\\\ ~ N N I V E R S .4 MDCHDGA~~+tF;RM NEJ THE ACTION PUBLICATION OF THE MICHIGAN FARM BUREAU I Vol. 48, No.5 -1919-A Half-Century Of Service To Michigan Farmers-1969- Ma~ DELICATEMOSS ROSES- receive careful attention, including SCIENTISTS PREDICT- that someday all farmers will grow a controlled atmosphere, at the Penning greenhouses located crops in the controlled atmosphere of huge plastic domes. near Portage, Michigan. Mrs. Emma Penning and sons Fred When that day comes, greenhouse farmers such as the Pen- and Budd have become specialists in producing spring-time nings will lead the way with. their ..speciaJized knowledge. bedding plants. They grow more than 100 varieties of flowers Horticultural crops including flowers, bedding plants and orna- and vegetables in 13 large greenhouses where scientific aids mentals are becoming a large part of the farming business. including special burners emitting carbon-dioxide to aid growth. - Vern M. Bullen Photo MICH1GA \VEEK- MAY 17-24 ULAND OF HOS I'd hate to have Where Winter I'm glad I live Where Summer I like to feel I like to stand And then the Comes skipping to live down South never comes in Michigan never lingers the icy blast and gaze aloft Spring with sun- o'er the meadow where gross is around and snow where all thes~ long but yields ,which makes the and watch the shine hair and to kiss the always green ... is never seen. dreams come true, to Autumn's hue. trees bow low ... falling snow. rainy fingertips, daisy's lips. - David Cook TWO May 1, 1969 MICHIGAN FARNk. NEWS Editorial President's Column strength freely given let's do it first There is joy at Farm Bureau Center, Lansing. When the state Topic Committee met last It is reflected joy, having spread to the Mich- January" they picked "Farm Labor Problems" igan Farm Bureau from the communities and for the May discussion by Community Farm counties which produced brilliantly successful Bureau Groups. They couldn't have picked a Roll-Call membership drives. more timely or important topic if they had tried. All over the state counties first reached and Like it or not, we farmers must face the fact then surpassed membership goals. Some seem that although farm labor problems have al- unable to turn it off and new members continue ways been with us, they are far more compli- to be signed! cated and important now than at any other For the first time in recent years the Mich- time in farming history. igan Farm Bureau has reached state and Amer- Almost all of the labor in this country is or- ican membership goals, becoming the fifth ganized. Included are teachers, firemen, police- state in the nation to report 1969 quota to the men, nurses and office workers. Farm labor American Farm Bureau Federation. remains an obvious exception, but the idea Best of all, Farm Bureau members join with- that farm workers are unorganizable is now out fear coercion or compulsion. Volunteer being tested. The labor union boycott of Cali- workers did the job, and in 1\1ichigan these fornia table grapes is part of this test. So are workers gave tremendously of their time and bills introduced in the Michigan legislature effort - often during the worst weather of win- which would set the number of work hours tertime. for farm labor at no more than ten per day, 48 Those who have joined have done so because hours in a week and 6 days per week. Other they wanted to. They have signed membership bills would raise the state minimum wage to agreements and paid their annual dues - vol- $2 per hour beginning next January and place untarily. all workers under terms of a greatly broadened "ABOUT TIME YOU GOT BACK. BEEN HOLDING Workmen's Compensation act. Solicitation for Farm Bureau membership is A CRATE WITH A COUPLE 'A RABBITS YOU ORDERED ... " One bill in Congress - S-8, would place a low-key affair compared to organized work done by many other groups. The only pres- farmers under an unbearable set of working sures used in Farm Bureau are those involving restrictions if passed. the farmer's own social conscience as he looks cover story: It is significant to Michigan farmers that squarely at his own need to work with others. the House version of the bill- HB-9954, has Now thousands of new members must be rec- ognized and given a place within their organiza- Bedding Plant Farmers been sponsored by Michigan Representative James O'Hara (D-Detroit) and others. Both tion. They should be introduced at new-mem- Production of horticultural crops is an important, lesser- bills ignore the differences between agriculture ber meetings and by newsletters. They should known and greatly expanding part of Michigan agriculture. and other industries in attempting to extend the be invited to become part of a Community The operation of Mrs. Emma Penning and sons Budd and Labor Management Relations Act - designed Group and to serve on county action-commit- Fred of Portage, Michigan, helps prove this point. They to fit commercial and industrial firms, to agri- tees. They should be made to understand that are active members of the Kalamazoo county Farm Bureau. culture. they are full-fledged members from the start They and the late Mr. Penning started with one green- I think these bills are a warning that the time without initiation or waiting period. house 20 years ago and have transformed this modest is past when farmers dare turn their backs on h In organized labor-more members are often beginning into 13 structures ... all but one plastic covered what has been happening within the labor force not welcome. Sometimes in fact, they are se- and each measuring 60 by 144 feet. of other industries. Farmers have said "we're verely discouraged or even refused admittance Good management and hard work are parts of the story different" for too long and unless we change by unions which have set limits on the amount of success, but not to be ignored is the pioneer research our attitudes I'm convinced that we will end of opportunity they will allow within one done by the Pennings in selecting seed and soil types and up in serious trouble. trade area. the best kinds of containers to reduce mortality rates of We are such a small part of the population In fact, attendance at certain union-called tender seedlings. and we've done such a good job of food pro- meetings may be compulsory, with the mem- Controlled atmosphere for the tender plants is one of duction that most people don't worry much ber's job at stake should he not comply. the prime "secrets" of a successful bedding-plant oper- about the special problems we have - prob- Even in some farm organizations, member- ation, the Pennings believe, and Budd and Fred work lems not faced by any other industry. A ripe ship sometimes becomes a matter of compulsion continually to devise new ways to relieve the amount of crop represents a full year of investment- either through a mandatory dues check-off of manpower and manhours needed. One of their latest in- often including borrowed money. Any kind of earned co-op patronage refunds, or through in- novations is a flat-filler, made from an old salt truck labor dispute or strike at harvest time could tense pressures generated by a variety of scare mounted over a conveyor belt to carry pots and plastic wipe out a fanner. techniques. containers over the flower and vegetable flats. The Pennings grow more than 100 varieties of flowers These are some of the reasons why I think For example, how "voluntary" is a member- farmers had better take the lead in writing the ship gained through fear of a burned barn, and vegetables - with a new project this year involving 50,000 potted flowering plants, putting them into year- terms of their own farm-labor legislation before slashed tires, or bullets in the gas tanks of valu- others do it for them. In coming up with our able equipment?" around production. Everyone works at self-assigned tasks - and they know own legislation, we could protect ourselves and Even more important, what is the value to our workers by outlining certain prohibited acts. the organization of a member gained under cir- their jobs well. Mrs. Penning drives a panel truck as needed while the men do most of the heavier work with For workers we would propose the protection cumstances less, than free? Strength does not the pots and flats. of their rights to either join or not join, the come from a count of bodies and money - no Besides Farm Bureau, the Pennings are active in the union. This is completely consistent with our matter how much, buys only certain things. It Kalamazoo Valley Plant Growers Cooperative, with mem- own attitude about the voluntary nature of does not buy the most important things. bers growing and selling more than 450,000 flats of seed- Farm Bureau. \Ve would ask that workers be Farm Bureau gains come totally from those ling plants each year. The 27 growers in the cooperative protected from discrimination because of union strengths freely given - and which no amount provide leadership for the rapidly expanding industry membership or its lack; that they be allowed of money may buy. Imagine the hundreds of which in southwest Michigan alone annually produces an to vote for or against union representation by thousands of dollars it would have cost to hire estimated two to three-million seedling flats. secret election. teams to challenge and tally all of the recount votes in the Daylight Saving Time issue. But F or farmers we would ask that a list of rights the votes were challenged and tallied - by also be protected by statute. These w.ould in- Farm Bureau members, voluntarily. clude protection against several actions noW Further, would hired efforts have been as MICHIGAN FARM NEWS taking place in the grape boycott; specifically, diligent or as effective even if available? The THE ACTION PUBLICATION .