\\\ ~ N N I V E R S A ~~. ~_ '1111' MICHIGAN IFARM NEWS THE ACTIO~ PUBLICATION OF THE MICH-IGAN FARM BUREAU Vol. 48, No.9 -1919-50 Years of Service to Michigan Farmers-1969- September 1, 1969 EYERY COUNTY GAINS! , FLYING DIRECTOR- David Morris, District 5 Director on the A TIME MACHINE-that's what he considers the airplane with Michigan Farm Bureau board, is a long-time licensed pilot and its cruising speed close to 180 miles per hour. With an early uses the plane to be on the scene in making maior decisions morning start (common on the Morris farm) he can inspect the for his beef-feeding operation near Grand ledge, Clinton cattle, negotiate for price, make his decision and be home the county. Morris likes to personally inspect any cattle he buys. same evening without waiting at the airport for commercial If they are on a Kansas ranch, he is apt to board the Beech- flights. Dave admits that flying is more than business with him craft Bonanza and head west. He owns the craft in partnership - it's also fun. Mrs. Morris (Betty) agrees- holds her own with three other pilots. pilot's license. Inflation Battle for the County Annual In The Service Discussion ON THE INSIDE: Pains Page 2 Vineyards Page 3 meetings Page 5 Of The Farmer Pages 8-9 Topic Pages 10-11 TWO September 1, 1969 MICHIGAN FARM NEWS President's Column Editorial YOUR Study inflation pains Inflation is not a threat in America today. mixed emotions Committee Report Inflation is a rcaiity. The recent announcement hy the U.S. Tn'as- If you hat;e pulled up roots from a place you ury Secretary that the present rate of inflation called home most of your life and bid a fond fareu;ell to friends, neig.hbors and relatives that b!l DaR/ £ 7?eed would cut the value of the dollar BY HALF in just 11 years - comes with little surprise to have been close over the years, you can share In November 1967, delegates at tht' Michigan Farm farmers and ranchers who have heen feeling. the the experience I am currently tcitnessin{!. in a Bureau Annual Convention asked for the appointment of effects of the cost-price squeeze for many years. move from the tops of the Rocky lUountaillS "a special study committee to study programs needed and In the first half of this year the Consumer to the beautiful greenry of AI ichigan. possible alterative methods of finance." Price Index rose at an amnial rate of nearly I was told some years ago by an official of A committee of 17 members was appointed by President 6% per cent. This, acc:ording to David Kennedy the American Farm Bureau that a move by Elton R. Smith early in 1968. After a number of meetings, is an intolerable inflation. 1 doubt if there u;ould Farm Bureau personnel, desiring to further their the committee reported to the :Michigan Fanll Bureau be any farmers u;lw disagree with the Secre- education and stature in life, was healthy from Board. The report was referred to the Implementation tary's statement. two standpoints. 1. It gives the individual and Committee for recommendations as to procedures and a Prices received for <.'ommodities grown have his family an opportunity to see new places, time table for putting the recommendations into effect. declined, in many instanc:es. A bushel of wheat, meet new people, and experience new ideas and At meetings in April and July, 1969, the Board adopted for example, brought $1.98 in the 1948-49 mar- programs. 2. It gives the state Farm Bureaus recommendations submitted by the Implementation Com- keting year and dropped to $1.87 in 1967-68- involved an equal opportunity to surface new. mittee. The recommendations included: including the value of the certific:ates under the leadership, share new ideas and develop new o A statement that "Our Farm Bureau is a fann organiza- government wheat program. programs. tion ... must be an aggressive organization geared to Of the 22.4 cents the housewife pays for a I hope he kneu; tchat he tcas talking about. serve fanl1ers ... with bold and imaginative programs loaf of bread, the farmer gets 2.6 cents, and ... leadership must be active at all levels ... distinc- even with the wheat certificate added, the pro- After two days of orinentation from 31cl tion between the regular and associate members must ducer's share is only 3.3 cents. The farmer's 'Foell and Dan Reed, interwoven with intro- be clear and concise." wife pays the same price as her city cousin for ductions throughout the vast Farm Bureau the bread. Center office complex, I have the feeling I am o Farm Bureaus must be encouraged to follow strict inter- Runaway inflation is intensifying the cost- about to be propelled at 50 miles per hour on a pretation of the stronger bylaws in selecting Board mem- price squeeze, pushing production costs to new fast and progressive journey with dedicated bers and delegates. record highs while market-returns have sagged. officers, personnel and members who have the o Delegates should keep Farm Bureau in a sound financial Inflation is no respect or of persons. 'Ve are interests of Farm Bureau at heart. I sincerely position. feeling the effects of rampant inflation in the hope I am prepared to keep up. operation of ~1ichigan Farm Bureau. Dues As Information Director for the Idaho Farm o Size of delegate body should be determined by members money iust doesn't go as far as it used to, yet Bureau, I tcas Chief Cook, Table Setter, and through the Policy Development process. costs for labor, materials and services continue Bottle "'asher for every Information pro~ram. o New methods should be utilized in surfacing and de- to skyrocket. As a result, tce tcere limited in the scope of our veloping Farm Bureau leaders at all levels. The Michigan Farm Bureau Budget and Fi- operation. nance committee spent many hours laboring o Our Policy Development procedure needs constantly to over proposed budget requests for the 1969-70 ~1r. 'Voell made it clear that the personnel in be improved to obtain maximum member participation. fiscal year. Every detailed sheet of figures the Information Division of the Michigan Farm Bureau were extremely adept and professional. o The ~IFB Young Citizenship Seminar should be con- spelled H\'FLATION - as if a hranding iron I have observed during the short time that I tinued. were used to get the point across, yet every have worked with this team that Mel knows effort by the committee to trim costs and hold what he's talking about. This closely knit crew o The Community Group program should be strengthened down overhead meant a cutback in the pro- handles each assignment with a pronounced and efforts made to get new members and young farm grams that have made A1ichi~a'n Farm Bureew ability that spells success. Each employee dis- families involved. the leader in agricultural organizations. You plays a loyalty to his work - indeed to Farm o The Young Farmer program must have high priority. cannot progress by cutting programs. Bureau, that is radiated in the general attitude Let me make it clear, high pric:es are not which permeates the office - and in the quality o Added emphasis. must be given to sound marketing pro- inflation. They are the result of inflation. In- of work that leaves the office. grams. dustrial wages raised $6.47 per week in 1968, Feu; people reaU;:;ethe tcork which goes' into- •• 0 ,Public Relations programs are a neepe.d. service'.. Connty yet the purc:hasing power of workers. getting a monthly publication. Hours of research; days, ' Information C.ommittees, should be given' a'tsis'tance. the incerase aetually fell by 13 c:ents per week! of layout planning; miles of travel to get the All income-earners in America suffered aeeord- o Information should be provided to Community Groups ingly. Those who got no raises or whose in- "just-right" pictures to help tell the story. Each to encourage informal disc.lIssions. is written, re-written, "proofed" for errors and comes did not rise, suffered aeutely; those who accuracy and then (frequently) re-written again. o «Michigan Farm News ... an important tool in keeping did get raises stilI suffered, but to a lesser degree. members informed."' .' , lVhere do we go from here? This question It is essential that the reports you read por- was raised repeatedly during our budget and tray the exact policy and true principles for o Local Affairs program helps build strong county Farm finance sessions with the full realization that which Farm Bureau stands. Bureaus. inflation is not only hurting OUT organization, "'eekly radio programs and television news- but our government, industry and indeed, our o Both member information and public relations are im- clips don't iust happen. Again, many hours of position in the world markets. So why don't portant. If a choice is necessary, member information foresight, preparation and research goes into should be given priority. we stop inflation? . the make-up of the program before the script Actually, we are not in a position to curb is final. o Television activities should emphasize news clips and inflation alone. I have always maintained that 'Vhy the extra effort? Because Farm Bureau short releases. inflation can be caused only hy government. employees, by and large, are determined to o Legislative and Marketing activities should 'be strength- The course of government fiseal policy ~hapes keep each member as informed as possible ened. the pattern for the nation. '''hen the nation about Farm Bureau. Because ... Farm Bureau deals in deficit finaneing, others are forced into is not judged by only the things accomplished, o "Steps should be taken to control the use of the name the same pattern. rather it is judged by the way information about 'Fann Bureau'." This is Farm Bureau's plight this year - un- such happenings is transmitted to the general less something is done to change the course- public. or soften the blow. This may be unfortunate, but it is true. How ~. Our organization can go without a few things u;ell farmers do now and in the future is closely MICHIGAN IFARM NEWS that were planned. 'Ve can get hy with equip- tied to iust hate well they are able to communi- THI! ACTION PUBLICATION O~ THI! MICHIGAN ~AJltM BUREAU . ment that is outdated and depreciated. 'Ve can cate to those u;JlO no longer farm, and indeed- The MICHIGAX FARM 1\'EWS is DIRECTORS: District 1. Harry maintain a status quo on expanded programs puhlished monthly. on the first day, Xye. St. Joseph, R-l; District 2, ~ich- who may have very little idea of where their by the ~fichit!an Fann Bureau, at its ola.s Smith. Addison, R-l; District 3. which the members have said they want. ' But puhlication office at 109 X, Lafayette food comes from. If barnyard animals and 5treet. Greenville. Michiltan. Andrew Jackson. Howell, R-l; Dis- when it is all done , what Jwve we t:'of1ained? trict 4. Elton R. Smith, Caledonia, R-I; field crops are mysteries of the first order to Editorial and I!eneral offices at 4000 Xorth Grand I\i\'er Avenue, Lansins;t. District 5. David Morris, Grand Ledlte. This is a time for action, not a time for feel- such people, imagine how confused they might Michil!an 48904. Post Offire BO:t 960, R-3: District 6, Jack Laurie, Cass City. ing sorry for ourselves. 'Ve have' received Telephone, Lansinl{ 485-8121, Exten- R-3: District 7. Kenneth Bull. Bailey. be about farm economics! sion 317. Subscription price. 50t per R-I: District 8. Harvey Leuenherl!('I', definite directions from the voting delegates to "ear, It is my sincere desire to carry on a complete : Estahlished January 12. 