of what price Involved is an expanded pro- ceTiI ahove last year" - reports can be expected from the 1968 gram of sales promotion and Kivi. who s,lid that countics and COUNTY REAPPORTIONMENT - (left to right) Reps. Russell Strange, Mt. Plea~ant; crop harvest. research financed by a manda- individuals responsible for this Stanley Powell, Ionia and Wm. Weber, Kalamazoo, form a special House Committee gain will be recognized during to suggest solutions to complex problems created by the U. S. Supreme Court Only 40 per cent of ~lichigan tory set-aside of 4~ per hun- decision colling for redistricting county boards of Supervisors. Numerous pro- farms are eligible for the "shelter" dredweight of milk produced. the afternoon program. posals will be considered. MICHIGAN FARM NEWS June 1, 1968 FIVE GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY PARTY Winter's worst snowstorm de- son Green and Mrs. Green. ~Ir. layed, but could pot defeat, the Green was secretarv-treasurer of celebration of Tuscola County the county board of directors for Farm Bureau's 50th anniversary. 10 years. The birthday party honored or- Fred Reimer of Hale, regional ganizers and workers of the last representative in the Thumb area five decades. in the 1930's, spoke briefly. Guests Originally scheduled for March included residents of neighboring 23 by the Board of Directors, a counties and former members and severe storm forced postponement staff. of the event for a month. A congratulatory message from Seven past county presidents, Charles B. Shuman, American representing a span of 22 years, Farm Bureau president, stated: gave brief accounts of goals and «There is a great future for farm achievements during their terms families in the United States if of office. Elton R. Smith, Mich- they work through their Farm igan Farm Bureau president, re- Bureau organization to solve their viewed highlights of the Michigan many problems." and Tuscola Farm Bureaus. He A 50-year history of Tuscola commended the county for its Farm Bureau, compiled by Mrs. outstanding leadership and excel- Carpen~r, includes details on lent programs. how it grew, and why it remains Arrangements for the observ- the major farm organization. The ance were made by Mrs. Clare 57 -page booklet was distributed to PAST PRESIDENTS- of Tuscola County Farm Bureau were on hand with current Carpenter, Information chairman all members. It is dedicated "to President leon Keinath to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the organization's and head of the 50th anniversary the men and women, with their program; Mrs. Ford Boyne, Wo- convictions and courage, who founding, and to reminisce about the challenges of earlier years. left to right, back men's group; Leon Keinath, brought Farm Bureau through the row, are President Keinath, lyle Sylvester, president in 1962-63; Bruce Ruggl~s, 1958- county president; and Alfred pioneer years and to those who 60; front row, left to right, John Graham, 1965-67; Alfred Goodall, 1963-65; Clifton Goodall, a past president. Special have helped to advance the pur- lotter, 1960-62; and Fred Bach, 1956-58. --(Fritz Neitzel photo)-. guests were State Treasurer Alli- pose for which it began." "LIAISON RALLY" ORIENTATION OF . a family matter:., Following Smith's talk, the In- EMPLOYEES AND AGENTS Here is what the voting delegates had to say at the most recent annual meeting of the :Mich- igan Farm Bureau about employee orientation "Liaison" - according to 'Vebster's dictionary, implies a close bond or connection - intercommunications and a form of inter- formation Division of the Mich- and inter-company liaison . igan Farm Bureau produced an relationship as within a close-knit family. unusual "skit" involving personnel "The employed representatives of the ~1ichigan Farm Such words would certainly describe the ideal climate in which from several companies, and de- Bureau and all of its affiliated service companies repre- the Farm Bureau '.il!n Di- NOTICE: Commercial men _ 15 Hamp. gilts bred to good Yorkshire boars, heen raised on a proven crowin!! program. \"ision) Box 2235 A.~I.F. \Iiami. Florida plus 5 Hamp gilts bred for purebred litters. 20 LIVESTOCK The growinc hirds arc inspected weekly 331.:;9. (1-1 t-33p) 36 hv trained staff. vaccinated, deheakl'tl and Will be offering bloodlines headed by Nu-line, the sire of our FOH SALE - 30 Holstein heifers. large. delivered bv us in clean crates. If vou Grand Champion Carcass at the 1967 Indiana State .F~ir, and vaccinl\ted. due hase months. 30 open keep records. you wi1\ hep KLAGEH t)E- proven herdsires Long Time and Fortyniner. We ex.h,b'ted the ht'if('rs. 4.'jO Ihs. From good herd. All de- KALnS. KLAGER HATCHERIES. Bridce- horned. Edward Tanis, HOlltl' # 1. Jenison. water. Michican. Telephones: 313 129- Grand Champion Carcass Truckload at the 1968 Sprmg Barrow }.Iichigan. (6-3t-2611) 26 7087 and 313 428-3034. XATURAL BUlLDlXC STO'\E - Indiana Show, and also the Peserve Champion Single and Truckload at (Washtenaw County) (9-tf-50b) 26 Limestone (Bedford StOl1('\ for Homes. the 1968 National Stockyards Market Hog Show - all breeds Churches. Schools. CommNl'ial and Indus- HEREFORD nULLS-pure hred herd SIIA VER ST ARCROSS 288 - Started pul- trial Buildincs. Send for our illmtr.ltl'd and crossbred competition. sires. Ready for service. A Iso. rel!istered lets .n ailahlt. most ever.' month. Ct.t wise catalog showing a 1.uge \"arit.ty of stom' Catalog on request Supper available heifers and calfs. Egypt Valley Hereford and try these top profit makers as \ our H'neN path'rns. p.ltio stonl' and sill stock. Farm. 6611 Knapp St .. Ada. Michigan. next flock. :\lacPlwrson Hatcher.'. Houtf' Victor Oolitic Stone Company. Dl'pl. ~IF. I L. L. & Manford Stewart R.R. 4, Frankfort, Ind. 46041 Phone OR 6-1090. (Kent County) (1l-tf-25b) 20 ::3. Ionia. ~Iichigan. Phone .,)27~OR60. (6-3t-28b) 26 P. O. Box 668. 