\\\ ~ N N 11 THE ACTION PUBLICATION OF THE MICHIGAN FARM BUREAU Vol. 48, No.8 -1919-50 Years of Service to Michigan Farmers-1969- Aug~st 1, 1969 Cartoon and editorial excerpts reprinted by special permiss ion, Farm Journal, Feb., 1969, Copyright, Farm Journal, Inc. NOW THAT FARMERS-are less than 6% of the population, A GOOD EXAMPLE-of what can happen is the nationwide we have to depend on other people to help us get things done grape boycott-where labor unions are requesting stores not for agriculture. We can't do the iob iust by ourselves anymore. to handle grapes and are asking people not to buy grapes . . . . If we don't act, we'll be shackled with all kinds of restric- Farmers are not doing a good iob of getting the facts to the city tions. We have a disadvantage in numbers, sure; but we can folks: That the grape pickers aren't on strike; that only about make up for it by being fast afoot and telling our story every 2% of the farm workers in California have ioined the union; chance we get- by showing that what's best for us also best "that the boycott is an attempt to bring grape growers to their serves the maiority. That's realistic and statesmanlike. knees and get them to force their pickers to sign with the union. "Farewell" Battle for the In The Service F.B. Services Pictorial Discussion ON THE INSIDE: Editorial Page 2 Vineyards Page 3 Of The Fanner Pages 6-7 Open House Page II Report Page 12 Topic Pages 14-15 TWO August 1, 1969 MICHIGAN FARM NEWS President's Column Editorial Personal Contact Farewell I am convinced that when a farmer and his family really know about Farm BlIrea~ th~y be- It comes as something of a shock to realize come active supporters of our orgamzahon. 1 that with this column I will end a most pleasant also believe that this seldom happens by acci- 9-year association with the Michigan Farm dent that usually people become involved in Bureau - and at the same time open another Far~ Bureau. through others who invited them chapter in what has turned out to be a life- in and show them the way. time love affair with this great organization This month our Farm Bureau Community of ours. Groups are 'to study the farmer's "image" and A mid-August move to Chicago headquarters the kinds of public relations programs we need of the American Farm Bureau Federation and to keep strong in the market place, in the legis- work there in directing natiorial radio and lature and in Congress. television programs, brings to full circle what But the policy statements we develop and has been for me a quarter-century search for endorse wouldn't be worth the paper they are better ways to multiply farmer-efforts and to written on if they didn't first have the support give agriculture a unified and amplified voice. of most farmers and eventually, the support of About 35 years ago when I first knew much the general public. about Farm Bureau it had already spread in all This is one of the reasons why we must work directions from Broome county New York and so hard to make sure our policies are right- Pettis county, Missouri - where in both places not just for farmers, but for the rest of the it seemed to have generated almost overnight. people too. We must accept the fact that we Several good neighbors contacted Dad and are a minority group - in the words of the asked him to join, and soon we were in regular attendance at township Farm Bureau "Unit" .- - .. Farm Journal statement printed on our cover "MilKING MACHINE BROKE DOWN UN ow that farmers are less than 6% of the. meetings - a forerunner of the more compact - KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT COWS?" population we have to depend on other people Community Groups we have in Michigan. Cov- to help tiS get things done for agriculture ... ering an entire township and sometimes more, we can't do the job just by ourselves any- the Units brought together as many as 80 fam- more ... " ilies and the meetings were always held in the To me, we farmers project the best possible largest school house or town hall around. Dad promised to help out on the membership drive, and when the day came he found it im- a summer garden kind of image when we become directly in- volved in community, county, state and national affairs. \Vhen we do so in a positive fashion Peas, stringbeans, raspberries, beets and" wheat harvest! possible to get away and instead sent me along ... when we keep ourselves right by being in- '''hy, goodness sakes, it's summer slipping right along! A with the neighbor. Although he teas kind about formed ... when we speak for ourselves with question comes to mind, are our best safety practices keep- it, I suspected our neighbor felt that a boy of the voice of authority. ing up with the busyness of the season, or do we say 15 teas little enough help in selling Farm "tomorrow we'll take care of that!" \Ve need to remember But that voice of authority is weakened by Bureau - and who can blame him if he grum- that in order for our families to know safety, we (you and every nonparticipating member - by every bled a bit under his breath about it all? I) need to practice safety. Our ~1aryEllen is in drivers farm family which expresses no opinion. But he launched me on a life-time Farm education this summer, so I've been checked by her as she \Ve are fortunate that there are so many ways Bureau road, for we got members! - And I is learning what the first steps are when you get into the for we farmers to be effective in Farm Bureau. learned a great deal about Farm Bureau for drivers seat. It's been interesting as I've driven these five \Ve don't have to go around making public having defended it in the "membership market- beginning drivers to school each day, to just sit there and speeches or writing complicated policy state- place". In selling others I so thoroughly sold listen to the comments of their classroom study and driv- ments! Sometimes we are most effective when myself that telling the Farm Bureau story be- ing experiences. These five young drivers (our d~ughter we take time to think through what's bothering came a life's work. and four neighbors) make me think and I'm sure they can us and make our opinions known. Again, you Isn't this the secret of Farm Bureau strength? catch me up on some things I may not be doing just right. can do this through any Community Group- Isn't this how people become involved? For me In their language, when you com'e to a STOP sign do you by letter to any Farm Bureau officer - through it soon brought those proud moments when make a complete stop or do what they call a ~'farmers stop?" a note or personal appearance before any Farm neighbors chose that I become Unit Chairman, This is election year for Michigan Farm Bureau Women. Bureau committee and especially through any and later, president of the county Farm Bureau Have you found a member who is qualified to be nominated form of contact with any member of your (Todd county, Minnesota). Always, it was ap- for a state office? This is the process ... find a candi- county or state Farm Bur~au policy develop- parent that farmers join Farm Bureau and w\)rk date ... get a nominating form from Helen Atwood in ment committee .. through it to the extent they grasp the vision the state office, fill it out, have your candidate approved This important group should be appointed of what it is all. about and what they can do by your county Women's committee and the County Board and already active in every county of the state. together. of Directors, mail the completed form back to Helen. The county policy development committee 'Vhat good is a good thing if nobody knotes Now is the time to do this. should already be researching the special needs about it? How can you sell if you don't first Have you entered the needlecraft contest? Get the of members, inviting comment and busy at tell? Farmers were not good "tellers" or good information from your county committee and get started. fact-finding concerning local needs. sellers 50 years ago. Since then, (and largely Sure will be a lot of fun if many enter, so start that handi- Before long, county recommendations will be through Farm Bureau) they have grown in- work of yours. We'll show you all the winners at the coming in to the state policy development com- ~reasingly skilled in communication arts. Being Women's State annual in November. mittee at Farm Bureau Center, Lansing. I'm busy people they selected those frem among How are you ladies doin~ on organizing community proud of this committee and I mean it when I thtm to leave the land and help on a full-time groups? Are you working with your county community say that it is the single most important commit- basis. It was under such conditions that I~made groups committee to get some new groups going in your tee in the Michigan Farm Bureau. '- , a reluctant move off the farm to become the county? We need to remember that when people get first regional representative for Farm Bureau. There are 20 people on it, and all are good together and discuss their common goals or problems they farmers and Farm Bureau members. They rep- (Afinnesota) in the great Red River Valley of learn to work together to do those things they cannot the North. resent all parts of the state and every kind of do alone. farming interest. In his "Capitol Report" (page Then, and in the years and states to follow Mrs. Jerold (Maxine) Topliff 4) Legislative Counsel Robert Smith lists these (Minnesota, Missouri, Michigan) the convic- members by name and county and this list gives tion continued to grow that how well farmers every member more contacts for providing in- do lies in direct proportion to how well they ~, formation of expressing opinions. speak and act together. MICHIGAN .FARM NEWS Farm BUl'eau is a great organization - it has Former American Farm Bureau President Al- TH. AcnON ~UIILlCATION O~ THI! MICHIOAN ~A"M .U".AU had to be to survive, to grow, to thrive. Farm lan Kline is dead now, but many of us remem- The MICHIGAN FARM l\'EWS is DIRECTORS: District I, Harry Bureau in Michigan and elsewhere has come a published monthly. on the first day, Nye, St. Joseph, R-l; District 2, Nich- ber what he said at the President's conference by the Michican Farm Bureau, at its olas Smith, Addison, R-I; District 3, at Camp Kett, about four years ago. He said long way toward maturity in the past 50 years publication office at 109 N. Lafayette Andrew Jackson, Howell, R-1; Dis- and I'm proud to have been a part of it. 5treet, Greenville, MichilZan. trict 4, Elton R. Smith, Caledonia, R-1; that if a farmer wants to prosper within a pros- Editorial and eeneral offices at 4000 North Grand River Avenue, Lansinc:, District 5. David Morris, Grand Ledge, perous community - to be proud of agricul- It is my feeling that the ftofichigan Farol Michis:tan 48n04. Post Office Box 960. R-3; District 6, Jack Laurie, Cass City, ture and to have an agriculture to be proud of Bureau has one of the strongest, most able and Telephone, Lansinc: 485-8121, sion 317. Subscription Exten- price, 50t per R-3; District 7. Kenneth Bull, Bailey, R-I; District 8. Harvey Leuenber~er, - he should be active in Farm Bureau. alert boards of directors of any state Farm Year • Saginaw, R-6; District 9, Eugene flob- . Established January 12, 1923. Sec- ert ... Lake City, R-I; District la, "Get in with the kind of people who have Bureau. President Smith has been especially ond Class Postage paid at Greenville, Richard Wieland, Ellsworth, R-l; Dis- Michillan. that sort of aggressive, enthusiastic and hope- capable and his leadership has been aggressive. trict 11, Clayton Ford, Cornell. EDITORIAL: "'oell; Editor, Melvin Associate Editor. Vern M. Bul- L. ful attitude. Get in with the kind of people who But once again it is time to move on. Perhaps len; AdvertisinJ! ManalZer, Carl P. DIRECTORS AT LARGE: Walter Frahm. Frankenmuth; Dean PridlZeon. decide the policies of their communities, coun- we can take a lesson from our newest Farm Kentner; Artist, Nonnan Goodling. Montgomery, R-I; Calvin Lutz, Kaleva. OFFICERS: Michig:an Farm Bu- ties, states and the United States, at home and Bureau state-Hawaii, where the word "Aloha" reau; President. Elton R, Smith. Cale- WOMEN OF FARM BUREAU: Mrs. abroad. donia. R-l: Vice Pre~iclent. Dean Tt'rold Tooliff, Eaton Raoids. R-l' is used as a universal salutation - for both Pridceon, Mont~omery. R-l; Secretary- Mana!,,:er, Dan E. Reed, Lansins:t. FARM RUREAlJ YOUNG FARMERS; "If, by any chance you have convictions about a greeting and a goodbye. In the same breath Lnwrem"(' Karsten. Rogl'rs City. the future of the United States and want to see it speaks of both past and future, and surely this POSTMASTER: In using form 3579, mail to: Michigan Farm News, 4000 N. Grand River, Lansing, Michigan 48904 it go in the directions which to you seem wise, too is fitting ... Second clase postage paid oi Greenville, Michilan work through Farm Bureau ... " Melvin L. Woell , Elton Smith MICHIGAN FARM NEWS August 1, 1969 THREE ~1;h-' \~~/,) I asked Father Healy to write a series of articles on the grape strike in California because he is so experienced in just this kind of research ••• Raised on a farm in Iowa, he was able to undentand the problems of the grape picker and the grower ... We consider Father Healy's articles the best yet written on the controversy .