1923. Sec- SajZinaw. R-6; District 9, Eultene Rob- erts. Lake City. R-I: District 10. move ahead for the hettt'rment of our memhers. ond Class Posta~e paid at Grt'enville, and comprehensive information program to ac- ~fichilZan. Richard Wieland, Ellsworth. R-I; Dis- Such a move teill cost money - more money trict II. Clayton Ford. Cornell. curately reflect the policies of the voting dele- EDITORIAL: Editor. Evan J. Hale; than our present income can afforr/. Associate Editor. Vern M. Bullen; Ad- gates and membership of the ~1ichigan Farm \"ertisinlt Manager. Carl P. Kt'ntner; DIRECTORS Frahm. Frankenmuth: AT LARGE: WaltE'r pean Pridgeon. If Secretary of Treasury Kennedy is correct, Artist. Xorman Goodlin~. Bureau. OFFICERS: Michiltan Farm Bu- MontltomE'I1" R-I; Calvm Lutz. Kale"a. and there is every indication to hack him, the reau; President. Elton R. Smith. Cale- WO~fES !JF FAR~f BUREAU: Mrs. dollars we will he spending in the near future I look fonvard to this challenge. I particu- donia. R-I; Vice President. Dean Jerold Tophff. Eaton Rapids. R-I; Pridgeon. Montl!omery. R-I; Secretary- FAR~f BU~EAU YOUXG FAR~IERS: will he worth only ahout half what they are larly look ahead to a long and close association Manaloter. Dan E. Reed, Lansinl!. Lawl'l'!wl' Karstl'n. Roltl'rs City. today. It's a tough spot to find ourselves ill. with resident staff, and officers and individual POST~ASTER: In using form 3579, mail to: Michigan Farm News ~OOON~ Obviously some tough money /Jl'Ohlems- member families of this , Great Lakes state. Grand River, Lansing, Michigan 48904 ' .' ,...,' Second .class ,postage paid at Greenville, ~ichi~an • and rryoney decisipns lie aher/(/ for the ~lichi!!.(Jn • -."; -1. ~ 10 wotEvan ~leo, Farm Bureau. Elton Smith MICHIGAN FARM NEWS September 1, 1969 THREE Notes From AllOver staff changes The Lansing Farm Bureau office has several pictures of for- mer Boards of Directors and many other historical pictures ... pictures that can never he taken over, and if lost, could not he replaccd. The Information Division is in hopes of building up a Past and Present file to be used for research and information. As Farm Bureau progresses, these pictures and ih'llls will bc of great value. If anyone has pictures, etc .. that they would like to donate to the file, along with a bit of identification and "history, ,if possihle, we would he very grateful. :'Ve are in need of Board I>ictures from the years: 1927., 1928., 1929., 1930., 1931., 1932; 1933; 1934; 1936; 1937; 1938; 1939; 1941-1942; 1943-1944 and 1945-1946. 'Ve have those from 1946-47 on . .The Ingham County Extension \\'omen deserve a great deal of .credit plus a few words of ,apology from Michigan Farm News. These amhitious ladies worked for and earned the $4,000 that bought the furoishings for the Ingham County Farm Bu- EVAN HALE- became Man- WILLIAM BYRUM - livestock LARRY DeVUYST - assumes reau Office in Mason. Apologies accepted gals? ager of the Information Divi- Marketing Specialist with the the position of Manager of the sion of the Michigan Farm Michigan Farm Bureau Market MACMA Feeder Pig Division, Bureau September 1. Hale has Development Division and Act- effective September 8. Larry served the Idaho Farm Bureau ing Manager of the MACMA has been the Regional Repre- An appeal from President Elton Smith for the formation of as Director of Information; Ex- Feeder Pig Division, resigned sentative for the Saginaw Val- county Fann Bureau Freedom-to-Market committees' has ecutive Secretary of several af- his position August 23. Byrum ley Region since December 1, brought responses from 24 counties. As President Smith said filiates, and Treasurer of the has become the manager of 1967. In his new position he parent Idaho Farm Bureau. He the Indianapolis Stockyards will assume the responsibility in suggesting the formation of the committees, "The strength is married, has five children. Corporation, Bourbo':1-Etna of managing and. further de- of Fann Bureau lies in the counties". The committee's prime A family move to Michigan is Green, Indiana, (a subsidiary veloping the newest MACMA purpose is to defend the rights of consumers to buy whatever commodity marketing activity. planned in the near future. of United Stockyards Corpora- they wish . " . when they wish, in the stores and supermarkets Hale replaces Melvin Woell, tion - the nation's largest ter- The DeVuysts live in Ithaca of their choice. To date, t1W follqwing counties and their com- who has heqded the depart- minal market operator.) "Bill is and have three children. He mittee, chairmen have been reported: Alpena, James Cramer, ment for' the past nine years married, has one child and farms 679 acres and has held Alpena; Calhoun, Larry Crandall, Battle Creek; Cass, Robert and since August 15 is Direct- lived in Onondaga. He is a many county and state Farm Hull; Charlevoix, Donald H. Graham, East Jordan. or of Broadcast Services for the graduate of Michigan State Bureau offices and positions Chippewa, Mrs., Robert C. \Vils,on, Pickford; Clare, \Varren I American Farm Bureau Feder- University and a member of including work with both the ""hite, Clare; Gladwin, Arthur \Vhisl~r, Beaverton; Hillsdale; atibri in -Chicagl:J..' .. the .A:rmy Reserves. county and state Young Farmer Nelson ,Ely, Hillsdale; Ingham, ~oren Spink, Mason; Kalama- committees . ------ --------------------------------------- .zoo, Mr. and Mrs. Norman French, Kalamazoo; Lapeer, Rich- ard Bristol, Almont; Mackinac-Luce, Mecosta, Allen Schroeder, Faye Gribbell, Engadine; Manistee, Charles Agle, Bear Lake and Roy Howes, Copemish; Big Rapids; Montcalm, Richard modern farmer-businessman hwe tended to depend upon the David ~lorris is a farmer-busi- all marketing activity should ul- Ravell, F,enwick; Oceana, Carl Fuehring, l\-fears; Osceola, Dale nessman. His farming enterprise fmatelv be aimed. Said Morris: processor or the packer and the Carmichael, Evart; Presque Isle, Rueben 'Virgan, Rogers City. near Grand Ledge, ~lichigan, in- "I beli~"e the housewife is not government to store the excess Saginaw, Ralph Frahm, Frankenmuth; Sanilac, '''ayne Adam, dudes an extensive feeder-cattle consistent when she says she production. But, he feels, ~lichi- Snover; Shiawassee, Dave Bushman, Conmna; Van Buren, Mr. operation involving about a thou- wants cheap food. Her shopping gan fruit and vegetable growers and Mrs. Francis Finch, Mattawan; ,\\Tayne, Roy Schulz, Ply- sand head yearly. He grows most habits show that she wants food have made the first big move to- of his own com and the huge 5- which calls for simple preparation ward supply control, in recent mouth and Wexford, Mrs. George '''ebster, ~fanton. years, with the construction of a unit silo complex in which much with an ease of clean-up after- Nationwide, over 2812 county Farm Bureaus will join forces number of large "controlled at- of it is kept is a familiar area wards. A lot of women love to to confront efforts by the United Farm \Vorkers Organiz.ing cook but most of them hate the mosphere" storage units to main- landmark. Committee and allied groups to impose a boycott against Cal- kitchen clean-up afterwards." This tain quality and spread product Busv as he is with such 'a "bus- ifornia table grapes in major markets throughout the United indicates to Morris that the house- marketing over the entire year in- tling farming operation, he finds States. wife is willing to pay the higher stead of glutting the market at time to fill the role of business- price. food products with built-in harvest time. ' man off the farm as well. He is a director on the Michigan Farm extras, call for. "Then it comes to livestock, Bureau board, representing Dis- ~Iorris feels that problems are Fann Bureau's golden book of favorite songs for group sing- Farmers Must Extend Control trict 5, and serves as President considerably different from those ing, "Farm Bureau Sings", the 64 page pocket-size song book, of Farm Bureau Life, and as a Looking to the future. ~Iorris posed by yearly field crops - at is now in its second printing and is available upon order. The member of the boards of six other sees it as absolutelv necessarv that least as long as producers con- 1969 edition has a gold cover, appropriate for our Golden Anni- farmers extend th~ir controi over tinue to accept the laws of supply Farm Bureau affiliate compani~s. versary. 'Vords and music for nearly 100 songs are in the book, produ~,ts beyond the traditional and demand. "'Vhen there is all In addition to his Fann Bureau induding the organization's official song, "The American Fann responsibilities, ~Iorris is a mem- one-time sale - moving with the over-supply, fanners need to be Bureau Spirit." The book is availahle from Information Division, ber of the Executive Board of the products down the line into actual willing to market livestock at American Farm Bureau Federation, 1000 Merchandise Mart, ~lichigan Cattle Feeders Associa- pro::essing and distribution. The lighter weights for a lower price Chicago, Ill., 60654. It is 25v per copy, plus postage. tion and is also on the board of the emphasis, he feels, must be on in an effort to ease the market ~liehigan Livestock Exchange. "shelf space" and on other modern glut ... " he explains. marketing techniques. "This, with a program of con- Federal Programs No Answer Another area in which Morris tinuous marketing of consistent .. Jim Seddon has resigned 'his posi~ion as man~ger of the Bean feels farmers must step out and quality and grade, will assure Current happenings and fuhlre take the lead is in the assumption eonsumers the products they have Department, Division of Fann ,Burea!-1 Services, Inc., ~tichigan potential are subjects of constant of part of the burden of over- demonstrated they are willing to Elevator Exchange. Dale Kuenzli, who" has been associated diS(,'ussion by members of these supply. To date, he explains, we purehase." with the Bean Department for the past 5 years as Assistant boards as they explore present Manager, will hecome manager of Be~n l\lerchandising. The programs and review new areas announcement was made by Alfred Roberts. General ~1anager. in which their organizations may he of service to members. Farm Bureau has been a sharp critic of federal fann programs. 'Vord has heen received that ~Irs. Ceorge Schultz of Rt. 2, ~Iorris views these programs as Paw Paw, died August 9 at the agt' of 80. The Schultz' were he does efforts of certain other ma~ried 56 years ;nd moved to Van Buren county in 1929. farm groups, as little more than attcmpts to keep the inefficient in George Schultz was a ~fFB rppresentati\'e for 7 counties for business at the cost of others. 11 y<,ars. Instead. ~Iorris would like to see free enterprise operating in the marketing of all farm com- The :\gricultural Adjllstment :\<:t of IH69 - which provides modities. with the llnited States for the type of government farm programs for wheat, feed Department of Agriculture work- grains, and cotton recommended by Farm Bureau - has been ing more in the role of market- introduced hy 21 memhers of the House of Representatives. supervisor. to prevent manipula- tion and to see that rules of the The most recent sponsors are Representative Howard ,,,. Robi- game are fairly followed. son (R) l'\ew York, James Harvey, (R) l\fichigan, Richard L. In designing and operating mar- Roudebush (R) and \Villiam G. Bray, (R), both of Indiana. All keting programs of help to farm- four represent agricultural districts. The Rohison bill is H.R. ers. Morris feels that we need to NORMAL SILO - (by barn) on the David Morris farm, is dwarfed 13101; Harvey's hill is H.R. 13126; Roudebush and Bray are arrive .It a new underst.U1ding of by the giant storage units nearby. This photo of the farmstead sponsors of H.R. 13161. the housewife - the girl at whom ~as taken from ..the window of a plane piloted by Morris. FOUR September 1, 1969 MICHIGAN FARM NEWS ~1'h~ Jesuit Unveils True Issues \fJjff;P~( Behind Table Grape Boycott Battle In his booklet "Battle for the Vineyards" - Rev. Cletus Healy devotes one chapter to the back- ground maneuvers which lead to a "strike vote" against grape growers of the Delano area by for the Vine'lards the National Farm Workers Association headed by controversial labor organizer, Cesar Chavez. Healy outlines how pressure to stop work was especially intense on workers at the DiGiorgio's Sierra Vista ranch, and how by questionable tactics the Chavez group won the "election" with a COPYRIGHT 1969 TWIN CIRCLE, EXCERPTS margin of 147 votes. It is at this point Healy's report continues. REPRINTED BY PERMISSION I asked Father Healy to write a series of articles on the