,,\\\ ~NNIVERSALl ~\)' ~ ""f Y M I CHI G A N _ .... - IA - -1Il__ ....E:'~s THE ACTION PUBLICATION OF THI u I Vol. 48, No.6 -1919-A Half-Century Of Service To Mlcfllgan r-armers- I 7U7- June 1, 1969 FARM BUREAU PRESIDENTS-State and American, ioin in a A REGULARMEETING-of the Michigan Farm Bureau board Golden Anniversary discussion of how best to serve farm.ers, of directors was the occasion, with Shuman congratulating the now and in the next 50 years. Charles B. Shuman (left) Presi- board on "a high degree of militancy" in solving farm prob- dent of the American Farm Bureau Federation and Elton R. lems. Both the Michigan and American Farm Bureaus were Smith, President of the Michigan Farm Bureau, review progress organized in 1919 - both plan anniversary celebrations. in serving member-families \\Farm Bureau's reason to exist." - Vern M. Bullen Photo Presidenfs Battle Creek TORNADOI In The Service Discussion ON THE INSIDE: Column Page 2 Open House Page 3 A Look Back Page 5 Of The Fanner Pages 6-7 Topic Page 14 MICHIGAN FARM NEWS TWO June 1, 1969 Editorial j^sirient's Column SUPER- INVITATION! market struggle There is a "silver" plated shovel hanging on the wall of my office to remind me how it was on a windy day a little over a year ago that we Recent word that Jewish people ore now broke ground for Farm Bureau Services new boycotting grocery stores handling Arab dates, feed plant. underscores the silliness of turning supermarkets Now, June 25 will be a red-letter day in co- into courts of arbitration. operative history for Michigan farmers as the finished plant is opened on that day for public ^ * The slogan "Slavery is illegal, don't buy inspection. California Grapes" as used by the United Farm- Located just off 1-94 at the Climax exchange workers Organizing Committee in Michigan west of Battle Creek, the plant has been over rallies, underscores the lengths to which the a year in the building and more than twice that AFL-CIO will go in clouding their grab for long in planning. Its location was determined power behind the cloak of emotionalism. by scientific, computerized studies conducted through the department of Agricultural Eco- ^ ^ Intense interest shown in promoting the nomics at Michigan State University. grape boycott by the U. S. Communist Party, Those studies pointed to a spot in the Battle the W.E. B. DuBois Clubs, the Students for a Creek area as a prime location for such a plant Democratic Society, the Progressive Labor in terms of raw materials available, the use of Party, the Vietnam Day Committee, the Black these materials within the area and elsewhere Panthers and the Brown Berets, underscores the when they had been manufactured into feed fact that the boycott is a political power play of decided benefit to the "New Left." formulas, and other such factors. It was hard to visualize at that time how in- stead of growing corn, the chosen field-site "My store contains thousands of grocery and other items," explains a Michigan supermarket "HOW COME YA' STAY AROUND THE FARM ALL DAY would one day be a great gathering place for chain operator. "I can't allow pressure groups many types of locally grown grains to be pro- to dictate what I can, or cannot sell in order to UNCLE CHARLIE? DONT YA' EVER cessed into a long list of special feeds for live- further their ends. Why, somebody could be HAVE TO GO TO WORK?" stock use. picketing in front of my store all of the time . . ." Now that day is fast approaching — with the Smart man — he figured it out. Stores which new plant, costing well over a million dollars, have given in under grape boycott pressures COVER STORY soon to be completed. Important as it will be have found their problems do not end there. in supplying the kinds of feeds we need at highly Lack of spine on one issue opens the door for more of the same. dramatic turn-around! competitive prices, a greater importance lies in the fact that working together, Michigan Here is a current list of some products upon Charles B. Shuman, Illinois farmer, internationally- farmers caused it to be built. which labor unions have officially called for known farm leader and president of the American Farm Michigan farmers own the new plant, just public boycott . . . Bureau Federation, was a guest of the Michigan Farm as they own nearly a dozen other important Food Items — meat products of the brands Bureau board of directors at a recent regular session. production and distribution facilities over the "Reelfoot," "Frosty Morn" and "Valleydale;" He commended the board and the Michigan Farm Bu- state. They financed it through their investment flour and cornmeal of the "Pioneer Products reau in general and for membership accomplishments — in Farm Bureau Services interest-bearing de- brand; all California grapes and "Comet" rice. which he described as a "dramatic turnaround." bentures, and their continued interest and sup- Cigarettes — of these brands: Camel, Winston, "You folks in Michigan have proven that you have solid port can be depended upon to make it a success. Salem, Tempo, Brandon and Cavalier. Liquors confidence in your future as a farm organization within Michigan cooperatives have a long history of — these brands: Cabin Still, Old Fitzgerald, the agriculture of this state. The degree of "health' of a serving the needs of Michigan farmers and Old Elk and W. L. Weller. Clothing — these state Farm Bureau is best shown by its degree of concern Farm Bureau Services has long been a leader brands and companies: Richman Brothers, for member-services and by its lack of factionalism. If among them. For many years Farm Bureau Boss gloves; Siegel (H.I.S. Brand) suits and you have an organizational sickness, it is most apt to show Services was joint-owner along with Illinois jackets, Kaynee boys wear; Judy Bond blouses; within the board of directors and in how they react. and Indiana Farm Bureau supply cooperatives, Hanes knitwear; Randa ties, Sewell suits; Wing "As you know, Michigan was the number-five state in of a feed mill at Hammond, Indiana. shirts, Metro pants; hosiery — Fruit of the the nation to make membership quota and we are all In its day, the mill was a good one, and the Loom, Esquire, Phoenix, Sapphire, Supp-hose, proud of you . . ." Shuman said. feeds it formulated were the best answer we Mojud and Bachelor Girl; shoes — Genesco In informal conversation with the board and members Michigan farmers had for our livestock needs. work shoes, Sentry, Cedar Chest and Staler, Jar- of the Michigan Farm Bureau staff, Shuman underlined But the location of the mill was a disadvantage, man, Johnson and Murphy and Crestworth. the reasons for Farm Bureau's existance as an organization. and Services' management knew that there were Also listed for public boycott by decree of "Our only justification for being around," he said, "is to savings to be made through shortening the labor unions are: Gypsum wallboard by the be of service to Farm Bureau families. Mind you — not supply line. American Gypsum Company, Jamestown, Ster- just farm families — but Farm Bureau families. To prop- Just like on the farm, labor costs keep rising ling, White and Economy furniture, World erly account for the tremendous resources in time and and good hired men are harder to find every Book and Childcraft books by Kingsport Press; money spent, we must serve Farm Bureau families first year. One answer is to use automation in place Baltimore brands of luggage, Atlantic sport at all times, realizing that whatever legislation we succes- of manpower. A further advantage is tied to products and toys by Fisher and by Price. sfully promote will be not only good for our members, the extremely close tolerances built into the new but for all farm families as well . . ." Obviously any general store manager who machines. For example, the Food and Drug The American Farm Bureau president made it plain people are more exacting each year in their begins to play the union game of helping the that farmers gain every time they take a stand on issues public decide what it may or may not buy — is requirements for the handling of various anti- of importance to them. "We do not gain by sitting on the biotic and hormone supplements. Our new going to be a busy man. Especially so, if labor fence on any such issue. I am reminded of something unions decide to enforce their boycott demands machines at Battle Creek will more than fill Mrs. Harry Truman is reported to have said to her then- the bill in accurate measurement and mixing. by customer intimidation and harassment. president husband: 'If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen' . . ." Shuman said. However, automation can't do everything — 'The boycott receives large financial support in fact it can't even do the most important from the AFL-CIO and from grants from tax- thing of all — make value-judgements. Man- free foundations. Personnel is mustered from agement must do that, and in Paul Mullineaux, New Left groups with whom Chavez (organizer we have a top man to