•• They are a distind contribution to ~ the cause of Catholic teaching, as applied to the grape strike in California and the futile and ill-considered boycott across the nation. Battle -Daniel Lyons, SJ. - Editor, Twin Circle Th. National Catholic Press for the Vineyards In defending its refusal to ne- gotiate with the unions, the Schenley Corporation noted that of the California Senate Fact- finding Committee noted: "It will be s~en from the list of thOSE COPYRIGHT 1969 TWIN- CJ.RClE. EXCERPTS REPRIN1ED BY PERMISSION although both unions claimed to present on the picket line that represent a majority of the work- outside as~ance had poured WHAT HAS GONE BEfORE ers, "to the best of our knowledge into Delano to help both the Father Cletus Healy, well-known Jesuit writer tells of his visits to California none of our employees belong to NFWA and AWOC:' An exam- vineyards to gather first hand material C1bout the so-called Grape Strike. either of said groups ... " On ple: On October 1, shortly after There he talked with Cesar Cha ....ex about whom he writes: "He has a vested September 28, 1965, the Cali- the strike was called, Ann Draper, interest in troublemaking. A"d he loves his work - far more than any fornia State Department of Em- wife of Hal Draper of the Berk- saint should ... " Father Heall"s story continues ... REV. CLETUS HEALY, S. J. ployment found that Clof29 indi- eley Free (Foul!) Speech Move- viduals who claim to belong to ment, told newsman Frank Win- tober their average hourly income some labor organization while ston that SNCC was sending "pro- ranged from $3.06 to $2.69. For employed at Schenley, it was fessional pickets" down from the PLIGHT OF THE lessly badger California grape two consecutive weeks in Septem- found that 23 of them had not Bay area. About 100 came on growers with teacher-inspired GRAPE WORKER ber they averaged $3.12 an hour. been on the payroll at any time the weekend .. , complaints about the way they treat their workers. One little girl More efficient workers often during the period in question, and Such for the most part were: THE MOST amazing thing I that five had worked on the De- admonished a grower for the prefer to work straight contract - the ones who "struck" the Delano found in my research on the grape lano ranch only from four to six "eighteen cents for something like with no guaranteed hourly base. grape fields. Generally they were industry was the total lack of days, and that all had left." fifty bushels" he pays for his work- These get 40-50 cents a lug and people who had never worked in scruple with which many media ers. At least, she knew she did they generally make more money. History does seem to bear out the fields and who had no in- men have distorted the Delano As for housing, most of the the contention of the growers- tention of ever doing so - mem- not know what she was talking picture. people I talked to had been spoilt that a vast majority of the grape bers of SNCC, CORE, SDS, Du- about; her mentor was apparently A rather typical example is a by the conditions on the DiGiorgio pickers did not want to strike Bois Clubs, other ..specially or- less fortunate. recent article by Alan Rader. The What are the facts? What are Sierra Vista ranch. But that's a and did not want Chavez or his ganized student groups, clergy, article first appeared in the Stan- the wages? What are the living story for another chapter. Suffice union. Evidence is: 1) While the nuns, ministers, and, of course, ford Daily _of October 8, 1968. and working conditions of the it to say here: Of the other hous- strike has been on, the grape members of the two unions, many Rader begins his flight into sordid California grape pickers? In the ing facilities I saw, I would far growers have had no significant of whom were on some sort of fancy with this: "In the fertile first place it should be noted that rather live in them than I would difficulty harvesting their 1965, welfare. Rarely did the workers San Joaquin valley of California a vast majority of the grape pick- in many a sq llare mile of housing 1966, 1967 and 1968 crop - and in the fields recognize fellow the average farm worker works ers - even in the peak of the in Chicago, or Philadelphia, or this with their normal high per- workers among the pickets. The ten, twelve, fourteen hours a day, harvest - are non-migratory New York, or even Milwaukee for centage of local help. 2) In order grape workers were not consulted six days a week, and earns less workers. The State Senate Fact- for that matter. to induce workers to go on strike, about the strike, did not want the than $2,000 a year." finding Committee, in its 14th the union had to have recourse strike, and would not support it. With no suggestion of having Report, noted that President John- . to threats, abusive lan~age, and Dolores Mendoza was quite tongue-in-check, he continues: son had refused to extend the NONWORKERS even violence - all to little avail. adamant on the point. She was "His children drop out of grade "Bracero program" under which 3) To exert this pressure the union working on the "Louie" Lucas school to work in fields." Specifics DECLARE A STRIKE had to rely upon a great deal of some 200,000 to 300,000 Mexi- farm. "If the people here in De- are shrouded in ambiguities: ''In cans used to enter the U. S. each IT WAS NOT the ordinary imported pickets. One estimate lano wanted a union, Father," she some towns" no houses have r\In- year to do seasonal harvesting. workers in the Delano grape fields was that no more. than 5 % of said, "we would have been out ning water. In "one Fresno Coun- The pro~am ended December 31, that decided to strike. That was the union's activists were actually a long time ago. That is the ty town" the school board closed 1964. This means that these decided for them. farm workers - unless they were honest to goodness truth. But we school to provide growers With Mexicans can no longer avail imported. 4) Finally, the union, don't want a union." On September 8, 1965. Larry child labor. "Last July 6 a stu- themselves of a share in the "pov- !tliong called for a strike of the lacking local support from farm "Why are you against any dent on the picket line" was erty" of the California grape Filipino-dominated Agricultural workers, has had to mount a mas- union?" I asked. struck by a truck, dragged into pickers. The only Mexican com- Workers Organizing Committee. sive nation-wide boycott to force growers to accept the union even "We want to be free," was the the fjeld, "and beaten for a hill! petition now on the American Eight days later, on Mexican In- though the workers do not want it. response. ''When we are out in hour by several men." labor market consists of those dependence Day, Cesar Chavez the ranch and work slacks off Tough student! Stran~e picket! much maligned "green cards"- called for a strike vote from his The first point is evident. The in one, we iust go to another. We B.ut ~hy ar~ we ~ot t?,ld the pre- Mexican immigrants with legiti- National Farm Workers Assn. very fact that a boycott is advo- know all the farmers. 1wouldn't cIse where and who? If Rader mate visas - who could, but have cated by the union is admission Union literature of those days want to ask a middle-man. 1don't has responsible evidence, he m\Ist not yet obtained American citizen- reads with the racy excitement of of the fact that they have not want anybody to talk for me. have known what Fresno County ship. They are entitled to the of a Kentucky Derby. One union been able to keep the farm work- That's why God gave me this town he was talking about and same rights as any other immi- publication says: "Rumors have ers from harvesting the crops. The mouth. If there's something. we who the student was that was so grant in this country, including; been flying all day as people have union claims that the growers are don't like, or something we want, abused and where the crime took the right of paying taxes' and of come and gone ... Then we hear employing "scabs'" and imported we iust tell Louie, and we gener- playe. How can one possibly working for a living. strike-breakers. Evidence is over- something concrete: all the work- ally get it." check the story out if he denies Workers and growers 1 inter- ers in a camp on the Lucas and whelming that the charge is a lie. Abuse of the workers took var- Dolores had little respect for us these details? viewed estimated that no more Sons Ranch near Earlmart have ious forms. As one lady told me, the foreigners who had come in When these critical details are than 10 percent of the {!.rapepick- quit work and the camp has been to solve Delano's problems - and not omitted, we find Rader's story ers are migrants - 90 percent closed ... Next day ... the rumors they would often call about 3 a.m., merely breathe heavily, and I believe her attitude is quite manifestly defective. "This June," work within driving distance of are even more abundant - and representative of the grape work- Rader informs us in his article, their permanent residence. A realities. The strike had taken hang up. They would call a second time and suggest: "Better ers. "There is people here in De- "a young woman, pregnant and in study of the 1967 payrolls around hold. Over 1,000 workers are out lnno," she noted, "that don't even labor, entered Kern County Gen- Delano confirmed this estimate. on 10 ranches. Over 20 lnbor tell George to stay home tomor- row; a gun shoots a long way." belong to Delano. Those are the eral Hospital. Eight hours pa"~sed The significant increase in the camps are involved. Thirty-six ones that are following Chavez. before she received any medical fann labor force during the grape men have iust left the camp at the Parents would be warned that their children could run into That's why we say: 'In the picket attention. Both she and her baby harvest season comes largely from Dispoto Ranch near Richgrove; line, there's none of us workers, died." He was portraying the the part-time labor force in the over a hundred men have stopped trouble coming home from school if thev did not stop work. Pickets none of us people: They're all "largely non-existent" medical local area - from high school and work at Caratan - the reports out of Texas, out of other places, care given to farm workers. 8lit college students, teachers, house- come in thick and fast ... " armed with bull horns would be Amerkan high school kids. We a check reveals it has been mOre wives, etc. These look forward stationed around the fields. From But when one contacts the don't see anybody we know!" than fOllr years since a maternity to the grape harvest as an excel- growers, one wonders if these these an endless stream of abusive patient died in Kern County Gen- lent opportunity to supplement language would be directed to- rumors and "realities" did not eral- and she was not a farm the family income. ward the workers. Often the originate purely in the mind of worker. The wage being paid on the someone. The growers were ob- abuse would be personalized. This NEXT MONTH - Cesar Chavez Rader is not the only offend~r. f:nms I visited, and this was the livious of any such loss of labor was especially offensive to - The Breath of Death Others, with an equally amazil1~ common wage, was a base hourly force. They estimate that even mothers who had to listen to this lack of caution, have peddled rnte of $1.50 plus 15 cents a when the strike pressure was the gutter language in the presence their own home-spun illusions "lug." (Cuimarra. down in Bak- highest there were no more than of their own children. UBATILE FOR THE VINE- about Delano. One of the re('ent ersfield was paying 20 cents a 10 percent of the more than There was also some shooting, YARDS - a booklet which pro- bulletins of the Los Angeles C:\th- I \Ig.) A lug is a 26 pound box. 5,000 grape pickers Ollt - and some fighting, and quite a bit of vides a penetrating look at and a olic Human Relations Council Since it takes only 14 to 18 even these were generally changes arson. But most of the pressure moral appraisal of the California noted that California food harve~t- hunches of grapes to make a lug, of employment or temporary sus- was psychological. It \Vas painful, grape boycott by Father Cletus ers "still sweat in the fields under it is obvious that one would have pensions motivated more by fear but, in general, ineffectual. Healy, S.]