~ THE MICHIGAN "ARM BUREAU the right to be free from secondary, "hot cargo" answer is obvious in the envy shown of Farm The MICHIGA~ FARM NEWS is DIRECTORS: District I Harry or product boycotts of any kind. published monthly. on the first day. Nye. St. Joseph, R-I; District '2. N'I'ch- Bureau strength by others who fail to under- by the Michil.!an Fann Bureau, at its I "Featherbedding" as it is practiced in some puhlication office at 109 N. Lafayette 0 as Smith. Addison. R-I; District 3, stand how it must be voluntary to be real. Street. Greenville. Michigan. A~\drcw Jackson. Howell. R-I; Dis- unions, must be specifically prohibited, as must Editorial and l.!eneral offices at 4000 tnet 4, Elton R. Smith. Caledonia R-I' Farm Bureau volunteer effort is effective at North Grand River Avenue. Lansin~. District. ,5,. David :\forris. Grand r:edl.!e: any kind of strike which would result in the hearings and before commissions. It is effective Michil.!an 48904. Post Office Box 960. R-3; DI.stnct 6. Jack L.lllrie. Cass Cin. loss of a farm product. Telephone, Lansint: 485-8121. Elltt"n- R-3; District 7, Kennt"th Bull Bailey with editors and newsmen and in all phases of ~'~a~.317. Suh:lcription price, 50~ per ~-): District 8. Harwr Lell:nh('n:l'r: I think we must pledge to fight without legislative work. Estahlished January 12. 1923. Sec- ond Class Postal(e paid at Greenville. Sal.!Jnaw. R-6; Distri(,t 9. EIIl!en,' Roh- er:s. L.lkc City, R-I: DI~tnct 10 quarter, any attempt to place farmers under It is especially effective in LOCAL AFFAIRS Michiltnn. Rlchar~ \\'ieland. Ell-worth, R-I. Dis~ a lahor act which would allow strikes at harvest EDITORIAL: Editor. ~felvin L. tnct) 1, <:I.\)'ton Ford. Cvmell. - in solving water drainage, fire-warning and '''oell: Associate Editor. Vern ~f. Bul- or at other times which would result in the loss ambulance service problems; in pollution con- len; Kentner. Advertising :\fanaJ,!er. Carl P. DIRE<;I'ORS Frahm. F rankt.nmuth: AT LARGE: W.lltf'r Dt'.ln l'ridJ,!con of farm products. OFFICERS: :\fichiICan Fam\ Bu- ~(ontJ,(on\l'ry, H-I; C.'lvin Ll1tz. Kalc"i': trol, bonding issues, local roads and local safety. By tcriting Our own, separate Farm l..-abor reau; President. Elton R. Smith, Cal( .. \\'O:\IE'i OF F~R~1 IHJREAU: ~1rs. Now that a substantial membership has 1Jeen doni a. R-); Vi Ce Pre~ ident. Dean Jerold TI~ilh!l. E~lfOT.l R.illlrl~. R-l,' Ac~, tce could lwaf to the punch the labor Pridl!eon. ~fonhwmery. R-I; Secretary- FAH~( Iil )~b\L '01. '\G FAH\fER\ secured for the 1969 Farm Bureau year, the task :\fansj(er, Dan E, Reed. _Lansin~ L,.WrI'IWt' Knr teller. This kind of In all electioll year, Constantillp even a new b~ok or a rifle, was a brief comment on my nimble- \\'hite collared. shielded from the and Three Hivers were enlivened humor must have acted as a safety ness. Father always persuaded me to free a rabbit before we weather. with decent working hy political rivalries. Politicians valve for us. The person who can reached home for fear the dogs might catch it. poke fun at himself is likely to hours. \Ve received for butter worked desperately to make IIp be the one who under every con- and eggs only what they decided for their inattention to the farmer One Room School the trip worth the discomfort. dition maintains his balance and to give us, and they set the price since the last campaign, slapping \Vaiting for the hand bell to sense of direction. of what we bought as well. A him on the back, calling him a Mv brothers and I attended a begin class. we played hard at whole vear of work on a farm Fine fellow, and giving him all Isolated as we were, and hav- could g~ for naught, it appeared, weather-beaten. one-room school. "Catch off the Stoop:' "Ante- sorts of promises. After election in~ few books and newspapers, no if town people were of a mind The seats and desks had been Over," "One Old Cat," "Pump, day the farmer again became the radio, television, or telephone, and to say it should. The government made bv local carpenters, and it Pump, Pull Away" and in the forgotten man. Certainly the dis- no mail delivery, conversation was was ind~ed honest work that they winter, "Fox and Ceese," in the protected infant industries, the tance from one farm to another, as essential to our well-being as lot of industrial workers was ap- had done. The seats were hard school vard. Once inside we pur- not being able to spare much time bread. Seeding, milking, husking, and flat, and the backs were sued s~me grammar, history, and parently improving, and holding away from land, life, and tra- quilting, almost any task, was '(,'ompanieswere growing ever straight, altogether unconducive geography, as well as the three ditional independence, worked done to the steady accompani- to slou{'hing. The scarred and R's. All eight grades - twenty-. more powerful. But the, fanner against the farmer politically. His ment of talk. Strings of words initialed desk tops had been five children - were together in believed that he was exploited by lone voice just couldn't be heard bound us to each other; with planed by hand. A large box stove the one room. 'Vhile some chil- everyone. It was a rare farmer over the clamor of organized them, we kept one another from heated the room. dren recited, others studied. There who did not resent his inferior groups. becoming bogged down in the In fair weather we walked the was individual attention aplenty political and economic status. The A political rally began with a everyday routine. half mile to school and back, now from the teacher, and it was not organization of farmer associations torch parade. The torches were chasing a squirrel, now shinnying alwavs relished. He drilled les- The pattern of isolation on oe- - Granges, Farm Bureaus, and messy, smelly, kerosene affairs. To up a tree, then vaulting a rail sons' into us bv rote, much of it casion broke down. At harvest Alliances - sprang from this dis- work lip a little enthusiasm for a fence. When the snow was deep so effectivelv that I remember it the farm would be inundated by parity. parade, politicians and their and the weather bitter, father today - po~ms like "Snowbound" neighboring farm families who On Saturdavs saloons were well handy men would ply the inmates drove us to school by horse and and the "Village Blacksmith," the had come over to help us with patronized. Children would stand of saloons with a few rounds of cutter, and then we dodged snow- rules for letter writing, and dates our crops, and additional field engrossed, watching the doors free drinks. The mse rarely failed, bans thrown by the back feet of of significant battles in Roman hands would be taken on. The swing in{'essantly back and forth, and excitement soon spread to the the black stallion. The glowing historv. Attention was re-enforced fresh faces, the good talk, the wondering what in that dim, aro- crowd in general. Someone who stove at each end of the line mad~ by di~cipline, which was in part enormous meals made harvest matic plaCle' huoyed men up so. had become as well "oiled up" as seem like a holiday. In the au- tu.mn, after the bustle of canning, the cooking of applebutter, the carting of apples to the cider press, friends gathered around our \\\ ~N N I V E table to compare the