direct operations. Paul Cesar Cravez) a disciple of the self-proclaimed revolutionary Saul Alinsky, actively cooperates. M I C H I G A N jfcFARM NEWS has many valuable years of feed-production ex- T H E ACTION P U B L I C A T I O N O F THE M I C H I G A N F A R M B U R E A U perience and a life-time of farm-related back- Some activist ministers have lent responsibility ground. At one time he farmed in Missouri, and The MICHIGAN FARM NEWS is DIRECTORS: District 1, Harry to the movement," reads portions of a para- published monthly, on the first day, Nye, St. Joseph, R-l; District 2, Nich- he managed a feed plant in Indiana for the past by the Michigan Farm Bureau, at its olas Smith, Addison, R-l; District 3, graph in a leaflet printed by the "Consumer's publication office at 109 N. Lafayette Andrew Jackson, Howell, R-l; Dis- 16 years. Rights Committee" headed by state Senator Street, Greenville, Michigan. Editorial and general offices at 4000 trict 4, Elton R. Smith, Caledonia, R-l; You'll want to meet him and the rest of Farm Lorraine Beebe. Titled "Violence at the super- North Grand River Avenue, Lansing, District 5, David Morris, Grand Ledge, Michigan 48004. Post Office Box 960. R-3; District 6, Jack Laurie, Cass City, Bureau Services' management, production and market" with a subtitle "Why the grape boycott Telephone, Lansing 485-8121, Exten- R-3; District 7, Kenneth Bull, Bailey, sales team in person. sion 317. Subscription price, 50^ per R-l; District 8, Harvey Leuenberger, must be ended" — a copy of the leaflet and a year. Saginaw. R-6; District 9, Eugene Rob- boycott fact sheet is being mailed all Farm Established January 12, 1923. Sec- erts. Lake City, R-l; District 10, You are invited on June 25 to attend the ond Class Postage paid at Greenville, Richard Wieland, Ellsworth, R-l; Dis- Open House for the new plant, take part in the Bureau members in the state of Michigan. Michigan. trict 11, Clayton Ford, Cornell. Enclosed is a pledge-card offering support to EDITORIAL: Editor, Melvin L. tours, enjoy a noon-time meal and the program Woell; Associate Editor, Vera M. Bul- the Consumer's Rights Committee in fighting len; Advertising Manager, Carl P. DIRECTORS AT LARGE: Walter Frahm, Frankenmuth; Dean Pridgeon, which follows. Program details are printed Kentner. Montgomery, R-l; Calvin Lutz, Kaleva. elsewhere in this issue of the FARM NEWS — the boycott and assuring a free flow of food to OFFICERS: Michigan Farm Bu- the American public. reau; President, Elton R. Smith, Cale- WOMEN OF FARM BUREAU: Mrs. so I won't repeat them here, but I do join donia, R - l ; Vice President, Dean Jerold Tooliff, Eaton Rapids, R-l; When you get your material, be sure to sign Pridgeon, Montgomery, R-l; Secretary- FARM BUREAU YOUNG FARMERS: Services' Executive Vice President Bill Guthrie, Manager, Dan E. Reed, Lansing. Lawrence Karsten, Rogers City. the card and return it at once to register your and Plant Manager Paul Mullineaux in extend- protest against the unfair actions of the Farm- POSTMASTER: In using form 3579, mail to: Michigan Farm News, 4000 N. ing a personal invitation. Grand River, Lansing, Michigan 48904 workers union. w , . T _,. f l Second class postage paid at Greenville, Michigan We hope to see you there. Melvin L. Woell Elton Smith MICHIGAN FARM NEWS June 1, 1969 THREE Citizenship Seminar Services OPEN HOUSE at Battle C r e e k ! ...a deep concern Michigan Farmers are proud owners of a new and important one exhibit of which will deal with \ h e 50th anniversary cele- thousand persons expected, in- cluding carloads from local co- u l t r a - m o d e r n feed p r o c e s s i n g bration of the organization to take operatives and from Community plant, which will be "unveiled" place this fall on the campus of Farm Bureau Groups. to the public, June 25 near Battle Michigan State University where Featured on the dedication pro- Creek. Farm Bureau first began, a half- gram will be remarks by Farm Fanners are especially invited century ago. Bureau Services president Elton to the Open House program and Farm Bureau's wheat program, Smith, and an address by Con- ceremonies which will provide a conducted in cooperation with gressman Garry Brown. William fair-like atmosphere through an the Michigan Elevator Exchange Guthrie, Executive Vice President estimated 100 commercial and Division of Farm Bureau Serv- and General Manager of Farm educational exhibits. ices will occupy another booth Bureau Services will act as master Formal booth areas will fill a area. Adding to the carnival at- of ceremonies. special display tent erected on mosphere will be thousands of the site with exhibits to include Drawings will be held through- golden colored balloons, com- feed and related products and memorating the 50th anniversary. out the day for a long list of machines. valuable prizes. Conducted tours The Michigan Farm Bureau A noon-time luncheon will be will begin at 9:00 and continue SEMINAR C O U N S E L O R S — K a t h y Geiger and Harry Wilson. will be located in several areas, served to the public, with several through the afternoon. Nearly 200 youth, representing t o p junior and senior high school students in Michigan, will participate in Michigan F a r m Bureau's annual Young People's Citizenship Seminar at Central Michigan University, July 21-25. Purpose of the Seminar is to instill t h e d e e p concern Michigan F a r m Bureau has for the strengthening of the free enterprise system; to reaffirm each citizen's responsibility to their country a n d to offer constructive aids to improve the American w a y of life. Keynote speakers for this five day seminar include D r . Clifton C a n u s , D r . John F u r b a y , American F a r m Bureau's Kenneth C h e a t h a m , D . H a l e Brake and National Football L e a g u e official Art Hoist. t Directors of the Citizenship Seminar have b e e n informed that the 1968 program has received a F r e e d o m Foundation Award. Directors for the 1969 Seminar are D a l e Sherwin, H e l e n R. At- wood, V e r n M. Bullen and David Cook. Twelve senior counselors a n d t w o junior counselors will conduct t h e Seminar. T h r e e students (and a stand-by fourth applicant) will b e ac- c e p t e d to a t t e n d t h e Seminar following submission of their applications b y their County Citizenship committee. June 15 is t h e final date for applications t o b e r e t u r n e d to D a l e Sherwin, Legislative Counsel, Michigan F a r m Bureau. T h e t w o junior counselors chosen to work with fellow stu- dents at this year's seminar are K a t h y Geiger, the d a u g h t e r of M r . a n d Mrs. Carl Geiger, Smyrna, a n d H a r r y Wilson, the son of Mrs. M a b e l Wilson, Holt. Kathy is a senior at Belding high school, an honor student a n d has b e e n active in academic a n d athletic events through- out h e r high school career. She has b e e n at Girl's State at the FARM LABOR COMMITTEE MEMBERS — chat with Jack Angell (left) newly appointed Communi- University of Michigan a n d also a t t e n d e d the Michigan F a r m cations Director for f a r m labor activities with the American Farm Bureau. Angell had recently Bureau Seminar last year. She has b e e n accepted as a student returned from a fact-finding tour of California vineyards, a n d reported to the committee that at t h e University of Michigan and will begin classes there workers are not on "strike" and strongly oppose union efforts to organize them. Angell chats this fall. with MFB board member, Harry Nye, (center) and Louie Smith, committee member. H a r r y is a m e m b e r of the Holt high school Student Council a n d served as council vice president. H e has played varsity NATIONAL CAR RENTAL basketball for four years, baseball for t w o years a n d is a mem- b e r of t h e school choir. Harry has also b e e n prominent in many school activities a n d is a m e m b e r of t h e Greater Lansing Youth Council. H e represented I n g h a m county at the Boy's State in OFFERS DISCOUNT TO FARM BUREAU MEMBERS VACATION! A choice of nine "Heritage" TOURS ANNOUNCED SCANDINAVIA: — September 8 1968 and also a t t e n d e d Michigan F a r m Bureau's Citizenship tours has been a n n o u n c e d by Is there a possibility that you Hoosier Travel Service — open See Norway, Sweden, Finland Seminar last year. H e plans a P r e - M e d course at W e s t e r n Mich- might do some vacation sight- to Michigan Farm Bureau mem- and Denmark in the fall . . . igan University. seeing by rent-a-car? Such tem- bers and friends . . . beginning most necessary expenses in- porary transportation is near-per- with: cluded in tour cost. fect for special side-trips or other That Grape Boycott unscheduled events. Michigan Farm Bureau mem- THE O R I E N T : — J u n e 12 One month tour . . . Japan, HAWAII: — Oct. 14 Two weeks duration bers are offered an unusual 1 0 % . . . visit four islands. Hotels, Korea, Formosa, Hong Kong, Reprinted from the G r a n d Rapids Press rent-a-car discount through an ar- sightseeing, tips i n c l u d e d in Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, rangement between Farm Bureau tour cost. Early reservations and the Philippines. The California grape boycott which has flared here and in and the National Car Rental Sys- necessary other Michigan cities, as well as in many other states, is a bold tem, Incorporated. THE NORTHWEST: — June 30- CALIFORNIA CRUISE:-Oct. 28 attempt by a union — the United Farm Workers Organizing The third largest of the nation- July 12 Air to Los Angeles, bus up the Committee — to use retailers and consumers for its own ends. wide firms, National has offices Rail tour . . . pullman or coach. Pacific Coast and a slow boat Those ends are to organize California grape workers, the great in most major cities and airports. See the Glacier National Park; back to Los Angeles. Early majority of w h o m apparently w a n t n o part of the U F W O C or It offers all modes of American to Seattle by ship and on to reservations are necessary. the left-wing groups that are aiding t h e union. cars including full-sized and com- Victoria and Vancouver. pact vehicles. T h e U F W O C ' s membership p r o b a b l y represents less than SOUTH PACIFIC:—Nov. 1 3 per cent of all California farm workers. Wages paid California Adding appeal (especially for EUROPE:—August 5 An ideal time to visit the Is- grape pickers — at last report $2.32 an hour — are relatively most w o m e n ) are S&H Green A 3 week tour of Europe . . . lands of the South Pacific in- high for farm workers. There is nothing to stop them from Stamps given with car-rental pay- visit nine countries plus the Is- cluding Pago Pago . . . Bora ments. joining any union if they wish. The U F W O C is using virtually land of Majorca. Bora . . . Tahiti and Samoa. every k n o w n tactic to enroll them. I n some instances it has "The service is excellent, I've signed contracts w i t h producers covering their workers without already had occasion to use it" CANADIAN ROCKIES:—Aug. 9 giving t h e workers a chance to vote o n w h e t h e r they w a n t to — reports Larry Ewing, Mana- All the way to the West Coast For further information regarding ger of Mich. Farm Bureau's Field and into the Canadian Rockies these tours and others not listed, belong to the U F W O C . Strikes, m a n y of them marked by Services Division. by bus and train and then by please contact: violence a n d conducted in large part b y persons having nothing to do with the g r a p e industry, have h a d a disruptive effect, b u t Members planning trips should ship to the Island of Victoria. they haven't stampeded the workers into the union. pre-sign both their Farm Bureau Information Division, m e m b e r s h i p and National Car MEXICO:—Aug. 17 It is the very failure of the UFWOC's organizational effort Rental Cards (recently mailed to Michigan Farm Bureau, that has led the union to attempt to put pressure on grape pro- all 1969 m e m b e r s ) a n d p l a c e Ten day tour via jet-air, hotels, 4000 N. Grand River Ave. sightseeing and some meals. Lansing, Michigan 48904 ducers by persuading sympathizers to picket retail stores and them together for possible use on Under $500. Phone — 5 1 7 485-8121 by fostering consumer boycotts around the country. any trip, Ewing advises. \ June 1, 1969 MICHIGAN FARM NEWS FOUR A dedication to progress... . . .And you're Invited! You are cordially invited to attend our dedication ceremonies and inspect the new facilities of our Battle Creek feed mill June 25, 1969; from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. This million dollar 40,000 ton capacity feed plant is so completely automated that drugs, medicants and additives can be mixed thoroughly into large quantities of feed down to fractions of an ounce per hundred pounds. It has 20 bulk load-out bins. • TOURS 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. • LUNCH 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. • DEDICATION CEREMONIES 1 p.m. • SPEAKER: The Honorable Garry Brown United States House of Representatives • FAVORS • DOOR PRIZES • 2 GRAND PRIZES This plant site was computer selected by Michigan State University as the best location to effectively serve the needs of South and West Michigan farmers. Our other feed plant, a 30,000 ton capacity facility at Zilwaukee, serves the other half of the State. OPEN HOUSE June 25, 1969 * PARK at the Kellogg Regional Airport, west side of Battle Creek, Business Route 1-94 at 28th Street. Shuttle buses FfI~m will take you to and from the mill. 4000 N. GRAND RIVER AVENUE LANSING, MICHIGAN MICHIGAN FARM NEWS June 1,1969 FIVE APRIL 11,1965 400-mile vvinds bring ... Death and Destruction! During the past 20 years, Michigan residents have experi- enced an average of seven tornadoes annually. Insurance ex- TRAGIC SCENES perts estimate financial losses from the storms average $3 mil- Silos were toppled. A calf, hip lion each year .. crushed, limped through a barn- The year 1965, however, was not average. The Palm Sunday yard now relegated to a junk yard. tornadoes of a little more than four years ago created paths of Featherless chickens searched the death and destruction that will not heal or be forgotten for years rubble for feed. Machinery lay to come. Deaths numbered 50. More than 700 were injured. tangled in a mass of steel. Another home had been lifted WILD WINDS SMASH sustaining the storm's greatest and turned on its foundation fury. leaving the interior a wasteland Approximately 2,000 homes The tornadoes struck during of glass, plaster, dishes, food were destroyed or damaged and the evening of Sunday, April 11, clothing, broken furniture - and it was impossible to measure the the night masking unthinkable de- water from the rain which fol- loss of personal property and struction. With the dawn of April lowed the storm. farm buildings. 12, force of the wind became Slivers of wood, sheets of tin OTTAWA COUNTY - residents bore a lion's share of the tor- Winds ranging up to 400 miles painfully apparent. This house roofing and debris of every imag- nadoes' destruction. This farmowner was milking as winds an hour raced through portions was gone - completely vanished. inable description littered the whipped through the area. Outbuildings \oy in weird stacks of western, central and southern That house lay in a crazy heap fields. As one farmer put it, concealing crushed vehicles. Somehow, the house was spared. Michigan, the last area probably near the bam foundation. "'Vhat do you do with 20 acres of wheat when there are sticks of wood driven into the ground ev- TORNADOES what to do There is no guaranteed protection against tornadoes ex- ery few feet?" AFTERMATH- cept caves or underground excavations. When you receive It added up to a $23 million a tornado warning and time permits, go to a tornado cellar, loss for Michigan. cave, or underground excavation. -It must, however, have Mter the dust had cleared - neighbors, friends and, often, an air outlet to help equalize the air pressure and should strangers, pitched in to lend a be kept fit for use, free from water, gas, or debris; and helping hand. preferably equipped with pick and shovel. Local Farm Bureau members If you are in open country move at right angles to the and those from neighboring tornado's path. Tornadoes usually move ahead at about counties poured into the stricken 25 to 40 miles per hour. If there is not time to escape, lie areas armed with chain saws and flat in the nearest depression, such as a ditch or ravine. other tools necessary for "clean- H you are in a city or town, seek inside shelter, prefer- ing up." Teenagers removed and ably in a strongly-reinforced building. STAY A ''AI AY burned debris. Neighbors fur- FROM WINDOWS! In homes, the southwest corner of nished food and shelter. the basement usually offers greatest safety, particularly NEEDS" QUICKLY MET REPAIRS STARTED- almost before the tornadoes' dust had in frame houses. People in houses without basements cleared. An Allegan county farmer and his Farm Bureau In- Farm Bureau Insurance repre- should find other shelter, preferably in a storm cellar, al- sentatives responded to the need surance Group representative inspect repair work which was though a depression, such as a ditch or ravine, can offer with immediate claim service and started the day after the storm. The family's losses included some protection. Doors and windows on the north and financial aid. Agents gave all pos- a barn with a recently finished additiOh. east sides of the house may be opened to help reduce sible assistance in initiating set- damage to the building. tlement of claims, including a Mobile homes are particularly vulnerable to over-turn- personal survey of tornado areas ing during strong winds, and these residents should seek to ascertain damage to the prop- other shelter. erty of Farm Bureau insureds - in some cases, even before the In schools, if the building is of reinforced construction, county office had been notified stay inside, away from windows, and remain near an inside of the