. (Jesuit) is available at near slave labor conditions. ~\re to work very slowly to pack less of strikers than by a desire to Most of the trouble-makers 50~ each from: Box 960, Lansing, paid disgraceful wages, and must than three lugs an hour. strike. were imported. The 14th Report ~lichigan live in shacks amid miserable So I find quite credible the squalor." contention that the normal wage Depending on such 10w-Clu~1ity nlns from $2 to $2.50 an hour. I sourc.'Cs of information, chllr<.:h have photostat copies of work bulletins in far away Milwaukee sheets from John Garabedian's or Chicago call for a boycott on farm in Fresno. His crew pool the "Grapes of Wrath" coming their resources and it may be they out of California. School childr(lon are a little more efficient than fro~ .distant Pdnnsylvania relent- most; but for three '"Ye~~s~~ O~: . FOUR August 1, 1969 MICHIGAN FARM NEWS new Ingham office 36th now in state I it's policy development time! time to make your voice heard A TAN BRICK AND GLASSED-FRONT BUILDING - has re- placed the old wooden structure long used by the Ingham By Robert E. Smith sessments on trees, shrubs and .tll ordinating those of similar nature, county Farm Bureau. Many visitors were welcomed at an Legislative Counsel farm crops have been exempted, and finally, reaching agreement open house held Sunday, July 13. The building is located the sales tax exemption has beel1 (often after considerable st lld" It's that time of year when in Mason, Michigan. maintained, the business activi- and debate) on the form in which YOU, as a Farm Bureau mem- ties tax has been repealed, sub- the proposed policy will be pre- ber, have an opportunity to help stantial monies from the income sented to voting delegates at the decide the direction that your or- tax have been returned to the !o- annual meeting. Photostory by Vem ~1. Bullen ganization will take in the coming cal government and swamp taxes year. County Farm Bureau Pol- 'Vork of this vear's 20-mem ber have been increased. committee will 'have special his- Hundreds of area Farm Bureau members and friends icy Development Committees are This year, the Legislature has torical significance in this Golden visited the new Ingham county Farm Bureau offices in now beginning to formulate rec- ommendations to be submitted to passed a bill that is another major Anniversary year of the i\lichigan Mason at an "open-house" in mid-July. your County Annual ~Ieeting for step forward. It requires that as- Farm Bureau. Chairman of the Guests registered from as far away as Florida and your decision. sessors take into consideration the group will be Dean Pridgeon, Kentucky, voicing approval of the cool green and blue factors of zoning, existing use and Vice President of the ~lichigan interior color scheme, complete from draperies to floor District "Probable Issues" meet- current income capability. This, Farrrr Bureau. Others from the ings have been held throughout coverings. if properly administered, sho~lld state board also serving will be the state, where county commit- Modern office furniture set off by white walls served prevent over-assessment of i:lrm- Eugene Roberts and Richard Wie- tees have an opportunity to re- land. land. Representing Farm Bureau to display the many flower baskets and arrangements sent view potential issues and collect \Vomen will be Mrs. Charles Leip- by well-wishers. Treated as special guests were pioneer information prior to deciding pol- But, the issue now is whether prandt, Huron county; Mrs. Ro- members of the Ingham county Farm Bureau - with icy recommendations. these and other gains can be bert Squanda, Saginaw, and Mrs. several early members outspoken in their praise. "Things maintained and whether new If you are active in a Commu- Rock Ebers, Kent. surely have changed," one person was heard to remark. gains can be made. Influential nity Group, you may already have legislators are getting more and Representing Farm Bureau "This building is a far cry from the old Farm Bureau contributed ideas and recommen- more publicity by making it lp- Young Farmers will be Lawrence office where Jean (office Secretary, Jean Scutt) used to dations to vour countv committee. pear that the elimination of ex- Karsten, Presque Isle; David place a pan to catch the leaking rainwater!" You may ~lso be acti~e on one of emptions would solve Michigan's Diehl, Ingham, and William Mid- The new building - the 36th such county Farm Bureau a number of your county com- financial problems. One legisla- dleton, Oakland. mittees, and you, as an individual office in r-.1ichigan, wasn't completed without its share of tor recently stated that $100 mil- Other committee members are: Farm Bureau member, should let worry, hard work and excitement. A near-disaster oc- lion is being lost due to thc ex- Leslie Dowd, Van Buren; Alton your county committee know of cmption of trees, vines and farm curred early in the building process when during excava- Brooks, Lenawee; Glenn Hanson, tion a nearby building began to tumble. But such troubles lmy issues that you think should crops and that $15 million or Livingston; Franklin Schmidt, Ot- be considered as a Farm Bureau more is bcing lost from the farm appeared far behind at the gala open-house, as county tawa; Henry Jennings, Genesee; PGlicy. personal property exemption .... officials guided guests through offices and conference Kenneth 'Vadsworth, Sanilac; Ro- In short, it's time to SPEAK In addition, many millions of dol- bert Eggle, Osceola; Dirk Max- areas, the board room and downstairs meeting rooms. Of OUT and help determine the pol- lars more are being lost from the well, Midland; Donald Nugent, special pride is a modem kitchen completely furnished by icies which will become the plat- agricultural sales tax exemption. Benzie; Donald Cordes, Montmo- the county Women's Committee. form on which Farm Bureau will These claims arc highly mislead- rency and Robert Sims, Chippewa. stand throughout 1970. ing because they fail to point out the reasons for Sitch exemptions. The issues will be many. Prob- ably the major issue topping the list will be the whole area of In spite of the reforms made in taxation, taxes continue to rise. farm bill school finance reform. Taxes are the maior cost in farming - to This is due, of course, to inflation that has been created for several support grows thp. degree that they eat up from years by federal fiscal policies. It 5% to more than 30% of the is also due to ever-increasing de- Among Michigan Representa- farmers' income. The USDA mands for expansion of govern- tives adding their backing to the average for Michigan taxes 011 mental services and increasing Farm Bureau supported Agricul- farm property in relation to in- wage demands of local and state tural Adjustment Act of 1969, is come is more than 17%. This is employees. 'Villiam Broomfield (R), 18th dis- three or four times greater than trict, who recently joined 14 U.S. In short, school finance taxa- the property tax paid by most Representatives and 20 Senators tion constitutes a major farm cost. other people as a percentage of in recommending the new, long- A.ction will be taken on this vital their income. The Legislature range farm program. INGHAM FARM BUREAU PRESIDENT - Junior Brownfield issuc. Farm Bureau must have a will definitelv make this issue a strong policy and be vigilant. For Broomfield, who introduced the (left) greets Charter Members Clifford Ward, Mrs. Ward special order' of business in the instance, strange as it may seem, legislation (H.R. 11921) in June, and Mr. and Mrs. George Frost ... at open-house cere- October session. there are some influential groups unites with other !\Iichigan sup- monies recentl . Farm Bureau's present policy is that believe that property taxes porters Rep. Guy Vander Jagt very broad and comprehensive. should continue to be a major (R), Cadillac, 9th district and Among its provisions is a demand source of support for schools and Senator Robert P. Griffin (R), that property taxes for schools be other government costs. Some Traverse City. strictlv limited - if not elim- even support a return to the old, The bill, a five year program inated - because the school prop- outmoded statewide property beginning January 1,.1971 would erty tax in many areas is as much tax. amend the Food and Agriculture as 70% or more of the total tax. Act of 1965 and would include Farm Bureau's present program POLICY COMMITTEE (1) a phase-out of existing gov- is a responsible program because NAMED ernment supply management pro- it recommends that the income grams for wheat, feed grains, and tax be used as a major source of Each year many hundreds of cotton; (2) an expanded cropland school finance. Our present pol- county Farm Bureau policy rec- adjustment program; (3) pricd icy also supports new state-aid ommendations are received by support loans; (4) restrictions (lll formulas based on factors 0ther the ~lichigan Farm Bureau "Pol- CCC sales; and (5) a special than property valuations. icy Development Committee" for transitional program for farm('rs study. comparison and compila- whose average gross annual sales There are other issues involv- tion in a booklet often as large as of farm products do not exceed ing taxation. Farm Bureau's pol- a big mail-order catalog. $5,000 and off-farm income of icies. in the past, have been suc- cessful to the degree that (to This important state-wide com- not morc than $2,000 per year name a fe''''> personal property mittee then has the task of exam- for husband and wife for ~he im- taxes have been eliminated, as- ining each proposal in detail, co- mediately preccding three years. MICHIGAN FARM NEWS August 1, 1969 FIVE - of significance- information staff changes Three of the Michigan Guernsey Breeders Association's new .officers represent Michigan Farm Bureau. 'Valter Frahm, MFB director-at-large, Frankenmuth, was elected president at the an- nual meeting. Dale Anderson, St. Johns, was elected vice pres- ident and Warren Watson, Hemlock, treasurer. Harold Web- ster, Hickory Corners, was elected Secretary. MELVIN L. WOELL- Manager GARY A. KLEINHENN - has I NORMAN W. GOODLlNG- of the Information Division of been named Director of Edu- has been appointed Art Direc the Michigan Farm Bureau and cation and Research for the tor for the Michigan Farm Bu- editor of the FARM NEWS, has Michigan Farm Bureau. Among reau - working within the resigned to join the staff of his duties is preparation of Information Division. He holds the American Farm Bureau Discussion Topic materials for a degree in fine arts from West- Federation. A farmer and for- Community Farm Bureau ern Mich. University and has mer county Farm Bureau presi- Groups. He holds a degree in been involved in professional dent, (Minnesota) Woell will Journalism from Michigan State theater both as performer and GOlD~N GUERNSEYS - on the Frahm farm near Frankenmuth. become Director of 8toadcast University - comes to Farm director. His work with Farm Services forffie American Farm Bureau from a position as Dis- Bureau includes exhibits, bro- Bureau, August 15, ... work- trict Executive, Boy Scouts of chures, films and member Robert E. Smith, Michigan Farm Bureau's Legislative Coun- ing out of the Chicago offices. America. "Roll-Call" promotion. sel, has been appointed to the Citizen's Advisory Group to the Commission on Educational Reform. The appointment was made by Governor William Milliken. Mr. Smith will represent agriculture on this state committee. Smith farms in Fowlerville "Interpol" Officers Visit Farms and is active in local and state government and many educa- tion and agriculture areas. Guests from • 'International . Noel Stuckman, Marketing Specialist, ~{ichigan Farm Bureau, is secretary-treasurer of the grower-processor conference com- Police Group mittee, representing leading Michigan fruit and vegetable grow- Seven Wayne. Washtenaw and ers and processors. The committee is sponsored jointly by Mich- Monroe county Farm Bureau fam- igan Farm Bureau and the Michigan Canners' and Freezers' ilies have been hosts to partici- Association. Other Michigan Farm Bureau members on the pants of the International Police committee are Don Barden, South Haven; Walter Wightman, Academy, Washington, D.C. In- Fennville; Alston Wendzel, Watervliet; Merlin Hauch, Benton volved were 21 top police Chiefs Harbor and Rodney Bull, Bailey. from 8 countries. Tired of seeing "just another jail" the men asked if they could visit American farms, Four ?-.1ichigan4-H members and members of Michigan Farm and through Farm Bureau this Bureau have been awarded scholarships by the Women's Na- was done. tional Fann and Garden Association for the 1969-70 college year. Recipients include David Gleason, 'Vhitmore Lake, Wash- Host farms far the "Interpol" officers included those of: James tenaw county; Steven Pearson, Jonesville, Hillsdale county; Sayre, Bellville, Guy Bunyea, Ply- THAILAND POLICE GUESTS - pose with farm hosts Mr. and Mrs. Shirley Finkbeiner, Saline, Wasbtenaw county and Marvin Lau- mouth; Donald Gill, Ypsilanti; Roy Raker (left) Romulus, Mich. Roy is former president of the termilch, Camden, Hillsdale county. Each year the scholarships Robert Tefft, Ann Arbor; Frank Wayne co. Farm Bureau. Col. Lamliangpol (center) and Lieut. are presented to Michigan 4-H members who have been out- Smith, Carleton, Andrew Smith, Col. Warintrakom, had requested a farm visit as part of a standing in scholarship, citizenship and leadership. Erie, and Roy Raker, Romulus. Senior Officer's Police Academy course. Twelve farms in Allegan County will host the State Farm Management Tour on Thursday, August 7, according to Homer Patterson, Allegan Extension Director and general chairman of the all-day event. Farm Bureau member farm hosts include pre-convention tour Jim, George and Charles Shoemaker, Shelbyville~ Arnold Green, Farm Bureau members and friends planning to attend Fennville; Dan and Ben Barden, South Haven; Wayne Schipper, the 50th anniversary annual meeting of the American Holland and Austin Rigterink and Sons, Hamilton. Luncheon Farm Bureau Federation in 'Vashington, D.C. (December will be served at the Allegan County Fairgrounds at 12:30. 