results to the efforts of the previous year. In the winter there was the excite- ment of butchering and scalding ~~ . - six or eight hogs and of curing the meat, again with the help of friellds. Young peoplp had a passion for the square danee. It was nothing Michigan to hiteh a horse to a }m.ggy or cutter. drive tpn miles. and dance until two in the J1Ioming. Thpll. FARM • whilp the exhausted driver rested as hl'.;t he could on the carriagp scat, Dohhill would wf'lId the \Vav hOl11e. The next Illorning a fanner '~!! might find tll(' hor.;e grazillg at the front I!atc or at thl' wat('rillg 191 1 69 • / the torches was inevitably spat- tered with kerosene or his clothes would catch fire, though usually without his being seriously incon- national talk-meet winner — John Nye venienced. The Democrats spliced i f ft together rough hickory poles to a height of nearly a hundred feet, on top of which were nailed Young Farmers Must Be More Active... banners with the names of candi- dates and the American flag; the John Nye, Michigan's Farm Bureau Discussion topic entrant Republicans raised poles of soft and national winner at the American Farm Bureau Federations wood from which the bark was removed. It was a stirring sight, annual meeting last December, carries into his every d a y work on the dim street of a small world a n d family life t h e practices a n d beliefs h e thought a n d country town, to watch men shuf- felt would enable t h e f a n n e r . . . especially the young farmer . . . fle along to the martial music un- to m a k e a better living for himself a n d his family. der flaming torches. Children John and Michigan Farm Bureau's Young Farmer Director skirted the edges of the parade, David Cook h a d an opportunity to visit a n d compare thoughts and some of them always clus- along this line in a recent visit at t h e Nye h o m e near St. Joseph tered around the bass drum. We in Berrien county. had arrived at maturity when al- John is in partnership with his lowed to march in the parade father, Harry Nye, a member of 'low man on the rung.' He has to proper. The pattern has not the MFB's Board of Directors, come into his own and make up changed. his mind that he has to employ representing District 1. Together some of the same ideas and prac- At the rally the entire farm they farm 400 acres, raising ap- tices that other big businesses use family was accommodated at a p l e s , g r a p e s , p e a c h e s , p e a r s , to promote his products and that barbecue, a band concert, con- plums and cherries plus some the day of the road-side stand to tests of strength, wrestling, and corn, wheat and oats. make his living is gone. We must foot races. But the high point of "Problems in agriculture and have markets and must have equal the rally was the speech of the labor are closely related" John marketing opportunities and prices principal candidate. Oratory in said. "There is a great need for to allow all of us to make a good that day was extravagantly ad- stronger management practices on living." mired. It was a puny candidate the part of the farmer if he plans The Nyes were part of the an- who did not hold his audience for to meet the problems facing him. Farmers are going more and nual Michigan Farm Bureau's at least an hour berating the op- Women's Legislative tour that posing candidate and his party, more into specialized farming and I N KEEPING — with the fruit operation of Harry a n d John N y e in Berrien county, to further improve their farming visited Washington D. C. . . . and it was counted a great pleas- a pear-shaped birth announcement w a s sent to herald the arrival of t w i n d a u g h - taking part while John was Ber- ure, except by children, to listen operation, management training ters, Noreen a n d Nancy — born five months a g o to John a n d Sandra N y e . The must be included as part of their rien County's Young Farmer Di- announcement read: " W t . — .0035 tons (6 lbs. 14 oz.); sprout, 19Vi inches; time to his high-flown words and phrases. overall preparedness to becoming rector. John is firm in stating that of harvest 9:25 a n d 9:36 a . m . a n d G r a d e — U. S. # 1 . Crop, Identical a n d extra fancy . . . " an efficient farmer. The ability this tour was one of the greatest It was this admiration for an to purchase mechanical equip- experiences in his young life. He accomplished speaker, I am sure, ment and supplies to take the saw that the elected representa- John and Sandra are complet- know all we can learn of means that won such overwhelming sup- p'ace of the migrant labor that is tives actually are interested in the ing plans for a Farm Bureau float to help farmers earn on an equal port from the farmer for William no longer available to us plus the farmer and that Michigan Farm to be shown in the Blossom Parade basis with salaried workers in our Jennings Bryan in his three cam- ability to earn the money to pur- Bureau's opinions are valued and on May 17. The float, sponsored country. Agriculture is the num- paigns for the presidency. In chase this equipment is necessary. receive a great deal of respect. by the Young Farmers of Berrien ber two industry in our state and 1896 Bryan went to the hustings Most farmers find that more and "Now I'm doing my best to show County is expected to be seen it's time we promoted it on an from the Democratic convention more they are having to depend many of our Community Group's by more than 200,000 people that equal basis with the promotion in Chicago, which he had set on their own families for help at Young Farmers the necessity of annually attend the parade. John given to the products of the auto- afire with his Cross of Gold harvest time. Local help is not promoting the Young Farmers is chairman of the Float commit- motive industry." speech. Times were hard in 1896, always available and the migrant program and practices." tee, working with two other "1 have not only my own obli- and prices for farm products were help becomes more doubtful each John is vice president of the Young Farmers and A Farm Bu- gation to myself to be a successful scraping bottom. Bryan, to the year." Berrien County Horticulture So- reau Women's Committee repre- farmer, but I now have a wife accompaniment of sweeping ges- Mr. Cook was curious as to ciety; secretary of the Michigan sentative. and our two daughters as well as tures, blamed the scarcity of what affect John's winning the Peach Sponsors; Young Farmer When John competed with the to my parents who had trust and money on the single monetary National Discussion meet had had Chairman and director of the other state contestants in Kansas confidence in me enough to make standard, gold being in short sup- on his farming career and think- Berrien County Farm Bureau; al- City, Mo., last year, he said, in me a partner in a business that ply. He claimed that the free ing. "Actual affects?" John asked, ternate director of the Michigan effect: "Young Farmers must be took my Dad years to work up. I coinage of silver at a ratio of six- "there has been no change in my Agriadture Marketing Association active. We must be part of a must also help in a business that teen silver dollars to one gold beliefs other than now I know and a director on his church Community Group that can plan, brings man close to the warm dollar would rid the farmer of more than ever that the farmer board, First Church of Christ Sci- talk and carry out progressive earth and God . . . farming . . . most of his problems. For the must stop thinking of himself as entist, in Benton Harbor. farming methods. We need to and with help, I'll do it." rest, in scathing words, he at- tacked Mark Hanna and the large monopolies, which he contended were supporting the Republican candidate. Though the farm vote was insufficient to win Bryan the presidency, it cannot be denied that he brought fanners together and brought them to life politi- cally. I t was from that day that politicians had to consider the "farm vote." It is quite possible that future readers of this book are being born as this picture of farm life in the latter part of the 19th cen- tury is being drawn. Each child takes his environment and ad- vantages for granted. His oppor- tunities, conveniences and prob- lems could hardly have been imagined by previous generations. Only by reading the history of preceding periods can he realize the struggles that went into them, the debts we owe those who came before us. The helplessness of infancy, the vision of youth, the judgment of maturity, and the