47401. Bloomington. (4-5t-45p) Indl.wa 36 TEN June 1,1968 MICHIGAN FARM NEWS By: Charles H. Bailey Director, Education and Research, Michigan Farm Bureau County zoning can provide protection against unwise land use. Complaints often come to light after the dump or iunk yard has been established. It is then too late to provide safeguards which could be available through county or town- ship zoning. County Farm Bureaus, Community Farm Bureaus and individual members can and should be active in initiating and supporting efforts to develop acceptable zoning ordinances .... - 1968Policy Resolutions Michigan Farm Bureau OCAl '\THY ZONE? Township Board. The process has to be flexible to A LOOK AT OUR TOWNSHIP The headline said, "Supervisors defend county zon- keep up with the needs of the community with the If we could see accurately into. the future for ten ing niles:' The background behind this ~1ichigan passage of time, it cannot be a permanently fixed years or so and see the conditions in our township story is long and involved but it boils down to people ordinance. then, we could make much more logical decisions having been denied building permits for homes be- Zoning, properly done, can lead to a systematic de- about zoning. Under the circumstances we can only cause the land had been unsuited for septic tank velopment of rural property to the benefit of all con- use our best estimates of what is to come. sewage disposal. cerned. It cannot outlaw buildings already in exis- If we are near a large city, it's a good bet that A result of the case is criticism of zoning. Pur- tence or stop activities already going. For instance, the city will continue to grow and push out into the chasers are left with rural plots on which they the new zoning code in a community cannot require country. 'Ve know, too, that the presence of a lake- cannot build that dream home in the country, na- the removal of a local eyesore already there, but front or major stream in our area will encourage the turally they are unhappy. Landowners who had properly used it might prevent the development of migration of part-time residents along with the prob- visions of selling a little surplus acreage to the another such nuisance. A zoning ordinance cannot lems they bring. refugees from the city are unhappy because they correct past mistakes. More and more factories are being built outside face either a law suit or the return of money to Zoning is not always the most popular thing in a the limits of the larger cities bringing with them purchasers. The realtor is unhappy because he lost community, especially in agricultural areas near the larger population and demands for more space and a sale and the income from commissions. fringe of one of the large cities. 'Vhen city people different service installations. A good, well planned zoning ordinance, fairly come out and ask to buy small plots, 5 or 10 acres, Before these changes really get rolling is the time administered, would actually protect the interests of at inflated prices, farmers are tempted to sell. In at to plan and zone for the day they arrive. If we do all three. Sounds a little odd, doesn't it? But it is least one case, a neighbor sold 4 small lots for about not implement plans of our own, forces from outside literally tnle, as we shall see as we study the subject a thousand dollars each. The assessment of a farm our community are likely to decide our future. of zoning agricultural lands. across the road jumped nearly five times because of the sale. SURVEYING OUR COMMUNITY To be effective, a zoning ordinance must be based This instance happened because the current zon- The first step toward logical zoning is to study on a carefully developed plan for the long range ing plan was not followed, an exception was granted, our community as it is today and find out what use of land. It cannot be looked upon as a means or possibly the ordinance was just ignored. A good recent changes have taken place in it. Most of us to stop the encroachment of urban populations but zoning ordinance will function only as well as the are a little surprised at how little we really know it can be used to ease the .dislocations from such people in the community will allow it to. about our township when we start to look at it encroachments. It can be used to keep tax assess- ments somewhere normal by preventing the random Of course, a hastily prepared ordinance based on closely. location of houses and businesses on normally agri- poorly made land-use .plans can also prove trouble- Some of the questions we might consider include: cultural lands. The Farm Bureau-supported bill No. some. In one county a large artificial lake project 1. \\That developments that changed the com- 5797 now in the legislature would require that proved very costly because the heavy soil was totally munity have already taken place? "zoning and land use" be taken into consideration unsuited to septic tank operation although the lake 2. Do we anticipate that some of the present farm when assessing property. heJd water very well indeed. Had a properly pre- land will be needed for dwellings or business Zoning is often confused with land planning and pared zoning plan been in effect, this area would in the next ten years? with building codes; it is neither. It is one of the not have been open to dwellings without central 3. Do we know enough about the soils, topography tools employed to make the land-use plan effective. sewage. and natural resources of the area to know the The building code is still another tool to use in the best land uses? operation of a land-use plan .. APRil TOrlC SUMMARY 4. Do we have adequate transportation facilities Simply stated, zoning is the division of a township "Pricing and Bargaining for Farm Products" for an expanding community? Are our roads or community into use-divisions such as dwellings, GROUPS REPORTING: 698 adequate and well maintained? business. manufacturing or agriculture. Under ~Ilich- 5. Is our school system adequate for the present? igan ]a\\ s (.\ct 184 of 1943 as amended) there are QUESTION: What pricing and bargaining Are plans heing made for the future? eight sC'p