8-11) may combine sightseeing pleasure with convention business through a newly announced pre-convention tour Dorn K. Diehl, Dansville, has been named state executive di- of colonial Virginia. rector of the Michi~an A~cultural Stabilization and Conserva- tion Services (ASCS) office effective June 29, according to Further, they may have a choice of air or rail travel Nicholas Smith, chairman of the ASCS committee. He has and a wide selection of Michigan departure points in- been an ASC community committeeman in Ingham County for cluding Detroit (air or rail) Lansing and Saginaw (air). eight years, is chairman of the MSU dair~' advisory board. Rail departure will be one day earlier (Dec. 3) but in each case all will arrive at Richmond, Virginia, for a special The late Stanley Johnston, internationally known horticul- dinner and overnight stay Thursday, December 4. turist and director for more than 50 years of the Michigan State Friday, December 5 will bring the first full day of sight- University's experiment station at South Haven, was honored seeing including a guided tour of historic Williamsburg. recently in that city when a city park was renamed the Stanley RONALD L. JENSEN - is the A drive to 'Vashington, D.C., Sunday, Dec. 7, is timed to Johnston Memorial Park. It was originally called Oakland Park. newest member of the expand- allow attendance at the opening Vespers Service at the Prof. Johnston received a Distinguished Service to Agriculture ing MACMA (Michigan Agricul- tural Cooperative Marketing American Farm Bureau convention. Monday and Tuesday, award from Michigan Farm Bureau in 1960. Dec. 8-9 are convention days, with an all-day tour of Wash- Association) fieldstaff, repre- senting MACMA programs in ington planned for December 10. Rail passengers begin CHARTER-MEMBER SEARCH the West Central region since their trip home following this sightseeing, but air passen- The 50th Anniversary committee of the Michigan Farm Bureau mid-July. Jensen lives at Mus- gers return Thursday morning, Dec. 11. All arrive in is attempting to compile a listing of living Charter members- kegon, Mich. He holds a de- ~fichigan at nearly the same time. persons who ioined Farm Bureau in 1919. gree in Agricultural Economics from Southern Illinois Univer- Tour costs depend on departure points and mode of trav- Names are being collected in anticipation of a special com- sity and comes to MACMA from el-$l28 by rail and about $143. by air EXCLUDING hotel memorative program at the Golden Anniversary meeting of the Michigan Farm Bureau November 10- 12 on the MSU campus, a position with the OeKalb rooms in Washington which may be reserved only through county, Illinois, Farm Bureau. the Mich. Farm Bureau. For more details write: Tours, East lansing. Names and addresses should be sent to: Infor- His MACMA territory is from Infonnation Division, Michigan Farm Bureau, Box 960. mation Division, Michigan Farm Bureau, Box 960, lansing, Grand Rapids to north of Michigan 48904. ludington. August 1, 1969 MICHIGAN FARM NEWS SIX -SYNOPSIS- CLARK L. BRODY- first Secretary-Manager of the Michigan Farm Bureau outlined the early turbulent years of the new organization in a warm first- person account titled "In the Service of the Farmer". Portions of this book are reprinted here with permission of MSU Press. Last month Brody told of dissention and disenchantment among early leaders ond on annual-meeting confrontation and test of strength. Indirectly, this was to precipitate him into the center of state Farm Bureau activity. COPYRIGHT 1959 - MSU PRESS. NEvV Committee wanted no more SECRETARY-MANAGER intractable personalities like Bingham, but someone more One day in February, 1921, amenable who could work about two weeks after my return with other people. Besides, from the stormy sessions in Lan- the county agents were ac- sing, I was preparing notes for tive in Bureau affairs, and talks for a series of farmers' meet- my appointment would ings in St. Clair County. ~ly of- serve to maintain cordial fice was comfortably warm, the relations with MAC. large flakes of snow fell softly outside, and my secretary, Flor- ence Eaton, was working quietly A MATTER OF MONEY at the files. I was happy in Port The Executive Committee first Huron; my job had never looked told me that $13,000 had been FIRST STATE FARM BUREAU- this group has been only partly identified. Perhaps alert readers so good to me. Then the tele- budgeted for salaries, to be di- can help. From the left (seated) the group is tentatively listed as: unknown; unknown woman; phone rang and Florence said it vided equally between President President Roland Morrill; Secretary Charles Bingham; A. E. lIIenden; James Nicol (to later become was a long distance call from Lan- Nicol and myself. This meant second President) and Ashley Berridge. Standing are (left) A. J. Rogers and Ray Potts. sing for me. that there was to be dual man- A voice identified itself as agement, which was not at all "Gus" Rogers. "The Executive satisfactory to me. I suggested at 221 North Cedar Street, Lan- been rolled by a boy in any old Department had lost all of its Committee has decided that you that Nicol be made manager as sing, as Secretary and General direction, or rather like several $17,000 of capital through de- should be secretary of the Michi- well as president and simply em- Manager. such snowballs which have in clining prices on storage grain. gan State Farm Bureau," he said. p!oy a young man as his secre- common only the fact that they Fortv-two cars of cottonseed meal "When can you start to work?" tary. Nicol demurred that I had During that week I could had been rolled by boys from the wer~ setting on railroad tracks. I said I was not going to start, altogether misinterpreted the de- make out the internal affairs same family. The meal had been purchased for that he was a better man for the sires of the Committee. He did of the Bureau to be pure 878 a ton. Cooperatives would It appeared that each member job than I. not want to manage the Bureau. bedlam. Part of my con- not buy it from the Bureau be- of the Executive Committee had Then Gus told me that Presi- For one thing, he was too old to fusion could doubtless be cause the price had declined and a department that he regarded as dent James Nicol, A. E. IlIenden undertake the job. I was to be attributed to a lack of fa- it could be bought from other his "baby." He was enjoying his of Lenawee County, and himself manager as well as secretary, and miliarity with methods and sources for $38 a ton. Nor, for loose authority over its operation; had been appointed to find a re- he pledged me his full coopera- with personnel, - anyone that matter, did the car-door he might agree to alteration or placement for Bingham. They tion. His bland assurances taking a new job has this agents and local cooperatives have curtailment of some other depart- had recommended me to the quieted my doubts, though they experience. And then there the capital with which to honor ment, but not his own. The de- Committee, and the Committee should not have, for I was not might have been the temp- their purchases. The Traffic De- partments resembled each other only yesterday, February 18, had given, nor did I press for, a state- tation to condemn anything partment was providing general only in bearing the name of the moved that I be offered the ment of just what his duties would that had been done by my transportation service for individ- YIichigan State Farm Bureau. position. be. Because the lines of authority predecessor. But as little as uals and business with whom and Each operated in a unique way; I was surprised and pleased by and responsibility were not clearly a week's observation as- with which the Bureau had no each departmental accounting what Gus said, but I followed my drawn at this time, Nicol and I sured me that the opera- business connection, and provid- system, if it could be called such, first instincts and said no, that I for the next year or so had some tion of the Bureau was truly ing that service without being re- was catch as catch can. The de- was not at all interested. If I uneasy moments together. chaotic. munerated for it. partment managers wanted to re- were to move, I hoped it would \Vhen the Committee set my tain their autonomy and to con- be to succeed Dr. Eben Mumford Questioning of department But perhaps most serious salary at $7,000, I was persuaded tinue to report only to a single as State Leader of County Agents. heads and other emp~oyees re- of all was the effect these to accept the job, conditional on committee member; they would I knew my work as a county vealed that no. one knew what operations were having on my being released by the St. Clair resist all efforts to regularize op- agent; I was totally unprepared was really going on, even in his membership and support of County Faon Bureau, with whom eration or accounting procedures. for running any general business own department. Nevertheless, the Bureau. The disap- my term of employment had still ~lany persons on the Bureau staff organization, particularly one the to preclude my making recom- pointment about the Wool eighteen months to run. The apparently believed that member- size of the Michigan State Farm mendations that would only have Pool made potential new Committee assured me that the ship dues would always provide Bureau. But Rogers persisted and to be altered later, at my first members wary of signing St. Clair County Farm Bureau them with unlimited funds for op- ~ ended by promising to meet the regular meeting with the Execu- up; and many disillusioned would not stand in the way of eration - that dues would never Executive Committee in Lansing tive Committee I limited myself members were refusing to my appointment and urged me to cease coming in. Departmental two days later. to urging the adoption of a few honor their second year begin work immediately because staffs were on the whole one-third changes in accounting procedure. postdated checks. Further- On arriving in Lansing, the internal affairs of the Michi- larger than they should have been, I learned that Gus had gan State Farm Bureau were in The next month was for me an and salaries were high. No de- more, of the membership sketched only the barest deplorable shape. I received my education in management and or- partment was self-supporting. And dues that were collected, outline of the considera- clearance from the St. Clair ganization, or rather the lack of then there was factionalism within county farm bureaus were tions that had led to my County Farm Bureau, and on them. The Michigan State Farm the organization. Fear that my using the Bureau's share to being asked to become sec- March I, I walked into the Mich- Bureau had grown whi~sically in coming would hazard their posi- meet their own expenses. A retary of the Bureau. The igan State Farm Bureau offices the manner of a snowball that has tions would lead employees to final drain was the dues to jockey for favor; some persons the American Farm Bureau whom Bingham had appointed Federation on a book mem- Farm Bureau membership "Receipt and Agreement" (Oceana county) of Daniel E. Reed, Sr. would remain loyal to him and bership of about 47,000 at father of Mich. Farm Bureau Secretary-Manager, Dan E. Reed. Card was issued in 1920. fight any change that would $.50 a member, when only throw him in an unfavorable light. 21,358 members had ac- tually paid their dues. RECEIPT AND AGREEMENT Drastic retrenchment and THAT WOOL POOL reorganization were im- The __~.~~._._County Farm Bureau oL_. OCEANA .. County, Mich.) and the Mic~gan State Farm ~ /, ~ t"' •• There were departmental ven- perative. Bureau, he~by accepts the membership application oLt.' _,?1.. )r't t. ( ,.' £.;.~ j.(::r.