loss. Adjusters worked wall on the lower floors when possible. AVOID AUDI- night and day, making "on-the- TORIUMS AND GYMNASIUMS with large, poorly-sup- spot" settlements where possible. ported roofs! In rural schools that do not have reinforced All affected Farm Bureau in- construction, remove children and teachers to a ravine or sureds were offered cash to meet ditch if a storm shelter is not available. immediate needs. Above all, keep calm! It will not help to get excited. All Farm Bureau Insurance According to the Michigan Civil Defense Division, people claims were handled by the Com- panies' own Agents and Adjusters. have been killed by running into streets and by turning Additional adjusters were brought into the path of a tornado. Keep tuned to your radio or in on a temporary basis from television station for latest tornado advisory information. other parts of the state, and re- Do not call the Weather Bureau, except to report a tor- pairs, in some cases, were begun nado. Your individual request may tie up telephone lines the day after the storm. If a de- urgently needed to receive special reports or to relay ad- lay was contemplated, temporary A HElPING HAND - was extended willingly to those families visories to radio and television stations. measures were taken to protect suffering tornado losses. Members from Eaton county stop at Remember, "Tornado '\latch" means tornadoes are ex- property from water damage. the Hillsdale county Farm Bureau office for directions to the pected to develop. "Tornado 'Varning" means a funnel has Farm Bureau Insurance Group farm of a member whose property was bady damaged by the paid well over $1 million to pol- storm. One week later, most of the litter in hard-hit areas. actually been sighted. icyholders for tornado losses. had been removed. SIX June 1, 1969 MICHIGAN FARM NEWS • One day in the spring of 1923, the Governor's secretary, Major Hezekiah N. Duff, tele- phoned me to come to the Gov- ern or's office. This was the first call from Governor Alex- ander J. Groesbeck in the two years that I had been secretary of the Michigan State Farm Bureau. The reason for the call was obvious. The Bureau was urging the Legislature to enact a gas tax; the Governor opposed the tax. Roads were then financed by taxing adjoining properties. Under the Covert Road Act of 1915, "adjoining" properties in- CLARK L. BRODY eluded those as much as two miles back from a road. A property could therefore be taxed simultaneously for each of several roads built in its vicinity. It was common for farmers to be delinquent in paying road taxes; many were near confiscation. The farmer wondered what he got for his taxes, for the gravel roads of that day deteriorated quickly. I recall driving over worn out roads on which "ad- joining" farms had three to five years' assessment still to pay. Automobile traffic necessitated new and better roads. In 1919 the Legislature voted a $50 million bond issue to build high- ways. It was obviously unjust to worsen the desperate plight of the farmer by taxing him under the Covert Road Act for roads In earlier installments of the book \\In the Service of the Farmer" -the late Clark Brody de- scribed boyhood times in St. Joseph county, Michigan. The chapters were a sensitively- that would mainly benefit the city people, who owned most done recollection of what life was like at the turn of the century in rural Michigan. In this of the cars. Farmers felt those who used the roads should pay month's excerpts, Brody moves from his experiences on the farm and as one of the pioneer for them. Accordingly, county delegates instructed the Bureau county agents, to a recounting of the adual organizing C?fFarm Bureau - and the begin- to work for a gasoline tax. ning of an association which was not to end for him until nearly 40 years later. By 1923 Governor Groesbeck dominated the state. He dic- (In the Service of the Farmer - Copyright 1959 by MSU Press. Excerpts reprinted by per- tated law to the legislature and policy to state agencies. His mission) power was seldom opposed. He had appointed me to the State Board of Agriculture soon after I became secretary of the THE COUNTY AGENT On February 4, 1919, the coun- agricultural problems of state or ty agents and farmers from fifty- national scope.") Michigan State Farm Bureau. The public then had been ap- All during World War I, the seven county Farm Bureaus met Membership dues would be prehensive that the Bureau was comprised of "radicals"; officers American farmer became increas- in the lecture room of the Horti- $50 a year for each county Farm ingly unhappy with his economic of the Bureau were not then readily taken in as members by cultural Building at Michigan Ag- Bureau, and individual farmers plight. Not only did he not fare civic organizations. My appointment to the State Board of Agri- ricultural College. There ensued would pay nominal dues of fifty as well as industry, but the dis- culture had given important recognition to the Bureau, and I a lengthy, bitter discussion on the cents or one dollar. The state parity between incomes had wid- ways and the extent to which Bureau was to have a president, was grateful to the Governor for it. But Governor Groesbeck ened even further. Commodity the Michigan farmer was being vice-president, 2nd vice-president, doubtless assumed he had put the Bureau and me under political organizations had lobbied assidu- exploited. The government had treasurer, and secretary. ously during the war in the na- obligations, that therefore he could dominate us as he did state made postwar settlements with tional capital (and in state capi- agencies, even if it meant working against our own interests. industry, but not with farmers. FIRST OFFICERS tals as well) to improve inarketing The upstart Farm Bureau was to be made to toe the line. Moreover, at that moment, price~ outlets, but the government had The first slate of officers of farm products. had declined, kept farm prices down through were: Roland Morrill, a Several people were waiting to see the Governor when I controls. By 1919 county Farm but the cost of many farm sup- plies remained high. The fanner froit grower from Berrien walked into the office. Nevertheless, Major Duff ushered me Bureaus in some states had begun county, President; Ray G. obviously had to organize if he right into a conference room. The ~1ajor said the Governor to federate to gain strength. Potts, a dairyman from Ma- were to stay on the fann, but would see me as soon as he could break away from a meeting In 1917, Dr. Eben Mumford,' how could he organize effectively? comb county, Vice Presi- with a joint committee of the Senate and the House, and then State County Agent Leader in dent; F. M. Vandenboom, Dr. Mumford, encouraged by he left me on .my own. I did not relish the coming interview. I Michigan, began to hold annual Dr. Frank Kedzie, President of a general farmer from Mar- . queUe county, Second Vice tried to settle myself by reasoning that the Governor, after all, conferences for county agents. MAC, and by Dean of Agricul- President; Fred Van Nors- The conferences were concerned ture Robert S. Shaw, suggested had to put on his trousers one leg at a time, just as I did. But dalI, an apple grower from with the training of agents, with that the county Farm Bure.aus be I was in awe of him; there was no getting around it. I stood education in disease and pest con- St. Joseph county, Treas- united under a state-wide Farm waiting for him at the end of a long, shiny conference table. trol, and with intercounty proj- Bureau. - (According to Article II urer - and Charles Bing- ects such as drainage. The first of the by-laws, "the object of this ham, a fruit grower from The Governor was fairly ablaze as he swept through the door. Oakland county, Secretary. two conferences also dealt with organization shall be to encour- He ordered me to sit down. For half an hour I received a verbal problems connected with the war age, aid, and correlate the efforts The secretary would manage barrage, the intensity of which Alexander Croesbeck alone was - draft defennent, crop and live- of the county Farm Bureaus, to the Bureau and would be the capable. He declared that the Legislature would never pass a stock production, and the pro- provide ways and means for con- only salaried officer. He was to gas tax. I stated that the gas tax was favored by a strong ma- curement of farm supplies. certed action. in the solution of receive $2,500 a year. The other jority of the legislators. ''Then,'' he roared, "I will veto 'any gas tax they pass." So it went. He would pause in his tirade to see what effect all this was having on me, and I would again men- tion the necessity for a gas tax. Paradoxically, I gained some composure under his first blasts, and my awe of him waned. Eventually my hackles rose and I became less and less of a mind to be dissuaded. My voice ,grew to the pitch and volume of his. Sparks flashed from both directions. Neither of us gave ground. The legislature