counsel of the aged blend and modify one another. I hope that this chapter provides my readers with a sense of the continuity and unfolding of life, of the overlap- ping of generations, that maintain the stream of human effort and make progress possible. NEXT MONTH: The Beginning Days of Farm Bureau in Michigan. GRANDMOTHER'S KITCHEN — 50 YEARS AGO —WHEN FARM BUREAU FIRST BEGAN SIX May 1, 1969 MICHIGAN FARM NEWS Winners to Share FARM BUREAU Scholarship Fund! WOMEN working, not waiting * ^ ^sg^^g <^tEiSU "W* a spring-time "thank you"—for goals reached; -a year well begun! KATHLEEN WIELAND DAVID TUTAK Isn't Spring Isn't Spring wonderful? wonderful? The The I Let's all be sure we read the beautiful greens show up on trees labels on the herbicides and pes- The Michigan Farm Bureau Women's Scholarship Com- and fields, a most welcome sight ticides we use this spring and mittee has selected two outstanding Michigan State Uni- after the dead browns we've been summer. If we use the proper versity students, David Paul Tutak and Kathleen Doris looking at all winter. Nature has amounts and dispose of the con- Wieland, to share equally in the $300 Marge Karker had her rest and now is bursting tainers properly (burn or bury, Scholarship Fund. forth in glorious color. While but not at the dump) then we will nature has been resting many of be doing what we need to do. Kathleen is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Wie- you have been busy working on If we remind our urban friends land, dairy farmers and Farm Bureau members of Ells- membership and thanks to your to do the same, we can help worth, in Antrim county. Mr. and Mrs. Chester Tutak, hard work, Michigan has made more. W e know these farm Montague, are the parents of David. Mr. Tutak i s . a membership goal. Many of your chemicals are beneficial to us and farmer in Oceana county. counties have made goal too, sev- let's help keep them available David, a junior Veterinary Medicine student, maintains eral are near goal, and with a rather than give the legislature a a 3.52 average, is a member of the Block and Bridle Club, little more push you too can be reason to take them away by of the Intercollegiate Meat judging team and of the Farm over the top. Will you try? I legislation. House Fraternity. While in high school, h e held several know many of you ladies have worked on this membership team There arc buttons, posters and FFA offices and was the Science Club president. napkins available for your Mich- I thought maybe you'd like and / want to say "Thank You" Kathleen was an honor roll student at Ellsworth Com- this . . . to all of you who helped in this igan Week activities. For infor- COMPASSION munity High School and served as class secretary and most important project and do mation and cost of these write to: yearbook editor. She is maintaining a 3.39 average at MSU, keep it at the top of your project Michigan Week State Committee, // everyone were perfect . . . in her chosen home economics-teaching course. list. You have helped to make it 809 Center St., PO Box 5096, in his body, soul and mind . . . Both students received high recommendations from possible for President Elton Smtih Lansing, Michigan 48905. then the folks who had compas- former teachers and associates. to be able to wear a golden coat sion . . . would be mighty hard to find . . . The scholarship is a gift t o the qualifying student and in this golden anniversary year of For each living thing that suf- can be renewed after a yearly review. Michigan and American Farm It was my pleasure recently to Bureau. attend the luncheon given by the fers . . . is a challenge to the rest Mrs. Mary Edith Anderson, Fowlerville, is chairman of Michigan Week will be with us Northland Chamber of Com- . . . It's God's own way of mea- the Scholarship committee. Members are Mrs. Margaret in a couple of weeks and I hope merce, announcing the Michigan suring . . . the kindness in your Kartes, West Branch; Mrs. Claudine Jackson, Howell and you are planning to emphasize Mother of the Year. Our 1969 breast. Mrs. Maxine Topliff, Ex-Officio member, Eaton Rapids. Michigan; our products, spots of Michigan Mother and five other Mrs. Jerold (Maxine) Topliff interest, vacation opportunities, of the "Merrit Mothers" are Farm and most of all our pride in Mich- Bureau members. You know we igan. Learn all you can about are very proud of all of you. what's a Michigan and tell others about Maybe next year we will have "Michigan — Land of Hospital- more of you competing. County ity". Then do your part to show Women's committees can nomi- Michigan's hospitality is in each nate someone if you want and we of our communities. hope you do. one more fast-time defeat! Another attempt to place Mich- igan on Daylight Saving Time a technicality. The students said that exact dates of Daylight Sav- funny place for has been defeated — this time by ing-Time clock-changes should the actions of the state Court of have been placed on the ballot. Appeals in turning down a case The court action means that by two Grand Rapids law stu- certification of Daylight Saving dents against the state Board of Time's defeat by voters, follow- Convassers. ing a complicated and costly re- a phone? The Court of Appeals cited a count of the November 5th vote, "lack of merit' 'in the case made stands as reported. by the students, who had sought to overthrow the certification of The students may still take the the Board of Canvassers through issue to the state Supreme Court. "IN THE SPRINGTIME, A NEWLYWED'S FANCY . . . " That depends on what you think is funny. If rushing in 3-BEDROOM, CONTEMPRI SECTIONAL HOMES from the barn or back forty to answer a telephone leaves you out of breath, then perhaps an extension telephone is the answer. • You can put an extension telephone nearly anyplace you'd like, inside or out. Then instead of interrupting work to rush back to the house, you can do your telephoning from where you are. • Call your We believe in: A GOOD HOME FOR GOOD PEOPLE Michigan Bell Business Office or — AT A PRICE THEY CAN AFFORD TO PAY ask your telephone man. You can Michigan The 24' x 44' model for $11,995 (1056 tq. ft.) The 24' x 52' model for $12,995 (1248 sq. ft.) have an extension telephone in any Bell Approved for city or country — completely furnished Part of the funny old place you'd like. Nationwide Bed System BAKER'S COMMUNITY HOMES 214 W. Pine Street Phone (517) 862-5480 Elsie, Michigan 48831 MICHIGAN FARM NEWS May 1, 1969 SEVEN . taxes are necessary TAXES . . a necessary "evil* to maintain our accepted ing as determined at the annual This program provides consid- On March 3 1 , the Michigan and expected . . w a y of life. "evil" TAXES . . . like d e a t h . . . unavoidable in this day a n d age and affecting e v e r y o n e in the country. TAXES . . . a major problem, not only for Michigan F a r m Bureau members b u t o n e that is mutually shared with our law- meeting. Spencer's Equal Educa- tional Package (three bills, HB 2265, 2266 and 2267) termed the Fair-Share program . . . has brought up some interesting ques- tions and also some very informa- erably more money to pay for rising school costs. Example: Sup- pose a district with a valuation per child of $10,000 is presently raising 25 mills of school oper- ation taxes which, together with PTA sponsored a statewide meet- ing in Lansing on school finance. Farm Bureau was one of the 25 co-sponsoring organizations. Sev- eral County Farm Bureaus were represented. It was generally tive answers. state aid, gives it approximately agreed that property taxes must makers, and n o w especially, our educators. Spencer's proposal, would guar- $550 per pupil. Under the "Spen- have some relief from school taxes. TAXES . . . a n i t e m o n each land-owner's tax bill that allots . . . antee any district raising 12 mills, cer Plan," this district would re- One speaker, however, called for in some areas, 7 0 % o r more of t h e total tax bill for education. $550 per student. A district would ceive $550 per pupil and could elimination of exemptions and then have other alternatives for cut its property tax more than made a special point of the exemp- Some of the state aid measures half, from 25 mills down to 12 tion on assessment of farm crops — Property taxes for all school additional money if needed. If it presently before the Michigan mills — a cut of 13 mills. (trees, bushes, vines, wheat, etc.). purposes be limited by law; — chose to raise more millage, it Legislature would tend to require