grape strike in trying to get the crop harvested to bring an acre of table grapes to heard, I believe Governor Reagan California because he is so experienced in just this kind of research •.. with union help, and who had fruition. An acre of wine grapes was correct in his analysis: "The Raised on a farm in Iowa. he was able to understand the problems of the costs about $150 or less. boycott (of California grapes) is grape picker and the grower ... We consider Father Healy's articles the talked to DiGiorgio management best yet written on the controversy ... They are a distinct contribution to during less guarded moments. This is why none of the growers an attempt to compel employers the cause of Catholic teaching, as applied to the grape strike in California who signed with Chavez are to force farm workers to join the and the futile and iII.considered boycott across the nation. growing table grapes today. By United Farm Workers Organizing -Daniel lyons, S.J. - Editor, Twin Circle THE REAL REASON shifting to wine grapes they can Committee against their wishes." The National Catholic Press This is their explanation for harvest their crop with approxi- And I fear Dolores Mendoza, DiGiorgio's demise: In the first mately one-fifth the work force who worked on the Lucas Farm, degree of compliance with the place considering the enormous needed for table grapes. But may also have been right. When CESAR CHAVEZ law sufficient. But why the sud- risks involved, the margin of prof- even this, Chavez could not sup- I suggested that if the farmers BREATH OF DEATH den change? The official DiGior- it from grapes is quite thin. Since ply! are forced by the boycott to sign gio explanation did not answer California grapes, picked by work- up with the union she would be When Cesar Chavez won the ers getting over $2 an hour, must JUICE GRAPES NOW trapped, she objected. "No," she that critical question. "And what DiGiorgio contract, the large compete with other luxury items insisted, "because we can always about the ranches in Arvin and I spoke to Jesse Marquez ffom go to another town; because we Sierra Vista ranch employed from Borrego Springs," I asked, know- harvested by workers getting as 800 to 2,000 people. Today it ing that these were not under the low as $1.15 an hour, it is im- DiGiorgio's Arvin ranch. They won't work here. If the union is closed down. The same fate federal water pinch. "As a mat- perative that labor efficiency be used to employ from 2,500 to comes to this town, Father, De- befell the DiGiorgio ranch down ter of fact," I was told, "we have maintained in the grape fields. 3,000 people. When the union lano will die! Because most of near Arvin. Before signing with never found table grapes a paying This cannot be done by close su- came, they shifted to "juice (wine) the people here don't want a Chavez it employed nearly 3,000 pervision; a lazy worker finds it grapes." A year ago they em- union and they will not work people. The first year after the too easy to hide. It must be done ployed only 700. They pulled out under a union." union came employment fell to by maintaining a high worker many of their vines; so this year But the sad fact is that there about 700, last year it fell to about morale. they employed only 400. But are a lot of well-meaning, but 400, and last month the Arvin Before Chavez came, worker even these Chavez could not horribly misinformed people ranch was sold. DiGiorgio's morale was generally high. This supply. throughout the United States who beautiful Borrego Springs ranch was achieved through a system ''The first of the season," Jesse are doing all they can to 'Kill used to bloom down in the Coach- of crew bosses who worked close told me, "'the company asked him Delano." Instead of helping the ella Valley desert has also been to the crews, heard their com- for 200 men, and he could only "poor farm workers" of California, given back to nature. plaints, and relayed them on to furnish about 50. So I was sent they are depriving them of a very This can hardly be considered the generally responsive owners. down to the border to recruit respectable livelihood. a boon to DiGiorgio, to the work- Besides this workers received in- green cards (Le., Mexican-Ameri- ers, to the communities in which centive pay. To the base pay of cans not yet citizens) ... be- NEXT MONTH - Sinister Influ- the ranches were located, or to $1.50 an hour was added an in- cause he could not furnish enough union people. ences on Chavez the cause of legitimate unionism. centive pay of 15-20-25~ a 25- Why did DiGiorgio wither away pound lug. "'This happened all year round. at the breath of Casar Chavez? But where Chavez has come, There were times that they would '"BATTLE FOR TIlE VINE- The obvious place to go for workers morale has come under ask Chavez for 25 men; he could YARDS- a booklet which pro- severe and skilled attack. Caus- only pick up 7 or 8." And these, vides a penetrating look at and answers to that question was to top DiGiorgio management. But ing worker discontent is his busi- Jesse explained, usually were ob- a moral appraisal of the Cali- top management would not talk ness; that is how he induces viously pick-ups, many of them fornia Grape Boycott by Father - not freely. They merely refer- people to want his union. And "green cards," not really union Cletus Healy, S.}. Oesuit) is avail- REV. CLETUS HEALY, S.J. .where Chavez won his contract men. able at 50~ each from: Box 960, red me to their top public rela- he demanded a raise in the base From what I have seen and Lansing, Michigan tions men. It was clear that Di- Former Iowa farm boy, and Giorgio management was deathly well-known Jesuit writer. pay to $1.65, but he eliminated afraid of offending the union. the incentive. The worker who This made their answers inter- picks five lugs an hour gets the esting, but not very satisfying for proposition." DiGiorgio had al- same wage as one picking one one looking for the real answers ways lost money on table grapes lug. Initiative is stifled. More- to some very real questions. - except, perhaps, one year. over, the union on numerous oc- I was not satisfied. "Is there casions encouraged or even de- OFFICIAL REASON anything," I asked, "to the reports manded a work slowdown. The I have received indicating that grape grower's margin of profit The official 'DiGiorgio expla- the inefficiencies of union men cannot tolerate such abuse. nation for their closing down the and deliberate work slowdowns But even more critical was the Sierra Vista ranch is that they had have proven economically intoler- fad that when Cesar Chavez to sell because of federal water able to DiGiorgio?" He "would signed a labor contract, he found regulations. This is also Chavez's not say that." But the official ex- that he could not deliver the explanation. And the explanation planation did not help at all in workers. The mass of grape pick- has some validity - in the case explaining the suddenness of Di- ers simply would not work under of the Sierra Vista ranch. An old Giorgio's decision to quit grow- Cesar Chavez! I got this from Teddy Roosevelt era law forbade ing grapes. Why had they spent too many sources to seriously dis- anyone owning over 160 acres the nearly $250,000 a few years ago pute it. When growers who use of irrigation water from fed- remodeling their packing shed on signed with Chavez would ask for eral projects. The law was de- Sierra Vista ranch, only to sell it workers, they would get only a signed to prevent land speculation this year for $40,000? Why did fraction of what they had asked in areas where federal projects DiGiorgio, soon after signing for; and when the costly 72-hour were contemplated. DiGiorgio with Chavez, become' so acutely required delay ~as up, the grow- had been given 10 years to com- conscious of the economic inad- ers would have to go out and try ply with the law. The time had visability of growing grapes? to get workers for themselves. expired before the strike began. Where were their bookkeepers To fail to pick table grapes In an effort to comply with the before! when they are ready to pick is to . THE COMPLETEFAilURE- of the so-called "strike" and boy- old law, DiGiorgio had put var- In my opinion I got far more destroy them. When the growers cott of California table grapes is outlined for Detroit newsmen ious tracts of land up for sale at plausible explanations from Di- could not harvest their grapes on by AI/a.n Gr.ant (second from left facing camera) president of its tax-assessed value. At this Giorgio's ex-employes and from time, they had no alternative but the Ca"forn~a Farm Bureau, and Elton Smith, Michigan Farm price they found a buyer for only other grape growers - people to sell them for wine. This repre- Bure::JUpr:sldent. Both took part in a recent press conference 67 acres - during a three year who know something about the sented an enormous loss for the dealing With .the boycott and held in the Detroit Press Club. period! economics of growing grapes, table-grape grower. So much Before Chavez came to town, who had been on hand to see the labor is required in table-grape Asking questions are Detroit News and Free Press reporters, • Ie Government considered this agonies DiGiorgio went through culture, that it costs about $560 and (by camera) a repres~ntative from CKlW-TV news. The fc:'rm .Ieaders said t~at those who promote the boycott are run- ning Into .strong .resl~tance by alert shoppers who dislike being ~sed against thei~ wlsh~, to force farmers into labor organiza- tions - also against their wishes . . Grant said that the grape crop is excellent, that it is being picked, and that grapes are moving into markets at normal speeds. It was noted that in instances where boycott marchers ~pear at .supermarkets, displays of grapes invariably sell out In record time. MICHIGAN FARM NEWS Septem ber 1, 1969 FIVE GOVERNOR MILLIKEN- signs an updated version of the Hor- ton Trespass Act as one of the sponsors, Rep. Stanley Powell (R-Ionia), looks on. The low now includes private wildlands as well as farmlands and applies to fishing in privately-owned waters. A new section prohibits operation of a snowmobile on private lands if they are fenced or enclosed or "posted." Per- mission to hunt, fish or snowmobile must be given by the owner or his agent. It is no longer required to be in written form. The bill was introduced by Rep.- George Prescott (R-Tawas City). Other sponsors included Reps. Rohlfs, Wierzbicki, Tisdale, Brennan, Buth, Folks, Waldron, Heinze, Swallow, Loren D. Ander- son, James F. Smith, David Serotkin, Walton, Cawthorne, Stites, Strange, Holbrook, Payant and Sharpe. THE NEW SEVEN-MEMBER COMMISSION on Agriculture labor met for the first time in late July. Governor Milliken (seated-center) informed them of their duties, which include a review of state and federal laws dealing with farmers and farm labor and present and future needs for rural manpower. Members of the Commission are seated I. to r.) Dr. Dan Sturt, Chairman, Rural county annual meetings Manpower Center, MSUi Governor Millikeni Tom Turner, Detroit Wayne county AFt-CIO president. (Standing I. to r.) Duane Baldwin, vegetable grower, Stockbridge; louis Smith, vegetable grower, Carletoni Ferris Pierson, fruit and vegetable grower, Hartford; and Frank M. Ornelas, die inspector, Saginaw. One Commission member was absent, Herbert Turner, Daley Pickle Company, Saginaw. This year ... (but not any more than in previous years) ... 