passed a gas tax that session by a good ma- jority. Governor Groesbeck, of course, vetoed it, and with a vengeance. The Bureau then stepped up the intensity of its campaign for a gas tax. Meanwhile automobiles increased and more and more improved and hard surfaced roads were needed. There simply were not enough farms to be taxed to meet the expense of building all the new roads. Two years later Gov- ernor Groesbeck saw the light and led the fight himseU for enactment of a two cent gas tax. So much for the initial major effort of the Michigan State Farm Bureau. But pioneering leaves one with indelible memo- ries; the passing years do not dim, let alone erase them. Most of my associates who fought the good fight by my side in the early days of the Bureau have now passed away, but their work stands them in good stead. Let this book be a testimony to them. n MrCHrGAN FARM NEWS SEVEN HONORE.D AT RETIREMENT- is long-time Michigan Farm Bureau Secretary-Manager, Clark L. Bro~y, F?'ctured a~ h~ often appeared in official capacity, before the delegate body in official s~sslon .In the aud'to~'~m of Michigan State University. He retired in 1952 as Secretary but con- tinued In a new position of Executive Vice President until his 80th birthday in 1959. officers would rule on policy and voice was moderately pitched or- the Bureau. Banks generally did would have administrative con- dinarily, but he could command not regard the notes as satisfactory trol over the secretary. They an extraordinary range of pitch collateral for loans, however, and were to receive ten dollars per and volume. I did not know Bing- the farmer either borrowed $50 diem for attending board meet- ham until he became secretary, from his bank or advanced it out ings. An executive board would so it may be that the authority of hand to the Bureau. All loan- be composed of the officers and with which he spoke he inherited ers were fully reimbursed in little the heads of the departments of at least in part just from being more than a year. crops, soils, fruits and vegetables, secretary. But I do know that on livestock, dairying, buying and a platform, or indeed in a casual AMERICAN FARM selling, farm management, boys conversation on a sidewalk, his BUREAU IS BORN and girls clubs, home economics, audience, struck by the honesty ,and publicity. As the names of and sincerity of his countenance The officers and the executive the departments indicate, a major and the controlled intensity of board of the Michigan State function of the Michigan State his voice, paid attention to what Farm Bureau were convinced that Farm Bureau was to be educa- he said, and that he transferred their organization would gain tional. some of the emotion penned up strength if relations with similar movements in other states were ROLAND MORRILL CHARLES BINGHAM It was, of course, naive to as- in him to them. established. Indeed, much might First President, First Secretary, sume that so loosely associated Bingham soon persuaded the Michigan Farm Bureau be learned through association Michigan Farm Bureau and so poorly funded an enter- Executive Committee that the prise as the Michigan State Farm functions of the Bureau should with other state Bureaus that had been in existence for some time. county agents led to a special salary was raised to $7,500. At Bureau could effectively alter the include operations other than ed- welfare of the farmer for...the bet- Accordingly, on February 12, one meeting of county Farm Bureau Bingham's suggestion, the articles ucational ones. By March 6, a week after they had been elected delegates on August 5, 1919, at and by-laws of the Bureau were ter, that such an organization month after Bingham had taken to office, Vice-President Ray G. Grand Rapids. Bingham pled for revised, authorizing the Bureau could hope to acoomplish much office, the Executive Committee Potts and Bingham attended a a membership fee large enough to widen the scope of its activity: more than county Farm Bureaus issued a statement that: meeting of Farm Bureau repre- to permit the Michigan State separately. No one recognized .... namely: buying and ''Its (the Bureau's) pur- sentatives from twelve states at Farm Bureau to finance its oper- this more readily than the officers selling merchandise, farm poses are to unite under a Ithaca, New York. There plans ations on a level where it could and executive board of the Bu- machinery, fertilizer, stock definite head all other farm were laid for creating a national hold its own with the organiza- reau. But a start toward organ- feeds, livestock or any other organizations. The Farm federation of state Farm Bureaus. tions of other industries. The izing the farmers on a state-wide farm product, whatsoever, Bureau should not be con- In June, Bingham and the sec- dissenters were listened to re- basis had been made, and that operating storage ware- sidered just another farm- retaries from the Farm Bureaus spectfully, but ignored. It was was what mattered. And circum- houses, elevators, creamer- ers' organization added to of Iowa, Indiana, and Illinois met finally agreed that the member- stance or just plain good fortune ies or mills, canning, pre- the list but as THE ONE with Assistant Secretary of Agri- ship fee would be $10.00 per put in the key position of secre- serving, pickling, evaporat- which ... may assist all culture G. 1. Christie, who wanted year; $5 was to go to the county tary a man who had the vision of ing, dehydrating or other- others to better accomplish to bring the United State Depart- Farm Bureau, $4.50 to the Mich- what the Bureau might become, wise converting or manu- their purposes .. ." ment of Agriculture in closer igan State Farm Bureau, and $.50 the determination to engage the facturing farm fruits, grains, touch with farmers generally. In to the American Farm Bureau support of farmers, and the en- vegetables, or any other A PATTERN SHAPES September, Charles B. Scully, an Federation. The three levels of ergy to carry out the mission. kind of farm products what- active member of the Michigan farm organizations would thus be The astounding implications of soever; securing better re- State Bureau and a politician of tied together; each farmer would SECRETARY BINGHAM this statement were for the time sults in grading, packing, wide acquaintanceship in ''''ash- be asked to sign for three years, overlooked by the Grange, the marketing, and advertising Charles A. Bingham was in his ington, was delegated by the using three checks, two of them Gleaners, and other farmers' or- the products of members; forties when elected Secretary of Executive Committee to attend a postdated. ganizations. But it soon became renting, buying, building, the Michigan State Farm Bu- conference of the National Board clear that Bingham intended to owning, selling and control- reau. Except for the active role of Farm Organization in Washing- FIRST CAMPAIGN render all other associations sub- ling such buildings, equip- he had played at the conference ton, at which amendments to the ment and other real and of county agents in February, ordinate to the Michigan State The most successful solicitors Farm Bureau. Nevertheless, he Sherman Antitrust Act for the were rural people, it need hardly personal property as may be 1919, there would not seem to right to organize farmer coopera- now had their support. be said, who knew the farmer and deemed necessary in the have been much to recommend tives were proposed. Bingham conduct of the affairs of him for the position. Bingham To establish and operate the his problems and could talk to b~siness and legislative services in September attended a confer- him in his own terms. A local this association ... at actual had been a moderately successful ence of the state Farm Bureaus that Bingham now planned to farmer traveled with each solicitor cost to this association.... fruit farmer, but he was not well in Indianapolis, the purpose of known outside his own commu- initiate, the Bureau needed funds to introduce him. During the which was to elect a committee Bingham's ambitious scheme nity. His closest friends spoke of way beyond those that the $50 first week of the campaign, al- to consult with President Wood- for expansion soon became evi- him as a substantial, aggressive a year dues from county Farm most 2,000 farmers signed three row Wilson about better repre- dent. All operations were to be person. Bingham had made them Bureaus would provide. There- postdated $10 checks and be- sentation of farmers on the financed from membership dues, aware of his dissatisfaction with fore, the Executive Committee came members of the Oakland National Industrial Committee. which were pouring in. Appar- farm condition, but then almost authorized Bingham to raise a County Farm Bureau, the Mich- The Bureau gained "recognition ently there was no thought given every other farmer in the state guarantee fund by way of notes igan State Farm Bureau, and the and support among Michigan to how soon departments should had