would be guaranteed $30 per He said that as much as "S3,000 development of a new state aid Another example of a poorer an even greater property tax in pupil for each additional mills, or per acre" are exempt. Dr. Ira formula should include other than district might be one with $8,000 some areas. For instance, present- a total of $90. For the next five Polley, Superintendent of Public property valuations alone; — a valuation per child, raising 14 ly a district must levy 10 mills mills, the district would be guar- Instruction, called dependence on reasonable state aid formula be mills which, together with state for school purposes in order to anteed $20 per pupil per mill, or property taxes "unrealistic," but developed to assist school districts aid, amounts to $451 per student. qualify for full state aid. Under a total of $100 per pupil. then suggested a " s t a t e w i d e " in meeting the cost of building- In this situation the property tax some of the present proposals, property tax to support education. needed facilities; — the state's Instead of extra millage, the could be cut to 10 mills and still this amount would be raised to share of operational cost should district could use a district per- have $458 per pupil. The F.B. Board of Directors is 18 mills for full state aid. continue to increase, in order to sonal income tax up to 2 % , in Still another example of a dis- also studying Rep. Roy Smith's At the December 1968, annual achieve tax equity and provide which case the state would guar- trict with an average valuation (R-52nd Dist.) plan to petition for meeting of the Michigan Farm every child with an equality of antee $125 per pupil for each per child, $15,000, and raising 20 a constitutional amendment re- Bureau, one of the policies adop- education; — and — sufficient 1% of the tax. These amounts mills of property tax — presently, moving the operating cost of ted reads, "Recent sessions of the funds should be appropriated to would be guaranteed even though this would amount to $538 per schools from the property tax. Legislature have adopted revised pay in full all state aid formulas." the income tax within the district pupil. Here again, the property This has broad implications. Any and improved versions of the state Following this same thought, at yielded only a fraction of that tax could be cut to 12 mills and results from this proposal could school aid formula and have re- the March 26 meeting of the amount. the district would receive more not be implemented before 1971, versed the previous trend toward Michigan Farm Bureau Board of In order to pay for the ad- money — $550 per pupil. as it would not be voted on until shifting a greater portion of school Directors, a review of the state- ditional state aid, the plan would November, 1970. costs to the local property tax. aid proposals that have been in- create a State Educational Tax Any of these districts could, if We believe this to be progress." troduced to the legislature was Fund, to be funded by an in- they chose, use the income tax At least four measures are now The resolution continues, in part, made. One proposal in particular, crease in the state personal income on a district basis and be guaran- introduced to require assessment "We recommend that — the state The Spencer Plan, (proposed by tax of 1 % % with $1200 exemp- teed $125 more per pupil for each of farm lands on their agricultural income tax be used as one of the Rep. Roy L. Spencer, R-78th Dis- tions. The State income tax on 1% of personal income tax. The use rather than "potential" value. major sources of funds for our trict) is very close to the Farm corporations would be increased property tax could be maintained This is another part of the whole schools. 3%. at 12 mills or less. tax problem. Bureau's policy for school financ- A public hearing was held on ACTION IS N E E D E D NOW. this program on March 27. The You can help bv writing as many House floor and galleries were letters as possible to your Legis- filled. Representatives of 20 or lators outlining the taxation prob- more organizations testified, in- lems farmers face as the result of cluding Farm Bureau. All were school finance, unrealistic assess- in support of the program. ment, special assessments, etc. If this, or any other new school Let your Legislator know NOW finance plan, receives serious con- that you support legislation to sideration it will no doubt be solve these problems. amended. For instance, Farm Bu- reau is looking into the possibility of placing a limit on school prop- erty taxes not to exceed a percent of income. PRILLWITZ NAMED Appointed to fill a recent va- cancy on the board of directors QUALITY FEEDER PIGS! of Farmers Petroleum Coopera- PRICE COVERS: tive, has been Wesley Prillwitz, • Delivery to purchaser; former president of the Berrien CONSISTENT, DEPENDABLE SERVICE • Erysipelas vaccination county Farm Bureau — and long- Join the thousands of Ohio and Michigan farmers now selling their wool through and 24-hour death loss time area farm leader. their own organization — now in their 52nd years of marketing experience. guarantee; The appointment was made to THE LEADING SUPPIY SERVICE FOR • DYED LAMBSKINS • Only thrifty, Michigan- fill a vacancy declared on the EXHIBITORS ITEMS • SHEARING EQUIPMENT • INSTRUMENTS • DRENCHES, DIPS grown pigs. board following the resignation • WOOL SHIRTS • WOOL BLANKETS of Joel Chapin, Mescosta county. AVAILABLE ON ORDER Member, National Wool Marketing Corp. For up-to-date prices, A director of the Berrien coun- contact: ty Farm Bureau Oil Company, MACMA Prillwitz operates a 320-acre fruit Area 517 485-8121 Ext. 372 farm near Eau Claire. He is a P. O. Box 960 past president of the Eau Claire Lansing, Michigan 48906 Fruit Exchange. COOPERATIVE ASSOCIATION 3900 Groves Road • Columbus, Ohio 43227 OHIO MILKING SHORTHORN BREEDERS SHOW * SALE OHIO HIGHLIGHT INVITATIONAL OF THESE REPRESENTATIVES: May 24, 1969 West Branch Farm Bureau Show 10:30 A.M. — Sale 12:30 P.M. Judge John W. McKitrick — Dublin, Ohio Eugene Ross Eugene Noble, Mgr. Ohio Exposition Center — Cooper Arena, Columbus, Okie Rudyard, Michigan 49780 West Branch, Mich. 48661 50 Head to sell — The Best of the Breed Climax Farm Bureau Aaron I. Gilmore Carl Wiggins • Roger Brooks 25 Young cows — many bred for summer & fall shows — Many from the top sires Robert WKaley, Mgr. 3820 Parmenter Rd. 14600 Ely Rd., Rt. 2 10 Yearlings — Excellent pedigrees of the Breed Rt. 2, 510 W. Territorial Durand, Mich. 48429 Manchester, Mich. 48158 Climax, Mich. 49034 Camden, Mich. 49232 15 Calves — The kind for Junior & Senior Exhibitors — Bred for production Consignments from the top 25 Herds of Ohio, Indiana, Wise., Iowa, N. Y., Maryland, Penna. Floyd Esch Gene Mater Raymond Hutchins Malcolm Cuddle TOP PRODUCERS FROM TOP COW FAMILIES — Milkers with ruggedness and hardiness Rt. 1 Rt. 2 Rt. 3 Route 4 MR. FARMER: Here is an opportunity to add to your cow-calf herd. Milking Shorthorn will mio, Michigan 48647 Nashville, Mich. 48858 Mt. Pleasant, Mich. 49073 Gladwin, Mich. 48624 produce more beef per cow. Come to our sale — try this cow on your farm. Sale sponsored by Fern Payne Farm Bureau Services Ben Seeley Harold Brunner Ohio Department of Agriculture Ohio Milking Shorthorn Society Ward Witeman, Mgr. Rt. 2 Wayside Trailer Ct. Rt. 4 204 N. Main. Yale, Mich. 48097 2900 N. Whitehall Hon. James A. Rhodes, Governor Howard Withers, Pres. Eaton Rapids, Mich. 48827 Reading, Mich. 49274 Muskegon, Mich. 49440 John Stackhouse, Director of Agr. Margaret Schooley, Sec. St. John's Coop. Frank Myers Walter Gnepper Larry Bear — Markets 5985 Oryden Road Omar Tocia Sale Mawafr — Bob Dix, DeGraff, Ohio John Willi amson, Mgr. Rt. 1 Spruce, Mich. 49747 St. Johns, Mich. 48879 Dryden, Michigan 48428 Catalogue available on request Clare, Mich. 48617 Sale CItatrntaw — Donald Guckian, 5600 Paint Creek Road, Eaton, Ohio 1EIOHT May ?, 1969 eM*Hi<*fcN FAJW NEWS Farmers Reminded of Compensation Rules! By: John L e a r y F a r m Bureau Insurance G r o u p Michigan farmers are faced with many fann labor problems — not the least of which is how best to provide a p r o p e r insur- ance protection program. Such programs should b e designed to protect you as a farmer from disastrous economic losses which could result from a serious injury to an employee. T h e Michigan Workmen's Compensation law provides that . . . "all agricultural employers of three or more regular employees paid hourly wages or salaries, and not paid on a piecework basis, w h o are employed 35 or more hours per week by that same em- ployer for 13 or m o r e consecutive weeks during t h e preceding 52 weeks . . . " must carry full Workmen's Compensation coverage. 