1969 is a special year for Michigan Farm Bureau and the county Farm Bureaus in particular. Michigan Farm Bureau is marking its 50th Anniversary and many counties Education - and - Tax Reform are observing theirs as well. In addition to special plans for the annual state meeting, county boards wilI also be By: Robert E. Smith "Farmers are especially hard centage, it is beginning to go celebrating their individual anniversaries. Top priority Legislative Counsel hit by the property tax because, down compared to where it was on all county annual meetings is the drafting of resolutions Michigan Farm Bureau in addition to the rising rates of a few years ago. An important millage, assessments in many point that was made was that for work to be done at the local level and passed on at Farm Bureau has presented its areas have increased rapidly, in "sufficient funds should be appro- the State annual meeting. Meetings and dates scheduled official statement concerning edu- some cases double or more. The priated to pay in full all state (all in October except Iron county) are: cation, taxes and tax reform, to combination of higher rates and aid formulas." Very often, school Governor Milliken's "blue ribbon" higher assessments has been cata- programs get into financial trouble commisison on educational re- strophic to some individuals. Sta- because only a percentage of the Alcona Oclober 6 Lapeer October 9 form. As Farm Bureau Legisla- tistics are provided to show that state aid is achJally paid out. Allegan October 16 Lenawee October 13 tive Counsel, I am serving on the farm taxes as a percent of income Alpena October 19 Livingston October 2 43-member committee as an ap- range from a low of 5 % to a high Farm Bureau's statement en- Antrim October 8 ~tac.-L\1ce October 6 pointee representing agriculture. of 33 % and that the broad statis- dorsed vocational education Arenac October 7 Macomb d October 16 \Vhat follows is a general sum- tics of the USDA show an aver- "through existing types of local Manistee October 2 mary plus excerpts from the Farm age of 17 % - three or four times educational units, including com- Baraga October 8 Bureau statement: greater than the impact on most munity colleges, intermediate dis- Barry October 4 Marq.-Alger October 1 It calls attention to the fact that other groups of people. tricts and high school districts" Bay : October 9 Mason Octoher 15 and also "vocational centers where Benzie -. October 6 Mecosta October 11 no child should be a "victim of "As evidence for the equity in geography," that every child using the income tax as a major feasible." It was strongly pointed Berrien October 15 Menominee October 10 out that '10cal property cannot be should have an equality of edu- method of financing schools, data Branch October 13 Midland October 13 expected to assume this additional cational opportunity, regardless of are supplied showing that 00- Calhoun October 9 Missaukee October 7 'where he lives. It points out that tween the years of 1961 and 1968; tax burden.". Cass : October 11 Monroe O('tober 1 "farm youth need broad educa- when millage rates and assess- The educational services of the Charlevoix October 1 Montcalm October 8 tional opportunities, including vo- ment rates were rising so rapidly, intermediate school district were Cheboygan .__ October 16 Montmorency October 2 cational skills ... which also are (J 7.89 mills to 28.05 mills), school strongly supported, such as spe- Chippewa October 7 Muskegon October 9 prime requisites for rural area de- taxes, when related to personal cial education and other programs. Clare October 13 Newaygo Octber 14 velopment." The importance of income, rose only by 12 %, from that manv individual districts can- Clinton October ]4 N. \V. Mich October 9 agriculture in Michigan is stressed, 2.49% to 2.89%, indicating that not feasibly provide for them- Delta October 2 Oakland Octoher 1 with sueh facts as "270/0 of all personal income, overall, has kept selves. It was pointed out that. Oceana October 8 ~fichigan citizens derive some pace with school costs and also in many cases, present law serves Eaton Octohf'f 9 part of their income from agri- that concern must be shown on to hamper the function of the in- Emmet , October 7 Ogemaw O('toher 13 culture." the effect of the present method termediate district and also that Genesee October 13 Osceola Oc.:tober 9 School finance is called "the of financing on individuals whose all costs for special education Gladwin Oetober 14 Otsego October 15 major key in total educational re- ability to pay has not kept pace. should be totally funded by the Gratio~ .., October 8 Ottawa Oetober 7 form," and our policy insists "that This is primarily agriculture and state, as such programs are totally Hillsdale , Odoher 6 PreS(lue Isle Oc.:tober 8 property taxes for all school pur- the elderly." regulated by the state. Houghton , Odoher 2 Saginaw Oetoher 15 poses should be limited by law". Other points were made, in- Huron October 2 Sanilac Oc.:tober 6 and that "the state income tax eluding that a state aid formula It is hoped that all interested Ill~ham Odoher H Shiawassee Octoher 7 should be used as one of the ma- "should include other than prop- tax-paying citizens will \'oice their Ionia Odohpr 13 St. Clair ..' Oetoher 14 jor sources of funds for our erty values alone" and that there opinions to their 1()('a I and state St. Joseph ' Oetober 13 schools:' also should be a formula devel- representatives, particularily those losco , , October 14 Tuscola Ol'tober 11 Additional materials have been oped to "assist school districts in representing them in the State Iron ".""'.' ScptC'Illher 30 Legislature, regardin~ funding for provided the Commission to back meeting the cost of building Isahella October 2 Van Buren October 18 up the fact that "the rapid rise nceded facilities" - sufficient to all phases of education. Faro1 Jackson October 7 Washtenaw Oetober 8 in the average sehool millage, at least meet minimum standards. Bureau's policy dearly states that Kalamazoo October 14 \Vayne Octoher 14 from 17.89 mills in 1961 to 28.05 The statement further pointed "local property cannot be ex- Kalkaska October .1 'Vexford Octoher 14 mills in 1968 (up 57 %), has trig- out that the "state's share of pected to assume this additional Kent October 6 gered a taxpayers' revolt at the school operational costs should tax burden (but they do support polls. continue to increase." As a per- existing local educational units). SIX September 1, 1969 MICHIGAN FARM NEWS FROM THE WOMEN: SAOL\ School Daze School bells ringing, pickles If they don't have them, just nice to see them and to meet packed into jars, melons for keep asking and if enough of other ladies from all over the lunch! Fall is upon us! Vaca- us do, they'll maybe re-stock state. The ladies from Traverse tions are nearly over and I hope them. It might be one of the City brought a cherry preserve that yours was a pleasant one. Michigan foods that is next in for each of the Merit Mothers. At this time of the year, it's line to be boycotted. Does The Governor and Mrs. Milli- always nice to go into the base- your county have a Freedom- ken were in California at a ment and look at the many to-Market committee? If so, dinner honoring our Moon- colors of food in the jars or A N OCCASION FOR CELEBRATING — was the G r a n d Opening see what you can do to help Walking spacemen but we en- of the Upper Peninsula Farm Bureau Insurance Office in Es- open the freezer and see how them? joyed the tour of their home canaba August 8. This is the first time that they have had an full it is. Do you ever say I attended a tea at Governor and their hospitality. "official" office and the event drew hundreds of guests from 'thank you' to our Creator who Milliken's home the other day, Are your counties planning the area. has provided this bounty for us honoring Michigan's Mother of something special to celebrate and the strength and ability to the Year, Mrs. Harry Oxender. our "Golden Year" at your provide it for our families? Try It was a lovely tea with beau- County Farm Bureau meetings? it, it will make you feel good! tiful f l o r a l a r r a n g e m e n t s It's time to make some plans We have another good year throughout the pastel deco- and get your ideas to working. in grapes (California table r a t e d r o o m s . N e a r l y 100 Annual meeting time is nearly grapes that is). They should women a t t e n d e d , including upon us . . . let's make it a be a good buy in your stores, several of our Michigan Farm meeting to remember! so ask for them when you shop. Bureau Merit Mothers. It was Mrs. Jerold (Maxine) Topliff Extra Measure of Protection A new Accidental Death and Michigan Farm Bureau fam- 2. Farm Bureau auto insur- D i s m e m b e r m e n t (AD&D) ilies. ance policyholders, at a Group policy will be provided But while extending AD&D small additional cost, may for all Farm Bureau members coverages to the spouses of choose an option accident beginning January 1, 1970. Farm Bureau members, at no coverage paying up to DOOR PRIZES . . . REFRESHMENTS — a n d long-time friends met Underwritten by Community cost increase, the program's $10,000 in case of acci- at the U.P. grand opening. Admiring many of the door prizes Service Acceptance, a unit of scope was narrowed slightly. dental death due to a are (left to right): Mrs. Clayton Ford; Kenneth Sabin, Delta Co. Farm Bureau Insurance Group, Injuries or death resulting from traffic accident. Cover- F. B. President; Vincent Rappette, Insurance agent a n d Clayton AD&D coverage has been ex- auto accidents . . . unless the age may be extended to Ford, U.P. Director. panded to include the spouse injured was a paying passenger every family member by of Farm Bureau members at no in a commercial vehicle . . . endorsing the automobile extra cost. Maximum member are not covered by the new policy. 3-BEDROOM, CONTEMPRI SECTIONAL HOMES benefits remain at $1,000. Max- AD&D policy. One new group AD&D pol- imum spouse benefits will be However, Farm Bureau In- icy will be issued to each par- $500. surance Group auto policyhold- ticipating County Farm Bu- The Farm Bureau member ers may provide further pro- reau; an individual certificate AD&D program began late in tection in two ways against the of insurance will be provided 1966. By the end of 1967, increasing medical costs of auto for each member. *"** ill****• $26,000 had been paid out in accidents. So . . . through the facilities benefits. During 1968 an addi- 1. Policyholders in Farm of F a r m B u r e a u I n s u r a n c e tional $38,500 in benefit pay- Bureau Insurance Group Group, Farm Bureau members ments were received by Mich- have already received an and their spouses will receive W e believe in: A G O O D HOME FOR G O O D PEOPLE igan Farm Bureau members. increase of 50% in auto- an extra measure of protection — AT A PRICE THEY C A N AFFORD TO PAY Through July this year, paid mobile medical benefits against the growing danger of The 24' x 44' model for $11,995 (1056 $q. ft.) benefits totaled $30,750. . . . and at no extra cost farm accidents. Another inno- The 24' x 5 2 ' model for $12,995 (1248 sq. ft.) Approved for city or country — completely furnished This new broadened AD&D to Farm Bureau Insur- vative example of "Everything benefit program is considered ance auto and truck pol- You Need" protection from BAKER'S C O M M U N I T Y HOMES 2 1 4 W . Pine Street icvholders. Farm Bureau Insurance. Phone (517) 8 6 2 - 5 4 8 0 Elsie, Michigan 48831 an absolute member necessity in the light of significantly in- creased farm accidents. In recent years, farm popu- lation accidental death rates have numbered 18.7 for every 100,000 farm people . . . 