voiced similar views. What solicited from farmers. The form American Farm Bureau Feder- farmers from these activities. become self-supporting. would distinguish Bingham from of the note ran,- ation. the other farmers, however, was The success of the campaign "At call I promise to pay MEMBERSHIP the intensity with which he held brought requests for solicitors to NEXT MONTH: Troubled to Michigan State Farm Bu- AND MONEY canvass Barry and Allegan Coun-. Times for the fledging Bureau his views, the measure to which reau, a Michigan corpor- he would devote himself to a Meanwhile, a primary concern ties, and then the demand for ation, the sum of Fifty Dol- cause he believed in, and his of the Michigan State Farm Bu- solicitors from county agents all lars ($50.00) without inter- hitherto dormant abilities to or- reau was the building up of its over the state mounted rapidly. ganize, promote, and develop a program. est. This obligation is made with the full understanding that this note is to be used membership. In July, 1919, Bing- ham proposed to county agents Enough membership dues were coming in to finance campaigns Help! Bingham stood about 5' 10", that farmers be asked to pay a in other counties. At the second NEEDED: for inclusion in as collateral for the purpose future issues of the FARM sturdily but tidily constructed. His substantial membership fee. It annual meeting of delegates to of providing a guarantee dark hair and his rather full mous- was reported that Iowa Farm the Michigan State Farm Bureau, NEWS - 1919-era photos fund to meet the expenses tache were carefully trimmed. He Bureau had 89,000 members who President Morrill could announce of Farm Bureau people of the Michigan State Farm wore a pince-nez while reading, paid a $5.00 fee, and that Illinois that the Bureau had more than and places. Include des- Bureau until March 1st, 22,000 members from fifteen and it became him. He dressed 1920:' . had 2,600 members in McLean .criptions. All will be re- conservatively in tailored dark County, each of whom paid counties. turned. Help celebrate suits and usually wore a diamond Bingham intended for farmers $10.00 annually. This meeting marked one of Farm Bureau's Golden stickpin in his foulard. His man- to present these notes to banks The overwhelming support the high points of Bingham's Anniversary. ner was reserved, but warm. His as a basis for loans being made to given Bingham's proposal by the tenure with the Bureau. His EIGHT June 1, 1969 MICHIGAN FARM NEWS FARM BUREAU WOMEN working, not waiting APOLOGY FOR... SPRING SERIES NAME OMISSION elections are announced Discussions on luvenile Delin- Mrs. Harland Welke (Margaret), quency, Problems of Youth, Crime Mayville, and Mrs. Howard Ma- in the United States, Drugs and haffy (Doris), Marlette, vice- Narcotics and Fallacies in Juve- chairman. Both Mrs. Welke and nile Crime were heard by hun- Mrs. Mahaffy were re-elected. dreds of Michigan Farm Bureau Mrs. Hugh Swindlehurst (Ma- Women at their Spring District rie), Mt. Pleasant, was re-elected 50TH ANNIVERSARY CAKE — baked and displayed by Mrs. Meetings held the past month chairman at the District 8, April Jerold Topliff, was enjoyed by members of the Michigan Farm across the state. 8 meeting, and Mrs. B. H. Baker Bureau board and staff, at a recent meeting in Farm Bureau Prime interest in six of the (Martha), Merrill, re-elected vice- Center, Lansing. Another cake also baked by Mrs. Topliff, districts (the even numbered ones) chairman. commemorated reaching state membership goal. were the elections of chairmen District 10-west Farm Bureau and vice-chairmen. The uneven women elected a new chairman numbered districts will elect of- at their meeting April 29. Mrs. springtime in Rockies ficers next year. William Parsons (Bertha), Char- Mrs. C. G. Lee (Alice), Addi- levoix, accepted this position and son, was elected chairman of Dis- Mrs. Edward Shanahan (Phila), trict 2 at their April 30 meeting of Charlevoix, was elected vice- An APOLOGY—is due Mrs. busy time in Michigan! held in Adrian, Lenawee County. chairman. Mrs. Dale Crouch (Ruth) was elec- Chairman and vice-chairman ted vice-chairman. Mrs. Crouch for District 10-east will be elected Minnie Clemens, West Branch — whose name was inadvert- ently omitted under a picture "When It's Springtime in the Rockies . . " Yes, I was just in last month's FARM NEWS is from Grass Lake. later. out to Utah and it's all the song says and more. Mom w e n t out Mrs. Gerald Smith (Leora), H e l e n Atwood, c o o r d i n a t o r , showing the Michigan Merit to visit d a u g h t e r Carolin and husband Mike. Seems like a long Hastings, was elected District 4 Michigan Farm Bureau Women's Mothers for 1969. She is shown time they have been away. They are both working on their chairman and Mrs. John Rhodes Activities, reported a good turn- (left) with Mrs. Harry Oxender, Masters degree, and needless to say they are both busy. I en- (Evelyn), Clark.sville, elected vice- out at all meetings, with the usual state Mother of the Year. Our joyed every minute of my visit with them, the mountains and chairman for District 4 at the bountiful laden tables and interest- apologies, Mrs. Clemens and mountain trails w e traveled, the deer, elk, a n d raging waters April 12 meeting. Chairman for ing "lighter touch" programs for congratulations on your selec- coming d o w n from the mountains, and a visit t o Idaho to call District 6 for the coming year is entertainment. tion! on friends w e hadn't seen in 23 years. Then it was back to Michigan and it's just as beautiful, but in a different kind of what's a setting. For a TANGY SYRUP on pan- With spring nicely under way cakes or French toast, simmer a fall seems a long way off, b u t cup of brown sugar and a half-cup time has a way of passing faster of orange juice for five minutes. than we realize. I do hope you are all working in your groups to funny send in resolutions to your county Do you know you are a key policy development committee so person? Read this next paragraph they can have them ready to pre- and you will see how much dif- sent at your county annual meet- ference one key person not oper- ing. It does take time to get these ating does make. all assembled, so why don't you Xvxn through my typewriter is place for get your part of the project done an old modxl, it works quitx wxll, early. xxcxpt for onx or two kxys. I havx wishxd many timxs that it Are you promoting and organ- workxd pxrfxctly. It is trux that izing new community groups in thrxx arx forty-six kxys that func- your county? Remember we said tion wxll xnough, but just onx a phone? this was one of our projects for kxy, not working makxs thx this year, let's see how many new diffxrxncx! groups we can add and keep in- So let's all get out of our com- creasing the number of people fortable rut and start working participating in our organization. together to accomplish those things we can't do alone. With school nearly out we will all have more meals to prepare Mrs. Jerold (Maxine) Topliff for those active young people at our house so let's remember or That depends on what you think is funny. If rushing in think about a few health tips, WEAVER GEBHARTS from the barn or back forty to answer a telephone leaves good for both you and your young folks. For a "pick me up" when 68th ANNIVERSARY you out of breath, then perhaps an extension telephone you ache or are tired from work or Mr. a n d Mrs. W e a v e r is the answer. • You can put an extension telephone play, relax for ten minutes with Gebhart, of Hart, Michigan, a hot cup of beef or chicken bouil- had already been married nearly anyplace you'd like, inside or out. Then instead of lon. It gives you a big burst of 18 years when the Michi- interrupting work to rush back to the house, you can do energy with few calories. So gan Farm Bureau was or- prop up your feet, sip slowly and ganized a half-century ago. your telephoning from where you are. • Call your dream a little. April 18th they cele- Michigan Bell Business Office or brated their 68th Wedding Trim or peel as little as possible Anniversary! ask your telephone man. You can Michigan from FRESH VEGETABLES be- cause outside leaves of greens L i f e - m e m b e r s of F a r m have an extension telephone in any Bell are high in vitamin A. And vita- Bureau, they have 4 chil- Paft of the min A helps eyes adapt to light dren, 11 grand-children and funny old place you'd like. 17 „. . 