<: (':t' ,/ "-/;- tures that had no possibility of paying off. The Wool Pool had J. Lee Morford, our general which is in full payment for three yean.membenbip in the. OC~ ~'}~ County ~arm Burea!" more than three million pounds auditor, also at this time devoted and the Michigan State Farm Bureau. Five dollars "5.00) of each yearly dues golDg to the State and NatIonal Organl- his efforts to effecting deferred ations and five dollars ('5.00) to the County Farm Bureau. In consideration of the agreement of said applicant of wool in storage, which the year before membership solicitors had payment plans with creditors. the said Associations do hereby agree that in the event of tbe removal of said applicant frolJ'l advised fanners not to sell at sixty Morford, a person of the utmost cents a pound; now the market dignity, met creditors with the price had fallen to eight to fifteen air of a banker, to whom they cents, depending upon the grade, were applying for a loan. His $58,000 worth of the wool that confident demeanor must have had been made into blankets or convinced creditors that the Bu- traded for suitings was scattered reau was here to stay, that it around the state in the hands of would be best not to press unduly would-be dealers, some of whom for payment of bills. probably never would settle ac- Lawrence Osmer, the recently counts. The ,Elevato~ , Exchange illstfl\J~d maqa,ger of the Elevator MICHIGAN FARM NEWS August 1, 1969 SEVEN purity of seed. I doubt not that Buren County became president, this was about as significant a M. L. Noon of Jackson County service as the Bureau has ren- vice-president, and Fred Van dered the farmer. Borsdall of St. Joseph County Alfred Bentall, county agent of treasurer. I was pleased to re- Allegan County, was put in charge port the net worth of the Bureau of membership campaigns. He, as having risen to $175,000, with with a small group of trained a reserve of unpaid memberships solicitors, over the next few years amounting to $400,000. maintained the membership of But in 1923 the Bureau was to the Bureau in steady, if not spec- sustain an operating loss of $93,- tacular, fashion. In 1923 the 000. We were unsuccessful in Farm Bureau News was estab- promoting HHubam," a new va- lished by Einar Ungren. riety of annual sweet clover; the Stanley Powell, who had once Michigan Produce Exchange lost served in the State House of Rep- $20,000 in one bit of speculation resentatives, was made Director on apples alone; our inventory of Public Relations. He was to got out of hand; and there was a lobby in Lansing and Washing- bad loss on a feed contract. Be- ton on the behalf of the Bureau fore the end of the year I assumed and then notify the farmer the personal direction of the de- through bulletins and the Farm partments concerned with these Bureau News about legislative losses. developments. The Bureau was dealing more with national than The losses were offset by state matters affecting agriculture favorable developments, because the American Farm Bu- however. First, the Farm reau Federation had effective ma- Bureau News, so capably FARM MACHINERY DIVISION - an early Farm Bureau cooperative service, offered this array run by Einar Ungren, had of plowing, discing, drilling and cultivating devices. Although most members were enthusiastic chinery for lobbying and we did not. Moreover, once the national begun to make itself felt. about the idea of "pooled purchasing power" ~ the F. B .machinery business did not thrive. The News provided the Bu- government had been won over on a policy affecting farmers, it reau with a sounding board Exchange Department, partially would have to be responsible to At the annual meeting of dele- was a much less difficult task to to counteract misleading replenished the capital of that the general manager and Secre- gates in February, 1922, I could get state governments to follow, stories about the Bureau department through a fortunate tary, who in turn would be report that the net worth of the than the reverse. that were being published upward turn of the market. This accountable to the Executive Bureau, excluding unpaid mem- The Michigan State Farm Bu- elsewhere. The News was time speculation paid off. By Committee. bership checks, was $111,545. reau supported the AFBF in get- a primary influence in help- shifting funds from one depart- Payroll and overhead expenses ting bills enacted to control stock- ing us put over our pro- Though the necessity and grams with members. In- ment to another, we were able to had been reduced from $260,000 yards and packers, regulate grain logic of these steps seemed deed, the News had been meet payrolls. But the situation to $160,000. Furthermore, the exchanges, extend the War Fi- inevitable and irrefutable to integral to the development was desperate. Bureau had paid off debts of nance Corporation's power to lend me, each step had serious of the Bureau. It is dou.bt- My best counsel on steps to be $80,000 and spent $26,000 con- money to farmers, increase the implications. How did one ful whether the young Bu- taken came from Morford and verting the ~Hchigan State Farm rate of interest on Federal Farm go about discharging em- reau could have survived Hale Tennant. Morford urged me Bureau Building into offices. Loan Bonds, and raise the work- ployees, many of whom had the early twenties without to impose a single accounting sys- There were maj0r administra- ing capital of the Federal Farm been recently hired with the the Farm Bureau News. tem on the entire Bureau. It tive changes made at this meeting Loan System. We made our er- expectation of long tenure? would make departmental man- of the delegates. The name of the rors, of course, as when we sought Where were these people to agers unhappy, all right, but the governing body of the Bureau was with the OFBF to limit immigra- MIXED EMOTIONS find another job? How benefits would far outweigh this changed from "Executive Com- tion to 2 % of the foreign born could I expect any member Let me end this chapter by say- temporary disadvantage - and mittee" to "Board of Directors," as recorded in 1910 census. Nor of the Executive Commit- ing it is not my intention to sound the departmental managers were and the number of members was does the Bureau any longer sup- tee to agree to the curtail- like a St. George slaying dragons going to be unhappy, anyhow. increased from nine to eleven. In port the progressive income tax, ment or abandonment of on all sides, nor like the voice of Tennant had not supported my order to promote administrative for which it fought so hard in the department of which he the 1920's. In general, in the righteousness itself. I have only appointment, but once I came to was chairman without alien- efficiency, the president and vice- tried to present events and people the Bureau, he gave me the full- president of the Bureau would no twenties, the Bureau opposed ating him? How would the tariffs on imports which Michi- as I have seen and understood est cooperation. He was a master Committee feel about los- longer be elected by the dele- them. I have to the best of my strategist of backstage operations gates, but se1ected by the Board gan farmers used, such a~ Ca- ing face nationally? What nadian lumber, but supported ability assessed them according to - he maintained that it was not would the morale of the Bu- of Directors. Hale Tennant's the principles by which I have always best to meet problems commodity plan of orgar.ization tariffs on imports that would com- reau be once the changes pete with things which Michigan endeavored to live. head-on. His advice saved me were put into effect? was adopted. Five commodity But we do not live in the Elys- from ruffling the feathers of peo- exchanges - the Michigan Potato farmers produced, such as beans. This policy obviously was bad ian fields. One is not often faced ple while winning a point of view. HARD TIMES Growers Exchange, the Michigan by a single course of action he What is more, Tennant was coun- Milk Producers Association, the long-run economics. But the The net worth of the Bureau, Michigan Livestock Exchange, the farmers for whom we were work- knows is just and right, but by sel to the Bureau, and his support several courses of action, each of would go far toward influencing excluding post-dated membership Michigan Elevator Exchange, and ing had only one short-run life to checks, was in 1921 a minus the Michigan Fruit Growers, Inc., lead, and as a whole, since they which has its merits and faults. the Executive Committee to ac- Moreover, one is often tom be- cept my recommendations. $15,000. The enlistment of new - became affiliated with the Bu- were already at such a disadvan- members had fallen to a mere reau. Each exchange appointed tage, it seemed only right not to tween choosing between individ- trickle and many members were a director to the Board of the compound the economic injury by uals and organizations; and when STEPS TO SOLVENCY importing foreign farm products. the choice is made, someone must refusing to honor post-dated Bureau, and the secretary of the usually be hurt. I have tried to By the end of March it was checks. For the Bureau to exist, Bureau became reciprocally an GOOD AND BAD lay before the reader the altern a- clear to me where expenses should departments immediately had to exofficio member of each of their - tives posep before me and the initially be cut. The Forestry De- be operated on a paying basis boards. At the annual meeting of dele- reasons for the choices I made. I partment would have to be dis- and the support of farmers had gates in 1923, James Nicol an- only hope I followed the courses continued, though it meant the to be regained. A BRIGHTER SIDE nounced his retirement from the that would be taken by most rea- painful release of an MAC class- I immediately put into effect Bureau. Waldo Phillips of Van sonable men. mate of 1904, Hobart Sanford. the recommendations for economv The improved financial posi- The staff of the Publicity Depart- that I had made to the Executiv~ tion of the Bureau made possible ment would have to be reduced Committee. The year was in the changes that would reflect the from five to one man and a secre- main one of retrenchment, even policies of the new management, tary. The operations of the Traf- insofar as the work on member- and not those of Bingham. In the fie Department would have to be ship consisted of collecting back early 1920's commerdal seed com- severely curtailed. It was located dues rather than on signing up panies did not inform the farmer in Grand Rapids at a cost of new members. The results were about the origin of seed or about $25,000 yearly; we would move it disappointing. The Bureau then the purity of shipments. A bag to Lansing and limit its budget sought the help of local banks in of seed could look all right - and to $6,000. There would have to having post-dated checks hon- this was how most seed was be a general reduction of per- ored, but on the whole, the banks bought - but the seed might be sonnel in every department. Fur- were uncooperative. The Execu- of southern origin unadapted to thermore, contributions to the tive Committee and I soon des- the severe climate of Michigan, committees set up by the Ameri- perately heeded the demand of or i~ might contain a high per- can Farm Bureau Federation to paid-up members that the Bureau centage of weeds and other im- improve farm marketing, which sue delinquent members for dues. purities. In either event the in 1921 would run to several Accordingly, the Bureau em- farmer suffered, and usually with- thousand dollars, would have to ployed three attorneys to collect out knowing why. Much of the be deferred, embarrassing as it annual pledges of $10 from mem- talk at the time about clover-sick might be to the Bureau, (Presi- bers. But the costs outran the re- land and faulty farming methods dent Nicol was the chairman of turns by far, and this method of was ill founded. But then the un- the National Fruit and Vegetable collection in general so alienated suspecting farmer had no way of Committee, and Bingham had members from the Bureau that knowing that: he had, after all, participated in the creation of we quickly dropped all thought bought seed in g(i)odfaith. Within STANLEY M. POWEll- former EINAR M. UNGREN - Editor of those committees). \Ve would be of further legal proceedings. One the year Nicholson and I ap- legislative Counsel for the the Michigan Farm News and committing the lesser of the two does not gain adherents through peared before the Agricultural Michigan Farm Bureau, now head of the Information Di- evils by meeting our payroll. legal agencies; to the contrary, it Committee of the State Legisla- represents the 89th District in vision for nearly 41 years from Finally, I wanted to do away took the Bureau a considerable ture to appeal successfully for a the Michigan legislature. He 1923 to his retirement in 1961. with the running of departments time to win back many of its erst- Jaw that would require the ac- was succeeded by Robert E. He was succeeded by Melvin . "by 'committee's;'depaftmeHt'neads';'wfiile supporters. } I .'O} I 1__ c\lr.a.teJabeling. of .the.origin..and • Smith. ~.. ~ • L WaelL EIGHT MICHIGAN FARM NEWS , / I J~ / ...