15% Call ahead higher than in 1961. The Na- tion's North-east region, which . . . s o they'll expect you includes Michigan, placed a deadly second in increased ac- cident rates. And farm accident rates, according to Farm Bu- reau Insurance Group records, continue to climb. The p a t t e r n of accidents sounds a warning to all farmers. Certain age levels experience more accidents than other age groups. Fatal farm injury risk i n c r e a s e s from c h i l d h o o d Then keep in touch through the early adult years with a slight decline in risk with home by phone! during the late twenties. How- ever, risk of fatal farm injury increases after age 45 with a sharp rise among those over 65, to far higher levels than at any other period of life. It is for these persons that Farm Bureau Insurance Group, Michigan Bell as Michigan's largest farm in- Part of the Nationwide Bell System surer, is committed to addi- tional AD&D protection for MICHIGAN FARM NEWS September 1, 1969 SEVEN Two Citizenship Seminars Termed Successful More than two hundred jun- ior and senior high school students from Michigan high schools were given the oppor- tunity to learn more about their country in two Michigan Farm Bureau sponsored Young Peo- ple's Citizenship seminars this summer. About 50 youth attended the Upper Peninsula seminar held in Escanaba in June and 172 students were enrolled at Cen- tral Michigan University, the THE UPPER PENINSULA — Young People's Citizenship Seminar, TIME FOR RELAXATION — at the Michigan Farm Bureau's 6th site of the lower peninsula sem- sponsored by Michigan Farm Bureau, also allowed for time for Annual Young People's Citizenship Seminar held at Mt. Pleas- inar, in July. discussion and relaxation between the students and the U.P. ant's Central Michigan University campus this past July, was Regional Representative Hugo Kivi. used for planning activities. The Seminars, dedicated to understanding the principles of Americanism, Communism and D.D.T. DISPOSAL American Free Enterprise, of- Northern Michigan Cooperative Feeder Sale. 1969 fered all those attending an op- portunity to listen to outstand- Guidelines Are Set Guidelines for disposal of DDT products by Michigan resi- ing speakers of varied interests dents have been established and will be distributed throughout — 9350 Head - and then particioate in discus- sion groups. Highlights of both the state with the help of newspapers, television, radio, maga- zines, and a specially-prepared brochure. These a r e a l l n a t i v e c a t t l e sired b y Registered Beef seminars were the discussions The guidelines were set up following action by the Mich- Bulls, a n d o u t o f p r e d o m i n a t e l y beef t y p e c o w s . and actual county and state igan Commission of Agriculture April 16 cancelling registra- Most sales g u a r a n t e e h e i f e r calves o p e n a n d m a l e political party activities. tion of DDT products in the state. Included are specific di- calves k n i f e c a s t r a t e d . A l l calves d e h o r n e d . Speakers at the U.P. Seminar rections for homeowners, commercial, agricultural and mu- Schedule of Sales were Walter Lewke, Manager, nicipal users of DDT. Escanaba Chamber of Com- Preparation of the guidelines was a joint project of the Mich- Oct. 6 Bruce Crossing Yearlings and Calves 750 Oct. 7 Rapid River Yearlings and Calves 1200 merce; Dave Cook and Dale igan Departments of Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Pub- Oct. 9 Gaylord Yearlings and Calves 2500 Sherwin, MFB staffers; Ken- lic Health, in cooperation with Michigan State University. Oct. 10 Baldwin Yearlings and Calves 1400 neth Cheatham, AFBF staff Oct. 14 Alpena Yearlings and Calves 1200 member and Hugo Kivi, MFB HOMEOWNERS Oct. 15 West Branch Yearlings and Calves 2300 Field Representative for the U.P. since 1957. To get rid of DDT (dichloro diphenyl tricholoroethane) prod- All sales start at 12:00 Noon ucts such as aerosol bombs, liquid sprays, powders, and dusts, Cattle are graded by U.S.D.A. Standards and will be sold Dr. John Furbay, Dr. Clifton bury them on your own property. If each homeowner does so, in lots of uniform grade, weight, sex and breed. Ganus, Kenneth Cheatham, D. these products will be safely dispersed and will reduce danger- Hale Brake and Arthur Hoist ous concentrations of DDT and other toxic materials at public Brochure available with description of cattle in each sale. presented the program at the disposal sites. By law, ingredients are listed on the label. MICHIGAN FEEDER CATTLE PRODUCERS COUNCIL Central Michigan Seminar. Select a place away from trees and other desirable shrubs or POSEN, MICHIGAN 49776 Fourteen counselors also par- plants and at least 50 feet away from any well or surface water ticipated in this seminar. such as a lake, stream, pond, or drain. Dig a hole deep enough to cover the DDT products and con- tainers with three feet of dirt. Aerosol (pressurized) cans should not be punctured but put in FEED Hardy SPECIALIZED SALTS the hole intact. Class and metal containers should be opened and put in the CONVENIENT hole tilted down to allow drainage. The glass should not be • DEPENDABLE broken. • ECONOMICAL Rags and boxes should be buried intact. The hole should not be left open. It should be filled with three feet of dirt immediately. N e w Protection for Y o u r Livestock The only exception to the recommendations is if the water table on your property is less than five feet below the ground. (If you do not know your underground water level, call your TRACE MINERAL SALT FOOT ROT SALT F A R M BUREAU MINERALS local health department.) Farm Bureau Trace Mineral Salt Economical—yes, because Hardy Complete mineral supplements pro- helps keep your livestock healthy gives you protection from foot rot vide economy and dependability. NOTE: DDT and other toxic products should NOT be flushed and productive at low cost. Provides Choose from either 6%, 8 % , or down the toilet, poured down a drain, put in the garbage or problems. Feed it safely to all all six essential trace minerals in 12% Phosphorus levels. "Controlled complete salt mix. Feed free choice classes of livestock, even cows in daily intake" for free choice feed- trash can, or taken to a public dump or landfill. for self controlled intake, or ask milk production. Also provides ing takes the worry out of mineral to have it mixed in your feeds. salt and all the necessary trace feeding, salt guarantees proper Guarantees consumption and im- mineral requirements. Available in levels. Ask for it mixed in your proves appetite for top feeding results. bags or blocks. customized feeds, too! PROFITABLE QUALITY FEEDER PIGS SALT PRODUCTS PACKAGED BY Hardy FOR SALE FROM MACMA are available at these locations (Michigan Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Association) ALLE6AN CO-OP FARM BUREAU SERVICES, INC. MOLINE CO-OP Allegan, Michigan Hart, Michigan Moline, Michigan PRICE COVERS: BUCHANAN CO-OP FARM BUREAU SERVICES, INC. SQUARE DEAL FARM SUPPLY • Delivery to purchaser; Buchanan, Michigan Kalamazoo, Michigan Onekama, Michigan • Erysipelas vaccination and 24-hour FARMERS ELEVATOR KENT CITY FARM BUREAU FARM BUREAU SERVICES, INC. Caledonia, Michigan Kent City, Michigan Saginaw, Michigan death loss guarantee; COOPERSVILLE COOP MARCELLUS FARM BUREAU FARM BUREAU SERVICES, INC. • Only thrifty, Michigan-grown pigs. Coopersville, Michigan Marcellus, Michigan Scottville. Michigan FREMONT CO-OP FALMOUTH CO-OP COMPANY FARM BUREAU SERVICES, INC. AVAILABLE O N ORDER Fremont, Michigan McBain, Michigan Traverse City, Michigan FARM BUREAU SERVICES, INC. FALMOUTH CO-OP COMPANY GERALD BIEHL AND SONS For up-to-date prices call: Hastings,Michigan Merritt, Michigan Mancelona, Michigan Area 517 485-8121 Extension 372 Or write: P. O. Box 960 HARDY SALT COMPANY - Leaders in Product Development Lansing, Michigan 48904 EIGHT September 1, 1969 MICHIGAN FARM NEWS I. THEIIBYlel or THE lABMIR -SYNOPSIS- CLARK l. BRODY was the first Secretary-Manager of the Michigan Farm Bureau. Over a wide span of years he guided the organization through political and ALFRED BENTAll assumed the CLAUDE l. NASH, former financial crisis, and from a fledgling organization into a powerful giant among position as head of the Insur- county agent of St. Clair county, state Farm Bureaus. His book, \\In the Service of the Farmer" is a warm recount- ance Department and in 1927 succeeded Alfred Bentall as Or- ing of the turbulent times when the Bureau was still trying to find itself - to was relieved of all duties con- ganization Director. Nash nected with membership cam- trained his solicitors to a fine determine members' needs and practical means of meeting those needs. In paigns. His new position was edge and they worked hard. last month's chapters, Brody told of good times and bad, and the hard choices taken over with his character- In spite of his expert leader- between short term gains which could later become \\bad long-run economics ... " istic vigor ... his agents work- ship, Farm Bureau member- (\\In the Service of the Farmer" Copyright 1959 MSU Press, Excerpts reprinted ed with success. ships conti.nued to dwindle. by permission.) STABILITY AND Moreover, the American farm- services that no one else would This short-lived project 'demon- 'was to mn it in conjunction with THE DECLINE er was not yet strong enough provide for him, at least at a price strated the futility of starting a co- the membership drives. Bentall politically to persuade the govern- he could afford to pay. To win operative business without requir- took over with characteristic vig- 'Vith the waning of Hale Ten- ment to give him the tariff pro- his support we had to obtain for ing those who want the service, or. His agents worked with suc- nant's influence, factionalism no tection it gave industry, so he him political and economic re- to furnish capital to finance it. cess, especially in automobile in- longer disntpted the Michigan was hurt by foreign competition form through the government. Otherwise they feel little or no surance, where at first there was State Fann Bureau and we could even in the domestic market. Be- And to hold that support we had responsibility, are liable to be- little competition. In 1927 I re- wholly concern ourselves with yound this, income taxes were as to make him see that it was to his come unreasonably critical, and lieved Bentall of all duties con- business as such. The Bureau in yet minimal; the property tax was best interests to become enlisted easily turn their business to com- nected with membership cam- its first five vears certainlv could the main source of government in the Burea~ - to make its af- peting agencies. paigns; the Insurance Department have served the Michigan' farmer income. Again and again, taxes fairs his affairs, to make it pos- In the fall of 1926 the Bureau merited all his time. By the end more effectivel\' had it not been would exceed the rental value of sible for him to participate in its contract~d to become an agency of 1929 more than 45,000 auto- tom by intern;l strife. But the land. The farmer thus was should- development. of the State Farm Mutual Auto- mobile insurance policies alone Binghamites and the Tennantites ering an unduly large part of the mobile Insurance Company of had been sold. The Insurance De- had been locked in contention, tax burden. POULTRY EXCHANGE Bloomington, Illinois. There were partment nQ.tonly gave us oper- and bitterlv so. The commodity All through the twenties, then, two reasons for doing so. First, ating funds in the twenties; it was plan of organization had been ~ ELIMINATED the American farmer had been farmers in Michigan were gen- to keep us solvent in the thirties. good compromise. Now, however. living marginally. Came the de- One of my first steps in erallv under-insured, if insured at By 1926 the Michigan State we needed another breather. \Ve pression and the bottom fell out 1926 was to eliminate the all. insurance companies had not Farm Bureau had divorced itself needed time to lick our wounds, for him. Mortgages were fore- Poultry Exchange in De- yet organized intensive campaigns from all financial connection with and to lay plans for the fuhue. closed by banks at calamitous troit. It was not providing to sell policies to farmers; and Extension Services. The shrink- In the middle twenties, the rates while people for whom food the farmer with a service he even if they had, the farmer did age in membership and the con- United States was becoming in- could have been produced stood would otherwise have had not realize his need for insurance sequent falling off in the payment toxicated with prosperity. The in bread lines. For a few years, to do without, nor was it and would have strongly resisted of dues made it impossible for the economy was expanding in almost the American fanner became vir- preventing his being ex- their overtutes, The attitude of Bureau to give the Extension every direetion and fast. It ap- tually dislocated. ploited by the middleman. the farmer toward