23 great-grandchildren. Nationwide Bell System changes and aids in keeping the skin smooth. MICHIGAN FARM NEWS June 1, 1969 NINE your money is used., to propagandize you By: D a n E . R e e d Secretary-Manager, Mich. F a r m Bureau H o w m a n y of your tax dollars are being used to propagandize in support of campus violence? At Michigan State University, office space in a c a m p u s building is given to "The Paper", a tabloid publication printed off campus b u t sold on the campus and in other spots throughout the Lansing area. The paper appears dedicated to the use of lurid four-letter THREE KEY BILLS word descriptions of intimate activities. It carries advertisements of a nature that you would scarcely expect to find even in the time-honored Police Gazette. about farm/and assessment... Office of E c o n o m i c Opportunity By Robert Smith "Roll-back taxes" mean that at cultural use. Genesee County is Puts Y O U in Printing Business Legislative Counsel, M F B the time of selling or changing a metropolitan county, but rec- the use of the land the difference ognizes the need for maintain- "The Neighborhood Journal' calls for "greater protection from Three key bills were reported in taxes assessed for farm purposes ing good farmland for future unjust police and judicial action" for certain arrested persons. out of the Taxation Committee and what it would be assessed use and the fact that open spaces You are helping to finance T h e Neighborhood Journal, which — two in the House and one in for other purposes would become need to be preserved as an aid to states on its masthead that it is "owned and operated by five the Senate. Each is in line with payable for a period of the prev- water and air pollution control, Farm Bureau policy and each will ious three years. This is similar prevention of flooding and real- Denver community action councils and funded by a grant from affect farmland assessment. to the "New Jersey" plan. istic land use planning. the Office of Economic Opportunity." H. 2533; originally introduced A front-page story in the March-April, 1968 issue of "The by Rep. Spencer (R - Attica) and In short, the proposal would: The city of London, England, Spokesman" says — "If you want action, come join me in my six others, was reported out in (1) require land assessments to be recognized this concept 30 years fight for identity, equality, not civil rights but human rights." substitute form and provides: based only on the value for agri- ago, when it created a 20-mile "Upon written application of the cultural use; (2) cut the assess- wide "greenbelt" of farmland and The Spokesman is published with the encouragement and fi- owner . . . with the local board ment on land in half from the forest around the city to "give nancial support of the Office of Economic Opportunity. London a lung and keep the of review prior to March 1 of present 5 0 % to 2 5 % ; (3) when An O.E.O. h a n d b o o k — "The Printed V/ord"—encourages each year, land, exclusive of build- the land is sold and used for a metropolis within bounds and publication and distribution by community action agencies of ings, zoned specifically for agri- purpose creating a higher value, p r e v e n t u r b a n i z a t i o n of t h e newsletters or house organs and financed with federal money. cultural purposes shall be exempt taxes on that new value would countryside." 50% of the state equalized value be payable for the previous three Not W h a t Congress I n t e n d e d : thereof." years. FARM LABOR This, if passed, takes advantage This substitute version, follow- Over 100 labor bills were intro- In 1967, an a m e n d m e n t to an appropriation bill providing of the Court of Appeals case last ing the lines of some court cases, duced that directly or indirectly anti-poverty funds w a s offered b y Senator H a r r y F . Byrd, Jr. year that ruled that property can- is expected to be within the re- could affect agriculture. Most of (D-Virginia) which stated — "None of the federal anti-poverty not be assessed at any higher quirements of Michigan's Con- these remained in committee. funds may be used for establishing or operating a general cov- valuation than for the purpose stitution. Some of those reported out of erage newspaper, magazine, radio station or television station." for which it is zoned. committee affecting farmers in- This portion of the bill means S. 231; (DeMaso R -Battle clude one on Workmen's Com- "I am unalterably opposed to government ownership or control of newspapers because it leads inevitably to government control that land, not including buildings, Creek) and H. 3582; (Bishop R - pensation, H. 3012, which would of the news," said Senator Byrd as he introduced the amend- would be assessed at 2 5 ^ of its Rochester) were identical bills bring more farm workers under value instead of the present 50 %. and both have been reported out full W / C by eliminating the pres- ment. "I believe we have too much government management T h e bill further p r o v i d e s : of committee. They will require ent "13 or more consecutive of the news already without this additional weapon being put "When land assessed and zoned assessors to consider "zoning, weeks" and inserting "six weeks." into the hands of federal officials." under the provision of this act existing use and income capa- Two other W / C bills, H. 3834 Publications such as ' T h e Spokesman" a n d "The Neighborhood is rezoned or sold for other than bility" when assessing property. and S. 794, (both 83-pages long), Journal" carry no advertising and are providing "information", agricultural purposes it shall be Two County Boards of Su- would revise the entire law, but it is claimed. subject to additional taxes referred pervisors (Genesee and Living- make no substantive changes. It to as roll-back taxes . . . the roll- ston) h a v e passed r e s o l u t i o n s is hoped that one of these bills And although they fall outside the legitimate activities of a back shall be for a period of three supporting legislation to assess will pass, thereby helping to pre- government supported agency — the publications continue! years . . . " farmland according to its agri- vent the passage of H. 3012. Taxpayer Supported P r o p a g a n d a Efforts D i d you recently receive through t h e mail a communication from Wisconsin Congressman Alvin E. O'Konski? Many Mich- strong links in radio chain igan farmers did. T h e envelopes, w i t h pamphlets enclosed, w e r e mailed u n d e r Congressman O'Konski's franking privilege and contained hard-sell p r o p a g a n d a for a farm organization. T h e Post Office D e p a r t m e n t is still running a heavy deficit in t h e face of t h e recent postal rate increase. I n a desperate move to try to balance t h e postal budget, President Nixon has recom- m e n d e d another increase in postal rates. Congressman O'Konski's interest in Michigan farmers, as evidenced by his use of his franking privileges, is helping to keep the Post Office in the red. If he is concerned about Michigan farmers, is h e also concerned about farmers in Texas, California, Washington and all other states? How many tons of material have the mailmen carried under this franking privilege? "Not at G o v e r n m e n t E x p e n s e " Remains Expensive P r o c e d u r e U n d e r t h e rules of Congress, w e u n d e r s t a n d it is considered 'legitimate" for a Congressman to make his franking privilege available I F the envelopes are hand-addressed. Those which have been forwarded to our office have been hand-addressed and have included two copies of the pamphlet. While t h e material bears the legend — "Not printed at Govern- ment expense" — it is a well-known fact that the major cost of the material is borne by the Congressional Record, with only the cost of t h e printing runs charged to the purchaser. T h e costly part of t h e job — s e t t i n g the type, proofreading and editing, is at taxpayer expense. As a reminder, I have in my desk an antique. It was known as a penny postcard. Perhaps the penny postcard never did carry "ACCENT AGRICULTURE" — Farm Bureau's weekly radio service is aired on 50 Michigan sta- its own weight, but even a 500% increase in some 30 years fails tions including W P A G — Ann Arbor, where Howard Heath (left) airs portions during his morn- to make the 50 postcard meet the expense of the postal service. ing a n d noon-time f a r m shows. Heath has been a f a r m broadcaster for 23 years. In Three Rivers, Mr. O'Konski's misuse only adds to the burden. Larry Simon (right) manages W I K M , where Accent Agriculture is featured at 4:35 on Saturdays. TEN June 1, 1969 MICHIGAN FARM NEWS - MARKETING SPECIALIST - Norman Veliquette, former K Northwest Regional Representa- tive, has joined Michigan Farm Bureau's Market Development Di- vision as a Marketing Specialist. OEVE OPMEN His new assignment was effective May 12. Mr., Veliquette of Kewadin, will assume responsibilities of fruit commodity specialist, economic data analyst for MACMA and will work on various marketing research projects. Veliquette was raised on a dairy and fruit farm and was ac- tive in 4-H. He graduated from Michigan State University, with honors, in 1967, earning a B.S. degree in Ag Econ. By: Noel Stuckman Manager, Market-Development Division sign-up card and returning it to Michigan Farm Bureau. As interest in marketing in- The wheat marketing program creases farmers have shown a ing program is simple. Producers provides a key marketing alter- willingness to participate in co- have until harvest time to decide native for Farm Bureau