---- ~: . ~ working, not waiting . NEEDlECRAFT EXPERTS- Mrs. Ann Campau, Needlecraft Con- test chairman (left) joins Maxine Topliff and Mrs. Florence Car- penter in examining potential entries. Other committee mem- about bers are Mrs. Mary Edith Anderson, Mrs. Claudine Jackson, and Mrs. Hattie Lockhart. BDSTLIS 8l .ITTICDITS - MEMBER INVOLVEMENT- "Participation" is the principle purpose for the new state-wide needlecraft contest sponsored by Farm Bureau Women. Com- mittee members working on the project are trusting that it will open doors to involvement of Farm Bureau women not now ac- By Gary Kleinhenn winds while working in the woods tive in other projects. from daylight to dark, for we The contest - a new activity for Farm Bureau Women, in- ~lrs. Edith \\Tagar was an out- heel no 40 hOllr weeks those days." cludes sewing, crocheting, embroidery, rug making and any standing pioneer of the Farm Bu- type of other handiwork done with needles. All plans for par- ~lrs. "Tagar said, "'V omen reau and the first woman elected wore tight-laced corsets and a ticipation are aimed at the county level with prizes to be given to the ~lichigan Farm Bureau bustle to make her waist appear at county and district contests. board of directors in 1921. In small and she wore at least two Prize-winning items will be on display at the annual meeting 1923 she founded the work of be-ruffled and starched petticoats of the Michigan Farm Bureau - November 10, at Kellogg Cen- Farm Bureau women, as the besides the flannel one beneath. ter, MSU campus. Mrs. Ann Campau is chairman of the state "Home and Community" Depart- committee - others include Mrs. Mary Edith Anderson, Mrs. ment of ~lichigan Farm Bureau. "To be sure, I had my home- Florence Carpenter, Mrs. Claudine Jackson, Mrs. Hattie Lockhart She served in both capacities as made quilts and 'comfortables,' and Mrs. Maxine Topliff. department head and director sheets and pillow slips, towels and until 1938 and was active with feather beds, strawticks and rag the Bureau up to her death in carpets. The girl who did not 1961. . bring those things to her new home was considered lacking in A correspondence with ~frs. her marital duty." 'Vagar is recounted here from Marital duties were ap!enty Farm News files to reflect the as Mrs. 'Vagar recounted, "The farming era when the Farm Bu- EDITH M. WAGAR-\\First only trunk was a much battered reau was in its infancv and ~1r. lady" of the Michigan Farm gray one that Gordon had had and 1\lrs. Gordon 'Vag~r as char- ter members, were beginning Bureau. A charter member in from a few years back and among their marriage on their Monroe 1919 (Monroe county) she was the medley of useful articles and county farm. elected to the State Board in keepsakes were two patterns, one 1921. Two years later she for his work shirts and one for founded the Women's work of underdrawers. Imagine my hor- "We came to this farm during the Michigan Farm Bureau- ror! I had come from a home of tile first week of our married was its leader until 1938. girls and knew nothing about life," ~lrs. \Vagar wrote. "It was making men's clothes. I had then a forty acre place, undrained, helped to make my own wedding grown up to brush, and between wore socks. Farm men wore felt dress and all of the other sewing the stumps was an old lopsided packs during the winter months connected with my new life,. but IlOuse, a make-shift stable and for they all worked in the woods how could I ever make a shirt no barn or other buildings. clltting and hauling timber and that buttoned on the shoulder! "\Ve put all of our belongings stove wood, for most of the folks HWell! I made all that was in a wagon, had a team of colts In town lIsed wood for heat and necessary for the first year or two not yc>tpaid for and it took us an rooking. AIost farm men wore a and thanked the Lord when those entire day to come six miles from '}eard in the wintertime so as to f !dngs" could be purchased ready my father's place, for the mud protect his face from the cold made. was so deep that part of the way Gordon walked while I drove the teum. That was our honeymoon." ~1rs. \Vagar who wrote this commentary shortly after her 50th wedding anniversary in 1941 said, "I was asked the other day if we Call ahead bought our furniture on the $5 down and $5 a week plan. .. so they'll expect yOU! Merciful heavens! That was a young fortune to newlyweds those days. "Those were happy days when we were clearing up and fitting the land for production. In many of the tasks we worked together - Gordon would dig stumps and cut brush, I would help to pile it and many a time we would burn it at night. "Fifty years ago we had no good roads, no automobiles, no Then keep in touch telephones, no electricity, no country banks, no rural delivery, with home by phone! no daily papers, no milk stations, and a furnace was a rare thing and far more rare was a bathroom. "It was the age of 'rats' in women's hair, men wore celluloid collars, both men and women . wore high-button shoes, skirts touched the ground, silk hose @ were unheard of! rather, women Michigan Bell wore hand knit woolen stockings Part of the Nationwide Bell System in the wintertime and heavy cot- tell in the summer, while men MICHIGAN FARM NEWS NINE Milestone s333. 333. 333 Farm Bureau Life, one of the largest Michigan-based life insurance firms, has surpassed the one-third billion dollar mark for life insurance in force. The finn is the fourth largest state-based company writ- ing individual life insurance. Fann Bureau Life, along with Farm Bureau Mutual, Community Service Insurance Company and Community Service Acceptance Company, form Farm Bureau Insurance Group, headquartered in Lansing. The $333 lh million dollar milestone was surpassed dur- ing the 20th anniversary year of Farm Bureau Insurance Group. In making the announcement, the firm's Executive Vice President, Nile L. Vermillion, said, "In less than eighteen years Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company has grown to play a major role in the economic development of Michigan. Originally created to financially secure the future of Michigan's farm community, Farm Bureau Life COOPERATIVE PLANNING - was the purpose of a recent all-day meeting of the Mich. Association of Farmer Cooperatives now extends its insurance services to all Mich. residents." at Farm Bureau Center, lansing. Present were (back row) Do;'! VerWest, McDonald Dairy; Dean Pridgeon, Mich. F. B.; Wm. Farm Bureau Life was chartered for business in Sep- Parsons. R. E. A. Co.ops; Harry Oxender, PCA; David Shaefer, Cherry Growers and Keith Middleton, Animal Breeders. In tember 1951, with assets of $316,000. Today, the firm's the center is MFB President, Elton Smith. Seated (from left) is John Williamson, St. John's Co.op; Eugene Erskine, Associa. tion Chairman, also representing MMPA; L. A. Cheney, Secretary.Manager, Mich. Association of Farmer Cooperatives and assets exceed $40 million. John Carmichael, Coopersville Co-op Elevator. MICHIGAN The 120th Michigan State Fair begins in Detroit, Friday, Au- gust 22 and continues through September I, (Labor Day). One where consumer meets producer of the larger fairs in the nation it promises one of the most excit- ing entertainment schedules any- where - and basically, it's free. Excluding the Midway and the Aua 22-SEPT I $1.50 gate admission for adults and 50 cents for children age 8 through 12 - and those younger admitted free when accompanied by an adult, the fair presents a star-packed calendar of free en- tertainment. For the first time in recent years, the Michigan Farm Bureau will be represented at the big fair, with an exhibit showing what roadside litter can do to the tires of heavy farm machinery. A large, but completely ruined tire, will be central in the booth with ap- propriate explanatory material. The Farm Bureau exhibit is set for Agricultural Hall. Again, extensive displays of farm produce and livestock will be featured with more than 20,- 000 entries of Michigan's best expected. Again too, the emphasis will be on "Consumer Meets' Producer." A large livestock auction sale will be held, with the auction of prize livestock and livestock prod- ucts will be held at 3 p.m. Tues- day, August 26 in the Coliseum. The Grand and Reserve Cham- pion Steer, Barrow and Market Lamb will be sold in the evening of the same day as a special fea- ture of the evening Horse Show. Community Arts is always a favorite attraction - and with good reason, with this year's show promising to be the best y~t. Daily demonstrations include the arts of crewel, macrame, decoup- age, quilting, weaving and food preparation. Top stars, including such names as Al H irt and the Baja Marimba Band will enter- tain - {Teeat the Bandshell. TEN August 1, 1969 MICHIGAN FARM NEWS Be the 66Toastof the Town" @ and solve all your Winter Comfort and budget problems with one heating plan! Farmers Petroleum guarantees to keep you "toasty" warm all winter long, with Flame Balanced heating oils, the clean burning fuel that gives you more comfort per dollar' THE IICOMFORT CONTRACT" DOES IT! , ,u - . • 0 The "Comfort Contract" does two things for you ... 1. It assures you of all the Fuel Oil you need all winter long, automatically delivered if you desire ... and 2. It budgets your payments to a pre-set amount eacD month, so you are better able to plan for other house- hold expenses. Try the "Comfort Contract" ... Be the "Toast of the Town." FARMERS PETROLEUM 4000 N. GRAND RIVER LANSING, MICHIGAN . i' MICHIGAN FARM NEWS August 1, 1969 ELEVEN a new feed plant -a sunny day - a giant crowd! APPRECIATION - to those who helped build, is given by Farm Bureau Services President, Elton Smith at the open house for the new feed plant. Smith expressed confidence that continued HElICOPTER'S-EYE VIEW - of Farm Bureau Services new million-dollar-plus feed plant provides interest and support of area farmers can be depended upon to an idea of the size of the involved area and the potential industrial park growth-area around make the plant a success. it. Off-site parking handled the many hundred cars, with participants bussed to the plant site. 1,600 came to dinner. •• The rain clouds drifted away and (by special arrangement) the sun came out ... shining down on the more than 1800 guests attending the new $1,400,000 Farm Bureau Services Feed Plant open house near Battle Creek June 25. Sixteen hundred people stayed for the noon-catered luncheon, served in the large holding-area, proposed storage space. Thou- sands of people were conducted on tours of the huge plant and three parties especially ... Neil Brady, rural Battle Creek, and Mr. and Mrs. Larry Knowles, C liTTUl x, went home extra happy after they had been announced as winners of a ton of feed, given as door prizes. A huge striped tent on the grounds held the many display booths of Farm Bureau-Farm Bureau Insurance Group and Farmers Petroleum as well as related industries and business friends of Farm Bureau Services. William N. Guthrie, Executive vice president and General Manager, Farm Bureau Services, Inc., said in his dedication address : ''We today dedicate to the service of the Michigan farmers, this feed plant, the most modem, efficient and versa- "MAGIC ELIXIR"- was a featured attraction at the Farm Bureau Insurance Group booth at the tile feed plant in the United States. And how better to serve dedication of the new Farm Bureau Services Feed Plant near Battle Creek. Farm Bureau Insurance farmers than throu{!.h an organization owned and controlled by was promoted as a cure for such strange diseases as "farm distress" and "financial dehydration". farmers themselves?" Terry Buckles (left) and Jack Stucko of the Group's Communications department extolled the Guthrie explained, «the plant has a manufacturing capacity Elixir's virtues. of 40,000 tons per year on a one 8-hour shift per day basis. High quality feeds can be mixed at the rate of 36 tons per hour on a 5-minute cycle. 'The plant has a storage capacity for bulk feed ingredients HELP of 315,000 bushels plus 100,000 bushels of storage for com, oats and soy bean meal. To provide fast delivery services, 20 bulk load-out bins are available. equipment Automatic weighing and mixing is the most modern available in the feed industry today ... and the total cost of this project is in excess of $1,- 400,000 and has been financed by Farm Bureau Services through CHARLIE FOSTER! "Help Charlie Foster." It may a staff employee in the Lansing N. Grand River Avenue, Lan- the sale of debentures to farmers, cooperative elevators and the seem odd, but those three words Home Office. sing 48904. general public and by the St. Paul Bank for Cooperatives." symbolize the rapid growth of But before Charlie could really "Help Charlie Foster" commer- Farm Bureau Services President Elton R. Smith recognized Farm Bureau Insurance Group. make the "big time" he, like most cials are shown on these TV sta- the many who had helped make the feed mill opening a possi- To achieve the success of rapid products today, was test-marketed tions- growth, any business organization, to prove effectiveness. Last year, WWTV-UP (Channels 9 and bility and a success, in his talk to the guests following the particularly an insurance firm, the five Charlie Foster TV spot 10) Cadillac/Traverse City, Mon- luncheon. He credited those who helped make the decisions commercials ... 