the Bureau was Services outright support. More- peared that the expansion would It was against this background Nor, indeed, was the farmer something again. True, member- over, the county farm bureaus had never stop. not at least until every- that the Michigan State Farm doing much business with ship had fallen off, and true, he .appropriated a good part of our one had become a millionaire Bureau worked from 1926 to the Poultry Exchange. He did not regard the Bureau as the share of the dues that were com- through the stock market. In- 1932. As though the economic was using it mainly as a de- most effective business organiza- ing in to pay the salary and ex- dustrv seemed to have an un- disadvantages of the time were vice by which he got other tion in existence. But he at least penses of county agents. At this limit~ market in devasted Europe not enough, a large part of the dealers to raise prices to the (onceded that we meant well. He time, the county farm bureaus and tariffs protected the domestic Michigan population had become level of those which we did not fear our exploiting him. owed the Michigan State Farm market from what little competi- disaffected from the Bureau, were offering; and once the And then we had stayed in dose Bureau $100,000, of which $62,- tion there was from foreign in- which had promised so much and other dealers raised their touch with him anyhow through 000 eventually had to be written dustrial goods. People generally delivered comparatively so little prices, he dealt with them. membership campaigns and the off. But finaneial benefit was not were ignorant of the fact, or .in its first half dozen years. To FARM BUREAU NEWS. Second, the over-riding reason for the Bu- preferred to ignore it, that our be able to help the farmer, we I reported to the annual the Insurance Department prom- reau wanting to sever connections ~ovemment had advanced to first had to put the Bureau on meeting of delegates in 1927: ised to be a source of income, and with Extension Services. If pub- Europe the very funds with which a sound financial basis. To make "Changed (onditions are throttl- the Bureau needed operating in- lic officials like county agents had our output was being purchased. the Bureau sound financially, we ing business at both ends of the come desperately. a voice in the affairs of the Bu- 'Vhen the European governments had to provide the farmer with line, cutting off both its supply reau, the Bureau could hardly I put Alfred BentalJ in charge were slow to pay their war debts precisely the services he needed, of poultry and its sales outlet." of the Insurance Department; he speak unreservedly for the farmer and we contracted their credit,' on controversial issues. Indeed the bubble burst and we had the any political connection seemed worst depression in our history. to work to the disadvantage of By 1932 the depression had the Bureau and the farmer, as reached its low point, and pessi- we had learned from our conflicts mism became as extreme as opti- with Governor Groesbeck over mism had been in the years just the last few years, and from the preceding. Several years passed criticism of us hy the Grange and before we again became a pros- other farmer organizations for perous nation. profiting from the service of a But the twenties never were pll hlic employee. prosperous for the American fann- er. The depression did not mean FARM BUREAU SERVICES for him a fall from economic INCORPORATED heights, but only a worsening of already dreadful conditions. Eur- In 1929, to improve effi- opean agriculture had recovered ciency of operation, the Pur- quickly after the war, and there chasing and Seed Depart- was nothing to ~ the Eur- ments were comhined as opean markets. 11M American the Fann Bureau Services, farmer, then, was ~eared to over- Incorporated. In the six production. Produce he had to if precedin~ years shipments he were to make a living; but from the two departments when he did produce he drove had risen from 2,400 to prices down to where he could 4,000 carloads annual1y. In sell only at a loss. Since the prices 1931 fifteen local coopera- of industrial goods rose as farm tives purchased stock in prices fell, farm income dropped Farm Bureau Services and proportionately. The fanner be- THE 1926 BOARD OF DIRECTORS- was made up of Farm Bureau members who served long and elected four of nine mem- lieved that he was receiving far faithfully. In the picture, back row, left to right, are Watson W. Billings; Jesse Boyle; Verold F. bers to the Board of Direc- less than an "equitable" share of Gormely; George McCalla; Fred J. Harger; John H. O'Mealey and Earl C. McCarty. Seated, left tors. \Ve helieved that giv- national income. to right, are M. L. Noon; Clark L. Brody; M. B. McPherson; Edith M. Wagar and M. D. Buskirk. ing cooperatives a voice in MICHIGAN FARM NEWS September 1, 1969 NINE IN THE LATE '20's ~ The Farm Bureau Service's retail store was a favorite gath- THEY CAME BY HORSE-DRAWN WAGONS - cars and trucks to market their farm ering spot for the area farmers. They enjoyed the exchange of ideas and a bit products. These were the days before the modern rail cars, semi-trucks and indi- of gossip along with their buying. vidually owned farm trucks. the setting of policy of most encouraging. In two years prohibited the manufacture or farm bureaus were as much ers Associations has been mar- Farm Bureau Services more than 12,000 new members and sale of liquor; opposed concerned about the world mar- keted through it since it was set would encourage coopera- joined the Bureau. Such was the national child labor legisla- ket, however, as they were with up. tives throughout the state to beginning of the volunteer mem- tion, which would have re- their own affairs. Moreover, as In 1931, the Great Lakes Food do business with it. And so bership campaigns of the next stricted the farmer's chil- President Coolidge pointed out so Industries, Incorporated, a gov- they did. The federation of three decades. dren from working on his clearly, governmental control can- ernmental merger of fruit mar- local cooperatives contrib- farm; fought reapportion- not be divorced from political keting associations, requested that uted great strength to the NASH SUCCEEDS ment of seats in the State control, which was opposed to my services be loaned to it dur- parent organization, as well BENTALL Legislature, which would our way of life; and even so, even ing its organization. The process as to its business services. have given the urban areas the United States was not strong of organization had bogged down We were to follow this plan In 1927 I appointed Claude L. in the state the command- enough to fix prices which would once the first enthusiasm for the in setting up all future bus- Nash, the county agent of St. ing voice in its government; constantly guarantee success. merger disappeared. The Bureau iness .:ventures. Clair County, to succeed Alfred worked for a progressive in- said I could do the organizing Bentall as Organization Director. come tax to take the main FEDERAL FARM BOARD while I carried on my regular With the State Farm Bureaus Nash trained his solicitors to a burden off the fanner; and work, and I was glad to comply, of Ohio, West Virginia, and Indi- fine edge and they worked hard, sought ways to eradicate the President H 0 0 v e r also for good fruit marketing services ana, in 1930 we established the but farm conditions were worsen- European com borer, which saw the economic and po- were very much needed. Mer Farm Bureau Milling Company to ing so rapidly that they could not was devastating Michigan litical dangers in proposals eighteen months of the most in- mix our own feeds. Since 1923 even hold the ground they had com crops. of the McNary-Haugen na- tensive work the merger of ten our Feed Services had contracted gained the two previous years. By ture. Soon after being inau- local associations was consum- with milling companies to have 1928 membership had fallen to On the national level the con- gurated he established un- mated, upon which I was re- feed mixed to specification. We about 11,000 and by 1929 to cern of the Bureau was tariffs, der the Agricultural Act of leased. The merger associations maintained a paid inspector at the 9,300. In 1929 the Bureau spent and on this matter we followed 1929 a Federal Farm Board then hired an experienced bus- mixing plant. The Farm Bureau $2~,000 on membership cam- the lead of the American Farm to help the farmer market iness manager, but because the Milling Company followed this paigns but took in only $20,000 Bureau Federation. There are his products. Orderly mar- field work and relations with same plan. We were able to give in dues. By 1930 we had only striking parallels in farm condi- keting through government members were neglected, the the farmer quality feeds at one- 5,400 members and in 1931 we tions in the twenties and fifties of loans and through a series Great Lakes Food Industries soon third to one-half the cost he stopped all statewide member- this century. Each period has in of giant government coop- failed. would have had to pay for it ship campaigns. Neither a reduc- common over-production, a low eratives would replace the In late 1931 the Michigan State elsewhere. tion of dues from $10 to $5 a share of national income going to customary and devastating Farm Bureau felt the delayed ef- year, nor offering various plans the farmer, and no end of hare- swamping of markets when In general, from 1925 to 1930, fects of the stock market crash of for life membership, nor cOUP0l} brained schemes to solve the the farmer was compelled our financial position steadily im- two years before. Business came sales plans which would benefit farmer's difficulties. Ironically, the to sell. The AFBF still ad- proved, despite the growing loss to a standstill. We could not pay members only, could stay the fall- farmer and his advocates have vocated the McNary-Hau- of income from declining mem- our creditors because our debtors off. But we knew nevertheless come up with as many such gen Plan, though it coop- bership. Our net worth increased could not pay us. We settled that individual membership waS schemes as any other group. And erated with the FFB. Agri- from $175,000 to $280,000 large- culture in general however some bills for as little as 25 % ly because the departmental man- the basis on which the Bureau when a public figure - President of their original value; we were should be built and we deter- Coolidge and Secretary of Agri- was happy enough that agers and I were learning our afraid that otherwise we would mined at the first propitious mo- culture Ezra Taft Benson, to some solution to its troubles business. It was fortunate that realize no payment at all on them. ment to take up our campaigns name two - has the courage to was to be tried that at the we did, for the thirties were to And business kept declining ev- where we had left off. Mean- propose the right solution, he is beginning it was totally un- put us to severe trials. erywhere. President Hoover pled while, we took comfort in the likelv to be subjected to no end critical of FFB activities. How to build up membership with state governments and pri- small, loyal group of members of calumny. vate industry to increase their was a problem that plagued us who stayed with the Bureau The FFB failed in the face of continually. Neither the passing The AFBF pushed for higher payrolls by initiating large scale through thick and thin. mounting surpluses; indeed, the building programs until hard of the gas tax, nor the winning tariffs on agricultural products in one lesson that could be drawn On the state level from 1925 times passed. But neither he nor of the freight rate zoning case, the 1920's. It contended that the from it was that in most instances until the depression we fought anyone realized how serious and nor the bill for known origin seeds farmer had to buy industrial the American farmer can do what for an improved program of high- far-reaching the depression was. had won us many new members