'Coverage shall apply only to such r e g u l a r l y e m p l o y e d em- To be fully protected an em- ployees. The average weekly wage ployer may buy a W o r k m e n ' s for such an employee shall be Compensation policy including a deemed to be the weeks worked "voluntary medical benefits" en- in agricultural employment di- dorsement. This policy provides vided into the total wages which coverages called for by the law the employee has earned from all and in addition, liability, medical MERRILL IRWIN MEMORIAL LEADERS — gather following a highly successful dinner honoring the agricultural occupations during and hospital benefits. late Gratiot county f a r m leader. County Farm Bureau president, Dale Stoneman, (left) thanks the 12 calendar months immedi- Should an employer want to board member Don Root w h o served as " M . C . " Oihers pictured represent f a r m groups with whom ately preceding the injury, and provide full Workmen's Compen- Irwin worked. From left: James DeMott, Mich. Animal Breeders; Eugene Erskin, Mich. Milk Pro- no other definition pertaining to sation — including loss of wage ducers a n d Mich. Farm Cooperatives; Harry Lund, Ag-Extension a n d Loren Brown, Gratiot PCA. average weekly wage shall be ap- benefits for all employees, he can plicable." do so by requesting a change in his policy to permit such cover- All agricultural employers of 1 age. or more p e r s o n s who are em- Also — an employer of work- ployed 35 or more hours per week ers for less than 5 weeks may pur- by that same employer for five or chase a coverage providing med- more c o n s e c u t i v e weeks, shall ical, hospital and liability which provide for such employees — in will protect him up to the limit accordance with rules established of the policy but not provide pro- by the I n s u r a n c e Department, tection if a claim is presented un- medical and hospital coverage for der the Workmen's Compensation all personal injuries "arising out law. of and in the course of employ- ment" suffered by such employees Employee coverages are sub- not otherwise covered by the Act. ject to audit by the issuing insur- ance company to determine the Other provisions include that amount of involved exposure. such medical and hospital cover- Work records should always be age shall not affect any rights of kept by name, amount of time recovery that an employee would worked and amount paid each FEED MILL CONSTRUCTION — is moving along on schedule, at the new million-dollar Farm otherwise have against an agri- employee. Payment includes Bureau Services feed plant near Battle Creek. June 25 has been set for a dedication and cultural employer and such right items such as housing or room open-house, officials report. of recovery shall be subject to any and board. defense the agricultural employer The M i c h i g a n Farm Bureau might otherwise have. has farm record books available "Section one of this Act shall to greatly aid and improve keep- not apply to cases other than ing such proper farm labor rec- medical and h o s p i t a l coverages ords. Inquire at your county Farm Hardy provided h e r e i n , a r i s i n g under Bureau office. this subsection, nor shall it apply to actions brought against an ag- Regenerate Lazy ricultural employer who is not READ THE LABEL voluntarily or otherwise subject to this Act . . ." The use of " h a r d " pesticide chemicals is b e i n g p r o g r e s - Water Softeners s i v e l y cut b a c k to uses f o r The medical and hospital cov- which there are not good sub- erage referred to in this para- stitute controls. graph is unlimited. It is possible The major problem lies with that an employer could be re- the disposal of waste spray Zeo-Tabs restore full sponsible for treatment of a work- solutions, cleaning of equip- softener capacity, give you er's injury for the rest of the life more soft water. Conven- ment, disposal of pesticide con- 25 lb. carton of that employee. ient, dependable Zeo-Tabs tainers, and drift of fine drop- 50 lb. carton Although the C o m p e n s a t i o n let sprays during application. dissolve completely, act law does not require that protec- A large part of the problem fast without sludge — for tion be extended to those work- is that many pesticides are used trouble-free soft water all 25 lb. bag ing less than five weeks or for em- around home and garden with- the time! Excellent for all ployees paid on a piecework basis, out adequate knowledge on 50 lb. bag types of softeners. the farmer could still be respons- the part of the user — today's 100 lb. bag ible, to some degree, if an injury consumer just doesn't bother to occurs. read the label. STYLE FOAM SALT PRODUCTS PACKAGED BY SPRAY APPLICATION URETHANE FOAM are available at these locations Hardy Direct to building surfaces ALLEGAN COOP FARM BUREAU SERVICES, INC. MOLINE CO-OP Allegan, Michigan Hart, Michigan Moline, Michigan BUCHANAN CO-OP FARM BUREAU SERVICES, INC. SQUARE DEAL FARM SUPPLY Buchanan, Michigan Kalamazoo, Michigan Onekama, Michigan AN INVESTMENT IN ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL FARMERS ELEVATOR KENT CITY FARM BUREAU FARM BUREAU SERVICES, INC. Caledonia, Michigan Kent City, Michigan Saginaw, Michigan Insulate your new or old f a r m buildings with this spray-on, COOPERSVILLE COOP MARCELLUS FARM BUREAU FARM BUREAU SERVICES, INC. non combustible, self-extinguishing, water-proof insulat- Coopersville, Michigan Marcellus, Michigan Scottville, Michigan ing material. Add 5 0 % to the structural strength! — free estimates — FARM BUREAU SERVICES, INC. FALMOUTH CO-OP COMPANY FARM BUREAU SERVICES, INC. Fremont, Michigan McBain, Michigan Traverse City, Michigan STYLE FOAM INSULATION AND DESIGNERS FARM BUREAU SERVICES, INC. FALMOUTH CO-OP COMPANY 3 2 1 4 BAY ROAD Hasting, Michigan Merritt, Michigan J Phone 7 9 9 - 1 6 5 9 SAGINAW, MICHIGAN 48603 May 1, 1969 Michigan Mother Honored------May 14 DON CARLSON - has been DONALD R. PAULSEN, a named Secretary-Manager of graduate of Western Michigan the American Dairy Association University, has accepted the of Michigan. Carlson had been position of Regional Represent- a field representative for ADA ative for the Thumb area. Mr. of Illinois, and since 1962 has Paulsen, who lives in Kalama- served in the same capacity zoo, replaces David Cook, now with the Michigan Association. MFB Young Farmers Director. He replaced Boyd Rice who has Mr. Paulsen worked in the ca- taken a position with the Amer- pacity of Consumer Protection, MERIT MOTHERS - pictured at a Detroit luncheon are (left to right) Mrs. Florence Southworth, ican Dairy Association head- covering all phases of sanita- Mrs. Maurine Scramlin, Mrs. Ina Wright, Mrs. Oxender (named Michigan's Mother of the Year); quarters in Chicago. tion relating to farm products. Mrs. Ruth Day and Mrs. Myra Spike. ~ ~ MRS. HARRY (MYRTLE) OXENDER, CONSTANTINE - was chosen Michigan's Mother of the Year MICHIGAN at a luncheon meeting in Detroit recently. The Oxenders' farm 500 acres and have been Farm Som.thlng to Bureau members for more than 20 years. They have five children, Wayne, Dale, Vernon, Glenn honk about. and Joan and 12 grandchildren. Five other Farm Bureau women' were also honored, two of them receiving Special Mention on their \\Merit Mother" Certificates. Farm Bureau mothers in the total 15 honored included Mrs. William (Maurine) Scramlin, Holly; Mrs. Cyril (Myra) Spike, Owosso; Mrs. Fred (Ruth) Day, Clark lake; Mrs. George (Florence) Southworth, Elkton and Mrs. Albert (lna) Wright, Hillsdale. Mrs. Oxender will attend the National Mother of the Year meet in Los Angeles April 29, representing Michigan. Principal speaker at the Merit Mother luncheon was Mrs. William Milliken, First lady of Michigan. Mrs. Milliken brought the good wishes of the governor and also a proclamation stating \\May 14 has been designated of the Year Day." Michigan Farm Bureau members will have more than their share of celebrat- as Michigan Mother MICHIGAN ing to do, having Mrs. Oxender as their state Mother of the Year. WEEK MAY 17.24 II •• II women In action More than 40 ~fichigan Fann Bureau women from Dis- tricts 1 and 2 and their guests have reported a very suc- cessful and enjoyable two days spent at 'Vesley '''oods Holiday Camp the later part of Nlarch. The theme of the meeting, "Farm Bureau Women in Action" was carried out through the