60 seconds each day and Saturday, 6:00-News and must first have an excellent prod- regarding the need for a new mill and the location plus when uct and professional, interested ... were tested on Channels 9 Thursday 11:00-News; it should be built. Pres. Smith said "Farmers financed this service. The American consumer and 10, in north.em Michigan. plant and others through investment in Farm Bureau Services' In May of this year, the ad WOOD (Channel 8) Grand demands and deserves no less. interest-bearing debentures and I am confident that the con.- But no one can sit on their campaign was expanded to five Rapids, Thursday 6:0Q-News, more TV stations, in order to Monday through Friday during tinued interest and support of farmers in this area and through- laurels and succeed. High growth out Michigan can be depended upon to make this plant a rates must be maintained. They cover most of outstate Michigan. Tonight Show; success." can be maintained only if a com- Because of Charlie Foster, more WKZO (Channel 3) Kalamazoo, pany can tell more people about Michigan people will now be able Tuesday 7:00 (Michigan Sports- Smith continued: "Thomas Jefferson once said something its products and services ... and to enjoy the expanding services, man); which fits right here. 'Agriculture, manufacturing, commerce tell the story interestingly. innovation and sound financial WJRT (Channel 12) Elint. and navigation, the four pillars of our prospe~ty, ar~ mo~t This is where Charlie Foster, counsel of Farm Bureau Insurance Thursday, 6:30 (What's My Line), thriving when left most free to individual enterpnse ... that s supposedly an agent for our com- Group. Tuesday, 6:00-News, Wednesday, what Thomas Jefferson said, a good many years ago. But, things panies, comes in. He relays the So watch for Charlie on one of Thursday and Friday, 11:30 (Joey Farm Bureau Insurance Group .your local TV stations as listed. Bishop Show); haven't changed in this respect. The enterprise has all been story interestingly, humorously, And if you want to spread the ours, and we can be more concerned, more involved and more word about Farm Bureau Insur- WJIM (Channel 6) Lansing, in the firm's first statewide tele- proud of wlwt has been done, knowing how it has been done vision ad campaign presently ap- ance ... write for a "Help Charlie Monday and Tuesday, 6:00-News; by our own efforts." pearing on seven Michigan TV Foster" bumper sticker to: Com- And, WILX (Channel 10) Jack- Paul Mullineaux is the Feed Plant manager and reports that stations. The role of Charlie Fos- munications Department, Farm son, Friday, Midnigh~ (Tonight ter is portrayed by Jack Stucko, Bureau I~rance Group, 4000 Show). he expects to have the mill in full operation this fall. TWELVE August 1, 1969 MICHIGAN FARM NEWS .----------.------------------------. i ABRICUlTURE IN ACTION i i - - PICTORIAL REPDIIT ! I I ------------------------------------- POLICY DEVELOPMENT TIME ALL OVER MICHIGAN Most often Farm Bureau's Pol- icy Developmcnt processes (P.D.) begins with a review of the pol- icies of last year. Throughou t Michigan this review procedure •• ,UI, .. .... f- •• ~, •• OC' ••• " • ,. was a major part of district P.D. ').,. )~ "'~(t . meetings held this past month to ~?:'::.: review issues and procedures. GAilY DECORATED MilK CAN - was presented to Mrs. Bryning August 20 brings with it the Collins (left) at lenawee county Farm Bureau's first dairy ban- next important step when county quet held recently. The gift was in recognition of her many Farm Bureau Presidents, 'Vomen's Farm Bureau projects according to Mrs. Wilson Sawyer, Chair- chairmen, Young Farmers' and man of the Farm Bureau Women's banquet project. county P.D. chairmen come to- gether in Lansing's Jack Tar Hotel to check signals in a state-wide STRAWBERRY QUEEN meeting. A resource person on " national affairs, Wm. Anderson. $H of the American Farm Bureau • Federation's Washington office I ,() , l' f", : will take part. • '4: "" Following this, county P.D . committees become extra busy in seeking the help of all county members in surfacing, discussing and selecting policy recommenda- tions to be acted upon at county annual meetings in October. Meanwhile the state P.D. com- mittee under the chairmanship of state Vice President Dean Prid- geon, wiII hold hearings with key agencies in similar fact-finding sessions. The first of these will be August 8 - the next in Oc- tober. FinalJy, tentative policy NATIONAL STRAWBERRY QUEEN - Miss Julie Benish, appears POLICY DEVelOPMENT CHAIRMAN - Dan Robotham, (Benzie statements will be acted unon by on Northwest farm Bureau's \\Accent Agriculture" television county) reviews current Farm Bureau policies prior to calling voting delegates at the Michigan program over Channels 7 and 4 - Traverse City and Che- together his committee to work on policy proposals for the new Farm Bureau annual meeting in boygan. With her is David Mead, Regional Representative. year. Such work will soon be underway in all parts of Mich. East Lansing, Nov. 10-11-12. STICKERS MICHIGAN FARM BUREAU IlIlt 1 FARM BUREAU INSURANCE ANNivERSARY - stickers com- memorating 50th and 20th years of Michigan Farm Bureau and Farm Bureau Insurance CAMERA CREW'S VIEW - of the Farm Bureau telecast, shows Group are now being distribu- behind-the-scenes trappings of WPBN studios, Traverse City. ted. They promote 1969 as a The \\Accent Agriculture" programs are in their second year, "Birthday year". originating at Channel 7 and also broadcast on channel 4. FFA OFFICERS TOUR TAKING AIM ON THE MEMBERSHIP TARGET- is this motley crew of Ohio Farm Bureau staff TOUR OF FARM BUREAU CENTER- was provided this group of members - whooping up the fact that at long last they have reached American membership state FFA officers by the Mich. Association of Farmer Coopera- quota. Taking part in the membership battle between states is (left) Jay Thompson, head of tives which followed the tour with a dinner and program. the Organization department, and Wm. Swank, Executive vice president, second from left. MICHIGAN FARM NEWS August 1, 1969 THIRTEEN cornbelt farmers to benefit from new 2000-mile pipeline Management Tour In two decades, farming in By Charles Pfeiffer Michigan has made great changes. So has Michigan State Univer- A new and significant supply sity's annual Farm rvlanagement of anhydrous ammonia has begun Tour. to flow from one of the country's largest manufacturing sites, ac- In the late 1940's - when the cording to W. N. Guthrie, Execu- farm tour originated - farmers tive Vice President of F. B. Serv- would assemble in one countv and ices, Inc. It has gone into the tour by car through several ~oun- first section of a new 2,OOO-mile- ties. An overnight stop would be long pipeline system that will made in one community for a transport it to farms throughout banquet, speaking program and the Midwestern Corn Belt. The discussion of farming. But most farms visited were general farms, pipeline is part of Central Farm- of interest to most farmers in ers Fertilizer Company's distri- those times. bution system. Central Farmers is owned by Farm Bureau Serv- Today, farming is specialized. ices of Michigan along with other Few general farms operate today. American and Canadian agricul- So in Allegan County on Thurs- tural cooperatives. day, August 7, the 1969 Extension ROBERT V. CAll - vegetable Service State Farm Tour lists 12 and dairy farmer of Batavia, With the activation of the in- farms open to visitors. All are N. Y. will be speaker at the jection system at Central Farmers' specialized farms of particular state farm tour. He was named Donaldsonville, La. ammonia interest to today's specialized one of 4 Most Outstanding complex, the first flow of amomo- farmers. young farmers in the U.S. in nia was released into the initital 1960. He has been president of 120-mile section of the $75 million Homer Patterson, Allegan his county Farm Bureau. Gulf Central Pipeline system. The County extension director and Central Farmers' Donaldsonville general chairman of the tour, complex will be the major south- says: "We are fortunate to get co- Farm visits and programs show- ern terminus of the Gulf Central operation from these farmers and ing management features of the system, due for completion later we believe our visitors will find 12 farms will be held at 9:30 this year. some ideas they can carry home and 11 a.m. At 12:30 p.m. all and use to increase their farm in- visitors will assemble at the Alle- come. That's the purpose of this gan County Fairgrounds, Alle- LARGE, EFFICIENT tour - to show how management gan, for lunch, entertainment and Central Farmers recently com- and records fit together for a talk by one of the nation's out- pleted construction of its second Ceremonies at Central Farmers Fertilizer Company's Donaldson- greater farm profits." standing farmers. giant ammonia plant at Donald- ville, La. ammonia compl;X in June marked the initial input of sonville, boosting its rated annual anhydrous ammonia into the 2,000-mile Gulf Central pipeline. capacity at the site to 700,000 W. N. Guthrie, Executive Vice President of F. B. Services advises tons. The complex is one of the that, when completed later this year the line will carry vital largest and most efficient of its type in the country, with each nitrogen fertilizer to midwestern farm areas. Participating in plant producing 1,000 tons per the valve turning activities were, left to right: William T. Hackett, day. Ammonia is also shipped Jr., louisiana Department of Commerce and Industry; John C. from the site to Midwestern farm Davis, Santa Fe Railway; and Kenneth F. lundberg, president, areas by refrigerated river barges. Central Farmers Fertilizer Company. In the background is the <'The completion of Centlfal recently completed 1,000-ton-per-day anhydrous ammonia plant Farmers' new plant and the start- of Central Farmers, second plant at the Donaldsonville site. The up of the ammonia pipeline mark two-plant complex is now one of the nation's largest with an (l significant step forward in serv- ing the hundreds of thousands of annual rated capacity of 700,000 tons. farmers who are supplied with chemical plant foods through the Central Farmers system," Ken- advances in other agricultural NEW TERMINALS neth F. Lundberg, president of materials and techniques now Central Farmers, said. Central Farmers will provide helps to make commonplace corn service through terminals now yields in excess of 1 00 bush~ls under construction at Marshall- 100 BUSHel CORN per acre ... about double the town and Spencer, Iowa; Cow- yields of 10 years ago." In pointing out the significance den, Illinois; and Frankfort, In- of these facilities, Lundberg noted The basic Gulf Central line is diana - as well as other points that the use of anhydrous am- expected to be completed this along the pipeline. Also linked to monia fertilizer has enabled the year, providing service from Lou- the pipeline system will be Cen- FRUIT PROSPECTS - are checked by Karl Barden; MSU Agri- United States farmer to sub- isiana through Arkansas into tral Farmers' river storage at cultural Economist Mike Kelsey; MSU fruit specialist Art Mitchell stantially increase outputs of food ~1issouri, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa Palmyra, ~Io. and company-oper- and Ben Barden. The trees will be viewed by visitors during the producing crops. «For example," and Nebraska. More than 500 ated ~itrogen products plants at miles of the system are now in Terra Haute, Indiana and Fre- state Farm Management Tour, August 7. The Bardens (Barden he said, "the direct application of anhydrous ammonia along with the ground. mont, Nebraska. Brothers Orchards, South Haven) are active F. B. members. FARM BUREAU MARKET PLACE SPECIAL RATE TO FARM BUREAU MEMBERS: 25 words for $2.00 each edition. Additional words, 10 cents each. Figures such as 12 or $12.50 count as one word. NON-MEMBER advertisers: 15 cents per word one edition, two or more editions, 10 cents per word. Copy deadline: 20th of the month. 