goods, the price of which. was need be done for him much more way building. We wanted the Some state governments, with no in the middle twenties. In 1925 artificially stimulated to high lev- effectively than a government funds from the two cent gas tax idea of where the funds were to the Bureau hired the General els by protective tariffs, while the agency can. to be used for this purpose. On come from, started public work Organization Company froin Chi- domestic price for farm products the other hand, we supported pro- In Detroit the FFB set up a projects in accord with Hoover.s cago to guide our membership was set abroad by the surplus sold posals to raise the gas tax only wool marketing agency, for which request. At the same time there drive. Lucius E. Wilson of Gen- in the world market. The AFBF if there was a corresponding re- a Detroit company was to be the was enormous pressure being put eral Organization believed the wanted the farmer to have the duction in the weight tax for ve- marketing agent. This particular on the states by the populace to strength of the Bureau lay in in- same protection as industry. The hicles. We believed that farmers company had never dealt with economize and reduce taxes. But dividual membership. He urged McNary-Haugen bill, first intro- should not pay taxes on their ve- cooperatives; it graded the wool the downturn continued. The us to draw teams of solicitors from duced in 1927 and passed by hicles while these vehicles stood most unsatisfactorily. The Mich- most desperate days were still to among our members and train Congress but twice vetoed by idle in the barns in the late fall, igan State Farm Bureau very come in the bleak days of 1932. them so that they could convince President Coolidge, had the over- winter, and early spring. By 1931 much regretted that it had with- the farmers of Michigan that their whelming support of the AFBF. our strong support obtained the drawn from the Ohio Wool best hope lay in the Bureau. Wil- This bilJ would have fixed do- enactment of the McNitt-Holbeck Growers Cooperative Association, son maintained that we should mestic farm prices and simply bill, which appropriated $2 mil- with whom the Bureau had been appeal to the enlightened self-in- dumped surplus produce on the lion annually for the building of working successfully. The FFB terest of farmers. He convinced world market for whatever price township roads; the appropriation also set up a wool marketing us. So now we were meshing it wOUldbring. The government was to raise $4 million in 1936. agency in Ohio in direct compe- Tennant's commodity plan of or- would have been indemnified And the Bureau supported the tition with the Ohio Wool Grow- ganization with Bingham's plan through an equalization fee or tax Powell bill, which mitigated some ers Association, but had to close for individual membership. The based on domestic consumption of the worst features of the old its office in a few weeks. The wheel had almost gone full circle. for whatever losses it sustained in Covert Road Act. the world market. This, of course, National Wool Marketing Asso- We worked out a trade-a-day ciation, which the government set During these same years would have brought even more campaign, whereby the fanner~ up in Boston in 1930, was more the Michigan State Farm over-production and would have from several counties joined for effective; the wool of the Indi- Bureau continually support- upset national economies through- a day to work intensively in a ana and Michigan Wool Grow- ed the Volstead Act which out the world. Not many farmers single county. The results were TEN September 1, 1969 MICHIGAN FARM NEWS Cuba-Communist Threat Castros First Decade! DISCUSSION TOPIC By Gary A. Kleinhenn "The past decade has witnessed a deterioration in goal. Both years actual sugar production fell short Director, Education anl Hescarch the average Cuban's diet, particularly in its qual- at a low five million tons. ity, as grain protein has replaced much of the animal Sugar is rationed among the people to help meet protein. the 10 million ton goal. ~Iany other products such Life in Cuba • • • "Food production in 1965 is estimated to have been about 10 per cent less than the 1957-59 average. But food production per capita has declined some 25 to as rice, mm, cigars, clothing and gasoline arc also rationed . "Bread and liberty" was a Cuhan revolutionarv 30 per cent from that of a decade earlier, necessitat- LO'V l\IORALE slogan and philosophy in 1959, the first year of th~ ing heavy imports of food products, such as wheat Events in Cuba indicate Castro's dictator role and Castro regime, but after a decade of unkept prom- and wheat flour from Canada on Soviet account," communist regime has crippled personal initiative. ises the "bread" is found in ration lines in the streets. he said. According to U. S. ~ews and '''orId Report, veteran As for "liberty," an estimated 40,000 political prison- Life in Cuba is not easy for the average citizen, sugar-cane workers are sa.id to he cutting only about ers answer best to its whereabouts. in fact according to U. S. News and 'Vorld Report, 40 per cent of the amount of cane they once cut,' There hayc been no elections since Castro took those watching developments on the island believe To combat low labor productivity, in l\lay of 1968 power and no public representatiye body at the that latent resistance in Cuba could become active the regime launched a campaign urging workers to national levcl .. In retrospect Castro's 1959 program organized opposition in the not-too-distant future. put in overtime at no extra pay. Daily battle against called for a rcturn to constitutional govcrnment, absenteeism, superficiality in work, low quality of popular elections and democratic reform. The revo- CUBAN YOUTH work has affected productivity. lutionary regime betrayed their own revolution bv • Also to bolster enthusiasm, Associated Press vVire Information supporting this view from the publica- supressing the rekindled hopes of the Cuban peopl~ Services reported, Russian sailors were being used to tion "Human Events" reports, "Cuba's youths for for democracy. cut sugar cane in celebration of the 16th anniversary one are becoming a serious threat to the Castro re- In Cuba today, old cars "klunk" down the streets of the Cuban revolution. gime (as youths were to the communist regime in held together b;' numerous parts of already junked Many reports indicate that if Cuba is successful Hungary in the mid-1950's). Despite the -mobiliza- ears worn out by overuse and low octane Russian in harvesting the 10 million tons of sugar, successful tion of spy cadres whi~h operate within the school gas. Even though money is not necessarily scarce, processing at the islands antiquated sugar mills system and inform on counter revolutionary activities there is little to buy, particularly new car parts. would be next to impossible. of the students, and despite get-tough orders to the Furthermore Cuban housewives don't expect to own However, the hard question is ,,'hether all the police in dealing with suspected sabotage activities, washing machines for another decade, if at all. For frantic economic activity in Cuba will finally result the defiance of Cuba's youth is growing, not dimin- children in Cuba, 80 to 90 percent over two years of in more food, clothing and other goods. ishing." age don't drink fresh milk. 'Vhat is Cuba really like today? Eldredge Cleaver, To combat this youth rebellousness, Castro has in- SUGAR MARKETS Black Panther reyolutionist and a U.S. citizen who stituted a regimented military system of education in Jived in Cuba until recently, stated flatly, "'Ve weren't the junior and senior high schools. The magazine "Creat Decisions" states that Cuba's wanted." Fidel Castro has the power in Cuba. Castro holds economy in the 1970's apparently is based on the Thousands of Cuban citizens don't want the Cuban the loyalty of the army and a hard-core Communist assumption that Russia will continue huying sugar, dictatorship either! Party membership of 80,000 or roughly 10 per cent although no agreement has yet been signed, and N() one really seems to know the entire number of of the population. furthennore sugar is a commodity Russia doesn't Cubans who have fled their countrv. Estimates ran('e need and cannot resell. At the moment Russia has Cuba is not changing for the better today nor has from 100,000 to one million. Howe~'er in recent ve;;s agreed to buy five million tons of the 1970 sugar it in the ten years of communist existenc~: For in- a Swiss administered airlift, sponsored by U.S. "Cov- stance, one writer has written, "In Cuba the people crop at 6.1 cents a pound, almost double the world ernment money, with Cuban government consent. market price. What will Russia do with all this sugar? who stop you from getting places usually have side- can accurately count the "legal" departures from that anns, or maybe a Czech automatic rifle." Under world trade agreements the Soviets cannot island each month as being over 4,000! re-export more than 1.25 million tons. About all the How long will Cuba last? There are those who Russians can do it appears is to add most of the' feel that the end to communism in Cuba will come COUNTER REVOLUTION? sugar to a stockpile already estimated at 11 mil- with the end of Castro. lion tons. The Associated Press reveals much about Cuba in The USSR is not the only buyer of Cuban sugar. a recent story. It reported, Juanita Castro, Fidel's sister, has been trying during five years in exile to forment a counter revolution. One of her anti-Fidel King Sugar! Free-world sugar buying from Cuba totals 23 per cent (Russian sugar trade is at 77 per cent) with such After 10 years of nIle (1959-1969) Castro has countries as France, Spain, Britain, Canada and broadcasts from \Iiami replied to a pastoral letter by staked the success of the revolution on the 1970 Japan. It is evident that the U.S. embargo of Cuba Roman Catholics in Cuba calling for the lifting of sugar crop, for sugar is "King" in Cuba and will be has not been completely effective. the U. S. economic boycott of Cuba because of h'ard- more than ever in the vear ahead, as an almost un- Even with these additional free world sugar mar- ships the people are undergoing. reachable sugar crop goal of 10 ~illion tons is de- kets, for Cuba to sell the excess crop will take some ~liss Castro replied. ""'hat does the economic boy- manded as a supposed cure for ills of the island's d~ing say the experts. However the big qnestion is cott have to do with Cuba not producing, as before, economy. still whether Russia can continue to absorb this ex- enough rice, beans, vegetables, fruit, meat, fish, cess production. poultry, eggs, coffee and items that are rationed now?" The giant sugar crop pledged by Premier Fidel Whatever happens, 1970 shapes up as the most Part of that ql1l'stion is answered in an issue of Castro is seen by U. S. experts as just another prom- crucial economic year of the communist regime. "Human Events" which tells much about Cuba's con- ise-of-plenty by Castro which assuredly will fail to dition in a cross-examination of that countr\'. It re- fulfill the "better life" pledges of the last decade. ports, "'''hy doesn't the on-the-spot reporter ~ask why During these past 10 years the Cuhan economv JULY TOPIC SUMMARY it is necessary for the regime to empty schools. fac- has been able to stav afloat with over three bmio~ 3~2 Groups reported that 3,842 members repre- tories and shops and even close down whole citie~ dollars of Soviet aid~ Sugar represents 83 per ('('nt senting 3,199 families participated in discussions on and herd the population out to cut sugar cane~ har- of Cuba's exports. Therefore. a big sugar harvest the topic: LAW AND ORDER - LAW ENFORCEMENT. vest rice and pick coffee? It is often romanticized in 1970 is needed hy Cuba to meet credit ohIigations. Reasons mentioned most frequently by groups as as 'volunteer' labor." The article adds, "Cuba h.ls Castro's attempts to strengtlll'n th(' Cuban ('con- causes for rise in crime are: breakdown of the fam- traditionally suffered from a surplus of farm labor~ omy with a crash industrialization program in the ity uni~, t~o m~ch leisure time, curbing police powers, these workmen are called 'campesinos.' '''here arc unrealistic child labor laws and working mothers. earlier da:,:, of the revolution. failed drastically. "'ith The.y felt they could personally help the situation by they?" that failurc Castro turned to agriculture and su gar voting and knowing what candidates stand for, let- Its answer - "'''hen Castro reneged on his prolll- to sah-age the economy. However, his agrarian plan ting TV stations and movie houses know their likes ise in 1959 to give each campesino his 0\\"}1 piece of did little for the fanner when in 1963, 70 per cent of and dislikes in programming. As Groups they could land, they rebelled en masse and hm"e not worked private fann land was confiscated by the state. Two provide activity and supervision for young people, for the regime in any significant number since:' years later in 1965 agricultural programs \\"('re fur- work for revision of child labor laws and support It is true that Cuba did produce more crops before ther intensified with a graduated sugar production local law enforcement agencies. Homes are failing the revolution. \ Vriting in an issue of the U. S. De- program which called for a higher yield of produc- because of a lack of discipline, schools because teach- tion for each year until 1970. ers lack dedication and authority to discipline and partment of Agriculture's periodical "Foreign Agri- churches because they give more attention to social culture" food expert 'Vilbur F. Buck stuns it up, However. actual production has not met the goals an~ political prob!ems than to the spiritual needs of "\Vhen the Castro regime came to power in 1959 the demanded by the communist regime. The 1967' {'rop their congregations. Cubans were one of the best fed peoples in Latin was predicted at 7 million tons, while the 1968 yield America. was to be increased to an eight million top ~ugar NEXT MONTH: Review of School Tax Laws MICHIGAN FARM NEWS September 1, 1969 ELEVEN Here is a discussion Policy Puzzle DISCUSSION exercise for those who are not now part of a Community Group .. Soviet Russia has a foothold in the Western Hemisphere only 90 miles from U. S. shores. Communist-nlU Cuba, the Russian "puppet is- land" is a threat to American Security, a threat TOPIC Cuba-l0 Years of Castro which peaked during the "missile crisis" of 1962. Americans need to clearly understand how Not everyone can be part of a Farm Bureau Community Group - but through the pages of the subversive elements of communism, which the FARM NEWS, every member can review the same lively discussion material (opposite page) destroys private competitive enterprise systems and then "voice" their opinions by sending the filled out questionnaire to Farm Bureau Center, and subverts the basic rights of individuals, has Lansing. stolen the freedom of the Cuban people. This decade of Cuban communist rule reveaL~ the .. There, it will be counted and considered equally by Farm Bureau officials with those arriving importance to free-world citizens of their own .. by the regular Community Group route. need to actively participate, to work to uphold, A pencil, a pair of scissors, envelope and stamp are all that is needed to place your ideas into improve and strengthen for democracy the com- action .... munities in which they live. - NON-GROUP MEMBER OPINION REPORT- U. S. AND CUBAN RELATIONS The nearby discussion topic includes many differing opinions and points of view concerning When Castro first took control of Cuba the the Cuban situation - to provide the broadest possible look at what has occurred over the past American people and the administration in 10 years on that 760 mile-long Caribbean island. Washington at that time seemed to wish him Now ... do you feel that Castro and his Communist government pose a threat to our Amer- well. Washington even offered financial and ican representative fonn of government? Will you explain some of your reasoning? economic aid, but Castro re;ected the offer. In February 1960 he concluded a trade agreement' with the Soviet Union and by that time his anti-U. S. propaganda had already started. Since the missile crisis of 1962, the Ulittle" cold war Economists appear to agree there is a distinct relation between forms of government and a between Havana and Washington has contin- nation's food-production ability. Cuba, for example, is not now raising sufficient food for her ued unabated. people. List some reasons why you feel this is happening ... CURRENT U. S. POLICY The U. S. has been carrying on a trade boy- cott and wa.~ing a diplomatic offensive de- signed to isolate Cuba economically and po- Having read the discussion outline of U. S.-Cuban policy, do you approve? YES:__ NO: __ litically and to prevent the spread of Castro ism ""hat do you feel our policy should be? _ "That should the U.S. do? to other areas of Latin America. In effect, it might be termed a policy of containment. Present U. S. policy is designed to curtail free- world trade with Cuba (see sugar article). The U. S. has expressed, with little result, its dis- Clip and send to: Education and Research, pleasure over our allies' trade with Cuba. 'Michigan Farm Bureau, Box 960, Lansing, Michigan 48904 FARM BUREAU POLICY (AFBF - 1969) Socialism and communism, both external and NEW TOPICS internal, threaten to destroy the American way ARE PICKED of life. The welfare state is based on centralization The state-wide Community of power in the federal government and the re- Group Discussion Topic commit- tee met at Farm Bureau Center, distrihtltion of the benefits of our economic Lansing, in mid-August. Their system by political means and is akin to social- task was the selection of six from ism and communism. among hundreds of topic sugges- 'Ve reaffirm our opposition to all socialistic tions submitted by Farm Bureau _ and communistic economic systems. 'Ve rec- Community Groups located in all :;;;:::: ommend that: parts of the state. In the forenoon ==:: -Our government encourage the cooperation of the all-day session they heard 2.:;~:~ of other nations in this endeavor. background reports prior to pick- ::::=: -Tile basic principles of Anlericanism-with ing these areas for future discus- sions: ccHow to tie Marketing ;~~~: emphasis upon freedom and dignity of the in- Associations together for mutual ~~E (livulual and our private competitive enterprise benefit"; (2) "Challenges of farm -.~SE system, as compared with the objectives and labor unions"; (3) ccSchoo13and ~~~1 characteristics of communism and socialism- DISCUSSION TOPIC COMMITTEE - headed by Cass county Farm their problems of curriculum and ===1 be taught in the schooLY. Bureau leader, Levi Van Tuyle, Jr. (at lectern) and assisted by Education and Research Director, Gary Kleinhenn (at board) state contror'; (4) ccThe economics of running a farm"; (5) "Erplim- 1i~~t;~5:~~~:t#;!~j work at paring hundreds of suggestions into a list of six topics for months ahead. ation: Truth in Lending and (B) CCReviewof school tax laws". FARM BUREAU MARKET PLACE SPECIAL RATE TO FARM BUREAUMEMBERS: 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. 6 DOGS 14 FOR SALE 22 NURSERY STOCK 26 POULTRY 36 MISCELLANEOUS PICK-UP TRUCK STOCK RACKS - .~Il WAXTED - pri 1lIt' quality Christmas KLAGER'S DEKALB PROFIT PULLETS FOR SALE: R('l!istt'rt.d Enl!lish Sht'pht'rd WA:\iED: Allis Round Balt"r. alsG like steel constructi~n. S 109.50. Dl'al~=-shlr:~ Trl'es - Scotch Pine. Spruct' and DO\ll!Ias - Order your started pullets that ha"'e nt'w McConnick Pm\'t'r Com Bindt'r. Con- Jl,II\IS. Availahlt' now. Conta(.t: Lt>sh'r availahlt". Fn.e lih'rature. DOLL\ E~- Fir. 6 to 10 feet. Top dollar for TOP been raised on a pro'''en ltrowin~ pro~ram. tact: Alfrt"d Roeder. St'm.'ca. Kansas. EVitts, ROlltl' # I. Vt'stahllrl!. ~I ichil!llll TERPRISES. 219 Main. Colchl'stt'r, I1h- QUALITY. FRUIT HAVEX XURSERY. The growinJ: birds are inspected weekly (9-2t-15p) 36 4R8H 1. Phonl' 268-.'i3!) 1. nois 62326. (6-lt-19p) 8 I='IC. K:1I."'a. Michijtan - Ph om' (area by trained staff. vaccinated. deheaked and (H-2t-17h) Montcalm County (} (16) 889-5594. (7-2t-29-B) 22 delh'ered bv us in clean crates. If "'ou E~CLlSH SIIEI'IIERD PUPS - $:W. 20 LIVESTOCK keep recordS, you will keep KLAGER DE- HEALTH IS WEALTH - Rt"ad .UtERI- Two old.'r startl'tl f('mal •.s - ."S:}.'5. Con- 26 POULTRY KALBS. KLAGER HATCHERIES. Bridge- CAl'\ VEGET ARIAX-HYGIEXIST ma~a- t;\l.t: F.'rris Bradl ••\', Sllrinl!Port. ~Ikhil!an water, Michi~an. Telephones: 313 429- zine. Ahllndant Ht'alth throllith Xatural ~IODERX Rel!istert'd Herefords. - Hnlls. ~~)~~.!_' . y~1 ~__13~ hred and OPt'n ht'jf('l"s. cows With cah:es. SHA VER ST ARCROSS 288 - Started pul- 708i and 313 428-3034 .. Li\'in~. Samplt' cop}" 50t. Writt': RPII. Prince and Rt'I!('nt hlood lint'S. Tl'stt'd hl~h lets available most every month. Get wise (Washten3w County) (9-tf-50b) 26 P.O. Hox 113, Plymouth. ~lichiltall 481';0. 8 FARM EQUIPMENT Ilt'rformanl"t'. Clean. Phone 616 866-1888. and trY these top profit makers as your (9-2t-25p) 36 Visit GrandVallt'y Ranch •. R3~O Cannons- next fiock. MacPherson Hatchery. Route FARRO\\'ING STALLS - Complt'te hurl! Rd .• Cannonshllrl!. ~"chll!an. (7-4t-30h) "0 - -3 - , Ionia, Michigan. Phone 527-0860. (6-3t-28b) 26 36 MISCELLANEOUS XIGHTCRA WLERS AXD RED WIG- $26.75. Dealer.;hips nvailahle. Free Iitt'r- GLERS. "B & B" Wonn Ram"h. ROlltt' ,,!lIrt .. DOLLY E:'-:TERPRISES. 219 Main. "ZlpCODE DIRECTORY" - (All 35,000 ::1. Box 341. Stet'It'. :\lis~ouri 638';7. Colchester, Illinois 62326. (6-lt-15p) 8 HEREFORD BULLS-pure bred. herd DAY OLD OR STARTED pULLETS- Postoffict's): S 1.00 ~IAIL~IART, Carroll- Phllnt' 695-4984. Art'a ('.ode 314. sirM Readv for service. Also. rel!lstered The DeKalb profit pullet. Accepted by ton 72, Kentucky 41008. (3-tf-llb) 14 (2-2t-19pl 36 .heif~r.; Rnd' cal\'es. ElO'pt Valley ~er~ford the smart poultryman for high egg pro- 14 FOR SALE Farm. 6611 Knapp St .. Ada. MlchlJ:an. duction. superior egg quality, greater feed Phone OR 6-1090. (Kent Countv .~.b) "0 efficiency. If you keep records, youll WE CUSTO:\1 BUTCHER t'n"ryd:l\' and Ol-t --"f - kl"f'p DeKalbs. Write for prices and FOR SALE: Two med Pab; ham cleaners CALF CREEP FEEDERS - 30 hushel pick-III)' If }"Oll are in the 313 -art'~l, our 1left and ril!ht hand; also IIs(.d Pat7- :-atalog. KLAGER HATCHERIES, Bridge- capacity. $92 ..')0. DealeBhip~ availnblt'. phont' JllIDlher is: 727-1450. Also 1':1\okt"d s: 0 U~loadl'r J.:a.rd~ns Equipment, for 12' to 16' silo. \\'>,n- ROllte #3. Fremont. WANTED: Small flock of open .l'wt'S- . IIlso feedin!! IlImhs. Contllct: Ferns Brad- watt"r. ~lichigan. Telephones: Saline HAzel 9-7087, ~anchester GArden 8-3034 Free literature. 219 Main, Colchester, DOLLY ENTERPRISES. Illinois 62326. ham. b.'lcon ... make Yllur Sl1usa~f'. :tich- mond Mf'at Packers. 68104 ~lain St., Rich- ~hchl~11O 49412. Phone: 924-2570. ley, Springport, MichiJ.!an 4~~~~ti_13b) 20 (Washtenaw County) (tf-46b) 26 (6-It-18p) 8 mond, Mich. 48062 (7-12t-30b) 36 (9-lt-25p) Newaygo County 14 TWELVE September 1, 1969 MICHlGAN fARM NEWS HERE- IS YOUR FINANCIAL FUTURE ~- - -- , . "'" .1. but only a professional can find it ... . . . a Farm Bureau Insurance Group professional like Don Brinks or Harry Steele, or Ben Landheer ... or anyone of 300 Farm Bureau Insurance men. A lot of Michigan people rely on their knowledge, recom- mendations, their ability to choose the right insurance program. And training does it. Seminars, schools, home study are constant companions of all Farm Bureau representatives. For you, a Farm Insurance professional means security ... your financial future is guaranteed. For you, a Farm Bureau Insurance professional means service ... a "right 'now" solution when you need it. After all ... you are our greatest concern. FARM BUREAU --INSURANCE GROUP Farm Bureau Mutual. Farm Bureau Life. Community Service, LANSING • I