various programs. Time and Two Women; The Pulse of Life; Women Part- ners in Farm Bureau and Adventures in Collecting all offered much of interest. "One of the most enjoyable book reports ever heard" seemed to be everyone's opinion on the report given by Mrs. Mary Jane Swartz who reviewed the story of the life of the wife of Robert Louis Stevenson. A surprise part of the program was offered by Don Roberts, camp manager, who told the ladies about "Band- ing Birds in Michigan." Michigan Fann Bureau was repre- EXCELLENT APPLES - typical of those on the ELECTRIC CO-OPS - Spring Conference Pro- sented by MFB Women~ s Activities Coordinator Helen sorting table are shown by Harry and John gram at Clare, Mich. included these leaders: Atwood, Legislative Counsel Robert Smith and by Mrs. Nye - father-son partners of rural St. Joseph (left) Elton Smith, President, Mich. Farm Bureau; Jerold Topliff, ~fFB Women's Committee chairman. address (Berrien county). Father Harry is a John Keen, President, Mich. Rural Electric Co- The Holiday Camp has been an annual event and many member of the Mich. Farm Bureau board. Son ops and Kenneth Croy, Mich. Public Service of those attending expressed plans for the 1970 Holiday John is national Young Farmer Discussion Meet Commission. \\Problems common to all" was Camp. winner. one program. FARM BUREAU 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 MARKET PLACE 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. 14 FOR SALE 20 LIVESTOCK 26 POULTRY 36 MISCELLANEOUS 36 MISCELLANEOUS FOR SALE: Farm - 1-13 acrl'S near HEREFORD BULLS-pure hred herd "ZIPCODE DIRECTORY" - (All 35,000 Clarksvilll'. Clav loam. "Ill 1(' woods. 2 DAY OLD OR S'fARTED PULLETS- FRUIT JARS - SOt - SIOO. Send SI for sires. Readv for service. AIso, re'Iistered Postofficl's): S 1.00 ~fAIL~(ART, Carroll- family home. 2 hams and silo. ~2,,0 per ht"ifers and' calves. E~ypt Valley Hereford The DeKalh profit pullet. Accepted by Complete buy-sell list. Refundable. Sch- the smart poultryman for high e~g pro- ton 72. Kentllcky 41008. (3-tf-llb) 14 roeders, Paducah. Kentucky 42001. ant'. Comidl'r tradl'. Ed TOlnis. Jenison" Farm, 6611 Knapp St., Ada, Michi~nn. ~Iic:hi~all H).I2H. I'hon(': MO H-H226. Phone OR 6-1090. (Kent County) duction, supt'rior egg quality. greater feed (3-lt-14p) 36 (.'i-2t-~."ih) 14 (1l-tf-~.5h) ~o efficiency. If you keep records, you'll keep DeKalbs. Write for prices and :atalog. KLAGER HATCHERIES, Brid~e- OVERSEAS JOBS - Australia. Europl'. BUILDI,r. - H('\'nold, Aillminlllll Jlrf>- wntpr, ~fichigan. Telephones: Saline HAzel South Anll'ri('a.Far East. t.t<'. Opt'ninl!s in \\"AXTED: LAX)) FOR RECREATIO~AL fahri('alt'd 31 " 12.'\ II, Blltl,'r Grain Bin 9-7087, ~f a n c hes t e r GArdPD 8-3034 ,Ill trades and professions. 5400 to ~2.,')OO PSE - Prl'fNahh- w.lh'r front.lct' or 1.1kt' (.') tOil). Hl'friCl'fatllln IInlt. (',ll!(". 3.000 (Washtenaw County) (tl-46b) 26 monthly, fn'e infoml.ltion. \\'rite: Fon.il!n sitt, possihilitil's. -1'1 ('.\St' imilld., prke pl'r l'hil'k('n" grmh'r alld (';lIlIlI('r .. \11 for Emplo)lIH'nt ~I..rt. Box 223,'5 A,~I.F .. ant' and location d.ll.l. Ph-.I'" \\ ritl': S3 .."iOO, Earl ~la'lil'k. 2:1(;0 LOlli' Tn'l' FOR SA LE: 3" fl'gistNed homl'd III'n'- ~liami, Florida. 331.59. (5-lt-31 p) 36 St.mley Chast'. Howllrd City. \Iit'hican SHAVER STARCROSS ~88 - Started pul- lIoad. :\Iilford, \lid,;c ... , IHO-l2. Pholll': ford cows. ~lany fOllr and fist' }('.HS old. 49329. (5-~t-28Jl) 34 (;Io~4-423,). (,,)-It-34h) H let~ availnhle mo~t .'ven.' month. Get wise SOUll' ha\'e ('alve' at side. Ht"t will l'aln' and try these top profit makers as your this sprinc and '"IIIIlll'r. \\'ill s(,11 onl' or npxt f1ol'k. ~facPl1("rson Hatchen.'. Route PAins FOil CO-Ol'. r.OCKSIIUTT AXD Crollp. Call: Bill B1l1l1lt>. El!ypt V.•II('~ ::3. Ionia, MichiJmn. Phone .'i27~ORRO. 11('rdonl Farm. Ada. ~li('hic.lI1. I'hon<': WOULDXT YOU LIKE TO pick Rasp- FREE 1n69-S CE~T with tlm',' I n:;,')-s Bl.ACK 'I.\\\K Ir:wlor, lInd farm cllllip- (6-3t-28h) ~6 herries if ~'IIt1r aml~ didn't lZet scratched? (i7(;-IO!IO. (.,)-It-3Qh) 20 ('('nls, S I. Eil!ht diffen'lIt hllh.\Il1ll".\(1 rnellt. 1'.lrts lor \l ,,,.\ -ilarris tral tors Get CAXBY. Thl'y're thornless - no t't'lI1s or V-nil'kl'ls ~ 1.~)S. or \..1 "lorm.1 alld l'omhill"s. ,\ Iso 1.<1 pOlrts and at- KLACER'S DEKALB PROFIT PULLETS pkkers. \Vrite: Donachy Nursery, San- SOIl\'I'nir Gold doll.1r S 1.,'50. Il.tlf 7:k. "'I'hllll'nt, lor C".0l' I "I Coek,hull trae- - Order your started pullets that have dusky, Michi!!an 48471. Edt'l\ Carh-It'. lIIinoi, (j~~J I. lors. \Vill ship. II. I II I "l'h'IIll'lIt Sail'S. 1.1'('11 raised on a pros en crowinl! proj,(ram. (5-lt-~5p) 24 . (4-2t-~(lp) 36 1140 !.I-I,. H"("I \I. hll!an .187.')7. The !!rowinl! hirds are inspected weeki\' I'h"Il(' VO H-(IHIl~ (:!-Rt-3nh) 8 hy trained staff, vaccinated, deheaked an;1 A:'\Cl!S BlILI. -- I ~IR I FlItllritv r.rand dl'li\erf>d hv u~ in dean crates. If \'ou "01{ S\I.E: \-'\11. I I\lTIo..":YI': TILI,C ('halll"llIu. I'ron'lI sirc'. :\Ianv dallchtt'r~ "('I'P rf'l'ords. \'Otl will keen KL \r.ER DE- ,1r.HTCH \ \\"LEHS A,)) RED \\'Ir.- FREE CIRCUL.\R - Old tilllt' COllntrY 'f \( :111'\ I-: and IlIhn 11".," 1",I..tll l!r.IlIN kept ill h.'nl. Fllr ,.11•. IIr trad(' IlIr ftlttlre I( -\LBI). KL \CEIl II:\n~IIERIES. Ilridl!t'- r.LEHS. "1\ &. B" Worm Harll'h. HIIlIIt' ~11I)ic - Hoe ))owns - RIlle Gr.\s,-':" IIld h.lr"',lPr \\111 \ldhllrl!. 17:!,)1 ('.lhl'S. Sh,lch.llk F Hill. Call'doni .•• ~Iil'h- wal,'r. ~Iichi!!,\n. Telephlllle~: 113 421). :=- I. Box 111. Sh.t'le. ~I j\\Olll i 6:1S-;--;- III'W r("cords. l'nelt' jim 0"\'('.11. Box A- " 'I,' !l, I II ""'Y.1I1 IHOR7. ;1.(.111. 1'1>0111'. WII-1377. 70~7 Olnd 313 '12R-30:l1. Phone (}l).')- HlH .. \ rl'a Code 31 .. ~IFX. Art',Hlia, Califomi.1 !)J()Oo. ", "" )- ..H-~,'I') 11 (3-2t20pl 20 (Washten3w County) (9-tf-50b) 26 (2-2t-l Up I 36 (S-.H-lUp I 36 May 1, 1969 MrcB~ANtJfAR~iNEWS Want More Power? .... Then Use The Best Diesel Fuel ~ by a "Country Mile!" You can depend on Farmers Petroleum to keep ahead of the rest, to give you Tomorrow's fuel Today. The new diesel high performance additive, HPAD, makes outstanding Power Bal- anced 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 tankful today and get that extra "Country Mile" right now! FARMERS Power-Balanced gasoline is best PETROLEUM * for all your other highway and farm vehicles. 4000 N. GRAND RIVER LANSING, MICHIGAN MICHIGAN FARM NEWS May 1, 1969 ELEVE~ Farm Labor Problems \\Michigan, the second largest user of seasonal farm labor, employs about 80,000 out-of-state seasonal workers each summer. They. hoe, prune and pick. -Most of all, they pick ... strawberries, cherries, peaches melons, pickles, apples, tomatoes, and other fruits and vegetables. They will continue to pick until they can find other opportunities for employ- ment or until mechanical harvesters replace them. The latter is likely to come faster than the former, and that is the problem ... /1 Report: Status of Migratory Farm Labor Michigan Civil Rights Commission - 1968 By: Melvin L. Woell Although Michigan has an impressive agricultural industry COMPULSORY FARM in many ways ~t might be termed a '1abor" state. Organized labor has grown along with the industries which support it. UNIONISM? Union treasuries have been fattened by years of prosperity. Organized labor is moving Fringe benefits such as paid hospitalization have been built quietly in giving strong support into union contracts and these costs, along wIth the costs of the to a mild-appearing labor bill union itself, are ultimately passed on to the consuming public. which contains rude shocks for That's where farming differs from other industries. Farmers farmers. The bill is S-8 {and its generally are unable to pass along new labor costs to those who House twin, HR.9954. Specifi- cally, the measure amends the buy their products. Other differences include the fact that National Labor Relations Act to there are certain times of year when a farmer is utterly de- "make its provisions applicable pendent upon his labor supply if he is to harvest a crop or gain to the agricultural industry ... " any income from his year of investment. The amendment would allow These major differences are often ignored or misunderstood union officials to negotiate com- by those who wish to place agriculture under the same labor pulsory or "closed shop" work rules and restrictions as now apply to industry. agreements,withfarm ownersun- With much of the American work-force now unionized, the