members operative marketing programs in whether to participate and sign- in 1969. Each wheat producer which their support will favorably up in the program. Delivery of can evaluate the market situation influence price and other trade program wheat can be made to at harvest and decide whether to terms. any participating cooperative ele- sell for cash and accept the har- As the leading general farm or- vator until September 1. At the vest time price; store wheat for ganization, Michigan Farm Bu- time of delivery a cash advance later sale and attempt to out- reau is offering wheat producers will be paid to the producer. Fol- guess the market; or consign a marketing program to serve lowing harvest the wheat will be wheat to the wheat marketing t heir marketing needs. sold throughout the marketing program and receive a cash ad- The overall objective of the year by professional grain market- vance. Participation in the pro- wheat marketing program is to ing personnel. gram also provides an opportunity increase the dollar returns to par- Sales of all program wheat to share in normal seasonal price ticipating Farm Bureau members must be completed by May 31 of advances following harvest. from the sale of their soft winter the year following harvest. When Every wheat producer is urged wheat. Traditionally, farmers sales are completed the producer to consider participating in the CONGRATULATIONS - from Dave Smith (right) chancellor of have marketed their wheat on an will receive a final payment based 1969 Farm Bureau wheat market- Alpha Zeta fraternity, to Elton Smith, President of Mich. Farm individual unorganized basis. The on the average return for all ing program. This program pro- Bureau on his recognition as one of Michigan's top farm leaders. wheat marketing program offers wheat sold in the program minus vides a real opportunity for wheat producers a change from individ- the harvest time advance pay- producers to advance an impor- ual unorganized sales to a coor- ment and operating costs. Each tant marketing principle and in- An honorary membership in MSU College of Agriculture and dinated method of marketing. The sllcceeding year wheat producers crease their profits from the mar- the Michigan State University Natural Resources. marketing of a large volume of can elect to participate in the keting activities of their Farm chapter of Alpha Zeta Fraternity George McIntrye, Director of wheat in an orderly manner in- program by choosing variolls op- Bureau organization. Additional was presented to Elton R. Smith, the Cooperative Extension Service creases the likelihood for higher tions. Producers can place all or a details may be obtained from your president of Michigan Farm Bu- at MSU was also honored. profits to producers. portion of their crop in the pro- County Farm Bureau and most reau, at a banquet held on the State Senator Charles Zollar Operation of the wheat market- gram by completing a simple local cooperative elevators. campus recently. spoke on "Agriculture ... its "As leader of one of Michigan's effeCt on Political Decisions." major farm organizations,. ....Smith Membership in Alpha Zeta Fra- has been a progressive leader and ternity consists of students in the spokesman for Michigan agricul- MSU College of Agriculture and ture for several years," said Rich- Natural Resources with exception- ard Feltner, assistant dean of the ally high scholastic achievement. a man of many talents! E. -Harry Norris, Muskegon and because of his intense interest county Farm Bureau member, in the care of aged and ailing, wears many hats. He gave up the present new structure was one of them recently when he built. resigned from the Muskegon In addition to this Social Serv- County Medical Care Facility ice "hat", Norris wore those rep- after serving on the Social Serv- resenting Civil Defense, Sheriff's ices board of directors for 17 years Deputy, Realtor, School Board -12 of them as chairman. president, fire-department organ- In the years from 1945 to 1953, izer and Charter Member of the CONSISTENT, DEPENDABLE SERVICE N orris served as a director on the Lion's Club. Join the thousands of Ohio and Michigan farmers now selling their wool through Michigan Farm Bureau board, In his "spare" time, he has their own organization - now in their 52nd years of marketing experience. representing the 7th District. served as village president and THE LEADING SUPPLY SERVICE FOR He continues to live near Cas- as Justice of Peace. • EXHIBITOR'S ITEMS • SHEARING EQUIPMENT • INSTRUMENTS • DRENCHES, DIPS • DYED LAMBSKINS novia in Muskegon county where Other career facets included • WOOL SMIRTS • WOOL BLANKETS he has spent a productive life- work as an insurance man, politi- Member, National Wool Marketing Corp. time - much of it in positions cal party officer, and most im- of public service. portantly, pioneer farmer - from For example, during his years a long line of pioneers. with the Medical Care Facility, Great Grandfather Norris came to the area in an "overwagon" as QUALITY FEEDER PIGS! an early settler. Grandfather Norris drove a stage to the Cas- COOPERATIVE ASSOCIATION PRICE COVERS: novia area from Kalamazoo and 3900 Groves Road • Columbus, Ohio 43227 • Delivery to purchaser; Grand Rapids . CONTACT ONE OF THESE REPRESENTATIVES: • Erysipelas vaccination Son E. Harry (now 78)-took West Branch Form Bureau and 24-hour death loss Eugene Ron Eugene Noble, Mg,. part in the original drive for mem- Rudyard. Michigan 49780 West Branch. Mich. 48661 guarantee; bership in Farm Bureau, and Climax Form Bureau Aaron L. Gilmore Carl Wiggins Roger Brooks • Only thrifty, Michigan- became Muskegon county's first Robert Whaley, Mgr. Rt. 2, 510 W. Territorial 3820 Parmenter Rd. 14600 Ery Rd., Rt. 2 Climax, Mich. 49O:W Camden, Mich. 49232 Durand, Mich. 48429 Manchester, Mich. 48158 grown pigs. president, a position he held for Floyd Esc.h Gene Mater Raymond Hutchins Malcolm Cuddie AVAILABLEON ORDER 5 years. Rt. 1 Rt. 2 Rt. 3 Route 4 Mia, Michigan 48647 Nashville, Mich . .48858 Mt. Pleasont, Mich. 49073 Gladwin, Mich. 48624 For up-to-date prices, At a dinner marking his retire- Farm Bureau S.rvi~s Ben Seeley Harold Brunner contact: ment from the County Board of Fern Payne Rt ... Word Witeman, Mgr. Rt. 2 Wayside Trailer Ct. MACMA Social Services, Norris asked that Eaton Rapids, Mich. 48827 204 N. Main, Yale. Mich. 48091 Reading, Mich. 49214 2900 N. Whitehall Muskegon, Mich ... 9.... 0 Area 517485-8121 Ext. 372 a planter be built in the Care St. John's Coop. Fronk Myen Walter Gnepper Facility's Chapel in lieu of a John Williamson, Mgr. Rt. 1 5985 Dryden Road Omar Taaa P. O. Box 960 St. Johns, Mich. 48879 Clare, Mich. 48611 Dryden, Michigan 48428 Spruce, Mich. "'11"7 Lansing, Michigan 48906 personal gift as some had sug- gested. ICHIGAN FARM NEWS June 1, 1969 ELEVEN Montcalm Experil7Jental Farl7J More people should know of insect growth and the most effec- e important research work cen- tive means of combating them. ring out of the Montcalm Ex- A seeded-tomato plot is under rimental farm - an 80-acre the supervision of Dr. Clark Nick- lot under extensive study by the low and Dr. John Downs and the rop Science Research Depart- field com plot under many vary- ent of MSU. irig conditions such as moisture, In addition to the actual work soil and growing conditions, comes one on the farm, the Station is under the scrutiny of Dr. Elmer eadquarters for "overstate" po- Rossman. to variety trials ••• located on Careful planning preceeding arm land in four counties .•• ay, Allegan, Presque Isle and the establishin~ of these outstate stations was done by Michigan ontcalm. These are in their State University. ird research crop year and ac- ording to Dr. Richard Chase, Dr. Sylvan Wittwer, Director of ept. of Crop Science, Michigan ~fichigan State University's Ag State University, are proving Experiment stations said "Climate, highly successful. soil and drainage conditions are Not only are potatoes tested, important factors, and in the but plots of dry edible beans Montcalm station, especially so. (second in emphasis), field and The 80-acre site is in the heart of sweet com, horticulture, grain the potato producing area and ~ ;,4 sorghums, seeded tomatoes, tests near to Ore-Ida, one of its prin- on herbicides and the comparison of nutrients and plant foods are cipal processors." This cooperative project is . ~~ ~1t ... ) ... ~ f:.". J all given careful analysis and showing positive results ... both .. ~t:~: I _ tests. Art Wells, MSU entomolo- in the improved product and in 1100 POTATO VARIETIES- two hills of each, were planted this spring at the 80-acre Montcalm gist and his student assistant, what it means to the processor Experimental Farm, located 9V2 miles west of Stanton - by Farm Bureau member Leon Alwood, Clio Townsend, conduct tests on and grower. (left) Charlotte, and MSU potato-seed specialist and student - Meer Hussian of Pakistan. I MONTCALM EXPERIMENTAL FARM MICllIGAI ~RJCUt.J\lAAt EX~RlllEITSTAId ~ Hf:~{'llIX~;l(~ • ttI'}'9"""J1 "