8 FARM EQUIPMENT 14 FOR SALE 22 NURSERY STOCK 26 POULTRY 36 MISCELLANEOUS FAR~I BUREAU ~IE~IBERSHIP - for WANTED - prime quality Christmas "ZIPCODE DIRECTORY" - (All 35,000 FARROWING STALLS - Complete sale at vour Countv Fann Bureau office I KLAGER'S DEKALB PROFIT PULLETS Postoffices): S 1.00 MAILMART. Carroll- $26.75. Dealerships available. Free liter- Trees - Scotch Pine, Spruce and Douglas Best po~sihle farm 'hl'1p - at modest an- Fir, 6 to 10 feet. Top dollar for TOP - Order your started pullets that have ton 72. Kentucky 41008. (3-tf-llb) 14 ature. DOLLY ENTERPRISES, 219 Main, been raised on a proven ~rowing program. nual dues cost. JOIN YOUR COUNTY QUALITY. FRUIT HAVEN NURSERY. Colchester, Illinois 62326. (6-lt-15p) 8 The growint! birds are inspected weeklv FABM BUBEAU FOB 1969! INC. Kaleva. Michigan - Phone ( area 616) 889-5594. (7 -2t-29-B) 22 by trained staff. vaccinated. de beaked and PICK-UP TRUCK STOCK RACKS - All delivered bv us in clean crates. If "ou FREE CIRCULAR - Old time Country steel construction. $109.50. Dealerships 20 LIVESTOCK keep records. you will keep KLAGER DE- Music - Hoe Downs - Blue Grass- availahle. Free literature. DOLLY EN- KALBS. KLAGER HATCHERIES. Bridl(e- new records. Uncle Jim O'Neal. Box A- T~RPRISES, 219 Main, Colchester, Illi- HEREFORD BULLS-pure bred herd water, Michit!an. Telephones: 313 429- MFN, Arcadia, California 91006. nOIs 62326. (6-lt-19p) 8 sires. Ready for service. Also. ret!istered BLUEBERRIES - you pick. every day 7 (5-4t-19p) 36 a.m. to 8 p.m. Brin\! own containers. One- 7087 and 313 428-3034. heifers and calves. Egypt Valley Hereford Farm. 6611 Knapp St .. Ada. Michigan. half mile south of Grand Junction. Mich- (Wasbtenaw County) (9-tf-50b) 26 CALF CREEP FEEDERS - 30 hushel i~an or 2 miles east of Bangor on M-43 F'lpacity. $92 ..50. Dealerships available. Phone OR 6-1090. (Kent County) ____ -(-11-tf-25b) 20 and 6 miles on Counh' Road 215. Paul XIGHTCRA WLERS AXD RED WIG- C) ree hterature. DOLLY ENTERPRISES. F. Jones Blueberries. Rt. 2, Grand Junc- GLERS. "B & B" Worm Ranch, RoutE' _1 H Main, Colchester. Illinois 62326. FOR SALE: 30 lar~e vaccinated Hol- tion, Michigan 49056. (7 -It-46b) 36 :: 1, Box 341. Steele, ~tiSSOtlri 63877 (6-lt-18p) 8 stein heifers. Due base months - from Phone 695-4984. Area Code 314. herd. Contact: Ed Tanis. Jenison, Mich- DAY OLD OR STARTED PULLETS- (2-2t-I9p 3 i~an 49428. Phone: Mo 9-9226. The DeKalb profit pullet. Accepted by 14 FOR SALE _____ (6_-_3t-25b) 20 26 POULTRY the smart poultryman for high egg pro- duction. superior egg quality, greater feed GREETING CARDS 1() "Thinkin~ of ~tODER~ Registered Herefords - Bulls, efficiency. If ,"'ou keep records, you'll "red and open heifers. cows with calves. SIIA VER ST ARCROSS 288 - Started pul- WE CUSTO~t BUTCHER cv '\.. You" with envelope~. t7e Many actions can change this image. Farmers in of agriculture. Some said «'''e need to advertise more. lVe need wartime were national heroes with their fantastic production with reduced manpower hailed as a We urge State Farm Bureaus to encourage to go beyond farm magazines and farm broadcasts. national achievement. and aid County Farm Bureaus and their mem- 'Ve need to hit television regularly ... " Farmers in "good" times of surplus are less than bers to increase their efforts to explain Farm But such programs are costly and there are those heroes, and in fact. may become easy targets for Bureau programs and tell the fanners' and among farm leaders who feel that a more immediate social reformers, labor union organizers, church ac- ranchers' story to the public. answer is to expose city people and their families and tivists and the new left. All Farm Bureaus should review and leaders to farm life. This can be done in a variety The "image" of agriculture which anyone holds in strengthen their relationships with other groups of ways such as through farm-city exchange days, his mind is something built there over a period of without compromising basic principles. Em- through inviting school children for a day on the time and which is added to and changed by each phasis should be placed on those subject areas farm; through farmer-meets-consumer fair exhibits, new contact or other piece of information concerning and activities in which the most progress can and by local farmers appearing on radio and tele- farming and farmers. be made. The Youthpower Program is one vision broadcasts and as civic spokesmen. It is a highly personal thing - an individual thing, means of furthering this objective. We urge in- Think of all the good things farmers have going and it is built largely from individual, personal con- creased fann-city activity and organizational for them! Sunshine! Fresh water! Grass! Trees! tacts. contacts to ensure that our fellow citizens bet- Shady lanes! Fruit! Food! Kittens - piglets, bun- Some people would like to see farmers project ter understand and appreciate the basic values nies - calves - chickens - on and on. Farmers are some form of super, shiny national image, con- and contributions of American farm families. constantly involved in important projects of public cocted and projected to the public to show this concern - the very act of producing high-quality - 1919 Farm Bureau Policy food is part of it. Surely such things provide the best super-man-on-the-land feeding our nation and much of the world - eternally vigilant in protecting and possible kind of "P.R." - defined for the purposes of improving the soil and forests, caring for garden, this discussion as "Project and Report". field and animal. Problem Areas A best method to improve and keep a shining But such an image is far from the tnlth and there image is for farmers to do something of which they is danger ahead for farmers when people begin How many people: who support the AFL-CIO are proud (a Farm Bureau project, for example) and thinking of agrUJulture as a monolithic sliper-business sponsored boycott of California table grapes really then report this to a listening public. instead of being made up of worried, hard-working, understand that the issue is not one of "social con- family-raising, debt-contracting individuals _ much cern" for starving migrants as some liberal Clergymen the same as everyone else. have helped lead them believe - but rather is a Farmers can be outvoted at every turn. It is abso- nation-wide power play to unionize American farm- JUNE TOPIC SUMMARY lutely essential that those who do not farm continue ers against their wishes? to understand and support those who do ... How many people: recognize the unfounded emo- Taxes, Tax Reform, School Finances Boiled fo essentials, the primary job of Farm Bureau tionalism whipped up by so-called conservationists is to influence people - favorably. and nature-lover groups against all chemical pesti- Total Group members taking part: 6,493 persons \Ve go through the difficult and costly tasks of cides - thereby casting pn blic dOll bt on the wise use A maiority of the Groups said that assessments informing ourselves on public issues, on understand- of agricultural pest-killers which have brought plenti- in their communities were "mixed" (193 Groups) ing the principles and theories of our system of ful supplies of disease-free foods, untainted by rats, while assessments were "usually right" to another government, of supporting the American pattern of mice, worms, beetles, mosquitoes, roaches, lice, fleas? 129 Groups. A total of 102 Groups said assessments individual initiative with its awards for success and were "fairly done" and 25 Groups said they were How many people: have been falsely lead into "seldom right". penalties for failure, for just one reason: to bettcr t I lill k-illg t }lat agriculture is a major source of pollu- equip ourselvcs to explain and "scll" that u:hich u;e tion f or air anc I stream when almost exactly the 01)- Most of the Groups felt that a millage "lid" should as farmers belier;e - to others around us. posite is true? - \\'hen construction alone can create be placed on property taxes for schools and that \Ve develop and execute policy as steps in helping more havoc along a stream in several weeks than did income taxes should be tied to school financing. move the thinking, beliefs and support of others into all of the farming along the total length of the river Ideas for a "fair" property tax school millage line with ours. \Ve lobby, maintain contact with in hundreds of years? ranged from a low of 3 mills to a high of 45 - with other organizations, broadcast our policy positions most Groups suggesting 15 mills, next most fre- to the world, all with the goal of developing majority How many people: think farmers are selfish when quently suggested were 10 mills and 20 mills, re- support for that in which we believe. they insist that others ask hunting permission before spectively. HTe openly solicit and expect this support in thc taking dogs and guns across their lands? firm knowledge that u;ithout a sound agriculture all How many people: understand the nccd for con- else fails. !hae would be no gr.ou:ul¥: ~sur.c time, .. tinlled farm r~~s~arcP}~cl fl~ri.cllltuqll ~~lll~ytion ev('n ~EXT MONTH: Cuba R~visit«;!d- the first decade no de~el_o:l~l~ a~s, ~an.d no men on th~ n~oo~.. ~~ ~~ _•. ~t~~~~1~:o4o.. d.p~PP.fJip}\~~ ,~?~.~c.SfrY.t:S!.r:e. bl~~~?:':t_.:./ ';', .',',':, of II Ca.• "",. o. ' It /,f,l, ' tl.'") MICHIGAN FARM NEWS August 1, 1969 FIFTEEN economic task-force Here is a discussion A state-wide "economic education" task force is studying pos- DISCUSSION exercise for those who are not now part of a sible ways to aid education in Michigan. The group, which met recently at Olivet college includes nine persons representing a wide array of economic interests. Representing Michigan agri- culture is Dan E. Reed, Secretary-Manager of the Michigan TOPIC Community Group ... The Farmer and his Image Farm Bureau. The task-force will function as a study group to suggest pos- sible reorganization of citizen-support for economic education. ''The need for changes in our economic system and its operation - as well as future plans to aid education is the platfonn for For a variety of reasons not everyone can be part of a Farm Bureau Community Croup- committee operation," according to Olivet college president, Dr. however through the pages of the FARM NEW S, any member may now take part in the Dis- Cordon Reithmiller. cussion program. Here's how you do it: After reading the discussion material on the opposite page, express your opinions by filling in a few blanks in the areas provided and then "register" your opinions by clipping the sheet and sending it to the address listed below. Every opinion will be counted and considered equally by Michigan Farm Bureau officials with those reaching Lansing by the regular Community Croup route. We heard from many fine people last month - so why not get a pencil and let us know what you think? - NON-GROUP MEMBER OPINION REPORT- Crowing "people pressures" (increasing population) have been one cause of changes of pub- lic attitudes towards farmers. ''''ould you write down what you think is the current public "image" of the farmer - good or bad? - And state just how good, or how bad? Is it possible to list several local projects or events of public interest which have involved farmers of your area? . TASK-FORCE MEMBERS - '(standing, left) Dr. Robert Lusk, Auto- Have they been helpful in producing a positive farm image? . mobile Manufacturers; Clyde Reed, Institute for Economic Educa- ...........................................'" '" A negative one? . tion; Frank Seymour, Seymour Associates, all of Detroit; William Helder, Consultant in Social Studies, Lansing; Dr. James Show- Would you tell us how you think Farm Bureau can be more effective in improving farm pub- keir, Mott Foundation, Flint. Seated (from left) Robert VanDyke, Ann Arbor; Dr. Hugo David, Dept. of Education, MSU; Dr. Myrtle lic relations in your county? - .. Beinhauer, Dept. of Economics, Western Mich. University - and Dan Reed, Secretary-Manager, Michigan Farm Bureau. In Michigan? . 3-BEDROOM, CONTEMPRI SECTIONAL HOMES .~. In the U. S. A. ? .. . ~~'~~~. AMP Clip and send to: Education and Research, Michigan Farm Bureau ~:~~ ; h~_ 2i:~,. f ~ .wM ~ ::1"" -~. Box 960, Lansing, Michigan 48906 - I~I.I=I1-rrtrl -~- t=t~rM:! ~ .. ~ ~~ Iflr 1Ii- II 1\£I.,lIt l ... _1 .•. '" .' 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WASIDNGTON-WaLIAMSBURG 30 - Visits to historic sites and the Pennsylvania Dutch Hotels, area - August 23- ALLEGAN CO.OP FARM BUREAU SERVICES, INC. Allegan, MiChigan Hart, Michigan Moline, Michigan country. BUCHANAN CO-OP FARM BUREAU SERVICES, INC. SQUARE DEAL FARM SUPPLY SCANDINAVIA - September 8 - See Norway, Swe- Buchanan, Michigan Kalamazoo, MiChigan Onekama, Michigan den, Finland and Denmark in the lovely Fall time of year. FARMERS ELEVATOR KENT CITY FARM BUREAU FARM BUREAU SERVICES, INC. Caledonia, Michigan Kent City, Michigan Saginaw, Michigan HAWAll- October 14-four islands in two weeks. COOPERSVILLE CO.OP MARCELLUS FARM BUREAU FARM BUREAU SERVICES, INC. CALIFORNIA CRUISE - October 28 - Air to Los An- ClopersvilJe, Michigan Marcellus, Michigan Scottville, Michigan geles, bus up the Pacific Coast and slow boat back to Los FREMONT CO-OP FALMOUTH CO-OP COMPANY FARM BUREAU SERVICES, INC. Angeles. Fremont, Michigan McBain, Michigan Traverse City, Michigan SOUTH PACIFIC - November 1- Pago Pago, Bora FARM BUREAU SERVICES, INC. FALMOUTH CO.OP COMPANY GERALD BIEHL AND SONS Bora, Tahiti and Samoa. Hastings ,Michigan Merritt, Michigan Mancelona, Michigan Detailed infonnation in an attractive day-by-day bro- chure on any or all of these tours may be obtained by writ- ing to: Tours, lDEormation Division, Michigan Fann Bu- HARDY SALT COMPANY Leaders in Produd Development reau, Box 960, Laasing 48904. • SIXTEEN August 1, 1969 MICHIGAN FARM NEWS your updated- , ticket for modern farm protection AGROPLAN began July 1.~If you are a Farmowners, Econo Farmowners or Country Estate policyholder, your F?rm Bureau agent will visit. you soon. Your policy will be up- dated and tailored to your present needs, and at renewal time, automatically converted to the modern farm protection program ... AGROPLAN. FARM BUREAU --INSURANCE GROUP Farm Bureau Mutual. Farm Bureau Life. Community Service, LANSING ~B.