der which all farm labor must organizers are turning their attention to the man-on-the-Iand. then be secured through union This attention is being felt through new farm labor legislative hiring halls. Once the agreement was signed all workers would be pressures in Lansing and Washington. Nationally, major efforts compelledto join the union with- are now underway, on the part of unions and others, to place in 7 days or lose their jobs. farmers under provisions of the national Labor Management Thus, the unions would accom- Relations Act. plish through the legislativeroute In Lansing, many new labor laws affecting farmers have been what they have failed to do more , passed by our legislature in the past five years. Dozens more directly through the grape boy- are now in the hopper. Farmers must remain alert and effective cott. if they are to protect their farm-management rights. An examination of the bill by Farmers must do everything in their power to remove causes the editors of the Muskegon------------------------- for farm-labor complaint. Farmers must then stop reacting to Chronicle brought this comment: information-~elf regulation "S-8 is a piece of legislation the proposals made by others concerning their labor-manage- which should provide a rude ment relations and begin acting to shape the rules which will awakening for those who believe farm-labor management keys govern relations between farmers and farm workers in a manner the motives of organizer Chavez------------------------- fair to both. and his supporters are pure _ Information and seH-regulation appear to be keys by which In recent years Michigan farmers have gained considerable that is, purely and simplyto guar- farmers may retain their farm-labor management freedoms. ability and experience in doing this. In 1964, farmers of our antee the farm workers a right New, highly restrictive and extremely costly farm labor regu- state were placed under the state Minimum Wage law for the to collectivebargaining; ... the lations are proposed in Washington and Lansing. They propose first time. As is usually the case in trying to fit an industrial bill would make it possible for to add to the many laws and regulations which already cover law to agriculture, little consideration was given to how well union officials to extract dues from hundreds of thousands of the production and harvesting of farm crops in our state. the law might apply or what its effects might actually be. fann workers _ whether they Meanwhile, public controversies over farm labor and related Later, the Michigan Farm Bureau was successful in getting wanted to payor not - without subjects are increasing daily, and it has become vital that clarification of certain areas of the law, including an amend- a vote by even a single worker. farmers recognize and understand the many and oftentimes very ment allowing piece-rate payments - which had been tradi- ... The Senate bill is aimed at confusing sanitation, safety, housing and wage laws which exist tional in fruit and vegetable areas of our state. the capture of millions of agri- - and that they carefully observe them. In 1966, state Workmen's Compensation Act was rewritten cultural workers by compulsory Information and self-regulation will, in the long run, save to include farmers for. the first time. Farm Bureau asked for unions; a drive to organize all farm workers in all crops to col- Michigan farmers money, trouble, headaches and heartaches. a one-year delay to allow a study of proposed rates. The delay was granted as was a second one-year delay during which im- lect millions of dollars a year in • Be informed: a yearly subscription to Farm Bureau's portant amendments to the law were made with Farm Bureau forced dues. The assault on the MASA (Mich. Agricultural Services Association) labor-manage- leadership and support. As a result of these amendments, sub- grape pickers was just an open- ment information newsletter service will provide clear, factual stantially lower premium rates were possible. ing shot; if passed, the Senate material on state and local labor problems. It is an inexpensive Currently, more than two-dozen new farm labor proposals against bill - despite their gutty fight method of keeping informed. union coercion - will are before the Michigan legislature. Included are bills to force them into bondage with • Prepare written work agreements with those you hire! greatly enlarge and extend both Minimum 'Vage and 'Vork- the rest . • Abide by the law in full detail pertaining to minimum men's Compensation laws. Others deal with the number of wages and Workmen's Compensation. hours which may be worked on a farm, and with legal terms March of wage payment. TOPIC SUMMARY • Prevent trouble. Take positive action toward labor man- Organized labor is working to build public support through F.B. Marketing-Bargaining agement relations. Human relations are often so simple that press and pulpit to place farmers under the same ti~ht labor 689 Groups Reporting they are overlooked. However, proper human relations are resmctions as is industry. Such devices as the carefully staged ARE YOU WILLING: to trade some much more satisfactory and much more economical than any farm labor "dispute" in California and the nationwide boycott decision-making freedom for more legislated compulsory labor management which could result of table grapes, are part of the labor arsenal. farm income? from even simple misunderstandings. "Quite Willing" 1,298 persons Unions are enlisting the aid of church, social-action groups, "Willing" 1,730 persons welfare, government and public officials in a sleight-of-hand "Not Willing" 705 persons HELPFUL HUMAN-RELATIONS RULES: campaign aimed at forcing farm workers into unions which they Should bargaining groups have full • Remember, people want to feel important - that they are have said they don't need and don't want - and which they authority? a part of the success of any operation. Help them "belong." YES: 568 Groups have refused to join voluntarily . NO: 94 Groups • People want to be respected. Every person has self-respect Specifically, the AFL-CIO's "United Farm 'Vorkers Organiz- Will bargaining work in livestock needs. Respect for work and for property begins with seIf- ing Committee" headed by professional organizer, Cesar Chavez, and grain? respect. is doing everything in its power to deliver farm workers into Yes: 466 Groups No: 144 Groups • People desire recognition. Recognition for work well done union hands, for the union's own purposes. Farm groups which ignore market- is often better "pay" than money. In the words of Father Cletus Healy of the Society of Jesus: ing will soon be out of business: "When one reflects on the refusal of the California grape pick- Agree: 3,334 persons • People want to make progress - in both earnings and ers to join the union of Cesar Chavez, and, on the other ha~d, NO: 477 persons status. They need to know where they stand - and they need the cruel willingness of Chavez to call for a national boycott to Withholding products is self-de- to know this regularly. Reviews of work and payment on a impose his will upon these workers, one wonders: What is feating: regular basis is the best form of worker-employer human- YES: 2,613 persons relations. Chavez's real concern?" NO: 820 persons ~1any feel that the long-term goal is nothing less than total • People are concerned about their relations with fellow unionization of all agriculture and that the grape boycott is NEXT MONTH: taxes, .employees. Teamwork is important. Requests gain more than only an opening gun ... school finances ... do demands. TWELVE May 1, 1969 MICHIGAN FARM NEWS ,J J I and farm insurance will never be the same But then ... new ideas and insurance firsts are "old hat" at Farm Bureau Insurance Group. For twenty years you've relied on broad Farm Bureau Insurance protection. Now, AGROPLAN adds unique and exclu- sive Michigan farm coverages like: 1. Flexible deductible programs 2. "All Risk" protection for mobile agricultural machinery 3. Livestock mortality program 4. Unlimited snowmobile liability S. Credit Card Coverage AGROPLAN is another milestone in farm security ... from Michigan's largest and most experienced farm in- surer. Ask anyone of the 300 Farm Bureau Insurance Group representatives. ~AJ?J. {1Ft rr:AU INSURANCE G OU~ Farm Bureau Mutual. Farm Bureau Life. Community Service, LANSING /Vow .. combine all your insurance pre- miums into one convenient monthly payment ... ask your Agent about INSTA-PLAN.